Desaru Beach Johor
Desaru Beach offers a serene coastal escape with wide sandy shores, BBQ facilities, and proximity to luxury resorts and a thrilling waterpark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Desaru Beach Johor
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Desaru Beach offers a serene coastal escape with wide sandy shores, BBQ facilities, and proximity to luxury resorts and a thrilling waterpark.
"A beautiful beach with potential, but cleanliness and amenities on public areas need improvement."
🚗 Parking Fees
Public beach parking costs RM8. Consider if the amenities justify the fee.
💧 Cleanliness Concerns
Some visitors report cleanliness issues on public beaches; manage expectations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Desaru Beach
Bandar Penawar
A wide, sandy stretch perfect for relaxation, with shaded BBQ spots and ample parking.
Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast
Desaru Coast
Asia's largest waterpark featuring thrilling slides, a massive wave pool, and the region's first water coaster.
Luxury Resorts
Desaru Coast
Indulge in world-class stays at resorts like The Westin, Hard Rock Hotel, and One&Only Desaru Coast.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Resort vs. Public Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Public beach parking costs RM8. Consider if the amenities justify the fee.
💧 Cleanliness Concerns
Some visitors report cleanliness issues on public beaches; manage expectations.
🌊 Waterpark Fun
Book 'Stay & Play' packages for waterpark access with resort stays.
🍽️ Dining Options
Limited food stalls at public beaches; consider resort dining or bringing your own.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Public beach parking costs RM8. Consider if the amenities justify the fee.
💧 Cleanliness Concerns
Some visitors report cleanliness issues on public beaches; manage expectations.
🌊 Waterpark Fun
Book 'Stay & Play' packages for waterpark access with resort stays.
🍽️ Dining Options
Limited food stalls at public beaches; consider resort dining or bringing your own.
☀️ Sun Protection
Pack sunscreen, hats, and stay hydrated to combat the tropical heat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Desaru Beach offers a beautiful, expansive coastline with potential for relaxation and family fun, particularly at its waterpark and resorts. However, visitors have noted significant concerns regarding the cleanliness and maintenance of public beach areas, as well as limited food options and high parking fees. While some find it a convenient getaway, others express disappointment with the upkeep of public facilities.
"Clean spacious beach.
Not too crowded with visitors.
Various activities available.
Friendly and polite counter staff."
Linda Mohd
"Parking rate doesn't make sense at RM8, rubbish everywhere (LIKE ANYWHERE YOU SET YOUR EYES UPON) and super unclean. Don't ever dare to use the washroom. No food booth except for one big hut in the middle. Other booths only sell floats and kid's bubble thingy. Definitely one of the dirtiest beach I've visited in my entire life, literally ZERO MAINTENANCE. Shattered my imagination of one of most talked beach to visit in Malaysia but yeah it was met with disappointment.
Biggest regret?
Drove for almost one hour to get to this overrated thrashed place. Will not visit again UNLESS cleanliness and quality of place IMPROVED."
Khadijah Fatimah
"They’re charging RM8 for parking, yet the parking area isn’t well-designed—unlike in Port Dickson. Also, why are both the parking attendant and cashier Mat Saleh?
There’s a lot that needs improvement: cleanliness is lacking, there are no proper food hawkers, and the mini-mart is overcharging—RM7 for a small 100 Plus is just ridiculous!
The local council and state government should step in to regulate this. Let’s make our local beaches cleaner, more enjoyable, and more welcoming for tourists!"
LIz K.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive via the Senai-Desaru Expressway (E22), which takes about 1.5-2 hours. Alternatively, take a ferry to Desaru. +1
Renting a car is recommended for flexibility, especially if you plan to visit multiple resorts and attractions. Ride-sharing services are also available.
Yes, Desaru is a short drive from Johor Bahru, approximately 1 hour via the Senai-Desaru Expressway.
While public buses do run to Desaru, they can be infrequent. Driving or using ride-sharing services is generally more convenient.
The Desaru Bridge, also known as Sungai Johor Bridge, is part of the Senai-Desaru Expressway (E22) and connects western Johor to eastern Johor, including Desaru.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Desaru Public Beach does not have an entrance fee, but parking costs RM8.
Parking at Desaru Public Beach is RM8.
The waterpark is typically open daily, but it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, as it is closed on Tuesdays.
Yes, you can purchase tickets online in advance, often through platforms like Klook or the waterpark's official website, which can sometimes offer discounts.
Yes, Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast has weight limits for certain rides. It's advisable to check their guidelines for specific ride restrictions.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Desaru Beach offers various activities including swimming, sunbathing, and BBQ facilities. Some areas might offer watersports or horse riding.
Public beaches can be less crowded on weekdays. Resorts offer more private beach experiences.
Facilities can be limited, with some visitors noting issues with cleanliness and a lack of food vendors.
Desaru Beach is known for its sunrise views. Many resorts also offer stunning sunset vistas.
Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast and Lotus Desaru Beach Resort are popular choices for families, offering amenities like private pools and kids' rooms.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Public beaches have limited food stalls. Resorts offer diverse dining, from casual to fine dining, including unique experiences like 8KG lobster fried rice.
Yes, Desaru offers fresh seafood. Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa is known for its banana leaf rice and seafood options.
While some resorts can be pricey, exploring local eateries or packing your own food can be more budget-friendly.
This extravagant dish was featured by @zermattneo on TikTok, costing around $1200 USD, highlighting the high-end culinary experiences available.
Some mini-marts exist, but visitors have noted they can overcharge for items like drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots at Anantara Desaru Coast, One&Only Desaru Coast, or along the scenic Desaru Beach itself. +1
The Desaru Bridge offers a unique perspective, especially for capturing the scale of the expressway.
Beach landscapes, resort architecture, and vibrant waterpark action are popular subjects.
Absolutely! Desaru Beach and many of its resorts provide beautiful backdrops for sunset photography.
Consider capturing the luxury of resorts like One&Only or the adventurous spirit at Adventure Waterpark. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking 'Stay & Play' packages that bundle accommodation with waterpark access for added convenience and value. 💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Desaru Coast Resorts
and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, which boasts a vibrant atmosphere and music-themed experiences, making it ideal for a lively getaway. For ultimate indulgence, One&Only Desaru Coast offers private villas and unparalleled service, creating an exclusive escape.Many resorts in Desaru Coast offer packages that include access to attractions like the Adventure Waterpark. For instance, Bayu Balau Beach Resort provides 'Stay & Play' packages that combine accommodation with waterpark tickets, making it a convenient option for families looking to maximize their fun.
Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast: Thrills for All
Beyond the major rides, the waterpark offers a variety of experiences, from lazy rivers for a more relaxed float to high-speed slides for adrenaline junkies. Visitors can enjoy the Penawar River, a lazy river that winds through lush landscapes, or brave the Kraken's Revenge, a thrilling pendulum ride. The park's design incorporates elements of Malaysian culture and seafaring adventures, creating an immersive environment. It's a perfect spot for a day of family fun and a welcome escape from the tropical heat, with various zones designed for different age groups and thrill levels.
Desaru's Public Beaches: Pros and Cons
However, reviews indicate that the public beaches can suffer from a lack of maintenance, with reports of litter and unclean washrooms.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit