Destinations
Unlocking Desaru Coast as a Potential Beach Retreat via Klook Te x t b y S H A H I DA S A K E R I
Images by RAIHAN FOZIAN
My palms are sweating, yet the sea breeze feels soothing as it caresses my face.
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Perhaps, I have underestimated this sport.God knows how many times I have swung the club, but the balls refused to go far. So, for the umpteenth time, I muster my utmost concentration and repeat the basic steps again by parting my feet just enough, dipping the knees down slightly and swing! This time, as if the Angel of Golf has finally taken a pity on me, the ball shoots triumphantly over the undulating course.“Hey, there you go! That’s a nice one,” my coach cheered. I am in Desaru Coast now. I’ve never been to this part of Johor before; the destination is almost in its own bubble: beautiful, clean, and filled with premium hotels, perfect for a family holiday, a romantic getaway or for solos seeking solitude. This coastal area, which is about an hour’s drive from Johor Bahru, boasts a ribbon of white sand that stretches 17 kilometres long. And as for those coming from Kuala Lumpur, they need to drive for about four to five hours to reach Desaru Coast by taking the North-South Expressway heading towards Johor Bahru and then turn on to the Senai-Desaru Expressway. Desaru Coast on its own has plenty to offer, from premium stay, rejuvenating spa session, unique rock & roll experience to water sports galore. If you are keen to experience them, I suggest that you make your bookings via Klook Malaysia, where travellers can find all-rounded packages that include accommodation, attraction passes, and food and beverage credits at selected restaurants. These packages are available at attractive prices too. My abode in this exclusive holiday resort hotspot is none other than The Westin Desaru Coast Resort (www. marriott.com/hotels/travel/jhbwi-the-westin-desaru-coastresort), where guests are promised a sun-drenched refuge
from the stress of everyday life. Design is kept minimalist and inspired by the ocean. Across its bright and airy lobby, the waters of the South China Sea open up and greet the horizon. The beach is only steps away from the resort, but don’t forget to alternate your lounging time with swimming in the pool because the atmosphere is simply right – after a few laps in the pool together with the occasional visit to the beachside bar, you’ll notice that all your worries evaporate into the salty ocean air. The resort has 275 well-appointed rooms and suites with either garden or sea view. All of them are equipped with standard amenities including the award-winning Westin Heavenly® bed. I love the fact that the hotel ensures that its rooms and bathrooms are friendly for the disabled. For those who like to remain active while on holiday, the resort has a RunWESTIN™ programme that offers guided run led by the resort’s Run Concierge, including Westin Gear Lending with New Balance®. For a little more variety, enter the 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio that contains an excellent selection of fitness equipment like treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes and the signature TRX Suspension Trainer.
