New chapter for Mandarin Oriental on Malaysia’s Desaru Coast

Desaru Beach is 60km from Malaysia’s second largest city, Johor Bahru.

But it is famous for its beach … and resorts.

In 2021, Time magazine named Desaru as one of the world’s 100 greatest places to visit — the only destination in Malaysia to make the list.

The Sireya Desaru Coast has been a big part of its story.

But a new chapter started on January 30, when it became the Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast, under the management of Mandarin Oriental.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on February 5, 2026, with a floral garland, significantly, consisting of local flora.

One of the Mandarin Oriental’s senior leadership team at the ceremony was Kande Camara, group director of sustainability, alongside the hotel’s new general manager, Christian Gerart.

As the reimagined floral ribbon was cut, bubbles drifted to the sky, symbolising transformation and renewal.

Mandarin Oriental plans for this landmark property to be very much of its place.

On the south-eastern shoreline of Johor, Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast is set in 520,000sqm of ancient rainforest, with a 1.5km beachfront.

A hidden sanctuary.

Yet it is easily to get here from major international airports and key cities in Malaysia and Singapore.

A spokesperson for the Mandarin Oriental says: “The resort captures the essence of destination through Malaysian culture and craftsmanship, harmoniously integrating the natural environment into its design, dining, recreational and wellness experiences, while offering guests Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service and exceptional experiences, shaped by its dual-Asian roots.”

Desirable Desaru

The Malay meaning of the word “desaru” is “village of soft palms”.

And, indeed, the resort is framed by palms and 300-year-old banyan trees.

The resort has 44 suites and one four-bedroom pool villa.

Suites are from 105sqm and each has a private plunge pool, courtyard and veranda overlooking either rainforest or sea.

Being well

The spokesperson says the resort’s wellness program is inspired by nature. There are two signature rituals.

+ “Ocean Homecoming restores harmony to body and mind using indigenous elements such as coconut, sea salt and algae,” says the spokesperson.

+ “Jungle Wild Surge reawakens the senses through a guided breathing ritual, followed by a revitalising scrub and massage infused with local herbs and spices drawn from the surrounding rainforest.”

There are facial rituals by globally recognised Augustinus Bader skincare, and an indoor yoga studio and open-air yoga pavilion overlooking the sea.

The resort has a 56m infinity pool, with two other pools at the beach club site, near the ocean.

There are guided nature walks, jogging trails, water sports and “encounters with dusky monkeys and native wildlife”, says the spokesperson.

Eating well

Executive chef Ahmad Fazli Abdulrahman was trained in classic French fine dining and has worked in Dubai, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and his native Malaysia.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Ambara, will focus on seasonal Malaysian ingredients. Dusky Monkey will feature Straits-inspired bites and handcrafted cocktails and beverages. Ember Beach Club will offer Asian-style barbeque.

Introductory offers

To celebrate its new chapter, Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast has two introductory offers from January 30 to June 30, 2026.

+ Discover Desaru includes complimentary round-trip car transfers and a $US100 spa or dining credit (for a minimum two-nights’ stay).

+ The Grand Life offer includes elevated benefits including the ease of round-trip car transfers, a private beachside dinner for four and an Essence of Desaru spa treatment for two.

In April, suites are from about $840 a night.

mandarinoriental.com/en/desaru-coast/kota-tinggi