Being rated as ‘One of the world’s greatest places of 2021’ by TIME Magazine, Desaru Coast is one of the trendiest locations in not just Malaysia but in entire South-East Asia for holidays. From families to MICE to weddings, this destination caters to every segment of travellers with engaging activities and attractions. Let us tell you why one must visit Desaru Coast for their next family vacation.

5 reasons to visit Desaru Coast with your family

• Accessibility and no stress for visa

Getting to Desaru is easy. Located on the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula, Anantara Desaru Coast Residences is within easy reach of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Johor.

All Indians require a prior Malaysia visa before travelling to Malaysia. You can either get the Malaysia visa electronically (online) with an eNTRI or e-Visa or can apply for the visa at the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate via the Visa application centres in India. If all the documents are in place, Indian passport holders can get a Malaysian visa anywhere between 24hours to 48 hours.

• Family-friendly hotels

Desaru Coast has several five-star hotels providing luxurious accommodation across 800 rooms. One family-friendly option is the Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast which also has direct access to one of the world’s largest waterparks (more on that later!).

For sweeping views of the South China Sea, choose The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, which has an adjoining conference centre, or enjoy direct access to the beach at the Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villa. If you’re looking for a more intimate stay, hideaway at One&Only Desaru Coast’s beachfront suites and villas.

• Visit the largest water park in the region

Have you ever been to a waterpark with over 20 slides and a wave pool big enough for surfing? You can’t miss out on Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark which also has the region’s first water coaster as well as a host of ‘dry’ rides.

The Tidal Wave Beach at Adventure Waterpark is, in fact, one of the biggest wave pools in the world, boasting some of the world’s biggest man-made waves!

• Enjoy a beach picnic

If you sorely miss the beach, Desaru Coast offers 17km of amazing beachfront for you to take comfort in listening to the waves, running along the coast or just enjoying that laid-back vibe. Sporty types can look forward to kayaking, surfing, jet skiing and plenty of beach sports to put some zest back into your body. End a perfect day by watching the sunset with your loved ones.

• Get close to nature

Desaru Coast is strategically located near nature attractions such as the Panti Forest Reserve, a jungle with over 100 species of flora and fauna including the white-handed gibbons.

If you hope to get up close and personal with nature or embark on off-the-beaten-path adventures such as tidepool and tidal shore walks, birdwatching, river cruises and hiking walks to the Panti Forest Reserve.

• Immerse in engaging activities

Visiting Desaru gives you the ripe opportunity to show your kids where fruits come from at the 180-acre award-winning Desaru Fruit Farm. With over 120 species of tropical fruits, Desaru Fruit Farm offers guided education walking tours and a petting zoo or you can rev up with an ATV Joyriding tour. Purchase local products or fresh fruits at the minimart before ending the tour!

• Take your little ones for some golf lessons

Set against dramatic coastal vistas, Els Club Desaru is a 45-hole golfer’s paradise with two clubs – the Ocean Course is a 27-hole course designed by Ernie Els and Valley Course, an 18-hole golf course designed in collaboration with Vijay Singh. Juniors and adults who wish to learn and improve their game can sign up at The Els Performance Golf Academy, the first state-of-the-art centre of excellence in Asia.