Today’s children (generation Z) are prone to staying indoors and online. It’s not easy to get them outdoors to just take a walk or catch up on some fresh air.  Betul tak? With our continuously hectic lifestyle, teaching our children the importance and benefits of loving mother nature can slip off our minds. 

 

For instance, sharing stories of our first accidental gulp of salt water while swimming in the sea, seeing a crab up close, or seeing a giant tree in the forest. The outdoors can teach us so much firsthand, create incredible memories, and offer each of us many health benefits like reducing stress and anxiety, which our children can go through too. This is why it is important to introduce children to nature at a young age and to love nature.

 

 

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is a place where more exciting activities await not only for you but for your entire family. Recently, I had the privilege to explore this unique luxury resort with my family. 

 

Let me share the amazing adventure we had there!

 

 

A Picnic In The Heart of Nature

What comes to your mind when someone invites you to a jungle picnic? Does the word ‘jungle’ worry you? or do you get excited? Whatever your feelings may be – the truth is if you’re a nature lover, surely you will say YES-kan? When I heard about the jungle picnic, I was a bit hesitant at first not because I don’t love nature but was worried for my children’s safety. Why? As much as they love nature, they can also be difficult; for example -screaming over little bugs at home. So I can imagine what their reactions would probably be in the jungle or forest kan? Biasalah city kids. But in the end, we decided to simply treat it as an adventure. 

 

And so, our Anantara journey begins…!

 

 

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is a beautiful luxury resort nestled in lush tropical gardens located at Desaru Coast Bandar Penawar and it took us about a five-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur (after a few stopovers) to reach our destination. The beautiful resort captivated our hearts as soon as we stepped foot – felt like you’re in a paradise, and a tranquil aura just crept within us.

 

 

All the hectic city lifestyle leaves you as you walk inside the hotel. Your body and thoughts come into relaxation mode.  A superb feeling!

 

 

After a good night’s sleep in a comfy luxury room – we got up early and were ready to begin our jungle experience – a new jungle explorer package made available to all its’ resort guests. We left at 7.30 am from the resort by van and it took us approximately an hour to reach the Panti Forest Reserve. 

 

Situated in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia, Panti Forest Reserve covers nearly 275 square kilometers of lowland rainforest. It has over 25 species of mammals, including the White-handed Gibbons, Pig-tailed Macaques, and Banded Langurs, and over 100 species of birds. The eco-park is the best place in the world to see the Rail Babbler — an enigmatic, ground-living species that is hard to spot in the wild.

 

 

Once there, we switched from a van to an open pick-up truck for another 14 km long stretch of dirt road to have plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities. True enough, we spotted a few Pig-tailed Macaques and heard some birds’ unique chirping or callings that broke our exhilarating ride through the forest. We made a few stops to look for the sound of the particular bird sound but sadly couldn’t spot any. It wasn’t our lucky day, I guess! 

 

 

TIP – Avoid big wide smiles with teeth showing towards the Pig-tailed Macaques. It’s an open invitation for a fight. You wouldn’t want that for sure.

 

 

After a 30-minutes ride, we took a 10-minute trail walk to a secluded picnic spot in the thick of the jungle. Needless to say, it was truly a hidden gem! 

 

 

 

 

Not far from the picnic spot, we were accompanied by a relaxing waterfall sound in the rainforest. Without hesitation, I immediately took a dip into the natural cold water, but my girl was just staring at me like ‘what’s wrong with mum’. 

 

 

 

The whole experience was definitely unique for my children. Experiencing it for yourself is worth so much more than reading the experience in an article or from a book or even watching it on YouTube or any other social media. Trust me, you really need to try it yourself to admire and feel nature’s exquisiteness.

 

 

 

A Delicious Gourmet Picnic

 

 

Right after that little exploration, a full gourmet picnic was laid out for us by the Anantara team. The picnic basket includes watermelon and olives skewers, a cheese & cold cuts platter, raspberry & avocado quinoa salad, cold fusilli salad with pesto & sundried tomato, beef pastrami sourdough sandwich, smoked salmon & cream cheese panini, and on top of that desserts and some bottles of water as well. We ate like a king and the food was simply delicious! It was really worth it! 

 

 

Besides that, the team took good care of us by providing us with insect repellent spray to avoid leeches or other creatures since we were in the jungle. If you take up this package, it is best to wear a full-length t-shirt and long pants, put on your socks and high grip shoes or boots. 

 

 

Other activities:

1. Spice Spoons – Step by Step Cooking Class

Besides the jungle picnic, there are other activities in the resort for you to enjoy too, such as a step-by-step cooking class. It was certainly an opportunity of a lifetime for my husband and I to be cooking in a commercial kitchen guided by a chef.

 

 

During this step-by-step cooking class, we cooked authentic Thai dishes under the guidance of Junior Sous Chef Mohd Zulkiflee Ismail. We cooked steamed seabass, deep-fried prawns in popiah skin and mango with sticky rice.

 

 

It was a delightful gastronomic journey at Turmeric restaurant and was truly one of a kind experience.

 

Other than the Turmeric restaurant, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas also features Sea.Fire.Salt Restaurant that serves gourmet dining with stunning ocean views. Both restaurants are ranked the top two restaurants on Desaru Coast.

 

 

2. Anantara Spa

Anantara is well-known all over the world for its spa. Whether you are seeking mind-body balance, reviving, or opting for a nourishing organic treatment – they have it all.

 

 

You can also choose from their signature oil blend that comprises of Smooth, Spice, Sweet, or Splash. I picked Sweet Oil that promotes deep relaxation and restores energy flow with a good session of authentic Thai massage from their well-trained and highly skilled masseurs for a decent one hour.

 

 

I couldn’t ask for more – memang best-lah! So while you’re at the resort, do not miss the opportunity to pamper yourself with their signature treatments from Anantara Spa.

 

 

Did You Know?  Anantara Spa is voted as the Best Resort Spa in Malaysia by World Spa Award in 2020 and 2021.

 

 

3. Desaru Beach life & Tidepool Discovery Walk

 

Another interesting must-do activity is the beach and tide pool walk. According to naturalist Shakira Mobarak, it is during each low tide that you can see some interesting and secretive creatures that have been patiently waiting out the high-tide to feed and interact. Don’t miss it while you have the chance to do so.

 

 

 

During the walk, our children were totally amazed at seeing the patterns on the beach made by the sand bubbler crabs, moon snails, and other crustaceans. It was good exposure for them as nature exploration helps them to learn through real experiences that offer a multitude of educational opportunities not only for children but adults alike.

 

 

After being confined to our homes for the past 2 years, doesn’t it sound like a good idea to take your family into nature and have a change of scenery?

 

If this sounds like something you’d like to explore, head on to www.anantara.com/en/desaru-coast for more information on how you can book a memorable holiday with your family.