Head South to Desaru Coast - Malaysia’s Hidden Holiday Retreat

As more Malaysian residents begin to venture out of their homes for a much-needed getaway, the spotlight beams brightly on the plethora of destination options available within the country. Local tourism has witnessed a boost in recent weeks as holidaymakers make a beeline for popular hotspots. However, very few, if any, can claim to “have it all” in one place while at the same time, ensure a proper, physically distanced holiday, far from the maddening crowds – with one exception, perhaps.

This Merdeka, one hidden gem on Malaysia’s southern coastline is all geared up to entice visitors to rediscover what makes this country truly great, with the best that it has to offer. Boasting wide open spaces across 3,900 acres along a 17-km unspoiled beachfront, Desaru Coast Destination Resort (Desaru Coast) certainly has it all – globally acclaimed hotels and resorts, nature pursuits, one of the biggest waterparks in the world, golf, as well as a host of retail and lifestyle offerings, all nestled within a rich bio-diverse location which is easily accessible via road, air and sea.

As the song goes, to know Malaysia is to love Malaysia. And leading up to the long Merdeka weekend, Desaru Coast is inviting all Malaysians to rediscover and fall in love with Malaysia all over again by experiencing an unforgettable holiday experience. 

“If there was one holiday destination with something for every single person in the family, Desaru Coast would certainly be it!” says Hoe Teck Wei, Head of Sales and Marketing of Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd. "Apart from the attractions and pristine beach getaways here, guests and visitors can enjoy the opportunity of experiencing the best of east and west through a host of carefully curated activities and tantalising F&B delights across Desaru Coast. Specially for this Merdeka, we’ve put together a host of special of offerings to mark the occasion,” 

Spills and thrills @ Adventure Waterpark
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest attractions for families at Desaru Coast is Adventure Waterpark. Sprawled over 25 acres, Adventure Waterpark is one of the biggest waterparks in the world featuring a unique mix of more than 20 wet and dry rides, slides and attractions. The waterpark is set against the backdrop of a traditional Malaysian fishing village, in which visitors can immerse themselves in a unique range of rides and attractions, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the country, such as the region’s first water coaster.

To make it easier for families to experience this not-to-be-missed attraction, Adventure Waterpark is offering a ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ promotion for MyKad holders, which entitles them to get a second ticket for free with every purchase of an adult or child day ticket. This offer is valid till 31 August and is exclusively available for ticket purchase on the Desaru Coast website with the promo code ‘WEAREOPEN’. 

The excitement carries on inside the park. On 30th and 31st of August, visitors will be welcomed at the main entrance with the beats belted out by the park’s very own in-house DJ Murdoc to get their adrenaline pumping. However, the music doesn’t end there as visitors can also look forward to brass band parades and performances (10.00 am, 1.30 pm and 5.30 pm), busking performances and a speed quiz game and music party, complete with a DJ at 1.00 pm on both days. One especially not to be missed event is the Family Water Zumba in which the whole family can participate at 3.00 pm. 

Also available on both days are a host of activities, challenges and games for both adults and children. These include free booth games (open at 10.00 am), an inflatable games zone (opening at 12.00 pm), a Merdeka colouring contest at 1.00 pm, a Wira Warrior challenge (2.00 pm and 4.00 pm), Angklung Merdeka Solo Show (10.30 am, 2.30 pm and 5.00 pm). If those aren’t enough to keep the whole family occupied, visitors can also revel in giant checkers, giant Snakes & Ladders and a plethora of carnival games. 

Visitors to Adventure Park will also be spoilt for choice when it comes to F&B options. Families can save big with the ‘63 Merdeka Combo’ deals at the River Grill. Two options are available with this deal. The first includes one Grilled Sausage, two orders of Roasted Chicken Rice and three soft drinks. The second option includes an order of Rooster & Cheese Hot Dock, four pieces of fried chicken, an order each of lattice fries and rainbow coleslaw, three soft drinks and three Tropicana Lime Vanilla Deals. The best part is both options are offered to visitors for the irresistible price of only RM63.00. Meanwhile, guests can also look forward to amazing deals at the Beachside Cabana! 

Food, oh glorious Malaysian food!
With all the energy spent in and around Adventure Waterpark and Desaru Coast as a whole, there is a need to fuel all that activity. And Desaru Coast has certainly pulled all the stops this Merdeka with a curated selection of culinary offerings across the destination’s hotels and attractions. Available from 17 to 31 August, guests can enjoy a variety of tantalising treats, ranging from traditional local delights and specially crafted delicacies that commemorate Malaysia’s diverse cultural background.

“If there is one thing that Malaysians take pride in, it is the diversity of food here. We are bound by this common love for culinary pursuits. In this regard, Desaru Coast celebrates this Merdeka Day with offerings of a diverse mix of cuisines from all over the country and decades of cross-cultural integration between cultures,” says Hoe Teck Wei. 

Visitors to Desaru Coast this Merdeka will have the opportunity to indulge in a wide array of delicacies and delights ranging from specially crafted beverages, desserts and heritage dishes at participating dining outlets in Desaru Coast, including the Els Club Desaru Coast, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort and Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.

A host of accommodation options and offers
With so much to see and experience at Desaru Coast, an overnight stay is perhaps the best way to truly take in everything this destination has to offer. And visitors are certainly spoilt for choice with accommodation options at Desaru Coast to take advantage of the long weekend to escape to an oasis of peace away from densely populated areas. This is certainly one place to ‘experience it all, away from it all!’

To make the prospect of a Merdeka weekend getaway more enticing, Desaru Coast is offering two enhanced packages – the Sun-tastic Getaway and Golf Galore @ Desaru Coast - offering savings of up to 60%. These limited-time offers are valid until 23 December 2020*.

Embrace the sunny side of life
The Sun-tastic Getaway promotion packages start from RM689 onwards for a two-days, one night stay for two adults and two children with curated activities within the destination and around greater Desaru. The packages bundle rooms at the destination’s three premium hotels – Hard Rock Hotel, The Westin and Anantara, inclusive of resort credits of up to RM100 to be used within the destination. 

Unlimited tee-offs

For golf enthusiasts, Desaru Coast’s Golf Galore promotion is offered on twin sharing basis and starts from RM799 per person for a two-days, one night stay. The package includes hotel stays, two days of unlimited golf at The Els Club Desaru Coast Ocean Course as well as unlimited access to the nine-hole Academy Course and the driving range. 

*Terms and conditions apply

So gather the entire family and head on down to Desaru Coast this long Merdeka weekend and experience a truly patriotic escapade unlike any other. Early bookings are recommended. 

For more information, visit www.desarucoast.com.