Johor: Southern Sensation

'Precious Stones' is what ‘Johor’ signifies, being derived from the Arabic word Jauhar, which literally means just that! Once a popular spice trade centre Johor has since matured into a multitude of other directions. Today the state is also a major tourist destination for Singaporeans!. Johor’s wide range of attractions spans from the vibrant Johor Bahru city centre to its verdant forests, tranquil islands, quaint villages, exciting water sports and varied other recreational facilities. And also not to be forgotten mouth-watering local seafood, exotic fruits, colourful festivals and world-class golf resorts. Quite literally a little of everything for everyone!

Geography
Johor, the third largest (19,984 sq km) state in Peninsular, is situated at the southern tip of the peninsula. It is bordered by the states of Melaka and Pahang to the north, the Straits of Malacca in the west and South China Sea in the east by and in the south by Singapore. The highest point in Johor is Ledang Mountain. The state of Johor is made up of eight districts: Johor Bahru, Pontian, Batu Pahat, Muar, Kota Tinggi, Segamat, Mersing and Kluang.

The state capital is Johor Bahru , formerly known as Tanjung Puteri, which it the hub of business, transportation and entertainment. Major logistic centres such as the Sultan Ismail Airport at Senai, the Johor Causeway, the Second Link, the Johor Bahru International Ferry Terminal (JBIFT), the Pasir Gudang Ferry Terminal, the main bus and taxi terminal and the ports of Tanjung Pelepas and Pasir Gudang are located in this district.

History & Culture
The history of Johor is closely associated with the neighbouring state of Malacca. It is the son of the last Sultan of Malacca, Sultan Mahmud Shah, who founded Johor in the early 16th century. From its initial small state it extended its reach to grow into the Johor Empire which covered the Riau Archipelago. In the 18th and 19th century the Johor Riau Empire was fought over by various powers. This eventually resulted in the British taking the opportunity to acquire Singapore and the Empire being broken up. Mainland Johor came under the control of the Temenggong who began to develop Johor. His son, Dato' Temenggong Abu Bakar, was formally crowned the Sultan of Johor in 1866. Sultan Abu Bakar who is rightly known as the 'Father of Modern Johor' developed Johor’s constitution and an efficient administration system. He was followed by apt successors who ensured the continued prosperous growth of the state. During World War II, the state suffered during the Japanese occupation of Malaya until the year 1945. In 1948, it joined the Federation of Malaya, which gained Independence in 1957. Today, Johor is a prosperous State with an expanding economy.
Johor's population is around 3 million (2006 est), comprising an ethnic mix of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other groups.

Getting There & About
Johor is accessible via the North-South Expressway and also by train. There are frequent express bus services available running from the north, through Johor to Singapore. Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Air Asia operates flights from the capital Kuala Lumpur and other destinations to the Sultan Ismail Airport in Senai. Airport limousine services, airport coach services as well as car rental services are available at the airport.

Ferry services are available from Changi Point in Singapore to Tanjung Belungkor near Desaru, the Stulang Duty Free Trade Zone Ferry Terminal near Johor Bahru or the Kukup Ferry Terminal. There is also a high-speed ferry service direct from Tanah Merah ferry terminal to Sebana Resort and Marina.

The Johor Port Authority operates the Tanjung Belungkor Ferry Terminal situated 15 nautical miles by sea or 115km by road from Johor Bahru city at the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia. The Tanjung Belungkor Ferry Terminal operates a ferry service that links it with its sister terminal in Changi Singapore. It offers an alternative entry point from neighbouring countries to the magnificent tourist areas of Desaru, Kota Tinggi Waterfall and Sibu Island in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia. In addition, this terminal also fosters closer relationships between the regions of Singapore, Johor and the Indonesian Islands of Riau (SIJORI). The Ferry Terminal organizes its Annual Ria Carnival usually in August/September every year. Sea sports and community-related activities are held and entertainment programmes are also organized. In 2004, the Tanjung Belungkor Ferry Terminal was awarded the “International Award For Tourist, Hotel and Catering Industry by the Editorial Office in Madrid, Spain. This award signifies international recognition of its contribution to the tourism industry particularly between Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. In 2005, the Business Initiative Directions in Geneva, Switzerland awarded the Ferry Terminal the Century International Quality Era Award, in the Gold Category, for its commitment to leadership, information technology and quality services. The Terminal has also been certified to be in compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) as required by the International Maritime Organisation.

Getting around Johor is relatively easy as it is well served by a good network of roads. Public transportation is plentiful.

Heritage Discovery
Royal abu Bakar Museum (The Grand Palace Johor)
Royal Abu Bakar Museum is one of the finest museums in the world with its ambience and magnificent collection of cultural treasures. Occupying the Istana Besar, or Grand Palace, built by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866, it was founded in 1990. The museum has a grand collection of Royal Family treasures. In addition to an extensive art collection, the museum displays ceremonial regalia, personal memorabilia, furniture and cultural artefacts accumulated by the Royal Family over the course of its reign.

Kota Tinggi Museum
The Kota Tinggi Museum located in the historical town of Kota Tinggi is managed by the Johor Heritage Foundation. It is home to artefacts, relics, historical facts and anecdotes on past Johor sultanates, capitals and early encounters with the Portuguese, Dutch, Achehnese and other regional powers from the 16th to the 18th centuries.

The Bugis Museum
The Bugis Museum, situated in Pontian, exposes you to the life of the Bugis community. The Bugis are among one of many Malay sub-groups that came from Celebes in Sulawesi and settled here in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Artifacts on display include various household items used by the community.

Sungai Joor ( Johor River) - Archaelogical Findings
Heritage from the historical Johor Malay Sultanate can be seen along Sungai Johor which commences from Bandar Kota Tinggi and ends at Teluk Sengat. Ongoing excavations, conservation and other archaeological research works are being executed along the banks. There are many royal mausoleums and also old historical sites from Johor Lama here. With a river boat ride down Sungai Johor one can see changes wrought through the passage of time.

Royal Mausoleum
The royal burial grounds, the Royal Mausoleum, is situated along Jalan Mahmodiah a short distance from Mahmodiah Village. The architecture is aesthetically pleasing and of a unique design while the surroundings are peaceful and serene.

Pineapple Museum
The Pineapply Museum depicts the growth and development of the pineapple industry in Malaysia. It also has exhibits of the biology of the plant, its cultivation and processing. A special section exhibits the varieties of pineapple found in Malaysia.

Pasir Gudang Kite Museum
The Pasir Gudang Kite Museum displays a collection of traditional kites (also called the ‘wau’) as well as modern kites. It showcases the intricate art of traditional kite-making. Pasir Gudang is where kite enthusiast flock every year for the annual International Kite Festival.

Arts & Cultural Exploration
Istana Bukit Serene
The Sultan of Johor’s Palace is perched on high ground with a 350m tower. The Palace is a landmark to travellers coming from the north. It contains one of the most beautiful gardens in Johor and a private zoo.  

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. Strategically located on top of a hill along Jalan Abu Bakar, overlooking the Straits of Tebrau, it 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.

Johor Art Gallery
The Johor Art Gallery houses various art collections, artefacts and items closely related to Johor's Malay heritage. The Gallery building depicts strong colonial influence in its design. The displays showcase the works of talented Johor-born artists in various art forms from paintings to sculptures as well as other mediums of artworks.

Tanjung Balau Tourism Complex
Established in 1985 by KEJORA, the Tg Balau Fishing village, a short way away from the Desaru Beach, will provide you an enriching experience in the arts, skills, and lifestyles of the Malay fishermen. The Tanjung Balau Tourism Complex which gives you an introduction to rural culture and traditions also offers some of the best local cuisine. The Tg. Balau Fisherman Museum, displays various artefacts of the region's long history as a center of the fishing trade, including traps, tackles, and floats. It also offers presentations of local fishing lore. It is designed to give you an insight into the lives and experiences of the fishermen community there. For those who wish to stay overnight the Tanjung Balau Chalets offer budget air-conditioned chalets and dorms while the Balau Bay Resort offers mid-range affordable rooms and villas.

Homestay Programmes
Experience village living through a home stay programme, where you will stay with a village family in a designated kampung. Participants are treated as guests of the family and are encouraged to take part in village events. Among the locations you can head to are in Kampung Lukut, Kampung Serkat and Kampung Sarang Buaya.

Great City Destinations
Sultan Ibrahim Building  
Constructed in the 1940s, the Sultan Ibrahim Building located on Bukit Timbalan dominates the Johor Bahru skyline. The Japanese army used it during World War II in their final assault on Singapore. Today, the building serves as the main office building of the State and houses the State Secretariat. The Saracenic character and the mosaic detail make this one of the most interesting buildings in Johor Bahru.

Coasts & Beaches
If you love the beach for whatever activity, Johor has a wonderful string of beaches and islands to choose from. Surrounded by water on 3 sides Johor is blessed with a beautiful coastline and these mainland beaches are easily accessible either by bus or taxi. Most of these beaches are well equipped with facilities such as car parks, restaurants, rest areas, benches, restrooms and accommodation. Equipment for boating, kayaking, jet skiing and wind surfing is also available for rent at selected beaches.

Desaru Beach
Desaru Beach, dubbed as the ‘Last Unspoiled Corner of Southeast Asia’ lies in the east coast of the Kota Tinggi district. Desaru which literally means ‘Village of Casuarinas’, offers a 26km stretch of pristine sandy beach fringed by casuarina trees and is ideal for a wide variety of activities. The stretch of beach, developed as a tourist resort by the Johor Tenggara Development Authority (Kejora), is linked to Kota Tinggi by a modern highway and has an international standard golf course and other facilities for sports such as tennis and canoeing. During weekends hawker stalls cater for an influx of day-trippers. Other nearby attractions include historical relics, a fishermen’s museum, firefly colony and fresh seafood.

Other beautiful beaches in Kota Tinggi and their distance from Kota Tinggi town are: Teluk Mahkota Beach (Jason Bay, about 38 km); Teluk Endau Beach (about 49 km); Tanjung Balay Beach (about 62 km); Batu Layar Beach (about 71 km) and Teluk Ramunia beach (about 76km).

Apart from Kota Tinggi, Mersing also boasts some of the finest beaches. Among them are Penyabong Beach, Air Papan Beach, Teluk Buih Beach, Tenglu Beach and Tanjung Leman Beach. Mersing is also the jumping-off point for the famous Tioman Island.

Other beaches in Johor are Stulang Laut Beach and Lido Beach (Johor Bahru), Rambah Beach (Pontian), Punggor and Minyak Beku Beaches (Batu Pahat). Lido Beach is a city beach for city dwellers to spend their evenings. Both the Punggor and Minyak Beku beaches are not suitable for swimming but ideal for enjoying the sea breeze.

Islands
Off the coast of Johor numerous enchanting islands offer golden idyllic beaches. More than 50 islands, many of which are located in the north-eastern district of Mersing offer a variety of activities. These beautiful islands feature crystal clear waters and a diversity of marine life and magnificent coral reefs. Many have been gazetted as marine parks and are perfect for diving, snorkelling and swimming. Visitors can also indulge in jungle trekking, island hopping or watching leatherback turtles lay their eggs on the beach.

Pulau Besar
Pulau Besar, literally "Big Island" is a secluded island with beautifully private stretches of soft beaches, clear blue waters and splendid coral reefs and forested regions. Believed to be the location of Malaysia's earliest civilisation, tales of mermaids and princesses as well as sacred graves and shrines abound here. Pulau Sibu Tengah, located further south along the coast is a delightful rustic resort destination. Two other Johor islands, lying further from the coast, are Pulau Pemanggil and Pulau Aur. Pulau Pemanggil is a large and popular resort destination, noted for its abundant marine life and clear waters. Pulau Aur, on the other hand, is a small island with three nearby islands – Pulau Dayang, Pulau Lang and Pulau Pinang which are rated among the best diving destinations within the Johor Marine Park Area. Interesting formations around the island include Rayner’s Rock, a solitary large boulder that breaks surface at about 4 metres, and the Pinnacles, a submerged reef.

Pulau Tinggi
Pulau Tinggi lies further south along the Peninsula rising 667m above sea level has a coastline dotted with intimate coves and vividly hued coral reefs offshore. The mountainous and largely uninhabited island is naturally endowed with fresh water, a sheltered harbor, fruits, rattan and timber, as well as some very fine beaches.

Pulau Sibu
Pulau Sibu is a refreshing hideaway, which is awash with lush tropical vegetation and endless stretches of golden beaches. Numerous sea caves carved out of rocks can be found around the island. Its waters also hide marvellous coral reefs and mysterious shipwrecks of Chinese junks and pirate boats. The unspoilt mangrove swamps are an enticement to spend some time away from the beach. You can also visit the kelongs or the village to see how the villagers on this beautiful island spend their time.

Pulau Tengah
Pulau Tengah and Pulau Upeh offer you the seldom found opportunity to watch the great leatherback turtles and Hawksbill turtles come ashore to lay their eggs every year.

Pulau Rawa
Pulau Rawa is a really beautiful island wonderfully covered with white sand, coves, and superb clear waters and shaded by tall palm trees. The island has many fascinating caves and divine offshore coral reefs inhabited by the many neon-coloured fishes and unusual marine life. The breathtaking Rawa Island Resort, set amid all these, makes Pulau Rawa a haven for fishing, scuba-diving, shell-collecting, lobster-hunting and underwater photography. Throughout these years, the Rawa Safaris Island Resort has grown into an idyllic international class resort. The resort has rooms of varying standards and sizes with the units built on either the hill side, a few metres from the beach or directly fronting the ocean. The rooms are well equipped with modern amenities. The restaurant in the resort also serves sumptuous seafood. The wooden chalets nestled amongst coconut groves complement the island's reputation as a quaint hideaway.

Closer to shore you can visit Pulau Kukup which is one of the largest uninhabited mangrove islands in the world. There are lots to explore on this island but the interior is not easily accessible. The boardwalk, which takes you around the eastern part of the island, lets you observe the mangrove life and different vegetation on the forest floor. At the end of the boardwalk scale up a six storey high tower for an excellent bird’s eye view of the island.

Cool Retreats

Gunung Ledang (Ledang Mountain)
Also known as Mount Ophir, Gunung Ledang is the highest mountain in Johor. According to folklore, it was the home of Puteri Gunung Ledang, a princess who captivated the heart of the Sultan of Malacca during the 15th century but turned down his proposal for marriage by setting impossible demands. Among her demands were for a golden bridge linking the Sultan’s palace in Malacca to the mountain, jars of women’s tears, seven trays of mosquitoes’ hearts and seven bowls of blood from the Sultan’s prince.

A popular spot for avid mountain climbers, there are several trails that lead to the summit of the mountain. At its base is the Sagil Waterfall, a popular spot for picnickers. Other activities are night trekking, archery and mountain biking. Camping is also very popular with campsites made available along the trail uphill.

Visitors can also visit the Gunung Ledang Recreation Forest, an eight-hectare forest reserved as a sanctuary and a water-catchment area with four waterfalls. A popular spot for picnics, this park is also a favourite venue for seminars and work camps. The adventurous can trek up to Gunung Pulai, which is about 700 metres above sea level.

With all its attractions Gunung Ledang is the perfect place for nature lovers, bird watchers, jungle trekkers and picnickers.

Eco-Adventures
Johor has several sites which have been declared national parks. These include the lowland forest of Endau Rompin National Park (Mersing district), the legendary Gunung Ledang (Muar) and the swampy wetland sanctuary of Pulau Kukup (Pontian). Other recreational forests in Johor are Soga Perdana (Batu Pahat), about 131 km from Johor Bahru and five kilometres from Batu Pahat town; Sungai Bantang (Segamat), 80 km from Segamat town; Gunung Arong (Mersing), about 17 km from Mersing and 22 km from Endau along the Mersing-Endau road; Gunung Lambak (Kluang), about five kilometres from Kluang and 115 km from Johor Bahru; Gunung Belumut (Kluang) about 32 km from Kluang and 139 km from Johor Bahru, to name a few.

Endau-Rompin National Park
Reputedly one of the oldest rainforests in the world the Endau-Rompin national park spans across the borders of two states - Johor and Pahang - and covers an approximate area of 92,000 ha. Here a world of unique natural wonders awaits you, with fan palms which stand taller than a man, over 200mil year old rock formations, the legendary 120 metre high Buaya Sangkut waterfalls and the Endau and Rompin rivers. It is also home to the rare Sumatran Rhinos. To visit the park you need to obtain a permit from the Johor National Park Corporation or the District Office. You will also be guided by forest rangers at all times within the park;

Tanjung Piai
The southernmost tip of the Asian Continent is found at the humble Tanjung Piai site set amidst an extensive natural mangrove forest. Visit the spot and you will be issued a certificate by the Johor National Park Corporation to attest to your visit there!. In Tanjung Piai you can enjoy watching the antics of its varied and interesting inhabitants which include the multi coloured mangrove crabs, bug-eyed mud skippers and crab eating macaques. You could opt for a traditional kampong experience via the Homestay and Agrotourism projects and also indulge in the exceptional seafood in Kukup.

Kota Tinggi
Kota Tinggi along the banks of the Johor river is a popular haunt of one of nature’s amazing wonders, the firefly colonies which glow like a thousand stars on the boughs of the Berembang trees. The riverbanks are also a popular haunt for prawn fishing which you could experience by hiring a boat to take you to choice spots along the river.

Agro-Tourism
Agro-tourism in Johor showcases some of the more popular agricultural products in the state which includes the world’s largest Arowana aquaculture farm, the second biggest orchid farm, a unique hybrid of pineapples and a rare species of the mixed breed wild ox and domestic cow called Selembu. Other agro-tourism attractions here are herb and spice farms such as the Nasoha Spices and Herbs Paradise in Pagoh, lowland tea plantations, ostrich farms and numerous fruit orchards. The government diary farm is also a one-stop recreational spot where you can indulge in horse back riding, canoeing, boating and fishing. Other activities include Animal Farming, Veterinary Museum, Equine, Water Sports, BBQ and Farm Stay. There are several agro-tourism spots in Johor where you can get the chance to tap rubber trees, pluck mushrooms and cast fishing nets into ponds or enjoy delicious fruits!

Johor Lowland Tea
One of the only, or the sole lowland tea plantation in Malaysia, can be found along the junction of Mersing Road to Gunung Belumut. The Johor Lowlands Tea plantation covers over 260 ha of land in the valleys of Gunung Lambak and Belumut. Here you can not only get a closer glimpse of the tea plant and the processing process of the leaves to final product.

Orchid Valley
Orchid Valley is a 40-ha. Orchid plantation located at the foot of Gunung Pulai (Mount Pulai) in the village of Kangkar Pulai Reputedly the largest tropical orchid farm in the world it has beautiful and exotic orchids from over 80 varieties. Visitors can buy cut flowers or potted plants of exotic orchid breeds while enjoying the cool, fresh air and the scenic views. Besides the orchid plantation there is also an educational corridor, research laboratory, restaurant and viewing terraces and waterfalls, lakes and fountains creating a soothing ambience. Tram rides are available for those who wish to enjoy the sights in comfort.

Culinary Delights
Cuisine in Johor indicated the influence of the Arabs and that of the surrounding Malay archipelago. Local favourites include the famous Laksa Johor, a noodle dish served with gravy cooked with coconut milk, flaked fish and sprinkled with fresh vegetables; Mee bandung, Mee rebus - the famous noodle dish which consists of noodles served with a tangy, spicy brown sauce with boiled eggs, Telur pindang - Eggs boiled together with herbs and spices, popular during wedding feasts in Johor and of course Roti Jala –a special bread which looks like a fish net, usually eaten with curry or with 'serawa' - a mixture of boiled coconut milk, brown sugar and pandan leaf.

Muar is particularly renowned for its cuisine, with many restaurants as well as food stalls serving popular local delicacies. Pontian and Kukup, two tiny fishing villages along Johor's southwestern coast offer some of the best fresh seafood in the region. The houses, as well as the restaurants, are built in traditional style on stilts at the water's edge. The stalls at Lido Beach and Stulang Laut offer local favorites and hawker fare.

Sports
There are a variety of sports that are played in Johor with water sports being particularly popular. Other sporting events include bird watching, horse rising, jungle trekking, golfing, mountain climbing, kite flying and off-road driving.

Johor Racing Circuit
Speedsters will enjoy off-road motor sports on the grand prix tracks or off-road mud. The world-class Johor Racing Circuit frequently hosts world-class racing events. This 3.86km Johor Racing circuit in Pasir Gudang is built on undulating terrain with twelve challenging corners which will test the skills of the drivers. It is the venue for international racing events including the World Superbike, World Endurance, and the Johor Race Series for cars and bikes. This circuit is also open to all motorsport enthusiasts to sample the thrill and spill of high-speed adventure.

Golf
Golfers have lots of choices in Johor with around 30 golf courses available all across the state, 13 of which are in Johor Bahru. Whether you or a novice or a professional, these greens which range from your average 9-hole courses to the unrivalled 54-hole courses, will give you the challenge you want.

Among the popular courses is Pulai Springs Resort, a member of the prestigious 50 Finest Golf Resorts in the World. The multi award winning resort is also home to the Pulai Springs Malaysian Masters, Johor State’s largest international sports and golf event which attracts top golfers from the region. The Pulai Springs Resort also offers a Spa and full M.I.C.E. facilities.

Other golf resorts include Desaru Golf and Country Resort at Tanjung Penawar, 88km northeast of Johor Bahru; The Royal Johor Country Club at Taman Tasik and Palm Resort Golf & Country Club, right next to the airport in Senai. Night golfing is available at selected courses. Some of the clubhouses feature cosy dining areas, pools and ambience perfect for weddings, tournaments or meetings. Golfers are also availed with luxurious accommodation choices, making Johor a favoured golfing destination for many.

Entertainment & Shopping
Shopping
Johor is well known for its batik, songket, Malay garments, local paintings, pewter ware, ceramic ware, copper wares, traditional herbal products and traditional Malay musical instruments. With such diversity one will never run out of things to acquire in Johor.

Souvenir outlets are often known to stage cultural performances and the opportunity for hands-on experience at making local handicraft. The Plaza Seni Johor Bahru for example, revels in a fiesta of art exhibitions and cultural performances. It also provides a great choice of sensational and variegated food, clothes, fashion accessories, gift shops, and a variety of exotic goods. At the Mawar House Handicraft Centre, housed in a lavishly restored house, which preserves the rich architectural heritage of Johor, you can observe how batik printing is done and get yourself some hand-drawn and dyed batik cloths, batik paintings, straw mats and other goods. The Air Hitam area is known for its pottery ware and you can also see how the pieces are produced.

The Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (JARO) is another location which you should check out. Here is where you can find baskets, bedspreads, furniture, soft toys and other products produced by the disabled community.

The Johor Bahru Duty Free Zone at the waterfront area is the largest duty free complex in Malaysia. It has a hotel and convention centre; a floating restaurant with a popular nightclub; and a five-level shopping podium. There are also ferry links to Singapore and Indonesia from here; and immigration and customs facilities. You could spend the whole day here and never be bored.

Tourist Information Centre
Tourist Information Centre Tanjung Puteri,
Johor
Tel : 07-2223592