Senai–Desaru Expressway
Overview
The Senai–Desaru Expressway (E22) is a major east–west expressway in Malaysia, spanning approximately 77 km and officially opened in 2011. Operated by Senai–Desaru Expressway Sdn Bhd (SDESB), it serves as a critical link connecting Johor Bahru in the west to Desaru on the eastern coastline of Johor. This expressway plays a vital role in facilitating tourism, trade, and logistics, offering faster travel across southern Johor while reducing congestion on local roads.
The expressway is particularly important for travelers heading to Desaru’s popular resorts and beaches, as well as for commercial transport moving goods between the ports of Johor Bahru and the eastern coastal regions.
Route Overview
The Senai–Desaru Expressway runs in an east–west direction, starting from Senai, Johor Bahru and ending at Desaru, near the eastern coastline. Designated as E22, it intersects several local roads and connects with other major highways such as the North–South Expressway (E2).
Along the route, the expressway passes through:
- Senai (western terminus)
- Pasir Gudang
- Pengerang
- Desaru (eastern terminus)
It provides a smooth, high-speed connection between urban Johor Bahru and the scenic eastern coast, reducing travel time from more than two hours on conventional roads to roughly 90 minutes on the expressway.
Key Cities and Exits
Key interchanges along the Senai–Desaru Expressway include:
- Senai Interchange – connects with North–South Expressway (E2)
- Tebrau Interchange – provides access to eastern Johor Bahru suburbs
- Pengerang Interchange – gateway to Pengerang industrial area and Desaru coastal route
- Desaru Coastal Exit – main access point to Desaru beach resorts and Desaru Fruit Farm
This sequence of exits ensures both urban and tourist destinations are well-served, making it convenient for commuters, tourists, and freight transport alike.
Scenic Highlights
Travelers on the E22 are treated to a diverse landscape of lush palm plantations, mangrove reserves, and coastal views as the expressway nears Desaru. Notable scenic points include:
- Sungai Johor mangrove forests near Pengerang
- Coastal vistas of Desaru with beaches and resorts
- Rural plantations and countryside scenery along the central segment
These scenic highlights make the expressway not only functional but also visually enjoyable, especially for tourists heading east.
Rest & Service Areas (R&R)
The expressway features well-maintained rest areas offering essential amenities:
- Senai R&R – petrol station, food court, prayer room, convenience store
- Pengerang R&R – local snacks, toilets, resting facilities
- Desaru Coastal R&R – scenic rest spot near the beach
Amenities include food courts, ATMs, petrol stations, prayer rooms, and clean toilets, ensuring travelers have a comfortable and safe journey.
Toll Information
The E22 operates on a closed toll system, with rates calculated based on entry and exit points. Accepted payment methods include:
- Touch ‘n Go
- SmartTAG
- RFID
Example toll rates (approximate for passenger cars):
- Senai – Desaru: RM 20–25
- Senai – Pengerang: RM 15–18
This system ensures efficient toll collection and smooth traffic flow.
Safety & Facilities
The expressway prioritizes safety with the following measures:
- PLUSRonda patrol services and emergency hotline coverage
- Emergency lanes along the route for breakdowns
- Standard speed limit of 110 km/h in open stretches
- Clearly marked lanes, signage, and lighting for safe night driving
Travelers can feel secure knowing the expressway is actively monitored for accidents and emergencies.
Useful Apps & Resources
Drivers can access real-time traffic updates and expressway services using:
- Senai–Desaru Expressway official website – toll info, traffic updates
- PLUS Mobile App – live traffic monitoring and incident reports
- Google Maps / Waze – navigation and estimated travel times
- Emergency hotlines listed at R&R points for breakdowns
These tools help optimize travel planning and ensure a smooth journey.
Travel Tips
- Best travel times: Weekdays or early mornings to avoid weekend traffic to Desaru beaches
- Driving etiquette: Maintain lane discipline, adhere to speed limits, and keep distance from heavy vehicles
- Tourist advice: Fuel up at Senai or Pengerang R&R before heading to Desaru, as coastal services are limited
Careful planning can make the trip faster and more enjoyable.
Connecting Expressways
The Senai–Desaru Expressway connects seamlessly with:
- North–South Expressway (E2) at Senai Interchange
- Pasir Gudang Highway for industrial access
- Local roads toward Desaru resorts and Pengerang industrial areas
This connectivity enhances Johor’s transport network for both commercial and leisure travel.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expressway Name | Senai–Desaru Expressway |
| Code | E22 |
| Total Length | 77 km |
| Operator | Senai–Desaru Expressway Sdn Bhd (SDESB) |
| Start & End Points | Senai – Desaru |
| States Covered | Johor |
| Average Speed Limit | 110 km/h |
| Toll Type | Closed System |
Conclusion
The Senai–Desaru Expressway is a vital artery in southern Johor, providing a fast, safe, and scenic route from urban centers to the eastern coast. It supports tourism, trade, and logistics, enhancing Malaysia’s connectivity and contributing significantly to economic growth. For drivers and tourists alike, E22 offers an efficient and enjoyable journey to one of Johor’s most popular coastal destinations.
| Road Name | Road Short Name | Code | Main Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| North–South Expressway (PLUS) | North–South Expressway | PLUS / E1, E2 | Bukit Kayu Hitam – Johor Bahru |
| North–South Expressway Central Link | ELITE Expressway | E6 | Shah Alam – Nilai North |
| New Klang Valley Expressway | NKVE | E1 | Kuala Lumpur – Klang |
| Federal Highway | Federal Highway | E5 | Kuala Lumpur – Klang |
| Damansara–Puchong Expressway | LDP | E11 | Damansara – Puchong |
| Shah Alam Expressway | KESAS | E5 | Sri Petaling – Pandamaran |
| New Pantai Expressway | NPE | E10 | Subang – Bangsar |
| Maju Expressway | MEX | E20 | Kuala Lumpur – Putrajaya |
| Kajang Dispersal Link | SILK | E18 | Kajang – Semenyih |
| Kajang–Seremban Highway | LEKAS | E21 | Kajang – Seremban |
| South Klang Valley Expressway | SKVE | E26 | Pulau Indah – Kajang |
| Guthrie Corridor Expressway | GCE | E35 | Shah Alam – Rawang |
| Kuala Lumpur–Karak Expressway | KLK | E8 | Gombak – Karak |
| East Coast Expressway Phase 1 | LPT1 | E8 | Karak – Kuantan |
| East Coast Expressway Phase 2 | LPT2 | E8 | Kuantan – Kuala Nerus |
| Butterworth–Kulim Expressway | BKE | E15 | Butterworth – Kulim |
| Penang Bridge | Penang Bridge | E36 | Gelugor – Perai |
| Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge | Second Penang Bridge | E28 | Batu Maung – Batu Kawan |
| Johor Bahru Eastern Dispersal Link | EDL | E14 | Pandan – CIQ Johor |
| Senai–Desaru Expressway | SDE | E22 | Senai – Desaru |
| Second Link Expressway | Linkedua | E3 | Senai – Tuas (Singapore) |
| Kuala Lumpur–Seremban Expressway | KL–Seremban | E37 | Kuala Lumpur – Seremban |
| Cheras–Kajang Expressway | Grand Saga | E7 | Cheras – Kajang |
| Kuala Lumpur–Putrajaya Expressway | MEX | E20 | KL – Putrajaya – KLIA |
| West Coast Expressway | WCE | E32 | Taiping – Banting |
| Central Spine Road | CSR | – | Bentong – Kuala Krai |
| Federal Route 1 | Federal Route 1 | FT1 | Bukit Kayu Hitam – Johor Bahru |
| Federal Route 2 | Federal Route 2 | FT2 | Port Klang – Kuantan |
| Federal Route 3 | Federal Route 3 | FT3 | Johor Bahru – Rantau Panjang |
| Federal Route 4 | Federal Route 4 | FT4 | Gerik – Jeli |
| Federal Route 5 | Federal Route 5 | FT5 | Ipoh – Johor Bahru |
| Federal Route 8 | Federal Route 8 | FT8 | Kuala Lumpur – Kota Bharu |
| Federal Route 9 | Federal Route 9 | FT9 | Karak – Tampin |
| Federal Route 10 | Federal Route 10 | FT10 | Temerloh – Gemas |
| Federal Route 24 | Federal Route 24 | FT24 | Muar – Yong Peng |
| Federal Route 50 | Federal Route 50 | FT50 | Batu Pahat – Kluang – Jemaluang |
| Federal Route 51 | Federal Route 51 | FT51 | Melaka City – Alor Gajah |
| Federal Route 54 | Federal Route 54 | FT54 | Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Selangor |
| Federal Route 76 | Federal Route 76 | FT76 | Kuala Kangsar – Baling – Kulim |
| Federal Route 67 | Federal Route 67 | FT67 | Sungai Petani – Kuala Ketil |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Sabah) | Pan Borneo Sabah | AH150 / PBHS | Kota Kinabalu – Tawau |
| Kimanis–Keningau Highway | Kimanis–Keningau Road | – | Kimanis – Keningau |
| Kota Belud–Ranau Road | Kota Belud–Ranau | – | Coastal – Interior link |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Sarawak) | Pan Borneo Sarawak | AH150 / PBHS | Telok Melano – Miri |
| Kuching–Serian Road | Kuching–Serian | – | Kuching – Serian |
| Bintulu–Miri Coastal Road | Bintulu–Miri Coastal | – | Bintulu – Miri |
| Kota Bharu–Kuala Krai Expressway | KBKK Expressway | KBKK | Kota Bharu – Kuala Krai |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Overall) | Pan Borneo Highway | PBH | Across Sabah & Sarawak |
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