List of tourist attractions in Johor | Malaysia Tourism

johor tourist attraction

Johor, Malaysia’s southernmost state, is number three in terms of land area at 18,941 square kilometers. Its economy is based on a good combination of agriculture, industry, trade and tourism and it is one of the most developed regions of Malaysia. When it comes to natural products, it is the leader in palm oil, rubber and pineapple, and travelers will notice the extensive plantations here.

Johor Bahru, the state capital, is opposite Singapore and is connected to the city-state by the so-called “Causeway” through which all car traffic runs, as well as the railway line that extends into the city of Singapore.

Johor Tourist Attractions

The Sultan Ibrahim building

The Government Palace of Johor Bahru is located on Timbalan Hill above the city. The house, built in 1940, is the most striking building in the city and the seat of the state government offices.

Istana Bukit Serene Johor

The Crystal Crown Arch @ Istana Bukit Serene Johor

The architecturally clear palace of the Sultans of Johor is surrounded by wonderfully manicured parks and gardens. Despite its height of only 32 meters, its conspicuous tower is a building that strongly shapes the cityscape. The palace was built in 1933 and is the main seat of the ruling ruler.

The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, photo via https://commons.wikimedia.org/Terence_Ong

The State Mosque of Johor, which is one of the most beautiful in the whole country, is also located on a small hill and near the great Sultan’s Palace. It was inaugurated in 1900 after a total of eight years of construction and offers space for around 2,000 worshipers.

The Sultan Abu Bakar Museum

The main building of Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, photo via https://commons.wikimedia.org/Fikku fiq

The Johor Bahru Museum was established by the ruling family, but this is not the only reason why it is one of the finest and richest museums in the country. In addition to the ambience of its rooms, the presentation of many testimonies to the country’s history and individual political events is also worth seeing. Many of the exhibits are almost priceless treasures from Johor’s past.

Johor Lama

Historically savvy visitors will certainly find the little nest very interesting. The place, about 30 km from Johor Bahru, was the residence of the Kingdom of Johor until 1587 and a constant thorn in the flesh of the Portuguese. In the same year they attacked the city and the fortress with 500 men and three galleons, both of which laid rubble thoroughly and consistently. The kingdom of Johor never fully recovered from this blow, nor was Johor Lama rebuilt.

The Kota Tinggi waterfalls

The Kota Tinggi Waterfalls. Photo via https://commons.wikimedia.org/Fahmi Rosli

In the northeast of Johor Bahru is the Gunung Muntahak, the mountain Muntahak, which is 620 meters high, and from the slopes of which the picturesque waterfall of Kota Tinggi gushes down. It foams over the rocks for more than 32 meters and is popular as a cool excursion destination with Malaysians and guests alike. In its vicinity you can rent bungalows and a campsite with sanitary facilities is also available.

The Town of Muar

Muar Clock Tower, Bandar Maharani, Muar, Johor, Malaysia. Photo via https://commons.wikimedia.org/Chongkian

The small country town lies exactly in the middle of the route from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru and is a popular resting place for all motorists. Located near the coast, the place has gained a certain importance for tourists, because it not only has a small golf course with a view of the sea, but also very good seafood restaurants. The specialty oysters with scrambled eggs sounds simple, but those who are resting should definitely try it here and watch the extraordinarily fantastic sunset. The “Ghazal” music comes from Muar and the famous dance “Kuda Kepang” as well.
If you want something more adventurous, you can climb the Gunung Ledang, but you have to be in good shape for the 1276 meters of this mountain. At its feet there is a nice rest area with grills and toilets and a small waterfall nearby.

A new resort with accommodation in comfortable bungalows and jungle huts has opened in the foothills of Gunung Ledang.

The Aw Pottery

When you stop here, you can choose your own potty or whatever clay pottery: Aw’s pottery is the only major private company of its kind in Malaysia. Over 2000 things in individual designs are produced and sold here. The place is about 91 km southeast of Johor Bahru.

The Ulu Tiram Plantation

Johor is the land of the oil palm and consequently has extensive plantations. Not far from Johor Bahru is the Ulu Tiram plantation, where the visitor is shown everything from planting the trees to harvesting and the first preprocessing of the fruit.

The fishing village of Kukup

This small, typical fishing village marks the southernmost point on the west coast of the peninsula Malaysia. It is well worth a trip, by the way, because it is known for its excellent seafood cuisine.

The Desaru Beach Resort

The Els Club Desaru Coast, Johor, Photo via Your Golf Travel

This place is located 98 km northeast of Johor Bahru. They have nice facilities including two good beach hotels, even an 18-hole golf course and numerous opportunities for all kinds of water sports. In the hinterland you can hike through the jungle, take a break at small waterfalls or just laze around the forest lakes.

Rawa Island Resort

Rawa Island, Johor. Photo via https://commons.wikimedia.org/Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi

Johor is a pretty tropical island with white beaches and blue sea water.
Actually all activities on, in and under the water are possible here. The island is only 16 km off the coast of Mersing and is itself a good starting point for boat tours to the surrounding smaller islets. It has accommodations and all equipment can be rented here.

Sibu Besar island

Sibu Island, Photo via https://commons.wikimedia.org/ Peter D. Kennett

This small island is also the destination for excursions and also has very modest accommodations.

The islands of Kukus, Lima, Sibu Tengah

These are smaller and lesser-known islands in the waters off Mersing on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia. If you want to visit them, the best way to find out more is to go to the Mersing Tourist Center.

Johor has always been a popular destination for Singapore citizens due to its proximity. For some time now there has been a very fast ferry connection from Singapore’s port of Changi to Tanjung Belungkor, the Cape of Belungkor, near Mersing. The ferry has a capacity of around 450 passengers and 80 vehicles; on board are restaurants, bars, even a karaoke lounge, a sundeck and a small putting green for golf fanatics on the upper deck. Currently the fare per person is RM 82.6 there and back; but it may have changed again in the meantime.

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JC. Princen

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