Currently, the Johor state government is developing an integrated tourism area which spreads over an area of 1,578 hectares.[1]
Education
The area has various Malaysian boarding schools including Sekolah Menengah Sains Kota Tinggi, Sekolah Sukan Bandar Penawar and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Bandar Penawar.
Shopping
SKS City Mall opened in 2017.
Hotels
Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast
The Westin Desaru Coast Resort
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas
Lotus Desaru Coast
Amerald Resort Hotel
Food
Desaru Coast seafood corner
Transportation
Car and motorcycle is the fastest way to go to Desaru. The Senai–Desaru Expressway connects Desaru to Senai within 45 minutes. From Kluang to Desaru about 2-3 hours drive. From JB Taman Mount Austin area takes around 30-40 minutes.
As of June 2023, a new ferry terminal has been in operation at Desaru. Operating on five days of each week, it hosts ferry services from Tanah Merah, Singapore. Inclement weather may divert ferry services to Tanjung Pengelih instead.[2]