CLEAN, sandy beaches, sea sports facilities and fun tourist attractions for the whole family can all be found at Desaru.

This laid-back beach resort in Johor offers a quick getaway for those seeking respite from fast-paced city life.

What to do

Go on a guided tour of the 90-acre Desaru Fruit Farm - on a bullock cart - and sample some of the fresh produce, including rambutans, starfruit, bananas and papayas.

The Ostrich Wonderland is another interesting attraction, where visitors can watch ostrich races, feed the birds and even ride them.

Also worth checking out is the fishing village of Tanjung Balau, about 20 minutes from Desaru.

A trip to the Fisherman's Museum there will teach kids about the equipment fishermen use.

Venture a little further, and you will discover the little town of Kota Tinggi, a scenic 45-minute drive from Desaru.

Do check out the well-known 34m waterfall there, visit the museum and put your bargaining skills to the test at the local market, where clothes and handicrafts are aplenty.

What to eat

Delicious and reasonably priced seafood is available at restaurants in Sungai Rengit, about half an hour's drive from Desaru.

Getting there

Desaru Golden Beach Hotel

You can take a ferry from Changi to Tanjung Belungkor, or from Tanah Merah to Sebana Cove.

The ferries run daily, making more trips to Tanjung Belungkor on Fridays and Saturdays, and to Sebana Cove on Sundays.

You can even take your car on board. There is room for 70 cars on the ferry's car deck.

If you prefer to travel by land, you can drive or take a coach. The drive from the Causeway to Desaru should take about 90 minutes.

Where to stay

Desaru Golden Beach Hotel

Choose from rooms, villas and suites at this peaceful getaway set amidst lush tropical greenery.

$$$: Weekday rates range from RM220 for a standard hotel room to RM930 for a suite villa.

On weekends, expect to pay RM305 to RM1,115 respectively.

The Pulai Desaru Beach

Relax in luxurious comfort or enjoy sports and recreational facilities. The Pulai Spa offers several packages. $$$: Couples can consider the Pulai Spa Package - a 2D1N stay in a deluxe garden-view room at RM440 nett per room. Comes with free breakfast and a complimentary 60-minute massage.

This article was first published in The New Paper on May 16, 2008.