Johor

[ INTRODUCTION ]
The state of Johor lies at the southern most part of Malaysia. This southern gateway to Malaysia covering an area of 19, 984 sq km, is the second largest state in West Malaysia. The history of early Johor is a chronicle of glory and prosperity during the days when gambir and black pepper was a thriving business.
To the Siamese, Johor is "Gangganu" or 'Treasured Stones'. It was also once known as the "End of the Land" as it occupies the tail portion of mainland Asia. Its present name, Johor, is derived from an Arabic word 'Jauhar' which means Precious Stones.
Johor Bahru has a number of interesting historical buildings and handicraft centers. Outside the state capital in the smaller towns and villages along the coast, are picturesque scenes of rural kampungs and fishing villages. Those who prefer to bask in the tropical sun can choose between the well-known beaches.

[ LOCATION MAP ]

[ JOHOR ATTRACTIONS ]

♥ Rawa Island ♥

Visited by many inernational tourists, Rawa Island is the perfect vacation spot for those who just wants to relax from the hussles and buzzes of the city life. The trip to the island will take approximately 1.5 hours by boat from Mersing. It is worth it though, a visitors will get to enjoy the scenery of the sea untainted by pollution.
Upon arrival, visitor will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the white sandy beach, tall palm trees with fluttering leaves, beautiful variety of corals and colourful creatures of the sea. Relaxing under the palm groves while letting the gentle wind blow your face is the best thing anyone could ever ask for. Other thing to take notice is the beautiful formation on the island.

Other than relaxing on the beach, some prefer to relax in a different method with activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving and spear fishing. Utilities and equipment for such activities are available at certain booths on the island.
There are chalets here for accomodation, each with their own unique services.
So just lay back, relax, and enjoy the beauty that is Rawa Island.

♥ Sibu Island ♥

Sibu is one of Malaysia's unspoilt islands off the Peninsula's East Coast, facing the South China Sea. It is made up of several islands namely Sibu Besar Island, Sibu Tengah Island, Sibu Kukus Island and Sibu Hujung Island.
Approximately 6 km long and 1 km wide, the island abounds with lush tropical vegetation, and is noted for its beaches, hills, cliffs and exotic bird population.

Sibu has retained much of its natural beauty and tranquility. Almost untouched by progress, Sibu Island is the perfect hideaway from the rat-race of city life.
On the Southern end there is a small fishing village with a population of less than a hundred people. The local village continues to take out a living off the seas and a few of the younger generation option to work at the nearby resorts for a steadier income and a change of lifestyle.The main activities on the island are snorkelling and diving. However one can take walks in the jungle to the fishing village or to the other resorts. There are pathways to most of these places. Fishing trips are regularly organized for the avid fishermen. Boat trips to the other islands can be arranged at the resort.
There are four main beaches on the Eastern side of Sibu where most of the beach resorts are located. Sibu Island Cabanas is situated on a beautiful long stretch of beach, facing Tinggi Island. The coral reefs are only a few minutes walk from the resort.

♥ Endau Rompin National Park ♥

This park that sits between Johor and Pahang encompasses the watershed of rivers in Endau, Johor and Rompin, Pahang, which comprises some 488 sq km of forest.Lush and relatively untouched, it is one of the few remaining lowland tropical rainforest in the country and the last refuge of the Sumatran rhinoceros.It is a major conservation area due to the diversity of flora and fauna found within. Its rocks and hills are estimated to be nearly 250 million years old.
Attractions
A great place for nature lovers, there are many activities that can be pursued such as botany, nature study, bird watching, photography and jungle trekking. For nature study, the unusual flora that can be found include the famous fan palm of the 'Livistona endauensis' variety; climbing bamboo; the walking stick palm; toadstools; and orchids. Wildlife include tigers, elephants, deer, Sumatran rhinoceros, binturong or bear cats (Arctictis binturong), chirping drongos, hornbills, argus pheasants, and white handed gibbons, the only ape species in the region.

♥ Ayer Hitam ♥

Ayer Hitam, which literally means 'Black Water' in Malay, has always been referred to as 'the town that never sleeps', because of the busy town streets where the traffic is endless here, as people would stop here for a meal on their way to Johor Bahru an Kuala Lumpur. It will only take less than an hour to reach here if you travel by car from Johor Bahru.

There are many activities for visitors to participate in, some of them include horseback riding, fishing, and camping. Visitors can purchase anything ceramic here, as Ayer Hitam is famous for it. One can buy vases, flowerpots, porcelain, jars, photo frames, and ready-made customized souvenirs.

Not only can visitors browse through the quality souvenirs, visitors can also sample some local food. Among the famous food that is sure to satisfy your stomach are prawn crackers, tapioca chips, steamed corn and the must-have 'otak-otak'(steamed coconut-milk based fish cake). The food are freshly made and prepacked for visitors .

♥ Kota Tinggi Waterfall ♥

The Kota Tinggi Waterfall is located 62km away from Johor Bahru, and 16km away from Kota Tinggi.
The waterfall, which is 36m high, originates from the top of Mount Panti. Try swimming at the base of the waterfall for a quick, refreshing change from the hot, tropical heat.

The waterfall area is a great place to have family picnics, but the place can get crowded during the weekends. The scenery is perfect as you watch the water cascading down with the view of the 600m high Gunung Muntahak in a distance.

For accommodation, one can always go to the Swiss style chalets built near the falls and stay overnight, equipped with cooking facilities. There are public changing rooms and camping grounds at the base of the waterfall. There is also a restaurant nearby that provides both Chinese and Western food. Food stalls are set up here as well. A camping ground has also been opened for those who wish to camp out. There are parking spaces available for cars, buses and motorcycles as well.

♥ Kukup ♥

Kukup, near the south-western tip of the peninsula, 20km from Pontian, is a well-known fishing village with most of its houses built on stilts. It is famous for its fish farms and several popular seafood restaurants which serve famous local delicacies like crab, fish and prawn.

Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby aquaculture centre to see many types of fish and other seafood that are bred in captivity, including the king crab. The aquaculture centre is housed on sea kelongs, which are farms built on raft-like structures floating in the middle of the ocean.

Visitors can tour nearby Pulau Kukup or Kukup Island by hiring boat operators to take them to the mangrove island which is as a significant ecological site.

♥ Muar ♥

The historical town of Muar, located on the Muar River, is a favourite stopover for travellers of Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur as Muar provides beautiful sunsets The strategic location of Muar on the river helped on its economical growth as many years ago, Muar was once an important trading hub.
There are many different opinions to where the name 'Muar' is reputed from. Some say that the town was named after the name 'muara', which means river mouth. Another says that the name is derived from a the Hindu word for three, which is 'muna' and 'ar' which means river. Also it was said that the town was named after the three rivers, Muar River, Pahang RIver and Serting River.
Muar, which is also known as Bandar Maharani or Empress Town, has a striking resemblance to the town of Malacca, historically, culturally and geographically. The name was given by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1884.
Muar is famous for its 'Ghazal' music, which originated from Persia, and 'Kuda Kepan', a traditional dance where dancers sit astride mock horses according to the beat and rhythm of a percussion ensemble.Visitors should not forget to try Muar's all famous "Mee Bandung Muar". Even looking at it is enough to get your stomach grumble for food immediately! Also recommended are the oysters here, scrambled with eggs and chives.
Take a stroll along Jalan Tanjung and you will see mosques, government buildings, and old colonial houses. Participate in our homestay tour packages and visit the Sarang Buaya village, Kesang Village, Pulau Penarik Village, and Ulu Pagoh village to truly understand the malay lifestyle and culture.

By Suet Teng , 5 Alpha
11/5/10
20.58