A Desaru Coast weekend getaway is one of the easiest short breaks a Singapore-based traveller can plan. Sitting on the south-eastern tip of Johor, this purpose-built resort strip pairs quiet beaches with big-name hotels, a giant waterpark and championship golf, and it is barely 90 minutes away by ferry. If you have done Bintan and Batam to death, Desaru Coast is the fresh long-weekend fix. Here is a practical 2026 guide with fares, resort picks and costs in SGD.
Why choose Desaru Coast for a weekend getaway
Desaru Coast is a master-planned destination rather than a town, which is exactly why it works for a fuss-free break. Everything, meaning the resorts, the waterpark, the golf courses and the beaches, is clustered within a short drive of the ferry terminal, so you can check in and be on the sand within the hour. It is calmer than Batam, more polished than most of Bintan, and close enough that you never lose a full day to travel. Families love the waterpark, couples come for the spa-and-beach reset, and golfers make the trip for The Els Club alone.
Getting to Desaru Coast: ferry or drive
By ferry from Tanah Merah
The most relaxing option is the direct ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal. The crossing takes about 90 minutes and runs Thursday to Monday, departing Singapore at 8.30am and returning from Desaru at 5.30pm. Fares are around S$70 one way or S$108 return, inclusive of surcharges and terminal fees. From the Desaru terminal, a free shuttle links the main resorts, so you can travel car-free for the whole trip.
By road via the Causeway or Second Link
If you prefer to drive, Desaru Coast is roughly a 1.5 to 2 hour journey from the checkpoints, traffic permitting. Driving gives you the freedom to explore beyond the resort strip, but weekend jams at the Causeway can eat into that saved time, so leave early. Whichever way you go, you will clear Malaysian immigration, so make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity.
Where to stay: Desaru Coast beachfront resorts
Desaru Coast’s headline draw is its cluster of beachfront resorts, each with a slightly different personality:
- The Westin Desaru Coast Resort – a reliable family all-rounder with 275 rooms, a private beach, watersports and the signature Heavenly beds.
- Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast – lively and music-themed, sitting right beside the Adventure Waterpark and Els Club golf, ideal if you want everything on your doorstep.
- Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas – the calmer, more indulgent pick, with garden villas and a grown-up spa vibe.
- One&Only Desaru Coast – the ultra-luxury option for a special-occasion splurge.
Budget-friendly stays start from around S$62 a night at smaller properties, while the branded beach resorts typically sit in the S$180 to S$400 range depending on the season. For a similar island alternative, compare notes with our Bintan weekend getaway guide or the ever-popular Batam weekend getaway guide.
Things to do in Desaru Coast
Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast
One of Malaysia’s largest waterparks is the reason many families make the trip. Expect a big wave pool, a tangle of slides and gentler rides for younger children. Tickets start from about S$23 per person and the park runs from 10am to 6pm, so it is easy to fold a half-day of splashing into a two-night stay.
Golf at The Els Club and beach time
Golfers are spoilt with two courses at The Els Club Desaru Coast: the Ocean Course designed by Ernie Els and the Valley Course shaped with Vijay Singh, plus a full academy for beginners. Away from the fairways, the long stretches of quiet sand are perfect for a lazy afternoon, and seafood dinners round out the day nicely. For a change of pace on future trips, keep an eye on the new flights in our Changi Airport new routes guide.
What a Desaru Coast weekend getaway costs
Here is a rough per-person budget for a two-night trip, travelling by ferry and staying at a mid-range beach resort:
- Return ferry: about S$108
- Two nights, mid-range resort (twin-share): around S$180 to S$300 per person
- Adventure Waterpark ticket: from S$23
- Meals and incidentals: S$80 to S$120
- Indicative total: roughly S$400 to S$550 per person
Practical tips before you go
- Fill in the MDAC. Complete the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online within three days of your trip before you cross.
- Carry some ringgit. Cards are widely accepted at the resorts, but small stalls and taxis often prefer cash.
- Book the ferry early. With only one round trip a day and no service on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, weekend sailings sell out fast.
- Check resort shuttles. Confirm the free terminal shuttle covers your hotel, or arrange a transfer in advance.
With a short ferry ride, a tidy line-up of beach resorts and enough to keep both kids and golfers happy, a Desaru Coast weekend getaway is the low-effort long weekend that Singapore travellers keep coming back to. Book the ferry, pack light and you could be on the beach before lunch.
Prices and schedules are accurate at the time of writing (July 2026) and may change. Always confirm fares and timings with the operator before booking.
