Explore a hidden gem, the Panti Forest Reserve with Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas
There is a stunning hidden gem located in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia.
It's called the Panti Forest Reserve which covers nearly 275 square kilometres of lowland rainforest. Home to over 100 specied ofbirds, 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.
A luxury resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Johor offers a jungle explorer package called the Jungle Picnic, which makes for a
wonderful opportunity for nature-lovers and those looking for a break from urban rush to discover the richness of Malaysia’s biodiversity while enjoying a gourmet meal in a secret location.
A treatment like a king and queen, guests are picked up at the resort and driven to Panti Forest Reserve in a car. The experience starts at 6:30am to ensure it is early enough to experience the lively morning chorus of cicadas and songbirds in a journey of approximately one hour.
The first leg of the Jungle Picnic involves an exhilarating ride through the forest in an open pick-up truck with plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities, followed by a ten-minute hike to a secluded picnic spot in the thick of the jungle.
A harmonious melody of nature, with only the sporadic "whooping" sounds of White-handed Gibbons, the buzz of cicadas, beautiful bird music, and the soft gurgle of a jungle creek to break the stillness is what accompanies visitors.
The Anantara team prepares a whole gourmet picnic for guests, complete with delectable fresh pastries to be eaten while taking in the beautiful surroundings of nature.
Back at the resort, more nature-focused activities are waiting. Guests can join a cruise through the Sedili Wetlands, a freshwater swamp that is home to the endangered water trumpet, or explore the spectacular nature around Desaru on foot or by bicycle.
Anantara’s handy downloadable maps charting the most scenic routes, as guests’ guidelines makes it a seamless experience.
After a long day of exploring, guests can indulge in specialty treatments at the Anantara Spa or indulge in a culinary adventure at Sea. Fire. Salt and Turmeric restaurants, the top two dining establishments on Desaru Coast.
Take a ferry to Singapore to continue your journey or to return home after a weekend away as a way to unwind.
