Johor, located in the southern most part of Peninsular Malaysia, is the third largest state in Malaysia. The name Johor was purportedly taken from Arabic word, 'Jauhar', which literally means 'Precious Stones'. This is probably related to the early Arab traders who traded spices in Johor. The name has certainly brought prosperity as today the state is among the most developed in Malaysia.
The state has 8 districts and is a popular holiday destination offering exciting shopping opportunities and a wide range of outdoor, recreational and leisure activities.
Johor abounds with great holiday opportunities for those in search of sun, sand and sea. The popular beach resort on its coast is a magnet for holiday makers. Its pristine island havens dotting the South China Sea are simply irresistible getaways, with their unspoilt white sandy beaches, verdant jungles and rich marine life.
Johor Bahru - JB, for short, is he state capital, located at the southern tip of the peninsular and linked by road and rail to Singapore, serves as the sothern gateway to the vast hinterland of Johor. This beautifully landscaped city spread over undulating hills has undergone rapid transformation over the years into a thriving commercial centre as well as a tourist draw. Its main attractions are its seaside ambience, charming Anglo-Malay heritage buildings, a wide range of shopping centres, fine seafood and exciting nightlife.
Istana Besar - Situated along Tun Dr. Ismail Road in Johor Bahru. A palace built in 1866 by the late Sultan Abu Bakar who is the Father of Modern Johor, covers 13.3 hectares. Houses the crown jewels and historical artifacts belonging to the Royal family, and impressive collection of rare, beautiful treasures from all over the world.
Royal Sultan Abu Bakar Museum - The beautiful palace was commissioned by Sultan Abu Bakar, who laid the foundation stone in 1864. One of the oldest buildings in Johor, it has a cosmopolitan architecture with clear Anglo-Malay influence. Today the palace assumes an additional role as the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, displaying treasures of the royal collection. Located along Jalan Blukar.
Johor Art Gallery - Founded in 1910, the Johor Art Gallery houses all the discovered and historical items such as documents and cultural artifacts traditionally used by Malays, particularly from the State of Johor. Among the exhibits are clothings, weapons, currency, manuscripts and examples of calligraphy, ceramic objects and fine art. Located along Jalan Maryammah
Royal Mausoleum - Situated in Jalan Mahmoodiah in Johor Bahru. It is a final resting place for members of the Johor Royal Family. You can appreciate the serene and tranquil atmosphere befitting a resting place for eternity. The mausoleum's architecture is one of a fine, unique and aesthetic design of yesterday.
Museum Layang Layang (Kite) - The museum is located in Pasir Gudang which is about forty minutes drive from Johor Bahru City. It is a fascinating place which showcases the art of making kites and displays a collection of kites in spectacular colours and designs.
Where to eat
An exciting place to dine is at the Eden Floating Palce Restaurant, anchored of the Johor Bahru Duty Free Complex. This restaurant is a unique dining and entertainment centre serving fine Malaysia Chinese food where diners can pick their choice of seafood and vegetables from a market style setting and have it cooked for them. The restauran can accommodate up to 1100 guests. One of the best places for authentic Malay cuisine, the Mawar Complex Restaurant located at Jalan Sungai Chat offers a daily buffet lunch of local favourites. Reasonably priced and authentic in taste, it is a treat to be savoured. Other popular seafood dining spots are located in Tepian Tebrau, Jalan Skudai and Lido Beach.
Outside JB - Kota Tinggi District
Kota Tinggi is the largest district with a land area of 3,488.7 sq. km. It is often called the historical district because of its importance as the seat of the Johor Sultanate. The promontories and sheltered river shores along Johor River are ideal for the establishment of settlements and as defence forts against enemy invasion. Traces or remnants of such historical settlements are found at Johor Lama, Panchor, Bukit Seluyut, Kota Tinggi town and Sayong Pinang.
British Army Obervation Centre (Tanjung Pengelih) - You will find relics of World War Two, it was equipped with an air control tower, an underground hospital, pill boxes are still standing in Kampung Tembioh and along the Kota Tinggi-Mersing trunk road. These are the few static defence positions constructed by the British in their defence againts the Japanese.
Fireflies watching at Sungai Lebam - Being a state with vast mangrove swamp, it is of little wonder that Johor has one of nature's wonders the fireflies. Fireflies also known as lightning bugs, have emitting light organs that glow luminous flashes on the underside of their abdomens. The fireflies normally gather on the Berembang trees. The popular sites to watch fireflies are at Sungai Lebam in Kota Tinggi district. To reach the Sungai Lebam site, travel from Kota Tinggi town towards Desaru for about 43km, then turn right for 3km. Distance: 91km from Johor Bahru city centre or 46km from Kota Tinggi town.
Johor - Pontian District
Pontian is believed to derive its name from the Malay word Perhentian which means a place of call. Its sheltered shore and strategic location made it an ideal port of call for ancient seafarers and traders plying the Straits of Malacca.
Pontian - This is about an hour's drive from Johor Bahru. If you want to taste Johor's famed pineapples. The town is also the staging point for visitors going to Gunung Pulai. Gunung Pulai is 700m above sea level and is a water catchment area. Only two of the three developed levels are open to visitors. The recreational park at the base of the mountain is open to visitors daily from 7 am to 7 pm. It is a popular hill station in Johor. There are four waterfalls with pools for a refreshing dip. The highest cascades 50m down to the base of the mountain. The park is ideal for picnicking, camping and group activities. Food courts and public toilets are available arround the waterfalls. Leaping deers, swinging monkeys and chirping birds can be spotted. Getting to know about the various species of trees such as meranti, kapur, and balau is both educational and enriching.
Johor - Kluang District
The word Kluang is a Malay name for a type of fruit bat. Some believed that name was coined after two mountains that resemble the head and wing of a bat from a distance.
Johor Lowland Tea - Compared to other tea plantations, Johor Tea is very unique as it is the only lowland tea plantation in this country. Orchid Valley, the largest tropical orchid attraction in the world has been very well received by the public since opening on 3 February 1996. Set in a beautiful exotic garden setting. Orchid Valley offers visitors an opportunity to experience oceans of exotic tropical orchids.
Kampang Sri Lukut - 295 acres of padi field, this is a agro-tourism destination located near Sungei Madek forest reserve.
Taman Rekreasi Tasik MARDI - This is a recreational park wiht 500 acres of green. It has beautiful laks and basic overnight facilities that are ideal of group training or recreation.
Ayer Hitam is a small town lined with various small pottery sales outlet. Most of the pottery are produced in factories located in Machap of Kluang district.
Johor - Segamat District
Segamat derives its name from two Malay words Segar + Amat, which mean very refreshing. The origin is related to the founding of Johor Sultanate in the 16th century. One account claimed that Segamat district was named by chance by Sultan Ahmad, the prince of the first sultan of Johor.
Segamat is a small town situated 186 km away from Johor Bahru. It is most renowned for its durians as there are many fruit orchards in the district of Segamat. The most prominent building is the old but faithful train station located in Jalan Stesen. This is a mixed transportation terminal, as taxis and buses station are also located. Buildings of interest in Segamat town are the Istana Hinggap, the Catholic Church, Sekolah Tinggi and the Land Office at Jalan Omar.
Labis Hot Spring - From Segamat, travel south-east to Labis town. It is a further 10km from Labis to reach the hot spring.
Johor - Muar District
This north-west district of Johor has a land area of 2,346.12 sq.km. and a population of 328,695. The name of Muar is reputed to come from different sources.One source claimed that it was named after the word muara which means river mouth, because the town was built on this strength. The other source claimed that it was named after three rivers, namely Sungai Muar, Sungai Serting and Sungai Pahang. The Hindi word for three is 'muna' and river is 'ar'.
Muar is a charming riverine town on the north-western coast of Johor close to the border with Melaka. A coastal town washed by the Straits of Melaka, it was once the place of refuge for the deposed Sultan Mahmud of Melaka. Fondly known by its feminine name of "Bandar Maharani" or the Town of the Princess, Muar is renowned for its traditional Ghazal music. The town has some excellent seafood restaurants which are worth trying. Its tree-lined river side promenade is ideal for evening strolls.
Johor - Mersing District
Mersing is already a familiar name to many tourists to this part of Johor, as its town is the main staging point to the state's islands archipelago. In fact, Mersing is accurately dubbed as the islands paradise for the many beautiful and unspoilt islands within its boundary. These islands are widely clustered in South China Sea. Some are only within 30 minutes boat ride from the shore, while others require at least five hours to reach. To preserve and protect this natural heritage, more than twenty islands here have been gazetted as marine parks.
And for those seeking jungle adventure, the Endau-Rompin National Park is an ideal place. The park is home to many unique varieties of tropical plants. The Endau Rompin National Park covers some 488 sq. kilometres of forest and is gazetted as the country's second national park. This haven for nature lovers is one of the few remaining lowland forests in the country and possibly the oldest. In 1985 and 1986, a scientific expedition identified 25 new species of plants within the area and its rocks and hills have been estimated to be 248 million years old. But that is not all, its various legends and myths add up to its overall appeal.
More information
Other places of interest: Istana Bukit Serene, Kota Tinggi,.Desaru, Sebana Cove, Kukup, Gunung Ledang (Mt. Ophir ) and Mersing
Updated On: 15.02.14