15 Best Attractions In Desaru Johor For Family Trip

Desaru is a laid back coastal town in the east of Johor, which requires around an hour of drive from Johor Bahru (JB). This popular tourist spot boasts a 22 meters beach, and relaxing fishing villages where foodies can feast on fresh seafood. As well as kids-friendly water parks, fruit orchards, and animal farms.

Image Credit: Tripadvisor

Singaporeans and locals love to visit Desaru for a family vacation, due to its popularity and money-worthy holiday activities. The best length of stay in Desaru is probably during a long weekend of 3 days 2 nights so that everyone can fully enjoy the beach resorts and activities. In addition, the best months for travelers to visit Desaru are between June and October as it is not Malaysia’s rainy season. Plus, please avoid going from November to February as it is the monsoon season. 

So, if you are planning on traveling to Desaru during the next holiday. Here is a list of best attractions in Desaru by SGMY13TOUR to add into the itinerary!

Attraction List:

1. Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast

Image Credit: Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast Facebook

For waterpark fans, it is impossible to leave Desaru without spending at least a half day at Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast! Housing 20 thrilling rides and slides for visitors of all ages to unleash the wild inner child. This one of Malaysia’s top tourist destinations requires entering tickets, but there might be special discounts on the official website when nearing the school holidays.

Image Credit: Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast Facebook

Besides that, this aquatic wonderland boasts an array of exciting water rides that are sure to get the blood pumping. So, whether the visitors crave for adrenaline rushing of 27 meter jaw dropping Kraken Revenge water roller coaster. Or, high-energy ride in a vortex of a gigantic funnel swirl of The Tempest. Undoubtedly, this aquatic wonderland has it all. 

Image Credit: Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast Facebook

In addition to those who are traveling with kids, Kids Ahoy is always a must visit. The water level of this playing area is rather shallow, and it offers 13 plethora mini water slides specially designed for children. Alternatively, lounge and chillax by the white sands of the Tidal Wave Beach where a strong tropical oasis vibe is made available. 

2. Desaru Fruit Farm

Image Credit: Desaru Fruit Farm Facebook

Desaru Fruit Farm gains multiple awards for their agro-tourism efforts over these few years. Plus, boasting with numerous fun activities and all sorts of fruit varieties on its 180 acre big tropical fruitland. Undoubtedly, it is a must visit holiday destination whenever visiting Johor. 

Image Credit: Desaru Fruit Farm Facebook

Since it is a fruit farm, visitors should never miss out joining the farm tour to learn more about different kinds of fruit species. Apart from walking around the fruit farm, hopping onto an ATV adventure is also another great option. This thrilling ride enables visitors to zoom into a challenging rocky and muddy track while checking out the huge compound. 

Image Credit: Desaru Fruit Farm Facebook

Besides, there is also a kids-friendly Mini Petting Zoo available on the farm. The Mini Petting Zoo houses lots of tame animals like rabbits, goats, horses, racoons and ostriches. More wonderfully, they even offer animal petting sessions where both kids and parents can feed and interact with the animals. 

Image Credit: Desaru Fruit Farm Facebook

In addition to that, visitors can join the farm tour with an extra lunch option at RM78 per pax. This package heavily features lots of fruits from the fruit farm, even in desserts and mains. Their must try includes Tom Yum Soup with Coconut Water, and Fried Squid Rings with Dragon Fruit Sauce. Plus, at the end of the meal, foodies can also feast in an all-you-can-eat fresh fruit buffet too!

Image Credit: Desaru Fruit Farm Facebook

For those who would like to bring something home or as a gift for friends, head to the farm’s souvenir hut. Here, there are varieties of organic dried fruits and fruit jams on sale. Some products come in bundles or set with a cheaper price too. 

3. Desaru Ostrich Farm

Image Credit: Tripadvisor

Today, the Desaru Ostrich Farm in Pengerang Johor is one of the largest animal farms in Malaysia. Over the 30 years, it has been a popular tourist attraction among Singaporean tourists who travel to Johor for day trips or short holidays. 

Image Credit: Desaru Ostrich Farm Facebook

In addition, this animal farm in Desaru is a home to more than 100 ostriches. Visitors can see all stages of ostriches here, from eggs to young baby chicks and adult ostriches. Besides just providing an opportunity to all visitors to interact and play with these giant flightless birds. It also allows brave kids below 20 kg to enjoy an ostrich ride in a fenced open space. 

Image Credit: Desaru Ostrich Farm Facebook

Famous amongst schools and families, Desaru Ostrich Farm promises an educational experience for the kids. Here, the little ones will gain knowledge about different species of ostriches, and watch about the ostrich hatchery activities. Addition to that, yummy meals are served too, where visitors can have a taste of Ostrich Omelette, Teppanyaki, and Ostrich Meat Bak Kut Teh. 

4. Desaru Alpaca Farm

Image Credit: Tripadvisor

Desaru Alpaca Farm might be a stranger to Singapore tourists and locals from other states, but it is no secret among people staying nearby. Plus, navigating to this animal farm requires visitors to highly rely on Waze and Google Maps. But they will know  they arrive at the correct spot when they see the farm’s small sign board.

Image Credit: Desaru Alpaca Farm 羊驼乐园 Facebook

Honestly to say, it is not a large animal farm that specifics only in Alpacas. Upon arrival at the Alpaca Farm, the tour guide will first guide the visitors to their star Alpacas and introduce each of them. Following an interacting moment where the kids can feed the Alpacas, it is surely a memorable moment for everyone. 

Image Credit: Desaru Alpaca Farm 羊驼乐园 Facebook

Besides just Alpacas, the animal farm boasts a number of unique and exotic animals from Australia and America too. For instance, the Capybara, Dwarf Pygmy Goat, USA Silkie Chicken, Meerkat, Racoon, Pony, Deer, and Emu. Surprisingly, some of them even have an initial price of RM10,000 to RM30,000. 

5. Tanjung Balau Fishing Village

Image Credit: Tanjung Balau Fishing Village Google

Looking for tranquil and serenity? How about paying Tanjung Bahau Fishing Village a visit instead? This one of a kind Malay traditional fishing village near Tanjung Balau Beach has had a low population over the years. Plus, with less motorbikes and zero water activities, it is absolutely a peaceful escape from the hectic city life. In addition, here hides a bridge from the golden time where visitors can overview the scenic seaview, especially during the evening. 

Image Credit: Tripadvisor

Moreover, Tanjung Balau Museum a.k.a Muzium Nelayan is the major tourist attraction of this fishing village. Since opening in 1992, it showcases the full history of local fishermen and numerous actual boat models from the past. Furthermore, this fishing village in Desaru is popular among seafood lovers as it owns several great restaurants that serve delicious seafood delights. To name some, there are Super Lobster Restaurant, Restoran Terapung Seafood Bujang Firefly, and JingLong Seafood Restaurant. 

6. Desaru Public Beach

Image Credit: Tripadvisor

Overlooking the South China Sea, Desaru Beach is absolutely a place to go if you are looking forward to some water sports. Besides sun tanning and picnicking by the beach, surfing sounds great too. Plus, Dash Outdoors behind Westin Desaru Hotel do offer Malibu Boards renting service. Their dashboards are specially designed to make surfing super easy, even for a beginner. 

7. Desaru Mini Zoo

Image Credit: Desaru Mini Zoo Google

Whenever you are posting cute animals on social media, you surely will get tons of likes. But, it is not the main reason to visit the Desaru Mini Zoo. This mini zoo in Desaru Johor is an excellent attraction to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. And, be surrounded by varieties of animals that are great for petting.

Image Credit: Desaru Mini Zoo 迪沙鲁迷你动物园.Facebook

Besides Alpacas and Racoons, there are camels, sugar gliders, donkeys, and rabbits in this mini zoo. In addition, this mini zoo allows kids to pet and feed milk to the baby goats in the goat panels too. So, before entering this mini zoo, remember to grab the goodies basket at the ticket counter. Additionally, it is advisable to follow the feeding guide as every animal eats different food.

Image Credit: Desaru Mini Zoo 迪沙鲁迷你动物园.Facebook

For something more adventurous, head to the ATV Park behind the zoo’s chicken coops. Instead of riding ATVs on a tar road, here they offer thrilling rides on muddy and rocky land! Also, there are two options of ATV rides upon choosing. Moreover, to ride the single ride ATV, visitors must be an adult or at least age 8 years old above. 

Image Credit: Desaru Mini Zoo Google

Once you fully enjoy all the facilities in Desaru Mini Zoo, take some memorable family photos with the Koi fishes in the Koi Pond. In order to gather the Koi fishes for a photo session, splash some fish food to attract them. Besides, do not miss the canopy of colorful umbrellas and swings at the entrance either. 

8. Kota Tinggi Firefly Park

Image Credit: Tripadvisor

Desaru might be famous for its white sandy beaches. But it also owns a vast mangrove and swamp ecosystem that homes a wide array of wildlife. So, for those who have never seen a firefly before, it is a must to add Desaru Firefly Cruise into the Desaru trip! 

Image Credit: Kota Tinggi Firefly Park Facebook

This interesting river cruise will bring visitors to spot beautiful luminous fireflies’ natural light along the Sungai Lebam mangrove river. Additionally, the whole river cruise might take around 40 minutes. Most of the fireflies will hide and congregate in bushes or shrubbery, then illuminating like decorative lights. If lucky enough, there is a chance of fireflies landing on hands. 

Image Credit: Tripadvisor

Furthermore, there are several fun activities waiting for visitors after the boat docked by the jetty. For instance, couples can head to the Love Fence and lock their Love Lock there as a memory of being here before. Also, there is a floating lantern event that occurs every night at the jetty too. 

9. Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm

Image Credit: Tripadvisor

Hides in the town of Selut Sengat Kota Tinggi, Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm is well known as the largest crocodile farm in Malaysia. With a sprawling across a 10 acre land, this crocodile farm has approximately 1000 saltwater crocodiles. Additionally, it is interesting to know that some of their crocodiles even aged about 155 years old!

Image Credit: Tripadvisor

In addition, there are 8 breeding ponds, beautiful vegetation, dams, and an artificial lake in the farm. Here, visitors can learn about the marvelous crocodiles and touch them under the supervision of the owner. Furthermore, the owner will sometimes let the visitors hold the baby crocodiles in their arms for a photo taking session. 

Image Credit: Tripadvisor

Moreover, similarly to several animal farms, Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm provides crocodile related specialty menu also. One signature is of course the Crocodile Meat Satay. According to the Google reviews many say that it tastes alike as chicken, but with a more stretchy texture. Besides, the owner proudly claims that his Crocodile Soup is able to purify the lungs and reduce coughing too. 

10. 六湾“神庙村” Temple Village Taman Bayu Damai

Image Credit: 六湾“神庙村” Temple Village Taman Bayu Damai Google

For travelers who won’t leave the town without experiencing some of the locals’ heritage and culture. Then, Temple Village Taman Bayu Damai is a must visit spot on the list. Additionally, this heritage site is a village because it has a collection of 8 temples of different deities under one roof. 

Image Credit: 六湾“神庙村” Temple Village Pengerang Facebook

Whenever you are here, pay respects to the Goddess of Mercy and God of Fortune. Plus, sincerely invite some prosperity in future via visiting both Giant Ancient Chinese Coin and Chinese Money Tree. Besides, there is also a striking gold color Fortune Fountain that acts as good feng shui in the temple, signifying symbols of good luck and protection.

11. Bamboo Walk @Sebana Woods

Image Credit: Bamboo Walk @Sebana Woods Google

Natural lovers can treat themselves to a relaxing walk in Bamboo Walk in Sebana Woods. Besides that, it is also a good picnic spot in Johor while surrounded by shady huge trees of the forest. 

Image Credit: Bamboo Walk @Sebana Woods Google

Additionally, even the bamboo stalks here are not as tall as those bamboos in Kyoto. But, the bamboo here creates a natural archway that provides a picturesque backdrop for photo taking moments. Also as a kind reminder, it is better to spray some insect repellent before heading over to avoid pesky mosquitoes. 

12.  Pantai Batu Layar, Kota Tinggi

Image Credit: Pantai Batu Layar, Kota Tinggi Google

Pantai Batu Layar, Kota Tinggi is a captivating beach in Desaru with golden sands and calming sea waves. Plus, this scenic gem attracts water sports lovers to engage in thrilling activities like Stand Up Paddling, Jet Skiing, and Kayaking. Additionally, the highlight of this beach is surely its impressive rock outcrops. Besides creating a photo-worthy backdrop, it is a home to numerous shellfishes too. 

13. Jomis Old Jetty

Image Credit: Daily Johor Facebook

Jomis Old Jetty, or known as the Sungai Rengit Jetty. This abandoned jetty in Sungai Rengit Desaru also deserves a rank in the Desaru holiday list upon envy-inducing snaps. Plus, it looks like ancient ruins that can be found in Rome and Greece, except that they are across the border. 

14. The Els Club Desaru Coast

Image Credit: The Els Club Desaru Coast – Ocean Course Google

Playing golf isn’t about swinging clubs or to prove that we are living in an ‘Atas” life. Here in The Els Club Desaru Coast, they not only provide a comfortable 5 star accommodation with private pool and fine dining for members. But also welcome the public to join their golf game.

Image Credit: The Els Club Desaru Coast – Ocean Course Google

Moreover, the club consists of an Ocean Course and a Valley Course. It enables the visitors to swing their golf club while enjoying the beautiful Desaru coast view and its rainforest. In addition, for those who have never tried golfing but have strong interest, they suggest signing up for a day course to give it a try. Furthermore, it is so money-worthy as the courses here take inspiration from the well known link courses across the UK.

15. JDT HORSE CARRIAGE

Image Credit: JDT HORSE CARRIAGE Google

JDT HORSE CARRIAGE is another famous Desaru attraction that is worth visiting for a short escape. Besides just featuring a family friendly horse farm with numerous great horses, they provide professional horse riding classes too. 

Image Credit: JDT HORSE CARRIAGE Google

In addition, there are two different kinds of horse activities that the horse farm offers to visitors from all ages. The first highlight is surely their Horseback Riding Activity. Starting from RM10, visitors can enjoy both horse riding and photo sessions on the farm or by the beach for a limited time. Additionally for those coming with a family of 4, they suggest taking the Horse Carriage Riding package at RM50.