A Weekend of Gastronomic Delights at Desaru Coast

Ok, so I personally don’t think Chat GPT has experienced many ferry rides from Singapore to Malaysia – but the AI definitely deserves brownie points for trying!

“As the ferry glides through the harbour, you're greeted by breath taking panoramic views. The glistening skyscrapers of Singapore's city skyline gradually recede into the distance, replaced by the serene coastal landscapes of Malaysia. The gentle sea breeze caresses your face, invigorating your senses and setting the perfect tone for this maritime journey.”  

And to be fair, it's not only ChatGPT that has "obviously" never done this journey. This day trip - which I am taking on behalf of my reporting efforts with Expat Choice will also be my first trip across the strait, so with much excitement I find myself setting off on an assignment to review The Desaru Coast Gourmet Series 2023 presented by award-winning Malaysian chefs, highlight contemporary and nostalgic Malaysian cuisine.

It has been at least four years since I caught a ferry from Tanah Merah to anywhere. It seems the ferry terminal has not changed at all in that time! But as always, check in, boarding and departure are all efficient - if not just a tad more chaotic than the gloriousness that is Changi airport provides, having travelled in and out of Singapore while living the expat life in Singapore. The ferry is a convenient 80 minute trip, which while not ChatGPT-esque - was very pleasant. 

This ferry trip can be bumpy, so while we had calm conditions on this particular scheduled service, I would suggest if you are prone to sea sickness you take the necessary precautions before boarding and keep yourself hydrated.  For ferry timetable information and things you may need to know before travel visit this link.

While Tanah Merah has virtually remained untouched over the past four years since I last travelled from this exit point, the same cannot be said about the Desaru Coast ferry terminal.  It sparkles with a newness that is matched only by the reciprocating sparkle of the surrounding sea. 

It is interesting to see traditional Johorian architecture being used within the terminal but not at the expense of comfort or function. Worthy to note, the bathrooms here are absolutely pristine, a delight for any traveller needing a rest room while on-route .  Our journey through immigration was swift and effortless, before being whisked away to our home away from home for the next 48 hours – The Westin, Desaru Coast Resort located at the Southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, boasting expansive views of the South China Sea.

The Westin Desaru Coast Resort rooms are generous in size and most have a view from the balcony - be it to sea, pool or garden.  I particularly appreciated the many nods to sound environmental practices – refillable room water bottles, shower dispensers, automatic air con shut off when the door was open.  It does feel that this hotel is serious about its sustainability efforts rather than ticking a box.

Staff are warm and accommodating as I would always expect in Malaysia and the hotel boasts an array of family-friendly amenities and activities including a kids’ club, dedicated play areas and free afternoon ice creams just to name a few.  The waterpark is also located close by.

Rooms are also well set up for those of us who need to “work from home” when not at home.  I had no issue with plenty of power points, charging ports, good WIFI and a comfortable desk.

All that being said. the highlight is undoubtedly the location.  The hotel is set right on a long stretch of beach that is clear and bright.  

The Beach Bar with its ample tables and sun loungers is a great place to while away a few hours.  Fun vibe, good music, easily accessible drinks and food, there is not much more to want. 

Add in an early morning beach session of stick mobility exercise run by JungleWalla (think yoga, tai chi, stretching, breathing) and it doesn’t get much better.

The Westin Desaru Coast Resort is definitely a good choice, one of many on the coast, for a long weekend getaway or an extended school holiday jaunt.

Now, the main reason for our visit, is an invitation to attend a Desaru Coast Gourmet Series dinner at Sea.Fire.Salt restaurant situated in the stunning Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas.  This series sees special guest chefs curate and deliver themed menus during events that span a long weekend.   

We were spoiled by a nine-course tasting menu inspired by Straits Cuisine, which takes inspiration from traditional Malay Peranakan dishes, executed by Malaysian Chef Johnson Wong of Penang’s gen and Communal Table fame.

Our meal was peppered with many high points, including a dessert of pineapple and soy sauce (yes it was great!) and a cured fish dish seasoned with generous amounts of peppery and earthy ginger flower (which was a new ingredient for me).  A standout for me was the Acar Nyonya and whipped tofu served with a spiced bread. 

This was a clever play on the more western tradition of accompanying a meal with bread and butter.  The flavours spoke of pickled vegetables, subtle heat and peanut crunch all supported but a light and yes almost buttery tofu whip.  Yum!

In contrast to the bold and punchy flavours of his cooking, Chef Johnson is reserved, almost shy.  His food speaks loud enough it seems.  By his own admission, Chef Johnson fell into cooking.

“..I don’t have a Grandma story.. ”, he responds when asked what inspired his passion for cooking.  He was enrolled to study architecture but at the last minute changed his mind and instead enrolled in the cooking school next door. 

And it wasn’t just any cooking school, Chef Johnson ended up studying at the world renown Cordon Bleu cooking school in Sydney, Australia.

Grandma story or not, Chef Johnson’s food is deeply anchored in the flavours and produce that have been with him since his childhood in Malaysia and they are elevated with a flair you would expect from a classically trained chef.  The meal was a delight!

The Desaru Coast will continue to conduct the Gourmet Dining series, curated by exceptional Malaysian and international chefs, with the next incarnation planned 1-3 September at One&Only Desaru Coast. 

Not only was our meal a delight, but also the location was stunning.  Sea.Fire.Salt is an open air restaurant situated close to the beach and one of two pools that grace the Anantara resort.  As you would expect of a five star brand, the Anantara is stunning, refined, open and airy. 

There are so many vantage points across the resort to just sit quietly and take in the beauty of the sea and surrounds.  It is the type of place that makes you forget you are only an hour or so from the hustle and bustle of Singapore.  Definitely one to add the “next time” list .. even if it is just for a day trip and lunch!

What I love about Desaru Coast is that nothing seems accidental. The development of the area is thoughtful and well executed.  In just a few short years it has been transformed from seaside jungle to a beguiling coastal jewel boasting luxury resorts, family hotels, destination dining venues, a world class water park, pristine golf courses and much more.  All showcasing the natural beauty of the area – clear and temperate waters, clean and sandy beaches.  There is something here for everyone! 

So, do yourself a favour and get booking your next adventure to the Desaru Coast and keep an eye out for the Deseru Coast Gourmet Series. Bookings can be made in advance. The ideal excuse to take a day trip out of Singapore and treat yourself to fine cuisine at one of Asia's newest lifestyle destinations.