Due to the high demand for Desaru trip, especially during the Singapore and Malaysia school holidays, families are more keen for a day trip to JB or 2D1N JB trip vacation to enjoy in Johor.
Many of us may think that the hottest Johor attraction would be Legoland Malaysia and JB downtown Area.
BUT, according to my survey, DESARU would be the next hottest place of interest in Johor. You may ask “WHY”.
Because a lot of parents would consider bringing their children to have an “ECO” trip or “Rural” trip. This is the reason why there are so many ECO farms begin established recently.
Now, let me list down some PLACE OF INTEREST of Desaru.
Extra –> Kota Tinggi Waterfalls (not recommended for a day trip)
I know most of you may refer to the google map to check which route is the most convenient and shortest path to reach your destination especially when you’re only planning for a DAY TRIP in Johor. You have to plan well before taking a day trip in Desaru.
Desaru Fruit Farm Map
If you are only looking for a DESARU DAY TRIP, I personally think that you can visit all the places that I have listed above.
I will go through one by one starting with the most important place of interest and how to get around in Desaru.
Based on the Desaru map above, you can see that the first destination on Desaru would be “Desaru Fruit Farm“.
If you are coming from Singapore, you will reach around 11:30am – 12:00pm. (If you depart at 8:00am in the morning)
Basically, you need at least 2 to 3 hours to walk around the Desaru Fruit Farm. The tour guide will guide you through all the journey in Desaru Fruit Farm.
Once you’re done touring the fruit farm, they will provide you a variety of fruit for lunch. Don’t miss them! All the fruit are plucked from their farm.
Entrance ticket is priced at around RM25/pax, please note that there is no accommodation provided at Desaru Fruit Farm. Therefore, you need to find the nearest accommodation if you take the 2D1N package.
For Desaru package details please visit here: desarufruitfarm.com
***Please note that Desaru Fruit Farm also provides ATV ride and Paint Ball game (If you plan for a Desaru one day trip, then you wouldn’t have enough time to visit Desaru Ostrich Farm and Sungai Rengit)
After having your stomach filled with fruit (Must Try!), you can consider going to the crocodile farm at Teluk Sengat.
One hour is sufficient to spend in Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm.
Or you can skip the crocodile farm and go to Sungai Rengit area. It is a small town in Kota Tinggi district.
In Sungai Rengit area, you can first visit the Desaru Ostrich Farm. The journey from Desaru Fruit Farm to Sungai Rengit area is about 45 minutes to 1 hour drive.
Desaru Ostrich Farm hosted more than 250++ ostrich and it is the largest ostrich farm in Malaysia.
I personally recommend Desaru Ostrich Farm rather than crocodile farm as it is more fun and excited to play with these long-necked creatures.
Your kids may like this farm very much because they will get the opportunity to feed these ostriches with corn kernels or a bunch of vegetables.
Besides that, you get the chance to touch and stand on the biggest egg in the world. Moreover, you can stand beside the ostriches and take photos together. It is definitely enjoyable and good experience with these ostriches.
But it is still worth to go to crocodile farm. At least your kids know how a real crocodile looks like. 🙂
Note: 1 to 2 hours is enough in ostrich farm.
You may refer to the images below to see what you can expect when you reach there.
After that, you can spend your evening for a delectable dinner at the top Desaru food restaurant. There are 3 options for your choice.
1. Nelayan Seafood By The Coast
2. Jade Garden Seafood Restaurant
3. Restaurant Super Lobster
After you’ve eaten your dinner, you can choose to head back to Singapore, or you can request the driver to stop over at the Desaru Beach to have fun with your family member.
I think this is a great plan for those who look for only a DAY Trip in Desaru area. After dinner at about 7:00pm or 8:00pm, you may need at least 3 hours drive to reach Singapore.
Plan for the 2nd day if you would like to have 2D1N Trip. (Desaru Waterpark)
If you are going to have 2D1N Trip, then you can directly stay in Hard Rock Hotel Desaru or Lotus Desaru Beach Resort after having your dinner at Sungai Rengit.
On the second day, you can have a breakfast in the hotel and then check out from the resort and head to Desaru Waterpark for more water activities!!!
The really cool thing staying at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru is the private access to Desaru Waterpark.
1. Desaru Waterpark (spend time: 6 to 8 hours)
2. Lunch inside waterpark
3. After Desaru Waterpark (heading back to Singapore)
And also provides a wonderful opportunity for some nice photo sessions.
In this article, you’ll get to know:
Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm (Crocodile Farm Desaru)
The Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm is located in the small town of Teluk Sengat in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, approximately 30 minutes from Desaru.
Established in 1950 and open to the public in 1997, this 10-acre crocodile farm is the largest of its kind in Peninsular Malaysia. Run by the granddaughter of its founder, the farm is well maintained and clean, with covered walkways.
Founded for the conservation and breeding of crocodiles, the farm does not kill any the crocodiles for their meat or skins, and their habitat is kept as natural as possible.
It houses about 1000 saltwater crocodiles of all sizes and ages, some over 100 and even up to 155 years old, though it is hard to estimate a crocodile’s age accurately.
The farm provides the following:
8 breeding ponds, each housing 50 to 100 crocodiles.
81 cement ponds.
Dams.
Vegetation.
A lake in the center.
Sandy banks for breeding.
Females lay their eggs from January to March. When mothers hear them hatching, they dig them out and the babies are born. Then the babies are transferred to incubators.
Upon entering the farm, you will be provided with fun facts about crocodiles and safety guidelines by the friendly staff.
Then, you will be invited to touch and hold baby crocodiles and to take photos with them. You can also watch the staff feed the crocodiles fresh chicken at feeding time.
The crocodiles are arranged according to age, so as you make your way through the farm you will see them from the youngest to oldest. Since they continue to grow in size as they mature, the crocodiles also get larger the further you go.
Males can grow to 20 feet long and weigh 1000 kg, while females grow to 9 feet and weigh up to 500 kg. The oldest male crocodiles are truly enormous.
Crocodiles with disabilities are cared for at the farm in their own separate cement pond. Some were born without tails, with cleft palate, or suffered injuries later in life.
Whatever their disability, they will have a safe place to live out their lives on the farm.
A visit to the crocodile farm at Teluk Sengat is entertaining and educational. It is a great opportunity for individuals or families to learn more about these amazing creatures and to interact with them in a very hands-on way.
Note:Visitors are not allowed to step into the lake because of the danger involved, but they can have a perfect view from the walkway that surrounds the lake.
Teluk Sengat Crocodile Entrance Fee
Categories
Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm Ticket Price
Malaysian
Foreigner
Adult
(13 years old & above)
RM 10
RM 15
Senior Citizen
(60 years old & above)
RM 7
RM 12
Child
(3-12 years old)
RM 6
RM 8
*Ticket price effective on 1 January 2023
Teluk Sengat Crocodile Opening Hours
Opening Hours:
Daily: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm Map
Address: Lot 1289 & 1290, Jalan Sembilan, Kampung Belading, Teluk Sengat, 81940 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia. Facebook
How To Go To Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
It is advisable to plan well for your transportation from Singapore to Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm (near Desaru) before departing.
If you want to have 1 day trip in Desaru, there is only have 2 transport options to reach Desaru: private car service or self-driving.
The transport expense is varied depending on the type of transport you used. It is therefore prudent to deal with a reliable, punctual and professional transport service to ensure your trip is comfortable and enjoyable.
1. Self-Driving From Singapore To Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
You can reach Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm from Singapore Woodlands Checkpoint via Route 3/AH18 and Jalan Kota Tinggi – Pengerang/Route 92
Estimated drive time: 2 hours
Distance: 75.5km
Note: Before departing from Singapore, remember to check the traffic at Singapore-Malaysia border via Woodlands & Tuas Live Camera to avoid long queue at the border and waste your time.
5 Attractions Near Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
Apart from the nice experiences from the Crocodile Farm, there are quite a number of attractions which make such a tour a lifetime experience. Among the most remarkable attractions include the following.
1. Desaru Beach
Desaru beach is located in Desaru which is about 100km from Johor Bahru. The beach is well known for their cleanliness as well as their golf courses and other exciting attractions.
Highlights
Any visitor will be impressed with the amazing beauty and splendor offered by Casuarina trees which are a common feature here. These trees have made the place to be coined as the Land of Casuarinas.
The beaches also offer a rare opportunity for one to have breathtaking views of the South China Sea which is an unforgettable experience.
This is also a good opportunity to unwind and relax as you enjoy the various activities on offer like swimming, hiking, boating, among others.
Many hotels, chalets and resorts (Lotus Desaru Resort) are lined up along the beaches and this provides excellent accommodations and meals to visitors.
2. Desaru Fruit Farm
This is a very unique fruit farm that received the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-Tourism (MAHA) special awards in 2006 as the best agro-tourism site in Malaysia.
Desaru Fruit Farm is a well-maintained farm that produces fruits of the highest standards. Among the fruits found here include the jackfruit, water guava, honey orange, durian and the sour soup.
Desaru Fruit Farm has over 100 varieties of tropical fruits which are exotic to Malaysia and gives any visitor the chance to sample and learn about these fruits which are of Malaysian origin.
The farm has also about 10 species of plants which provides an opportunity to know about plant species that are unique here.
It also features a petting zoo and the Koi fish pond which are attractive features to many visitors.
3. Kota Tinggi Waterfall
Malaysia has many waterfalls but not as splendid and as beautiful as the Kota Tinggi Waterfall. It is a must-see place due to the fact that its waters run all the year round and it’s surrounded by facilities which you can’t find anywhere else in Johor.
The 30m cascading waterfall is found at the foot of the local mountain which is also known as Gunung Muntahak. Many Singaporeans and Malaysian alike gather at this place to experience this unique waterfall whose equal cannot be found elsewhere. It is usually busy on weekends and holidays.
Highlights
It has 2 waterfalls: the first one is a fascinating cascade falls with dammed pools at the bottom where one can have a leisurely swim. The other one is a free fall that thunders down the valley that is accessed through a beautiful walkway.
There is a scenic view all the way from Kota Tinggi to the falls; you will enjoy the ride which acts as a curtain raiser for the beauty of the falls.
There are lots of dammed pools where you can swim and cool down on hot days. The falls area has an abundance of nice spots where you can have a picnic.
Kota Tinggi Waterfalls Resort is a nearby lodge which you can use as a weekend getaway from Singapore all the daily activities of urban life.
Its rural countryside setting makes it attractive to nature lovers.
The abundance of birdlife makes Kota Tinggi Waterfalls a birdwatchers’ paradise. Kota Tinggi is just 60km away from Johor Bahru and this makes it accessible to many visitors.
4. Sungai Lebam Wetlands
Sungai Lebam Wetlands is well renowned for its fireflies and lightning bugs. These insects provide a magical experience to any watcher and are a very attractive feature here.
The fireflies are hugely attracted to the Berembag tree and can be seen in their hundreds as they emit their on and off lights that actually originates from the abdomen area.
Highlights
The fireflies are a rare kind of insects which make many visitors to stream here in large numbers to experience these magical moments. Note: Photography is not advisable since it makes the insects disappear.
You can experience the nightlife in Sungai Lebam after watching the fireflies because it gives you the opportunity of being in the area at this particular time. Note: It is advisable not to touch the insects because it endangers their lives and reduces their population
5. Kota Tinggi Museum
Museums are known to attract quite a number of visitors in many parts of the world because they provide the history of the area in question and the Kota Tinggi Museum is no exception.
It was opened to the public in the year 2002 and provides useful history of the Johor state as a former Sultanate. This site was specifically chosen because it has historical significance as the seat of the former Sultanate.
Highlights
Kota Tinggi Museum offers any visitor the chance to have the proper historical perspective of the Johor state and its people.
It is an educational monument which provides visitors especially those on educational tours to adequately study the history of Johor.
It presents visitors the chance to learn more about the people of Johor.
Did you know that Tioman Island and its archipelago form a very large marine park that homes to amazing array of beautiful aquatic life?
Sounds amazing? I’m here to tell you that island offers even more than that for a perfect island getaway!
The best part is, almost all resorts and hotels on the island come with exceptional snorkelling trip, diving and jungle trekking to bring you closer to nature.
But due to the monsoon season which falls between November and March every year, some resorts are closed within the period.
So, do check for the availability while planning your trip.
Now, let’s move on discover the best resort and hotel on Tioman Island!
13 Best Tioman Resort & Hotel
1. Japamala Resort by Samadhi
Japamala Resort boasts 13 rooms hidden amidst the lush tropical rainforest. They blend with nature so perfectly.
Whether you enjoy staying in treetop chalets, sea cliff chalets or penghulu’s house with beach at doorstep, this resort offers you all of them!
Besides, all rooms meticulously designed just to offer you urban comfort at its finest!
Hillside room requires stairclimbing. Not suitable for elderly.
Jungle sarang rooms are quieter and easier to access.
Bring enough cash as no ATM provided on the island.
Japamala provides speedboat to the resort.
There isn’t any place to eat within walking distance.
Feel free to borrow movies disc from the counter or borrow books from library.
Extra bed can only be put in Jungle Luxe Sarang category and above.
2. 1511 Coconut Grove
Located at the east of Juara Village, 1511 Coconut Grove serves tops the list of accommodations in the village.
The traditional architecture chalets are set against the unspoiled paradise and many guests are amazed by how quaint and clean the chalets were. Best of all, they are only a few steps away from the stunning beach!
Rooms that are near to the counter bar have stronger Wi-Fi.
For quieter rooms, take the rooms away from the bar.
Free breakfast is provided.
PayPal is accepted here.
3. Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort Tioman Island
Featuring outstanding villas ranging from sea views, garden views to rainforest views, this boutique Tioman island resort offers private beach where rich marine life is just a few feet away!
With tranquillity and serenity of the island, you can even enjoy the nature ambience and discover the amazing underwater sights at ease.
During the stay, always remember to drop by the nearby village, Tekek for duty free shopping!
Price Starting From: RM730 @ SGD$221 (exclude hotel tax & service fee)
Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort Tioman Island Highlight:
Infinity pool
Family villa
Dive centre
Penawaa Restaurant
Bar / Longue
Sarang Spa
Free Wi-Fi
Games room
Good To Know:
Rainforest villa offers a quieter environment. But the Wi-Fi signal is weaker here.
Rooms at the front have a better sea view.
If you don’t want to walk so much, go for rooms closer to the lobby.
Inform the resort of your arrival to ensure getting on the speedboat.
Alcohol is not allowed at the restaurant.
Free water is available here.
There is a jungle walk at the back of the resort where great wildlife can be seen. But the steps are quite steep and lots of mosquitoes around.
4. Minang Cove Resort & Spa
Nestled between lush rainforest, Minang Cove Resort & Spa boasts 2 elegant villas and 12 deluxe chalets where the rooms offer you balcony overlook the stunning sea views.
This is truly a perfect place for an island escapade with loved ones. The warm hospitality provided will surely make you feel at home.
They even have various exciting activities right on their doorstep!
Price Starting From: RM953 @ SGD$289 (exclude hotel tax & service fee)
Minang Cove Resort & Spa Highlight:
Airport transportation
Restaurant (local & western cuisine)
Bar
Sun Deck
Spa
Tour Boat
Library
Jungle trekking (to waterfall &Mukut village)
Snorkelling
Diving
Campfire on the beach
Good To Know:
Take the beachfront villa located right at the shoreline if you enjoy falling asleep with the sound of the waves very much.
Superior rooms require guests to climb a lot of steps.
Lunch must be ordered before 2 pm. Sometimes it might collide with the return of the dive.
The resort offers buffet dinner with a different theme each day.
No Wi-Fi is provided here.
Wildlife like monkeys and squirrels are normal sight here.
5. The Barat Tioman Beach Resort
Where to stay in Tioman Island?
Well, this charm of The Barat Tioman Beach Resort lies in their air-conditioned comfort rooms along the unspoiled golden sandy beach amidst the beautiful Juara Village.
There are 56 spacious rooms in total and all are well-equipped with modern amenities.
Price Starting From: RM310 @ SGD$94 (exclude hotel tax & service fee)
The Barat Tioman Beach Resort Highlight:
Beachfront Barat Restaurant (Asian & Western cuisines)
Inform the resort staff prior to avoid missing the ferry or boat to the resort.
Wi-Fi is quite weak due to remote location.
There is no room service, lifts, concierge and buffet breakfast provided.
Beach towels are available upon request.
You can locate your room using the resort map provided.
Hilltop Seaview Villa is located up on a hill. It is quieter and offers a breathtaking sea view.
In-house movies can be enjoyed in the room. You can request for it upon check-in.
Bottled water is provided.
6. Impian Inn
Established in 1985, Impian Inn offers 20 chalets including 1 family room, 10 standard rooms, 8 deluxe rooms and 1 attap room. With the calming atmosphere, this is an ideal place for a natural rustic getaway where you can have some quiet moments.
Price Starting From: RM191 @ SGD$58 (exclude hotel tax & service fee)
Impian Inn Highlight:
Diving centre
Meeting room/seminar room
Snorkelling gears
BBQ facilities
Jungle trekking
Canoeing
Badminton court
Fishing
Restaurant
Airport transfer
Good To Know:
Food in the resort is slightly expensive but surely worth it.
Monkeys will sometimes disturb the rooms near to the beach.
Avoid staying in chalets located near the road. Sounds of a motorcycle passing by are very noisy.
Remember to bring insect repellents.
Snorkelling trip is a must here. The underwater coral garden is lively and beautiful.
7. Tioman Dive Resort
Tioman Dive Resort is a small yet cosy resort operated by B&J Diving Centre is located in northerm part of Tioman Island.
This Tioman hotel offers professional and quality scuba diving courses to all divers.
Only 11 rooms are available here. Be quick before fully booked!
Price Starting From: RM240 @ SGD$73 (exclude hotel tax & service fee)
Tioman Dive Resort Highlight:
Currency exchange
Bar
Diving
Snorkelling
Water sports
Good To Know:
A great resort for those who enjoy scuba diving very much.
Request for upper floor rooms for more breeze. They are quieter too.
No lift is provided. Stay on ground floor if you have heavy luggage.
Rooms near to the dive shop have a stronger Wi-Fi signal.
The resort does not serve food but there are many restaurants within walking distance.
The pool is built to teach scuba diving, not for swimmers.
8. Berjaya Tioman Resort
Indulge in a wonderful holiday with Berjaya Tioman Resort! Whether you are looking for adrenaline or relaxation, this 4-star Tioman island resort got all covered. Their attentive and caring service will surely leave you a pleasant stay.
Price Starting From: RM590 @ SGD$179 (exclude hotel tax & service fee)
Berjaya Tioman Resort Highlight:
Snorkelling
Marine Park visitations
Fishing trip
Sunset cruise
Island Hopping
Boat excursions
Shahzan Ballroom (400 pax)
18-hole golf course
PADI Dive Centre
Tennis Court
Gymnasium
Ayura Spa
Swimming pool
Beach Bar
Meeting rooms
Restaurant
Good To Know:
This Tioman island resort provides free transfer service from jetty or airport.
Go to the lobby for free flow water.
If you don’t prefer eating buffet, there are lots of eateries around, which are within walking distance.
Bring along insect repellent.
Register yourself for snorkelling trip a night before to avoid fully booking.
Beachfront rooms are more expensive but the views are nicer.
9. Aguna Resort
Looking for a cheap and friendly place to stay in Tioman Island?
Aguna Resort should be your first choice! Set against the countryside of Genting Village, this budget hotel offers rustic yet beautiful chalets surrounded by natural beauty.
Price Starting From: RM178 @ SGD$54 (exclude hotel tax & service fee)
Aguna Resort Highlight:
Restaurant
BBQ Pits
Spa
Free Wi-Fi
Good To Know:
The resort is just a 10-minute walk from the jetty.
You can enjoy the freshest mango here as Aguna Resort is surrounded by mango tree.
Beautiful beach is within 5-minute walking distance. Wooden hammocks and tree trunks chairs around are best for watching the sunset.
The resort is near to Tioman Dive Buddy, a dive centre on the island.
You can rent kayak which is located along the beach.
Jungle trekking is not available here.
10. Sri Sentosa Chalet
With a 6-room bungalow and 12 simple yet comfortable chalets, Sri Sentosa Chalet is a family run homestay whereby the owner, Aishah is dedicated to serve you the best she can.
Besides serving authentic local cuisine, the chalet which is very near to beach and waterfall offers you a lot of fun and exciting activities!
Price Starting From: RM108 @ SGD$33 (exclude hotel tax & service fee)
Bring enough cash because no ATM machine on the island.
The chalet is located at Mukut Village. But the ferry will not bring you there. So remember to ask the owner to arrange private boat transportation for you.
Waterfall is only 20-minute walk.
Exploring village is very fun and exciting.
11. Beach Shack Chalet
Located at Juara Bay, Beach Shack Chalet is a great place for those who attracted to ocean, waves and surfing! With lively atmosphere and caring customer services, the owner guarantees you a memorable vacation while staying on budget. You may even make new friends here!
Price Starting From: RM172 @ SGD$52 (exclude hotel tax & service fee)
Beach Shack Chalet Highlight:
Surfing lessons
Fishing trips
Snorkelling
Jungle tracking
Rock climbing
Kayaking
Scuba diving
Stand up Paddling
Restaurant
Bar / Lounge
Good To Know:
Free breakfast is provided.
Book early because there are only 11 rooms available.
Ask the staff to help with the transfer service to and from the harbor.
Hammock is provided in every room.
Books and board games are provided upon request.
All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a hot shower.
Wake up early to enjoy the wonderful sunrise.
12. Cheers Chalet
Cheers Chalet is a small operated chalet located at the jungle edge of Tekek Village. The rooms offered are ranged from single rooms, superior rooms to family room. Each room has elegant boutique design and well-equipped with amenities.
Price Starting From: RM60 @ SGD$20 (include hotel tax & service fee)
Cheers Chalet Highlight:
Convenience store
Laundry service
Free Wi-Fi
Bicycle / Motorbike rental
Garden
Hiking
Fishing
Snorkelling
BBQ facilities
Good To Know:
Choose rooms at the end for less road noise.
Single rooms come with a shared bathroom with no hot shower. Quite uncomfortable for some people.
Some of the chalets overlook the rainforest, with no sea views.
Beach is within short walking distance.
Kayak can be rent right in from of the chalet.
No free breakfast is provided.
Insect spray and mosquito coils are provided.
13. X Rector Minsu
X Rector Minsu is one of the newest Tioman Island accommodations. The hosts, Liang and Michael are very nice and enthusiastic to serve every guest.
The snorkelling trip arranged by them are awesome whereby many guests said they would very likely to return in the future.
Price Starting From: RM1220 @ SGD$370 (exclude hotel tax & service fee)
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