Desaru, Malaysia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Desaru, Malaysia? If you're planning to go to Desaru, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Desaru, Malaysia

Based on the climate and weather in Desaru, Malaysia, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Desaru, Malaysia

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Desaru, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Desaru, Malaysia by month

January

January in Desaru is pretty consistently hot, very rainy and extremely hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malaysia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desaru. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you go to the Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Desaru has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

February

February in Desaru can be very hot, somewhat rainy and extremely hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malaysia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desaru. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you pick the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Desaru has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

March

If you vacation in Desaru during March, you might notice that it is constantly hot, somewhat rainy, somewhat stormy and extremely hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malaysia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desaru. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to pick the right kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Desaru has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

April

Traveling to Desaru in April, you will notice that it is really hot, very rainy, very stormy and extremely hazy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malaysia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desaru. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you go to the Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Desaru has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

May

May in Desaru is constantly hot, very rainy, very stormy and extremely hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malaysia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desaru. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

If you go to the Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Desaru has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

June

If you vacation in Desaru during June, you will probably see that it is extremely hot, very rainy, somewhat stormy and extremely hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malaysia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desaru. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you find the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Desaru has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

July

July in Desaru is extremely hot, very rainy, somewhat stormy and extremely hazy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malaysia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desaru. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to the Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Desaru has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

August

In August, Desaru is extremely hot, very rainy, somewhat stormy and extremely hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Desaru, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malaysia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desaru. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Desaru has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

September

In September, Desaru can be very hot, very rainy, somewhat stormy and extremely hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Desaru, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malaysia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desaru. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you get the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Desaru has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

October

If you visit Desaru during October, you might notice that it can be sweltering, very rainy, very stormy and extremely hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malaysia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desaru. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you get the necessary kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Desaru has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

November

November in Desaru is consistently hot, extremely rainy, very stormy and extremely hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malaysia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desaru. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to find the correct type. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you go to the Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Desaru has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

December

If you visit Desaru during December, you are likely to notice that it is extremely warm, very rainy, somewhat stormy and extremely hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally around 80 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malaysia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Desaru. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you get the correct kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

If you go to the Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Desaru has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:

What to do in Desaru, Malaysia

Desaru, located in the state of Johor in Malaysia, is a popular coastal town known for its stunning beaches, water parks, and other outdoor attractions. Whether you're planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, there is no shortage of things to do in Desaru. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Desaru that you wouldn't want to miss.

1. Desaru Beach

When it comes to natural beauty, nothing beats the Desaru beach. The beach stretches for miles, offering perfect opportunities for a refreshing swim, sunbathing or simply strolling along the sandy shoreline. You can also get a glimpse of traditional fishing villages and spot local fishermen's boats.

2. Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark

Just like the name suggests, this water park provides an exhilarating way to enjoy a sunny day with family and friends. The park features the biggest wave pool in Southeast Asia, several thrilling rides, an extensive children's area, sophisticated experiences and cabanas to relax for the day.

3. Desaru Ostrich Farm

Get up close and personal with the world's largest bird species at Desaru Ostrich Farm. The farm offers educational tours where you will learn about their behavior and how to hatch their eggs. You, including your kids, can even experience feeding these curious creatures.

4. Tidal Wave Beach, Desaru Fruit Farm

The Tidal Wave Beach is one of the fascinating attractions you should definitely discover at Desaru Fruit Farm. You will meet this artificial beach with man-made waves – certainly a unique experience. Not only this, the farm has multiple remarkable offerings, including fruit plantations, petting zoo, and recreational activities.

5. Firefly Cruise

Witness the magical beauty of fireflies through the Firefly Cruise. The cruise takes you along the Johor river that weaves through the mangrove forests of Desaru. Evening is the best time to experience the twinkling fireflies lighting the dense mangrove outskirts.

6. Tanjung Balau Fishermen's Museum

Learn about the lifestyle and culture of traditional fishermen of Desaru at Tanjung Balau Fishermen's Museum. This museum houses a variety of exhibitions that depict the daily life of the fishermen and the role of the fishing industry in the local economy.

In conclusion, Desaru, Malaysia, offers endless possibilities for fun-filled family vacations, romantic getaways, and group adventures. With the range of attractions mentioned above, it's easy to see why Desaru is a popular tourist destination. Visit Desaru today, and you will be pleasantly surprised at what it has to offer.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Suitland, Maryland, United States of America, Mandi, India, Southwest Iceland, Iceland, Chalok Lam, Thailand, Strood, England, United Kingdom, Suita, Japan, Kerala, India, Cuyo Islands, Philippines, Ephrata, Washington, United States of America, Port Orchard, Washington, United States of America, and El Nido, Philippines.