4. Johor
Johor was known in its early days as ‘Ujong Tanah’ meaning Land’s End. The present name Johor comes from an adaptation of the Arabic word ‘Jauhar’ which means precious stone or jewel.
It was founded in the early 1500s, by Sultan Ahmad Shah, the heir of Sultan Mahmud Shah, the last Sultan of Malacca before it fell into Portuguese hands. This Empire was then controlled by the Bugis of Celebes and the Minangkabaus of Sumatra in the 18th century. With British intervention, the state fell into the control of one Daing Ibrahim, who took the title of Sultan. His son, Sultan Abu Bakar, prospered Johor, developing its own constitution and efficiently administrating the state. For his efforts, Johor was the only state in Malaysia not completely controlled by the British right up till Independence Day.
Johor has a diverse cultural heritage and some gazetted rainforests, namely the Endau-Rompin range. Most of the economic sectors are concentrated in manufacturing and industry, but visitors will find that Johor has some spectacular places to see, especially those concerning history.
Attractions in Johor
- Pulau Rawa
Along the Straits of Johor, about 16 km away from Mersing town lies a big and beautiful island called Pulau Rawa. Known as the Maldives island (or some say Pearl of an island) of Johor, Pulau Rawa, otherwise known as Rawa Island, is a popular tourist spot. Well, that is not without good reason: lovely white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, great views of the sun, sea and hills – there’s so much to love about this gem of an island.
Rawa Island is still a little known marine-conserved island to many. It is also due to this reason that the natural beauty of this precious place is still well preserved and remains unpolluted, offering travellers and visitors the ideal spot for an island getaway. The weather in Rawa Island may be quite ideal all year round – not too hot but just warm and sunny with a little bit of rain throughout. However, do take note of the monsoon seasons which will affect the island activities there such as snorkelling and diving.
Avoid travelling during the months of November and December as hotels tend to close their doors during the rainy climate. Rough tides are usually present in the months of May and June, so do cross that period out of your travel calendar too
- Legoland
Legoland Malaysia Resort is Malaysia's first international theme park that has opened in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia on 15 September 2012 with over 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions. It is the first Legoland theme park in Asia and sixth in the world upon its establishment.[2] The official opening of Legoland Malaysia was made by Sultan Ibrahim Ismail, Sultan of Johor on 22 September 2012.
Legoland Malaysia's layout starts out with the park's main entrance area with the traditionally main entrance Legoland sight. There is a Legoland shop selling Lego products, toys, sets, DVDs, books and Legoland merchandise and other typical entrance area amenities. Imagination is to the left of the Beginning, which has Interactive Lego games and Lego building, this includes build and test an interactive Lego building attraction where visitors build houses, cars, skyscrapers, etc. After building then you can test them out, Lego Mindstorms a Lego computer games and robotics attraction. Sky cruiser an aerial monorail ride where you control your vehicle by pedaling it around the track above the paths of Legoland Malaysia with incredible views of the city outside Legoland complex and the park, Kid power towers a zierrer junior drop tower ride where you propel your vehicle seat upward to top of tower and then let go of your vehicle seat rope and that drops you down the tower. Lego Duplo playrooms an interactive little kids area dedicated to kids 2–6 years, where play with and play in play areas and Other Imagination attractions, shops and dining. Castle hill is located in the back of the park the Lego Knights and princesses themed castle.
- Endau Rompin National Park
Endau-Rompin is a beautiful national park in the southeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia. Together with Taman Negara and Royal Belum State Park it contains some of the oldest rainforests in the world. The name comes from the two rivers that run through the park; the Endau River and the Rompin River. People that visit the national park do so to visit the many wonderful waterfalls, or to visit the Orang Asli tribes. The park is not easily accessible (by normal vehicles) which makes it an attraction especially popular among adventure seekers. Many travel agencies offer package tours to Endau-Rompin; this often includes transport, accommodation, meals and guided jungle trails. Entry to the park requires a special permit (RM10) from the Johor National Park Corporation.
Just like Taman Negara there are many wildlife species that live in the park, chances on spotting them are slim as they have ample space to roam around within the park boundaries. The national park is known for having the largest remaining population of the highly endangered Sumatran rhinoceros. Other animals that live in the national park are the white-handed gibbon, Malaysian tiger, Asian elephant, wild boar, tapir, slow loris, deer, long-tail macaques and leopards. Among the many bird species that live in the park are the hornbills and kingfishers. As most of the animals know how to evade visitors it is more common to spot insects, spiders and the occasional snake.
- The Old Temple of Johor Bahru
Located in Johor Bahru town city centre along Jalan Trus, the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple is one of the oldest standing religious structures in Johor Bahru, and the most visited till today by devotees and visitors alike. Although there are no official records stating when the temple was built, the historical plaques in the temple states the temple was functional in 1870. That’s over 140 years!
The local Chinese community has said that the temple was built by religious Chinese leaders at the time, headed by a man named Mr Tan Hiok Nee who was the founder of Ngee Heng Co. The temple is also believed to be the first and only among the few temples to be named after a state in Malaysia.
Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple is still a much-visited place for prayers especially for the Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka and Hainan, which are Chinese dialect groups.The temple is rich and deep in its history and cultural roots, do read on to find out more and make it a cultural must stop for your next visit when you’re in Johor Bahru.
- Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
Put a visit to the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque on your to-do list when you are in Johor. This beautiful building combines Islamic and colonial English Victorian styles and sits on top of a hill overlooking Singapore and the Tebrau Straits.
Building of the mosque was completed in 1900 following an 8-year construction period. It is named after the sultan who commissioned its construction. Enjoy a stroll through the landscaped grounds and take a moment to study the four grand minarets, which resemble old Victorian clock towers. Look over the elegant detailing of the white façades
Non-Muslims are permitted to enter the mosque, but must observe a simple, modest dress code. This means no shorts, bare shoulders or sleeveless tops. If skirts are worn they should be longer than knee length. Inside, appreciate the beauty of the vast prayer hall, which can accommodate around 2,000 worshippers. Before entering, you will need to remove your shoes. The hall features grand Roman pillars and colonial-style windows. Admire the splendor of the chandeliers and the ornate carvings of the mimbar, or pulpit
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