Thirty minutes later we were at Tanjung Belungkor Terminal, we opted on taking the ferry from Changi Ferry Terminal for the obvious reason that it is more convenient than taking a bus.

Docking area of Tanjung Belungkor Ferry Terminal (near Desaru) 

I’m happy I said yes to AJ when she asked me to be part of their Triathlon Relay team, given the fact that I don’t do Marathon and I don’t like running. But, it’s a dream to join the IronMan Triathlon in Cebu (my home). I felt that tri relay is a good start and who am I to say no when both of my teammates are legit Triathlon finishers (aba nag-YES na ako agad-agad, baka sakali mahawaan ako sa galing nila sa Triathlon).

Aside from that amazing tri relay experience, I got to visit this part of Johor — the Desaru, It’s a coastal resort area in Southeastern Johor, Peninsular Malaysia. There is nothing hipster and fancy around Desaru but the 22 kilometers beach area with different resorts to enjoy, so it’s important to pick the best resort for your beach relaxation needs.

We had perfectly chosen the best one for us, it’s just 20 minutes drive from Belungkor Terminal and Desaru highway is so convenient to drive, it was non-stop, smooth and no traffic. On top of it, it’s where the 113 Triathlon Desaru 2019 will be held.

While the van is getting closer to our resort — the Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, I was mesmerized with a castle-like resort view from the outside. I wasn’t wrong, it’s huge inside and probably the biggest resort I’ve seen so far.

Colorful building of Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa

Meet AJ

The moment we arrived at the resort, we straightaway took photos at the 113 Triathlon event board. That’s AJ our cyclist. Then collected our race pack at the lobby and check in to our room. I was assisted by very accommodating Niño and Ela during our check-in. It’s always a happy vibe to meet kapwa OFW.

Lotus Desaru Beach Resort and Spa provided us with Penthouse accommodation, it was so big for 5 of us. The penthouse is the nearest block to the beach and restaurants, located at block G. It’s perfect for a big group or family.

Our Penthouse

The penthouse has a big kitchen (no cooking), living area, dining table, balcony with 2 sets of coffee tables, 2 common bedrooms with shared bathroom and 1 master bedroom with walk-in closet and bathroom attached.

All their apartments are conveniently built with living, dining, and kitchen areas, making the guests feel right at home. There are 5 Room Type — One Bedroom, Two Bedroom, Three Bedroom, Four Bedroom, and  Penthouse (VIP Suite).

LIVING AREA 

OFFICE TABLE

KITCHEN AREA

BALCONY AREA

We are on the 2nd floor of the block, our balcony is directly facing the 113 Triathlon event FINISH LINE.

DINING AREA 

The Rooms

MASTER BEDROOM

The master room has a king bed, walk-in closet with a big mirror, a separate bathroom with rain shower and a bathtub. I love this room, the floor area is big enough for you to play romantic music (use your Spotify for this) and grab your special someone for a sweet dance.

ROOM with 2 single beds

ROOM with queen bed 

Common Bathroom for the 2 rooms

Both rooms have their own wardrobe and dresser table. It has windows too.

The entire area is super clean. I love the bathroom tiles, plus it’s extra clean. The bed is relaxing with very clean beddings.

Beach Area

The beach stretch (only half)

Lotus Desaru Beach area is clean, I saw that they have people who do the cleaning of the whole stretch. They have this high wall built with sands that are used for protection from high tide.

SUNRISE

The Waterpark

FALLING COCONUT

The kid in me jumped when I saw this falling coconut, it’s always been my favorite part. It’s an artificial huge falling coconut with small kampong slide for children. It spills the water when it’s full.

The Waterpark is an amusement park inside the resort that features water play areas, such as water slides, splash pads, playgrounds, lazy river,  swimming/lagoon pools, small artificial cave, and relaxing Gazebo.

Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa is perfect for family or friends getaway or corporate event. It’s super big while they maintain the cleanliness of the whole resort.

FUNFAIR AREA

The funfair area is for kids who love to play video games and rides are available too for your toddlers. There’s another big pool too. And just beside it is the retail shop. So many things are available for your beach activities.

While the resort gym is just facing this pool. On my first day, I run a bit at the treadmill just to warm-up my legs for the event the next day.

RETAIL SHOP

Restaurants at the Resort

My local favorite desserts 

BAKING IN PROGRESS

 

There are four places you can grab your meal and drinks in the resort, there’s Beach Hut, Seafood Restaurant, Teratai Coffee House, and Indian Restaurant.

We ate all our buffet breakfast & lunch meals in Teratai. They served local dishes and desserts in the buffet. I like that their bread is freshly baked.

MASSAGE AREA

113 Triathlon Relay

This is my first ever triathlon relay and I dedicated it to my mama in heaven. The event was on 7th July, it’s my mama’s first birthday in heaven too. I was praying hard while running that I will manage to finish it before the official event ends. Surprisingly, I made it in almost 3 hours, not exhausted, and didn’t feel the heat of the sun so much while running. It was my little miracle, my answered prayer.

As a newbie, I’m also blessed to have very supportive teammates. I came back from the triathlon looking forward to more and I realized how my body system changed, it craves to run. Probably, this is a sign that I’m beginning to love running.

I, AJ, & Joyce

CONGRATULATIONS TO US!!!

My stay in Lotus Desaru is not enough, I was busy with the event that I didn’t get to enjoy their facilities, food, water activities, massage services, and not even chill in the room. This gave me a reason to be back.

 

 

Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa
www.lotusdesaru.com
Lot 1854, Jalan Desaru Bandar Penawar
81930 Kota Tinggi Johor Darul Ta’zim,Malaysia
Tel : +607-884 2800
Fax : +607-884 2998
Email : rsvn@lotusdesaru.com

Kuala Lumpur Sales Office
Lotus Desaru Beach Resort Sdn Bhd
Wisma Lotus, Lot 1A, Jalan 51A/223A,
Off Jalan Utara, 46100 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Tel : +607-884 2800
Fax : +607-884 2998
Email : rsvn@lotusdesaru.com