Beautiful Places and Tourist Attractions to Visit in Johor
Johor Darul Takzim or Johore or Darul Ta’zim or Darul Takzim or simply Johor is the southern state of Malaysian mainland bordering Singapore. The places to visit in Johor are the second most popular in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur. The state is one of the most complete tourist destination to visit in Malaysia. Things to do in Johor range from leisure and entertainment to adventure and nature exploration. Prior to British Occupation, Johor used to be a sultanate of its own. There tourist attraction in Johor are reminiscent of the Johor empire which spanned across much of Malaysia as well as other islands near the mainland. The empire came to rise after the fall of Malacca Empire and fell to the British occupation after a dispute between Abdul Rahman Muazam Shah and Hussein Shah. The British Empire established a trading port in today’s Singapore, which was then under Johor rule. Thus began the colonization of Johor under the British Empire.
Johor has a wide coastline with ocean on eastern & western side and Singapore to the south. Johor & Singapore are also divided by a water body known as Johore Strait. Singapore is in fact so close that you can see the coasts of Singapore from some of the coastal Johor attractions. On the east side you have the South China Sea and Strait of Malacca on the west. So you have ample interesting places in Johor along the coastline. There are several beaches among things to see in Johor. Johor has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Malaysia. You will also find small islands on either side of the mainland for Johor sightseeing. Some of these islands can even be rented to be private and exclusive to you for a few days or more on Johor travel. Johor is blessed with incredible natural beauty on the mainland as well. Mountains and Nature Parks are both among places to go in Johor. You should not limit yourself to the main cities of the state even though they claim to be the best place to visit in Johor. There are several hidden gems discovered by tourists along the coast, in the cities, on the mountains and in the woods which later become popular places to visit in Johor. This is a state you would want to explore rather than just travel. You will keep finding fun things to do in Johor if you explore this wonderful Malaysian state with an open heart.
You will get to explore some of the best cuisine on Johor travel. Besides traditional Malaysian cuisine, you will find great blends of Malaysian cuisine with Indian and Chinese cuisine. Owing to the British Invasion, there are wonderful blends of European and Malaysian cuisine as well. Some of the popular dishes considered tourist attraction in Johor are Assam Curry, Roti Canai, Kopitaim Breakfast, Kway Teow Soup, banana cakes and mooncakes. You would also want to check out the various street food fusions at some of the most interesting places in Johor.
Another major Johor attraction is the amusement park. Some of the most popular things to see in Johor among family tourist are the vibrant and various amusement parks in Johor. From Legoland and Hello Kitty Park to Waterparks, Johor has got your family vacation covered. But, the true joy of Johor sightseeing does reside in the wilderness. The vast expanse of majestic green hills by the azure blue ocean are some of the best sights to behold on Johor travel. The islands have been sighted as the best place to visit in Johor for the views as well as for leisure. When you cannot rent an island, you can rent a beachside cabin facing the ocean. If you are done enjoying the sandy beaches and lush forests of the island you can be aboard the boat for other places to go in Johor.
The water around Johor is as clean as glass, while riding a boat on Johor travel you will be able to see all the way to the bottom of the ocean as some places. The islands are also among best places to visit in Johor for snorkeling and diving. You can also ride deeper into the ocean, with a guide of course, to go deep sea diving. There are also several places to go in Johor for coral diving and swimming with fishes & turtles.
There are 5 national parks you can explore among places to visit in Johor. Endau Rompin, located in Johor is Malaysia’s second largest National Park. These are great places to see wildlife, for hiking, and birdwatching among things to do in Johor. The animals you can see at these tourist attractions in Johor are rhinos, elephants, tigers, and monkeys. You will also find some of the most beautiful waterfalls among Johor attractions at these National Parks and Nature reserves. There are small village themed accommodations created for tourist to experience a Malay pastoral lifestyle are some of the most interesting places in Johor. You get to experience a life close to nature for a while forgetting all the stress and worries of the modern world. The mangrove are great for exploring nature on kayaks for adventurous things to do in Johor. But be careful which area you pick for kayaking and wild things to see in Johor, as some of the waters are prone to crocodile attacks. Check with the local authorities about the safe places for Johor sightseeing on kayak or while hiking. Both are incredibly popular things to do in Johor, but you should prioritize safety over thrill.
Just like majority of towns in Malaysia, Johor is one of the best places to visit to admire the street art spread across the city. Scavenger hunts for these street art are among popular things to do in Johor. As much as people would enjoy the islands, mountains, jungles, and beaches among places to visit in Johor, the cities also have a lot to offer on Johor travel. The most popular among all tourist attraction in Johor is the Istana Besar or the Grand Palace. This palace was built under the rule of Sultan Abu Baker and also houses the Royal Abu Baker Museum. The palace looks incredibly regal with its creamish yellow exterior toped with black domes & golden decorative elements. Being a melting pot of cultures and religions, this state has churches, mosques, as well as temples among top Johor attractions. Each of these monuments add flavor to the architectural, cultural, and historical heritage. The buildings of worship are among interesting places in Johor because they tell you a lot about the people. These places are also the center for many popular festivals which you can enjoy on Johor travel. There is plenty to discover among places to visit in Johor and its wilderness. But, to enjoy things to do in Johor to the maximum you need the heart of an explorer, not just a tourist.
Districts, Cities, & Places to visit in Johor
Batu Pahat
Batu Pahat is on the western coast of Johor facing the Malacca Strait. So it is a given that this district is among places to visit in Johor for incredible beaches. There are a couple of things to do in Johor in the Batu Pahat city as well including some Chinese temples. But, the most popular tourist attraction in Johor in Batu Pahat are the beaches and the wet world waterpark resort.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is considered to be the best place to visit in Johor. It is located on the southern tip of Malaysian mainland facing Singapore separated by the Johore Strait. All the famous amusement parks among places to visit in Johor are located in Johor Bahru. This district also has some of the most important historical landmarks among tourist attraction in Johor. You can spend many days exploring things to do in Johor in Johor Barhu itself and still find more. This city is also known for its street food and street art. Johor Bahru is usually the first city you would visit on Johor travel.
Kluang
Kluang lies landlocked in the center of Johor state. This district is known for coffee culture, its farms, and forest. Kluang is among interesting places in Johor for hiking. Like Johor Bahru, Kluang also has its fair share of street food and street art to explore among Johor attractions. But major places to go in Johor located in Kluang include a Chinese temple and a mosque.
Kota Tinggi
Kota Tinggi is a large district on the south-eastern end of Johor. It faces Singapore at its south western tip and the South China Sea at its eastern coast. Kota Tinggi is the district you want to visit for enjoying the beaches, the mangroves and the islands. Kota Tinggi is also the town where the Johor Sultante began. You will see many historical buildings and landmarks from tourist attraction in Johor in Kota Tinggi. This district also has a vast expanse of nature to enjoy, aside form all the coastal places to visit in Johor.
Kulai
Kulai is yet another landlocked district in Johor. Kulai is among the places to visit in Johor for lakes and waterfalls. There are a couple of buddhist temples you can visit for Johor sightseeing in Kulai, but majority of Johor attractions in Kulai are gifts of nature. It is one of the best place to visit in Johor for hike, especially if you like to have waterfalls and lagoons on your hike path. Given the beautiful water bodies, swimming is the laps of nature is among popular things to do in Johor. But talk to the authorities and have at least someone local with you before you go jumping in random lakes and puddles on Johor travel. When in the wild, beware of the wild.
Mersing
Mersing is a large coastal paradise and is the absolutely best place to visit in Johor to enjoy beaches, ocean, islands, and coastal beauty. Mersing is located on the north-eastern end of Johor with small and large islands protruding at varying distances from the mainland. There are plenty of things to do in Johor when you are in Mersing from just chilling out by the ocean to water sports & diving activities. Islands near Mersing are some of the most beautiful things to see in Johor. You can also rent cabins and houses by the beach or on the islands to live the carefree coastal lifestyle for a while when you visit Johor.
Muar
Muar was dubbed the Royal City of Johor by the Sultan and the town does live up to the name. Muar is located on the western coast of Johor facing the Strait of Malacca. There are several historical buildings to visit among things to see in Johor located in Muar. It is also a great place to enjoy street food as well as explore the well-known street arts of Malaysia. Though Muar doesn’t have many tourist attractions in Johor, there are enough to warrant a visit to this historical town.
Pontian
Pontain is famous for its pineapple plantations. But the fruit is not the only Johor attraction in Pontian. This district has a great deal to explore among natural things to see in Johor. Pontian has several National Parks and Nature Parks you can explore. You can either go for a hike amidst the lush green forest among things to do in Johor. You can also visit the National Parks to enjoy wildlife among the things to see in Johor. Pontian is also known for the two incredibly beautiful islands nearby, namely Kukup Island and Pisand Island among places to visit in Johor.
Segamat
The name of this north-western district comes from the Malay words Segar & Amat which together mean Very Fresh. When you visit Segamat on Johor travel you will understand why. Segamat has a large expanse of lush green forests and includes Nature Parks & National Parks. Segamat is also one of the best place to visit in Johor for Durians, the King of Fruits as per Malaysians. Segamat is a district blessed bountifully with the beautiful gifts of nature.
Tangkak
Tangkak is home to the highest mountain in the state and is hence one of major tourist attraction in Johor. Tangkak encompasses both the Mount Opir and Gunung Ledang National Park. The city of Tangkak is known among top places to visit in Johor for fabric shopping. It is also known by the name Syurga Kain which means Fabric Town.
