Kluang
Kluang is a town in Kluang District, Johor, Malaysia. It is 110 km north of Johor Bahru, east-southeast of Batu Pahat, west of Mersing and south of Segamat. This district is the only one in the state that does not have a sea front, as it is surrounded by all the other districts — Johor Bahru, Pontian, Batu Pahat, Segamat, Mersing and Kota Tinggi — except for Muar district. Kluang has become a vibrant town with all the entertainment and branded goods which a modern town should have.
Understand
History
Kluang district is in the middle of the state of Johor. This district is the only district that does not have a sea front, as it is surrounded by all other districts except Muar district.
The name Kluang derives from the Malay word 'keluang' which means a type of flying fox or rather a type of fruit bat. They have almost completely disappeared due to the combination of hunting and destruction of their natural habitat deforestation. Some people believed that Kluang was named after two mountains that resemble the head and wing respectively of a bat from a distance.
Kluang was founded in 1915, to serve as the administrative centre for Central Johor. A railway line linking north to south Malaya was built passing through Kluang to provide the communication link to transport labour and tropical produces from Kluang and this helped in its growth since 1915. Roads were built to link Kluang to Johor Bahru towards the south, to Batu Pahat towards the north-west and to Mersing towards the east. Kluang is divided into two district councils: Simpang Renggam District Council (Majlis Daerah Simpang Renggam) based in the town of Simpang Renggam and Kluang Municipal Council (Majlis Perbandaran Kluang) based in the town of Kluang which is also the district capital. This district grew rapidly in 1920 and 1930 as a major rubber-producing district.
In its early days, Kluang as an entirely agricultural economy, is an agriculture hub of Johor; rubber and oil palm are the major crops. With the establishment of Institute Pertanian it has benefited the agricultural sector of Kluang. Now it has the biggest dragon fruit orchard, organic vegetables farm, organic rice farm, pineapples and tea plantation. Kluang is also famous for being the main producer of ceramic pottery and tiles, with pottery factories located at the border township of Machap. The most renowned tiles manufacturers are MML (Malaysian Mosaic), Guocera and Claytan all located at Kluang Industrial area. Kluang has also developed various industries including polymer, porcelain, paper, textiles and electrical products. It grew rapidly from agriculture sector to industrial sector in late 1970. The dynamic change was after the completion of BCB Plaza and Prime City Hotel, the first mega shopping mall in Kluang founded in 1996. The increasing commercial activities have brought major bank and stock brokerages house to set up branches in Kluang.
With the tremendous growth of economy, Kluang was upgraded from the status of District to Municipal in 2001.
Get in
By plane
The town does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is the Senai International Airport (JHB IATA) serving Johor Bahru.
By car
- Jalan Batu Pahat.
- Jalan Mersing.
- Jalan Intan.
- Jalan Paus.
- Taman Indah Jaya.
By bus
Kluang Bus Terminal, Jl Bakawali
Intercity bus service: 1. * Gunung Lambak O.M.O. Bus. 2. * Mersing Omnibus. 3. * Renggam Bus. 4. * Johore Motor Bus. 5. * S&S Bakti Transit Bus.
By train
- The town is served by the Kluang railway station KTM.
Get around
Kluang is served by Muafakat bus route KL001 departing from Kluang Bus and Taxi Terminal, stopping at Kluang Mall, Stor JKR Kluang, SMKA Kerajaan Johor, SK Lelaki Bandar Kluang, Taman Sri Kluang, Taman Intan, Taman Muhibah, Jalan Mengkibol Health Clinic, Merdeka Hotel, Kluang Golf and Country Club, Kluang Town Square, Giat Mara Kluang, Prime City Hotel. Bus departs every hour with first bus at 6AM and the last bus at 8PM.
See
- 1 Kluang Lake Square (Dataran Tasik Kluang), Kompleks Pejabat-Pejabat Kerajaan. Public square.
- 2 Kluang Street Art (Laman Kreatif Kluang), Jalan Merdeka. Street art.
- 3 Malay Village Square (Dataran Kampung Melayu), Jalan Kampung Melayu. Malay-themed public square.
- Kluang Modern Agriculture Project (Projek Pertanian Moden Kluang), off Jln Batu Pahat. An area of over 9,000 acres dedicated toward vegetable, fruit, herbal and grazing farms. UK Agro Farm is located within. Nice dirt road driving experience.
- Kluang Railway Station, in service since 1915. The railway passes through Kluang town, basically cutting it into two halves. Local residents once said that when the train approaches Kluang Railway station, the entire town stands still, as the main road into town temporarily closes for the train to pass. The station itself withstood the test of time and should be of interest for those who have passion for nostalgic photographs. Onsite is Kluang RailCoffee which has been operating since 1938.
- St. Louis Church, (at the end of Jln Omar, a few meters away from Kluang Railway Station). Built in 1964 with its own unique architecture.
- Little India, Jln Stesen is the "Little India" of Kluang. It is lined with shops offering various merchandise catering to the needs and wants of the Indian community, especially sarees, herbs and spices, and also household items. There are also several Indian restaurants offering various Indian cuisines and local food as well as the local –favorite "Teh Tarik".
- Jalan Ismail (opposite Jln Stesen). Just like Jln Stesen, this street is interesting for the traditional Chinese traders and craftsman. One of them is shoe making. A couple of cobblers with basic equipment continue to produce shoes manually and customers can buy the ready-made shoes on display or request the cobblers to make a pair according to their specification.
- Masjid Jamek Kluang, Jln Sekolah, (beside Sekolah Tinggi Kluang). An old mosque, very popular among local Muslims for prayers as it can accommodate up to 1,000 people at any one time.
- Old buildings at Jln Lambak, next to Jl Ismail is Jl Lambak. Nowadays, it is filled with modern businesses like Medan Johbase, but there is still a row of 8 buildings with marks indicating they were built in 1939. The shops' lion mask heads are arranged to face different directions that appear to symbolize specific beliefs of their owners.
- Jalan Dato' Teoh Siew Khor, used to be the central of Kluang, as the old market and shops were here. Along the road there is Jubilee Intan Hall which was a historical event hall. It took the centre stage of old Kluang. The most prestigious textile shop Nan Yuan Sdn Bhd is also located here.
- Kahang Organic Rice Farm, Kahang. (about 40 minutes road trip from Kluang). A good place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the padi fields. Accommodation available.
- Kahang Low Rise Tea Plantation, One of the non-hilly tea plantations.
- Gunung Belumut, Nice place for picnics and waterfalls.
Nature
- 4 Bandar Seri Impian Lake Park. Public park with lake at its center.
- 5 Independence Park (Taman Merdeka). Public park at the center of the town, equipped with recreational activity facilities and playground.
- 6 Seri Lalang Recreational Park, Jalan Pasar. Public park.
- 7 Taman Delima Recreational Park, Jalan Perwira. Park.
- 8 UK Farm Agro Resort, Plot 8, Project Pertanian Moden Kluang, KM13 Jalan Batu Pahat, ☏ +6077597555, info@ukfarm.com.my. Tourist farm.
- 9 Zenxin Organic Park, 47A & 47B, Batu 9 Jalan Batu Pahat, ☏ +6077595196, zenxinorganicpark@gmail.com.
Do
- 1 Mount Lambak Recreational Forest (Hutan Lipur Gunung Lambak). Climb Kluang's highest peak. Summit at 510 metres (1,673 feet). For a moderately fit person, the hike should take under 2 hours.
- Kluang Coffee Powder Factory, Visit Kluang Coffee Powder Factory and see the process of traditional coffee. Coffee tasting available. The famous Cap Televisyen brand was founded in the 1960s. 76 Jalan Besar, ☏ +60 7-773 1943
- Tong Huat Confectionery. Visit the confectionery and view their baking process. Famous for its tau sau and mooncakes. 28 & 30, Jalan Cantik. GPS: 2.030787,103.322845. Hours: 9AM to 6PM daily
- Kluang Country Club. Play at Kluang's only golf course. 9 hole, 3017 yards. Reciprocal guest policy. Jalan Mengkibol, ☏ +60 7-7718840. Call for details.
- Ampang Superbowl. 36-lane international standard bowling alley. 10AM to 1AM. 3rd Floor, Kluang Mall, Jalan Rambutan. ☏ +60 7-777-1531.
- Splash, at the colonial Army Base Swimming Pool. A public swimming pool is also available in Kluang Barat.
- 2 Kluang Country Club, Jalan Mengkibol, ☏ +6077102552, kluangcountryclub@yahoo.com. Play at Kluang's only golf course. 9 hole, 3017 yards. Reciprocal guest policy.
- 3 Diamond Hill Water Park, Lot 4838, Jalan Padang Tembak. Water park.
Buy
Souvenirs
The top souvenirs for a visitor to bring back from Kluang are:
- Kluang Coffee Powder (either Cap Televisyen or Kluang Rail)
- Tong Huat Traditional Cookies
- Dragon fruit & dragon fruit wine (Zenxin Organic Farm or Zenxin Shop at Kluang Mall)
- Organic fruits and produce (Zenxin Organic Farm)
- Pre-packaged dried fruits (Peaches, Pomegranate, and finger-lemons)
- Pickled fruits and vegetables
- 'Swiss-Roll' Cakes
- Traditional crackers or "Keropok"
- Hand-made straw woven handbag from Air Hitam
- Ceramic pottery like flower vases and jewellery boxes
- Crystal glass flowers from Air Hitam
Shopping
- Plaza BCB, linked to Prime City Hotel. It is beside the central bus station (Kompleks Perhentian Bas dan Teksi), easy access to bus and taxi services.
- The Store, AEON BiG, Econsave and YC Superstore. "The Store" is beside Anika Hotel at Jln Dato Rauf. AEON BiG is located on Jln Mersing and also has a Mr. DIY outlet. Econsave is on Jln Mersing. YC Superstore is a local family mart, located at Jln Dato Hj Hassan.
- The business centre of downtown Kluang town stretches from Jalan Mohd Lazim to Jalan Dato Hj Hassan. It is the commercial and finance area of Kluang. MayBank, BSN, UOB Bank, OCBC Bank, Bank Islam, CIMB Bank, Public Bank, RHB Bank, and Bank Muamalat also can be found in this area along with several insurance agencies.
- Eyewear. There are also good quality eyewear shops like Ban International Optics centre (in Kluang Parade and Jln Dato Kaptain Ahmad). The history of that optical shop has been for over 20 years. Visual and Classic Optical are also well-established local brands.
- Local Fashion. Mansor Toko Batik is known for Malay traditional and Muslim clothing such as batiks, songkoks, kain pelikat and mantras. 5 minutes' walk from Kluang's bus station and 10 min from the railway station. There are textile and fashion shops like NY Fashion, Nan Yuan 2000 and Cartino Sonea (in Kluang Mall).
- Kedai Emas Sri Mutiara, 30 Jln Dato Kaptain Ahmad, gold and jewellery.
- Monday Flea Market (Pasar Karat Tani), Tapak Pasar Tani (near to Pasar Petang). Mobile 019 705 1210. From 7AM. A must visit by anyone who has interest om used items for the house. If you are a treasure hunter, you may end up getting something dirt cheap. There is a great variety of things you can choose from. There are replacement parts for your home gadget. This is also a great way to practise "recycling". Come vist us on Monday morning 7am. A great way to pass your time.
- 1 Kluang Mall, Jalan Rambutan, Taman Suria (take KL-001 or KL-002 bus from Kluang Terminal and alight at the shopping mall). 10AM-10PM. It is the largest shopping mall in Kluang which was opened in 2008. Anchors include Pacific Hypermarket, Popular Bookstore, MBO Cinemas and Ampang SuperBowl. Kluang Mall also has international fashion brands H&M, UNIQLO, Cotton On, Brands Outlet plus the usual array of dining options including Starbucks, Secret Recipe, Old Town Coffee, Sakae Sushi, Sushi King, Pizza Hut, KFC, Big Apple Donuts and more. There's a Guardian and Watson's and sport stores. Check out the local brands of Cartino Sonea for fashion, Visual or Classic Optical for the best prices on optical wear and Zenxin Organic for fresh produce. Kluang Food Street is also popular.
- 2 Target Supermarket Sri Kluang, No.1, Jalan 6, Taman Sri Kluang. 9AM-10PM. Supermarket.
- 3 KS Supermarket Kluang, No. 38-45, Jalan Intan 2/1, Taman Intan. 9AM-10:30PM. Supermarket.
- 4 Kluang Parade, Jalan Sentol. Opened in 2007 and anchored by a large Parkson Department Store. There is also an Old Taste, KFC, IG Mobile Centre, Ban Optics, KBox (karaoke) and a bowling arcade amid a wide array of interesting local fashion, gadget shops and DVDs. There is also a money changer here.
Pasar Malam
For light, casual shopping, there are roadside stalls, bazaars and night markets around Kluang. A weekly attraction is the colourful, bustling night market or Pasar Malam, found in most neighborhoods on certain days of the week, which stock a bewildering variety of goods, local food and fruits at low prices. Some bazaars sell only agricultural produce and are called Pasar Tani (Farmer's Market). It is fun to visit Kluang Pasar Malam, all kinds of local food and agriculture produce are available here. Pasar Malams operate in different areas and time;
- Taman Muhibah on Sunday
- Taman Lian Seng on Sunday
- Kampung Melayu on Monday 4PM onwards
- Kampung Melayu on Monday 7AM onwards (Pasar Tani)
- Taman Kluang Barat on Tuesday
- Kampung Paya on Wednesday
- Taman Seri Impian on Thursday
- Taman Sri Kluang on Friday
- Sri Lalang on Friday
- Taman Desa on Saturday
Photo
- Kedai Gambar Express Hawaii, 6,Jl Intan 2/2,Taman Intan, ☏ +60 7 774 4149. This shop provides digital photo service and studio photos with the newest Konica Minolta digital photo processing system.
Art galleries
- Engsin Frames & Art Gallery, 44 l Dato Keptan Ahmad (locate at town area , next to bank islam), ☏ +60 7 776 9899.
- ES Home Decor & Art Gallery, 19 Jl Dato Rauf (opposite RHB Bank Kluang), ☏ +60 17 726 6330 (H/P).
Eat
- Kluang Railway Station Coffee Shop. Kluang Railway Station. Not only famous for serving roasted coffee, but also their hot toasted bread with home-made kaya and/or butter and half boiled eggs as well. They also serve other dishes like nasi lemak. Opens daily from 6:30AM-12:30PM and from 2:30-6PM. Closed on Thursdays and lunch is not served here. Started in the 1930s.
- Yean Kee Beef Noodles, 4 Jln Murni 3 and Kluang Food Street, Kluang Mall. The owner doesn't compromise on the soup and hand made rice noodles. The beef is tender and the soup is tasty, clear and without MSG. The beef noodles are served in two styles, dry or soup. What makes it so special is the added peanuts, lime and the chili sauce; they just complement well with all the ingredients. Started as a stall in 1930.
- Milky Cake House, a famous local cake house. There are varieties of cakes such as Oreo Cheese Cake, Black Forest Cake and Yam Cake. The cake house in located in the middle of Kluang Town area. Opposite the Anika Hotel. Address: 2 ,Jalan Md. Lazim Saim.
- Restoran Ikan Asam Pedas, 83-85 Jalan Lim Swee Sim (☏ +60 7-772-7624). Home-town favourite specialising in Asam fish head and well regarded for its fresh fish and good value. Open for lunch (noon) and dinner (5:30PM). Gets crowded.
- Star Coffee House & Restaurant. 11 Jalan Sultanah (☏ +60 7-772-3288). Started in 1979 and one of the more consistent Chinese restaurants in Kluang. Open weekdays for dinner from 6PM and weekends for lunch (11:30AM) and dinner (5:30PM). Reservations recommended on the weekends. The frogs legs dish is notable.
- Barney's, the best Western restaurant in Kluang with a good variety of delicious desserts. Chef Barney is a second-generation restaurateur with a passion for flavours and travels widely for produce and inspiration. Try the Wagyu Prime Rib (when available). A surprise gem, typically frequented by the few expatriates in town and locals for a taste of overseas. Open everyday at 11:30AM-10PM. 5 Lorong Yayasan (☏ +60 7-774-4992).
- One Two Eight Seafood Restaurant, one of the more established Chinese seafood restaurants. Located in Yap Tau Sah. Open 11:30AM to midnight. Closed alternative Thursdays. Order the fish soup and other fresh seafood. 38 Jalan Cantik (☏ +60 7-772-3530).
- Ah Fu Satay (阿福沙爹), (near Chong Hwa High School). Satay (chicken, lamb, and pork), fried chicken wings, and a variety of fried rice. Fried oyster with eggs, ikan bakar (grilled fish), Ju Cheong fun, lamb and chicken chops.
- Teo Heng Bak Kut Teh (潮兴肉骨茶), Taman Kluang Baru. Serves Bak Kut Teh in the morning till noon. Extremely popular in Kluang, usually crowded during morning on weekends.
- Cafe De Kokok, 54, Jln Duku Haji Manan (opposite Kluang Mart). Tu-Su 11:30AM. Serves coffee, pastas, pizza and pastries and wifi is available.
- Cafe Kit Siong, Taman Aman, row 2 (off Jl Mersing). Busy restaurant, one 'must try' is their Char Siew Pao.
- Hup Chup Kopitiam, (合作社). Famous for won ton noodles (云吞面), curry noodles and chilli oil, fried noodles is also recommended.
- Thursday Rest n Cafe, Western Thai food cafe in Kluang with a good ambiance and food.
- Old Taste, Kluang Parade. You can hang out all day. Remember to bring your laptop, free wifi for customers.
- PKH Kedai Kopi, Dried beef stomach with noodles.
- Kluang Baru, Famous Botak curry noodles, bak kut teh (正宗巴生肉骨茶), Kluang Baru Food Court (新居銮美食中心) are quite well-known also in Kluang.
- Honeyland, Jl Lambak. Serves Nyonya Kuih, local snacks and cakes. Many choices of puffs, deep fried fritters and traditional Chinese Ang Ku Kuih. The café is packed with patrons during high-tea hour.
- Yong Tau Fu, at the corner of Jln Haji Manan. Serves the best Yong Tau Fu in Kluang. It is famous for its fish balls, bean curd, eggplant, bitter gourd, bean curd sheet and chili with fish paste as filling for all their ingredients.
- Rong Seri Restaurant, No.2, Jln Cempedak. (off Jln Haji Manan, Lian Seng Garden). Established in 2003, Northern Thai food. Specialities include Chiang Mai seafood tom yam, fried fish in Rong Seri's Sauce and Thai stir-fried chicken. Open daily from 6PM-12:30AM.
- Kluang Rest House, Serve a variety of Western and Chinese style cooking. The place is quite nice & located on a hill side comprising government offices.
- Heidi Restaurant, Serves Western cuisine in Kluang. Located along the road heading to Gunung Lambak or Kota Tinggi.
- Long Wei Kopitiam, (near to Chong Hwa). The yong tau fu and hand made pork balls are a must try.
- Kluang Lim, (previously Hoover Restaurant), Kluang Baru. Chicken rice and afternoon, they have many kinds of kuih such as pisang goreng, popiah and onde-onde which is popular in Malaysia. Lunch menu includes as Hainanese chicken rice as the owner is a Hainanese.
- Tin Jin Wah Kedai Kopi, (downstairs Persatuan Daerah Lim) They are famous for their home made curry puff, hakka cai kuih, fatty hainan fried noodle, radish stew pork meat & hainan kopi & teh.
- Wan Li Xiang Restaurant (万里香状元粉), 7, 9 Jl Aman 2, Taman Aman (near Caltex petrol station). Till 3PM. Well known for its quality handmade noodles.
- Behind Old Coronation Cinema. Famous Botak Curry Noodles; Duck Noodle; Pork innards soup with yam rice
- Restoran Sin Hon Kee, Kluang Baru. Yummy Beef Ball & Pork Ball Noodles.
- Kopi Kluang Cap Televisyen, Jalan Besar. Kopi Cap Televisyen.
- Taman Intan. Taman Intan is another food haven in Kluang which has many seafood restaurants, coffeshops serve delicious snacks or dimsum (点心), and drinks too. Well-known Wan Ti noodles (皇帝面), Long Yuan Coffeeshop (龙园茶餐室), Seremban Siew Bao (芙蓉烧包) are located here as well!
Sleep
Downtown The downtown area has banks and financial institutions and also a wide variety of dining and entertainment options within walking distance of most of the hotels. Downtown areas have car park rates which start from 8AM in the morning. Ask the hotel reception on obtaining car park coupons or if there is a dedicated car park area.
- RS Boutique Hotel Opened in 2015. Clean rooms and good service. Outdoor car park lot opposite hotel, guarded at night. 1 & 2, Persiaran Yayasan, ☏ +60 7-776 9393.
- The Imperial Hotel. 24 rooms. Opened 2012. Functional and clean rooms. Opposite McDonald's, Domino's Pizza and next to a 7-11. Street parking. 1, Jalan Syed Abdul Hamid Sagaf, Kampung Masjid Lama, ☏ +60 7-772 5555
- Milano Hotel 42 rooms. Opened 2014. Clean and functional rooms. Managed by same management team at Imperial Hotel. Street parking. 8,10,12, Jalan Dato Rauf, ☏ +60 7-773 6555. milanohotels@yahoo.com
- Hotel Kluang Parade 21 rooms. Next to Kluang Parade shopping centre. 2 Jalan Sentol, ☏ +60 7-776 8111.
- Prime City Hotel Three-star hotel with 147 rooms and suites, covered parking. 20 Jalan Bakawali, next to BCB Plaza and Kluang Bus Terminal. ☏ +60 7-771-1111.
- Hotel Anika. 44 rooms, all of which have cable TV, private toilet and bath and telephone. Basement and adjoining car park lot. Amenities include coffee shop, wake-up call, laundry service, and safety deposit boxes. Next to The Store. 1-3 & 5, Jl Dato' Rauf, ☏ +60 7-772-4977.
- White House Hotel. 48 rooms 1,3 & 5, Jalan Dato Kaptain Ahmad, ☏ +60 7-772-3833.
Pusat Perniagaan Tasik (Lake Business Centre) The area is approximately 1 km from downtown, before the railway crossing and is located next to the Taman Tasik MPK Kluang, which features a nice jogging track. There is a One Stop Superstore which sells cheap goods and groceries, a few restaurants and a reflexology centre in the area.
- Rail Hotel 18 rooms including a family suite. Opened in 2010 and managed by the RailCoffee restaurant below which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Functional and clean rooms. Night guard for street parking. 20 Jalan Tasik 1, Pusat Perniaggaan Tasik. ☏ +60 7-772-8391.
- Starz Hotel Opened 2013. 39 rooms. Facilities include a small gym. Elevator onsite. Clean and functional rooms. Available street parking. 31 Jalan Tasik 1, Pusat Perniagaan Tasik. ☏ +60 7-777 9777}.
- Hotel Mega 68, 32 rooms. Basic rooms at affordable rates. 8- 10, Jalan Tasik 1, Taman Perniagaan Tasik. ☏ +60 7 776-7368.
Kluang Country Club Approximately 2 km from downtown and near the Kluang Country Club.
- Merdeka Hotel next to Kluang Country Club. 60 rooms. Opened 1963, restored in neo-classical style in 2014. Large rooms. Breakfast available. Nice patio wine bar. Private car park. Ask for a quieter room facing away from the main road. 30 Jalan Mengkibol. ☏ +60 7-776 9998.
Other Areas
- GL Hotel. 38 rooms and suites. Opened 2014. Clean, functional rooms. Private car park. 133 Jalan Lambak, +60 7-776 8216.
- Chinatown Hotel. 22 rooms. Basic furnishings. Next to a 7-11. Street parking. 59-61, Jalan Lambak, ☏ +60 7-776 6000.
- Hotel Setia. 33 rooms and suites. Basic rooms. 3 Jalan Setia Indah 1, Taman Setia Indah, ☏ +60 7-776 0111.
- Extreme Boutique Hotel. 68 rooms. 2 Jln Intan 1/1, Taman Intan. ☏ +60 7 773-9999.
Eco Resorts / Outside Kluang Town
- UK Agro Resort Located within the largest goat and sheep farm in Malaysia with over 4,000 animals grazing over 100 acres. Accommodation includes chalets and dorms. It is in Projek Pertanian Moden Kluang zone. KM13, Jalan Batu Pahat, ☏ +60 7 759-7555.
- Kahang Organic Rice Eco Farm[dead link] First certified organic rice farm in Malaysia (2001). Eco tourism resort with chalets and group packages. It is 45 minutes from downtown. KM43 Jalan Kluang – Mersing, ☏ +60 7-771-3431.
Go next
- Endau Rompin National Park
- Gunung Berlumut
- Mersing
| Routes through Kluang |
| Segamat ← Chamek ← | N  S |
→ Rengam → Johor Bahru |