Travelers, backpackers, vloggers, YouTubers, and anyone would imagine sipping on the refreshing coconut while having a lean-back relaxation in a hammock by Johor beaches.
Why? Because what about a sandy beach with a warm ocean breeze is not relaxing?
Of course, we don’t all just relax at a beach. Instead, we try out different activities at the Johor beaches and have the most fun.
Frankly, having fun at a beach is a great way to empty your stomach before indulging in a tasty feast!
Leave your worries behind, and pack your sunscreen, sunglasses, and beach attire.
Here are a few beaches at Johor for your Johor beach getaway – let’s go (to) Johor beaches!
Beaches in Johor overview:
- Pantai Air Papan at Mersing, Johor
- Desaru Beach at Desaru, Johor
- Pantai Minyak Beku at Batu Pahat, Johor
- Pantai Pasir Lanun at Endau, Johor
Pantai Air Papan at Mersing, Johor

(Alt text: A view of the beach in Pantai Air Papan at Mersing, Johor | 1 of 4 Beaches in Johor)
Image source: G-Ideas
This would be a favorite spot for a nature lover because you can get a beautiful glance at the far-away Malaysia islands – Pulau Sembilang, Pulau Seri Buat, and even Pulau Tioman (gotta say, it does look pretty tiny from this distance)!
Pantai Air Papan is located in Kampung Air Papan, a small local village with public amenities and attractions for the chill people and tourists.
Since this beach is a distant Northeast location of Johor Bahru, you will not see any urban architecture that screams big city.
The signature of this beautiful Johor beach is peace! Here, you can relax, stare into the distant South China sea, and let your thoughts run free as the sea breeze warmly welcomes you.
There are a few hotels along the entire beach, so you do not have to worry about overstaying until late at night. But of course, making a reservation ahead of time would be ideal.
If you are just here for a brief stop, there are also public toilets, bathrooms, food stalls, local restaurants and cafes, and souvenir shops. Do note that public facilities close at 7 pm, so get everything out of your system before the time runs out.
There are water activities and ATVs you can pay to have fun at the beach. In addition, there is a hiking trail (Google “Starting Point Bukit Selantai” for more info) nearby for the adrenaline junkies!
With the sea at its calmest, the best time to visit Pantai Air Papan is April to October. June and August would be the liveliest months.
The east coast will be bashed by the seasonal monsoon from November to February, making this period unfavorable for visiting Pantai Air Papan.

(Alt text: Three people having fun at the beachside of Pantai Air Papan at Mersing, Johor | 1 of 4 Beaches in Johor)
Image source: G-Ideas
Address: Jalan Air Papan, Kampung Air Papan, 86800 Mersing, Johor.
Desaru Beach at Desaru, Johor

(Alt text: A pair of hands holding a seed in Desaru Beach at Desaru, Johor | 2 of 4 Beaches in Johor)
Image source: Anne Hui Ni
It is probably the most famous beach in Johor. It only takes 5 minutes to drive from the nearby attraction, Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast.
Since it’s so close to an attraction, you can expect there will be a crowd on holiday and certainly a lot of fun activities to exhaust yourself.
Like Pantai Air Papan, Desaru Beach is another stretch of Johor’s beautiful beach overlooks the South China Sea. So pull out your picnic mat and start reading to dive into the sea of words and drown yourself out from your environment.
Other than reading, don’t forget about the calm embrace of the sea! Go for a swim or splash around the seawater to destress from your urban worries. Enjoy the various water activities like water skiing and banana boat here!
Desaru Beach has enough parking for everyone, but do mind that you need to pay RM6 to park your car before you enter the beach.
Like Pantai Air Papan, the best time to visit Desaru Beach is between April and October. June and August are the liveliest months.
Most of Malaysia’s east coast will be affected by the seasonal monsoon from November to February, including Desaru Beach. Unfortunately, the sea will constantly be bashing Desaru Beach, so we advise not taking a trip here during this period.

(Alt text: A person standing on the Desaru Beach at Desaru, Johor and looked facing the trees | 2 of 4 Beaches in Johor)
Image source: Irene Teo
Address: 81600 Bandar Penawar, Johor.
Pantai Minyak Beku at Batu Pahat, Johor

(Alt text: People taking photos at night in front of the landmark by Pantai Minyak Beku at Batu Pahat, Johor | 3 of 4 Beaches in Johor)
Image source: Tin Victoria
It may not be as famous for travelers. Still, it is not novel to the locals that Pantai Minyak Beku is the most beautiful beach in Johor for a lovely sunset and light fishing activity.
This beach is 11 km away from the center of Batu Pahat, Johor, with roughly 15 minutes of driving distance.
Unlike the other typical beaches, you don’t have to put on your swimwear or lay out your picnic kit. There is a public resthouse nearby if you need a stop to rest your legs, and this beach is more of a take-a-stroll kind of beach rather than a have-fun beach like Desaru Beach.
Moreover, there are sharp stones laid out along the beachside, so avoid climbing the rocks to get closer to the sea or for other reasons. Always put your safety first!
A few minutes’ walks from this beach is a small historical site, The Batu Pahat Well (Perigi Batu Pahat). You will find a stone set up beside an open-air well, explaining the brief history of Batu Pahat and the well.
Nearby this beach, you will find a standing Bukit Segenting Lighthouse. You can take a path to hike up the lighthouse from the foothill to have a magnificent sea view from the hilltop! But be careful as the trail is quite steep, and you could get hurt if you are just a hiking beginner.

(Alt text: A seaview image from Pantai Minyak Beku at Batu Pahat, Johor | 3 of 4 Beaches in Johor)
Image source: ridzuan radzi
Address: 83000, Jalan Minyak Beku, 83000 Batu Pahat, Johor.
Pantai Pasir Lanun at Endau, Johor

(Alt text: A person playing in the shallow coast in the evening by Pantai Pasir Lanun at Endau, Johor | 4 of 4 Beaches in Johor)
Image source: Shahariman ismail
A secluded beach not very far from Jeti Penyabong JDT, a famous fishing spot in Endau, Johor!
To get to Pantai Pasir Lanun, tourists need to drive past the Jeti Penyabong JDT (Penyabong JDT jetty) and Pantai Penyabong (Penyabong beach) as that is the only way to get there safely.
If you stop by the jetty, you can take a walk at the jetty to get a close-up look at Pelandok island (no entrance fee required). If something smells fishy here, it’s probably because the fishermen are docking their boats to unload their catch!
Pantai Penyabong is right in front of Endau Beach Resort. You can find some food stalls and a cafe nearby to recharge before driving to Pantai Pasir Lanun.
The road from Pantai Penyabong towards Pantai Pasir Lanun is off-road but is still accessible via vehicles.
Upon arrival, you will find virtually nothing exciting but the beach, ocean waves, and a fantastic panoramic view of Pulau Acheh and the South China Sea.
A beautiful beach. A natural scenery. The calm waves are safe for dipping and swimming. The peace and tranquility here is the right sweet spot for a nice Johor beach getaway.
If you bring your gear, you can have a small picnic or go camping with your companions. There are chalets nearby set up as a camping ground, too!

(Alt text: A simple landmark by Pantai Pasir Lanun at Endau, Johor | 4 of 4 Beaches in Johor)
Image source: Zul bahari
Address: Jalan Penyabong – Endau, Kampung Penyabong Pantai, 86900 Endau, Johor.
Now you know some of the best beaches in Johor, including the famous Desaru Beach.
Reaching these Johor beaches requires driving. And it is the only way to get around Johor from one coast to another.
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