Johor

Johor Southern Gateway

At the southernmost part of West Malaysia is the State of Johor situated. It covers an area of 18,986sq km and Gunung Ledang is the highest mountain you can find. The state capital of Johor is called Johor Bahru and the total population is about 2.7 million.

As early as the 16th Century, the Malacca Sultanate, Sultan Mahmud was also the ruler of johor. Followed by the Dutch East India Company in 1784, which ended the Bugis domination of Johor. In 1885, Sultan Abu Baker took over and thus was the one laying the foundation of making Johor into a prosper State. After that, the British came, but Johor remained a strong State even before its independence movement in 1946. Till today, Johor economy remains strong. Agriculture, manufacturing, commerce and tourism are the main core of economic activity.

Just like Kuala Lumpur, Johor is a place where you can do a lot of shopping and is also one of Singaporeans’ favourite past time. The shopping malls in Johor offer many retails and varieties of branded goods. Entertainment is at its best, with the great nightlife and clubbing spots available almost in every corner. And of course, the street stalls and hawker centers are always populated with endless locals gourmet and prices are always reasonable.

Major landmarks

Endau Rompin National Park

Guarded and well protected, the Endau Rompin National Park is proclaimed as the second national park of Malaysia. Covering a vast area of about 50,000 hectares of land at the northern part of Johor next to the state of Pahang, the National State Park One. This park is home to many species of birds, insects and wild animals. There are also diversity of plants and trees to be found here such as indigenous fan palm (Livistona Endauensis), Beside, the 248 million years old rock formation and the legendary waterfalls are also something you shouldn’t miss. You can also do some rewarding trekking but you will have to apply for a permit at the District Office in Kuala Rompin. You may call the Johor National Park Corporation at Tel: 07 - 223 7471

or 07 - 223 2525 for more information.

Sagil

If you travelling towards Gunung Ledang, you will definitely pass by Sagil, the starting point for a hike to the mountain. There are also camping sites around if you are interested to stay up for a night to enjoy the scenery follow by a satay breakfast in the morning. A type of grill meat on sticks normally served only during dinner or suppertime.

Gunung Ledang / Mount Ophir

Gunung Ledang, formerly known as Mount Ophir is the highest mountain in Johor. Its height is about 1 ,267m and is also a favourite spot for the locals and tourists. The mountain is believed to be the home of the legendary Princess “Puteri Gunung Ledang”. The Sagil Waterfall at the base of the mountain is the best spot for picnic. If you are thinking of trekking up, this will take about five hours. To get here by driving, you will have to drive towards Tangkak in Muar of Johor. The entry point is along the way of Tangkak, near to Sagil at Segamat trunk road.

Johor Lama Fort

It was once the royal seat of the Johor Sultan, Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah. It is now a little village call Kampung Johor located 30 KM from Johor Bahru. This formal capital was raised and destroyed by Portuguese in 1587. There are two tombs here and are believed to be Sultan himself and warrior. The strategic position of the fort is probably why this place has been chosen to be the capital in 1540.

Kota Tinggi Waterfall

A favorite get away for the locals, the Kota Tinggi waterfalls stand at a height of about 34m tall. The cascading water flows through a series of pools which is perfect for a refreshing dip. The waterfall originates from the 624m high Gunung Muntahak needs about 3 hours to trek up. Chalets, camping sites, public changing rooms and a restaurant are also available here.

Desaru — Land of Casuarinas

Talking about Desaru has brought me back to many of the sweet memories in those days, the “banana skiing boat”. Due to its strategic location, it is easily accessibly by ferry from Singapore for just an hour and a half. The peaceful beaches stretch across of about 25km is filled with white sand and casuarinas trees. Today, Desaru is still as favorable to many, thanks to the South Johor Development Authority who has kept and protected the place so well. The beach is a good place for windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and canoeing. Golfing has lately been the centre of attraction for visitors. If you are coming from Singapore, driving can be quite far from Kota Tinggi trunk road and especially if you would to take a coach for 2 hours from Larkin. I will suggest you to take your vehicle with the ferry at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore.

Kluang

Though Kluang is about 2 hours coach ride from Larkin Bus Station, this place has got some places of interest worth visiting. The potteries factories in Machap, Johor Lowland Tea plantation in the valley of Gunung Lambak and the all year round beautiful Taman Reskresi Tasik MARDI are some of the places to visit. To get here, you can take a coach from Larkin bus Station within Johor Bahru and stop at the bus terminal next to Prime city Hotel.

Tanjung Piai National Park

Tanjung Piai is a large wetland area famous for its mangrove swamplands. Full of peace and tranquility, the place is covered with aquatic life as well as marshland birds. Most tourists like to come here when they are in Johor, maybe because it is at the extreme of the southernmost end of West Malaysia. Don’t forget to take a walk down the 200m jetty for a clear view of the place.

Kukup

Kukup Laut at the tip of Pontian is another place famous for its seafood. The interesting thing about this place is that the fishing village has all the houses built on stilts and are connected to each other on wooden planks. Dinning in the restaurant here while enjoying the breeze from the sea is quite an enjoyment especially the freshness of the seafood is cooked into local delicacy style. You can also take a boat ride around the place or visit adjacent Pulau Kukup for just RM5.

GETTING TO JOHOR

By Air

International visitors can fly via Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu and Kuching in East Malaysia to Sultan Ismail International Airport Johor Bahru (locally known as the Senai Airport). The airport also connects Johor Bahru to Bayan Lepas International Airport in Penang.

Sultan Ismail Airport is located in the district of Johor Bahru about 34km from the capital city of Johor Bahru.

From Johor Bahru (JHB)	Estimated Travel Time
Kuala Lumpur (KUL)	45 mins
Kota Kinabalu (BKI)	2 hrs 15 mins
Kuching (KCH)	1 hr 25 mins
Miri (MYY)	1 hr 55 mins

For enquiries on bookings, please call:

Malaysia Airlines:
http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/

24 Hours Call Center:

Contact:
1 300 88 3000 (within Malaysia)
+603 7846 3000 (outside Malaysia)

Air Asia:
http://www.airasia.com/

Call Centres:
Daily from 8.00 am to 9.00 pm

Contact:
1 300 88 99 33 (within Malaysia)
+603 7884 9000 (outside Malaysia)

Berjaya Air:
http://www.berjaya-air.com/
Contact:
603-7847 6828

By Bus

Larkin Bus Terminal
Tel: 07-223 3159
Located some 4 km north of the Causeway, is the primary transport hub for Johor Bahru. Buses to all destinations in Peninsula Malaysia leave from here.

Kuala Lumpur => Johor Bahru
From	To	Timetable	Fare
Plusliner
Puduraya Bus Station, Kuala Lumpur, Counter 34 Tel: 03-2026 5984	Johor Bahru Larkin Bus Terminal, Platform 39	8.30am 10.00am 11.30am 12.30nn 1.30pm 2.30pm 4.30pm 5.30pm 6.30pm 7.30pm 9.00pm 12.00mn	Daily RM20.20
Transnasional
Economy Coach Puduraya Bus Station, Kuala Lumpur Tel: 03-2070 3300 / Tel: 03-2078 2563	Johor Bahru Larkin Bus Terminal, 07-222 0045	8.30am 9.00am 10.00am 11.00am 12.00 noon 1.00pm 2.00pm 3.00pm 4.00pm 5.00pm 6.30pm 8.30pm 11.30pm 11.45pm 11.55pm 12.00 midnight	Daily RM20.30
Executive Coach Tourist Information Centre, 109 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2161 1864	Johor Bahru Larkin Bus Terminal, 07-224 5182 07-223 7204	12.30noon 1.30pm 4.30pm 8.00pm	Daily RM50.00
Johor Bahru => Kuala Lumpur
From	To	Timetable	Fare
Plusliner
Larkin Bus Terminal, Platform 39 Tel: 07-222 3317	Hentian Puduraya, Kuala Lumpur	8.30am 10.30am 12.30pm 2.30pm 4.30pm 6.30pm 8.30pm 12midnite	Daily RM20.20 <Fares>
Executive Coach Terminal Bas Larkin, Platform 39 Tel: 07-222 3317	Tourist Information Centre, 109 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. 03-2161 1864	9.00am 12.30pm 5.30pm 8.00pm	Daily RM50.00 <Fares>
Singapore => Johor Bahru
From	To	Timetable	Fare
SBS Bus No 170
Singapore, Ban San Terminal	Johor Bahru Bus Station	every 15min from 6.00am to 12.30mn	Daily S$1.20 Time: 1 hour
Singapore - Johor Express (Air-cond)
Singapore, Ban San Terminal Tel: 02-6292 8149	Johor Bahru Bus Station	Every 10min from 6.30am - 11.30pm	Daily S$2.40 " Time: 1hr Luggage: extra charge