Just 5km from Kluang town centre, the Mount Lambak Recreational Forest is a convenient destination for those seeking a nature-getaway. Located at the foothill of Mount Lambak, this recreational forest is perfect for picnics, swimming and mountain-climbing. There is also a small children's playground here. At 510m above sea level, Mount Lambak is accessible via footpaths and wooden bridges which makes for a relaxing and rejuvenating trek uphill. Apart from the variety of wild flora and fauna, there are waterfalls for those wanting a refreshing dip. Modern chalets are available for those who wish to stay overnight here.
Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia, with its amazing combination of Western neo-classical and Islamic architecture.
This mosque can accommodate about 2,000 worshippers at any one time. The mosque is strategically located on top of a hill on Jalan Abu Bakar, overlooking the Straits of Tebrau.
Sultan Abu Bakar mosque was named after the late Sultan Abu Bakar, the "Father of Modern Johor", who laid the foundation stone in 1892. Construction of the mosque was completed in 1900, a few years after his death. Today, the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is listed as a protected heritage monument by the Department of Museums and Antiquities.
Pulau Tinggi / Tinggi Island
Pulau Tinggi or Tinggi Island is one of the many captivating tropical islands that nestles the East Coast of Johor. Its white, sandy beach surrounded by alluring blue waters makes it a perfect haven for those who want to escape from the mundane world.
Pulau Tinggi gets its name from a high hill rising 2,000 feet above sea level ("tinggi" is a Malay word for high). The island is painted green by the lush tropical forest that is rich with rattan, timber and other valuable plants.
Its surrounding waters is rich with exotic marine life and beautiful underwater flora fringing its coral reefs, providing a breathtaking underwater view for divers and snorkelling enthusiasts. The island is also blessed with natural fresh water and sheltered harbour, which explains its role as a stopover point for traders in the olden days.
Apart from its physical beauty, Pulau Tinggi is also famous for its mystical characters. The locals believe that Malay's most famous hero, Hang Tuah, had stopped here in one of his journeys. It is believed that his spirit still guards the island till these days.
Teluk Buih Beach
The long coastline at Air Papan makes its way southwards and meets a small craggy bay which the villagers have named Teluk Buih after foamy white surf that lashes on to its shores. Teluk Buih offers a sheltered stretch of fine sand and is a popular retreat for the villagers.
The beach is popular among picnickers especially on weekends and public holidays. They can swim in its blue water, play games on its wide beach or just sit back and relax under the shade of the verdant vegetation.
Dubbed the southernmost tip of mainland Asia, Tanjung Piai is a haven for a diverse species of flora and fauna, including those unique to mangrove areas such as mangrove crabs, beady-eyed mud skippers and crab-eating macaques. Tanjung Piai is also famous for being a hot spot for birdwatchers to visit during the migratory season which falls around September and March.
Located within the district of Pontian, Johor, Tanjung Piai is a place where the earth and sea, plant and animal life, live in blissful harmony. Tanjung Piai Johor National Park covers an area of over 926ha -- 526ha of which comprise of coastal mangroves. There are two entry points to Tanjung Piai - the one at Sungai Belukang and the other at Desa Sri Piai. Entry into the Tanjung Piai park requires a minimal fee of just RM3 for adults (Malaysians) and RM5 for foreign visitors, payable at Tanjung Piai's visitor's complex .
Orchid Valley
Located in the village of Kangkar Pulai, 30km northwest of Johor Bahru, Orchid Valley is a 40-ha. property at the foot of Gunung Pulai (Mount Pulai). Orchid Valley is reputedly the largest tropical orchid farm in the world. It has beautiful and exotic orchids from over 80 varieties. It is also internationally recognised, with some hybrids registered with the World Orchid Society in London.
Since its opening in February 1996, the Orchid Valley has become a popular attraction among tourists and orchid lovers especially from Singapore. Here, visitors can buy cut flowers or potted plants of exotic orchid breeds at very reasonable prices. The cool, fresh air and the scenic views with undulating hills in the backdrop are a welome change for urban visitors.
The farm consists of an orchid plantation, an educational corridor, a tourist centre and a research laboratory. Other facilities for visitors include a restaurant, a children's playground and viewing terraces. Waterfalls, lakes and fountains create a soothing ambience, and a tram ride around the farm lets visitors enjoy the breathtaking sights in comfort.The farm is open daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm. A small entrance fee is applicable.
Old Port of Batu Pahat
The old trading port is situated along Batu Pahat River, near the wet market on Jalan Shahbandar. Batu Pahat River played a significant role in early trade, this old port acted was where all the barter trading took place centuries ago.
Today the river continues to exert its influence as a trading port. Nearby is the town's bustling wet market that must be visited to appreciate the local way of life and to sample local delicacies.
Plaza Seni Johor Bharu
The Plaza Seni Johor Bahru caters to the needs of modern shoppers. It revels in the richness and intricacies of Johor Heritage and culture. The place is a fiesta of art exhibitions and cultural performances. A titillating choice of sensational and variegated food to tickle your taste buds. It comprises clothes, fashion accessories, travel agencies, gift shops, exotic goods, which is located on the 1st floor.
Spacious food, batik wax, clothing, fabrics, shops locate don the Ground Floor and smaller lots for small scale Entrepreneurs.
There are vast parking lots on the 3rd, 4th and 5th Floors.
Endau-Rompin - Johor National Park
Endau Rompin, located north of Johor and south of Pahang, is the second National Park proclaimed by the Government of Malaysia. It covers an area of approximately 50,000 hectares of rich flora and fauna, encompassing the watershed of the rivers Endau and Rompin, from which it derived its name. The park is home to many species of birds, mammals, frogs, insects and many other wild animals, as well as varieties of orchids, herbs, medicinal plants and trees. A scientific expedition undertaken by the Malaysian Nature Society in 1985 uncovered some new and rare plant and animal species. One of the most spectacular discoveries was the fan palm (Livistona endauensis), endemic to the Ulu Endau area.
This centuries-old rainforest is also home to the largest surviving population of Sumatran Rhinos still left in Peninsular Malaysia. Primates, including the leaf monkey, the long-tail macaque and the white-handed gibbon are a common sight. Other wild animals inhabiting the area include tigers, leopards, elephants, and various types of deer and tapirs. There are also numerous rapids and falls awaiting adventure lovers and river trekkers here.
To protect the pristine environment, only limited areas of the park are open for ecotourism purposes. Entry to the park requires a special permit from the Johor National Park Corporation. Permits can also be obtained at the District Office, which is just alongside the Police Department in Kuala Rompin before reaching the FELDA Selendang turn off from Lanjut Beach. Upon entry to this park, trekkers will be guided by forest rangers to ensure safety at all times.
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