Desaru · Johor · Malaysia
Desaru Family Getaway — Easy 3D2N Itinerary
Nature, sunshine, beaches, and fresh seafood — one of JB's most popular travel spots, perfect for a quick family escape to relax, eat, and play all in one go.
3D2N Itinerary Alpaca Farm Beach Temple Village Family-Friendly
About This Itinerary
Desaru is one of the most well-rounded family destinations in Johor — close enough for a quick escape but packed with enough variety to fill three full days comfortably. This itinerary covers animal farms, free beaches, heritage temples, sunset jetties, seaside cafés, and some of the best fresh seafood on the east coast. No filler, no rushing — just a genuinely good family trip.
Animal Farm
Desaru Alpaca Farm
A great first stop for families. Get up close with over 25 animals including alpacas, raccoons, kangaroos, deer, and rabbits. It's the kind of place where children don't want to leave and adults find themselves equally entertained.
Café & Lunch
Santai Tepi Pantai Kopitiam
Set inside a rainforest glasshouse, the setting alone makes this worth a stop. The kopitiam menu offers a solid variety of local dishes at very wallet-friendly prices — a relaxed and atmospheric lunch spot after the farm.
Accommodation
Westin Desaru Resort
Check in and settle into one of Desaru's most comfortable beachfront options. Request a sea view room at booking — waking up to the ocean from your window sets the tone for the whole trip. The resort's private beach access is one of its strongest features.
Free Beach
Tanjung Balau
A free-access beach with a laid-back, unhurried atmosphere. People come here to set up tents, have picnics, or simply walk along the shore. It photographs well and has a genuinely relaxed energy that suits the Desaru pace perfectly.
Family Activity
Johor Horse Carriage
Right next to Tanjung Balau, just a short walk from the beach. Children can enjoy pony rides while adults take in a relaxing horse carriage ride with scenic coastal views — a charming and unhurried way to round off the afternoon.
Dinner
Super Lobster Village
A reliable seafood dinner spot where the food is consistently good and the prices are fair without any surprises. The service is friendly and the portions are generous — a satisfying way to end the first full day in Desaru.
Breakfast
Westin Desaru Resort Buffet
Start day two with the resort's hearty breakfast buffet — a proper spread that sets you up well for a full day of exploring. Taking your time here before heading out is part of the Desaru pace.
Heritage
Temple Village Pengerang
Malaysia's first temple village, bringing together 8 different temples in a single vibrant site. Beyond the spiritual significance, the colourful buildings and distinctive architecture make it one of the most photogenic stops in the entire Desaru area.
Café & Lunch
Yard & Co.
A genuinely aesthetic seaside café with sweeping water views, a wide menu of Western mains, snacks, desserts, and drinks. The kind of place that looks good in photos and delivers equally well on the food. A natural lunch stop after the temple village.
Local Pastry
Kedai Kek Lim Choo Seng
A traditional pastry shop that makes everything fresh daily. The range covers all kinds of classic treats, but the signature salted bean paste pastry is the one not to leave without. A good stop for picking up something to bring home too.
Sunset Spot
Jomis Old Jetty
Once an abandoned structure, Jomis Old Jetty has become one of Desaru's most visited sunset spots. The weathered wooden jetty stretching over calm water makes for striking photos at golden hour — arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to secure the best position.
Dinner
Sin Kong Restaurant
The second evening calls for a proper zi char seafood dinner — and Sin Kong delivers it at genuinely budget-friendly prices. A no-fuss, satisfying end to a full day of sightseeing and café-hopping.
After breakfast, take a slow, relaxing morning stroll along Westin Desaru's private beach — the best way to close out a trip that's been built around slowing down. Head back to your room to pack up at your own pace, then set off for the journey home. When a short holiday comes around, don't waste it in crowds and noise — Desaru is exactly the kind of place that gives the whole family some genuine, peaceful time together.
Common Questions
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
How far is Desaru from Johor Bahru and Singapore?
Desaru is approximately 100 km from Johor Bahru, around a 1.5 to 2 hour drive depending on traffic. From Singapore, the most common route is via the Johor-Singapore Causeway or Second Link into JB, then continuing east — total journey time is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by private car. There is also a ferry service from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Desaru Coast, which takes around 45 minutes and can be a good option for those coming directly from Singapore.
Is Westin Desaru Resort the only accommodation option?
No — Desaru has a range of accommodation from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Other well-known options include Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast for resort-style stays, or more affordable options in nearby Kota Tinggi if you prefer a simpler base. The Westin is recommended for families who want beach access, a good breakfast buffet, and a comfortable mid-range resort experience.
Is Desaru suitable for families with very young children?
Yes, very much so. The Desaru Alpaca Farm is excellent for toddlers and young children who enjoy animals. Tanjung Balau and the resort's private beach are calm and safe for supervised play. The Johor Horse Carriage pony rides are popular with children. The overall pace of Desaru is relaxed, which suits families with young children much better than a fast-paced city itinerary.
What is the best time to visit Jomis Old Jetty?
Late afternoon, between 5 and 7pm, is the best window for visiting Jomis Old Jetty. The sunset light over the water transforms the weathered structure into a genuinely beautiful scene. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes before the actual sunset gives you time to find a good spot and settle in before the best light arrives. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.
How is Temple Village Pengerang different from a regular temple?
Temple Village Pengerang is Malaysia's first multi-temple village — a single site that brings together 8 different temples representing various Chinese deities and traditions. Rather than visiting one temple, you walk through a curated village where each temple has its own character and significance. The colourful facades and compact layout also make it more visually striking than a typical standalone temple, which is why it's become a popular photography spot alongside its spiritual purpose.
Practical Tips
Plan Your Desaru Family Trip Smartly
Request a Sea View Room Early
Sea view rooms at the Westin Desaru Resort are in high demand and not always guaranteed at booking. Mention your preference explicitly when making the reservation and follow up closer to your check-in date. Arriving early on the day also helps — if a sea view room is available, early check-in requests are often accommodated.
Time Jomis Jetty for Golden Hour
The jetty looks its most striking in the 30 to 40 minutes before sunset. Check the sunset time for your travel date in advance and work backwards to plan your arrival. Weekday visits give you a more relaxed experience compared to weekends, when the jetty can get crowded with other photographers.
Buy Pastries at Lim Choo Seng Early
Kedai Kek Lim Choo Seng makes everything fresh daily and popular items sell out as the day progresses. If you plan to buy their signature salted bean paste pastry or other items to bring home, visit in the morning or early afternoon rather than at the end of the day when stock may be limited.
Private Car for a Seamless 3-Day Trip
Desaru's attractions — from the alpaca farm and Tanjung Balau to Temple Village Pengerang and the jetty — are spread across different parts of the area. Navigating between them in an unfamiliar place with children and luggage is significantly easier with a private driver who knows the routes, handles parking, and lets the whole family focus on enjoying the trip.
Travel to Desaru Comfortably with a Private Car
Whether it's a one-day trip or a full 3D2N family getaway, our 24/7 team is ready to help. Book a private car and start your comfortable, hassle-free Desaru journey.