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.
Stamford Faffles |
Sultan Ibrahim |
Note: The Riau Archipelago comprises three main islands - Batam , Bintan and Bulan. Batam is just 20 kilometres from Singapore and 415 km 2 in size.
Economy
Johor port |
Transportation
By Air
Regular flight from Johor Bahru’s Senai Airport connect the state capital with Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. The airport also connects Johor Bahru to Bayan Lepas International Airport in Penang. Booking can be arranged through the office of the Malaysia Airlines (MAS – Tel: 07-334 1003, 334 4701). Taxis operating at the airport charge RM25.00 per person to the city centre. Air-conditioned coaches operate a shuttle service from MAS office in Johor Bahru to Senai airport at RM4.00 per person.
By Road
Express bus |
Johor Bahru highway |
By Rail
By Ferry
Tanjung Belungkor-Changi ferrr terminal |
Tel: (0207)-2517407 Fax: (0207)-2517414 (Malaysia)
Tel: (65)-5453600 Fax: (65)-5455040
Places to Eat
Food wide variety |
Road side stale |
The State capital is noted for its fresh seafood, especially oyters, prawns, fried cuttlefish, chili crab and steamed crab. The more adventurous might also like to try sea cucumber. The laksa Johor (rice noodle) and Lontong (rice cubes), both served in spicy coconut milk gravy are two well-known Johor specialities –definitely not to be missed.
Culture
Kuda kepang |
Place of Interest
Royal Abu Bakar Museum, grand Palace, Johor
Royal Abu Bakar Museum |
Entrance fee:
Non-Malaysians
Adult -US$7.00
Children (below the age of 12) -US$3.00
Locals
Adults -RM5.00
Children (below the age of 12) -RM1.00
Schoolchildren in uniform -RM1.00
Open: 10 am to 6 pm (daily-except on Friday)
Tel: 07-223 0555, 223 0222
State Secretariat Building (Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim)
Sultan Ibrahim building |
Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar (Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque)
Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque |
Dataran Bandar raya (City Square)
City square |
The Causeway
Johor-Singapore causeway |
Johor Art Gallery
Johor Art Gallery |
The Johor Art Gallery was built in 1910 and houses all discovered and historical items such as documents and cultural artifacts traditionally used by Malays, particularly from the State of Johor. Among the exhibits are clothings, weapons, currency, manuscripts and examples of calligraphy, ceramic objects and fine art.
Malaysia Legoland
Legoland |
It is the premier theme park in Johor. Replicas of more than thirty world-famouslandmarks can be found here such as the Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Statue of Liberty and others. In addition, there is a huge variety of bougainvilleas and more than 80 tropical fruit species. Experience the fascinating and exhilarating life while rowing in the wide pool or look at yourself in the Magic Mirror Hall, others can feel the winding dinasour train to discover the cave of Tropical Village. To those who love the outdoor and challenges, horse ride and the Haunted House awaits you.
Johor Zoo
Tanjung Balau Museum |
Mawar House (handicraft centres)
Handicraft Centres |
In addition, the Johor Crafttown Handicraft Centre at Jalan Skudai Road, off Jalan Abu Bakar Abu Bakar Road, offers hand-drawn batik cloths, batik paintings, straw mats and other goods for sale. A one-stop handicraft centre destined to be Johor’s leading tourist attraction, the village is the place for a fascinating demonstration of traditional songket weaving, batik silk painting and the art of fine pottery. Tourist can pick up interesting performances while dining at the Johorcraft Restaurant. Johorcraft Sdn. Bhd., located at Jalan Johor Bahru-Kota Toffers fine rural crafts and high quality ceramic items of various colours, shapes and sizes to meet the disceming tasters of both local and overseas markets.
JOTIC (Johor Tourist Information Centre)
JOTIC (Johor Tourist Information Centre)
JOTIC |
The Royal Mausoleum
Royal Mausoleum |
Serene Hill Palace
Sultan Abu Bakar Monument
Sultan Abu Bakar Monument |
Pasir Gudang Racing Circuit
Pasir Gudang Circuit |
Johor lama
Johor Lama |
Mersing
Mersing |
Pontian
Pontian fishing village |
Ayer Hitam
Ayer HItam |
Muar
Muar |
Kukup
Kukup fishing village |
Natural Attractions
Sebana Cove
Sebana Cove |
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.
You also can found spectacular 30 metres wide and 40 metres high waterfall at ‘Buaya Sangkut’. Two other smaller waterfalls terdapat di ‘Batu Hampar’ and ‘Upih Guling’. Toilets, dormitories, and camping sites are found at the base of the waterfalls. Trekking, swimming and bird-watching are some of the activities that could be arranged. Further information, please contact National Park (Johor) Corporation, Tel: 07-2237471/2.
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.
It is a recreational forest, the site of Johor’s highest mountain, Gunung Ledang (Ledang Mountain). Trekkers can climb to the summit of the mountain and camp at the Sagil Waterfall. According to legend, Gunung Ledang was the homes of a Johor princess who was wooed by the Sultan of Melaka in 15th century.
This forest of towering and shady trees and natural setting offer a refreshing retreat for visitors. There are popular picnic spots by the riverside, a garden and a well equipped playground. Other facilities include rest shades, dressing room, toilet and tree-top huts. Jungle trails are also provided for the more adventurous visitors.
Gunung Lambak Recreational Forest
Gunung Lambak Recreational Forest |
Gunung Belumut Recreational Forest
Gunung Belumut Recreational Forest |
Gunung Panti Recreational Forest
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.
Kota Tinggi Waterfalls
Kota Tinggi Waterfalls
Kota Tinggi Waterfallas |
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.
1. Pulau Tioman (Tioman Island)
Tioman Island |
2. Pulau Rawa (Rawa Island)
Rawa Island |
3. Pulau Besar (Besar Island)
Besar Island |
4. Pulau Sibu (Sibu Island)
Sibu Island |
5. Pulau sibu Tengah (Sibu Tengah Island)
Sibu Tengah Island |
6. Pulau Tinggi (Tinggi Island)
Tinggi Island |
7. Pulau Pemanggil (Pemanggil Island)
Pemanggil Island |
8. Pulau Aur (Aur Island)
Aur Island |
9. Other Islands
Other Islands |
Beaches
Lido Beach
Lido beach |
Desaru
Desaru beach |
Agrotourism
Is fast expanding in Johor, offering an unique experience varying from savouring local fruits in an orchard and to soaking up the tranquil ambiance of a local village, introduce the traditional Malay way of life.Also watch how rubber is tapped and tried by yourself. You can stays with a local family for day visits or long stays with a local family in the Homestay programme where you can participate in harvesting or pickings, and watch the process of palm oil involved. Its becoming increasingly popular among foreign and local tourist alike.
Ayer Hitam Animal Breeding Centre- Offering chalet, animal farm, equestrian, boating, camping/ BBQ, animal museum, dairy
Air Papan Village- Offering homestay, farm trip, padi fields, karaoke, chalet, prawn & crab breeding, hiking track.
Bumbun Village- Offering fruits, fishing, handicraft, commercial farm and village cuisine.
Kangkar Merlimau Village- Offering jungle expedition, river expedition/ fishing, traditional house/ cuisine, traditional medice, agriculture activity/ handicraft and tropical fruits.
Mardi Kluang Station- Offering chalet, farm visit, bird sanctuary, water sport activity (kayak and boat), camping, exotic garden and fishing.
Air Papan Village- Offering homestay, farm trip, padi fields, karaoke, chalet, prawn & crab breeding, hiking track.
Bumbun Village- Offering fruits, fishing, handicraft, commercial farm and village cuisine.
Kangkar Merlimau Village- Offering jungle expedition, river expedition/ fishing, traditional house/ cuisine, traditional medice, agriculture activity/ handicraft and tropical fruits.
Mardi Kluang Station- Offering chalet, farm visit, bird sanctuary, water sport activity (kayak and boat), camping, exotic garden and fishing.
Maju Jaya Village- Offering Gunung Pulai (Pulai Mount), fishing, pineapple farm, fruits, Pontian Kecil town, Pineapple Museum and village industry.
Olak Sepam Village- Offering Muar River Panorama & Recreational Park, historical landmark, NASOHA Rempah Ratus (spice) farm and traditional orchard.
Sungai Sarang Buaya Village- Offering homestay, camping, small industry, hot spring, recreation ground, seafood, aquaculture, mangrove forest tracking and river cruise
Tanjung Piai Village- Offering homestay, camping, small industry, fruits, floating resort, bee farm, seafood, fishing, mangrove forest tracking, ‘land’s end’ expedition and large marine fishtrap
Further info: Department of Agriculture Johor, P.O. Box 772, Jalan Taruka, 80350 Larkin, Johor Bahru, Johor.
Tel: 07-235 5506/ 5507/ 5508/ 5509
Fax: 07-235 5512/ 5513
E-mail: jpjoh@po.jaring.my
Shopping
Shopping in Johor can be fun and also less of a strain on the budget. The various handicraft centres provide an interesting and tempting variety of items to choose from as sounenirs or gifts. Shops in the modern shopping complexes are equally competitive and offer irresistible bargains. If you are interested in pottery items, then the Aw Pottery factory and showroom in Air Itam is the place for you.
Plaza Pelangi
Plaza Pelangi |
The Holiday Plaza
Holiday Plaza |
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
Plaza Kota Raya |
Pasir Gudang Town Centre Complex
Built in 1986, this complex is located in the hub of the Pasir Gudang town centre. Retail outlets within the complex offer a wide variety of clothing, leather products, stationery, opticals, electrical appliances and computers. Restaurants and food stalls on the third level serve a wide variety of local and western cuisine. Located about 32 km east of Johor Bahru, the complex is about 25 minutes drive from Johor Bahru.
Complex Lien Hoe
Approximately 5 km north of Johor Bahru, just off Jalan Tebrau, this well-knownbudget shopping centre houses department stores, retail outlets, furniture showrooms and restaurants aplenty. A regular bazaar on the ground floor concourse offers a wide range of apparel, shoes, handbags, handicrafts and household items at bargain prices. The food court on the first floor offers food stalls with a wide variety of local cuisine.
Golf Club, Courses & Association
Outside the Klang Valley, Johor has the largest number of golf courses. Until 1992, there were barely 10 courses and most of them are 9 hole courses. Today Johor have nearly 30 courses – 3 of the golf courses have 54 holes while another 3 golf courses also offer night golfing. Compared to the neighbouring countries, the Green fees are definitely cheap.
Austin Hills Country Resort
Tel: 07-352 4300
Bukit Banang Golf & Country
(Banang Hill Golf & Country)
Tel: 07-428 6001
Daiman 18 Golf Resort
Tel: 07-351 6813
Desaru Golf & Country Resort
Tel: 07-822 2333
Fax: 07-822 1855
Dunlop Club Paya Lang
Tel: 07-949 9170
Guthrie Golf & Country Club
Tel: 07-752 7107
Kluang Golf Club
Tel: 07-771 8840
Kota Tinggi Golf Resort
Tel: 07-883 1162
Kukup Golf Resort
Tel: 07-696 0952
Mersing Resort
Tel: 07-799 1307
Nam Heng Country Club Ulu Tiram.
Tel: 07-863 0103
Octville Golf & Country Club
Tel: 07-387 3000
Palm Resort golf & Country Club
Tel: 07-599 6222
Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort Bhd.
Tel: 07-354 9999
Pulai Springs Resort
Tel: 07-521 2121
Royal Johor Country Club
Tel: 07-223 3322
Segama Country Club
Tel: 07-943 5968
St. Rhodes Club
Tel: 07-926 1209
Starhill Golf Resort
Tel: 07-556 6325
Tanjong Emas Golf Club
Tel: 07-952 1550
Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort
Tel: 07-271 1490
Tesoro (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-353 8048
The Batu Pahat Golf Club
Tel: 07-432 9221
The Legends Golf & Country Resort
Tel: 07-652 4388
Hotels
Johor is well served with hotels to suit a variety of tastes and budgets. Visitors will also be pleasantly surprised to find that high class hotels in Johor Bahru are competitively priced compared to those of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Those who wish to stay in Johor Bahru may choose to stay at one of the city’s luxury hotels such as the Puteri Pan Pacific Hotel, Holiday Inn, Tropical Inn, Merlin Tower, Johor Bahru Merlin, Rasa Syang Hotel and Crystal Crown Hotel. For the budget conscious traveller, there are government rest houses, youth hostels and simple lodgings. Although simplistic, they do provide airconditioned rooms with a host of basic facilities.
The other major towns to the north such as Batu pahat, Kluang, Kota Tinggi, Segamat, Muar and Mersing also have a range of good hotels. The beach resort of Desaru offers visitors a choice between the luxurious Desaru View hotels and the popular Desaru Golf Hotel and more rustic chalets and camping facilities. There is also chalet accommodation on many of the islands off the east coast.
Accommodation / Hotel by District of Johor
Johor Baharu
Muar
Batu Pahat
Pontian
Mersing
Kota Tinggi
Segamat
Kluang
Johor State Tourism Department
Suite 5-4 JOTIC Building2 Jalan Ayer Molek 80000
Johor Bahru
Tel: 07-2234933, 224 9960, 224 1432
Fax: 07-223 7554
E-mail: tourjoho@tm.net.my
Johor Tourist Association
Tel: 07-332 3800
Travel Bureaus
Airlandsea Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
195B-1 Bt. 4 ½ Jln Skudai
Tampoi 81200
Johor Bahru
Tel: 07-234 6166
Amza Travel Centre Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-334 8071
Asian Dynasty Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-333 7333
ASM Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 011-719680
B & T Holiday Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-224 5609
Bens Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-222 9888
Chia Sin Travel Service Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-772 5115
Chiu Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-431 5797
CK Vacations Sdn. Bhd.
44-A1 Pusat Perdagangan
Jalan Bandar 81700 Pasir Gudang.
Tel: 07-252 6300
Fax: 07-252 6200
CNL Vacation Limousine Service Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-226 1621
Commonwealth Travel Service Corperation Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-224 2898
Concord tours & Travel sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-235 8270
Deluxe Tours (Johor) sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-331 0718
East Coast Adventure Travel & Tour Sdn. Bhd.
07-224 2505
Executive Travel & Tour (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-224 0063
Fond Guan Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-434 7923
Hock Sang Travel Ctr. (M) Sdn. Bhd.Tel: 07-222 3311
Holiday Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-333 0061
Hong Yi Holidays Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-882 2998
Huxton Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-224 9280
IK Chin Travel Service Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-223 3859
Jamilah Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-883 8653
Kaiho Travel Coach Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-236 4208
Lim Cheng Boon Tourist Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-431 5004
Mado’s Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-334 4001
Mansfield Orchid Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-224 9511
Masrina Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-237 0585
MBTS Tour (Johor) Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-334 7666
Mersing Waterworld Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-799 6188
MNG Travel & Tour Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-223 1493
Overseas Express (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-224 6611
Pelancongan Seri Utama (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 773 6800
Perdasia Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-331 1331
PPNJ Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-235 9002
SS Holidays Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-251 1577
Satria Wangsa Holiday Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-556 2054
Sin Chung Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-335 5860
Sin Thai Mah Travel & Express Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-223 8427
T.A. Holidays Services
Tel: 07-799 2309
Tiram Travel Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-224 4533
Top-One Travel Service
Corporation (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-223 7995
Warita Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 07-222 8951
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