Map of Johor in Malaysia

Johor, formerly Johore, is the southernmost state of Peninsular Malaysia.

Cities

• Johor Bahru - the largest city and capital, a popular gateway to Singapore

• Batu Pahat
• Kluang
• Kota Tinggi
• Mersing - main port for ferries to Tioman and other islands
• Muar
• Pontian
• Segamat
• Pasir Gudang

Other destinations

• Desaru — local beach resort on the east coast
• Endau Rompin National Park — hiking in ancient jungles
• Kukup
• Pengerang
• Sibu Island — marine park island off the eastern coast, popular with divers
• Tanjung Resang
• Gunung Ledang

Understand

Despite its large size, most of Johor is covered with rubber and oil palm plantations, with few historical attractions or natural wonders. Most people just pass through on their way between Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and the islands of the East Coast.

Get in

Johor Bahru is on the Malaysian rail network and has an airport with good connections around Malaysia.

Get around

Virtually all transport in Johor radiates out from Johor Bahru.

See

• 1 Legoland Malaysia Resort, Winkfield Road, Nusajaya (Near Johor Bahru), ☏ +60 7 597 8888, info@LEGOLAND.my. 10AM-6PM. Strictly for the kids, this is a Lego brick themed amusement park, water park and hotel. 165-205MYR (adult); 133-165MYR (child). (updated Aug 2015)

Eat

Johor's culinary specialities include mee rebus, spicy noodles in sweet potato soup, and Johor laksa, an offbeat version of the ubiquitous noodle dish: in Johor's version, the usual rice noodles are replaced with yellow egg noodles (not spaghetti) and topped with a thick paste of fish, onion, peanuts, chili peppers and spices.

Mee Rebus Stulang, Kacang Pol Haji, Sayur kangkung Cincin Mas and others will surely bring up the mood plus with the nicely done ABC special, cendol and other varieties of hot drink to choose from.

Stay safe

Whilst crime rates are increasing, especially in state capital Johor Bahru, the region is no more dangerous than most other cities or countries in South East Asia (or, indeed, any other continent).

Take care of your personal belongings whilst strolling along the streets, particularly when alone. Do not dress inappropriately (primarily out of respect for local customs and cultures) and do not show expensive jewellery or count large amounts of money in public places. Take the same common-sense precautions you would elsewhere.