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Sometimes, the best escapes are just a short journey from home yet offer a complete reprieve from daily life. After the hustle and bustle of Chinese New Year celebrations, I found myself craving relaxation but faced with limited time to travel far. Our ideal destination needed to provide tranquility for my husband and me while offering engaging activities for my teenage daughter. Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast came to mind—a place where our family had enjoyed a peaceful retreat before the pandemic.
Desaru Coast presented itself as the perfect solution for us Johoreans—a seamless blend of adventure, beachside relaxation, and culinary delights all within convenient reach. To ensure our daughter would have company, we invited her best friend along for our three-day, two-night getaway, creating the perfect balance of adult relaxation and teenage entertainment.
We started our journey bright and early, leaving Horizon Hills at 9 AM to make the most of the day ahead. The drive to Desaru Coast was a smooth one, taking about an hour along the scenic highways of Johor. (This is a toll road; click here for toll fee information.)
Our first stop was Desaru 899 Good Restaurant, a humble yet well-loved local eatery famous for its simple but delicious breakfast options. It is about 15 min away from Hard Rock. It is the nearest township, you can find grocers, cafes, restaurant, clinics, etc here. I enjoyed a hearty bowl of curry chicken noodles while my husband savored their signature steamed chicken rice. The two girls had the typical Chinese Malaysian breakfast at Kopitiam - 鸡蛋面包 (two half-boiled eggs with a set of Kaya Butter Toast). I recommend picking up a whole white chicken to go—perfect for a casual lunch later in the day.
I tried the Curry Chicken noodle on the first day and Laksa on the last day. I prefer to Curry Chicken.
My husband had the steamed chicken on the 1st day and the last day. Highly recommended.
Typical Chinese Malaysian breakfast. Many of us grew up eating this set. This clear and excellent Photo taken from Malay Mail article about where to find good set like this. https://www.malaymail.com/news/eat/drink/2016/10/30/our-5-favourite-places-for-kaya-toast-and-coffee-in-kl-pj-klang-batu-caves/1237775
By 11 AM, we arrived at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast. Although the standard check-in time is in the afternoon, it was a low season, so we got our two rooms immediately. The girls headed straight to Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, conveniently located right next to the hotel. Our stay package at Hard Rock included complimentary tickets for each registered guest per night, so we ended up with eight adult tickets.
The waterpark was packed with excitement, featuring both high-adrenaline rides and relaxed attractions. The highlight of the day was Kraken’s Revenge, a combination of a water coaster and a flume ride that left the girls breathless and laughing at the same time. For a more laid-back experience, the girls floated along Penawar River, letting the gentle current carry them through a lush tropical setting.
For those without complimentary tickets, I recommend checking the weather upon arrival at the hotel. If it looks good, book your tickets through Klook—it’s cheaper than purchasing at the counter. MyKad holders pay RM95 for an adult ticket (Klook RM70), while non-Malaysians pay RM150 (Klook RM104.50).
Another good reason to buy tickets online (besides saving money) is the difference in entry access. The Waterpark has two entrances:
Since we used the Hard Rock entrance, our girls could step out for lunch with us at 2 PM before heading back in to continue their fun.
By 3:30 PM, the girls were exhausted but exhilarated—and sunburned. I had reminded them to apply sunblock (SPF 50+, water-resistant), but in the chaos of checking into our rooms, I forgot to follow up. I suspect they only applied a thin layer and didn’t reapply. Their faces turned red, especially their noses, foreheads, and cheekbones.
After freshening up and resting at the hotel, it was time for dinner. We chose Nelayan Seafood By The Coast, located at Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort (2.6 km away, 5 min drive). The entryway can be a bit tricky to spot. Look for an old pink bus on your right—once you see it, the next entrance is for The Nelayan.
Arriving around 6 PM, we had just enough time to take some beach photos while waiting for our food.
Beautiful sea right in front of the restaurant.
As the sun set, we indulged in a feast of steamed Dragon Grouper Hong Kong style, shrimp paste chicken wings, and a spread of fresh seafood, accompanied by refreshing Thai coconuts. The seafood prices were similar to those in JB and KL, but the Thai coconut was overpriced at RM11.90. The chicken wings were pricey too, but the flavor made up for it. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance, with the strong sea breeze adding to the experience. The girls, however, were too exhausted to appreciate the meal. A word of caution: You will be attacked by flies whenever you order its famous Shimp Paste Chicken Wings.
After dinner, we headed to the nearest township to pick up some snacks. We stopped by Pasaraya Jiason, a supermarket about 10 minutes from The Nelayan. Though it had an aged appearance, it was well-stocked with a wide variety of items. I even found a soothing aloe vera cream for the girls’ sunburn.
Waking up in the plush comfort of Hard Rock Hotel was a treat in itself. Our package included a pretty standard buffet breakfast (7am -1030am), so we took our time enjoying a spread of pastries, eggs, and local delights before deciding on the day’s plan. Since this trip was meant to be a mix of adventure and relaxation, today was all about unwinding.
The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to the private beach at The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, so we hopped on and made our way to the soft sandy shores. The morning was spent soaking up the sun, feeling the sea breeze, and taking occasional dips in the waves. Compared to the bustling waterpark the day before, this quiet beach time was a welcome contrast.
By midday, we returned to the hotel and decided to take it easy in our room. One of the perks of staying at Hard Rock Hotel is the video-on-demand entertainment, featuring a mix of new releases and classic favorites. So, we spent the afternoon enjoying movies from the comfort of our cozy room.
Another unique perk is the ability to reserve a Fender guitar, complete with headphones and an amplifier. The hotel sets it up for you, allowing guests to play to their heart’s content. Our daughter’s BFF plays guitar, so we reserved one for her, and she was absolutely thrilled.
For a different musical experience, my husband and I opted for Wax, Hard Rock’s in-room vinyl experience. Guests can immerse themselves in the warmth of analog sound with a turntable, premium over-ear headphones, and a curated collection of vinyl records handpicked by Hard Rock’s music experts. It was a nostalgic treat, perfect for unwinding. My only complaint is that there is only one blues vinyl record, but then again, this is a ‘Hard Rock’ hotel.
For lunch, we dined at the hotel’s restaurant, despite its reputation for being on the pricier side. Fortunately, thanks to the "Amplify Your Stay" promotion, each room came with a RM100 F&B voucher, making it a bit more justifiable.
Lamb Briyani @ Season; RM66+, it is enough for two. As for water, you can ask for the free water (instead of pay for RM28 per bottle)
As the sun began to set, we debated between heading out for local seafood or staying in and ordering via GrabFood. In the end, the girls opted for a movie night with Subway sandwiches, while my husband and I returned to The Nelayan. There were many other dining options about 15 minutes away, but we were feeling lazy—and we genuinely love the ambiance at Nelayan.
Back at the hotel, we ended the night with a live rock band performance at the courtyard. The music created an electrifying atmosphere, and with drinks in hand, we found ourselves swaying to the beat, fully embracing the rock 'n' roll experience. Band performances at Hard Rock run from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 PM to 11:15 PM. If you’re a light sleeper, request a room away from the lobby to avoid hearing the music late at night.
The final morning of our trip began with another very standard buffet breakfast, which we lingered over while taking in the last few moments of our stay. Instead of rushing to pack up, the girls made full use of the complimentary Adventure Waterpark tickets included in our hotel package. Since the hotel offered a late checkout at 12 noon (we managed to push to 130pm), they had just enough time for one last round of fun at the waterpark before heading back to freshen up.
For those who prefer a more relaxed morning, lounging by the hotel’s pool is also a great option. The beautifully designed pool area, with its rock-themed décor, is a fantastic place to soak up the last bit of vacation bliss before checking out.
By the time we packed up and left, we felt rejuvenated and grateful for the mix of adventure, relaxation, and indulgence that Desaru Coast had to offer. The trip may have been short, but it was packed with memorable experiences—proof that sometimes, the best escapes are right in your own backyard.
There were many things I enjoyed about the hotel. The location was fantastic—right next to the waterpark and beach, close to eateries, yet still secluded enough for a peaceful stay. The staff was friendly and incredibly accommodating. The in-room entertainment was a highlight, with options like a Fender guitar, a turntable with curated vinyl, and a great selection of on-demand movies.
However, the breakfast was a letdown. For a five-star hotel, I expected better. They didn’t even serve real fresh juice! The coffee was so bad that I gave up and switched to tea instead—but definitely not the Teh Tarik, which was overly sweet beyond words. It was a a far cry from my first visit. Hopefully, it will surprise me on my next visit.