Zipping across the Malaysia border makes for solid day trips. But if you’re planning a proper getaway for long weekends or the holiday season, consider venturing further than the list of things to do near the JB Causeway.
Located a 1.5-hour bus ride away from JB Sentral is Desaru Coast. And one of the must-do activities in Desaru? Hitting up the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark. Here are all the thrills and spills you can look forward to:
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.30 as of 29th October 2024.
While there’s no age restriction, children 12 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. There’s a minimum height requirement for each ride at the Desaru water thee park, ranging from 107cm-122cm.
| Attraction | Minimum Height Requirement | Thrill of ride |
| Kraken’s Revenge | 110cm | 5/5 |
| The Tempest | 122cm | 4/5 |
| Swinging Ship | 110cm | 3/5 |
| Tidal Wave Beach | 122cm | 2/5 |
| Penawar River | 122cm | 1/5 |
| Surf Wall | 107cm | 3/5 |
| Riptide | 122cm | 5/5 |
| Wild Whirl | 122cm | 4/5 |
| Starfish Splash | 122cm | 0/5 |
| Scallywags | 122cm | 0/5 |
Here’s an overview of the ticket prices at the Desaru water theme park:
| Visitors | Price per ticket |
| Tourists | RM130/adult RM120/child & senior citizen |
| Local Malaysians | RM85/adult RM65/child & senior citizen |
| Johor residents | RM70/adult RM55/child & senior citizen |
The age range for children is 3-11 years old, while senior citizen applies to those aged 65 years and above. Kids below 3 are entitled to free entry.
Located along the quiet east coast of Malaysia, the Desaru water theme park spans 100,000sqm – roughly the size of the Singapore Expo – and houses over 20 attractions. From relaxing river-rides like the Penawar River to exhilarating water slides like The Tempest, you’ll be free to determine the thrill level of your little adventure.
Certified adrenaline chasers can go full Rambo and start with the most exhilarating ride. Enter Kraken’s Revenge – a roller coaster flume ride that sends you through a 360-degree loop before plunging you down at roughly 70 km/h into a splashing, heart-stopping finish.
Thrill factor: 5/5
A little further down the park is a monstrously huge funnel, none other than The Tempest. At the mouth of the ride, I asked the staff if this ride is as scary as it looked from below. He laughed and said “no”. I later learned, as I fell backwards and at full speed into the vortex for many spins around the circumference, that we have different ideas of what “scary” means.
Thrill factor: 4/5
By now, your heart should be beating at twice its normal rate. Good news, we’re slowing things down … but only a little.
The Swinging Ship is Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark’s rendition of the classic viking ship. This replica pirate ship oscillates beside the 13m high Penawar Falls, so you may just catch a glimpse of the top of the waterfall when it swings to an unnerving 180 degrees.
Thrill factor: 3/5
Image credit: Klook
Another step down the thrill ladder is the Tidal Wave Beach. Measuring close to 3 acres and holding over 4 million gallons of water, it is one of the largest wave pools in the world to date. Here you can choose either to loll in the water or head further into where the tidal waves are generated.
Careful not to underestimate the force of the waves. Sure, it’s just water, but if you’ve ever been to a beach, you’ll know how deceptive tidal waves can be. These man-made ones are no different!
Thrill factor: 2/5
Image adapted from: @cass_zx & @salinasaini via Instagram
Here’s where you can catch a breather from all that speed-sliding and plummeting, and just go full chillax mode. Float down the serene 350m Penawar River and calm yourself amid the lush tree-lined riverbank.
This attraction is open to all, but children below the height of 122cm will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Thrill factor: 1/5
True to its name, Surf Wall is the perfect ride to brush up on your surfing skills. It’s catered to both beginners and pro-surfers so you can surf at your own pace regardless of your skill level. Those who have better core strength and balance can try their hand surfing, while those who are just starting out can opt to boogie board first, as it doesn’t require standing on the board.
Thrill factor: 3/5
Looking at the steep twists and angles, you can be sure that Riptide is not a water slide for the faint of heart. This ride, which holds 2-4 people per raft, takes you through 3 intense twists at top speed. The first twist will have you sliding back and forth before circling through one big loop closer to the exit. Hang on tight, as you’ll be subject to 2 more twists quickly after.
Thrill factor: 5/5
Image credit: @adventurewaterpark via Instagram
With Wild Whirl, you can expect to experience a steep drop right from the get-go before being pushed towards a wide-open bowl. No worries about tipping over and being “flushed” down, the raft sticks close to the wall as you twist and turn. You’ll then drop sharply into the centre chute for a quick exit towards the splash pool at the bottom.
Thrill factor: 4/5
Your little ones won’t miss out on the fun, as there are dedicated play zones with age-appropriate rides. Swing by the Scallywags water playground for attractions that are tame enough even for toddlers, while still ensuring they’ll have a ball of a time.
Over at Starfish Splash, the more daring kiddos can take on rides like a tube slide, or race their siblings in multi-lane water slides.
Thrill factor: 0/5
Image credit: Desaru Coast
Ride after ride would probably make you hungry. Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark’s main restaurant, Kelong Eatery, has just what you’ll need to quell those bothersome hunger pangs. They serve a mix of Western and Asian cuisine, with dishes like Fish and Chips (RM23.90) and Stir-Fried Black Pepper Chicken with Rice (RM14.90).
Image credit: Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast via Facebook
The restaurant grants a view of the Kraken’s Revenge pool area, so you’ll get to witness fellow thrillseekers splashing to their hearts’ content as you chow down.
Fast food from River Grill.
Image credit: Desaru Coast
If you’re just hankering for a quick bite or something you quench your thirst, other F&B options at the waterpark are the Octo-Bites Cafe, Surf’s Up Juice Bar, and River Grill – a fast food joint serving classics like burgers, hot dogs, and fries.
After a fun-filled day expending all your energy under the sun, the last thing you want is a long commute to some far-away accommodation. Make your future self thank you by booking a stay at one of the hotels and resorts situated near Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark. There are several options of varying budgets.
Image credit: Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast
Located the closest to the water park and available at the cheapest rates out of all the options, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast is a no-frills option that’s suitable for families. The rooms are far from shabby, with cosy wooden furniture and colourful murals that’ll make lovely backdrops for wefies with the fam.
Rates: From RM494/night for the Superior King room
Image credit: The Westin Desaru Coast Resort
A stone’s throw away from Hard Rock Hotel is The Westin Desaru Coast Resort. For a slight jump in prices, you can spend your holiday in spacious suites big enough to house large families or travelling friend groups. Bookmark this if you’re the type who values alone time, and need a private space to recharge after a full day of adventures.
Rates: From RM588/night for the Garden View Guest Room
Image credit: Jee Kian Koh via Google Maps
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is where you can get a taste of island living from RM904/night. It’s just 4 minutes away from the water park by car – or a 16-minute leisurely stroll – and you’ll get to wake up and wind down to gorgeous palm trees, pools and jacuzzis galore, and an all-round tranquil atmosphere to inspire some serious R&R.
Rates: From RM904/night for the Deluxe Garden View Room
Image credit: One & Only Desaru Coast
For romantic getaways or to celebrate a special occasion, One & Only Desaru Coast would be a worthy splurge. Priced around the S$1,000/night mark, the 5-star resort is a 7-minute ride away from the water park. The white brick finishes give the resort a faux-Grecian vibe, and you can opt for the rooms with private pools and outdoor tubs for a true taste of luxury.
Rates: From RM2,805/night for the Rainforest Junior Suite
Now that you’re sold on the water park, let’s talk logistics. We have a full Singapore to Desaru transport guide at your disposal, so take a gander and see which option is most convenient and suitable for you and your travel companions. You can opt to journey there via ferry, private hire vehicle, a bus transfer from JB, or even a lil roadtrip on your own.
If you’re making your way over to Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark with Kota Tinggi Bus Terminal as your starting point, it’ll be about a 50-minute car ride or 1 hour and 45 minutes via bus.
The water park is situated about a 15-minute walk from Desaru Beach, so make sure you allocate time in your itinerary to swing by and enjoy the sun and sand amidst your ridin’ and slidin’ adventure.
This post was brought to you by Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, Malaysia.
Last updated by Kelly Lai on 29th October 2024.
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