Legoland
Even if you’ve been to the ones in New York, Dubai, and Florida, this one will still whip up a treat. The water park will excite the small kids, the crazy coasters will thrill the big kids, and the virtual reality roller coaster (say that again!) will remind the adults who are kids at heart that it’s never to late to let your hair down.
Desaru Beach
This is the reason Singaporeans travel the Causeway to the Land of the Free. Okay, we’re kidding, but they do come here for the sunrise, sunset, and the jet skis in between. Don’t expect the sea to be snorkel-worthy, but the sand is fine and soft like baby hair. If you stay at Tunamaya Resort, you’ll even get a less crowded experience of beach life.
Desaru Fruit Farm
If you like your durian (not the iced, creamed, powdered, dodol’d, or puffed versions), then come along to the Desaru Fruit Farm where you can find your first love hanging from a tree. If that sounds morbid, maybe the tropical fruit buffet will make up for the bad joke.
Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street
Not long by any stretch, this street is nevertheless worth your walk — if not for the coffee (lots of quaint boutique cafés), then for the heritage. Pre-independence buildings abound on both sides of the street, itself arched by a red and yellow sign that reads, in Mandarin, “Tan Hock Nee Cultural Street” – lest you miss it.
Pasar Karat
This bazaar ups the game on pasar malams (night markets) everywhere by including independent clothing brands and live music. It’s more like Camden than Portobello, and a lot like Penang’s Batu Ferringhi walk. Browse and bargain while the band beats it out, and don’t forget to cross the bridge for yummy tummy fillers.
Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
Whether you’re here for the view, the architecture, or God, this mosque is a must-see for all. Built between 1892 and 1990, this Victorian-Moorish design overlooks the Straits of Johor and can admit up to 2,000 worshippers at any given time.
Sanrio Hello Kitty Town
Did you grow up in the 90s? If so, come reminisce with (or without) your young one here, where you can dress up (or down), make button badges, decorate Hello Kitty cookies, and win prizes. Young ’uns and those young at heart will enjoy this one- to two-hour experience.
Sultan Ibrahim Building
Once the tallest building in pre-independence Malaya, this former state secretariat office combines the best of British colonial and Malay architecture, with elements of Saracenic design. While you cannot enter the building, you can still walk around the grounds, take a selfie with the tower, and enjoy the hilltop view.