Listly by Joanna James
A picturesque beach resort beside the South China Sea, Desaru promises a sun-drenched holiday for all types of visitors. Outdoor lovers seeking adventure will not be disappointed, as there are exciting things to do in Desaru. Experience the excitement, the rush of adrenaline or something novel in each, enriching your holiday.
This waterpark provides fun, excitement, thrill and adventure for those seeking them. It is ideally located along the splendid coastline of Johor, showcasing a beautiful backdrop to the park. Designed with the visitors in mind who are mostly coming for a day of fun and togetherness, there are ample activities across five different themes like Shipwreck Reef, Tidal Wave Beach, Penawar River, Kids Ahoy, and Penawar Falls that visitors can choose from. Each themed section provides rides and experiences under that category throughout the zone.
Kraken’s Revenge, a thrill-inducing roller coaster ride and Surf Wall, an exciting ride on waves for pros and not-so-experienced surfers, are popular rides at this waterpark.
This cruise is an enchanting experience to understand the beauty of nature in different forms. This 2-hour cruise takes you through the mangroves in Desaru after sunset. It opens a world of magical colour and artistry for your enjoyment, created by thousands of fireflies lighting up trees with their twinkling lights.
The cruise operators pick you up from some of the identified resorts and will drop you back at the end. If you wish to opt for a dinner cruise, the same can be arranged on the boat while you enjoy the fireflies' enchanting creativity.,
Since you need to be in a central accommodation that enables convenient pick-up to join various activities, select one with care. You have several options, and the likes of Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas seem to be a popular choice.
This fascinating eco-friendly tour provides an exhilarating experience as the journey takes you through the serene mangrove forests of Lebam River. Witness the natural beauty of this graceful river and the exotic fauna and flora. Colourful kingfishers, fiddler crabs and otters can be spotted here often. Apart from the beauty, the tranquil movements of the kayak are a novel experience for visitors.
The tour organizers pick you up from the accommodation, and you get dropped off after the two-hour excursion. Experienced local guides provide an illuminating narration about the mangroves and the wildlife you see. Select an early morning or late afternoon tour, as the midday heat can be too much for this outdoor activity during certain months.
Created in 1950 in the small fishing town of Teluk Sengat for the conservation and breeding of crocodiles so that the creatures are not killed for meat or their skins, this crocodile farm was opened to the public in 1997. It is the largest such farm in West Malaysia,
A guide generally escorts visitors and provides a briefing about the number of crocodiles, how they are segregated according to age, and you also get to see them being fed. The oldest inhabitant is over 100 years old. This visit is a novel and educational adventure during your holiday.
A small fishing village, yet well worth a visit. Apart from the mouthwatering seafood you can taste here, it provides a close glimpse into the quaint and slow-paced lifestyle of the simple fisherfolk, which is a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of other parts of Desaru. They live in simple homes with no luxuries. However, they are a contented lot. This insightful adventure will remain an enriching memory.
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.