From custard apples to cocoa and robusta coffee, hundreds of trees stand laden with fruit, some ripe and ready for picking. For visitors, it’s not just a feast for the senses – it’s a chance to get closer to nature and learn about the diversity of Malaysia’s tropical bounty.
The farm, which cultivates over 100 species of tropical fruit trees, has long been a magnet for agrotourism enthusiasts and families looking for fresh produce straight from the orchard.
Tour guide Zaranah Yaakub delights in sharing stories about the many varieties grown here. One that always intrigues visitors is the humble ciku, or sapodilla.
“The sapodilla tree produces a white latex that’s used to make chewing gum,” she shared recently. “People often ask why not use latex from rubber trees? But rubber latex is toxic and hardens quickly, so it’s not suitable for chewing.”
The ciku latex, she noted, is edible and naturally sticky – the perfect base for gum-making, long before modern factories came along.
Foreign visitors, meanwhile, tend to be drawn to more exotic finds, like the monyet banana or the vibrant passion fruit – both of which are rarely seen in their home countries.
Established more than three decades ago, the farm is also home to a mini zoo featuring 37 animal species, including goats, peacocks, camels, llamas and ducks.
“The petting zoo is especially lively during school holidays,” Zaranah added. “Parents bring their children to feed the animals and learn about their habits and habitats. It’s both fun and educational.”
Among the visitors during Bernama’s visit was Azad Azmi, 38, who said the tour offered him a new appreciation for Malaysia’s agricultural richness and the people who nurture it.
“I was most fascinated by the fruits,” he said. “The guide explained each species clearly, and I learnt about how farmers care for the trees to produce quality harvests.”
For those planning a visit, the entrance fee is RM40 for adults and RM35 for children – a small price to pay for a day in Malaysia’s own tropical Eden.
Learn more about Desaru Fruit Farm via its website and on Facebook.
Desaru Fruit Farm
Jalan Telur, Sungai Riau,
82200 Kota Tinggi, Johor