2025 Bandar Penawar Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Nestled along Malaysia’s southeastern coastline in Bandar Penawar, Johor, Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast offers a thrilling escape for families and adventure seekers alike. Just over an hour’s drive from Johor Bahru and approximately two and a half hours from Singapore, this expansive waterpark is a highlight of the Desaru Coast integrated resort.   Spanning over 100,000 square meters, the park boasts more than 20 wet and dry rides across five themed zones. One of its standout attractions is the Tidal Wave Beach, one of the largest wave pools in the world, covering nearly three acres and holding over four million gallons of water.   For adrenaline junkies, Kraken’s Revenge offers a unique experience as a combination roller coaster and flume ride, propelling riders through a 360-degree loop before a dramatic splashdown.  The park caters to visitors of all ages. Younger guests can enjoy areas like Scallywags and Starfish Splash, designed with kid-friendly water play features. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the Penawar River provides a gentle lazy river ride through lush landscapes.  When it’s time to refuel, the Kelong Eatery offers a variety of Asian and Western dishes, while other spots like Octo-Bites Café and Surf’s Up Juice Bar provide quick snacks and refreshments. The park also features amenities such as cabanas and shaded areas for relaxation.  Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding rides or a leisurely day by the water, Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast offers a memorable experience for all. #johorbahrutrip

Desaru is a coastal gem in Malaysia that exudes charm. The beaches here are enchanting, with soft, golden sand and gentle waves lapping at the shore, creating a tranquil and pleasant atmosphere. Stroll along the beach, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the beautiful sea view. You'll feel like you're in paradise. Desaru's natural scenery is also rich and diverse. The lush tropical rainforest is home to a variety of rare flora and fauna, allowing you to experience the wonders and beauty of nature. You can choose to hike through the rainforest and explore its mysteries, or take a boat tour of the river and enjoy the scenery on both sides. In addition to the natural scenery, Desaru also has a rich cultural heritage. There are many traditional Malay buildings and cultural customs here, giving you a strong sense of history. You can visit local museums and cultural centers to learn about the history and culture of Malaysia. In addition, Desaru also has a variety of food and entertainment activities. You can taste local specialties, such as Malay pastries and seafood, to satisfy your taste buds. At the same time, there are various water activities and theme parks here, allowing you to enjoy endless fun while on vacation. Desaru is a charming and vibrant place that will leave you with fond memories, whether you're on vacation or exploring.

Desaru Waterpark Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast 💫💫💫💫 🏊🏊🏊🏊🤽🤽🤽🤽 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈 There are various slides and attractions here, including a separate children's water park 🛝🛝🛝. The beach chairs are free, the water is very clean and unpolluted, and there are many facilities provided. There are plenty of activities to do, the attractions are well managed, and the floors are all coated with non-slip material to prevent children from falling, which is great. 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia

Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast is a popular water theme park located in Bandar Penawar. It is easily accessible from Singapore, just about a two-hour drive away. The waterpark features five themed zones with numerous attractions, including one of the largest wave pools in the region, the Tidal Wave Beach, and the relaxing Penawar River, a 350-meter-long lazy river. For thrill-seekers, there are multiple exciting slides like the Kraken’s Revenge, The Tempest, Wild Whirl, and Super Twister. Kids will enjoy the extensive "Kids Ahoy" area, which includes a massive water playground with 13 water slides and various water play equipment. There are also two different playgrounds suited for different age groups. #travelanywhere #malaysia #johor #desaru #beach #tripblazers #themepark #waterpark

#thailandtrip My stay at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas was nothing short of heavenly! This 5-star haven exceeded my expectations with its stunning ocean views, luxurious villas, and exceptional service. The private beach, infinity pool, and world-class amenities made me feel like royalty. The staff's warm hospitality and attention to detail made our stay truly unforgettable. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or quality time with loved ones, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is the perfect haven. I left with a heart full of memories and a soul at peace. If you're looking for a slice of paradise, look no further – this resort is the epitome of luxury and serenity!

Desaru Coast, as an emerging holiday destination in Malaysia, is the perfect choice for a getaway! Desaru, located in the southeast corner of Johor state, in the Kota Tinggi district, is a seaside leisure resort area. It's just an hour's drive from Johor Bahru city center, and there's no need to take a boat to an island, the distance is very nice~ You won't know until you go, and you'll be truly surprised once you do! It's really stunning~ The environment is incredibly beautiful! Every moment captured on camera can be used as wallpaper, and you don't even need to add a filter, especially with those pristine, long stretches of sandy beach Savor an Italian espresso in the morning, listening to the sound of the waves, gazing out at the sea, and spending a truly meaningful vacation time~ The hotel is home to little monkeys, squirrels, and cats that can be seen everywhere Adjacent to a private golden beach, with clear water and clean sand, whether it's walking, building sandcastles, playing in the water, or just quietly staring at the sea, the vacation is comfortable and relaxed, enjoying a carefree private beach time. Besides the hotel and beach, there are many fun places nearby, such as farms, amusement parks, water parks, and so on

Enjoy the spacious room and cool design while staying at Hard Rock Desaru, walking distance to beach but the pools over here is slightly small compared to the others, however, i do enjoyed with the variety of food during breakfast, like the design where they decorated with different music instruments, unique experience as located quite a distance from jB city!

sharing with you all the weekend stay in One Bed Room Villa at Anantara Desaru Coast. villa:- 2 floor private pool villa , spacious living hall direct access to the pool. room at the second floor with spacious toilet and full amenities . mini bar:- mini bar inside Villa is free of charge, remember to consume it during your stay. daily replenish. private pool:- huge private pool right outside the living pool best place to chill. food:- had dinner in sea fire salt restaurant - good quality of food. swimming pool:- 1 infinity pool next to the beach & 1 instagramable lagoon pool . best weekend getaway when you are in singapore or Johor. you won’t regret. #tripmoments #freehotelstay #weekendgetaways

it was great weekend getaways in Hard Rock hotel desaru coast. it’s attached to adventure waterpark desaru coast where you can just walk to waterpark with multiple entry. we booked a double bed room with 2 queen size bed allowed you to stay up to 2 adults & 2 kids. that’s just nice for family. we got upgrade to rock loyalty room with the lounge facility . there is a coffee machine and bottle for you to refill the water using the special pipe inside the washroom. we hops to adventure waterpark on the next day we have lots of fun inside the waterpark. you can request a towel to bring into waterpark and returned back to hotel once you done. the breakfast & elephant & butterfly restaurant was great! one more tips! request a buggy to head over to Westin hotel for the beach therapy . we had enjoyed our weekend getaway here #weekendgetaways

Can’t believe that Johor has the luxury hotel that’s look like Bali in Desaru Coast! From the facilities to the room & amenities all are tip top. If you would like to spend for a luxury travel and saving on the flight ticket , you may choose this hotel ##awesomepic #mymymemories Getting There - anantara desaru coast Attractions - kid club, infinity pool, beautiful beach , spacious and luxury room Hotels - ANANTARA DESARU COAST Food & Restaurants - GOOD FOOD

Address - it’s easy to reach at this hotel via highway Senai - Desaru Expressway. The location is at Persiaran Pantai, Desaru Coast. Can’t be wrong. 😉 Ambiance/Facilities - Once me enter the resort, they offer exclusive yet very welcoming. Check-in was very easy. Their facilities was good. Pool was stunningly design. The beach was nice and clean. Friendly staff. Highlights - honestly me would choose the third floor, it would be more visible. Everything about my room is awesome! I love to come back soon! Avg. Price - 1000++ Rating - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 #myMYmemories #travel #awesomepic

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is located in front of a part of Desaru Beach which has a total length of 17-kilometers facing the South China Sea. Accommodation consists of regular rooms, villas and residences overlooking the wide stretch of beach. The overall decor of this resort, although contemporary, is still loaded with traditional Malay nuances, with views overlooking the garden, lagoon and sea. The interior is decorated with indigenous local fabrics such as woven textiles, the famous Malaysian woven elements, as well as traditional craft silhouettes. #anantara #anantaradesaru #desaru #desarubeach #desaruvacay #lagoonvilla

#wecreate Lotus Seaview Beach Resort is blessed with an enchanting location that immerses guests in the beauty of nature. The resort's idyllic setting amidst lush greenery, white sandy beaches, and clear waters creates a sense of tranquility and serenity. Whether lounging on the beach or strolling along the shore, guests can indulge in the picturesque views and bask in the soothing sounds of the ocean waves. Guests can unwind on private balconies, or simply enjoy the plush bedding. Address: Lot 1272, Tanjung Punggai, Sungai Renggit, 81620 Pengerang, Johor Ambiance/Facilities: 7/10 Rating: 3.5/5

No trip to Desaru is complete without visiting Hard Rock Desaru Resort and take pic with its iconic guitar 🎸 Located an hour away from the hustle and bustle of the Johor Bahru city centre, this family friendly resort, is a perfect place to chill and have fun! With direct access to Adventure Water Park, and an awesome kids club, I can see why this place is a popular choice for families with young kids. A live band at night and light projected onto the building facade surely lives up the night atmosphere. Things to note: A valid ticket is required to enter and guests may purchase directly from the Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, with direct walking access available for in-house guests. 📍Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast #tripblazers #urbanexplorer #mytripvlog #desaru #hardrockdesarucoast

#myperfectstaycation Suitable & prefer to family day & group function. The room was spacious, the BBQ was so near to the room, the check in and check out were only per person, the sea was so clean. They also have swimming pool. The sea view is vast, vacation and leisure. Everything was superb. 5 stars for this place. Super nice place, will plan to book a room for my next local vacation. 📍Location: Tanjung Sepang Beach Resort, Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi, Johor. #myperfectstaycation #tripblazers #awesomepic

📍Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas An unforgettable getaway as we move away from the city centre to a secluded resort by the coast. The resort is wonderful and chilling setting, it is surrounded by trees and away from the road. It was quiet and peaceful and it has a private beach for the guests, the sand is smooth and sea water is clean. At night, we can even see the stars in the clear sky. The resort has bicycles around for guests to use, a small futsal field to play and even beach volleyball to have fun! #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #johor

It’s time of the year where couples do things they usually don’t do, to express how much they love each other~ And this year, the man made a lot more effort (than past 2 years) to celebrate this day with me! Highlight of the trip was the stay in Hard Rock Hotel @ Desaru! The booking comes with: 1) A night stay 2) 2 complimentary mocktail drinks, which can be redeemed at the lobby lounge before 7pm 3) Complimentary breakfast for 2 pax 4) Complimentary parking 5) 2 Adventure Waterpark tickets during your stay The room was clean and lovely, with a nice balcony. After settling in, we went for a swim at the pool. When we were back in the room, I was surprised by the lovely setup in the room! The man booked their Valentine’s Day in-room dining package and was secretly arranging with the staff for setup and service! Great effort and service by the staff! And kudos to the man who planned all these! PS: we did not manage to go for the Adventure Waterpark due to heavy rain

The most versatile hotel I've ever been to... The staff was friendly and always smile even when its late at night and the energy there were pufff...hype!!!

Our family getaway at Sand & Sandals Desaru was pure bliss from start to finish. Tucked along the coast, the resort offered a beautiful beachfront view that put us instantly in vacation mode. The sound of the waves complemented the laid-back tropical vibe—and yes, we spent plenty of time just lounging on the sand, watching the kids build sandcastles and chase waves. The rooms were clean, bright, and spacious enough for our energetic clan. We appreciated the fresh decor, comfy bedding, and that refreshing air-conditioned welcome after a hot afternoon outdoors. One of the highlights was the spa—a serene escape where we indulged in a soothing massage and feeling utterly relaxed. It felt like a mini spa retreat without having to leave the resort. Mealtime was a breeze with several dining options. We enjoyed beachside BBQs, buffet spreads, and casual café bites. Fresh seafood, local Malay dishes, and international comfort food ensured everyone was happy and well-fed. Activities-wise, there was something for everyone—beach volleyball, paddleboarding, pool play for the kids, and evening entertainment that made nights special. We even tried the resort’s family-friendly games and craft sessions, which added a thoughtful touch to our stay. The resort staff were genuinely warm, always greeting us with smiles and helping with anything we needed—from pool towels to snack recommendations. Their hospitality really enhanced the whole experience. If you’re planning a relaxed seaside escape in Desaru with family, Sand & Sandals offers the perfect mix of beachfront charm, thoughtful amenities, and heartfelt service. #summervacay #DesaruBeach #FamilyResort #BeachHoliday #SpaRetreat #MalaysiaTrip #SandAndSandals #DesaruResort #BeachVacation #FamilyGetaway #TropicalEscape #malaysia #desaru

Hardrock hotel desaru it very best , foods , live bnads beach share with wistin desaru cost . Kids friendly..

Amongst the very few good options avaiabke for westen food and desert. Desaru 899 is by far the best. While the prices may not seem budget friendly at first but this is typically a once a while place and when you do so it's okay for the prices to be slightly more. Moreover the qualtiy of food and beverages is very good. we tried several of their desserts and coffee variations. The main course pasta and sandwiches we tried before were okay but the desserts were the highlight of the visit. #tesaruonbudget#familytravel

#tesaruonbudget One of my favorite quiet finds in Desaru was this café called Coffeeholic. It's a simple, cozy place with friendly staff and a great selection of pastries. The moment I saw the display filled with buttery croissants, danish, and puffs, I knew I had to try something. I chose a cinnamon roll with raisins, a savory puff, and a chilled chocolate drink. Everything was fresh, and the combo of sweet and savory was perfect for a late brunch. It’s one of those low-key gems that make budget travel feel extra rewarding.

#tesaruonbudget Desaru isn’t just about beaches—it has cute cafés too! Coffeeholic totally surprised me with its affordable prices and lovely interior. From soft couches to art on the wall, it felt like the perfect hideout from the heat. I got myself an iced chocolate drink and some fresh bakes from the pastry counter. My favorite? The soft, raisin-topped bun—it was both sweet and satisfying. For a low-cost café stop with great ambience, Coffeeholic deserves a shoutout!

#tesaruonbudget Located just across from the Four Points Hotel in Bandar Penawar, Le Cloud Cafe Desaru is a delightful spot that blends cozy dining with kid-friendly charm. The café’s standout feature is its indoor mini playground, making it a hit among families looking for a relaxed meal while keeping little ones entertained. The ambiance is airy and welcoming, with a casual layout that doesn’t feel overcrowded even during busy hours. Parents will also appreciate thoughtful amenities like a nursing room, which adds to the overall convenience and comfort. The menu at Le Cloud Cafe is as inviting as its atmosphere, offering a mix of Western and Asian fusion dishes. One of the crowd favorites is the Seafood Tomyam Pasta, praised for its generous portion and bold, satisfying flavor. Prices are reasonable, and the service is friendly and attentive, making the experience feel personal and unrushed. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch or a weekend treat with the kids, Le Cloud Cafe delivers a warm, family-oriented dining experience that’s both practical and enjoyable.

#tesaruonbudget Who says eating well on a trip has to cost a lot? In Desaru, I found this comforting combo — creamy mushroom soup, crunchy onion rings, and a fresh salad — all served up in a relaxing, budget-friendly café. It looked simple on the table, but tasted like something made with care. It was the kind of meal that filled me up without making me feel too full — just nice for a light dinner or sharing with a friend. Pair it with a chilled drink, and you’ve got a cozy meal that’s wallet-friendly and mood-lifting. A must-try for anyone who loves variety on a plate!

#tesaruonbudget Who knew salad, mushroom soup, and onion rings would go so well together? I was looking for something not too heavy but still flavorful, and this mix hit the spot. The creamy soup warmed me up, the salad added freshness, and the crispy onion rings gave that perfect crunch I craved. All three had different textures and tastes, but they blended so well in one meal. Dining at GravyBaby in Desaru doesn’t have to mean big meals or big bills. This combo was tasty, filling, and friendly on the wallet. Whether you’re on a solo trip or with friends, this light yet satisfying meal is great for recharging after a beach day or road trip stop.

#tesaruonbudget One of my favourite foodie moments during my Desaru trip was when I paired a slice of cheesecake with a tray of cheesy nachos — an unexpected combo that actually worked wonders! The nachos were crispy and smothered with all the good stuff: creamy cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Then came the cheesecake — rich, smooth, and just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the savoury. I really enjoyed how GravyBaby lets you mix things up — whether you’re craving comfort food or dessert, you can get both without overspending. The vibe was lively but cozy, making it the perfect spot to relax and treat myself after a long day. If you’re in Desaru and looking for a quirky yet budget-friendly duo to munch on, give this sweet and savoury combo a try!

#tesaruonbudget One of my favorite food stops in Desaru was GravyBaby — and not just for their pretty lights! I went for a simple order: crispy chicken wings and a plate of golden onion rings. The wings had the right amount of spice and crunch, and the onion rings came in big, satisfying bites. It was finger food heaven! The best part? It didn’t feel expensive at all. The portion was decent, the flavors were on point, and the setting felt like a slice of city nightlife right in Desaru. Whether you're winding down after a long beach day or just craving something fried and fun — this combo hits the spot without hurting your wallet.