Johor Cities and Towns

Johor Bahru

Also known as JB, the charming state capital of Johor is a thriving commercial centre and tourist destination with world-class hotels, modern shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment outlets.

The southern gateway to Malaysia has, in recent years, become a popular shopping and entertainment paradise, particularly for Singaporean visitors taking advantage of the favourable exchange rate.

JB's most interesting attractions are its historical buildings and their impressive architecture, most of which are within walking distance from downtown.

The city is also the main point of departure to the east coast resort of Desaru, Mersing and other island retreats.

Pasir Gudang

About 40km east of Johor Bahru, Pasir Gudang is home to the Johor Racing Circuit. Built on undulating terrain with twelve challenging corners, the highly regarded 3.86km circuit is host to the annual World Superbike Race, World Endurance Race and the Johor Race Series for cars and motorbikes.

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

Just a couple of hours' drive north of Johor Bahru , the historic town of Muar, still retains much of its colonial charm such as the pre-war shophouses at Jalan Maharani. Also renowned for its stunning sunsets and fresh seafood, it is a favourite stopover for those travelling between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.

Sharing a similar history and culture with its better known cousin, Malacca, this picturesque town is also known as Bandar Maharani or Empress Town, the name given by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1884 when it was the Royal City of the Northern Johor kingdom. Set on the mouth of the Johor River, in the glory days of the Malay kingdoms, it was an important trading hub.

Muar is also home to traditional Ghazal music, which originated from Persia and has a hypnotic sound that is accompanied by singing or poetry recital. Also from Muar is the enchanting Kuda Kepang dance, where dancers sit astride mock horses moving to the hypnotic beats of a percussion ensemble.

Ideal for a myriad of outdoor activities, the mystical mountain Gunung Ledang or Mount Ophir is a definite 'must-visit'. Click here to find out more.

For those who wish to find out more about traditional spices and herbs, visit the Spices and Herbs Paradise, only a few kilometres outside Muar. This 1,000-hectare farm is home to hundreds of medicinal plants. Helpful guides give tours to explain the uses of these herbs in traditional remedies. Other facilities include accommodation and a restaurant.

Batu Pahat

Renowned for its salted fish in the past, Batu Pahat was formerly known as Bandar Penggeram, which means town of salt-makers. Its current name means Chiseled Rock in Malay and refers to a chiseled rock located in Dataran Batu Pahat or Batu Pahat Square.

Situated on the main road running north from Johor Bahru, the town is a regional business and conference centre. However, it is best known as the main rest stop on the 4-hour drive between Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, the nation's capital. Here, weary travellers are treated to a wide selection of food stalls, souvenir shops and more.

Also well-known are its pottery and various agro-tourism sites including one of the world's largest aquaculture farms that specialises in ornamental Arowana fish.

Ayer Hitam

Ayer Hitam, which means 'Black Water' in Malay, is referred to as 'the town that never sleeps' due to the continuous daily traffic. Here, visitors can shop for ceramic items such as vases, jars, home decorative pieces, flowerpots and ready-made customised souvenirs.

Ayer Hitam is also a good place for visitors to sample some local food. Prawn crackers, tapioca chips, steamed corn and the famous otak-otak (steamed coconut-milk based fish cake) are all freshly produced, packed and readily available.

About 5km from Ayer Hitam town is the Ayer Hitam Animal Husbandry, which offers visitors a host of activities including horseback riding, fishing and camping. Chalets are available for those who wish to stay overnight at the dairy farm.

Mersing

Located about 140km to the north of Johor Bahru, approximately 2 hours' drive, and 190km to the south of Kuantan, Mersing is a bustling fishing town on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Just outside the town at are some of the country's most beautiful beaches such as Sri Pantai, Ayer Papan and Penyabong.

The town is also the main departure point for islands on the South China Sea, particularly Pulau Tioman, which was immortalised in the legendary Hollywood movie Bali Hai. Other destinations include Pulau Sibu and Pulau Rawa. All these idyllic islands have comfortable accommodation, facilities and amenities.

Dataran Bandaraya or City Square

Beautifully landscaped, Dataran Bandaraya's well-groomed persona is completed by its mosque, fountain and clock tower. With numerous hawker and craft stalls, it is a popular 'hang-out' for locals and visitors.

Kukup Durian

Located along the trunk road to Tanjung Piai, about 72km from Johor Bahru town centre, Kukup Durian is supposed to be the best place to enjoy durian, the King of Johor Fruits.