Endau Rompin National Park

Endau Rompin National Park
This park that sits between Johor and Pahang encompasses the watershed of rivers in Endau, Johor and Rompin, Pahang, which comprises some 488 sq km of forest.

Lush and relatively untouched, it is one of the few remaining lowland tropical rainforest in the country and the last refuge of the Sumatran rhinoceros.
It is a major conservation area due to the diversity of flora and fauna found within. Its rocks and hills are estimated to be nearly 250 million years old.

Attractions
A great place for nature lovers, there are many activities that can be pursued such as botany, nature study, bird watching, photography and jungle trekking. For nature study, the unusual flora that can be found include the famous fan palm of the 'Livistona endauensis' variety; climbing bamboo; the walking stick palm; toadstools; and orchids.

Wildlife include tigers, elephants, deer, Sumatran rhinoceros, binturong or bear cats (Arctictis binturong), chirping drongos, hornbills, argus pheasants, and white handed gibbons, the only ape species in the region.

Getting There
From Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru, take the North-South Expressway and exit at Kluang. Then take a detour to Kahang town, where a four-wheel drive vehicle will take you to Kampung Peta, the entry point to the National Park.
It is also possible to reach the park by boat from the Endau River, a 3-hour journey from Felda Nitar II.

Gunung Ledang Recreational Forest

Shrouded with mystical legends and folklore, Gunung Ledang continues to charm and intrigue locals and visitors alike. According to the legend of the Princess of Gunung Ledang, the sultan demanded that the beautiful princess present him with seven jars of women's tears, seven trays of mosquitoes' hearts and seven bowls of the sultan's son's blood. Unable to meet these impossible requests, she fled to the mountain and continues to live in a hidden cave.

The mountain is also ideal for a myriad of outdoor activities with challenging mountain trails; icy waterfalls; and exotic flora and fauna including many species of birds. At the relatively flat summit, which is 1,276 metres above sea level, a panoramic view of the Straits of Malacca and Sumatra coastline can been seen on a clear day. Also, a popular picnic spot is the Sagil Waterfall, at the base of the mountain.

Getting there

By road
From the North-South Expressway, the turn-off point is 25km after Ayer Keroh. Head towards Tangkak. Proceed along the pastoral Route 23 for another 6km, past Sagil town, before turning left onto a road in a rubber plantation and proceed another 1km. From here, the route to the foot of Gunung Ledang should be visible.

By Bus or Taxi
A bus service is available to the resort from Tangkak, about 16km away. Taxis can also be hired from Tangkak.

Ayer Hitam - Ceramic Town of Johor

Ayer Hitam, referred to as 'the town that never sleeps', because of the busy town streets where the traffic is endless here, as people would stop here for a meal on their way to Johor Bahru an Kuala Lumpur. It will only take less than an hour to reach here if you travel by car from Johor Bahru.

There are many activities for visitors to participate in, some of them include horseback riding, fishing, and camping. Visitors can purchase anything ceramic here, as Ayer Hitam is famous for it. One can buy vases, flowerpots, porcelain, jars, photo frames, and ready-made customized souvenirs.




Not only can visitors browse through the quality souvenirs, visitors can also sample some local food. Among the famous food that is sure to satisfy your stomach are prawn crackers, tapioca chips, steamed corn and the must-have 'otak-otak'(steamed coconut-milk based fish cake). The food are freshly made and pre-packed for visitors

Since we are talking about Ayer Hitam I am going to bring you to the AW Pottery another must visit attraction here when you passing by Ayer Hitam either from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur or the other way around.

One thing you guys should know that AW Pottery is an ceramic factory which slowly turn into a famous tourist attraction. Among its famous visitors were the royalty, second Prime Minister the late Tunku Abdul Razak and Singapore’s former premier Lee Kuan Yew.The pictures of visiting dignitaries were framed and hanged on the walls in the mini museum which houses limited and exclusively made pottery pieces.

During its heydays, the showroom-cum-factory received more than 20 buses ferrying local and foreign visitors daily and cars from other states. During long school holidays were the busiest times as many schools in Johor and some from Singapore made their field trips here.

The main attraction at the place is the 48.7m dragon kiln built in the 1950s, the only one in Malaysia and among the few left in South-East Asia. However, since 1980, it has not been put to use and the kiln was blocked from view with stacks of pottery.

Another attraction here is the outdoor toilet decorated with colorful broken ceramic pieces and probably the only one in the country. Perhaps this was the most photographed toilet in Malaysia and it has been featured in several local and foreign publications.

Aw Pottery was founded 52 years ago by Aw Eng Kuang as the place was suitable for pottery-making because of ample reserves of kaolin clay in the area. Apart from marketing its products locally, the Machap factory also exported the pottery to the United States and European countries although the number had been reduced.

Apart from buying the finished products ranging from vases, dinnerware to flower pots, visitors can have a first-hand look at how potteries are made. Visitors can either tour the factory area on their own or can ask Wong or his staff to guide them and explain the production process. Customers can choose to buy flawless or first-grade items with normal pricing or those with minor defects or second-grade items which are cheaper. Big clay flower pots, urns and water containers imported from China are also available here and these are the hot selling items among landscape companies.

The landscaped garden at the entrance of the showroom decorated with aquatic plants and fountains provides ideas to prospective buyers. Aw Pottery is located at No. 13, Kampung Machap and opens from 8am to 5pm daily except on the first three days of Lunar New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Wet World Batu Pahat Village Resort

A unique park on its own, Wet World Batu Pahat Village Resort is a place where you can enjoy interactive water play elements and slides. It’s a colorful world at the only water park in Johor; the Wet World Batu Pahat. Built around the town‘s famous Merdeka Lake, the water park spreads over a 44-acre landscaped park.

Shrieks and laughter from children and adults greet you as you enter the park. Everyone is having enormous fun playing in the water. The Wave Pool is definitely one of the biggest attractions. Both young and old seem to love hanging out on the Wave Pool beach, waiting for the waves to rush up and splash over them, It’s even more fun to jump into a yellow or red float able and ride the waves, as many people are doing.

For more challenges, do try the BP Tower and the Big Splash, and allow yourself to rush through the twists and turns on a jet of water. You’ll want to go on these water rides again and again.

The Lazy River that loops around the park is just the place for team racing, or for families to have some splashing fun..

Small children can also enjoy themselves at the Wet World Batu Pahat as there is special water area designed for their needs called Kiddie Pool. Accompanied by adults, small children can splash about safely in the kids’ pool and play on the kiddy slides. Once they’ve discovered the fun of playing in the water, they will not want to get out.

After all the excitement of the water rides, it’s time to take it easy and relax in the swirling waters of the Jacuzzi. For those with lots of leg energy, they may want to try the paddle boats and paddle around in the lake.

If you like fishing, why not join the many people at the lake and try your luck at landing a fish? Named few species waiting for you are Toman, Jelawat, Rahu, Patin, Belida, Keli and Ketutu.

Wet World Batu Pahat Village Resort is a child friendly, and a place where the children can enjoy safe fun while parents can sit back and relax. At Wet World Batu Pahat Village Resort, time will cease to exist while all your water fantasies are fulfilled.

Other activities offered are organizing Family Day events for corporate bodies and government department, Birthday Parties, Launching of Products and many more. For fishing enthusiast or boating, Wet World Batu Pahat Village Resort has a scenic lake to cater for these activities.

With activities for everyone to enjoy, whatever the age group it’s no wonder the Wet World Batu Pahat is a favourite destination in Johor.

GETTING THERE:
About 3.5 hours drive on the North South Expressway from Kuala Lumpur.
Exit at the Yong Peng Utara or Ayer Hitam interchanges, and drive to Jalan Bukit Pasir in Batu Pahat.

Opening hours:
Weekdays - 1pm to 7pm
Weekends, public & school holidays - 10am to 7pm.
Closed on Tuesdays except for public & school holidays.

Admission:
Weekdays & Weekends
135cm and Above – RM10.00
85cm – 135cm – RM8.00
84cm and Below – FREE

(OKU)– 50% discount


Facilities:
Fast food outlet, gift shop, car park

Hotel accommodation:
Not available. There are no hotels inside the resort, but the nearby hotel is less than 15 minutes drive.

Information:
Tel: 607-434 6060
Fax: 607-433 6161

Tinggi Island - Malaysia Tourist Attractions

Nicknamed the "General's Hat Island" by Chinese seamen hundreds of years ago, Tinggi Island is a large uninhabited island, which rises 2000ft. above the sea level. This delightful island is located about 20 nautical miles southeast of Mersing, on the east coast of Johor.

Tinggi Island is known for its mystical quality as much as its sheer physical beauty. It comprises the principal Tinggi Island, and eight smaller islets, namely Mentinggi Island, April Island, Nanga Kecil Island, Nanga Besar Island, Simbang Island, Lanting Island and Iboi Island and Peyembang Island. Only the first two islands Tinggi Island and Mentinggi Island - have been declared Marine Park.

Crystal-clear turquoise waters surround the cone-shaped island of Tinggi Island. The interior of this oval-shaped island is mostly covered with secondary lowland Dipterocarp rainforest. It is endowed with fresh waters, a sheltered harbor and coral reefs which abound with prolific marine life. It has a long coastline and while sandy beaches dotted with caves. The seas around it are teeming with coral, fish and reff making it a photographic haven.

This island has the highest residential population among the east coast Johor islands, with the latest tally estimated at 448 people, from three village settlements: Kampung Tanjung Balang, Kampung Pasir Panjang and Kampung Sebirah Besar.

Accommodation for these visitors is available with the setting up of rustic resorts, inns and chalets on the main island. Some good beaches, particularly those at Tanjung Balang and Sebirah Besar, offer pleasant sand, sun and fun. Snorkeling and scuba diving are some of the more popular pursuits here.

Getting There

Kuala Lumpur to Tanjung Leman jetty
There are two choices when driving from Kuala Lumpur to Tanjung Leman Jetty
Take the North - South Highway from KL until you get to the Kulai turn off (almost as far down as Johor Bahru).This will put you on route 94 heading towards Kota Tinggi and Mersing.

At the end of this road you will reach a T junction, turn left (North) onto Route 3 still heading to Kota Tinggi and Mersing.Continue to follow signs for Mersing. You will hardly notice when you pass by Kota Tinggi as the road bypasses out of the town. However there will be a traffic light whereby a left turn takes you to Kota Tinggi town and a right turn to Desaru.Keep going straight towards Mersing.
After about 40 minutes drive from the traffic light / Kota Tinggi junction you will notice signs for Tanjung leman Sibu Island.

Take a right hand turn into the check point for tenggorah plantation (Palm oil plantation).On the corner of the turn off you should see a taxi stand for long distance cabs (Blue cabs). Pass through a police check point onto the plantation Road.
Tanjung leman jetty is about 28km away from this point, when you are about 13km away from the jetty you will see a sign for Sibu Island Tanjung leman jetty ,take a left turn .Continue on till the end of the road. At the end of the road turn right into the entrance of Tanjung leman jetty car park.

OR

Take the North-South Highway from KL and exit at Keluang heading east towards Mersing.This road is however a single lane winding road and might take a longer time than anticipated. Once you have reached the East coast (South of Mersing) you should turn right (South) heading towards Kota Tinggi and Johor Bahru.

After about 30 minutes drive you will reach the Tanjung leman turnoff (Look out for Signs), turn left into the tenggorah plantation( Palm oil plantation).On the corner of the turn off you should see a taxi stand for long distance cabs( Blue cabs).Pass through a police check point onto the plantation road.

Tanjung leman jetty is about 28km away from this point, when you are about 13km away from the jetty you will see a sign for Sibu Island Tanjung leman jetty, take a left turn .Continue on till the end of the road. At the end of the road turn right into the entrance of Tanjung leman jetty car park.
Driving from Singapore/Johor Bahru. You need to drive to Johor Bahru and drive ahead until Kota Tinggi (approx. 1\hr) Tanjung Leman's jetty is located at Kota Tinggi town (about 45 minutes from Kota Tinggi). You may park your car at a secured parking space at Tanjung Leman at RM5/night.

Singapore to Tanjung Leman (using woodlands causeway)
Pass through customs checkpoint (Woodlands causeway) and follow temporary Exit route due to the roadworks. After you have exited the detour move over to the right lane and take the first u turn heading back towards the causeway. You are now in Jalan Wong Ah Fook. This will lead you through Johor Bahru City passing City Square shopping mall on your right. Look out for the overhead Bridge with the sign 'Kota Tinggi - Desaru'.

Follow this sign and this will put you onto route 3.Keep on this road following the signs to Kota Tinggi and Mersing.

Route 3 will lead you through a small town called Ulu Tiram, keep going straight.
You will hardly notice when you pass by Kota Tinggi as the road by passes out of the town. However there will be a traffic light whereby a left turn takes you to Kota Tinggi town and a right turn to Desaru.Keep going straight towards Mersing.
After about 40 minutes drive from the traffic light / Kota Tinggi junction you will notice signs for Tanjung leman Sibu Island.

Take a right hand turn into the check point for tenggorah plantation( Palm oil plantation).On the corner of the turn off you should see a taxi stand for long distance cabs ( Blue cabs).Pass through a police check point onto the plantation Road.
Tanjung leman jetty is about 28km away from this point, when you are about 13km away from the jetty you will see a sign for Sibu Island Tanjung leman jetty ,take a left turn .Continue on till the end of the road. At the end of the road turn right into the entrance of Tanjung leman jetty car park.

Singapore to Tanjung Leman (using the 2nd Link/ Tuas)
After crossing the bridge and having cleared Malaysian Immigration and customs continue on towards Johor Bahru and Pasir Gudang (exit 307 C).This is a toll road and you will have to pass through two toll Gates (Rm16.00)
Follow this road all the way to Perling Toll Plaza (about 20 min drive from Immigrations).The road will become Persisiran Perling and you will pass Perling Mall on the right side.

Keep on this road as it becomes Route 17 and follow the signs for Pasir Gudang, Kota Tinggi and Desaru There are major Road works being done at the Ulu Tiram, Kota Tinggi, Desaru, Mersing turn off on route 17, so the turn off Road has been closed. It is however scheduled to be reopened in 2005. The quickest way to overcome this is to bypass the construction and pass the 'Turn Off' road. Keep in the right hand lane and after approximately 1 km it will be possible to make a u turn.

After u - turning keep in the left hand lane. The first off ramp will take you back to the construction site but from this side of the highway the off ramp is usable. At the top of the ramp there are traffic lights as well as a large white Telecom building opposite the road. Take a right turn and follow signs for Kota Tinggi and Mersing.You are now on route 3.

Route 3 will lead you through a small town called Ulu Tiram, keep going straight.
You will hardly notice when you pass by Kota Tinggi as the road bypasses out of the town. However there will be a traffic light whereby a left turn takes you to Kota Tinggi town and a right turn to Desaru.Keep going straight towards Mersing.
After about 40 minutes drive from the traffic light / Kota Tinggi junction you will notice signs for Tanjung leman Sibu Island.

Take a right hand turn into the check point for tenggorah plantation(Palm oil plantation).On the corner of the turn off you should see a taxi stand for long distance cabs ( Blue cabs).Pass through a police check point onto the plantation Road. Tanjung leman jetty is about 28km away from this point, when you are about 13km away from the jetty you will see a sign for Sibu Island Tanjung leman jetty ,take a left turn .Continue on till the end of the road. At the end of the road turn right into the entrance of Tanjung leman jetty car park.

Desaru Beach - Malaysia Tourist Attractions

Located at the south-eastern corner of Johor, Desaru is the ideal beach destination with over 25km of white sandy beaches fringed by palm trees and casuarinas.
Here, enjoy a myriad of water sports including snorkelling, water-skiing, canoeing, wind-surfing and sailing. Other forms of recreation include learning to fly an ultra-light aircraft; go-karting; jungle trekking; horseback riding, archery and off-road adventures.

The annual sporting extravaganza Desaru International Triathlon attracts participants from throughout the region.

Just a few kilometres away, discover more about the lifestyle of local fishermen at Tanjung Balau Fishermen's Museum.

Some 10km south of Desaru is another excellent stretch of beach known as Teluk Ramunia.

Accommodations include hotels, budget chalets, dormitories and camp sites. Most notable is the luxurious Desaru Golf and Country Club resort, which has a 36-hole international standard golf course.






Getting There

By Road
Desaru is easily accessible via public transportation from Johor Bahru (the capital of Johor), Kota Tinggi or Tanjung Belungkor. Buses to Johor Bahru are available from Kuala Lumpur.

By Sea
There is a ferry service from Changi Point in Singapore to Tanjung Belungkor, where transport to Desaru can be arranged.

Sibu Island - Malaysia Tourist Attractions

Sibu is one of Malaysia's unspoilt islands off the Peninsula's East Coast, facing the South China Sea. It is made up of several islands namely Sibu Besar Island, Sibu Tengah Island, Sibu Kukus Island and Sibu Hujung Island.

Approximately 6 km long and 1 km wide, the island abounds with lush tropical vegetation, and is noted for its beaches, hills, cliffs and exotic bird population.

Sibu has retained much of its natural beauty and tranquility. Almost untouched by progress, Sibu Island is the perfect hideaway from the rat-race of city life.

On the Southern end there is a small fishing village with a population of less than a hundred people.

The local village continues to take out a living off the seas and a few of the younger generation option to work at the nearby resorts for a steadier income and a change of lifestyle.

The main activities on the island are snorkelling and diving. However one can take walks in the jungle to the fishing village or to the other resorts. There are pathways to most of these places. Fishing trips are regularly organized for the avid fishermen. Boat trips to the other islands can be arranged at the resort.

There are four main beaches on the Eastern side of Sibu where most of the beach resorts are located. Sibu Island Cabanas is situated on a beautiful long stretch of beach, facing Tinggi Island. The coral reefs are only a few minutes walk from the resort.

Sibu Island - Getting There

Sibu Island consist of Sibu Besar and Sibu Tengah and is forms part of the Seribuat chain of islands and lies 12 kilometers off the east coast of the West Peninsular of Malaysia. Tanjung Leman is the boat pick up point for Sibu Island and is approximately 2 hours north of Johor Bahru on the Mersing road. The island is shaped like a triangular hour glass, about 6 kilometers long and never more than one kilometer wide it's whole length.

There is no direct flight fly to Sibu Island. The nearest airport is Johor Bahru airport. From Johor Bahru, you can a taxi to Tanjung Leman Jetty, which takes about 2hours.

Tanjung Leman is off Route 3, the main Johor Bahru - Mersing road. It is approximately 45 minutes south of Mersing.

From Mersing there are taxis or local buses to Tanjung Leman. There are express buses to Kluang or Johor Bahru. Connect to Tanjung Leman with local bus or taxi.

You can catch a Mersing Omnibus from the local bus station within Mersing town (The local bus station is not at the R&R Mersing Bus Terminal). From here, take a bus heading for Bukit Tinggi. There should be taxis waiting at this junction to take passengers onwards. Taxi fare should be about RM10 - RM15 per taxi per way.