Desaru, Johor
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WHERE TO EAT
SENGAT SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Teluk Sengat, Kota Tinggi, Johor
(Tel.: +6 07 895 5116; Teluk Sengat; From RM150 per group of 10; Time: 11.30AM-10PM)
What: One of the many seafood restaurants available in Kota Tinggi that serves fresh catches of the day. Diners get to enjoy tasty meals by the seafront, watching the sunset.Why: After a full day of activities, you deserve to treat yourself to a satisfying meal of seafood freshly caught from the sea.
Must try: Nyonya fish, Chilli crab, and Pepper crab.
WHAT TO DO
CROC WORLD TELUK SENGAT
Teluk Sengat, Kota Tinggi, Johor
(Tel.: +6 07 895 5220; Teluk Sengat; Adult/Child: RM8/RM4; Time: 9AM-6PM)
What: Opened since the 1920s, this crocodile farm has about 1,000 salt water crocodiles, including one that is more than 135 years old!
Why: Meet the oldest inmate in Croc World, and also, if you’re brave enough, you may pet the baby crocodiles, or even kiss them!
DESARU OSTRICH FARM
Sungai Rengit, Kota Tinggi, Johor
(Tel.: +6 07 826 5846; Sungai Rengit; Adult/Child: RM10/RM6; Time: 10AM-6PM)
What: An ostrich farm with some 300 big birds roaming free in their natural habitat.Why: You can get up close and personal with the birds, maybe try out some delectable dishes made out of ostrich eggs, such as satay and marble cake, or even purchase some lamps made out of empty ostrich eggshells.
DESARU FRUIT FARM
Desaru, Kota Tinggi, Johor
(Tel.: +6 07 822 5886; http://www.desaruff.com; Desaru; Adult/Child: RM18/RM15; Time: 8AM-6PM)
What: A 50-acre fruit farm with a huge collection of fruits growing, such as durian, rambutan and mangosteen, papaya, banana, pineapple and many more.
Why: Try out a table full of fruits freshly plucked from the orchard, and even buy a few bundles back.
TANJUNG BALAU FISHING VILLAGE
Tanjung Balau, Kota Tinggi, Johor
(Tanjung Balau; Adult/Child: Free; Time: Daytime)
What: A popular beach with a commercialised fishing village, equipped with facilities such as a food court, children’s playground and souvenir shop.Why: It is a good place for photo enthusiasts to take pictures, and for families to spend a day there relaxing. If you’re lucky, you can meet up with the fishermen coming back with the catch of the day!
FIREFLIES WATCHING
Johor River, Kota Tinggi, Johor
(Tel.: +6 019 779 6385 (Mr Liew – Bujang Boat Service); Johor River; Adult/Child: RM20 per person; Time: From 7.15PM, 45 minutes per trip)
What: A night river cruise along Johor River to check out the abundant firefly colony there. Meals can be provided upon prior request.Why: A quiet and serene way to end your hectic day being in the midst of one of nature’s most beautiful creatures.
WHERE TO STAY
BOB’S HOMESTAY RESORT
Kota Tinggi, Johor
(Tel.: +6 019 355 8889; http://www.bobshomestayresort.com; Kota Tinggi; From RM70)
What: Humble abodes by the Johor River with a host, Bob, who welcomes you with open arms.
Why: You can experience the kampung life in Johor complete with cultural performances and a riverside BBQ, as well as hop on the heritage trail nearby to get to know the history of Johor a little bit more.
DESARU HOLIDAY CHALETS
Desaru, Johor
(Tel.: +6 07 822 1212; http://www.desaruresort.com; Desaru; From RM120nett)
What: The first resort to be opened in Desaru since 1974, with well-maintained and spacious chalets for a quiet family retreat by the beach.
Why: You get to enjoy a bunch of beach, sea and land activities, such as sailing, canoeing, trekking and go-karting, or you can just lay by the beach and take in the serenity.
SEBANA COVE MARINA RESORT
Pengerang, Johor
(Tel.: +6 07 826 6688; http://www.sebanacove.com; Pengerang; From RM280++; 4-star rating)
What: A high standard resort with one of the best marina views available. It is an architectural masterpiece amidst natural surroundings, with a wide range of facilities and amenities.Why: If you prefer a more comfortable accommodation, as well as a waterfront view to take your breath away every morning.