Visitors can swim in the warm tropical sea, go canoeing, boating, parasailing, horseback riding and fishing. Those who prefer a less hectic holiday can just lie beneath a shady tree at the beach and relax your mind. After working up an appetite, head over to Sungai Rengit village to try its fresh, succulent lobsters for lunch. Then you can go to the 100ha Desaru Fruit Farm to sample a luscious spread of local fruits. Golf aficionados will also be able to enjoy their game and tee off at the many golf resorts in the area. At night, enjoy the twinkling lights of the fireflies in mangrove swamp.

On the way to Desaru, you can stop by Kota Tinggi where there are several places of interest. At the Kota Tinggi Waterfalls Resort, you also can enjoy a dip in cool, crystal clear mountain water, said to be able to relax muscle knots caused by stress and tension. Kota Tinggi has recently been caught up in “Bigfoot fever”. A beast is said to be living in the forest near the town and some locals claim to have seen it. Just ask the locals in the area and they will certainly help you find a guide to take you on a day trip to locate the creature's lair.

How to get there :

Johor is located in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia about 300km south of Kuala Lumpur. It is well connected to the rest of the country by expressways and railways as well as air links. The state is also connected to Singapore via the Causeway and the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link.

If you've ever stopped to write down all the planning and steps needed to prepare for that relaxing vacation to some pristine beach or peaceful mountain, you'd probably be quite impressed with what you needed to do before checking in at that five star hotel. Just what is involved in preparing for that relaxing vacation?

Choosing and Packing Your Clothing

If you're going to be on your relaxing vacation for any length of time, you're going to need clothes. Time to go through your closet and find some fashions that are comfortable, yet won't wrinkle when stuffed into a suitcase. This can be a challenge unless you happen to have a closet full of knits made of synthetic fabric which are hard to find these days.. Your other alternative is to wear the same outfit the entire vacation. Somehow, I don't think you'd be welcome at many attractions after the first few days of your trip to paradise.

Finding an Affordable Hotel

Hotels are not cheap these days. Fortunately, you have the ability to locate the best rates by doing online price comparisons. Unfortunately, this takes time. After spending a few hours on your computer staring at price quotes and comparing hotel features, you'll be ready to sleep in your car.

Preparing the Children and Pets

Oh yes, this can take up a substantial amount of time. If you have children, their clothes need to be selected and their suitcases packed. Plus, they're going to get bored in the car, so plan on packing a few toys and other distractions. You don't want them chattering away as you struggle to find the expensive hotel you booked online.

If you have pets, it's even more complicated. If you're boarding your pets, they have to be updated on their vaccinations and deemed free of disease, so plan on scheduling that vet appointment. Then, you have to pack up their belongings and escort them to their pet hotel which may cost almost as much as your human one. You can feel your wallet becoming lighter and your stress level rising.

The Challenge of Getting There

Why is that maps are so hard to read? The print is so small you need a magnifying glass to locate a street if the street happens to be on the map at all. Some people have a knack for choosing destinations that aren't on the map. You can plan on stopping at a few gas stations to redirect yourself or just learn to enjoy the adventure of being lost. After all, you're on your relaxing vacation to see some new scenery, right?

Have you managed to stay sane and reach the destination for your relaxing vacation? Congratulations! It's time for a cool drink by the pool.