Discovering Johor's Lesser-Known Attractions

JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- With an area spanning more than 19,000 square kilometres and 10 districts, each with its own distinct character, Johor is “rich” in terms of natural attractions and community-based experiences.

Yet beyond mainstream destinations such as Legoland and the commercial hub of Johor Bahru, many of Johor’s tourism assets — from forests and islands to gastronomy and agro-tourism — remain largely unexplored by the public.

The ‘Majestic Johor Media Famtrip’ organised by Tourism Johor recently offered an opportunity to discover a lesser-known side of the state.

The journey took journalists through villages, small towns, islands, orchards and conservation centres, all showcasing the wide-ranging potential of this southern state as a refreshing, relaxing holiday destination with a strong local identity.

1. Restoran Lobstam

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The first stop was Restoran Lobstam, a seafood eatery in Gelang Patah. True to the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, the restaurant looks modest from the outside, but the spread laid out on the table quickly awakened everyone’s appetite.

Everything served was undeniably fresh, from the crisp fried squid and aromatic chilli crab in coconut gravy to sweet and crunchy butter prawns.

2. Sultan Ibrahim Stadium

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Located in Iskandar Puteri, the football stadium, which accommodates up to 40,000 spectators, is impressive not only in size but also in its sophisticated design and world-class facilities.

Tour guide Mohd Sheikh Abdullah Md Taufik explained that the pitch is supported by a nine-layer underground drainage system to prevent waterlogging during heavy rain.

He said visitors to the stadium can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at exclusive areas such as the players’ lounge and dressing rooms.

Visitors can also opt for the experience of riding in a Hummer limousine around the stadium.

3. Desaru Fruit Farm

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At Desaru Fruit Farm in Kota Tinggi, visitors step into a lush haven of greenery, perfect for agro-tourism experiences and suitable for visitors of all ages.

A guided tour provides insights into more than 100 varieties of tropical fruits, including guava, starfruit and bananas, with entry priced at RM40 for adults and RM35 for children.

Established 31 years ago, the farm also features a mini-zoo housing 37 animal species, including peacocks, snakes, ostriches and goats.

4. SnowLand JB

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Who would have thought that in Johor’s tropical heat, there is a place where visitors can feel as though they have stepped into a temperate country?

Located next to Legoland Malaysia, SnowLand in Medini is ideal for those wanting a winter-like experience without leaving the country, with temperatures dropping to as low as –8 degrees Celsius.

Its content marketing executive Hanira Jailani said popular activities include posing amidst artificial snow and trying out the tall slide.

“Ticket prices vary by day. On weekdays, adult tickets are RM44.90 and children’s tickets RM34.90. On weekends, adult tickets remain RM44.90, but children’s tickets are RM39.90,” she said.

5. Sireh Park

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The 343-hectare Sireh Park in Iskandar Puteri is a serene escape for nature lovers. Its lead of marketing and communications Zakaria Baharuddin said the key attractions include a 10-kilometre hiking trail open from 7 am to 7 pm, as well as a lakeside area popular with families.

Other activities include cycling, kayaking, glamping and camping. Visitors can also relax with a cup of coffee at designated rest spots.

Here, visitors can also enjoy the experience of riding in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with their family and friends at night.

6. Batu-Batu

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Batu Batu, located on Pulau Tengah in Mersing, is more than a resort — it is a conservation-focused establishment dedicated to marine preservation, particularly sea turtle conservation under the auspices of the Tunku Abdul Jalil Conservation Centre.

Sea turtle eggs found along nearby beaches are relocated to a hatchery to increase survival rates before the hatchlings are released back into the ocean.

This conservation-led approach gives every visit deeper meaning. Guests enjoy crystal-clear waters and a tranquil island setting while witnessing conservation work up close.

Before returning to Kuala Lumpur, this writer made a stop at Kluang Rail Coffee in Yong Peng for a cup of coffee and traditional toast, a favourite of the locals for generations.

-- BERNAMA