STATE OF JOHOR

ISLAND AND BEACHES

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.

 

Rawa Island / Pulau Rawa

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

Besar Island / Pulau Besar

| Getting to Besar Island | Location Map | Introduction |

The name, Besar Island (formerly known as Pulau Babi Besar) is strange to many despite its idyllic beaches and stunning natural beauty. The island which is surrounded by Rawa Island, Sibu Island & Tinggi Island is characterized by quiet, clean beaches of powdery white sand that promises an amazingly spectacular view. Besar Island is fringed by crystal-clear azure waters that people can actually catch sight of the abundant reefs. To preserve the unspoiled marine life, the Government has gazetted it as a marine park to protect around 60 species of marine life from any activities that can harm their natural habitats within 2 nautical miles around the island.

Rich hues of wild vegetations are dappled throughout with the lush greens of the coconut palms and tropical jungles. There are about 7 - 8 small villages that are still populated by around 100 friendly dwellers who are mostly fishermen.

Another myth was about a fisherman couple who transformed into mermaids. This legend is so popular among the local folks that they believed at one time, a pregnant fisherman¡¦s wife was craving for a kind of seaweed, that is plentiful in the Mersing waters. After eating, she turned into a mermaid and the heartbroken husband became one too after eating the same seaweed. Until today, it is claimed that mermaids floating in couples can sometimes be spotted eating seaweed around the island. During low tide, tourists can see nibbling marks on the island rocks that proves the existence of the mammals.

Rising some 2,000 feet above the sea level. One of the largest islands off the coast of Mersing. Surrounded by 15 scattered islands. Several long streches of finest beaches with fine, soft white sand fringe the island carefully hidden from the outside world. A place irresistable to those who seek tranquility admidst charm of a village setting. The area houses most exotic coral reefs and underwater flora as well as numerous chalet and restaurant. Besar island is accesible by boat from Mersing town (approximately 30 minutes).

In the Mersing waters, there are at least 15 small and scattered islands and each is unique in its own way. All the while, tourists have only been accustomed to the popularity of Tioman Island in Pahang and Pemanggil Island in Johor which actually are situated within the same area.

This island got its former name, Pulau Babi Besar, (directly translated as Big Boars Island) from the numerous wild boars that roamed the island before man inhabited the place. Surprisingly, there is not a single boar on the island at present and thus, the reason for the change of name to Besar Island

Sibu Island / Pulau Sibu

| Getting to Sibu Island | Location Map | Introduction |

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

Tengah Island / Pulau Tengah

| Getting to Tengah Island | Location Map | Introduction |

Tengah Island is an uninhabited island. It lies nine nautical miles off the coast of Mersing on the South China Sea. It is an hour away by boat from Mersing town.

Near Besar Island, Tengah Island is 16km off the coast and is an easy 90-minute boat ride. During the 70's, the island became famous as a Vietnamese refugee transit camp which was subsequently closed in the early 80's.
In 1985, Tengah Island was one of the few islands gazetted by the Malaysian government as a Marine Park due to its abundant marine life and rare specials of fish and coral.

Besides that, Tengah Island also a great place to watch the giant leatherback turtles come ashore to lay eggs yearly especially during the month of July. There is a ��members only�� golf course and resort on the island. Spacious and comfortable cottages are available for booking.

Tinggi Island / Pulau Tinggi

| Getting to Tinggi Island | Location Map | Introduction |

Nicknamed the "General's Hat Island" by Chinese seamen hundreds of years ago, Tinggi Island is a large uninhabited island, which rises 2000ft. above the sea level. This delightful island is located about 20 nautical miles southeast of Mersing, on the east coast of Johor.

Tinggi Island is known for its mystical quality as much as its sheer physical beauty. It comprises the principal Tinggi Island, and eight smaller islets, namely Mentinggi Island, April Island, Nanga Kecil Island, Nanga Besar Island, Simbang Island, Lanting Island and Iboi Island and Peyembang Island. Only the first two islands Tinggi Island and Mentinggi Island - have been declared marine park.

Crystal-clear turquoise waters surround the cone-shaped island of Tinggi Island. The interior of this oval-shaped island is mostly covered with secondary lowland Dipterocarp rainforest. It is andowed with fresh waters, a sheltered harbour and coral reefs which abound with prolific marine life. It has a long coastline and while sandy beaches dotted with caves. The seas around it are teeming with coral, fish and reff making it a photographic haven.

This island has the highest residential population among the east coast Johor islands, with the latest tally estimated at 448 people, from three village settlements: Kampung Tanjung Balang, Kampung Pasir Panjang and Kampung Sebirah Besar. Accommodation for these visitors is available with the setting up of rustic resorts, inns and chalets on the main island. Some good beaches, particularly those at Tanjung Balang and Sebirah Besar, offer pleasant sand, sun and fun. Snorkelling, and scuba diving are some of the more popular pursuits here

Pemanggil Island / Pulau Pemanggil

Pemanggil Island sits 45kms east of Mersing, the take-off point to most islands off the Southern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is situated next to Tioman, requires a 4 to 5 hours ride by boat from Mersing. To get to Mersing itself takes 4½ hours by car or roughly 6 hours by coach from KL.

As with most inhabited islands in Malaysian waters, Pemanggil has its fair share of history, mystery and spookytales. The island is fishermen's best-kept secret. It is well known for deep sea fishing and good hunting grounds for marlins, black ones if you''re fortunate, and mackerels.

This remote island is also famed for the beauty and abundance of marine life within its clear emerald waters. Its other magnetic charms include endless stretches of white sandy beaches and awesome snorkeling spots. Fishing and diving is excellent here.

For the adventurous, the hill outcrop of the island makes for a challenging climb and the summit holds an inherent scenic beauty of the far reaching ocean.

On the north-eastern coast of Pemanggil Island is Teluk Lancang, an isolated bay whew coconut trees grow in abundance admist the tropical vegetation. At the heart of the island, there is a huge boulder known locally as Batu Buau which locals regard as sacred. It would definitely not go unnoticed and is clearly visible as far as 50 km from the south of Tioman Island.

Aur Island / Pulau Aur

Pulau Aur is located 65km east of Mersing, off Johor's east coast.

The island, along with Pulau Dayang, Pulau Lang and Pulau Pinang, are rated among the best diving destinations within the Johor Marine Park Area. The deeper waters around the area ensure good visibility and variety of marine life. Dive trips can be booked at most dive shops on any of the islands.

The rich pelagic action also attracts numerous sport fishermen, hoping to try their luck with the marlins or sailfish outside the marine park island. Many private yachts anchor at the calm waters between Pulau Aur and Pulau Dayang.

Rayner's Rock

Towards the north-eastern tip about 200 metres off Pulau Dayang is Rayner's Rock, a solitary large boulder breaking the surface about 4 metres high.

Diving is good around the eastern portion with a mixture of both hard and soft corals providing shelter for a profusion of marine life. You can expect to encounter schooling yellowtails, rainbow-runners, and trevallies. Closer to the reef, there are usually groupers, damsels, butterfly fish, scorpion fish and lots of shells.


Pinnacles

This submerged reef is located towards the South Pulau Aur and Pulau Pinang. The top of the reef begins at about 12 metres and slopes in excess of 25 metres.

If diving in right conditions with slight currents, a large number of prelagics including jacks, fusiliers, barracudas and black tip sharks can be sighted. Among the hard corals and scattered soft corals are wrasses, puffer fish, damsels, lionfish, snappers and in between rocky crevices, lobsters.


Getting There
There are boats to the island from Mersing jetty or Sedili. The long boat journey takes about 4.5 hours, and most operators opt to depart in the late evening, travelling through the night to arrive the next morning on the island. If the seas are rough, the boat ride could take a little longer.

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STATE OF JOHOR, MALAYSIA

PLACES OF INTEREST

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

Air Papan

Air Papan, located at 15km to the North of Mersing, this village is surrounded by many trees of different types. The beach is to take note for, as it is incredibly beautiful here, perfect for picnics. The water is clear blue, and the scenery around is sure to make visitors never want to leave the beach. The beach is especially famous on holidays and weekends, as family and friends comes to the beach to picnic often.

When the weather is beautiful, one can see the silhouette of islands such as Pulau Tioman and Pulau Rawa, and other islands nearby.

If you're going to visit Air Papan on the 1st of May for the "Pesta Air Papan", prepare to book the chalets early, because visitors local and foreign would come to stay and celebrate. There are many happening performances and activities to take part in on this event.

Desaru Beach  Located at the south-eastern corner of Johor, Desaru is the ideal beach destination with over 25km of white sandy beaches fringed by palm trees and casuarinas. Here, enjoy a myriad of water sports including snorkelling, water-skiing, canoeing, wind-surfing and sailing. Other forms of recreation include learning to fly an ultra-light aircraft; go-karting; jungle trekking; horseback riding, archery and off-road adventures. The annual sporting extravaganza Desaru International Triathlon attracts participants from throughout the region. Just a few kilometres away, discover more about the lifestyle of local fishermen at Tanjung Balau Fishermen's Museum. Some 10km south of Desaru is another excellent stretch of beach known as Teluk Ramunia. Accommodations include hotels, budget chalets, dormitories and camp sites. Most notable is the luxurious Desaru Golf and Country Club resort, which has a 36-hole international standard golf course. Getting There By Road Desaru is easily accessible via public transportation from Johor Bahru (the capital of Johor), Kota Tinggi or Tanjung Belungkor. Buses to Johor Bahru are available from Kuala Lumpur. By Sea There is a ferry service from Changi Point in Singapore to Tanjung Belungkor, where transport to Desaru can be arranged Johor Bahru Johor Bahru is located at the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia and is the state capital of Johor Darul Takzim. Sultan Abu Takzim established state capital of Johor in 1855. Johor is connected to Singapore via road and railway, and thus Johor represents Peninsula's southern gateway. The state provides miles of golden sand beaches and offshore islands with clear water, a wide variety of local cuisine, a wide mix of races, and many more exciting things to see! Visitors can explore and visit several famous historical buildings. Among them are The Royal Sultan Abu Bakar Museum and the Grand Palace. Visitors may want to visit the Johor Art Gallery as well, as displayed here is a wide array of historical and traditional artifacts. If you'd like to do some shopping, there are always shopping places available to visit, both modern and traditional. Some famous products include clothes and lovely handicraft products that is eye catching. One place that shoppers might want to visit is the Johor Baru Duty Free Complex, where branded designer wear overseas can be found here. It is located at the International Ferry Terminal. When you're hungry, head on over to the food stalls and vendors and order a plate of the popular local dish, the Laksa Johor. Johor Lama (Old Johor) Johor Lama, situated 27km from Kota Tinggi and about 2 hours drive from Johor Bahru, is a quiet village no the banks of the Johor River. Johor Lama was the royal seat of the Johor Sultanate until 1587. All that is left here are fragments of a fort built in 1540 during the raid on Johor Lama by the Portuguese. After the battle, the state capital moved to Johor Bahru. The fort, in the end, was destroyed by the Portuguese army despite it being defended by 8,000 Sultanate's warriors with only 500 men in 1587 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 seakelongs, 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 Tanjung Piai Tanjung Piai, one of the largest mangrove habitats in the world, is also the home to many different species of birds , beady-eyed mudskippers, multi-coloured mangrove crabs, and crab-eating macaques. Also found here is the tree-climbing and scavenging macaque monkeys. Situated in Mukim Serkat, and about 90km from Johor Bahru's city centre, Tanjung Piai offers a scenic view of the Straits of Malacca. There is also a National Park there for visitors to observe the habitat of the mangrove dwellers. Experience the lifestyle of a typical Malay kampung community and see the process of how 'Gula Melaka' is made using the traditional way. Whenever you're hungry, you can always head to one of the many seafood restaurants available there for a meal. The restaurants are perched on wooden jetties. Enjoy the beautiful evening sunset, and perhaps, when the sun sets, fireflies would appear and turns the swamp into a beautiful lightshow continue... source: cuti.com.my

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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

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