Escape to Malaysia's Desaru Coast

Pool time at the plush Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.

Malaysia's sunny Desaru Coast is back on the bucket list next month when the country welcomes back international holidaymakers from April 1.

Just a hop away from Singapore, the Desaru Coast on the east coast of Johor covers seventeen kilometres of unspoilt coastline with white sandy beaches lapped by the warm waters of the South China Sea.

The area has underwent significant development prior to the pandemic and now boasts Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, a 45-hole golf course with two clubs, a waterfront retail village and is linked with Singapore by ferry.

The Desaru Ferry Terminal opened in March and means passengers can travel direct from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore. The ferry schedule initially includes two round trips per day Thursday to Sunday and one return trip a day Monday to Wednesday. If demand is strong enough, there are plans in the pipeline to link Desaru Ferry Terminal with Batam and Bintan islands as well.

Luxe hospitality brand Anantara opened a beachfront resort on Desaru Coast just before Malaysia closed its borders and is now eager to welcome back guests. The Pool Villa Dream package at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas includes a minimum two-night stay in a villa with daily buffet breakfast, daily lunch and dinner at Turmeric Restaurant, a complimentary daily minibar refill, complimentary selected resort activities and a welcome fruit platter.

Villa configurations run from one-bedroom lagoon pool villas with pool deck, private plunge pool and poolside gazebo, to two- and three-bed villas for larger family groups.

Family-friendly activities include a kids’ and teens’ club, cinema under the stars, old town foodie excursions and eco tours exploring the local mangrove forests.

The Pool Villa Dream Package is available for stays until December 15, 2022 and prices start from MYR3,949 (around US$930) based on double occupancy. More details can be found online.

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