Desaru Coast may be one of the world’s greatest places to visit this year if not for the pandemic.
The go-to resort for the ultra-rich is the only Malaysian tourist destination to make it to Time magazine’s third list of best places to visit in 2021. Set against the 17-kilometer pristine coastline, the resort in Johor state is home to top hotels that have been fairly empty since COVID-19 landed last year. Other draws include an adventure waterpark, golf courses, cruises through the Sedili Wetlands, and the imminent opening of the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal catering to mostly Singapore and Indonesia travelers.
“We are honored to be globally recognized by such a renowned publication and we are proud to fly the flag for both Johor and Malaysia,” Roslina Arbak said in a statement to the press. She is the chief executive officer of Desaru Coast Destination Resort.
Luxury accommodations in the area include Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, One&Only Desaru Coast, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, and The Westin Desaru Coast Resort.
“This is an outstanding achievement for a team only two years in operation, and after what has been and continues to be a challenging time for the industry. With this notable feather in our cap, we look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world once travel resumes,” Arbak added.
Time magazine’s list of top destinations was compiled by its international network of correspondents and industry experts. This year, the publication honors those at the forefront of industries that have found ways to adapt during the pandemic.
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