Kukup

Johor Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• Nightlife
• To Do List
• Stay Away From
• Getting There
• Johor Maps

Johor offer you sandy beaches, exotic islands, virgin tropical rainforests, mist-shrouded mountains, culinary delights, and an enchanting cultural experience.

Johor is the third largest state and the most southern state of Malaysia. With eight districts, Johor offer you sandy beaches, exotic islands, virgin tropical rainforests, mist-shrouded mountains, culinary delights, and an enchanting cultural experience. Johor Bahru (JB) is the state capital and just across the causeway from Singapore, is a popular weekend getaway for many Singaporeans for the great food as well as cheap bargains.

Why Not Go

Why Go

If you are a golf lover, Johor also boasts the largest number of golf courses in Malaysia; some of the best golf courses are lined up within less than an hour drive of each other.

For beach and water sports lovers, Johor’s eastern coastline is lined with more than a dozen of sandy beaches and more than 50 islands in Johor waters. The magical islands of Johor (Pulau Rawa, Pulau Sibu, Pulau Aur, Pulau Besar and Pulau Pemanggil) are endowed with crystal clear waters, powdery white sand and colourful marine life. All these idyllic islands offer excellent scuba diving, snorkeling and other water activities.

Nature enthusiasts will find their sanctuary at Endau Rompin National Park situated in the north eastern border. It is also one of the few remaining lowland forest in Malaysia and possibly the oldest, with rock formations dating back some 248 million years. Pulau Kukup an island located South-west of Johor offshore is entirely covered by mangrove forest and surrounded by mudflats, is the second largest wetland sanctuary in the world, will amaze many with its richness in biological diversity.

Best Time to Visit

Generally, the best time to visit Malaysia and Johor Bahru is roughly from April to October, but you want to avoid the area when it’s monsoon season, roughly November through February.

Since the most popular time to travel to Malaysia is April through October, that’s also when hotel rates and airfares will be highest.

Where to Stay

Where & What to Eat

Nightlife

My to do List

Tanjung Piai-Johor National Park

Desaru: local beach resort on the east coast

Mount Lambak Recreational Forest

Pulau Tinggi

Endau-Rompin Johor National Park: hiking in ancient jungles

Teluk Buih Beach

Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

Mount Lambak Recreational Forest

Rambah Beach

Kota Tinggi Waterfalls: popular waterfall location

Sibu Island: marine park island off the eastern coast, popular with divers

Kukup: interesting fishing village

Cities
Johor Bahru – the largest city and capital, a popular gateway to Singapore
Batu Pahat
Kluang
Kota Tinggi
Mersing – main port for ferries to Tioman and other islands
Muar
Pontian
Segamat

Stay Away From

Whilst crime rates are increasing, especially in state-capital Johor Bahru, the region is no more dangerous than most other cities or countries in South East Asia (or, indeed, any other continent).

Take care of your personal belongings whilst strolling along the streets, particularly when alone. Do not dress inappropriately (primarily out of respect for local customs and cultures) and do not show expensive jewellery or count large amounts of money in public places. Take the same common-sense precautions you would elsewhere.

Getting There

By Road
here are several ways to enter Johor by road. The main ones are:
- Johor Causeway; 2nd link
- North South Expressway
- Federal Trunk Road (Route 1)
- East Coast Trunk Road (Route 3)
- West Coast Trunk Road Route 5)

By Rail
The rail service is provided by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad.
To check the KTM interstate train schedule

By Air
- Direct entry is via the Sultan Ismail Airport (or locally known as the Senai Airport).
- It is located in the district of Johor Bahru about 34km from the capital city of Johor Bahru.
- Airport limousine services take you to various destinations at fares controlled by the government. There are also scheduled airport coach services to Johor Bahru city centre and Singapore.

By Sea
The following are the sea entry points into Johor.
- Johor Bahru International Ferry Terminal (Johor Bahru district)
- Pasir Gudang (Johor Bahru district)
- Kukup (Pontian district)
- Muar (Muar district)
- Tanjung Belungkor (Kota Tinggi district)
- Tanjung Pengelih (Kota Tinggi district)

The summit is located between the border of Muar and Malacca. Standing at 1,276 m (4,186 ft), with a clear trail leading to the peak, the mountain is a popular destination among amateur climbers, it is a natural beauty with its challenging mountain trails, icy waterfalls, cascades, diverse birdlife, flora and fauna.

Gunung Ledang is also the 64th highest mountain in Malaysia and arguably the most climbed mountain in the country, despite it having one of the higher climbing fatalities in the region of South-East Asia. The mountain’s plateau-like summit peaks at 1,276m above sea level, and offers a panoramic view of the Straits of Melaka and Sumatra coastline on a clear day. Camping on the mountain has been forbidden after the death of campers who were crushed by falling trees in separate incidents.

A resort at the foot of the mountain was opened in the recent years. Called Gunung Ledang Resort, it offers decent accommodation and adventure programmes. However, the access to the top of the mountain can only be made through the National Park office, which is a few kilometres away from the resort.

Geology of Gunung Ledang

The Gunung Ledang granitic mass is made up basically of a medium to coarse-grained non-porphyritic granite grading, in parts, into adamellite. Leucocratic varieties are also present, although such rocks are generally less common. The granitic mass intrudes into the Middle to Upper Triassic sedimentary rocks in the central portion of the area. The age of this intrusive. It is estimated at 57 million years (Lower Tertiary).

Getting There

From Kuala Lumpur (KL) or Johor Bahru (JB):
Take the North-South Highway and exit at Tangkak. Head for Tangkak Town, then follow the signboards for Sagil and Segamat. The turn-off to the Park HQ is about 2km after Sagil town. After you get clearance from the guard at the post, drive for another 2.5km along a laterite road that goes through an oil palm plantation, following the small signboards for Taman Hutan Lagenda.

Public Transport:
There is an express bus service from Kuala Lumpur to Tangkak (Cepat Express, 06-9784162), as well as from Johor Bahru to Tangkak (Express Cepat Sedia, 06-9783533). Arrangements can be made at the time of booking with the JNP Head Office for a private van operator to pick you up at Tangkak bus station and ferry you into the park.

Pelepah Waterfalls @ Kota Tinggi

The first and very big question mark is; how did we even have the idea of going for a hike at Kota tinggi in the first place. After all, we are all “uncle” level characters. But it happened anyway. Let me give you a very brief background on how did we even start harboring the idea of this hike.

The four of us met and got to know each other way back in the year 2000 – 2001 when we were just budding university student, full of hope, full of energy and took lots of chances whenever the situation arises. We were brought under the same roof in the University Hostel. Of the 4 of us, Ming Yew and I went on hiking trips in Kota Tinggi many times throughout the years in the University where the hike is actually a bonding event for the Annual rag and flag committee.

We stayed together for a few years after we’ve left the hostel and eventually the 4 of us went our separate ways, in terms of accommodation that is! So now back to the big question mark. The idea of the 4 of us going on one more Kota Tinggi hiking trip came about when our very own Mr. Lee is getting married. So it’s the whole,” we should go on one last big uber adventure, the four of us, again.” Naturally, Kota Tinggi came to mind and we decide to just do it!

And thus, that’s how it’s being decided.

So the decision was made and a date was chosen. All of us made sure our leaves are approved and the planning stage begins. We got our heads together and drew up an inventory list. As for the hiking route, we planned on taking a very common hiking route and the same one for our University hiking trip but like all natural environments, just a few hours the landscape can become rather different if you are not familiar with the place but to us that was where all the adventure lies; to find our way up there to that sandy campsite, after so many years.

Of all the “survival gears” we have, I believe the one category that contributed to the most weight in our knapsack will be FOOD! Each of us brought 2 bottles of isotonic drink and 1 bottle of mineral water, the big one liter ones. That would make up a good 3 kg in our bags. The second biggest contributor to the weight of our bags would have to be the camping gears. This would include the tent, which we are bringing one set of 4-men tent equipment; the mass tins and also a camping stove with solid fuels; We also brought some charcoals as a means to start a camp fire as charcoal is known to be able to sustain in “ember” state for a good while before it burns out. Apart from that, we have the utensils and a big steamboat pot which has to be lugged or tied on our knapsack. This is in an attempt to have a steamboat party up in the mountains, in the wilderness, which I must say is one of the most “looked-forward” to activity we have for this trip. On top of all that, we still have to prepare our clothes. One set for changing because definitely we are going to get wet on the way up and we do not want to be freezing ourselves at night. A fresh set of clothes will be left in the car that is parked at Kota Tinggi Resort for changing when we come down the next day.

So we have checked what we packed against the checklist that we have made earlier. It is now time for the trip! The plan for the day is that I will be spending the night before the trip at Pk’s place, ongky will drive down to meet us and we’ll pick up Ming Yew at the custom because he will be coming in from Singapore. And we are all set and excited about the trip!

The morning of KT trip day

Woke up at 7 am in the morning, washed up and called Ongky to make sure he is up and on his way and also checked Ming Yew is on his way too. Ongky came over and we pick MY up. Breakfast time! And we are just praying for a good and sunny weather the whole day because it is known to be dangerous if it rains while we are in the forest because the flash flood can be scary and we might have to turn back half way if it rains too heavily.

The 4 buggers, almost reaching uber unclehood. Nice downcast at the back.

And then, we are on our way. It’s been at least 5 years since we have trekked KT, so it’s going to take some time to recall the exact route up. However, the fact that it is a very popular trekking route, it should be easy to find our way around.

First off, from the back of my head, I know we have to head out of the KT resort and find a oil palm plantation which we have to walk through in order to reach the “base” of the campsite. Not really knowing what await for us ahead (which is probably why it’s exhilarating), we set off and hoping some of the landmarks will trigger off our memories.

Love Your Mother Nature. Bring Your Litter Home.

Oh, before I go on, please refer to the next picture and make sure you guys who are reading this take it very seriously! The reason why till today, we have such a nice place to trek and to experience mother nature at its purest form is because people take responsibility for not polluting or destroying mother nature.

The Hike

So we head out and pass the entrance to the resort. We pass by a gate which is locked up and to what seems to be oil palms beyond it. We thought that the entrance to the place is permanently sealed off but we shrugged that aside and continue on down the road and that is when we reach an open entrance and there is sort of a zinc roof shag beside it with people there. A old man was sitting there puffing away on his cigarette and we asked if this is the entrance to where we are going to find the route up to the campsite and we got an affirmative from him. Although before we enter, the old man warned us and told us to be careful because just a few days before, a bunch of campers attempted the route and one of them fell to his death. Scary as it is, we pushed on. And as we walk on the red muddy road, can’t help but think to ourselves: – “Finally, after all these years, we are once again going into the WILD!” really psyche up after watching that show. To be able to experience nature and to be just out there in wilderness. For KT, it’s not wilderness and harsh environment per se, but it’s good enough to set those adventure senses tingling.

Walking thru the oil palm plantation

And so as we walk on in the muddy trail, our memories are starting jolting back into us and many of the surroundings become familiar. It seems there is not much of a big change except that there are more heavy transportation trucks going in and out of the plantation carrying the oil palms. But then again, having said that, when you are inside the forest, just a couple of hours, the whole landscape can change due to fallen trees, I mean BIG fallen trees and also minor mud slides. Though the big rocks will never be moved by even the most severe weather. Thing is, if you do not know what to look out for, there is a good chance that you cannot recognize at all the landscape after a few hours, especially after a big rain.

The Entrance

As we walk further and deeper into the oil palm plantation, we started looking for that little water stream which is part of our memories and we had to take some “guessing” turns at some point but all did not prove to be fruitless, we finally found the stream and following that stream we arrive at the “entrance” to the forest area where the real trekking begins. The beginning of the more “hardcore” trek where getting wet feet and getting muddied clothes is a sure guarantee!

And as we walk on, everything becomes familiar. The entrance into the adventure is exactly the same many years ago. Our body started to be filled with adrenalin and the heart pumps faster and we are all ready for the adventure ahead. And there we are walking into the wild!

Going upstream

The so call entrance is covered a little by the overgrowth from the trees but seeing the sandy route, we know that it is definitely the path we have to take and so under the overgrowth we duck and walk through and once through a winding long sandy path in between all the trees can be seen. At that point in time, we know that we are on the right trek and forward we pressed on. Weather check is still a downcast and dark clouds are building. Good chance that it will be raining half way into the trek. But we push on, only on the agreement that we stay on high grounds whenever we can and if the rain really comes down plummeting the forest, we will back up and abandon plan. This is because a flash floods are common in KT and have claims many lives before.

Not long into the sandy path, we reach the first place where we will get in contact with the water. The chilly water of KT waterfall is nice and refreshing, but it’s not for drinking definitely unless you want to risk getting infected by E-coli or other very nasty bacteria in the water. But definitely it’s good for cooling the body down and with puri-tabs, the water can be dis-infected and drank.

The skies gets darker as we trek along, seeing all the familiar bugs and plants and also big big ends with their big big jaws. Very soon, we reach the first place where we have to scale an almost vertical wall. I remember that it use to be lot more harder because there is no definite steps or ropes that can aid you in the climb. Still a good climb nonetheless and all of us made it up with no problem.

Mini Rock Climbing

After scaling this mini wall, the weather started to deteriorate, think clouds started to form, completely blotching out the skies and it will get quite dark when you are in the forest due to that because it takes much more light to penetrate through the thick forest growth. We were still near to the waters and on not so high ground when it starts to drizzle. Knowing that our position is not the most ideal in this case we pushed on faster because if we are to back out now, we will be on even lower grounds which means chances of getting hit by a flash flood if the rain comes down will be high. Knowing that there is a good high place where we will be in front, we pushed forward hard. Taking the steep slope up as fast as we can and by the time we got up to the higher place and much further from the waters, it started to pour. Thank God it wasn’t a thunder storm but just a big downpour with not so scary wind. Because if we have any of those, we will have to find ourselves a place clear of trees for it will be dangerous if big branches start breaking and falling down on us and lightning might just strike a tall tree!

We hanged on for a while as the rain comes down on us hoping that it’s not going to last for a very long time. Lucky as we can be, the rain started to become small and eventually stopped and the sun came pouring in. Now that’s a weather that changes in no time. That is a typical characteristic of the tropical climate. The sun came out like a brilliant wide smile and of course that has lifted our spirits a bit. Through the “valley” water path and after some rock scaling, we reach the very first “real” waterfall and decide to take a break. That was when we started snacking on some chocolates to replenish our energy. It was really good to have the sun out and we are having a mini picnic by the waterfall.

After this pit stop, we got on our way again. The comfort of the warm sunlight was short lived and the whole forest darkens as the heavy clouds loomed over us. From here on out, we were not able to take any photos till we got to the top. There is a lot of water trails and the rain started pouring. We kept ourselves on the high grounds as much as possible and waited for the rain to subside before we go near any water.

We went on top speed, as best as we could and prayed really hard that the rain will stop hammering on us. The rain can really demoralize spirits. Eventually we came to a path which is blocked by a huge fallen tree, tired both physically and mentally, we couldn’t find a safe way over the tree and at that point in time, the question of whether we should turn back surfaced. With the rain hammering hard on us and as we feel like it’s seemingly really dangerous to try to push on, I was turning back. This was when Mingyew went ahead and climbed down the mud wall and detoured around the fallen tree. A simple solution to the blocked path! Now we know, whatever that is written in the SAS guidebook can only be the truth. Do not be demoralized and having the will to survive is of utmost importance. No matter how physically fit you are, in the wild, your will can easily be broken by a whole list of reason. In this case, with a cool and calm mind and a will to get to the top, Mingyew found the way!

We followed what he did and went on ahead. Once we passed that, we reach the third and last waterfall, though we would have wanted to stay longer, but it’s getting late and we will have quite a bit to do when we get up to the top. So we decided to push on ahead to the top and do the sightseeing the next day on our way down.

And finally we reach the campsite as the skies start to darken once again. We wasted no time in starting to setup camp. For any camping trips, how can we not have a camp fire right and thus the collection of “firewood” commences! In no time we got the tent setup and we manage to gather some wood which PK started a fire with. However we didn’t gather big enough logs so the initial big fire died off fast and we went gathering for whatever wood we can find after that.

Burn fire burn

Soon after the fire is up, we took turns to take a quick shower at the nearby stream and soon after, we settled down after spreading the plastic sheets around on the floor where we start to cook some dinner and of course while there is daylight, we played a few games of CITADELS a card game which PK will bring along for outings as such. Due to a shortage of wood and we did not bring any parangs to chop us some nice logs, we scavenged around for whatever wood we can find to keep the fire burning. The fire went out a second time and Ming Yew went ahead a start a new one.

And basically after that we were just chilling and chatting. The fire died down to an amber and we kept the fire alive as long as we could using whatever wood or twigs we have scavenged. Night falls and the wind started blowing. All of us suit up soon after and huddled around the fire. The best thing since bread would be boiling hot milo in the cold chilly wilds. As the night goes by, which surprisingly is pretty slow because what feels like 10 pm at night is actually only 8 pm.

Suddenly, from the distant woods, we heard chattering and torchlight beams shooting into the skies. For a moment we thought it might be robbers who come up to the Kota Tinggi campsite to rob people. From the entrance of the campsite, we heard someone shouting, “Is anybody there?!” It’s a huge bunch of people, we shone our torch light into the skies and shouted, “Yep!” It was a bunch of campers who got lost in the woods and had to find their way in the dark to this campsite. These guys are actually from Singapore, from the police force! We chatted with them for a bit and they went on to set up their camp site and cook their dinner. Which sadly, only going to consist of biscuits and break because their gas canister leaked.

After chatting and having a few drinks amongst ourselves, we decide to just lie down in the tent and turn in, albeit it is a little bit early. But all of us will need the rest for we will be making our way down the next day. This is the part of the camping trip that I personally enjoy the most because in the wilderness, there are not “light noises” to dim the starlight. Coupled with the earlier rain, the sky is clear and it’s being peppered with stars all over. Not long after lying down, I drifted to sleep. The whole night the 4 of us just keeps waking up intermittently because our friendly neighbours are blasting music and walking around and taking our mosquito coils (found out the next morning).

As the night goes by, the wind started howling strongly and I can feel some tiny droplet of rain on my face. The sky has got red patches all over as the rain clouds gather. I started to get worried because if it rains, I doubt the tent will be able to keep us dry because we are using a severely undersized poncho as a flysheet. That worry was short lived because I drifted into deep sleep after that. The deeper the night go the colder it gets. Good thing we are all well equipped, with windbreakers, socks and sleeping bags and in no time day break came. We woke up, wash up and start making some breakfast.

After an energy boosting breakfast, we packed up our gears and of course pack all the trash that we brought up into black trash bags so we can bring them back down to be properly dispose. That is the first rule that all campers/trekkers should be abiding with. CLEAR YOUR TRASH! Everyone has their part to do for the environment. It is vital to keep the environment as clean and as intact as possible.

Leave no trace behind – Clear your rubbish

Once all the trash are cleared and stuffs are packed, we are ready to set off! It is good to head back down early morning because that will give us more time to hang around each of the waterfall. The first waterfall that we will pass by is the biggest waterfall amongst the three on this route up.

Pelepah Waterfalls @ Kota Tinggi

This is the part of the trip where we snapped the most “touristy” photos. Simple because the waterfall is just hard to give a miss.

After chilling out at this biggest tallest waterfall, we mainly focus on getting back down to the bottom. Half way through our way down, both the soles of my shoes came off and I have to use twines to keep them together. It will seriously blow if I have to get down to the bottom barefooted.

We didn’t stop much after that waterfall except when I have to tighten my shoe soles. We manage to get down to the bottom without much hassle or problems and once we got back to the resort, we took turns to take a good long clean shower. At this point in time, hunger strikes us mercilessly and we are out to look for something that is going to fill our stomachs up real good.

After clearing up the trash, repack our camping gears, hop onto the car we go! Some battle scars on Ming Yew’s knee cap area. Proof of KT climb!

We drove to Kota Tinggi town and we were just driving around to find some good food. And as we are driving and thinking and fighting the hunger, we saw this old coffee shop with a big sign board saying clay pot “BAK KUT TEH”. That’s a local delight that is consist of a nice herbal black pepper soup and pork. Mainly pork ribs. We took the leap of faith, park our car and went into the shop. I have to say, that was one of the most fantastic meal I have ever had and that BAK KUT TEH is good stuff.

Bak Kut Teh @ Kota Tinggi Town

We clean up the pots of pork ribs, dry bean curbs and salted vegetables real good. After sipping some Chinese tea and rest, we made our way back home and that marks the end of our one day adventure trip.

If anyone is looking for a nice one day trip in Johor Bahru, this is a place you have to visit. Medium level trekking and a nice camping site with great scenery. One thing to keep in mind though, it’s will never be just about the place you are going to, but more importantly would be the company of people you are with. Nothing less than a good weekend trip for my good buddies and me!

Trip Report – Pelepah Waterfalls Kota Tinggi, Johor Bahru: is contributed by guest writer Likchee.

Horizon Hills’s signature offering and star attraction is a RM30 million 18-hole international championship golf course designed by renowned Australian Golf Course Architect, Ross Watson, on a 200-acre naturally undulating golf course and a RM50 million resort clubhouse designed by Argentinean Architect, Ernesto Bedmar with a host of 5-star amenities including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis courts, golf & sports shop, F & B outlets and a grand ballroom.

For a more unique experience, Ross Watson has applied the “Risk Reward” design principle to the golf course, preserving the natural terrain of the land, with lots of waterways. Many holes feature dramatic changes in elevation from tee to green. For a long hitter, temptation is to go for the greens on the par-4 of hole 4 and hole 16.

Moreover, hole 17 features a very interesting Island Green, a rather short par-3 of about 130 metres, where accuracy and club selection is important. Hole 18 is a very dramatic finishing hole. For the long and accurate hitters, the temptation is to go for the Island Fairway. Once there, the next shot to the green is a middle-to-long iron on this par-5 hole. Two good shots and an eagle would be waiting.

The unique features of the golf course include classical bunkering with sweeping sand faces. Strategically located cascading waterfalls, pristine ponds and lakes feature throughout the course, posing many interesting challenges to both serious and aspiring golfers alike.

The greens are planted with “Tifeagle”, a new hybrid of Bermudagrass developed exclusively for putting greens in the tropics. “Tifeagle” has proven to be a premier putting surface and it delivers the putting speed, consistency and smooth surface desired and can be groomed to speeds of 11 to 12 on the stimpmeter. “Tifeagle” recovers more quickly from mechanical injury, has better colour, and is extremely drought-tolerant and disease-resistant.

The Tees, Fairways and Roughs are planted with “Seashore Paspalum” (Paspalum vaginatum), a new turfgrass species and cultivars that have a high degree of salt tolerance. This grass has been used extensively in the tropics with consistently good results. It is a lush, low growing turfgrass with a nice texture, provides a good “ball sit” and rich green colour. This grass has rapid grow-in and recovery rate from traffic and divots.

Golf Rates

Weekends refer to Saturday, Sunday morning and State public holiday.

Green Fee – Weekday
Special guest: RM40+ (9 hole) | RM60+ (18 hole)
Guest: RM60+ (9 hole) | RM90+ (18 hole)
Visitor: RM80+ (9 hole) | RM120+ (18 hole)

Green Fee – Weekend
Special guest: RM60+ (9 hole) | RM110+ (18 hole)
Guest: RM90+ (9 hole) | RM160+ (18 hole)
Visitor: RM120+ (9 hole) | RM220+ (18 hole)

Green Fee – Sunday Afternoon
Special guest: RM50+ (9 hole) | RM90+ (18 hole)
Guest: RM80+ (9 hole) | RM120+ (18 hole)
Visitor: RM100+ (9 hole) | RM180+ (18 hole)

Buggy Fee
Special guest: RM30+ (9 hole) | RM60+ (18 hole)
Guest: RM30+ (9 hole) | RM60+ (18 hole)
Visitor: RM35+ (9 hole) | RM70+ (18 hole)

Getting There

Close to Singapore and Johor Bahru, Horizon Hills is strategically located in an easily accessible area. The township is about 20 km from the Second Link’s Tuas Checkpoint, 15 km from the port of Tanjung Pelepas, 25 km from Senai Airport and JB city and 70 km from Singapore’s Changi Airport. Horizon Hills is accessible via major highways such as the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link, North-South Expressway, Skudai Expressway and Perling Expressway.

Contact

Horizon Hills Resort Berhad (769101-H)
No. 1 Jalan Eka, Horizon Hills, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor Darul Takzim
Tel : 07-2323166
Fax : 07-2323919
For Reservation, please call +607-2323166
Official Website: Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club

It is only about 5 minutes drive from the new Johor Bahru CIQ (Customs, Immigration & Quarantine) and JB Sentral. So if you are thinking of heading towards to Singapore or just coming in from Singapore, this will definitely be a good place. One of the prime shopping malls of Johor Bahru, City Square shopping center, is also around the corner – thus your shopping needs and food hunting should be only a few footsteps away.

Prices for a standard room in Puteri Pacific is normally a little tad higher compared to other hotels in the region, but that’s because you are paying for a internationally recognized hotel which will guarantee the services that you’re paying for.

I will definitely suggest a stay in The Puteri Pacifi!

Information from online sources regarding The Puteri Pacific –
Other facilities at the Puteri Pacific Johor Bharu Hotel include high-speed internet access, twenty-four hour in-room dining, a business centre, a limousine service, a currency exchange, laundry/dry-cleaning services, safe-deposit boxes, a kiosk, valet and self-parking facilities, babysitting services, car hire, and a florist.

New bus and taxi pick up points are provided along Jalan Jim Quee to enhance this new rail station.
The bus station is expected to handle approximately 15000 bus passengers per hour, to reduce traffic congestion on the 20 year-old Larkin Terminal Station. Two (2) multilevel car parks (comprising 726 car parking bays) are situated over both sides of the JB Sentral to provide parking facilities for the entire project.

As part of the new gateway, the JB Sentral will be located along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. The new rail station sits over new tracks that will be connected to a swing bridge to cross the Straits of Johor to Singapore. A pedestrian bridge connects JB Sentral to Johor Bahru City Square and Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Tun Abdul Razak Complex), also known as the new CIQ – JB immigration.

Transportation chief advisor, Dato Ong Seng Yon has announced that an LRT system will be constructed around year 2015 to include JB Sentral as its main terminal. The project is expected to complete by end of 2019. The system would be known as RAPID JB (RAngkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Johor Bahru).

It will consists of 2 lines known as:

* Tebrau Line

Stations: JB Sentral-> Wadihana-> DangaCityMall-> Jln Abiad (Century Garden) ->Plaza Pelangi->Crystal Crown->PublicBank Taman Sentosa-> Mutiara Motors-> Kampung Melayu Baru-> Jln Kempas-> Kilang Yeos-> Taman Molek-> Taman Johor Jaya-> Carrefour-> AEON Tebrau City

* Skudai Line

Stations: Plaza Pelangi-> Holiday Plaza-> Terminal Bas Larkin-> Taman Tasek-> Teluk Danga-> Bandar Baru UDA-> Jln Camar 5 (Taman Perling) -> BestMart (Taman Nusa Bestari) -> Plaza Tasek (Taman Ungku Tun Aminah)

Have you stayed in a place you would like to recommend? or one that you detest so much that you want to warn others about it? Malaysia Travel Guide is for you and other travelers. You can make it more useful by sharing your accommodation reviews. The more comments and reviews we have on the hotels in the database, the more you and other conscious travelers have to go on for making decisions.

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Kukup: Kelong

Located South-west of Johor1 km offshore from the quaint little fishing village of Kampung Air Masin in Kukup Laut (Pontian District), Pulau Kukup is an island entirely covered by mangrove forest and surrounded by mudflats – the mudflats extend up to a few kilometres on the West and Northwest of the island. There is currently no human habitation or man made structures on the island.

In order to promote preservation of this unique mangrove habitat, Pulau Kukup is designated as a Ramsar site (or otherwise known as a Wetlands of International Importance) on 31 January 2003, it is also protected as a national park under the Johor State Park Corporation Enactment 1989 since 27 March 1997.

Pulau Kukup is dissected by a few tidal creeks and channels. Six channels/creeks flow through Pulau Kukup: Sungai Ular, Sungai Solok, Sungai Sedang, Sungai Tong Kang, Sungai Merah and Sungai Jempol. Most of the channels are narrow and blind and very picturesque, being fringed by the stilt roots of Rhizophora and breathing roots of Sonneratia and Avicennia.

Pulau Kukup is relatively rich in biological diversity although it is a small isolated island from the mainland. It is home to 27 species of true and associated mangrove species which include common species such as Bakau Minyak Rhizophora apiculata, Bakau Kurap Rhizophora mucronata, Tumu Bruguiera cylindrica, Perepat Sonneratia alba dan Api-api Avicennia spp. So far 12 wildlife species have been recorded on the island include protected species such as the Smooth Otter, Dusky Leaf Monkey, Long tailed Macaque and Wild boars.

The rich diversity of marine aquatic life here which includes the shrimps, crabs, shellfish and marine fishes remain the main source of income for local fishermen. The island provides shelter and nursery grounds for these marine lives. In addition, the island physically protects the cage culture industry which is located along the Straits of Kukup from strong winds and waves. Commercial fish species cultured here include the Sea Bass, Grouper and Mangrove Snapper which are largely destined for overseas market.

Pulau Kukup harbours at least 76 bird species which broadly include forest birds, raptors and waterbirds such as the Lesser Adjutant, Grey Heron, Mangrove Pitta, Collared Kingfisher and Brahminy Kite. It is also one of the important migratory stop-over sites for shorebirds such as Whimbrel, Redshank, Greenshank and Common Sandpiper. These birds are commonly seen at the island from September till February the following year. One can also observe the migration of raptors such as the Oriental Honey Buzzard, which hovers over the sky enroute their travel to Indonesia. This is evident between September and December.

Pulau Kukup National Park Corporation
1319, Mukim Air Masin, 82300 Kukup
Pontian, Johor
Tel: 07-6969355
Fax: 07-6969366
E-mail: pulaukukup@johorpark.com
Website: www.johorpark.com

HOW TO GET THERE
Visitors can access Kukup town from various points: using the North-South Highway, exit at Simpang Renggam toll and turn left towards Benut and proceed to Pontian/Kukup; another route is from Johor Bahru through Skudai and proceed to Pontian; foreign visitors from Singapore and Tanjung Balai (Indonesia) can access the town through ferry services. From Kukup town, visitors can access the island by tourist boats.

Visitors who plan to visit this mangrove island are advised to first register at the Pulau Kukup Johor National Park office located in the town centre in Kukup, before proceeding to the nearby jetty.

Reputedly one of the oldest rainforests in the world the Endau Rompin National Park which covers 50, 000 hectares is a treasure trove of wonders which include fan palms which stand taller than a man, the over 200mil year old rock formations, the legendary 120 metre high Buaya Sangkut waterfalls and the Endau and Rompin rivers. If very lucky you could chance upon the Sumatran Rhinos now so rare in Peninsular Malaysia. To visit the park you need to obtain a permit from the Johor National Park Corporation or the District Office. You will also be guided by forest rangers at all times within the park.

The mystic local folklore and the tales of the supernatural which surrounds the legendary Gunung Ledang or Mount Ophir add to its allure. This majestic work of nature, the highest peak in Johor at 1,267 metres above sea level, is a popular tourist attraction with the magnificence of the Sagil Waterfall drawing picnickers regularly. You may also wish to try the challenge trails to the peak approximately 5 hours of grueling effort will take you through dense jungle and enchanting flora and fauna to glorious vistas from peak.

Stand at the southernmost tip of the Asia Continent at the humble Tanjung Piai and receive a certificate. Set amidst an extensive natural mangrove forest you can enjoy watching the frolics of the stars of the mangrove forest, the multi coloured mangrove crabs, bug eyed mud skippers and crab eating macaques. You could opt for a traditional kampong experience via the Homestay and Agro tourism projects and also indulge in the exceptional seafood in Kukup.

The flicker of firefly colonies like a thousand stars on the boughs of the Berembang trees in Kota Tinggi along the banks of Johor River is a mesmerizing sight. The riverbank is also a popular haunt for prawn fishing which you could experience by hiring a boat to take you to choice spots along the river. Be warned though that skill, patience and luck are necessary ingredients for a good haul!

Johor Fun Map

Johor Detailed Map: Click Map to Enlarge

Johor Bahru Detailed Map: Click Map to Enlarge

Places of Interest
2D Anjung Warisan
3C Chinese Temple
2E Dataran Bandaraya
5E Duty Free Zone
4E Hindu Temple
3C Hutan Bandar
1D Istana Bukit Serene
5D Istana Setulang
2D Johor Art Gallery
4E Johor Bahru Municipal Council
1A Kompleks Budaya Kraf
4D MBJB Indoor Stadium
4E Plaza Seni
2B Public Library
3E Royal Abu Bakar Museum
1C Royal Johor Country Club
1C Sarasa Craft Centre
4E Sikh Temple
3E Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
4E Sultan Ibrahim Building
3E Zoo

ENTERTAINMENT/SHOPPING
4D Best World Plaza
4E City Square
5E Customs Complex
4B Holiday Plaza
4E KOMTAR
5B Lien Hoe Complex
4D Menara Landmark
4C Pelangi Plaza
5C Pelangi Leisure Mall
4E Plaza Kotaraya

BUS,TAXI, RAILWAY STATIONS,
RAILWAY, POLICE STATION
4C Johor Police Headquarters
2B Larkin Bus Terminal
4E Police Station
4E Railway Station

HOSPITAL
2E Hospital

HOTELS
4C Century Plaza Hotel
4E Compact Hotel
4C Crystal Crown Hotel
5E Eden Garden Hotel
4C Grand Continental Hotel
4E Grand Bluewave Hotel
2E Hyatt Regency Johor Bahru
1D M-Suite
5E Merlin Inn Johor Bahru
4B Mutiara Johor Bahru
5E Naza Hotel
4C New York Hotel
3E Hotel Rasa Sayang
2A Seri Malaysia Johor Bahru

Malaysia Maps
1. Johor Maps: Johor & Johor Bahru
2. Kedah Maps: Kedah & Langkawi
3. Kelantan Maps: Kelantan & Kota Bahru
4. Malacca Maps: Malacca Town
5. Negeri Sembilan Maps: Negri Sembilan & Seremban
6. Pahang Maps: Pahang & Kuantan
7. Penang Maps: Penang & Georgetown
8. Perak Maps: Perak & Ipoh
9. Sabah Maps: Sabah & Kota Kinabalu
10. Sarawak Maps: Sarawak & Kuching
11. Selangor Maps: Selangor, Putraraya & Kuala Lumpur
12. Terengganu Maps: Terengganu & Kuala Terengganu

** Maps sourced from : www.tourism.gov.my (Tourism Malaysia Official Website )