Situated at the southeastern corner of Johor state in Peninsular Malaysia, Desaru Coast is enhancing its natural assets in preparation for new growth opportunities presented by the upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
“Desaru Coast is an ideal destination for MICE and an arena for international events, supported by our connectivity by land, sea and air to Singapore, our gateway market,” said Karina Ridzuan, interim group CEO of Destination Resorts and Hotels.
This month, Mandarin Oriental starts managing the luxury resort vacated by One&Only in May. With full rebranding as Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast in January 2026, it will be the first Mandarin Oriental beach resort in Southeast Asia.
Ridzuan added: “With 800 keys across Desaru Coast – set to double by 2027 with new resorts and residences by Riyaz Group and ECM Libra Group – our MICE guests have the whole destination to dine, meet, golf, relax and play in.”
Singapore operator ONE°15 Marina will offer premium marina facilities and curated sailing experiences at Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, targeted for September. Visiting yachts, sailing events and luxury yacht charters will add pizazz.
Currently, the direct ferry service from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore takes 90 minutes.
While leisure is the dominant segment for the destination, the resort hotels see growth potential in business events, including from Australasia.
The 275-room Westin Desaru Coast Resort, which also runs the Desaru Coast Conference Centre, welcomes corporate retreats, incentive programs, team building activities and mid-sized conferences. Clients from Malaysia and Singapore are largely from banking, insurance, real estate, FMCG and oil and gas.
The 1,252m2 conference centre has a grand ballroom sitting up to 800 pax theatre-style or 600 for banquets. It divides into four smaller rooms and there are another three small meeting rooms.
Partial hotel buyout is possible, particularly during shoulder or low seasons.
Colby Choo, Westin’s director of sales and marketing, explained: “The elongated design and flexible room inventory make us suitable for exclusive or semi-exclusive arrangements, depending on group size and requirements. We’re open to discussing tailored solutions based on business needs and event objectives.”
Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast has 365 guest rooms and suites and allows seasonal room buyouts. Known for its rock and roll image, the hotel nonetheless picks up meetings, team building and retreats mainly from Malaysia, Singapore, China and Indonesia.
Avalon Hall holds about 140 pax in theatre set-up, but it can be split into three smaller rooms, which may also be paired in twos.
Delegates can easily adjourn from Avalon to The Elephant & The Butterfly bar nearby for a 30 – 50 pax poolside party. Woodstock Lawn takes larger gatherings of up to 200 pax in open-air or tented cluster seating.
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas comprises 115 rooms, villas and residences. Besides corporate retreats and team building events, it is also popular for product launches. Current markets are Malaysia, Singapore, Russia and India.
The ballroom, divisible into two, takes 168 pax in theatre-seating or 100 pax at banquets. Two small rooms allow for U-shape and boardroom layouts of six to 11 pax.
Cocktail receptions are held on the outdoor terrace, but the Observatory Bar may also be hired, subject to a minimum spend. Special theme parties can be arranged, even on the beach, with a marquee.
Anantara allows buyouts at special group rates across all categories, from deluxe rooms to four-bedroom beach residences.
Desaru Coast’s leisure attractions include The Els Club Desaru Coast, comprising Ocean and Valley courses, and Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast.
JungleWalla conducts excursions such as the Sungai Lebam River Cruise, kayaking and a fireflies experience at night. Customised commentaries may discuss mangroves and resilient ecosystems or wildlife conservation.
Desaru Fruit Farm offers guided tours or exhilarating ATV rides as group activities, ending at a store selling local produce and fresh fruit.
With Desaru Coast hosting the annual IRONMAN 70.3 competition and its signature Ombak Festival, planners could include such events in their programmes, or as add-on attractions.
The IRONMAN weekend in May featured the Riverside Festival Village and colourful Pasar Seloka (community market).
Ombak Festival in September will combine performing and visual arts and cuisines, with Simply Red headlining the international acts and regional music talents set to rock the grounds.
Seeking to establish the event as Southeast Asia’s must-attend festival, Desaru Coast’s Ridzuan said it will “set the stage as we build momentum towards Visit Johor and Visit Malaysia Year 2026”.
