3d2n desaru trip
Depart from Singapore via Woodland or Tuas checkpoint
Breakfast stop at roast & coffee - retro garden 1968
* about 10 mins drive from (woodland) JB checkpoint
Breakfast stop at good times Cafe
* about 7 mins drive from (tuas) JB checkpoint
# Journey take about 1 hrs 10 mins from roast & coffee / good times cafe to desaru fruit farm
Drive to desaru fruit farm (open 9am to 6pm)
~ only spend about 2 hours here cos most trees does not have fruits on it. There is ATV ride available here.
lunch at rasa sayang nanyang Cafe
** about 6 mins drive from fruit farm
SKS City Mall (open : 10am to 10pm)
** about 2 mins drive from sayang nanyang cafe
** very small two storey mall - got bowling, watsons, mini supermart
Check in Hard Rock Hotel / Westin Hotel
** about 10 mins drive
** westin double bed is slightly bigger than hard rock Double bed.
Dinner at Desaru seafood corner
** about 10 mins drive from hotel
back to hotel rest / listen to live band at hard rock (8:30PM - 11:15PM except Monday)
Day 2
Settle breakfast at hotel
Play at adventure waterpark (open : 10am to 6pm)
suggest buy tickets either at waterpark website or online site such as klook in advance. Ticket at counter will be more expensive.
Back to hotel clean up & take a short rest/nap
Dinner at 一品香美食阁 (zi char)
** about 12 mins drive from hotel
Drive to Kota Tinggi Firefly Park
** about 35 mins from Dinner place
~ managed to catch the last time slot (end at 8.30pm) boat ride. Worth experience, bought some fireworks there to play.
Back to hotel rest
** about 45 mins drive
Day 3
Settle breakfast at hotel
Chill at swimming pool or stroll at the beach(next to Westin hotel)
packed & check out hotel
Drive to desaru mini zoo (open : 9am to 7pm)
**about 35 mins drive from hotel, there is also ATV ride here, much cheaper than fruit farm.
Lunch at yard & co cafe (open 12noon-10pm on weekday / 11am-10pm on weekend)
** about 15 mins drive from mini zoo
set out & drive to JB or back to Singapore
# for those driving EV cars, only hard rock hotel carpark can charge but is open air.
If you're planning a 3-day, 2-night trip to Desaru, here are some helpful tips based on my experience that will make your trip even better. When crossing from Singapore, choosing between the Woodland and Tuas checkpoints can affect the timing of your journey. Woodland is generally busier during peak hours, so if you prefer a smoother drive, Tuas may be a better option in the mornings or weekends. For breakfast, I tried both Roast & Coffee - Retro Garden 1968 near the Woodland route and Good Times Cafe near Tuas. Both offer great breakfasts with cozy vibes, but Roast & Coffee stands out with its nostalgic retro setting. At Desaru Fruit Farm, although many trees weren’t bearing fruits, the available ATV rides added excitement. For better value, you might want to try the ATV ride at Desaru Mini Zoo on the last day, which was much cheaper and just as fun. The Adventure Waterpark tickets are best bought online, such as via Klook, to save some money instead of paying at the counter. Also, plan to arrive early to enjoy all the slides and pools before it closes at 6 pm. When choosing accommodation, the Westin’s double bed room felt slightly bigger and more comfortable compared to the Hard Rock Hotel, but the Hard Rock’s lively atmosphere with live band performances in the evening makes it worth considering if you enjoy entertainment. Dinner spots like Rasa Sayang Nanyang Cafe offer tasty local delights, and visiting the Kota Tinggi Firefly Park at night is a magical experience not to be missed. Remember to check boat ride slots to catch the last trips, as I did. Lastly, for those driving electric vehicles, be aware that the Hard Rock Hotel carpark is the only place with EV charging available, though it is an open-air station. These little details can make your Desaru getaway more comfortable and enjoyable. Happy traveling!
