Desaru, the popular beach resort, is located on
the eastern tip of the peninsula (near Singapore - about
1˝hr drive from Johor Bahru).
It has clean sandy white beaches with a lush tropical forest that goes for about 25
kilometres. You can walk nearly 50 meters into the sea and still the depth is
approximately 4 feet deep).
Desaru is a popular destination for tourists as well as locals. It is a village
of casuarinas with 25km of unspoiled beaches and a lush tropical forest.
The
clean water has made many water sporting activities such as snorkelling,
fishing, boating and canoeing possible. You can do also other activities without
the blue sea. You can do
golfing, jungle trekking, horseback riding and tennis.
There are many resorts and hotels here that
cater to a variety of budget. There are resorts and hotels for the budget
traveller as well as families seeking fun in the sun.
The beaches are lined with casuarina trees dotted by rustic fishing villages.
Nearby are cascading falls, natural lakes and jungles where one can go jungle
trekking.
To make your visit more memorable, visit Tanjung Pengelih to see the
relics of World War Two and the historical relic of the Malay Johor Riau Empire
at Johor Lama.
Getting to the largest district of
Johor at the south-eastern end of the peninsula, requires an hour's drive from
Johor Bahru. From the north, the easiest way is to take the Kulai exit of the
North-South Expressway followed by a 90-minute drive to the historic town. The
coastal road is a lot more scenic.
There are reliable public transportation services from all major towns. There is
a direct ferry service between the Tanah Merah ferry terminal in Singapore and
Sebana Cove, about an hour from Kota Tinggi.
Places of interest:
Kota Tinggi Waterfalls Another popular out-of-town attraction is Kota Tinggi.
This attraction of the waterfalls
is situated at Lombong. The water cascades
from a height of 36m down a steep precipice into a pool deep enough for swimming.
The cool waters have beckoned many tourists and locals alike.
It is a good spot to take a fresh mountain air.
The Swiss-style chalets
equipped with cooking facilities
are available for visitors seeking an overnight visit.
At the base of the falls there are also public
changing rooms, camping grounds, and a restaurant.
Teluk Ramunia and Tanjung Balau Some 10km south of Dasaru is another excellent stretch of beach known as
Teluk Ramunia.
About 8km north of Desaru (20 minutes) is the Fishermen's Museum
at Tanjung Balau which displays fish traps and equipment used by local fishermen
and various artefacts of the trade.
Ostrich Wonderland At this farm are more than 100 ostriches. It's situated in Teluk Ramunia
since 2001. At the farm are guides to show you around. The reason of setting up
this showfarm is to exhibit the ostriches to the publics and
allowing them to know more about ostriches, their habits, mating seasons etc.
It is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Entrance fees are RM8
for adults and RM4 for children below 12.
Group rates of RM6 for 20 or more adults and RM3 for children are also offered.
For enquiries, contact Teh 019-6108544 or Joyce 07-826 5846.
Fruit Farm
The Desaru Fruit Farm is planted with many different types of tropical fruits.
Some fruits are seasonal, like Durian, Rambutan and Mangosteen whilst others
like Papaya, Banana, Pineapple, Rose Apple, Star Fruit, Lime, Orange and Coconut
are available all year round. The experienced guides will give talks on the
different plants and show you around the farm in a leisurely bullock-cart ride
or in your own vehicle.
Johor Lama Fort (Teluk Sengat) Slightly less than half a millennium ago, this small village strategically
guarding the upper reaches of the Johor River was the seat of the Johor
Sultanate. Though all that remains are a restored earth mount and fragments of
stone walls, a fort built in 1540 by Sultan Alauddin Shah - son of the first
Johor Sultan - used to exist. The Portuguese who had taken
Malacca attacked in
1587 and completely destroyed the fort despite it being defended by 8,000 of the
Sultanate’s warriors.
From the Travel Times:
"The fortress made of rocks and turf is said
to be one of the best defensive forts built along Sungai Johor to stop the
Portuguese after the fall of Malacca. Though "tourists" are only taken to
the hilltop fort which now appears as a plain well-maintained field
surrounded by bunds, a walk around Kampong Johor will lead to more hidden
bunds. Kampong folk say the bunds cover 2.4 km through the rubber plantation
surrounding the small kampong.
Also found here are two tombs in two different sites. One near the fort is
unidentified while the other in the rubber estate belongs to the royal
midwife.
Further upstream is Kampong Panchor which was made a ruling centre by Sultan
Abdul Jalil Riayat Shah IV, the 11th Sultan of Johor, under the name Kota
Panchor.
Besides the remains of the fort and still-hidden historical relics, the
kampong which is surrounded by oil palm plantations takes pride in another
two ancient tombs.
Drive through the plantation dirt road to reach an isolated mausoleum of
Sultan Muzaffar Syah atop the hill in the middle of Bukit Seluyot. This is
located by the river too. The third Sultan of Johor was not alone, for
buried in the same resting place was his sister Raja Fatimah and nephew
Sultan Abdul Jalil."
This quaint coastal fishing village is well known for its fresh seafood,
especially its crab delicacy.
Fireflies You'll have to go to Kota Tinggi. A rapidly expanding town, the
hustle and bustle of this town is charming as the traditional blends well with
the modern.
Modern progress is taking place here with many new buildings as
well as the Government's plan to move the administrative centre from Johor Bahru
to Kota Tinggi.
The boarding point for this firefly excursion is at
the riverbank near Jalan Tepi Sungai, opposite the row of shops.
Before going on
the boat you'll have to put on life jackets.
These
fascinating insects are found in abundance on the berembang trees that line the
banks the Johor River.
The scene is very beautiful.
You'll have a close encounter with one of nature's mesmerising
phenomenon - the beautiful presence of fireflies, glowing in the
thousands here.
Crocodile farm TheCrocodile Farm in Teluk Sengat was established in 1979. There are
about 500 crocodiles bred in the farm through natural copulation. These
crocodiles belong to the Crocodylus Porosus species. The farm's main export is
the crocodile's meat and skin, which can be made into leather goods.
There's a wide choice of beach
resorts along its long coastline – at Teluk Mahkota, Tanjung Balau, Desaru, Batu
Layar, Teluk Punggai and Teluk Ramunia. Those who like to stay near the famous
waterfalls of Kota Tinggi can check into the Kota Tinggi Waterfall Resort. In
town itself, there is quite a number of budget hotels scattered all over.
Golfers also have a few choices, one of which is Sebana Cove. The all-in-one
retreat has a marina, 18-hole course and resort. Guests can choose from 40
executive rooms, 20 suites and 24 two-bedroom apartments housed in two-storey
blocks. The main clubhouse has a swimming pool, food and beverage outlets,
gymnasium, sauna and tour desk.
Ideally located in Johor, guests will be delighted to visit the
beautiful beaches, that this city is popular for. A great place for a
fun filled holiday, Lotus Desaru Beach Resort offers 700 spacious and
well appointed rooms that ensure utmost comfort. In room facilities
include separate lounge and dining area, microwave, kitchenette, private
bathrooms, closet, in room safe and chargeable internet. The resort also
feature a range of recreational activities including swimming pool, and
for sport lovers, they can go kayaking, snorkeling, jet skiing, fishing,
and banana boat ride! Indeed a fantastic place that is simply great for
a family vacation.
All the 108 air-conditioned rooms are large and comfortable, designed to provide utmost comfort to guests. The property also features a large swimming pool with water slides that overlook magnificent views of the sea. Guests can get indulged in many interesting and relaxing activities like jungle trekking, visiting a fruit farm, go carting, walks on the long stretch of sandy beach, or visit the neighboring commercial fishing village and a Fishermen's Museum. If you are looking for a perfect location along with excellent amenities and staff, then you won't go wrong with Pelangi Balau Resort.
This hotel is near Kota Tinggi.
This beach side hotel, situated in the heart of Desaru, offers panoramic
views of the South China Sea. The hotel is a ninety-minute drive from
Kulai or Johor Bahru in Malaysia, and can also be accessed via ferry
from Changi Ferry Terminal in Singapore ferry terminal is just
35-kilometers away, allowing guests easy access this venue. Guests will
have unhindered access to one of the world most beautiful and unspoiled
beaches. The seaside is composed of 22-kilometers of immaculate beach,
the most amazing in the Peninsular of Malaysia. The verdant tropical
surroundings offer guests an ideal holiday location that is closely
positioned near a variety of amazing recreational areas. The Pulai
Desaru Beach Hotel is a holiday oasis, perfect for families that want
luxury and unfettered beach access.
