Johor
Johor, the southernmost state of Peninsular Malaysia, is made up of eight districts comprising Johor Bahru, Pontian, Batu Pahat, Muar, Mersing, Kota Tinggi, Kluang and Segamat.
Johor has a Iong coast line flanking the Straits of Melaka on its western seaboard and the South China Sea on the east.
Its vast landscape is characterised by plantations of pineapple, rubber, coconut and oil palm on the binges of which nestle tranquil kampungs and quaint fishing villages.
Retaining much of its natural splendours, the state has miles of golden sand beaches and beautiful offshore islands with clear waters which are excellent for diving. The state is also endowed with several forest reserves.
Nature lovers will find the Endau-Rompin park located on the Johor-Pahang border an unforgettable experience.
This lush and relatively untouched lowland is home to several rare and endangered species including the two-horned rhinoceros. Its rocks and hills have been estimated to be nearly 250 million years old.
Johor also contains some of the best golf courses in the country.
ATTRACTIONS
Rambah Beach
Located close to Tanjung Piai, Rambah beach is naturally a good place for birdwatching, particularly during the birds migratory season in the months of September and March. Fishing and picknicking are also popular activities here. Once in a while, the local folks hold bird singing competition on this beach. This beach is in close proximity to Pulau Pisang and Kukup fishing village.
This beach is easily accessible by road and offers visitors all the absic facilities to make your visit here pleasurable. Facilities available include rest shades, changing rooms, shower rooms, washrooms, car parks, restaurants, food outlets and accommodation. Swimming, jet skiing, boating, banana boat ride, windsurfing, fishing, sun-bathing, beach games and camping are popular activities here.
Pulau Tinggi
Pulau Tinggi or Tinggi Island is one of the many captivating tropical islands that nestles the East Coast of Johor. Its white, sandy beach surrounded by alluring blue waters makes it a perfect haven for those who want to escape from the mundane world.
Pulau Tinggi gets its name from a high hill rising 2,000 feet above sea level ("tinggi" is a Malay word for high). The island is painted green by the lush tropical forest that is rich with rattan, timber and other valuable plants.
Its surrounding waters is rich with exotic marine life and beautiful underwater flora fringing its coral reefs, providing a breathtaking underwater view for divers and snorkelling enthusiasts. The island is also blessed with natural fresh water and sheltered harbour, which explains its role as a stopover point for traders in the olden days.
Apart from its physical beauty, Pulau Tinggi is also famous for its mystical characters. The locals believe that Malay's most famous hero, Hang Tuah, had stopped here in one of his journeys. It is believed that his spirit still guards the island till these days.
Mount Lambak Recreational Forest
Just 5km from Kluang town centre, the Mount Lambak Recreational Forest is a convenient destination for those seeking a nature-getaway. Located at the foothill of Mount Lambak, this recreational forest is perfect for picnics, swimming and mountain-climbing. There is also a small children's playground here.
At 510m above sea level, Mount Lambak is accessible via footpaths and wooden bridges which makes for a relaxing and rejuvenating trek uphill. Apart from the variety of wild flora and fauna, there are waterfalls for those wanting a refreshing dip. Modern chalets are available for those who wish to stay overnight here.
Endau-Rompin Johor National Park
Endau Rompin, located north of Johor and south of Pahang, is the second National Park proclaimed by the Government of Malaysia. It covers an area of approximately 50,000 hectares of rich flora and fauna, encompassing the watershed of the rivers Endau and Rompin, from which it derived its name.
The park is home to many species of birds, mammals, frogs, insects and many other wild animals, as well as varieties of orchids, herbs, medicinal plants and trees. A scientific expedition undertaken by the Malaysian Nature Society in 1985 uncovered some new and rare plant and animal species. One of the most spectacular discoveries was the fan palm (Livistona endauensis), endemic to the Ulu Endau area.
This centuries-old rainforest is also home to the largest surviving population of Sumatran Rhinos still left in Peninsular Malaysia. Primates, including the leaf monkey, the long-tail macaque and the white-handed gibbon are a common sight. Other wild animals inhabiting the area include tigers, leopards, elephants, and various types of deer and tapirs. There are also numerous rapids and falls awaiting adventure lovers and river trekkers here.
To protect the pristine environment, only limited areas of the park are open for ecotourism purposes. Entry to the park requires a special permit from the Johor National Park Corporation. Permits can also be obtained at the District Office, which is just alongside the Police Department in Kuala Rompin before reaching the FELDA Selendang turn off from Lanjut Beach. Upon entry to this park, trekkers will be guided by forest rangers to ensure safety at all times.
Teluk Buih Beach
The long coastline at Air Papan makes its way southwards and meets a small craggy bay which the villagers have named Teluk Buih after foamy white surf that lashes on to its shores. Teluk Buih offers a sheltered stretch of fine sand and is a popular retreat for the villagers.
The beach is popular among picnickers especially on weekends and public holidays. They can swim in its blue water, play games on its wide beach or just sit back and relax under the shade of the verdant vegetation.
Tanjung Piai-Johor National Park
Dubbed the southernmost tip of mainland Asia, Tanjung Piai is a haven for a diverse species of flora and fauna, including those unique to mangrove areas such as mangrove crabs, beady-eyed mudskippers and crab-eating macaques. Tanjung Piai is also famous for being a hot spot for birdwatchers to visit during the migratory season which falls around September and March.
Located within the district of Pontian, Johor, Tanjung Piai is a place where the earth and sea, plant and animal life, live in blissful harmony. Tanjung Piai Johor National Park covers an area of over 926ha -- 526ha of which comprise of coastal mangroves. There are two entry points to Tanjung Piai - the one at Sungai Belukang and the other at Desa Sri Piai. Entry into the Tanjung Piai park requires a minimal fee of just RM3 for adults (Malaysians) and RM5 for foreign visitors, payable at Tanjung Piai's visitor's complex
Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia, with its amazing combination of Western neo-classical and Islamic architecture.
This mosque can accommodate about 2,000 worshippers at any one time. The mosque is strategically located on top of a hill on Jalan Abu Bakar, overlooking the Straits of Tebrau.
Sultan Abu Bakar mosque was named after the late Sultan Abu Bakar, the "Father of Modern Johor", who laid the foundation stone in 1892. Construction of the mosque was completed in 1900, a few years after his death. Today, the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is listed as a protected heritage monument by the Department of Museums and Antiquities.
Danga Bay
Danga Bay or Teluk Danga is Malaysia's premier waterfront city and the largest recreational park in the city of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Besides being a rustic residential waterfront getaway, it is also a great place to hang out, shop and eat till you drop. Danga Bay is also sometimes referred to as the Vision City of the South
Penyabong Beach
The old name of the beach is Pantai Pasir Lanun (Pirates' Sandy Beach) because pirates chose the beach as their hideout due to its calm coast and the availability of fresh water.
The beach, located about 36km from Mersing town, has many attractions and activities for visitors. These include boating, canoeing, fishing, camping and jungle trekking to the nearby forest. You can also go for a visit to the Malay villages here, or go for and island excursion and visit the kelong (fish farm) on the way back.
The beach is served by four beach resorts which offers budget to mid-range accommodations and meeting facilities. There are also food stalls, rest shades, toilets and shower facilities for day-trippers. A sea sports centre rents out equipment for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and other water-based activities that will make your visit to Penyabong beach a fun experience.
Rambah Beach
Located close to Tanjung Piai, Rambah beach is naturally a good place for birdwatching, particularly during the birds migratory season in the months of September and March. Fishing and picknicking are also popular activities here. Once in a while, the local folks hold bird singing competition on this beach. This beach is in close proximity to Pulau Pisang and Kukup fishing village.
This beach is easily accessible by road and offers visitors all the absic facilities to make your visit here pleasurable. Facilities available include rest shades, changing rooms, shower rooms, washrooms, car parks, restaurants, food outlets and accommodation. Swimming, jet skiing, boating, banana boat ride, windsurfing, fishing, sun-bathing, beach games and camping are popular activities here.
HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS
Grand Bluewave Hotel Johor Bahru
No.9R, Jalan Bukit Meldrum, Johor Bahru 80300 Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 221 6666
Fax: +607 222 9473
Mutiara Johor Bahru
Jalan Dato' Sulaiman, Taman Century, KB No 779,
80990 Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 332 3800 / 332 4000
Fax: +607 331 8884
Pulai Springs Resort
20Km, Jalan Pontian Lama, Pulai 81110 Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 521 2121
Fax: +607 - 555 466
The Zon Regency Hotel by the Sea Johor Bahru
Kompleks Bebas Cukai Johor Bahru, No. 88 Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Stulang Laut,
80300 Johor Bahru Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 221 9999
Fax: +607 221 0999
Thistle Johor Bahru
Jalan Sungai Chat 80720 , Johor Bahru Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 222 9234
Fax: +607 222 0153
Desaru Golden Beach Hotel
P.O.Box 50, Tanjung Penawar 81097 Kota Tinggi Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 822 1101
Fax: +607 822 1480
Grand Paragon Hotel Johor Bahru
PTB 19201, Jln Harimau Tmn Century 80250 Johor Bahru Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 268 5222
Fax: +607 - 268 5333
Le Grandeur Palm Resort
Jalan Persiaran Golf Off Jln Jumbo 81250 Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 599 6000
Fax: +607-599 7028
Lotus Desaru Beach Resort
Lot 1854, Jalan Desaru, Bandar Penawar, 81930 , Kota Tinggi Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607-884 2800
Fax: +607-884 2994
Puteri Pacific Hotel Johor Bahru
Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, 'The Kotaraya', PO Box 293 80730 , Johor Bahru Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 219 9999
Fax: +607 - 219 9998
Sibu Island Resort
Johor Bahru Sales Office, Level 2, The Puteri Pacific, Johor Bahru, Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, P.O Box 293
80730 Johor Bahru Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 219 9813
Fax: +607 223 1188
The Katerina Hotel
8 Jalan Zabedah, Batu Pahat 83000 Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 433 7111
Fax: +607 433 6111
Classic Hotel Muar
69, Jalan Ali 84000 Muar Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +609 953 3888
Fax: +609 953 6333
Crystal Crown Hotel
117, Jalan Harimau tarum, Century Garden 80250 , Johor Bahru Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 333 4422
Fax: +607 - 3334 5505
Eight Days Hotel
No. 24, 26, 27 & 28, Block A, Permas Mall, Jalan Permas Utara
81750 Bandar Baru Permas Baru , Johor Bahru Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 388 9889 / +607 - 388 2882
Fax: +607 - 387 3888
Felda Residence Tanjung Leman
LOT PTD 144 Tanjung leman 86810 Mukim Tenggaroh , Mersing
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 – 7911155
Fax: +607 - 7911166
Goodhope Hotel Skudai
No. 1 Jln. Ronggeng 5, Tmn. Skudai Baru 81300 Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 557 2828
Fax: +607 - 556 3888
Gunung Ledang Resort
Batu 28, Jalan Segamat, Sagil 84020 Tangkak Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +606 977 2888
Fax: +606 977 3555
Havanita Hotel
No. 88, Jalan Endau 86800 Mersing , Johor Bahru Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 -799 8666
Fax: +607 - 799 8178
Hotel Masai Utama
103 - 105 Jalan Masai Utama 1, Taman Masai Utama 81750 Masai , Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 255 3399
Fax: +607 - 252 2299
RESTAURANT
Maio Fine Dining Italian Restaurant
No. 16, Jalan Skudai, Straits View, 80200 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: 607-221 1000
Fax: 607-226 0367
Del's Kitchen
No. 61 Jalan Kuning 2, 80400 Johor Bahru, Taman Pelangi Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 331 1611 / +6012 - 788 8245
Yew's Cafe & Bistro
No. 63 Jalan Molek 3/1, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 354 2312 / +607 - 355 2312
Fax: +607 - 358 4570
Niniq Bistro & Bakery Setia Tropika
No. 52 Jalan Setia Tropika 1/24, Taman Setia Tropika, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 237 4800
Fax: +607 - 236 6800
Niniq Bistro & Bakery Johor Bahru
No. 65, Jalan Perang, 81100 Johor Bahru, Taman Pelangi Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 237 4800
Fax: +607 - 236 6800
Master Chef Restaurant
No. 68 Jalan Sagu Lapan, 81100 Johor Bahru, Taman Daya Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 351 1868
Fax: +607 - 359 1868
Pure Fruit Bar
No. 52 Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, 81300 Johor Bahru, Taman Sutera Utama Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 554 3542
Lost Malaya Gallery & Lounge
No. 9 Jalan Skudai, 80200 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 221 0629
The Garden Juice Bar
No. 57 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +6012 - 700 8383
estseEast & Beats
No. 51 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +607 - 221 0446
GETTING THERE
By Road
There are several ways to enter Johor by road. The main ones are:
- Johor Causeway; 2nd link
- North South Expressway
- Federal Trunk Road (Route 1)
- East Coast Trunk Road (Route 3)
- West Coast Trunk Road Route 5)
By Train
The rail service is provided by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad.
To check the interstate train schedule, go to http://www.ktmb.com.my
By Plane
Direct entry is via the Sultan Ismail Airport (or locally known as the Senai Airport).
It is located in the district of Johor Bahru about 34km from the capital city of Johor Bahru.
Airport limousine services take you to various destinations at fares controlled by the government. There are also scheduled airport coach services to Johor Bahru city centre and Singapore.
By Sea
The following are the sea entry points into Johor.
- Johor Bahru International Ferry Terminal (Johor Bahru district)
- Pasir Gudang (Johor Bahru district)
- Kukup (Pontian district)
- Muar (Muar district)
- Tanjung Belungkor (Kota Tinggi district)
- Tanjung Pengelih (Kota Tinggi district)