Joanna James
The perfect destination in Malaysia if you are looking for a coastal escape, Desaru also offers plenty of fun escapades amidst nature, with wildlife encounters to boot! If you have never been here before, these are some of the experiences that showcase the region’s natural allure.
A holiday here gives you the chance to slow things down and soak up the sights and sounds of nature. You can join a guided nature walk through lush greenery, with some resorts even offering them with their resident naturalist. Learn about local plants (with names that have interesting origin stories) and keep your eyes peeled for birds, butterflies, and tiny creatures scurrying underfoot. It’s the kind of walk where even kids forget to ask “Are we there yet?” because the journey is the ‘real’ adventure!
Here’s an activity where having a pair of binoculars will certainly be very handy. Desaru is a bird lover’s paradise with over 100 species having been recorded. Guided bird-watching walks make it fun and fascinating, even if you are not a hardcore birder or ornithologist. Keep a lookout for intriguing-looking Oriental Pied Hornbills, swooping Brahminy Kites, and the vibrant Crimson Sunbird. Kids can have a blast at this activity too, which may end up as a Pokémon-like game, trying to catch sight of different bird species!
This is something you may not know… at low tide, the beaches of this destination reveal a ‘secret world’. Tiny creatures like moon snails, crabs, and curious molluscs emerge from hiding, and it’s surprisingly enjoyable (and a bit adorable) to watch them scuttle about. Those who have bought a Desaru villa for sale, including those of beachfront properties like Anantara Desaru Coast Residences, can easily access the shoreline to make discoveries each day. It’s hands-on nature education at its best, far removed from the TV screen or other digital devices. Suffice it to say that kids will be fascinated by every shell, bubble, and wiggle!
This isn’t just any farm because it’s 180 acres of ‘fruity’, natural goodness. At the Desaru Fruit Farm, you and your loved ones or friends get the chance to stroll through orchards with everything from guava to jackfruit, and not forgetting durian, which has a very striking taste (and smell!). Guided tours make it easy to learn and taste as you go, while kids will be thrilled with the on-site petting zoo and the chance to see beehives as well as learn how honey is made and sample it too.
Hop on a boat and enjoy outdoor escapades amidst Desaru’s tranquil mangroves in the Lebam River and Belungkor Forest areas. With a naturalist leading the way, you will get to discover how mangroves help to protect coastlines and heal the land, plus hear stories from local fishermen concerning traditions and superstitions as well. Some tours let you be an eco-hero by giving you the option to plant your mangrove saplings, and you might even get to sample homemade treats made by local villagers.
Just because the sun sets, doesn’t mean you have to take a break from your eco-adventures. Head to Kota Tinggi Firefly Park and embark on a captivating cruise down the Johor River after dark. As the stars twinkle above, countless fireflies light up the riverbanks, which makes you feel you have entered another realm. It’s a quiet, magical moment perfect for winding down with the family. Honestly, it might be the closest thing to stepping into a real-life fairytale setting!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
