Malaysia Track

History

Johor District nowdays

Johor was founded in the early 16th century by the son of Sultan Mahmud Shah, the last Sultan of Melaka when the capital was captured by the Portuguese. At its peak, the Johor empire stretched to the Riau Archipelago. In the 18th century, the Bugis of Celebes and the Minangkabaus of Sumatra controlled the political powers in the Johor-Riau empire, but in the early 19th century, Malay and Bugis rivalry dominated the scene. Even today, Johor, and Riau lie on the strategic sea route passing from the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean, through the Straits of Malacca.

In 1819, Stamford Raffles capitalised on their inter-faction rivalry to acquire Singapore for the British. As a result, the Johor-Riau empire was broken into mainland Johor, controlled by the Temenggong, and the Sultanate of Riau-Lingga, controlled by the Bugis. In 1886, Temenggong Abu Bakar elevated himself to Sultan. He was succeeded by his son, Sultan Ibrahim. In 1914, the British Adviser to administer Johor until the Japanese Occupation in 1945. In 1957, Johor joined the federation of Malaya.

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Economy

  

By Rail

By Ferry

Places to Eat

Road side stale

The local habit of eating out (especially in the evenings) also works in favor of the visitor. Roadside stalls are numerous and offer an almost endless variety of dishes to choose from. The two main places where you will find large numbers of food stalls are the Tepian Tebrau Stalls in Jalan Skudai (Skudai Road) along the seafront and the stalls next to the Central Market.

Culture

Kuda kepang

For the cultural treat, be spellbound by the ‘Kuda Kepang Dance’ of the War Horses performed in trance also ‘ghazal’ (a kind of traditional music). International class hotels occasionally hold cultural performances. Chinese, Indians and other races do have their fare share of exciting traditional dances. Chinese opera, lion dances and dragon dances are occassionally held, especially during major religious festivals. Many cultural centres are found in major towns all over the state.

Place of Interest

Royal Abu Bakar Museum, grand Palace, Johor

Royal Abu Bakar Museum

The imposing palace along Jalan Tun Dr. Ismail (Tun Dr. Ismail Road) was built by the late Sultan Abu Bakar, Father of Modern Johor. It houses an impressive collection of many rare and beautiful treasures from all over the world. Within the palace grounds is the Mawar Gift Shop-souvenir shop where visitors may purchase a variety of items as mementoes.

State Secretariat Building (Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim)

Sultan Ibrahim building

The building was built in 1940 and is located on a hill called Bukit Timbalan (Timbalan Hill). Despite the appearance of highrise buildings in recent years, the square tower of the massive building still dominates the Johor Bahru skyline. It houses the state secretariat as well as the other departments of the state government. Visitors may find the grand hall of particular interest.

Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar (Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque)

Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

This mosque, said to be one of the most beautiful in Malaysia, was completed in 1900, a few years after the death of the sultan it named after. The mosque, which took eight years to build, can accommodate 2,000 worshippers. It is located on spacious grounds not far from the Istana Besar (Besar Castle) overlooking the Tebrau Straits. 

Sultan Abu Bakar Monument

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

Pasir Gudang Racing Circuit

Pasir Gudang Circuit

The Federation International Motorcycle (FIM) has given the honour to this circuit to host one of the legs of World Motorcycle Championship in 1998. It is one of only two legs to be held in Asia. Despite its international status, this circuit is open to any motorsport enthusiasts to sample the thrill and spill of high speed adventure.

Johor lama

Johor Lama

A small village in Johor Lama was the seat of the Johor Sultanate after the fall of Malacca till the final destruction of the fort in 1587. The earth mount fort has since been restored. Johor Lama, historically holds many secrets of the past,particularly since it was once the capital of the Johor Sultanate. The capital was later moved to what is now known as Johor Bahru. Historical sites can be found along the Johor river such as Panchor, Kampung johor Lama, Batu sawar, Kampung Makam and Kota Seberang. There are also kelongs which are made of wooden poles topped by small shacks located near the river mouth.

Mersing

Mersing

The town of Mersing, 135 km from Johor Bahru City is one of the staging points to the islands of Pulau tioman, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Besar, Pulau Sibu, Pulau Sibu Tengah and Pulau Tinggi. Visitors normally stay overnight at one of the hotels in this fishing port to catch the ferry services to the islands as the high tide is usually at 9.00 am

Pontian

Pontian fishing village

The Johor countryside is well cultivated with pineapples. Just an hour’s drive from Johor Bahru City, the fishing village has a settlement of fishermen living on stilts by shore. The town is also the staging point for visitors going to Gunung Pulai for waterfall picnics, jungle trekking or mountain climbing.

Ayer Hitam

Ayer Hitam

Lovers of ceramic art will find Ayer Hitam a haven for potteries, porcelain and stoneware. The town is a popular transit point for visitors stopping for lunch or dinner on their way to Johor Bahru or Kuala Lumpur

Muar

Muar

This picturesque town is well-known for its delicious and inexpensive foodstalls and restaurants. The tree-lined Tanjung is ideal for evening strolls. The waterfalls at the foot of Mount Ophir ( Ledang) is accessible from Muar.

Kukup

Kukup fishing village

Kukup is a fishing village with houses on stilts at the water’s edge. There are numerous restaurants on stilts serving delicious seafood. Handicraft and delicacies such as keropok, belacan and cencaluk are available at Kukup.

Natural Attractions  

Sebana Cove

Sebana Cove

Its an integrated golf, marina and holiday destination within an eco-setting. View the spectacular sunset at the marina, spend a lazy afternoon fishing or enjoy a game of golf. Numerous sports facilities and delicious food and beverage outlets make this place an ideal retreat for family getaways or corporate retreats. Destined to be Asia’s foremost international yachting, golfing and holiday destination, Sebana cove’s claims are fast becoming a reality in the heart of the region’s fastest growing tourism belt. Sebana Cove is sprawled on 1,200 acres amidst the emerald panorama of tropical rainforests and mangrove. This total resort concept is the only development that parcels an international standard residential marina, a 27 hole membership golf courses, luxurious waterfront properties and a 300 room resort hotel.

Endau Rompin National Park

Covering about 49,000 hectares, straddles the Johor-Pahang border. It’s the one of the few remaining lowland forests. Many insects and wildlife as well as various endermic varieties of plants have been discovered within the centuries-old forest.Drained by Sungai Marong (Marong River), Sungai Jasin (Jasin River) and Sungai Endau (Endau River) and their tributaries, the park is inhabited by the Asian rhinoceros, seladang, wild pig, tiger and birds like the hornbill, babler and cuckoo.

Gunung Pulai Recreational forest 

Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest

This 8 hectare forest reserve is a catchment area, unique flora and fauna sanctuary and a fascinating recreational haven. There are several waterfalls with pools at its bottom. Apart from being an ideal picnic spot, the forest is a venue for seminars, workcamp and jungle trekking to the summit of Gunung Pulai.

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Ledang Mountain Recreational Forest

Ledang Mountain Recreational Forest

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Gunung Arong Recreational Forest

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Gunung Lambak Recreational Forest

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Located at the foothill of Gunung Lambak, this recreational forest is a favourite retreat for picnics, bathing and mountain-climbing. The 510 m high Gunung Lambak is accessible by footpaths provided. Facilities including car park, benches, rest shade, dressing room, toilets and bridge leading to camp sites are provided.

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Gunung Belumut Recreational Forest

Gunung Belumut Recreational Forest

Lush greenery and ravishing wilderness await visitors. It is a haven for camping, picnics and mountain climbing. Gunung Belumut promises exotic vegetation and breathtaking waterfalls. 

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Gunung Panti Recreational Forest

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This recreational forest is a haven for those who like to camp. Facilities including camp sites and temporary accommodation are provided for visitors. Rare species of flora and fauna can be found here. 

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Kota Tinggi Waterfalls

Kota Tinggi Waterfall

The waterfalls are favourite spot for picnics and relaxation. The water cascades 34 m down into a pool deep enough for swimming. The Kota Tinggi Waterfalls for years have been renowned, not only for its continuous rush of cascading cool waters that run down the slopes originating from Gunung Panti, but also for its beautiful, tropical surroundings of flora and fauna. Fully furnished chalets complete with cooking facilities are available for booking.

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Islands

Johor’s islands are located a few nautical miles off the Mersing Coast, like a handful of jewels flug into the South China Sea.

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1. Pulau Tioman (Tioman Island)

Tioman Island

Located off Mersing, is the perfect island for those seeking tranquility and retreat. Its beaches are refreshingly unspoilt, being devoid of the usual commercial trappings. It is the perfect island in the sun, with reefs for diving and clear water for swimming and snorkelling. The island has an international class hotel besides its many beach chalets.

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2. Pulau Rawa (Rawa Island)

Rawa Island

This is a beautiful coral island covered with white coral sand and tall palm trees. Rawa has many caves foe exploration and offshore coral reefs rich with marine life. It is a haven for fishing, skin-diving, scuba diving, shell collecting, lobster-hunting and underwater photography. Chalet accommodation are available.

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3. Pulau Besar (Besar Island)

Besar Island

Lying close to Pulau rawa, Pulau Besar has been developed into an island resort, with chalets and restaurants. The glistening beaches, crystal blue waters and spectacular coral reefs are enchanting attractions.

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4. Pulau Sibu (Sibu Island)

Sibu Island

It is the nearest island with accommodation, just two and a half hours by boat from Mersing, or two hours from Tanjung Leman (Leman Bay), 20 km south of Mersing. This tropical paradise has clean white beaches, clear blue waters and rich in marine life. One can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing and boating.

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5. Pulau sibu Tengah (Sibu Tengah Island)

Sibu Tengah Island

Covering about eight hectares. The coral-rich waters of the island is a haven for snorkellers and scuba divers. The many beaches of soft powdey sands permit utmost privacy. Its lush vegetation supports small amphibians. Kemudahan chalets turut ditawarkan daripada superior chalets to two-room executive chalets. Anda dapat memenuhi masa lapang dengan aktivities seperti water skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and fishing. Restoran turut disediakan dengan hidangan yang pasti memenuhi citarasa anda. This island also offers visitors a 20 acre resort retreat that’s exclusively private for both business and leisure. This island was gazzeted as a Marine Park due to the abundant marine life and rare species of fish and coral. Giant leatherback turtles come ashore to lay eggs yearly. Spacious and comfortable cottages are available for booking.

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6. Pulau Tinggi (Tinggi Island)

Tinggi Island

Pulau tinggi is a large uninhabited island. It has a long coastline and white sandy beaches dotted with caves. The seas around it are teeming with coral, fish and reef making it a photographic haven.

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7. Pulau Pemanggil (Pemanggil Island)

Pemanggil Island

This magical island of sandy white beaches, hilly terrain and rich marine life is irresistable. There are chalets and long houses for visitors wishing to stay on the island.

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8. Pulau Aur (Aur Island)

Aur Island

This is another beautiful island with secluded lagoons and offshore pool perfect for bathing and a host of water sport activities. A long house on the island provides basic accommodation

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9. Other Islands

Other Islands

Pulau Hujung and Pulau Tengah has no accommodation is available. In addition to the aforementioned usland, there are 50 other uninhabited islets waiting to be explored. Month of May and October usually suitable when underwater visibility is at its best.

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Beaches

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Lido Beach

Lido beach

This sundrenched beach of Johor Bahru, stretching over 7 km provides city tourists a variety of water adventures from canoeing, sailingto cruising.

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Desaru

Desaru beach

Located 98 km northeast of Johor Bahru, covers a 26 km stretch of beach. All kinds of sports, from snorkelling, swimming and canoeing, jungle-trekking to golfing can be enjoyed here. Three top-class hotels are already established at Desaru, offering impressive resort facilities for the above activities. Desaru offers almost every type of accommodation to travellers, from low-budget campsites for the more adventurous travellers, chalets for families to luxurious hotel rooms.

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Agrotourism

Shopping 

Holiday Plaza

This modern shooping complex in Jalan Dato’ Sulaiman, Century Garden, has a unique design. Almost every tenant on its three floors has prime space opening out onto the pedestrian mall or the road. The complex also includes a large cinema, a medical centre, a night club, banks, a children’s playground, a hawker’s centre and a number of fast food outlets catering to shoppers.

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Tun Abd. Razak Complex

Tun Abdul Razak Complex

The Tun Abd. Razak Complex is another modern shopping centre and is located along Jalan Wong Ah Fook in downtown Johor Bahru. It is the focus of activity for both shopping and business and houses a food court, shops, a supermarket and a snooker lounge.

Plaza Kota Raya

This extensive office and hotel complex covering an eleven acre sites is in the heart of Johor Bahru. This mammoth project is undertaken by the Johor State Economic Development Corporation and is considered to be a significant enhancement toward Johor’s economic growth and as an important business centre in the southern region of the country.
 

Golf Club, Courses & Association

Hotels

Accommodation / Hotel by District of Johor

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