Lets travel Johor

Pulau Kukup National Park

Pulau Kukup is one of the largest uninhabited mangroves in the world. It is also the only one situated in Johor waters. Today, Pulau Kukup has received international recognition, being granted the status of a 'Wetland of International Importance' (RAMSAR site) by the Geneva- based Ramsar Convention Bureau. A local folklore tells the tale of Pulau Kukup, an abode for five celestial princesses. One day, one of them fell in love with a sailor and they eloped. A curse was set upon the island of Kukup and it was submerged by sea. 

The island later resurfaced, but it was covered in mangroves. Many have tried to settle on this island, but without success. Some say this is because the island is inhabited by spirits. Pulau Kukup is today the home of countless species of wildlife. Among these are playful monkeys, quiet mudskippers and nosy wild boars. Enjoy the beauty of the national park, and be immersed in a delightful natural ecosystem.

Sibu Island

Pulau Sibu is a pleasant hideaway with its lush tropical vegetation, endless stretches of golden beaches and clear blue waters. The island is also dotted with numerous sea caves carved out of rocks. The constant pounding of the sea during the monsoon season has given the island a beautiful yet rugged appearance. 

The surrounding waters contain fascinating coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life. Shipwrecks off its coast can also be found. In the olden days, Chinese junks and pirate vessels often exchanged cannon fire around this island, and the remains of these battles lie scattered around the seabed. There are facilities for scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, sailing and angling. Visitors can go for a hike through the jungle leading to unspoilt mangrove swamps or visit the kelong, or jetty, where anchovies are caught. Alternatively, head for the kampung, or village, to get a first-hand look at how coconuts are smoked to make copra.

Pantai Kampung Air Papan

Water Board, coordinated 2 ° 30'59 .26 "N 103 ° 50'5 .6" T, is a beach located in Kampung Air Papan, Mersing, Johor, Malaysia. Located about 12 KM north of Mersing, the beach is popular with locals, especially on weekends and public holidays. They can swim in the blue water, playing in the beach area or just sit and relax in the shade of the trees along the edge of the beach. From here, visitors can see quite clearly the archipelago as the Big Island, Rawa Island, Tioman Island and Middle Island, and nearby smaller islands such as Pulau Batu Gajah and Pulau Setindan.

Endau Rompin National Park

Endau Rompin, straddling the Johor/Pahang border, is the second National Park after Taman Negara. It covers an area of approximately 80,000 hectares of rich and exotic flora and fauna, encompassing the watershed of the rivers Endau and Rompin, from which it derives its name. In other words, this place is huge. The park is home to a vast species of birds, mammals, frogs, insects and exotic varieties of orchids, herbs, medicinal plants and trees. It seems that every time a scientific expedition returns from Endau Rompin, they discover a new species! 

Regular treks through the jungle will give adventurers sightings of leaf monkeys, long-tail macaques, white- handed gibbons, elephants, deer, tapirs and the occasional tiger and leopard. For adventure lovers and river trekkers, there are exhilarating rapids and fairly substantial waterfalls. To protect the pristine environment, only limited areas of the park are open for ecotourism. Entry to the park requires a special permit from the Johor National Park Corporation.

Puteri Harbour Theme Park

Puteri Harbour Theme Park is in a modern block which resembles a shopping mall or an office complex. A sign outside says 'Little Red Cube'. It is located in the fast developing Nusajaya district adjoining a new marina and faces Singapore on the opposite bank of the Straits of Johor.

Part of this complex was still being completed and no doubt more shops and restaurants will open up in the coming months. The Ground Floor of the complex is made up of a large merchandise store, the Red Bow Café and the ticketing counters. The shop sells Hello Kitty, Pingu, Barney, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina and Thomas the Tank Engine products. Escalators lead up the First Floor where Sanrio Hello Kitty Town is located. The escalators continue up to the Second Floor and Third Floors where the Little Big Club is located.

Johor Premier Outlets

Shopaholics will love this place, an outdoor shopping centre with a collection of over 60 designer fashion, sportswear, shoes, bags, accessories and gift shops selling branded items at direct from factory prices. Not really my cup of tea, but a pleasant atmosphere, plenty of parking and a good selection of places to eat.

Legoland Malaysia

Legoland Malaysia theme park, the first in Asia, is situated in Nusajaya, Johor. Situated on 76 acres of land, the park is the sixth such park to open in the world. Previous parks are located in Billund, Denmark (1968), Windsor, England (1996), California, USA (1999), Germany (2002), Florida, USA (2005). Legoland is built with over 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions. One of the main attractions here is the Miniland. More than 30 million lego bricks are used in the building of these monuments including the Petronas Twin Towers, The Merlion Statue, Taj Mahal and others.

These well-known buildings are built using lego bricks, an interactive world on a scale of 1:20 where people, trains and aeroplanes come to life at the touch of a button. Other attractions at the park include Lego City, Land of Adventure, Imagination, Lego Kingdom and Lego Technic. In the theme park, there is also an Observation Tower which is the highest tower in Legoland Malaysia, some 60 meters from the ground. This is also the third Legoland observation tower in the world after Denmark and Germany. Legoland is a fascinating place to visit for children and adults alike!

Mawar Gallery

The first of its kind in Malaysia, the Mawar Gallery showcases the "Gracious and Famous Ladies of Johor". Housed in a building about 100 years old, the permanent gallery is an amazing achievement towards the recognition of women in Johor, especially to those who have publicly contributed to the knowledge and achievements of Johor.  Portraits of all past Sultanahs of Johor since 1886 until the present day, as well as ladies of the Royal Family and grand ladies of Johor are displayed here, serving as a tribute to ladies from all walks of life and professions.