Desaru

One of the great things about renting a car while you’re in Singapore is that there is so much to see not only on the island itself, but also in neighboring Malaysia. One place we suggest is worth a look is Desaru. Just an hour and a half from Singapore sits this pristine white-sand beach location. Gone is the city buzz, replaced by the calm of an idyllic setting which urges you to just sit back and relax. The drive to Desaru is a good one for those who want an introduction to Malaysian life. The road takes you from the southern city of Johor Bahru and through the town of Kota Tinggi before arriving at Desaru. Once you’re there, slow down and look out for some of the wildlife along the road, including large families of monkeys. The main beach of Desaru is lined by several resorts that cater to every budget, from the top-end resort hotels, to the budget beach chalets that are popular with backpackers. Also, there’s the Desaru Golf and Country Club if you fancy 18 holes, and a range of other adventure sports if just lying on the beach isn’t your style. FORUM: Discuss Desaru with other visitors Getting there: Getting to Desaru is easy by car. From Singapore, just drive to either the Woodlands Checkpoint or the Second Link at Tuas to cross over into Malaysia. The toll for using the Woodlands Checkpoint is S$1.20 while the Second Link will cost you S$3.20 (the Second Link is less congested so it’s worth the extra money). Once accross and in Malaysia, just follow the signs first to Kota Tinggi, then on to Desaru. The full journey will take you about one hour 30 minutes. The route is well signposted so you shouldn’t even need a map. Accommodation in Desaru: Desaru Perdana Beach Resort Tel: +60 7 822 2222 Weeday price: from RM270 Weekend price: from RM320 Desaru Golden Beach Hotel Tel: +60 7 822 1101 Weeday price: from RM150 Weekend price: from RM240 Desaru Holiday Chalet Tel: +60 7 822 1211 Weeday price: from RM120 Weekend price: from RM180 Desaru Adventure Camp Tel: +60 7 822 1205 Weeday price: from RM60 Weekend price: from RM60 La Camara Tel: +60 7 838 3333 Weeday price: from RM250 Weekend price: from RM330 Golf packages: Golf stay and play (one night accommodation + 18 holes of golf per person) packages are available from the Desaru Golf and Country Club. Tel: +60 7 822 2333 Prices: RM110 RM198 Rent your car: To rent a car from Avis, visit or call one of the locations listed below. Make sure you mention you are wanting to go to Malaysia. Call Avis on +65 6737 1668 at the Singapore downtown location, or +65 6542 8855 at the airport. Alternitively, book online by clicking the "Rent your car" link above.