Kanesh PillaiGetting ready for a weekend getaway in Malaysia for a change of scenery and menu? While Johor Bahru is always a safe bet, Desaru, which is about an hour’s drive from Woodlands Checkpoint, is a great alternative. Desaru, being a coastal town, is renowned for affordable seafood – most of them come with a view as well! Here are 7 places to check out for a great dining experience.
1. Ostrich Farm
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It may come across a bit morbid to have an ostrich leisure farm and a restaurant specialising in ostrich meat in one place, but rest assured that the goofy creatures you pet there won’t be the same one you’ll be tasting. The menu also includes ostrich satay and bak kut teh, on top of the usuals such as the ever-reliable stir-fry.
Address: Jalan Telok Ramunia, Kampung Changi, 81600 Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +60 7-826 5846
2. Sengat Seafood
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This restaurant is located at Teluk Sengat, a sleepy village between Desaru and Kota Tinggi. It almost exude retro vibes, with its simple decor, but the food here is far from simple. Apart from seafood, they also serve daily specials, such as nyonya fish, which features steamed fresh fish served with a dollop of house-made assam paste. Perfect with rice!
Address: No 58 Jalan Belanak, Teluk Sengat, 31350 Johor Malaysia
Contact: +60 7-895 5116
3. Jade Garden
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Dataran Sungai Rengit is home to a number of seafood restaurants, with Jade Garden being one of the more prominent ones. Regulars throng the place for their live lobsters, which doesn’t come with a substantial price tag… that alone is worth the trip!
Address: Kampung Sungai Rengit, 81600 Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +60 7-826 5460
4. Restoran Terapung Bujang Firefly
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Located on a makeshift platform of sorts, dining here is as rustic and authentic as it gets. Apart from scrumptious homely food, you can also choose to experience a river cruise (more like an electric sampan, really) to catch a glimpse of elusive fireflies.
Address: Bandar Penawar, 82200 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +60 12-759 3468
5. 261 Bar & Restaurant
Located in The Els Club, this golf club restaurant boasts the finest views of Desaru. Munch on your favourite sandwiches and burgers and admire the sunset over this spectacular hilly course.
Address: No. 4, Jalan Danau, Desaru Coast, 81930 Desaru, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +60 7-878 0000
6. MK Swat Jalal
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Owned by Pakistanis, eating at MK Swat Jalal means experiencing authentic Middle Eastern/Indian cuisine in an unlikely area in Johor! Their signature mutton curry is a dish that is a must try and is even more exceptional if you dip it with their heavenly Puri. The prices here might be slightly higher than other restaurants in Desaru but it’s definitely worth it.
Address: Bandar Penawar, 82200 Kota Tinggi, Johor
Contact: MK Swat Jalal Facebook
7. Desaru Fruit Farm
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Yes, fruits are foods too! Desaru Fruit Farm is a whopping 180-acre fruitland that has bagged countless of awards. Fruitarians will rejoice at its fruit buffets – now, that’s one buffet we won’t feel guilty for over-indulging at! Furthermore, there are many activities for you to check out besides gobbling down yummy fruits such as ATV, Go-Karting and paintball. A must visit!
Address: Sungai Cemaran, Desaru 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor Darul Takzim
Contact: +60 7-830 8017
If you’re looking to get your tummy full without breaking the bank, Desaru wouldn’t disappoint!
