Desaru Decoded: Your Weekend Itinerary
Certainly one of the well established perks of living in Singapore is how easy it is to escape to nearby destinations for a weekend. Whether it’s hopping on a short flight to Bali, Phuket, or Da Nang, the options for relatively exotic getaways seem endless. That said, more often than not with young kids, we find the thought of navigating airport exhausting and far too much effort for a brief weekend away. We find ourselves missing the ease we enjoyed back home where a quick drive north we could hike camp and explore to our hearts content.
Enter Malaysia’s Desaru Coast—a perfect destination close enough for a hassle-free trip yet far enough from the pace of Singapore to feel like a real escape. Located on the southeastern tip of Malaysia, Desaru Coast has quietly undergone a transformation over the past few years. During the pandemic, when international travel paused, the region took the opportunity to reinvent itself. Several hotels underwent extensive renovations, and new luxury resorts began to emerge. Properties like One&Only Desaru Coast, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, The Westin, and family-friendly spots like the Hard Rock Hotel gradually reshaped the area’s reputation. What was once known mainly for aging beach resorts quietly evolved into a polished destination blending comfort and understated luxury.
Planning the trip was straightforward. Desaru is accessible either by driving or taking a ferry. We opted to book a private car for a direct, stress-free journey. The drive is about two hours, depending on traffic at the Tuas Checkpoint. For families considering this option, a bit of advance preparation goes a long way. Filling out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online beforehand and keeping passports handy helped us avoid any delays at the border.
Crossing into Malaysia was smoother than expected. Border traffic can be unpredictable, but on this occasion, it was efficient. After passing through immigration, the drive shifted from the urban sprawl of Johor Bahru to quieter highways lined with palm oil plantations and dense greenery. As we neared Desaru, the surroundings changed again—wider roads, manicured landscapes, and glimpses of the coastline signaled we had arrived somewhere thoughtfully developed but still relaxed.
We chose to stay at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, which opened in late 2019, just before the pandemic. The resort’s design subtly integrates traditional Malay architecture with contemporary comfort. Timber structures, open-air walkways, and landscaped gardens give the resort an easy, laid-back atmosphere. Our villa was private yet conveniently close to the main pool and dining areas—a thoughtful layout for families.
The Suite itself was elegantly simple. Warm wood tones, natural textures, and large windows framed views of the surrounding greenery. It didn’t take long for the girls to head for the pool while Dana and I settled into the slower rhythm of the resort. The infinity pool, overlooking the South China Sea, was the perfect spot to unwind. Meanwhile, the beach—with its soft sand and steady waves—offered a safe space for the kids to explore.
As simple as its sounds, one of the highlights of our stay for me was just spending long afternoon beach combing with the girls. Desaru’s shoreline feels alive, teeming with small sea creatures and natural treasures. Massive Hermit crabs at dusk, clusters of sand dollars, many of them intact and scattered along the shore.
Further along the beach, we noticed a few small bluebottle jellyfish washed up by the tide. Super interesting, but because of this we didn’t spend too much time in the water. This Didn’t bother us as the mix of shells, coral fragments, and smooth driftwood pieces we discovered made each stretch of beach feel like a new adventure.
Growing up in Atlanta, I didn’t have easy access to the ocean. While I had my fair share of summer beach trips to the Gulf, the sea was always something distant and special. Maybe because of that, I’ve never really lost that childhood sense of curiosity and wonder about the coastline. Dana often teases me about how I’m always pushing to explore just one more bend in the beach, even when she’s ready to head back and relax. The girls seem to share that same drive to discover what’s just around the corner, and Desaru’s wide, uncrowded beaches gave us plenty of room to do exactly that.
Beyond the resort, Desaru Coast has grown into a destination that balances relaxation and activity. For families, the Adventure Waterpark is a major draw, offering everything from towering slides to one of the world’s largest wave pools. There’s also the Els Club Desaru Coast for golfers and more nature-focused options like the nearby Desaru Fruit Farm and mangrove tours. While our weekend was too short to explore everything, these options make it easy to tailor a stay to both relaxation and family fun.
Dining at Anantara was a excellent. Sea.Fire.Salt., their seafood restaurant, delivered fresh, well-executed dishes with views over the water. For something more casual, Turmeric offered familiar yet flavorful Southeast Asian cuisine. The service struck the right balance—attentive without being intrusive—making meals with the family feel both relaxed and refined.
What stood out during our stay was how effortless everything felt. Desaru Coast doesn’t try to replicate the high-energy glamour of destinations like Bali or Phuket. Instead, it offers a quieter, more considered escape. The beaches are wide and uncrowded, and the resorts focus on comfort rather than spectacle. It’s a place where families can slow down without sacrificing quality.
For Singapore residents, the ease of access is one of Desaru’s greatest strengths. No flights, no complicated logistics—just a simple drive and you’re in a completely different environment. It’s the kind of destination that works equally well for a quick weekend recharge or a longer, more leisurely stay.
The development in Desaru feels intentional. The balance between luxury resorts and accessible activities creates a destination that feels upscale but not overdeveloped. For families, it’s a rare blend of convenience and quality—a place where both kids and adults can find something to enjoy.
Looking back, Desaru Coast feels like a destination we’ll naturally return to. It’s close, comfortable, and offers just the right change of scenery without the hassle of air travel. For anyone in Singapore looking for a simple yet rewarding weekend escape, Desaru is worth exploring.