The state of Johor is located on the southern portion of the Malaysian peninsula surrounded by the State of Pahang to the north, and Malacca and Negeri Sembilan to the Northwest. Johor is separated from Malaysia’s closest neighbour Singapore by the Straits of Johor to the south.
The Malays have a habit of naming their states after natural objects or anything that is found in abundance. Therefore Johor originated from the Arabic word “Jauhar” which means precious stone or gem. Johor is also the name of a shrub that is abundant in the region.
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Johor is the third largest state on the Malaysian Peninsular and was founded in the 16th century by Alauddin Riayat Shah II, son of the last Sultan of Malacca Mahmud Shah. During its peak, the whole of Pahang and the present day Indonesian territories of the Riau Archipelago and part of Sumatra Island were under Johor's rule. Evidence of its struggle with the Portuguese and its neighbouring islands to maintain its sovereignty can still be seen in modern day Johor.
Johor Bahru, popularly known as JB is the state capital city and the second largest city in the country after the national capital, Kuala Lumpur. Founded as a small fishing village in 1855, JB today is one of the biggest industrial and commercial centres of the country. Being at the entry point from Singapore to Malaysia JB shot to being a major tourism hub once it opened it’s roadways and waterways to its neighbour. 49.9% of Malaysia’s annual tourism percentage comes from Singapore itself.
The main attraction in the capital city is the royal village or Pasir Pelangi housing the Grand Palace with its distinct Anglo-Malay architecture and the royal museum. The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, nestled on top of a hill is one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia. The mosque overlooks the Straits of Tebrau and is remarkable with its amazing combination of western neo-classical and Islamic architecture.
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Wait until nightfall to experience the sumptuous side of JB. An array of food stalls and vendors suddenly appear with popular local dishes such as the famous Laksa Johor, flake fish and gravy cooked with coconut milk and served with noodles and vegetables. A ‘gastronomic’ experience without so much as a dent on the wallet!
The city also has modern malls, arcades, handicraft centres, bazaars and markets that sell anything from branded items to travel souvenirs. The biggest attraction for its next door neighbour is the JB Duty Free Complex located at the international ferry terminal known as ZON - 30,000 feet of pure shopping experience. The complex has branded goods, designer wear, confectionery, glassware and you name it within its retail outlets, department stores and hyper marts, 163 in all.
If you like you can exchange 30,000 feet of shopping experience for 50,000 hectares of sheer fauna and flora as Johor is also a haven for nature lovers. Quite a jump but probably a well deserved break for you and your wallet.
The Johor National Park, Endau Rompin National Park is the 2nd largest national park in Malaysia situated at the watershed of the Endau and Rompin rivers. It is North of Johor and south of Pahang and accessible through Kampung Peta and Nitar. Kampong Peta is home to the most remote Orang Alsi (aboriginal) settlement in Johor and is a 2-hour drive from Kluang. The park is also a 8 hour boat ride along the Endau river from Nita.
There are many trekking packages arranged by the forest rangers themselves where you can choose between a camping or chalet experience. These start from Kluang itself and include boarding, food, entrance fee to the park, trekking, rafting and a host of other activities. Independent travellers have to get a special permit to enter the park, either at the Johor National Park Corporation or at the district office. All trekking and river trails are compulsorily accompanied by forest rangers to ensure safety.
The park is a sanctuary of orchids, herbs, medicinal plants and trees, endangered species, variety of mammals and insects and magnificent rock formations dating back to 248 million years.
While on the nature trip, Tanjung Piai, is another national Park not to be missed. Located about 75km from Johor Bahru, the park is accessible by Taxi from Pontian bus station for a mere RM15 for 4 passengers. There is also a nominal entry fee into the park.
Dubbed the southernmost tip of mainland Asia, Tanjung Piai is a mangrove haven for a diverse species of flora and fauna, including those unique to mangrove areas. Tanjung Piai is also a bird watchers hotspot during the migratory season, which falls around September and March.
Johor is also blessed with an uninterrupted coastline along the South China Sea on one side and the Straits of Malacca on the other and has some magnificent islands with beautiful private stretches of soft beaches, clear blue waters and colourful marine life.
A jump off point to most of these islands is through a small charming fishing village called Mersing bustling with boats that travel between the mainland and a number of islands like Pulau Tioman, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Besar, and Pulau Sibu. There are some good beaches nearby as well like Sri Pantai, Sekakap, Air Papan, and Panyabong.
Another very popular seaside family vacation spot is the Islands of Desaru in the South Eastern corner of Johor. Desaru boasts 25 km of white sandy beaches fringed by palms and casuarinas. You can either just soak in the sun or go swimming, waterskiing, canoeing and catamaran sailing. There are also other thrilling adventures like go-kart racing, jungle trekking, horseback riding, archery and even learning to fly an ultra light aircraft.
Its 18-hole golf course is a haven for golf enthusiasts with its magnificent view of the South China Sea. Accommodation here includes hotels as well as budget chalets, dormitories and camping grounds. Desaru is easily accessible by road or by ferry, and from Singapore via Tanjung Belungkor.
The Johor Tourist Information Centre (JOTIC) can be reached at +607-2242000 for more details on the state. Double click the map below to zoom in on Johor!
