Johor Attractions – Natural Attractions
A diverse variety of natural attractions ranging from ancient rainforests, beautiful flora and fauna to thriving wetlands, cascading waterfalls and charming farms await visitors to Johor.
Endau-Rompin National Park
This national park covers an area of approximately 92000 ha of rich flora and fauna, encompassing the rivers of Endau and Rompin. It straddles across two states, on the south of Pahang and the north of Johor which takes up approximately 48,905ha. Visitors will be amazed at the sight of the rare fan-palm trees with leaves shaped like giant-spoked wheels. It is also home to the largest surviving population of Sumatran Rhinoceros in Peninsular Malaysia. There are some 26km of jungle trails within the park, the most well-trodden being the grueling 16km trail from Kuala Jasin to Batu Hampar and Buaya Sangkut.
Gunung Ledang
The prized natural attraction in the district of Muar is Gunung Ledang or Mount Ophir. Here, visitors can embark on a challenging two-day return trek to the 1276 meter high peak, passing through waterfalls and forests. Ice-cold cascades, diverse flora and fauna, mountain trails and breathtaking views of the Straits of Malacca and the Sumatran coastline in the distance make this a memorable destination.
Kota Tinggi Waterfalls
Kota Tinggi is the largest district in Johor. The waterfalls here are very popular with visitors to the state. Cool pools, spectacular cascades, handicraft stalls and holiday chalets beckon visitors to this attraction. There are also changing rooms and camping grounds at the base of the falls. The waterfall is a popular stopover for visitors on their way to the Desaru beach.
Opening hours: 8am-7pm
Admission fee: RM9(adult) RM5(child)
Kahang Organic Eco Farm Resort
The Kahang Organic Eco Farm Resort is the first certified organic rice farm in Malaysia. Within its 120 hectares of land are rice fields, fish ponds, farm animals and fruit trees. It offers farm stays which include life enrichment programs and activities such as jungle trekking, star-gazing, bamboo rafting and many more.
Dasaru Fruit Farm
At the 100-acre Desaru Fuit Farm, visitors will see rows and rows of fruits such as papaya, banana, pineapple, rambutan, during, mangosteen and many more. Experienced guides can be engaged for the orchard tours.
Opening hours: 8.30am-6.30pm
Admission fee: Free
Sungai Johor and Sungai Lebam Firefly Colonies
The firefly colonies of Sungai Johor and Sungai Lebam in Kota Tinggi are unique attractions in the state. Visitors can feast their eyes on the spectacular light displays from these insects, chish live on the berembang trees that grow along the riverbanks. Boats can be hired from the riverbank near Jalan Tepi Sungai for excursions along Sungai Johor.
Nasuha Spices and Herbs Paradise
A few kilometers from Pagoh town in the Muar district, is the Nasuha Spices and Herbs Paradise. This 1000-hectar spice and herb farm is home to hundreds of medicinal plants. There is also accommodation and a restaurant at the farm.
Opening hours: 10am-8pm
Tanjung Piai National Park
Visitors to the Tanjung Piai National Park in Pontian will have the opportunity to stand at the southernmost tip of Mainland Asia. There is a monument here to mark this geographical landmark. The park covers more than 926ha of forest of which 526ha are coastal mangroves with inhabitants that include dusky leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, several rare bird species and seasonal migratory birds.
Meandering through the park are concrete paths that lead to observation towers that allow panoramic views of the sea, coast and lush forest. Visitors can take part in activities such as camping, night walks and observation of nocturnal wetlands wildlife.