Once popular with both Malaysians and Singaporeans alike the resort destination of Desaru was quite the holiday destination in the 1980s and early 90s. The Desaru Golf Club was quite the novelty draw for golfers with it’s tight tree lined jungle tract packed with monkeys. If your ball found foliage, it was best to leave it there for fear of both snakes and monkeys.

The eventual closing of the golf course signalled Desaru’s decline, and it has lost its sparkle after years of inactivity, but now fresh investment in the area is breathing new life into the quiet coastal area.

The star at the new Desaru Coast is once again golf. With the Els Club Desaru Coast leading the charge. The 45-hole property boasts two Championship courses, each designed by a world golf hall of famers. The Ocean Course, designed by the club’s namesake and four-time major champion, Ernie Els is set on one of the most spectacular plots of land anywhere in the world. Overlooking the South China Sea the course can comprise of any two of the three 9-hole courses on-site, offering unique variability. Each layout has their own character and personal touches from Els, but they all take inspiration from the famous links courses spread across the UK, with large rolling greens and firm run off areas designed to place a premium on a sharp short game.

The recently opened Valley Course, designed by three time major champion Vijay Singh is a completely different test. The small greens and sharp undulations mean that approach play must be precise in order to prevail against the course. The layout is as dramatic as you’ll find anywhere in the world, Singh used the slopes on the property to perfection, creating a perfect mix of testing shots and vistas that will provide memories to last a lifetime.

Besides two fantastic golf venues which can play even more difficult when the wind comes up, each course boasts a fully-spec’d clubhouse. The Ocean Course’s clubhouse is a decadent masterpiece, at 45,000 square feet, views for miles over the golf course and into the South China Sea and the 261 Bar and Restaurant, it’s the ultimate 19th hole. The Valley course’s clubhouse is a slightly different design, with an open plaza design and casual dining area it’s more of a traditional golf club atmosphere. Each course at The Els Club Desaru Coast has a pristine short game area and full grass driving range, meaning both as perfect to warm up before a game, or even to get in some extra practice.

The Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast is one of the premier accommodations offered in the newly unveiled packages and it truly offers something for all the family. For the grown-ups, the pool parties are the perfect place to kick back and let off some steam, with live music on offer they truly embody all that the Hard Rock franchise stands for and are always a good time. After a pool party, you may need to relax and enjoy some downtime, and the Hard Rock Hotel has you covered. The Rock Spa is the perfect setting to relax and rejuvenate yourself, with a range of treatments to be enjoyed; either alone, in a couple or with a wider group, the team of specialists at the Rock Spa ensure you have a great day. The Hard Rock hotel also has something for the kids of all ages, with a range of swimming pools and play areas.

The Sand and Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa is the other primary partner to The Els Club Malaysia. The resort offers the ultimate couples retreat. Set alongside the sea, couples can enjoy a personalised stay in one of the most romantic destinations in the world. With a beach at guest’s disposal, luxury swimming pools, spa and tennis facilities and six first class dining options the Sand and Sandals Beach Resort Desaru has every amenity you’ll ever need to have that great instagrammable holiday.

Alternatively, if you’d like your accommodation in a more urban setting, The Els Club Malaysia has joined forces with the AmanSari Hotel Desaru. In the heart of Bandar Penawar, the hotel is a stone’s throw from the golf club, but also set within a happening area with plenty of shopping and dining options.

Let’s not forget the children shall we?

Children love water and they love a thrill, which makes Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark a great day out. Located a short walk away from the Hard Rock Hotel, It spans 100,000 square-metres or about the size of the Singapore Expo, and houses over 20 colourful attractions. From relaxing river-rides (Penawar River) to exhilarating water slides (The Tempest), you’ll be free to determine the thrill-level of your little adventure.

For more information please visit www.elsclubmalaysia.com.