Johor
Gateway to a World of Fascination and Adventure
Johor derives its name from ‘Jauhar’, an Arabic word that means precious stones. The southern gateway to Malaysia, Johor is linked to Singapore via the Causeway. The state has an international airport, a dynamic economic growth corridor and three major ports. It is also where the southernmost tip of Asia, Tanjung Piai, is located. The state has long enthralled visitors with its diverse range of attractions, ranging from ancient rainforests, pristine islands to world-renowned golf courses, family theme parks and shopping malls. The state capital, Johor Bahru, is famous for its historical buildings and impressive architecture. Let Johor be your gateway to a world of fascination and adventure.
MAP OF JOHOR
PLACE OF INTERESTS
LEGOLAND
Nusajaya – Johor
The internationally-famed Legoland® Malaysia boasts more than 40 rides, shows and attractions. With seven themed areas such as The Beginning, Lego® Technic, Lego Kingdoms, Imagination, Lego City, Land of Adventure and Miniland, this is an inspirational land where the children are the heroes. The newly-opened Sea Life Malaysia offers more great fun.
JOHOR PREMIUM OUTLETS
Kulai
Set within a beautiful outdoor setting, this major shopping hub is the place for competitively priced designer and branded items. Get everything from men’s and ladies’ apparel, footwear, bags as well as fashion accessories. Since opening in December 2011, it has drawn thousands of shoppers from both sides of the Causeway.
DESARU FRUIT FARM
Kota Tinggi
Housing over 100 varieties of seasonal and non-seasonal tropical fruits and over 10 plant species, the 100-acre Desaru Fruit Farm gives you the chance to sample a variety of juicy and refreshing tropical fruits such as rambutan, mango, pineapple, ciku, mangosteen and durian.
TANJUNG PIAI NATIONAL PARK
Pontian
Tanjung Piai National Park encompasses over 926 hectares of rainforest, including 526 hectares of coastal mangroves. Among its inhabitants are dusky leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, mud skippers as well as rare bird species and migratory birds. A monument here marks Tanjung Piai as the southernmost tip of Mainland Asia.
ENDAU-ROMPIN NATIONAL PARK
Covering an area of approximately 92,000 hectares, Endau Rompin National Park is a nature reserve teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Straddling across two states, Johor and Pahang, Endau Rompin is the second largest national oark after Taman Negara. It derives its name from the rivers of Endau and Rompin. The park is home to a vast species of birds, mammals, frogs, insects as well as endemic and rare varieties of orchids, herbs, medicinal plants and trees. Hikers may chance
upon leaf monkeys, long-tail macaques, white-handed gibbons and birds. The pristine jungles are home to elephants, deer, tapirs and the occasional tiger and leopard. For adventure lovers, the scenic Buaya Sangkut waterfalls and rapids are not-to-be-missed destinations. There are two entry points to the national park from Johor; one through Kampung Peta and the other at Kampung Selai. To protect the pristine environment, only limited areas of the park are open for ecotourism. Entry to the park requires a special permit from the Johor National Park Corporation.
PULAU KUKUP NATIONAL PARK
Pontian
Pulau Kukup is a 647-hectare, uninhabited mangrove island. Acknowledged as a RAMSAR site (Wetland of International Importance), it is surrounded by 800 hectares of mudflats and is reputedly one of the largest-of-its-kind. It was declared a national park in 1997, in order to preserve the island’s diverse variety of wetland flora and fauna.
SULTAN ISKANDAR MARINE PARK
Located in Mersing, the marine park is made up of a cluster of six islands – Pulau Aur, Pulau Tinggi, Pulau Pemanggil, Pulau Besar, Pulau Rawa and Pulau Sibu. Covering over 8,000 hectares, the marine park is characterised by crystal-clear waters, powdery-white sandy beaches and diverse marine life. Spend a relaxing day on the beach or go snorkelling to admire the undersea paradise.
GUNUNG LEDANG NATIONAL PARK
The legendary Gunung Ledang – otherwise known as Mount Ophir – is known for its captivating natural beauty as well as the legends and myths surrounding it. The trail up the mountain is a spectacular experience as it is dotted with cascading waterfalls, flowing streams and variety of flora and fauna. On a clear day, stunning views of the Straits of Malacca and its surroundings can be seen from the top.
DESARU COAST
Desaru Coast is a premium integrated destination resort in the south. The beachfront is dotted with numerous luxury resorts, one of the world’s largest waterparks (Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast) and championship golf courses. Desaru also has a public beach that is popular among weekend holiday-makers for its water sports and other fun activities.
Its 26km coastline is perfect for a relaxing swim, canoeing, water-skiing and catamaran sailing. Looking for something out of the ordinary? Try flying an ultra-light aircraft or take part in a go-kart race. This is also the place to enjoy the best of nature – try jungle-trekking, horseback riding or 4×4 adventures in the surrounding greenery. Further away, Pantai Tanjung Buloh in Sedili invites with its calm waters and rustic views
NASUHA HERBS AND SPICES PARADISE
Muar
Covering an area of 3,200 hectares, this is the place to see, touch, smell and taste nearly 150 varieties of spices and herbs from around the world. Herbs are grown free of chemicals and pesticides. Besides delving deeper into the world of herbs and their properties, visitors can also enjoy a relaxing time at the spa or sauna, try out herb-infused culinary delights at the restaurant, go camping, jungle-trekking or kayaking.
UK FARM AGRO RESORT
Kluang
Come and experience modern farm life at the 100-acre UK Farm. With a breeding capacity of 4,000, it is believed to be the largest goat and sheep farm in Malaysia. As it is located within a resort,
it provides facilities such as a restaurant, farm mart, conference room, chalet, dormitory, barbeque area, open stage, campsite and karaoke. Activities here include guided tours of the farm and visits to the Jakun Orang Asli Village, Herb Sanctuary, Passion fruit factory, Ostrich Park, mushroom and vegetable farm as well as the Mini Zoo.
HOMESTAY PARIT BUGIS
Located about 34 km from Muar and 27 km from Batu Pahat, this homestay comprises 12 villages. Visitors can take in the clean air and rustic beauty of the landscape and learn about agricultural activities in the oil palm and pineapple plantations. Try making traditional snacks and cakes or watch cultural performances such as kuda kepang and barongan.
ADVENTURE WATERPARK DESARU COAST
Desaru
Set against the backdrop of a Malaysian village, the waterpark consists of wet and dry rides for all ages. Have fun at the Tidal Wave Beach – one of the world’s biggest wave pools – or enjoy the Kids Ahoy, Riptide, Kraken’s Revenge, Surf Wall and many more. This park is situated within Desaru Coast, a premium integrated destination resort.
ZENXIN ORGANIC PARK
Kuang
At the Zenxin Organic Park, you get to see for yourself how organic vegetables are grown. Apart from that, you can also take part in recreational activities such as cycling, walking tours around the park or simply feed fish at the pond. There is a park café, a flower nursery and a farm mart, which is a one-stop organic food shop stocked with a full range of products.
THERE’S MUCH MORE IN JOHOR
There is so much more to discover in Johor. Visit these places for a great time and an experience unlike any other:
Johor Bahru
- Bukit Timbalan / Sultan Ibrahim Building
- JB Bazaar
- Kampung Sinaran Baru Homestay
- PERSADA International Convention Centre
- Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
- Stulang Laut
- Johor Bahru Visitor Centre (MBJB Gallery)
- Kampung Perigi Acheh Homestay
- Angry Birds Activity Park
- Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
- Sri Raja Mariamman Temple
- Sikh Gurdwara Sahib
- Masjid India Muslim
- The Church of Immaculate Conception
- Tiong Hua Chinese Heritage Museum
- Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru
- Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
- Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal
- Tiram Indoor Waterpark
- Karosel Indoor Waterpark
- Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park
Kota Tinggi
- Kampung Temenin Baru Homestay
- Kota Tinggi Waterfalls
- Sebana Golf and Marina Resort
- Semenchu Homestay
- Kampung Felcra Sungai Ara Homestay
- Kampung Lukut Homestay
- Pantai Desaru
- Fisherman Museum Tanjung Balau
- Johor Lama Museum
- Kota Tinggi Museum
- Homestay Kg. Felda Semenchu
- Ostrich Farm
- Pantai Tanjung Balau
- Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
Batu Pahat
- Wet World Batu Pahat
- Kampung Parit Tengah Homestay
- Ceramic Pottery, Ayer Hitam
- Homestay Kg. Sarang Buaya
- Galeri Dato’ Onn
Kluang
- Gunung Belumut
- Gunung Lambak Eco-Resort
- Kahang Organic Rice Eco Farm (KOREF)
- Kluang Railway Station
- Small & Medium Industry, Simpang Renggam
Mersing
- Air Papan Beach
- Island of Mersing
- Kampung Air Papan Homestay
- Gunung Arong Recreational Forest
- Pantai Penyabong
Muar
- Kampung Parit Bugis Homestay
- Muar River Cruise
- Kampung Sarang Buaya Homestay
- Kampung Batu 28 Lenga Homestay
- Grisek Hot Springs
Pontian
- Kukup Island National Park
- Tanjung Piai National Park
- Pineapple Museum
- Kampung Tanjung Piai Homestay
- Kampung Puteri Menangis
Homestay
- Kampung Permatang Sepam Homestay
Segamat - Selai Endau-Rompin National Park
- Labis Hot Springs
- Bekok Waterfall
Kulai
- Legend Golf and Country Resort
- Riders Lodge
- Kampung Sri Paya Homestay
- Kampung Sri Gunung Pulai Homestay
Islands
- Pulau Pemanggil, Pulau Aur, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Tinggi, Pulau Besar, Pulau Dayang and Pulau Sibu
Tangkak
- Everlasting Food Industries (brown rice)
- Tangkak (Textile Town)
- Tangkak Textiles
Iskandar Puteri - Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park
- The Ledang Urban Retreat
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
SHOPPING
Johor has an extensive range of shopping malls, craft bazaars, duty-free outlets, hypermarkets, and night markets. Many of these outlets can be found in Johor Bahru and also in the other towns. You can select from a huge variety of local and imported products ranging from designer labels, fashion accessories, electrical appliances to ceramics and handicrafts.
Popular shopping spots:
- AEON Bukit Indah
- AEON Tebrau City
- JB City Square
- Giant
- Holiday Plaza
- Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (JARO)
- Johor Premium Outlets
- KSL City
- Lien Hoe Complex
- Mini Kelantan
- Pelangi Leisure Mall
- Angsana JB Mall
- Plaza Pelangi
- TESCO
- Berjaya Waterfront Complex
- Danga City Mall
- Sutera Mall
- Skudai Parade
- Wetex Parade, Muar
- Kluang Mall
- Summit Parade, Batu Pahat
- Galleria@Kotaraya (formerly known as Plaza Kotaraya)
- Komtar JBCC (formerly known as Komtar)
- UO, 1Segamat
- IOI Mall, Kulai
- BP Mall, Batu Pahat
- Square One, Batu Pahat
- The Summit, Batu Pahat
DINING
Don’t forget to sample the mouthwatering spread of delicacies such as laksa johor, nasi briyani gam, lontong and mee bandung. Other Johorean specialities not-to-be- missed include mee rebus, kacang pool and otak-otak.” Seafood lovers should head for Kukup, about 10 minutes’ drive from Tanjung Piai, the southernmost tip of mainland Asia. Try these authentic local favourites:
Laksa Johor
This scrumptious blend of noodles with fish curry gravy is a Johor speciality. It is garnished with pickled white radish, onions, bean sprouts, mint leaves, coriander, cucumber and added with a dash of lime juice and sambal belacan (chilli paste) on the side.
Nasi Briyani Gam
Unlike other varieties, the nasi briyani gam is cooked by sealing both the rice and meat in a pot using starch or ‘gum’ so that the meat juices infuse the rice grains. It is then eaten with vegetable dalcha, pickles and chutney. This rice dish originates from Batu Pahat.
Mee Bandung
Another Johor speciality is mee bandung, a noodle dish that is eaten with beef slices, prawns, dried shrimps, tomatoes, a boiled egg and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts.
Lontong
First time visitors should try this unique dish – rice cubes eaten with a rich vegetable gravy. The gravy has a coconut milk base and contains a generous assortment of vegetables, soybean cake and anchovies. This wholesome meal is complemented by flavoursome chilli paste.
Seafood
Kukup is famous for its fresh and tasty Chinese as well as Malay seafood. Select from an assortment of fish, crab, squid or cockles and have them grilled, steamed or fried. Have your meal while enjoying a scenic view of the sea. Nearby is Kukup Island, the world’s second largest mangrove island.
TRANSPORTATION
Johor, the southernmost state, ranks among the country’s main transportation hubs. It is 368 km from Kuala Lumpur and borders Singapore. You can fly, drive or take the train or ferry here as it is connected by a comprehensive transportation network.
Getting There
By Air
Apart from Kuala Lumpur and other parts of the peninsula, Johor is also accessible from Sabah and Sarawak by air. You can fly from Johor to several destinations in Malaysia from Senai International Airport, 32 km from Johor Bahru.
By Road
Johor Bahru is 330 km or a four-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Expressway. Both the Johor-Singapore Causeway and the Second Link Expressway connect Singapore to Johor as well as the rest of the peninsula. Bus services to Johor from major cities and towns in the peninsula are available throughout the day. Tickets must be purchased early during peak seasons.
By Rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) or the national railway connects Johor to other states in the peninsula and also Singapore. JB Sentral Railway Station is the most southern station in the country. Other stations include Kempas Baru, Kluang, Kulai, Labis, Paloh, Renggam and Segamat.
By Sea
Tanjung Belungkor is the jumping off point to Singapore by ferry. Ferry services are also available from Batam and Tanjung Pinang in Indonesia to Johor Bahru International Ferry Terminal.
Getting Around
Taxis and Rental Cars
You can get a taxi at the Larkin Taxi Station, bus stations, hotels and shopping complexes. It is advisable to request that the taxi meter be switched on or agree on the fare before you begin the ride. Alternatively, you can rent a car from car rental companies at the airport and bus stations. E-hailing services are also available in Malaysia.
Buses
Bus services to various destinations in Johor as well as other towns in the peninsula are available at the Larkin Bus Terminal.
| For more information, contact: | |
| Tourism Malaysia Southern Region Office | +607 222 3590 / 3591 |
Tourism Malaysia Tourist Information Centre:
|
+607-222 3590 / 3591 +607-222 3590 / 1 / 2 |
