Desaru Link Ferry Services
Every Singaporean would be familiar with Johor Bahru – but the true fans of our friendly neighbour across the causeway? You guys would know about Desaru Coast, a beach resort enclave just about an hour’s drive away from central JB. And if you don’t drive, it’s now just a short boat ride away via Desaru Link Ferry Services.
New ferry service between Singapore and Johor
Previously, a trip to Desaru Coast entailed either traffic jams at the causeway or a boat ride to Tanjung Belungkor Ferry Terminal topped with a 35-minute drive.Â
But the new ferry service will get you to the area’s main resorts in just under 90 minutes. For now, the service will loop between Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal from Thursdays to Sundays. The single round trip departs at 8.30am from Singapore, and at 5.30pm from Desaru.
Check-in for the ferry is quick and easy. Unlike air travel, which requires a few hours before check-in, you can get away with arriving an hour before departure to clear immigration.
Since we’re still in pandemic times, just remember to download the MySejahtera app (Apple Store | Google Play) to update your vaccination status, and fill in the pre-departure form before you reach Desaru. And when you return, submit your SG Arrival Card online before immigration again.
The ferry service itself is operated by BatamFast, and can carry up to 338 passengers on board. The lower deck seats passengers in rows, but if you’re travelling in larger groups, the upper deck might be more comfortable with its plush lounge booths.
Feel free to roam about if you can’t sit still. You can walk out onto the decks to look out at the ocean or snap holiday selfies for your feed.
Things to do at Desaru Coast
While most take a quick day trip to JB to check out new cafes or the handful of new shopping malls for a good deal, consider Desaru Coast for an extended stay to escape the hustle and bustle.
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.
It’s home to a myriad of resorts like Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, where there’s direct access to the beach, and picturesque views of the ocean almost everywhere you turn.
Book a stay at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.
Every suite at One&Only Desaru Coast comes with a personal plunge pool.
There’s also the ultra-luxurious One&Only Desaru Coast that only has private suites, each one fitted with your own plunge or lap pool, so you can take a dip at any time of the day.
Book a stay at One&Only Desaru Coast.
Families with kids, the Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast will be right up your alley with its kids’ club, and toy and candy store.
Book a stay at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast.
You can private cabanas to safekeep your valuables and lounge about, while the rest of the fam play at Adventure Waterpark.
Plus, it’s located within walking distance of Adventure Waterpark. It’s the largest waterpark in Malaysia with the largest wave pool in Asia. It’s just like swimming in an ocean, minus the sand and seaweed.
Book a trip to Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark.
While the kids enjoy themselves at the waterpark, parents can sneak off for much-needed couple time alone at The Westin Desaru Coast. Their Heavenly Spa is just as its name suggests… heavenly, with its private massage rooms facing the ocean.
Book a stay The Westin Desaru Coast.
Go for a weekend getaway to Desaru Coast
Now that the ferry service has officially launched, those who’ve been wanting to visit this idyllic beachfront hideaway can do so even without a car. Pack your bags – the sun, sand, and sea are waiting.
Find out more about Desaru Coast & its ferry service here
For more Malaysia travel content, check out:
Originally published on 15th March 2022. Last updated on 8th July 2022.
This article was co-written by Kezia Tan and Raewyn Koh.
Photography by Brad Lee.
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. However, all opinions are ours.
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
