Places of Interrest in Johor Bahru

Air Hitam Astride the old trunk road that runs south to Johor Bahru - and not far off the new North-South Highway - is a small crossroads town called Air Hitam, about 30 km from Batu Pahat and 90 kms from the state capital. Ayer Hitam is a popular stopover for tourists on their way between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Coffee shops and rows of heavily laden street stalls become 'a drinking hole and a shopping centre' for travellers who descend on the stalls to hunt down last-minutes souvenirs or snap up preserved fruits, durian cakes, peanut nougat and other local products.

Air Papan This stretch of beach is popular picnic area. The annual `Pesta Air Papan ' celebrated on 1st May draws thousands of people.

Batu Pahat Situated on the trunk road running north from Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat is a regional business and conference centre. It is also a favourite resting place for round travellers. A brief stop here should give you a chance to taste a wide range of fruits, groundnuts and other local delicacies as well as to buy souvenirs and curios.

Desaru, Johor Desaru, or the 'Village of Casuarinas' is a 25 km stretch of sandy beach fringed by casuarina trees. It lies on the southeast corner of Johor. A host of sea sports await the visitor from swimming, snorkelling, boating, canoeing, windsurfing, water skiing to sailing.

Endau Rompin Forest Located on the Johor Pahang border, this 2 1/2 century old extensive lowland forest is home to several rare endangered species including the two horned rhinoceros. The park is popular with conservationists and nature lovers who enjoy the teaming wildlife and virgin environment.

Firefly Viewing Being a state with vast mangrove swamps, is home to one of nature’s wonders – fireflies. They make for popular evening entertainment that the whole family will enjoy. Good sites to watch fireflies are at Sungai Johor and Sungai Lebam in Kota Tinggi district.

Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest This 8-hectare forest reserve is an area of unique flora and fauna and a fascinating recreational haven. Along the river are several waterfalls with pools at its base. Apart from being an ideal picnic spot, the forest is a favourite venue for seminars and work camps and is a focal point for adventurers trekking to the summit of Gunung Pulai.

Johor Lama Today, Johor Lama (old Johor) is a quiet village 19 kilometres from Kota Tinggi on the banks of the Johor River. However, after the fall of Malacca it became the royal capital of the Sultans of Johor until the final destruction of the town fort by the Portuguese in 1587.

Kukup Nineteen km south of Pontian Kechil, the road ends at Kukup on the southernmost tip of the Malay Peninsula. Kukup is a fishing village with houses on stilts at the water's edge. There are numerous restaurants on stilts serving delicious seafood. Handicrafts such as keropok, belacan and cincaluk are available at Kukup. Visitors can also hire fishing boats.

Manchap Further south is a famous craft factory called Aw Potteries, proclaimed by two colossal earthenware genies. The Minangkabau-style showroom displays all sorts of pottery in the distinctive Aw glazes. Behind the showroom is the studio itself, where you can watch craftsmen at work throughout the process.

Mersing is a pleasant town know for its large bustling fishing fleet. Its is also the setting-off point for a large number of islands in the South China Sea, including the well- know Pulau Tioman in the state of Pahang. The Mersing Boat Hire Association provides boats for inter-islands travel or fishing.

Mount Ophir is said to be the home of legendary Princess "Puteri Gunung Ledang" once wooed by the Sultan of Malacca. The mountain is a favourite among the local mountaineers in search of excitement and adventure. Pontian Approximately one hour's drive from Johor Bahru is Pontian, where the fishermen, live in houses raised on stilts above the water. Don't forget your camera as the photo opportunities are great!

Muar is a picturesque town popular for the delicious and inexpensive foods served by foodstalls and restaurants. Also know as Bandar Maharani, the towns bears a striking resemblance to Malacca geographically, culturally and in terms of their inter -connecting historical and commercial roles. Take a stroll along the three-lined riverside at Tanjong. There is also a hot spring at Sungai Balang on the way to Batu Pahat.

Pagoh 26 km from Muar, there is an old fort containing the tombs of two of the Malacca sultans. Situated atop a small rise, it was constructed to protect the sultans from attacks by pirates. Nearby in the graveyard at Kampung Parit Pecah stand 99 tombstones, marking the graves of an entire village that was wiped out by a single spear about 500 years ago. According to the legend, this happened at a wedding party. The spear was tossed by a jealous lover into the chest of a bridegroom, removed and tossed again, eventually killing the bride and all the wedding guests.

Royal Abu Bakar Museum The Royal Abu Bakar Museum occupies the Istana Besar, or Grand Palace, built by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866. The museum was founded in 1990 by Johor's present ruler, His Majesty Sultan Iskandar and its collection consists of the treasures of the Royal Family, an extensive art collection, ceremonial regalia, personal memorabilia, furniture, objects d'art and cultural artefacts accumulated by the Royal Family over the course of its reign. Open from 10am to 6pm daily, except on Fridays. Admission is as follows: non-Malaysians, US$7.00(adults), US$3.00 (children under 12); Malaysians, RM5.00 (adults), RM1.00 (children under twelve and schoolchildren in uniform). For further information, telephone: 07-220351.

Tanjung Balau Fishermen's Museum There are various artifacts that are employed by fishermen such as fish traps, tackle and floats. Fishermen folklore is also displayed.

Tanjung Piai is famous for its mangrove swamplands - home to many exotic aquatic life forms that include multi-coloured mangrove crabs, mudskippers and crab-eating macaques. Located at the southern most tip of mainland Asia, Tanjung Piai is about 75km from Johor Bahru. Visitors will be able to see how `Gula Melaka' is processed and the collection of honey at the honey bee farm. They can also experience the lifestyle of a typical Malay Kampung community.

Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque Officially opened by the late Sultan Ibrahim in 1980,this mosque is considered one of the finest in Malaysia. It took 8 years to complete at a cost of RM 400,000. Built on top of a hill with sweeping view of the Straits of the Johor, makes this mosque a famed landmark.

Sultan Abu Bakar Monument This monument, created on the seafront opposite the courthouse commemorates Sultan Abu Bakar (1864-1895), as the architect of modern Johor. A bronze replica of the Johor crown surmounts the monument

Sultan Ibrahim Building The massive building on Bukit Timbalan dominates the skyline of Johore Bahru.The Saracenic character and fine mosaic detail particularly of the Grand Hall make this one of the most interesting buildings in Johore Bahru.

The Sagil Waterfall at the base of Mount Ophir is a favourite spot for picnicking. Crystal clear river and breathtaking waterfalls in tranquil, unspoiled environment beckon visitors to this area for a cooling bath or simply a quiet rest. Various amenities, including dressing rooms, camping sites, food stalls and car parks are provided here. There are also tracks leading to the summit of Gunung Ledang.

Waterfalls At Lombong, Kota Tinggi These falls are ,located 56 km north of Johor Bahru, towards the East Coast. The waterfall is 34 m high and has been a popular spot with both local and foreign tourist for many years. Those who feel the need for a change from the tropical heat may like to try swimming in the cool waters at the base of the falls.

Besar Island Beautiful and pristine with fascinating coral colonies in its crystal clear waters is a sheer delight for divers.

Tinggi Island Is similarly acclaimed for its clusters of beautiful and delicate corals and fish of vibrantly coloured hues. The best time for diving in these waters is between May to October when the water is crystal clear to a depth of at least 40 ft. Most islands offer overnight accommodation for visitors with the exception of Hujung Island and Mentinggi Island.

Pemanggil Island Another enchanting island paradise is Pulau Pemanggil, about 5 hours away by boat from Mersing. This remote island is also famed for the beauty and abundance of marine life within its clear emerald waters. Chalets and longhouses are available for visitors wishing to spend the night.

Rawa Island Situated offshore, east of Johor at South China Sea. It is a paradise island situated off coast of Mersing at South China Sea, about 45 minutes by boat from Mersing. Next most developed island after Tioman in Pahang. Water sports, snorkelling, scuba diving are favourite water sports.