Johor Bahru is the capital city of Johor, a state in the Southern part of Malaysia. The city, once a simple fishing village, is now a bustling metropolis, a major center for industry in the region. But for the tourist, Johor Bahru has a more significant purpose: an access point to the beautiful beaches of southeast Malaysia. From Danga Bay, located inside the city, to Desaru, a little over an hour away, here is a guide to some of the best beaches in and around Johor Bahru.

Danga Bay

Danga Bay has nearly 25 km of shoreline spread out across the waterfront, making it the main beach in Johor Bahru. The city, seeking to capitalize on the tourist trade, has taken advantage of this natural landmark, filling the bay with all kinds of entertainment and activities. Visit the Festive Street Mall, an entire street built entirely as a kind of outdoor mall, or head over to the kid-friendly Danga Park, which houses a playground and a pool. You can check out the Cultural Centre, which highlights the diverse cultural history of the region, or head to the Danga World Petting Zoo, featuring a variety of birds and lizards on display. Almost forgotten is the bay itself, a beautiful, if over-commercialized example of southeastern Malaysia’s beachfront.

Desaru Beach

One of the most famous beaches in the area, Desaru is as far from Danga Bay as you could get. Unspoiled white sand meets blue water and is overshadowed by tropical greenery. Popular with tourists in the 1980s, Desaru has been relatively untouched in the last decade, although it is becoming more popular. It currently takes about 90 minutes to get to Desaru from Johor Bahru, but the federal government is building a new expressway that will cut that time in half when it’s completed. Desaru is a good spot for surfing, snorkeling, or just relaxing in the sand.

Stulang Laut

Located almost directly across the from Danga Bay, the Stulang Laut area is good beachfront that is known for its windsurfing. You can find rental centers nearby if you don’t have your own equipment for windsurfing or other watersports. The area is also home to some good restaurants, and is a great place to relax and enjoy the cool evening breeze. On your way back to your hotel, stop by the city’s duty free zone, located just a short distance from the beach.