Travel: Malaysia - Desaru

[jacsplace]

Hi Careermum and Poohbear, thanks very much for your replies. It's our first time going on a holiday overseas as a family of four (previously we went with in-laws) so a bit nervous and hope everything will go well.


Although it looks like we're already in for a rough time as find out after confirming ferry booking that road leading to the terminal will be closed for Adidas run

[taz]

Which day are u going ?

I am checking in on Vesak day and going to stay 2 days. Will be driving. 2 kids 5yo and 8yo.

Are u getting the transfers from Lotus Desaru ?
When is the Adidas Run ?

[jacsplace]

We are going this Sunday. Adidas run is Saturday overnight to Sunday morning. Yes, getting transfers from Lotus.

[snowz]

Went there for 2 days during last year end holiday. The hotel offers great value for money for short weekend get-away for family with kids, if you are not too fussy.


We stayed in a Duplex too. There is a mini fridge, microware, kettle and cutlery in the room.

The water theme park was still under renovation at that time. Pools are big but the highlight is the beach, very clean soft sand and private. It is perfect for sunbathing or building sand castles. My kids spent most of the time at the beach and the pool. No sandflies. Fireflies experience is unforgettable. As it was not weekend, only our family was on the boat cruising slowly along the river. Everywhere was darkness, including the bumpy road to the cruise (Not recommended for pregnant woman and older folks.) till we saw the tiny fireflies lighting up the trees like christmas trees. The kids tried to catch one and held in their hands, blinking away.

The buffet breakfast choice is limited! Since we were driving, we got hawker food from the neighbouring town which is about 5min away. If you are driving, you can reach a town called Sungei Renggit for some excellent sea food at reasonable prices which is about 25 kilometres from the hotel.

However, if you don’t drive there …it will cost you quite a lot to go around. A trip to the Ostrich Farm cost RM$110 and a trip to the seafood restaurant and fireflies watching also cost as much.

[jacsplace]

Thanks for sharing, Snowz. We don't drive so we are gearing up for a major Vitamin M deficiency


Hopefully the kids will enjoy themselves and that will make up for the big holes in our pockets

[Ontheballmother]

jacsplace:

Thanks for sharing, Snowz. We don't drive so we are gearing up for a major Vitamin M deficiency


Hopefully the kids will enjoy themselves and that will make up for the big holes in our pockets

We going too in mid June. How about getting a taxi. Is it easy and cheaper?

[jacsplace]

You mean taxi from home to resort? I have no idea. We didn't bother checking it out because my kids won't sit still for long. Also, they actually want to fly somewhere but we have to make do with the ferry this time. It's our virgin trip as a family of four (we usually go with inlaws) so it'll be a learning journey for us all.

[eskimo]

Hi,


I was there with my family and kids (PN n k1) a month ago. stayed in a 3 bedroom apt.

rooms are spacious, and considered clean. but the toilet flush was faulty, the refilling of water never stops... its noisy. called housekeeping, but they never came to fix it. when we first entered the apt, the floor was full of dead insects at the corners. we figured this place only has occupants over the weekend only, so they probably never tidy the place over the weekdays. :?

The waterpark was fun for the kids. they enjoyed it. the swimming pool is clean and the beach was lovely too.

the downside:
1. Lack of food choices. there's only 1 cafe and a chinese restaurant above the cafe. we were the only family dining there on a sat night. the next day, sunday, it was not even open for business at night. so you can tell how quiet/low business season it was for them.
2. Staff are very new to the resort. the resort only opened recently i think. so many staff are new, mostly from KL as we found out. so if you ask for directions/advise, take it with a pinch of salt. we wanted to venture out for a meal, was told the nearest town, kota tinggi, is 25 km away. lo and behold when we drove out, it was a whopping 40 km away and its those small 2 lane roads. we crawled in traffic for 1 hour before reaching. its not worth the ride. :stupid:
3. lack of entertainment for us adults. there's a place you can rent some dvds, and a gym, other than that, nothing else. pretty boring really.

my advise is better pack food that you want to eat on your way there. otherwise you just have to settle with the cafe food for your holiday there.

[jacsplace]

Thanks for sharing, eskimo. Poohbear also mentioned lack of food variety. I'm thinking of popping down to FairPrice during my lunch break to see what goodies we could bring. Maybe popcorn? Might be fun to pop them in the microwave

[buds]

Sounds like a cool short getaway guys!


Which agency did you make reservation
with, jacsplace? We've been to Desaru
quite a number of times but never b4 @
this Lotus Resort. Other times were @
Pulaie Beach Resort. Mebbe different
part of Desaru town bah?

I've made bookings with WTS Travel &
Holiday Bagus so far and both agencies
were good. All tours and transfers were
prompt, clean and with *helpful guides.

*Not for Desaru trip..

Poohbear, cool write-up! :celebrate:
As we do not drive either, we gotta
look into those ferry packages as well.

Jacsplace, no worries.. we've brought
both our girls for short trips since they
were babies. It'll be fine and fun!
Just go prepared. As there seem to be
little to do over there, bring along like
playdough, craft activity stuffs or games
for the children... to keep them occupied
when they're in the room.

Snacks are a must since children get
hungry easily playing at the beach in the
sun and the pool/theme park.

As for ferry trips, once we took from Changi
Ferry Terminal... it took only 25 mins tops to
reach destination. From other terminals may
be a little longer but the ride was smooth sailing..
mebbe also cos of sunny weather. If the
children seem a little groggy from the ferry ride,
you may consider offering them chewable candy
or sweets. Older children can listen to music on
iPod or sleep it off. Try not to board ferry on an
empty stomach and ask children not to focus on
looking at the rippling waters outside the ferry esp
if they feel giddy... better to look far out.

Some ferries do not have those small vomit bags,
so good to bring your own plastic bags.

Enjoy your trip!