Desaru is more than just sun, sand and sea. From cuddly animal encounters and firefly cruises and to stargazing and flavour-packed local eats, this Malaysian gem is full of surprises.

With natural beauty, great food and family-friendly activities, Desaru is not just a coastal beach town — it's a full-on experience. No wonder TIME Magazine named it ‘One of the World’s Greatest Places’ in 2021. 

And the best part? Exploring it has never been easier. With the Desaru One Day Family Fun Tour by the Civil Service Club (CSC), members can enjoy a hassle-free itinerary that covers attractions, meals, transport and more. 

Photo from Desaru Fruit Farm

Wander orchards and meet capybaras
The Desaru One Day Family Fun Tour by CSC begins at around 11am with a visit to the 160-acre Desaru Fruit Farm, an award-winning destination that combines agriculture, education and outdoor fun. During the guided tour, you’ll explore fruit orchards, vegetable plots, an herb garden, an agricultural gallery and a fish pond, all while picking up insights into sustainable farming practices.

A hit with many kids and animal lovers is the farm’s indoor petting zoo, where visitors can get up close with capybaras, alpacas, mini horses, foxes and other friendly animals. With plenty of photo opportunities and interactive experiences, it’s an enjoyable stop for both young and old. 

After working up an appetite, tuck into a fruity-themed lunch served at the farm, featuring locally grown dragonfruit and vegetables, along with a tangy serving of lemon chicken.

Don’t forget to pop by the farm’s mini-mart before you leave to pick up some fresh produce or homemade snacks.

Partake in every Singaporean’s favourite pastimes — eating and shopping
By 3pm, the tour makes its way to The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, where you will have about three hours to explore the sprawling retail and lifestyle destination.

Even though lunch is included earlier in the day — and dinner awaits in the evening — it’s worth saving a little space to try some of the mall’s standout eateries. Stop by Nam Heong Ipoh, a well-loved coffee shop chain famous for its aromatic Ipoh white coffee, freshly made dim sum and buttery egg tarts. Another delectable option is Fuiyoh! It’s Uncle Roger, the fried rice eatery opened by Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng. Better known as Uncle Roger, the YouTube sensation is known for his hilarious reviews of how Asian dishes are (often badly) prepared by Western chefs.

The mall also offers plenty of family-friendly activities. Kids can zoom around on indoor go-karts at KF Kiddy Circuit, while older ones can dive into immersive experiences at VR+ Zone. If you’re up for it, challenge your travel mates to a round of glow-in-the-dark bowling at the neon-lit Supreme Cosmic Bowl.

At 6.30pm, the group reconvenes for a hearty Chinese-style dinner — the perfect way to end a fun-filled day before heading home with happy bellies, shopping hauls and lasting memories.

The Desaru One Day Family Fun Tour by CSC
When: Saturday, 14 June 2025
Time: 7.30am to 10pm (Departure from CSC @ Tessensohn)
Cost: $100 (CSC Members & Supplementary Members), $110 (Public Service Officers & HomeTeamNS Members), $120 (Guests). Free for children below 24 months. 

Fee inclusive of lunch, dinner, two-way transport, group insurance and tips for guide/driver. Register by Sunday, 1 June 2025

Prefer to visit Desaru on your own? Explore the following highlights to add to your vacation plans. As a bonus, CSC members get up to 8% off hotel bookings and 5% off  tours and activities on Klook, subject to minimum spend and availability.

Photo from Klook

Make a splash at one of the world’s biggest wave pools
This ocean-facing Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is packed with action. From high-speed slides and splash zones to the Tidal Wave Beach — one of the world’s largest wave pools, holding over four million gallons of water across nearly three acres — it’s a hit with all ages.

Young kids can enjoy the Kids Ahoy area featuring 13 age-appropriate water slides, while adults float lazily along the Penawar River or conquer thrilling rides in the park’s five themed zones. 

Book ahead on Klook to skip the queues.

Find a hidden stretch of sand and stargaze by the sea
Prefer a peaceful beach to a tourist hotspot? Just a short drive from Desaru’s main coastline lies Tanjung Balau Beach, where dark rocky shores and calm waves create a picture-perfect setting.

While you’re there, visit Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum (Muzium Nelayan) to explore the heritage of the local fishing community. Don’t miss the Desaru Shipwreck Gallery, which traces the area’s role in ancient maritime trade.

When night falls, the beach becomes a stargazing haven — bring a mat and a telescope, and use a stargazing app like Star Walk to help you identify constellations. 

Photo from Klook

Discover marine life on a guided tide pool walk
When the tide goes out, a whole world of sea creatures comes into view. Join a guided walk along Desaru’s shoreline to spot hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, starfish and more.

It’s a hands-on educational that’s great for curious kids and nature-loving adults alike. Just remember to wear shoes with good grip and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Photo from Klook

Take a magical firefly cruise through the mangroves
A 45-minute drive from Desaru, Kota Tinggi Firefly Park offers serene evening boat rides along the Johor River, where you’ll catch a rare glimpse of fireflies glowing softly among the mangroves.

Keep an eye out for wildlife like monitor lizards or owls as your guide steers in close for the best views — all while maintaining the quiet magic of the moment.

Photo from Jade Garden Seafood Corner

Feast on fresh seafood with a view
No trip to Desaru is complete without a seafood spread. For a Chinese-style feast, head to Jade Garden Seafood Corner, where you can enjoy delicacies such as Alaskan king crab, lobster and groupers are served against a sea view backdrop.

Prefer halal-friendly dining? Head to Nelayan Seafood, known for its black pepper crab and crispy baby squid with garlic. Wherever you go, you’re in for a feast.

Ready to jalan-jalan with CSC? Book the Desaru One Day Family Fun Farm Tour here. Or plan your own Desaru getaway with up to 8% OFF hotel bookings and 5% OFF activities on Klook for CSC members.