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Desaru

Malaysia · Coast · MYR · 1.550000, 104.270000
Family friendly 8.1/10 · Rank 95 of 2 709
Best season: February-August

Best for

Suitable for families, couples, beach holidaymakers and water sports lovers

Best season

February-August

Daily budget
$70.00 (≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 322 MYR)
For 7 days
$490.00 (≈ 41 121 ₽ · ≈ 2 254 MYR)
Desaru is a resort coast in Johor state, known for its long sandy beaches and world-class hotels. This is the perfect place for a relaxing beach holiday, water sports, and sea turtle watching. An excellent option for those who want to escape the city bustle.
Summer
33.0°C
Winter
26.0°C
Sea
30.8°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Desaru residents are friendly, hospitable and proud of their coastal town

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Beautiful beaches
  • Water park
  • Affordable prices
  • Calm atmosphere
  • Close to Singapore

Cons

  • Limited nightlife
  • Few hotels
  • Rainy season
  • No direct flights from Moscow
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
29.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
33.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
28.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
30.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
26.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
29.4°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
30.8°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
December-January
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gradual
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Desaru Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Beaches are generally safe, rip currents and rare jellyfish possible

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins in the coastal waters of Desaru are represented by common species inhabiting sandy and rocky bottoms. They do not pose a serious danger
  • Special swimming shoes are recommended to avoid stings

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs are absent off the coast of Desaru — there are no colourful corals or diverse marine life in the coastal waters. The bottom is predominantly sandy
  • Snorkelling in Desaru is not recommended due to the absence of coral reefs

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish are rare but may appear during the rainy season
  • Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) — most common species, stings are mild but unpleasant

Sharks — details

  • Sharks are absent in the coastal waters of Desaru — the waters do not contain sharks or jellyfish, making swimming and surfing safe
  • The absence of sharks is one of the reasons for Desaru's popularity among tourists
Attractions

Desaru Beach

Scenic sandy beach with white sand and calm water, popular among families

Adventure Waterpark

Large water park with slides and pools for the whole family

Desaru Fruit Farm

Farm with tours and tropical fruit tastings

Els Club Golf Course

Prestigious golf club with a world-class course

Best areas

Beach Area

Coastal area with a beach and hotels

Desaru Centre

Area with shops and restaurants

Must-try food

Nasi Lemak

Rice cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal and fried fish

Laksa

Spicy noodle soup with seafood, popular in Johor

Fresh Seafood

Catch from the South China Sea, grilled

Kaya Toast

Toast with coconut jam, a traditional breakfast

Where to go next

Johor Bahru

Major city with shops and restaurants 1 hour away

Singapore

City-state with many attractions, accessible by ferry

Kota Tinggi

Town with waterfalls and beaches 1.5 hours away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Сенаи (JHB).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
February-August
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 69 MYR
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$44.00
≈ 3 692 ₽ · ≈ 202 MYR
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$66.00
≈ 5 539 ₽ · ≈ 304 MYR
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$220.00
≈ 18 462 ₽ · ≈ 1 012 MYR
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 690 MYR
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 276 MYR
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 28 MYR
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 69 MYR
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 12 MYR
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 14 MYR
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 5 MYR
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 37 MYR
Burger
Average price for a burger
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 28 MYR
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 14 MYR
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 23 MYR
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 138 MYR
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 9 MYR
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 23 MYR
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 184 MYR
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 46 MYR
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 92 MYR
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 184 MYR
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 322 MYR
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Desaru Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 230 MYR
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 69 MYR
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 46 MYR
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Frequently asked questions
Desaru: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is February-August. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Desaru: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +33.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Desaru: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +26.0°C, during the day — up to +30.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Desaru: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +30.8°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Desaru: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on December-January. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Desaru: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, white sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Desaru Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Desaru: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Desaru: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Beaches are generally safe, rip currents and rare jellyfish possible. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Desaru: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $70.00 (≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 322 MYR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Desaru: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $44.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $66.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $220.00 per night, an apartment — $60.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Desaru: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $6.00, dinner at a restaurant — $15.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $3.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Desaru: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.00, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Desaru: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Desaru Beach — Scenic sandy beach with white sand and calm water, popular among families; Adventure Waterpark — Large water park with slides and pools for the whole family; Desaru Fruit Farm — Farm with tours and tropical fruit tastings; Els Club Golf Course — Prestigious golf club with a world-class course. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Desaru: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Nasi Lemak — Rice cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal and fried fish; Laksa — Spicy noodle soup with seafood, popular in Johor; Fresh Seafood — Catch from the South China Sea, grilled; Kaya Toast — Toast with coconut jam, a traditional breakfast. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Desaru: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Beach Area — Coastal area with a beach and hotels; Desaru Centre — Area with shops and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Desaru: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Desaru: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Сенаи (code JHB). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Desaru: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — MYR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $70.00 (≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 322 MYR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Desaru: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Desaru: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Desaru: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Johor Bahru — Major city with shops and restaurants 1 hour away; Singapore — City-state with many attractions, accessible by ferry; Kota Tinggi — Town with waterfalls and beaches 1.5 hours away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

8.1/10
Overall rank: 95 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 51