STATE OF JOHOR, MALAYSIA

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.

HILL/ FOREST AND PARK

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, binturongor bear cats (Arctictis binturong), chirping drongos, hornbills, argus pheasants, and white handed gibbons, the only ape species in the region.

Getting There 
From Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru, take the North-South Expressway and exit at Kluang. Then take a detour to Kahang town, where a four-wheel drive vehicle will take you to Kampung Peta, the entry point to the National Park.
It is also possible to reach the park by boat from the Endau River, a 3-hour journey from Felda Nitar II.

Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest
The 8 hectares Gunung Pulai Recreation Forest is situated along the road that is reachable via Ladang Kulai Young, 16km from Kulai or 14km from Nenas.
Camp over at the recreational forest or stay over with the villagers in the kampung and you will be able to explore the forest reserve early next morning and experience the awe-inspiring Gunung Pulai's icy waterfalls. Go adventure trekking or just admire the beauty of the flora and fauna of the forest.

Freshwater fish and oyster mushrooms, as well as fruits and vegetables can be found in the village here.

Gunung Ledang Recreational Forest

Shrouded with mystical legends and folklore, Gunung Ledang continues to charm and intrigue locals and visitors alike. According to the legend of the Princess of Gunung Ledang, the sultan demanded that the beautiful princess present him with seven jars of women's tears, seven trays of mosquitoes' hearts and seven bowls of the sultan's son's blood. Unable to meet these impossible requests, she fled to the mountain and continues to live in a hidden cave.

The mountain is also ideal for a myriad of outdoor activities with challenging mountain trails; icy waterfalls; and exotic flora and fauna including many species of birds. At the relatively flat summit, which is 1,276 metres above sea level, a panoramic view of the Straits of Malacca and Sumatra coastline can been seen on a clear day. Also, a popular picnic spot is the Sagil Waterfall, at the base of the mountain.

Getting there


By road 
From the North-South Expressway, the turn-off point is 25km after Ayer Keroh. Head towards Tangkak. Proceed along the pastoral Route 23 for another 6km, past Sagil town, before turning left onto a road in a rubber plantation and proceed another 1km. From here, the route to the foot of Gunung Ledang should be visible.

By Bus or Taxi 
A bus service is available to the resort from Tangkak, about 16km away. Taxis can also be hired from Tangkak

Gunung Arong Recreational Forest

This forest of towering and shady trees and natural setting offer a refreshing retreat for visitors. There are popular picnic spots by the riverside, a garden and a well equipped playground. Other facillities include rest shades, dressing room, toilet and tree-top huts. Jungle trails are also provided for the more adventurous visitors.

Gunung Lambak Recreational Forest
Gunung Lambak, 510m above sea level, is located 5km from the town of Kluang. If you are lucky, you might be able to spot fruit bats migrating to the mountains. They can only be spotted at certain times of the year though.
Mount Lambak is an easy climb as there are pathways and wooden bridges there to help make climbing easier.

The recreational forest located at the foothill of Mount Lambak is a favourite picnic spot for many visitors. Toilets, benches, resting sheds and other facilities can be found there.
You can go to the river near the waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing dip in the waters there. Enjoy the view at the summit before heading back down the mountain.

Do take note as trekking can be exhausting so it is recommended only to those who is fit to trek. Also for that reason, people have come here to enjoy a good trekking

Gunung Belumut Recreational Forest
Located at the northeast of Kluang town in central Johor lies Mount Belumut Recreational Forest. The slippery and slimy stones that abound the mountain s contributed its name.

If you spot a tiger roaming around do not be afraid, for the tiger itself would not harm a human unless you agitate it. They usually go into hiding when they spot a human. These apply to Malayan tigers only though.

Family and friends can visit the park for picnics, as well as camping overnight. There are several waterfalls around the makes a great bathing spot.

Take a 2 hour hike on the mountain and you will be able to see the Batu Mahkota or Crown Rock, which resembles a giant crown.

If you'd like to trek up and down along the dense jungle tracks of Mount Belumut, you need to be physically fit and everyone is expected to be back before it comes dark. The peak is at 1,004m above sea level. Trekkers will notice a pyramid-like pinnacle mark at the highest point

Gunung Panti Recreational Forest
Situated about 12km from the small town of Kota Tinggi is the recreational forest of Gunung Panti. The recreational forest is accessible by any modes of transportation and is only a two hour drive from the Causeway.
Many people consider Gunung Panti as a training ground for trekkers so that they may proceed to trek tougher mountains in Sabah or the Himalayas. Explorers come here to practice as well.

It will be a 2-3 hour walk to the summit, depending on one's physical condition. All there is to bring is a small backpack with food and water. Prepare to encounter the usual insects and creepy crawlies found in jungles. Which means, bring your insect repellent!

One must prepare the final 20m climb to the summit though, as the ground is rather steep. They will need equipments and the help of professionals if they are still new to trekking.

Trekkers will arrive at a beautiful camping site at the summit, and temporary accommodation is provided as well

source: cuti.com