Beach resorts in Johor
Malaysia is renowned for its pristine beaches that are much sought-after destinations for a getaway. Among the many coastal locales, the state of Johor stands out as one of the most enticing spots to visit, with its stunning coastline and gorgeous beach resorts to boot.
We’ve rounded up 6 stunning beach resorts in Johor for your next much-needed vacay. These beach resorts also boast a plethora of fun activities for you to check out, so you can have a staycation snoozing in cosy rooms and basking under the sun.
Table of Contents
- Beach resorts in Johor
- 1. Rimba Resort – rustic chalets by the beach
- 2. Batu Batu Resort – resort on a private uninhabited island
- 3. Bayu Lestari Island Resort – family-owned resort with A-frame villas
- 4. Alang’s Rawa – group-friendly accommodation
- 5. Sea Gypsy Village Resort – eco-friendly resort with a dive base
- 6. Sea Horizon Resort – bubble-dome glamping
- Beach resorts with fun water activities in Johor
1. Rimba Resort – rustic chalets by the beach
Image credit: @rimba_resort via Instagram
Located in the tranquil Pulau Sibu, the rustic Rimba Resort is an ideal staycay spot for holiday-makers seeking a peaceful getaway among nature by the beach. The full-board resort features 21 sea-facing chalets situated along a 350-metre private beach – it’s pretty much guaranteed that you can explore the shores away from the crowds here.
Guests can look forward to waking up in the resort’s kampung-glam rooms to the calming sound of waves, or simply soaking up the sun on a private porch.
Image credit: Rimba Resort
The popular Sea View Twin Chalets (from RM330/night) are equipped with ceiling fans, an en-suite bathroom, and queen-sized beds wrapped with mosquito nets. Each is able to accommodate up to four guests, with prices per night charged per person.
While a night’s stay here comes with three meals a day, Rimba Resort also has various packages to make your next staycay even more fuss-free. The 3D2N Package (from RM780), for starters, includes a stay in a twin or double Sea View Chalet, meals for two days, and return boat transfers between Tanjung Leman and Rimba Resort.
Image adapted from: Rimba Resort via Facebook
Staying in bed all day may sound tempting while you’re on a beach staycay, but you’ll want to check out various water activities such as snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding at this resort. There’s also an in-house bar, as well as a lounge area where you can leisurely sip on your drinks with a view of the sea.
Image credit: @rimba_resort via Instagram
Snorkelling fees: RM80/adult | RM70/child
Address: Lot PDT 22 & 141, Mukim, Pulau Sibu, 86810 Mersing, Johor
Contact: 012-710 6855 | Rimba Resort’s website
2. Batu Batu Resort – resort on a private uninhabited island
Image credit: @batubatuisland via Instagram
Nestled within Johor Marine Park is Batu Batu Resort. Situated on the uninhabited Pulau Tengah, which boasts stunning coral reefs and rich marine life, the resort is the only development on the island and is accessible via a private speedboat from the coastal town of Mersing.
Image credit: Batu Batu
The resort features one- and two-bedroom villas with interiors inspired by traditional local architecture – they’re constructed from tropical hardwood and feature high ceilings that help open up the space even further. Each room has a balcony that face the sea or jungle, as well as floor-to-ceiling glass windows that lets you soak up views of the serene surroundings from bed.
Take your pick between rooms that accommodate two adults, such as their Jungle Villas (from RM1,749/night) or Ocean View Villas (from RM1,844/night).
Image credit: @venalim_ via Instagram
Bathrooms aren’t usually the star of the show when it comes to deciding where to stay on a holiday. But the bathrooms in the villas at Batu Batu resort are worth a mention. They are spacious and equipped with bathtubs conveniently placed next to large windows, so you can stare out at the blue waters while you’re soaking away.
Image adapted from: Batu Batu Tengah Island via Facebook
Besides trying out water sports, a trip to Tengah Island Conservation is worth considering. Located approximately 20 minutes from the resort via boat, the conservation centre lets visitors learn more about endangered sea turtles, such as the Green Sea and Hawksbill, which are both under threat due to poaching and climate change.
Address: Pulau Tengah, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Contact: 017-755 2770 | Batu Batu Resort’s website
3. Bayu Lestari Island Resort – family-owned resort with A-frame villas
Image credit: @noitpippo via Instagram
Just a 30-minute boat ride from Mersing Jetty, Bayu Lestari is a family-owned resort on Pulau Besar that’s managed by Ibu Rose and her five children. Offering guests a picture-perfect scene of turquoise waters and powdery white sands, this beach resort with its cosy cluster of 15 villas is ideal for anyone wanting an intimate getaway with their loved ones.
Their signature Deluxe A Frame (from RM850/night) rooms are situated along the beach, and reminiscent of traditional Malay-style homes. There are just four of them at the resort, with each offering guests an open view of the lish green surroundings.
Image credit: Bayu Lestari Resort via Website
Inside the A-frame rooms, high ceilings and wood finishings help create a warm and rustic ambience. Each room is air-conditioned and has an en-suite bathroom to maximise your comfort levels.
Image credit: Bayu Lestari Resort
Nature lovers can embark on a complimentary jungle trekking adventure accompanied by experienced guides during a stay here. Whole on the trek, you’ll get to discover hidden treasures of the tropical ecosystem, such as indigenous plant and medicinal herbs that are scattered throughout the island.
Address: Lot 4, Pulau Besar, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Contact: 019-728 4450 | Bayu Lestari’s website
4. Alang’s Rawa – group-friendly accommodation
Image credit: @alangsrawa via Instagram
If you’re planning a getaway with your best pals, Alang’s Rawa Resort might just be the perfect place for you. This family-owned resort has 19 rooms, including their Coconut Tree Group Room (from RM830/pax) that comfortably accommodates up to 12 guests with two bedrooms and bathrooms, a lounge space, and a balcony.
The rates at this resort all include two nights accommodation, boat transfers, and meals.
Image credit: @alangsrawa via Instagram
The most sought-after accommodation at this laidback resort are the Little A-Frames (from RM1,270/night). Situated right on the beach, these sea-facing rooms are perfect for couples who want to wake up to a view of crystal-clear waters. Else, these rooms have a hammock out on the private balcony, where you can soak up even more unblocked views of the sea.
Image credit: @alangsrawa via Instagram
Besides just lounging around, there are various activities for guests to explore at Alang’s Rawa, including snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, and island-hopping. Kayaking is a popular activity here, as you can enjoy the picturesque landscapes surrounding this resort – not forgetting the marine life swimming right beneath you, of course.
Address: Rawa Island, Mersing, Johor
Contact: 016-729 7383 | Alang’s Rawa website
5. Sea Gypsy Village Resort – eco-friendly resort with a dive base
Image credit: @seagypsyvillage via Instagram
Sandwiched by lush greenery and blue waters, Sea Gypsy Village Resort on Pulau Sibu has 28 rooms that all look like traditional Malay kampung homes. They have three different accommodation types available, including the Authentic 2 Room Family Chalets (from RM1,270/night) that have two rooms: one with a king-sized bed and another with bunk beds.
Image credit: @seagypsyvillage via Instagram
The best part about these rooms is that they feature a private veranda that faces the sea, so parents with little ones can switch off the gadgets and simply spend time outdoors. Your meals and transport will be sorted out too, with a stay here comprising three meals a day and a private boat ride from and to Tanjung Leman.
Image credit: @seagypsyvillage via Instagram
Their most affordable rooms are the A Frame Chalets (from RM280/night), which is spacious and able to fit up to three guests. It comes with a king-sized bed fitted with a pair of single mattresses, and features a private porch that looks out at the sea.
Image credit: @seagypsyvillage via Instagram
What makes Sea Gypsy Village extra special is their pet-friendly policy – you’re welcomed to bring along your furkid, with just a small fee of RM10 to pay for your pet to join in on your staycay plans.
The resort also has a water sports centre called Dan’s Nasty Frogmen Dive Base, which lets you join in on thrilling activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, and paddleboarding.
Address: Lot 71, Pulau Sibu, 86810 Mersing, Johor
Contact: 07-207 0014 | Sea Gypsy Village’s website
6. Sea Horizon Resort – bubble-dome glamping
Image credit: Sea Horizon Resort via Facebook
For a unique staycation, head to Sea Horizon Resort – they’re a luxurious glamping resort tucked away in the serene fishing village of Sedili Besar, just 1.5 hours from Johor Senai Airport. Unlike the other beach resorts in the state, this glampsite is built above a breathtaking cliffside overlooking the South China Sea, and is just a short walk away from Temala Beach, a white sandy beach.
Image credit: Sea Horizon Resort via Facebook
They have a handful of gorgeous semi-transparent bubble domes (from RM830/night) that face the vast ocean. A stay in a dome lets you wake up in comfort to breathtaking views, with each dome featuring a plush bed adorned with soft linens and an en-suite bathroom.
Image credit: Sea Horizon Resort via Facebook
Thrill-seekers can consider paragliding to enjoy unparalleled views of the beautiful open sea. Do note that visitors have to bring their own equipment and adhere to safety precautions. Otherwise, there are complimentary activities to try out that are closer to the ground, including kayaking, cycling, and taking a dip in a swimming pool.
Address: Pulau Besar, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Contact: 07-797 0054 | Sea Horizon’s website
Beach resorts with fun water activities in Johor
Whether you prefer gliding across crystal-clear waters on a kayak or lounging by the beach with a book in hand, these beach resorts in Johor check all the boxes for a relaxing staycay complete with fun and laidback activities.
For more interesting resort destinations, check out these 8 floating resorts and 10 mountain resorts in Malaysia.
Cover image adapted from: @batubatuisland via Instagram, Batu Batu, Bayu Lestari Resort, @seagypsyvillage via Instagram