And bask in the pleasures of the Anantara Desaru Beach Resort with Mx C

Getting to the Anantara Desaru Beach Resort is easy. One can book a ride on the ferry (now running Thurs – Sun trips) from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal. Alternatively, by car, it is a short 2.5 hours drive door to door. Janiqueel and my child (we call them “Mx C”) were on our way to a dreamcation in Malaysia at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.

We were so excited!

But hungry. We promised ourselves we would wait to eat until we had checked in (easy) sorted our luggage, and eyed our deluxe sea view room with its sweeping panorama of the beach and the South China Sea. But, hunger called. We headed for the restaurant we had chosen, the Tumeric – “All-day dining with colonial charm.” 

Turmeric Restaurant

Having studied the online menu, we were ready and eager to order. Kekapis dan Kerabu Pelam –  Pan Seared Scallops – our choices Tod Mon Poo – Crab & Prawn Meat Cake and Massaman Kea – Slow Braised Lamb in Massaman Curry. Add cold drinks and good company; you’ve got a LUNCH to remember. And it’s just the beginning of our sparkling visit to Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas. So far, so VERY good! So good, that we returned for dinner on Day Two.

Later, but still, on the first day of our Desaru Adventure, we ate at the elegant, open-air, sea-view-enhanced restaurant, SEA. FIRE. SALT. After a day of walking, swimming, basking, and hard-core relaxation, Mx C and I were ready to be pampered some more with a trip to Anantara Desaru’s signature restaurant. We were not disappointed.

Having dined al fresco for lunch, we (especially my young companion) were fortunate to find a nice table near the show kitchen where the chef and staff were happy ready, and willing to show off their talents while showing off the food that would soon be excellently-prepared and delivered to our waiting appetites. Sweet Pea Risotto was my friend’s choice. For me? I couldn’t resist the Seafood tasting platter served on a block of pink himalaya salt. To. Die. For.

 At SEA.FIRE.SALT. seafront restaurant

After lunch, there was time to enjoy our Deluxe Sea View Corner Room and have a tête-à-tête to discuss our plan for the afternoon’s activities. I was eager to roam along the dazzling coastal beach letting the soft susurration of the waves provide the rhythm to our wanderings along the Desaru Coast. Mx C, on the other hand, had other, more active plans – a visit to Adventure Waterpark, just a short walk from the resort. That short walk gave me and Mx C, a taste for the smooth white sands beach stretching as far as our eyes could see. 

Adventure Waterpark

With a Malaysian fishing village as a backdrop, Adventure Waterpark attracted us with superlatives. “One of the world’s biggest waterparks.” “One of the Biggest Wave Pools in the world.” “A First-of-its-Kind Water Coaster in the region.” After hearing those glowing descriptions, Mx C was sold on a visit for our first afternoon on Desaru Beach.

Shuttle bus services are provided to get to Adventure Waterpark from Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas. It took 5-mins to get there!

Slides are a big deal here. Slip and slide on more than twenty wet and dry slides where gravity does the work and the sliders reap the thrilling benefits. Yes, Mx C tried them all and was ready for more. First, though, we were ready to investigate other delights like the Penawar River where brave visitors can try Wild Whirl, Super Twister, Riptide. Also, The Tempest – rides that toss young beach bums around in a wild watery world. The thrills! Mx C gave this adventure two thumbs up.

Tg Belungkor Mangrove tour

In subsequent days, the intrepid Mx C and I were keen for 1 tour: the Eco tour Mangrove Cruising. For a half-day, we joined the Mangrove Cruise learning important conservation facts and getting up close and personal with the coastal flora and fauna. Just 30-mins drive from Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, we arrive at Tg Belungkor jetty. The mangrove cruise took about 2-hours which flew by quick as it was educational and super fun!

Layang Layang Kids Club

For kids, especially, the resort provided a whole bunch of fun and educational options for Mx C. For sheer fun among like-minded youngsters, the  Layang Layang Kids Club was a welcome diversion for Mx C. who missed the company of other kids. The staff provided many activities and playtimes.

Anantara Spa

While my son busied himself in the action, I took my well-deserved break at the nearby Anantara Spa. After the action, I and Mx C were happy to discover a cozy library stocked with books and games. Beach games, bird-watching (led by expert staff), and an agro-tourism-based tour of a fruit farm. You name it! Has kept us busy and helped us learn a lot more about the tropical coast and its denizens. 

On our first evening and subsequent sundowns, we strolled the beach and soaked up the magnificence of the sunset across the South China Sea. On other days, I enjoyed the Anantara Signature Massage while my travel buddy enjoyed a few hours in Layang Layang Kids Club. This, I soon discovered, is a world-class spa. I enjoyed every minute of “me-time”.

We built some great memories, Mx C and me. “I wanna go again!” Exclaimed the young lad on the return car ride to Singapore. 

So do I!

Lagoon Pool

Super relaxing lounge pool 1.2 metres deep great for kids and adults of all ages. Easily I swam a few laps for workout.

Infinity Pool

Incredible panoramic view of South China Sea as we bask in the sun with cocktails.

Recreational

There is so much to do at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas. Kids club and teens club to name a few. Bicycles are available throughout the resort at many stations. Easy!

Research and writing help from JKJ