For Singaporeans in need of a quick escape, Desaru Coast is the answer. Just a short hop from the city, it offers sun-drenched shores, world-class resorts, and just enough distance to feel like a proper getaway. But if you’re going to make the trip, why not do it in style?
Enter One&Only Desaru Coast, a resort so seamlessly tucked between jungle, sand, and sea that you might forget where the beach ends and luxury begins. Set within 128 acres of untouched wilderness, with nothing but pristine white sand and the turquoise waters of the South China Sea stretching before you, it’s the kind of place where “just one night” quickly turns into an extended stay.
Suites with private plunge pool & personalised butler service
Rainforest Grand Pool Suite.
Image: One&Only Desaru Coast
One&Only Desaru Coast doesn’t do cookie-cutter accommodations. Here, suites and villas are crafted, not just constructed, with every detail nodding to traditional Malaysian kampung houses—albeit with a very modern twist. The brains behind it? Kerry Hill Architects, the Singapore-based firm responsible for some of the most striking luxury stays in the region, including Aman Kyoto and Amankora in Bhutan.
Oceanfront Junior Suite.
Image adapted from: One&Only Desaru Coast
Built with locally sourced stone, cane, and yellow balau timber, each of the 45 accommodations—from rainforest retreats to ocean-facing sanctuaries—blends into its surroundings. The Rainforest Grand Pool Suite is a private haven tucked within thick foliage, complete with a 17-metre lap pool and a deck designed for sundowners orchestrated by the evening rainforest chorus. Prefer a sea view? The Oceanfront Junior Suite delivers with a plunge pool, airy interiors, and a bathroom made for long, languid soaks.
Villa One.
Image: One&Only Desaru Coast
For the ultimate seclusion, there’s Villa One—a four-bedroom private estate with a 27-metre pool, spa treatment room, and every imaginable extravagance. And because no true retreat is complete without impeccable service, every suite comes with a dedicated butler (or as One&Only calls them, a host) who’s just a WhatsApp message away, ready to arrange everything from cocktail hours to midnight snacks.
Nature walks & cultural experiences
Image: One&Only Desaru Coast
For all its plunge pools and plush villas, One&Only Desaru Coast is also a sanctuary for nature lovers. Here, the jungle is part of the experience. The resort is home to over 80 species of flora and fauna, including a 300-year-old Banyan Tree that’s seen more history than most of us ever will. Thoughtful signposts nod to One&Only’s global footprint, but the land itself remains untouched, thriving, and utterly breathtaking.
Image: One&Only Desaru Coast
For those who like to rise with the sun, the Sunrise Nature Walk (RM350 per person, ~S$105.15) is worth setting an alarm for. Led by the resort’s Naturalist, the guided trek takes you through hidden rainforest pathways and along the untouched coastline, offering a glimpse into Desaru’s unique ecosystem. The trek ends with a private beachside breakfast and a glass of champagne as the sun spills golden light over the South China Sea.
Image: One&Only Desaru Coast
And if the call of adventure leans more cultural, why not channel your inner warrior? The resort offers complimentary sessions of Silat, Malaysia’s UNESCO-listed martial art dating back to the 7th century. Under the guidance of a Silat Master, guests will learn the elegant, dance-like movements of the bunga (flower), which are as much about balance and agility as they are about combat.
Feasting & unwinding at One&Only Desaru Coast
Image adapted from: One&Only Desaru Coast
Exploring the jungle, perfecting your Silat stance, and soaking up ocean views can work up quite the appetite. Thankfully, One&Only Desaru Coast delivers on the culinary front. From elevated Japanese fare at Hoshi to the uber cool Dusky Monkey bar, each dining spot is its own escape. Ambara takes you on a Mediterranean detour, serving sun-kissed flavours from Greece to Lebanon, while Ember Beach Club is where you go for sea breeze, fire-grilled delights, and a laid-back barefoot vibe.
Image: Ember Beach Club
And when you’re done indulging, it’s time to let One&Only Spa work its magic. The first of its kind in Asia, this wellness sanctuary blends Malaysia’s time-honoured healing traditions with modern skincare innovation. If you’re going all in, book the Malaysian Signature treatment (MYR 820, ~S$248.80)—an indulgent, head-to-toe ritual that starts with a herbal foot soak, flows into Qi Gong breathing, and ends with an Indian head massage and deep tissue techniques that’ll have you floating somewhere between absolute bliss and another dimension.
Getting to One&Only Desaru Coast from Singapore
Image: One&Only Desaru Coast
Reaching this secluded beachfront retreat is easy. A 5-minute luxury car transfer whisks you from Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal straight to the resort’s secluded beachfront. Ferries depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal at 8.30am, reaching Desaru at 10am daily.
Ferries operate Thursday to Sunday, with a 1 hour 45-minute journey across the South China Sea. Alternatively, guests arriving via Changi Airport can opt for a luxury Tesla X transfer, covering the distance in 2.5 hours.
Check into this coastal escape in Desaru
The next time you need a quick but decadent escape, One&Only Desaru Coast is calling. Whether you’re floating in a private plunge pool, wandering through ancient rainforests, or indulging in a leisurely feast, this is where relaxation comes naturally. With its secluded setting, refined comforts, and a touch of Malaysian soul, this beachside retreat makes for an ideal weekend getaway from Singapore.
Cover image:
Subscribe to be the first one to receive latest news, exclusive updates and member-only offers and promotions.
