Kindred Escapades: Johor, Malaysia: Road Trip to Kota Tinggi Waterfalls, Desaru Firefly and Ostrich Farm

Aunt Gonding (my grandma's sister) came to Singapore to spend Chinese New Year with her daughter, Gin-Gin, who is a flatmate of ours and my cousin. We decided to cross the border to Malaysia, rent a car and drive around Johor. Weeks prior to their arrival, we've already booked both to make sure we still had availability. As usual, we booked our hotel through Booking.com and the car, first time, through Easybook.com. They just needed an international driver's license or a Singapore driving license which I had.

We left our flat at around 6:30 am and boarded a train towards Kranji MRT. The bus queue bound for the checkpoint was minimal maybe because it was still early in the morning or maybe because we left, February 20, a day later than the start of the long weekend.

It was my first time going through Woodlands CIQ Checkpoint as we usually take the Tuas Checkpoint. Nina and Gina had gone through this checkpoint before but had forgotten already as it had been a while since they've been back here. We weren't too sure which bus to board and where to queue. It appeared the stop was the alighting point for those coming from and those leaving for Johor. We boarded bus no. 170 towards the checkpoint and went through immigration in less than 30 minutes.

Again, we were partially lost trying to locate the walkway towards JB Sentral, where we agreed to meet the car rental guys. Once you exit the main halls of immigration, try not to miss the sign "<-- JB Sentral" along the hallway on your left. It may seem like just a window pane from a far 'coz the path is narrow and small. It is also headed towards the direction where you just came out-- just separated by a transparent glass wall. If you get to the escalators going down or path that veers to the right, you've missed it. Once you decide to turn back, there is a "Exit only" sign but don't fret. Luckily, I was able to ask one of the immigration officers who was on break and headed for where we were going. He allowed us to follow him and seem to ignore the "Exit Only" sign maybe 'coz he noticed we were quite perplexed and genuinely lost. Haha. It's only that little corner that's crucial and tricky the rest are pretty much navigational.

We get to sit down and have breakfast at KFC past 9 am while trying to contact the car rental guys. We struggled getting a hold of them as we initially didn't want to activate our mobile roaming. We roamed around the mall and found some local SIM card we could slide into our phone. From then on, we were able to get in touch with them via Whatsapp.

Downpayment and checking the car rental for dents and malfunctions

They were more than 30 minutes late and brought in the car we didn't reserved for. Make things worst, NO GPS that we initially added on. Not a great start to our holiday. This would be my first out-of-the-country (Singapore), Asian right-hand driving experience so I was having butterflies in my tummy, was restless and uneasy weeks prior to this trip.

Luckily, I brought in a back-up Google maps printout of one destination to the next. With the trip odometer trick I learned back in the US, we manage to anticipate the distance in-between turns. Few times we'd miss some turns but would be aware of it and just make a U-turn. The first few turns were a bit of challenge as conversion from miles (which I've have gotten used to) to kilometer and my co-driver/ wife dictating was messing up my estimation. Once we got the hang of it, it was pretty straight-forward and a breeze as there weren't too many intersections.

Well anyways, enough of the driving part and on to the first stop-- Kota Tinggi Waterfall Resort. Weaving through the road with only a few residential homes and no commercial establishments and high-rise buildings on both sides, it was a refreshing sight to see. Green hills and trees give you this relaxed vibe as you stare out the car window. For the longest time, we've been wanting to check out this waterfall which was the closest natural cooling spot to bathe on from Singapore. For a minimal fee of RM5.00 per car, your passengers would get to take a dip and get to have a back aqua massage from the ice-cold, raging water. Parking space was also bountiful. Visually, I noticed three major areas: the slide area (where you ride your floaters and go through this long tube and slanted wall and splashing your way around), the bathing area (at the foot of the waterfall where most adults can be seen is just knee to shoulder deep) and the lookout area at the top (where you need to climb a paved and cemented staircase to reach it).

My aunt and two cousins checked out the top of the waterfall, Me and Casey went for a quick dip while Mommy watched over our stuff as she didn't want to join us. This was around lunch time so everybody was getting hungry already and excited to check-in the hotel.

After driving for an hour, we finally arrive at our 1st destination

At the base further down the waterfall is this slide area perfect for kids and teens

Cool water from mother nature is the perfect heat-buster

Wooden bridge and stairway towards the top of the waterfall

Traversing on the slippery boulders at the foot of the fall

As soon we reached Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, we were fascinated by its sheer size and land area occupancy. It looked like an entire city all by its own. We drove around inside the resort and could not find vacant parking space in the concrete area near the building. After one full big round in it, I decided to drop them off in our assigned block as I continued with my search. It was peak season so it was packed. I saw a pretty sizable crowd in the main building waiting for a shuttle to take them to their place. They had several eco-friendly trams plying the roads that would take you to different destinations within the resort. I was able to park the car by the dirt, unpaved area.

The resort had this palace meets barn kind of atmosphere. The pyramid-shaped, pointed roof topped with flags was like you're in fantasy land while the barn-like wooden railings or fences gives it a homey feel. As soon as we entered our unit, inside was no different. Two-storey with your own staircase towards the bedroom which was overlooking a spacious dining and living area delighted us. It also had a balcony. Our room pretty much went above our expectations. Outside was still hot so we decided to stay in for a few hours and just order in-room dining. Price was average and food was well-packed and delicious.

After filling our tummies and being able to rest, we checked out the rest of the amenities the resort had to offer. We put on our swimming attire and headed for the shore as we were ready to jump in. To our dismay, we could smell mud, water was murky and we saw visible traces of oil on the sand. We figured it may have come from the tractor that was going in and out of the shelter pulling the banana boats and other water play equipments-- parasailing was also a crowd favorite. If a nice beach to swim is your top priority like what we were expecting then I'm afraid this isn't it. Don't get us wrong though, that didn't stop us from enjoying the scenery and wind. They had a wide array of facilities we should have tried out but didn't have the time anymore. Like the Giant Coconut Fall, lazy river, aqua play, stone bridge and giant pool. Along the shoreline, they had an elevated sandy area where they had wooden benches and barbecue grills. You can buy a bucketful and grill it yourselves. We didn't purchase some as we were still stuffed.

We just poured out Casey's beach toys and played for several minutes. It was still relaxing and great to see families enjoying their day out and having fun in the water. We then headed towards the retail shop that was selling many different kind of toys. Casey got a battery-operated bubble-blowing gun which he played with most of the time.

2nd destination and hotel for the night, our one-bedroom suite at Lotus Desaru Beach Resort

Families frolicking at the beach of Lotus Desaru Beach Resort

Picnic tables and grills for do-it-yourself barbecuing

Main lobby/ Reception Area decked with Chinese ornaments to usher in the Lunar New Year

Next, we prepped ourselves up for dinner and the firefly boat experience (sorry, no photos on this one as I decided to leave my DSLR as I didn't know what to expect and got scared it might get soaked). This part we were all so giddy as it was a first and unique adventure for everyone. Adventure it was. Several heart-pounding moments. Haha.

Since it was dark, the firefly signage I thought was already the corner where I should make a left turn was headed towards Senai - Desaru Expressway. Uh-oh. I told the guy at the toll gate that we'd just make a U-turn since it wasn't where were supposed to go. He opened the gate and didn't make us pay. As cars were rapidly coming from the opposite direction and not wanting to block the passage of the car behind us, I kept going. I wanted to find an intersection where I could get off the main highway towards a small road then safely go back but it just kept going towards the dark mountains and endless path ahead.

Eventually, I had the courage to pull over the car by the side of the expressway and check both sides for distant headlights before making a U-turn. We were relieved and laughing as we thought of the guy at the toll gate. He must have been wondering why it took us a long time to exit the gate again. Anyways, on with our journey. As we made the right turn, we passed by portions of a narrow but well-paved road that was very dark (as warned by the hotel front desk and security guard as we asked for directions prior to leaving). It was a vast palm plantation on both side of the road. This was getting late so at some point we would be elated to able to come across another vehicle in the opposite lane or behind us. All we relied on were the directions from the hotel staff and distance specified at the signage at the turn from the main road. We were thinking if the car would break down here, I don't think anyone would have the balls to get out. Hahaha.

As we got to the end of the road which was already the wharf, we were RELIEVED to find many cars in the parking lot. There was a floating restaurant where people were enjoying their fresh seafood dinner still. We hurriedly purchased our boat tickets and queued next to a good number of folks already waiting for the boat or should I say, floating house. It was a big motorized, wooden raft assembled like a floating restaurant without the tables in the middle. It probably carried around 20 - 30 adults. It was a pretty decent-sized water transport contrary to what I thought. Its engine revs out loud as distant itself from the bright lights of the wharf and down the river.

A good 10 - 15 minutes and it's pitch-dark-- the covered raft's engine significantly quiets down while trying to glide its way down the riverbank with branches of trees over the water. A guy grabs a pail, scoops water from the river and throws it towards the trees. Voila! Fireflies! These tiny creatures come to life as they flutter around... some even entering our raft. It was magical. Imagine lots of Tinkerbells? Ok, not a good example for a guy to give. Lol. I couldn't remember in my lifetime seeing that kind of number. The guy beside us palmed both his hands together as was able to catch one. Casey was able to examine it closely and was mesmerized by it. Well heck, we all were. It was well worth the while. Unfortunately, as soon as we got back the wharf, wait time for dinner was long and so we left. We manage to find a restaurant off the main road before calling it a night.

Past nine already yet this huge dining hall is still packed

Adrenaline junkies strap themselves on a 3 - 5 minute parasail ride for RM100

Morning after, we had breakfast in Lotus Desaru Beach Resort and Spa and they had this massive hall, the Sea View. One of those few instances I have seen such a crowd dining together. It looked like we were all part of a conference. A huge selection of pre-dominantly Asian cuisine was served, some you needed to wait as chefs prepare them for you. Feasted on our meal alfresco as we enjoyed the sight of this brightly colored balloon fly individuals up and down.

We then packed up and drove southward towards Desaru Ostrich Farm in Telok Ramunia. This is the largest ostrich farm in Malaysia with over 300 birds in their care. Entrance to the farm is RM18 (adult) and RM12 (kids) from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (daily). At a certain maximum weight (yeah, that counts me out... haha), anyone can ride the ostrich for an extra fee. Before the guided tour, everyone is seated by the briefing area. One memorable experience was sticking my hands inside this one giant ostrich' beak. It was intimidating but totally doable and safe. The entire encounter up close with these largest living species of bird feed and roam around was remarkable.

3rd destination: Desaru Ostrich Farm in Telok Ramunia

At the entrance, you get to see and touch a real ostrich egg (equivalent to a dozen chicken egg) and its yolk

During its early months, you can't tell a female from a male ostrich

Francis, the English-speaking staff of Desaru Ostrich Farm, orients and shows us around the farm

Look at those chickens... they're so tiny compared to these gigantic birds!

A male common pheasant is also seen in Desaru Ostrich Farm

Tasting their scrambled ostrich egg and satay for snacks

This road trip was a successful one with no hiccups mechanically... or so we thought. While on our way back to JB Sentral, along route 90 northbound toward E22, the engine suddenly died out and we had to roll to a stop by the curbside. We managed to get a hold of the car rental guys via Whatsapp again and were able to share our location. We got out of the car and sat on a log downed by the side of the road. Casey was goofing around so we still had a grand time.

After around 40 minutes, they arrived in a limo van. We just got upgraded from our mini van. We tried to look for a jumper cable by gas stations and convenience stores nearby to no avail. As we were getting hungry, we bought fried chicken drumstick, coconut water and cooked peanuts off the street. We brought back some for the guy left behind. The car windows won't close since there is no power so he had to stay and keep guard until a tow truck comes. We needed to go back to Singapore before the night gets deep so the driver decided to take us to JB Sentral since we were pressed for time.

As we were on expressway 22 going home, a gorgeous sunset capped off our road trip which was overall a great experience! That might have been the reason for the delay, so we get to cross the bridge just in time for nature's beauty to unfold right before our very eyes. Thank you Lord for guiding and protecting us in this journey.