Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark: Three Unique Attractions that make it so FUN for Families!

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There is a new waterpark in Malaysia and it is only a 1.5-hour drive from Singapore! Located in Desaru, Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is billed as one of the biggest waterparks in the world - and we were there during the September School Holidays to see if it is worth a visit for families.

Set against the backdrop of a traditional Malaysian fishing village, Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is home to more than 20 wet and dry rides, slides and attractions... which I guess it is a clear indication that we were going to have a splash-tacular time!

Especially with huge water slides like these.

Consisting of 5 different zones, the waterpark offers a unique mix of wet and dry rides.

Yes, there are usual water slide attractions found in other waterparks - and they are really fun! - but the thing I found refreshing about Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark was they had designed the waterpark with families with kids in mind.

So besides the usual water rides, there are THREE other attractions found within Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark that other waterparks in the region do not have.

1. Kraken’s Revenge
Minimum height: 110cn

How's this for the region's FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND water rollercoaster???

Kraken’s Revenge is a combination of a roller coaster and splashing flume ride that takes thrill seekers up 30-metres above the ground in rolling “boats” before swooping and spinning through a full 360-degree horizontal loop.

The ride then takes a 27-metre drop to the shipwrecking Kraken sea monster waiting in the pool of water below! Riders can reach speeds up to 70 km/h as they plummet to a splashing finish. Just take a look at the video of the ride.

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A post shared by Kelvin Ang (@cheekiemonkies) on Sep 9, 2018 at 7:14pm PDT

IT WAS EXHILARATING STUFF! For once, we were all too happy to be drenched at a water flume ride - because we were in our swim wear!

2. Tidal Wave Beach

There are wave pools at waterparks and there is THE Wave Pool at Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark.

Tidal Wave Beach is one of the biggest wave pools in the world with some of the world’s biggest man-made waves! This signature water feature at Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark spreads over nearly three acres and holds more than 4 million gallons of water.

Oh, and it comes with a 170m-long sandy beach too in case you are wondering.

But frankly, who cares about the beach when one has such as awesome wave pool to dip in???

Why? Because this wave pool generates tidal waves. Yes, waves that actually reach up to 3m in height. 😱😱😱

For that reason, everyone is required to wear a life vest and are not allowed to cross beyond a marked line.

But as you can hear from the video below, we thoroughly enjoyed getting slammed by the waves. 😂 IT'S SUPER FUN!!!

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A post shared by Kelvin Ang (@cheekiemonkies) on Sep 9, 2018 at 1:48am PDT

This wave pool is unlike what the monkies had ever experienced so it wasn't any surprise that we ended up spending most of our time in the tidal wave pool.

3. Kids Ahoy (Special zone for kids!)

For most waterparks, younger kids usually will not be able to go on the bigger water slides due to the minimum water height requirement. What this means is they are usually resigned to playing at the giant water play structure with mini water slides. And that is probably all they will get to play.

But not at Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark. Sure, it has the standard huge water play structure, complete with water slides and giant splash bucket.

But what impressed me was the inclusion of other water slides which are specially designed for younger kids.

Kids Ahoy is a dedicated children’s zone with three separate age-appropriate play areas filled with water play equipment with a combination of 13 different water slides designed for the waterpark’s younger guests!

How many times have we seen this giant water barrel slide at other waterparks?

Here, this slide is scaled down to smaller version so that kids can go on it! Ditto for this colouful bendy water slide.

I cannot tell you just how much Ale was happy trying all the slides in this zone. Even though she meets the height requirement to go on the bigger water slides, she is still fearful of them so this zone is just perfect for her!

Got even younger kids or toddlers? There is also a dedicated area - AND SHELTERED! - just for them.

If you are ready to up those adrenaline levels, then head to the left section of the waterpark where all 4 of its signature water slides await.

The Riptide (Min. height 122cm) is a ride that will sweep riders at the steepest angles and fastest speeds giving an unparalleled feeling of weightlessness. Then, riders will travel downhill to enter the first twister where they slide back and forth several times before exiting into the second and third twisters and splash out into the pool.

The Tempest (Min. height 122cm) riders will experience two high-energy funnels throughout the course of the slide as well as a sudden 24-foot drop, which allows for high-banking swings and zero gravity moments. A 55-foot tube slide with a funnel in the middle sends riders on a swirling vortex before completing the descent.

On Wild Whirl (Min. height 122cm), riders on rafts plunge down a steep entrance channel, then shoot into the high, wide-open bowl for peak thrills. As rafts and riders slow down, they move to the centre drop chute for a quick and exciting exit.

Equipped with four sensational funnels where you slide up and down, the Super Twister (Min. height 122cm) leads riders cruising through radius curves before an unexpected drop into a funnel. Here, the riders oscillate back and forth, and then exit back into the enclosed tunnel before heading to the next set of exciting curves and funnels.

There is also a dry ride which comes in the form of the classic Swinging Ship ride (Min. height 110cm). We went on it and I would say that it is mild enough for younger kids to go on it.

Want to try your hand at surfing? Splash your way to Surf Wall (Min. height 110cm), a surf simulator where surfing beginners or enthusiasts can catch and ride artificial waves.

Of course, a must-have in any waterpark is the Lazy River... or in this case, it is known as Penawar River.

The Penawar River is a long, looping lazy river float through lushly landscaped riverbanks and riverside fishing village scenes. It is a 350-metre long waterway that is extrememly suitable for families and kids.

Because nothing is more relaxing than chilling on a float while drfting along with the currents, no?

For the monkies, being able to stop for refreshments at a swim-up bar which was located along the Penawar River definitely upped the experience!

Food options wise, there are a total of 5 Food and Beverage outlets within the waterpark. They sell a variety of food ranging from burgers and pizza to chicken rice and nasi lemak. Prices start from RM22 for a meal and RM18 for a kid's meal.

Not exactly cheap by Malaysian standards but decent enough as the serving portion is pretty huge.

My recommendation is the Lamb Shank with Mashed Potatoes at the Kelong Eatery. It costs RM38 for a combo meal but the lamb is so tender and juicy that the meat literraly slides off the bone!

If you are planning to head down with the kids, here are a few things to take note:

- The waterpark is currently in a soft-opening phase until 11 November 2018.
- This means that the park will only open from Thursdays to Sundays from 10am to 6pm (Closed from Mondays to Wednesdays).
- Admission prices are currently reduced at RM75 (Adult) and RM56 (Child below 12 years old). The normal prices are RM151 and RM113 respectively.

- No re-entry allowed.
- Life vests in various sizes are readily available for free.
- Shower rooms are available.
- Locker rates are RM20 for a small one and RM40 for a large one. Rental is for an entire day and is valid for multiple access. The lockers are accessed electronically, without the hassle of a physical key.
- Bring your own towels.
- No outside food and drinks are allowed. All bags are subject to a security check at the entrance.
- Paid parking is available beside the waterpark.

As for accommodation, the nearest option is Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast. It is just beside the waterpark so it's super convenient. And it is fully operational since 24 Sep 2018!

Other resorts near to the waterpark are Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort (Desaru Coast) and Sand & Sandals Resort & Spa which are located a 5-minute drive away.

For us, we stayed at Amansari Hotel Desaru, a no-frills hotel, which is situated at the city centre (about 10-minute drive to the waterpark). We got the Family Suite room for S$80 per night and it came with a queen-sized bed and a double sofa bed. Not too shabby but then, our main objective was to have loads of spalshing fun at Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark.

And judging from the monkies' reluctance to leave the waterpark at 6pm, I think we sure did have plenty of fun!


Useful Information

Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark
ADDRESS: Desaru Coast, No. 4 Jalan Danau, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar,  Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
OPENING HOURS: 10am – 6pm  (Thursday to Sunday) | Park closed from Monday to Wednesday
ADMISSION PRICES:
From now until 11 Nov 2018 - Adult RM75 | Child (below 12 years old) & Senior (Age 60+) RM56 | Toddler (below 3 years old) FREE
After 11 Nov 2018 - Adult RM151 | Child (below 12 years old) & Senior (Age 60+) RM113 | Toddler (below 3 years old) FREE
GETTING THERE:
By Car - 1.5-hour drive from Singapore Checkpoints via Senai–Desaru Expressway
By Coach - Coach from Singapore available at Singapore Flyer. Round trip tickets from S$36.33. Visit HERE for more info.
CONTACT: +603-2203-9696
EMAIL: info@DCAWP.com
WEBSITE