Desaru Coast, Johor is so much more than just a beach destination. From river cruises and wildlife encounters to thrilling theme parks and fresh local seafood, Desaru offers a well-rounded eco-luxury escape for families, friends, and adventure seekers.

I was over in Desaru for Tourism Malaysia’s Creators on Board trip and it was definitely an unforgettable experience — perfect for you, too, if you’re planning your next Malaysian getaway….

Lunch by the Sea: Restoran Terapung Seafood, Desaru

We kicked off our Desaru journey with a hearty local lunch at Restoran Terapung Seafood, a popular floating seafood restaurant known for its fresh catch and relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Signature dishes include:

• Seafood Tom Yam
• Siakap Masak Kari / Barramundi Fish Curry
• Black Pepper Crab
• Prawn Fritters
• Kangkung Belacan

Dining here feels authentic and comforting, with bold Malaysian flavours and generous portions… definitely a must-stop for seafood lovers visiting Desaru.

Discover Desaru Eco Tourism: Lebam River Cruise

After lunch, we headed out on the Lebam River Cruise which offered a deeper look into Desaru’s rich mangrove

Glide along the serene river while learning about:

• Mangrove conservation
• Local wildlife
• The importance of mangroves to coastal protection

This educational yet relaxing cruise is ideal for nature lovers – we saw mangrove snakes, macaques and a few variety of birds and first-time visitors to Desaru.

Desaru Coast Bird Watching: A Haven for Bird Lovers

Did you know Desaru Coast is home to over 100 bird species?

Bird watchers can spot majestic species such as:

• White-bellied Sea Eagle
• Brahminy Kite
• Black-shouldered Kite
• Crested Serpent Eagle
• Changeable Hawk-Eagle

Early mornings are best for bird watching, making this a rewarding activity for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts but well, we were there during the evening and managed to just experience a little bit of bird watching…

Check-In: Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast

After a whole day of exploration, we checked in at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, where tropical vibes meet music-inspired luxury. 

The spacious rooms, and energetic atmosphere make it one of the most popular hotels in Desaru.

Perfect for families, beach lovers and those who love a staycation with good music or entertainment… had rock music playing in my room the entire stay 🤣

Stargazing at Tanjung Balau

Escape the city lights and experience peaceful stargazing at Tanjung Balau with Jungle Walla Desaru. With minimal light pollution, the jetty area of this coastal area offers clear night skies, making it ideal for observing stars and constellations.

It’s can be a calm, grounding experience,… perfect for winding down after a full day.

Photography & Golf: The Els Club Desaru Coast

At The Els Club Desaru Coast, we enjoyed a special sharing session on using the Canon EOS camera, followed by a fun introduction to golf putting.

The experience blended creativity and sport, set against beautifully landscaped championship golf courses designed by Ernie Els himself.

Thrills & Splashes: Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark

No Desaru itinerary is complete without visiting Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, one of the largest waterparks in the region and which happens to be linked to the Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast too!!!

Highlights include:

• Over 20 rides and attractions
• One of the biggest wave pools in the world
• Family-friendly and adrenaline-pumping slides

It’s a full day of fun for all ages.

Appreciation Dinner: VM2026 Creators Night

On our last evening there, there was a special Appreciation Dinner for VM2026 Creators held  at Ballroom 4, The Westin Desaru Coast, graced by En. Akbal Setia, the new Senior Director of Advertising & Digital and Head of Secretariat Visit Malaysia 2026.

The evening featured:

• Lucky draws
• Prize giving for best content creators
• Networking with fellow creators

It was a meaningful celebration recognising all our content creator friends’ creative contributions towards Visit Malaysia 2026.

Cultural Stop: Muzium Nelayan Tanjung Balau

Learn about Malaysia’s fishing heritage at Muzium Nelayan Tanjung Balau, the only museum in Malaysia dedicated to traditional fishing communities.

The museum showcases:

• Traditional fishing tools
• Coastal village life
• The history of Malaysia’s fisheries industry

An educational and cultural highlight in Desaru.

Family-Friendly Attractions in Desaru

🦤 Desaru Ostrich Farm

Meet ostriches up close and learn about ostrich farming in Malaysia… a fun and interactive stop, especially for families.

🍍 Desaru Fruit Farm

Explore tropical fruit orchards, taste fresh produce, and learn about sustainable farming practices in Desaru.

Be sure to try indulging in their lunch set if you are there as a family or group… the food served is pretty unique as most have local produce direct from the farm itself!!! Expect mouthwatering dishes such as Coconut Tom Yam soup, Asam Pedas stingray with passionfruit, Green Curry Bananas, Tempura Squid with Dragonfruit sauce, Pineapple Sweet Sour Prawns

At the same time, if you are an animal lover like me, check out their petting zoo…

And if you are an adrenaline junkie, be sure to take a ride on their ATV!!!!

Shopping Stop: Johor Premium Outlets

We ended our trip with a shopping spree at Johor Premium Outlets, offering international and local brands at discounted prices… perfect for gift shopping for loved ones or your own self before heading home.

Final Thoughts: Why Desaru Coast Should Be on Your Travel List

From eco-tourism and wildlife to luxury stays, adventure parks, and cultural experiences, Desaru Coast was truly a complete travel destination in Johor. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend escape or a longer holiday, Desaru offers plenty of variety, balance, and unforgettable moments.

✨ Tip: Plan at least 3–4 days to fully enjoy everything Desaru has to offer

Note: Many thanks to Tourism Malaysia for this incredible opportunity to explore Desaru Coast and be a part of their Creators on Board event… My trip was sponsored by Tourism Malaysia and Desaru Coast but my thoughts are all my own