Have you been dreaming of discovering what the southern side of Malaysia has in store for globe trotters? Start turning those imaginations into reality and plan a holiday in Johor. Being the kind of person who always wants to try new experiences, visit new places, and meet interesting people, I think Johor will be the perfect holiday destination for me to do all this and so much more. This state in Malaysia is home to iconic attractions, from the international theme park of Legoland Malaysia Resort to Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Johor’s state mosque. If retail therapy is something you enjoy, you can plan a day at Johor Premium Outlets, which has over a hundred stores. There are also plenty of spots for sun seekers in the state, such as Bandar Penawar’s Jeharu Beach, Tanjung Balau Beach, and Pulau Sibu. If you wish to spend your holiday near breathtaking waters and magical sunset and sunrise views, a beach resort is the ideal home away from home. To help you choose your stay, browse this list of top beach resorts in Johor, Malaysia.
What to look forward to in Johor?
- If you like extreme sports and would like to try a few adventures during your trip to Johor, you can visit ATV Park, Kota Tinggi or RAF Point Zipline Adventures.
- Nature lovers will be delighted to visit Gulung Pulai Forest Recreational Park. The refreshing waterfall is worth all your time.
- Art lovers can visit the unique Laman Samudera. A must-visit for photographers, the place has old buildings and lanes of Mersing painted with creative murals.
Travel Advisory:
- The most common and convenient mode of public transport in the state is the Johor Muafakat Bus, a free service funded by the state government and local authorities.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
Beach life In Johor
There is much to see and do in the state of Johor in Malaysia. If you are a beach person, you must keep the pristine Rawa Island in your sightseeing itinerary. Situated 16 km (9.94 mi) off the coast of Mersing, Rawa Island has white-sand beaches and tropical forests that attract tourists from all over the globe. You can reach the island on a speedboat, which will take 20 minutes.
Some of the popular water activities are snorkeling, diving, and swimming. If you are a nature lover and a hiking enthusiast, you can trek to the hilltop, which will take less than 30 minutes, and get an awesome view of the South China Sea and a glorious sunset. Discover the coral reefs and a diverse range of marine life by diving through the Rawa Slide. Other nearby islands, such as Harimau and Mensirip, can be visited by joining an island hopping tour.
Beach resorts in Johor
1. Rimba Resort - Dive Centre & Spa, Pulau Sibu (from USD 65)
Reasonable pricing, but additional taxes and service charges apply. Booking in advance can prevent extra charges.
Comfortable wooden huts, friendly and helpful staff, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, jungle hiking, beach toys for kids.
Secluded beach location, close to Singapore, sheltered area, clear waters, serene natural environment.
Great BBQ nights, good food quality, limited variety due to supply challenges, friendly bar staff, but some guests found the food overpriced.
Have you been daydreaming of escaping city life for a while and indulging in a serene, scenic, and slow-paced island life? If so, book a stay at Rimba Resort - Dive Centre & Spat, which nestles in a gorgeous Indonesian island called Pulau Sibu. From the views of the South China Sea and surrounding greenery to the thatched roof jungle chalets, everything about this paradise will connect you to Mother Earth. The beach area can be your playground all day long. Guests can even avail themselves of diving classes. Chef-curated fresh fares are served every day for guests’ enjoyment. Dietary requests, including halal, are also available here.
This resort sleeps guests in simple, rustic accommodations with no air-conditioning, providing them with plenty of fresh air instead. Moreover, the provided mosquito nets will protect you from insect bites at night.
- Property highlights: The resort's diving center, Hi-Tide, has a dedicated team of experienced instructors offering lessons.
- Nearest beach: Kambau Besar Beach is only a minute away.
- Beach access: Private
- Beach amenities: Beach chairs, loungers, water sports equipment
- Suggested rooms/units: Seaview Family Chalet is the largest chalet in the resort with access to the private beach.
- Activities/tours: Guests can enjoy water sports, such as kayaking, diving, snorkeling, and paddleboarding with equipment from Hi-Tide Divers.
- Ideal for: Guests who want to dip their toes into diving, thanks to the presence of a diving center.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Exceptional! From the chalets you reach the marvellous beach of this small tropical island within a few metres. You can easily do different sports activities like snorkeling, diving, and kayaking…even hiking through the jungle. :) We really enjoyed our stay at Rimba!!!" - Franco (Germany)
Rimba Resort - Dive Centre & Spa
Address: Pulau Sibu Besar Near Tanjung Leman, Johor Bahru
80.26 km (49.9 mi) from Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast
2. Bayu Lestari Island Resort, Mersing (from USD 161)
Reasonable pricing for a beachfront villa with spacious rooms.
Limited activities, but offers cycling, snorkeling, and island hopping. Spacious room size and communal chill-out area with large sofas and TV with Netflix.
Quiet, serene location, suitable for a relaxing retreat. Beautiful white sand beach with clear blue water, ideal for beach lovers.
Delicious Malay cuisine, but limited food options. Portions can be inconsistent, and meal packages are expensive.
Located on the banks of the South China Sea on Pulau Besar, Bayu Lestari Island Resort is a slice of heaven on Earth. The laid-back resort offers A-frame accommodations, and select rooms have sea views. There is even room service access here. There’s a garden with rustic furniture ideal for slowing down time. Guests here kick-start their mornings with a delicious breakfast, and halal and vegetarian options are available for those with dietary requirements. Besides swimming, guests can enjoy billiards at the resort.
Since the internet is accessible at the resort, guests can stay productive or browse their social media accounts.
As someone who is constantly on the lookout for new places to visit, the surreal beauty of this place is a huge draw for me!
- Property highlights: A special boat transfer ride that takes you from Mersing to the resort upon arrival.
- Nearest beach: The beach is only 2 minutes and 1.4 km (0.87 mi) away.
- Beach access: Private
- Beach amenities: Beach chairs, loungers, and water sports equipment.
- Suggested rooms/units: 'Deluxe A Frame' can host big families and has a balcony with views of the lush garden and pristine beach.
- Activities/tours: Outdoor activities provided by the resort include kayaking, bicycling, volleyball, and jungle trekking.
- Ideal for: Families, as the property features family-friendly villas and activities.
Bayu Lestari Island Resort
Address: LOT 4
103.87 km (64.6 mi) from Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast
3. Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, Bandar Penawar (from USD 72)
This resort with a private pool offers an ultimate stay to its guests. Besides a private beach area, the luxurious retreat boasts a state-of-the-art lagoon-like pool with chic sun loungers flacked on the sides. There’s even a hot tub for those who seek a jetted bath. If you’re not in the mood for a dip, you can indulge in Senses Spa’s soulfully relaxing offers, from massages to scrubs. Relishing international fares at Sand & Sandals is another fabulous way to relax.
Rooms here are also modern and WiFi-ready, making them convenient for both leisure travelers and corporate guests.
- Property highlights: Senses Spa by Sand & Sandals features therapeutic treatments for a great day of resting, rejuvenating, and unwinding.
- Nearest beach: Desaru Beach is just a minute away.
- Beach access: Private
- Beach amenities: Beach bar, loungers, and water sports equipment.
- Suggested rooms/units: The Romantic Deluxe with Private Pool has a private balcony with bathtub, private pool, and access to the club lounge.
- Activities/tours: You will find jet-ski, banana boat, viper, and canoe along with ATVs and bicycles on site.
- Ideal for: Couples, as they can access the club lounge upon booking the Romantic Deluxe with Private Pool accommodation, along with curated treatments for couples.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Has all it needs as a resort, specially want to highlight the japanese restaurant, food is nice with reasonable price. got a lifeband in the evening, near to the beach. they on lights near the beach area, you can walk along the sandy area at night." - Cindy
Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa
Address: Bandar Penawar
2.91 km (1.9 mi) from Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
pls fix portable ac or giant fanCleanliness:
the room is huge and clean but i believe the hotel is understaffedHost:
your staff name syazreen was kind enough thoughduring my checkin/checkout the front desk staff was kind and helpfulstaff is responsive and easy to contactRead more reviewsLocation:
our family like this place so much
4. Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, Desaru (from USD 59)
How would you like to spend your next getaway in Malaysia, waking up to spectacular ocean views? Book a stay at Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa and reconnect with Mother Earth. The property’s excellent location along a white-sand private beach is a win for sun-seekers. Because I love exploring new places with friends and family, I would love to visit the on-site water park along with my loved ones someday.
From Malaysian cuisines to international favorites, the resort feeds guests with diverse and delicious fares. Kids’ meals and special diet menus are accessible. Room service is also an option. Moreover, this resort hosts exciting activities besides watersports, including evening entertainment and bike tours.
- Property highlights: The Splash Water Park with a lazy river, gazebo, lagoon pool, and amazing water slides.
- Nearest beach: Desaru Beach is hardly 2 minutes away.
- Beach access: Private
- Beach amenities: Beach towels, chairs, sun umbrellas, loungers, and water sports equipment.
- Suggested rooms/units: The Penthouse has three bedrooms along with a kitchenette and a spacious living and dining space.
- Activities/tours: The resort offers curated tours with sights such as the mangroves, ostrich farms, and a mini zoo, among others.
- Ideal for: All age groups as there are family-friendly activities, couple-friendly accommodations, and things to do for business guests.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Great stay for family vacation. It’s a huge resort with obviously many rooms and can accommodate a lot of guests. We checked in during public holiday, but the beach and the waterpark weren't too crowded. My children loved their water park and beach." - Faisal (Malaysia)
Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa
Address: Lot 1854, Jalan Desaru Bandar Panawar,
3.18 km (2.0 mi) from Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast
5. Lotus Seaview Beach Resort, Pengarang (from USD 42)
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms and beachfront access.
Complete facilities including swimming pool, buggy service, and well-maintained landscape.
Isolated, peaceful location with a clean and calm beach nearby.
Tasty breakfast with local favorites, but limited dinner options and some issues with food variety.
Located within walking distance of the shore, Lotus Seaview Beach Resort is a fabulous paradise with a private beach area and lovely views of the South China Sea. The resort also provides a saltwater swimming pool, a year-round attraction here. Since a fitness center and barbecue facilities are at guests’ disposal, there won’t be dull days spent here.
Rooms at the resort even have complimentary internet access, so cozying in the comforts of your private space can be enjoyable, too.
- Property highlights: The resort provides a special package for couples that includes setting up the room with romantic lights and decor, breakfast, and candlelight dinner by the beach.
- Beach access: Private
- Beach amenities: Barbeque facilities, beach shower, chairs and loungers
- Suggested rooms/units: Deluxe King accommodation has a balcony with incredible views of the surroundings.
- Activities/tours: Guests can enjoy the three-hour Lebam River Kayaking tour.
- Ideal for: Families, couples, solo travelers, and business guests as it has universally pleasing amenities.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "It is absolutely very clean place. Windy and good landscape. Room deluxe king is spacious. The beach just a few step away from sea view room; quite a decent and clean beach." - Romy (Malaysia)
LOTUS SEAVIEW BEACH RESORT, PENGERANG
Address: Lot 1272 Tanjung Punggai , Sungai Rengit
17.39 km (10.9 mi) from Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast
Wake up to magical water views in Johor, Malaysia
The state of Johor is rich in iconic attractions, from historic landmarks to state-of-the-art recreational areas. It is also home to breathtaking beaches with scenic resorts and the best staycation spots. As someone who always sees the glass half full, I find beaches very calming and cheery places to be. So, consider staying in any of these top beach resorts in Johor, Malaysia, for your upcoming visit.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to