Desaru, town in Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
Desaru is a coastal town in the southern part of Johor, Malaysia, set along a long sandy beach facing the South China Sea. The town has a mix of resort hotels and water parks on one end, and local shops and seafood restaurants closer to the older parts.
Desaru started as a small fishing settlement before local authorities began developing it as a holiday destination in the latter half of the 20th century. A ferry terminal opened in 2022 to establish a direct link with Singapore, changing how visitors arrive.
Desaru still feels like a fishing community in many parts, with a slow daily rhythm shaped by tides and the sea. Visitors can notice this most clearly at the roadside seafood stalls, where the catch of the day is displayed and cooked to order.
The sun is strong throughout the day here, so sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are worth having from the start. Many local food stalls and smaller shops work on a cash basis, so it is worth carrying some with you.
When sea conditions are rough, ferry services from Desaru can be rerouted to the nearby port of Tanjung Pengelih instead of the main terminal. The two ports are close enough that the change rarely adds much time to the journey.
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