Our neighbour, Johor Bahru, is not just a place for shopping, dining and massages – indeed, it is for these reasons that Singaporeans cross this road primarily.
But if you take the time to explore and branch out a bit further, you’ll find a fascinating side to the state beyond busy Johor Bahru.
Known for its beaches and rainforests, Johor has eight places to visit that will make you feel like you’re vacationing in a European country (in summer).
Perhaps you can find a more accessible, cheaper alternative that scratches that itch while you save up to buy the real thing.
1. Riders Lodge Resort
With an atmosphere reminiscent of an English mansion in the UK, when you step into Riders Lodge Resort you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an idyllic countryside setting.
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Spend the night in a homely room and wake up to the sight of horses grazing in the fields.
You can also learn to ride a horse or join a guided trail through a tropical plantation.
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Address: Legends Golf and Country Resort, Lot 1302 Kebun Sedenak, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia
2. UK Farm Agro Resort
You don’t have to travel far to fulfill your dream of driving through lavender fields in bloom.
Located just a 1.5-hour drive from Singapore, UK Farm Agro Resort offers a taste of farm life with a range of family-friendly activities.
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You’ll forget you’re in Johor as you watch sheep roaming free across over 100 acres of pasture.
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Address: Plot 8, Project Pertanian Moden Kluang, KM13 Jalan Batu Pahat, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
3. Mount Austin
Mount Austin, also known as Johor Bahru’s Little Paris, is dotted with lovely cafes inspired by French street cafes.
Named after the popular French coffee house, Café de Flore is decorated with flowers and its green awnings are visible from afar.
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The outdoor area is a popular photo spot, making your Instagram followers think they’re enjoying a fancy afternoon tea on the other side of the world.
How to get to Mount Austin: After clearing Malaysian customs, it’s a 20-minute taxi ride.
4. Canopy Tribes
Take your tribe and escape the city to Canopy Tribes, just 3km away from Kota Tinggi Waterfall.
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Besides glamping in the middle of the rainforest, you can also enjoy other outdoor activities during the day, such as hiking to a waterfall outside the campsite and finishing off the day with a barbecue next to your tent.
There are also party packages available that will transform your campsite with bohemian-themed décor.
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However, if you’re not an outdoorsy person, you might find the wet environment and amenities a bit unpleasant.
Address: 7815, Jln Lombong, Batu 8, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
5. Kota Tinggi Firefly Park
During your stay at Canopy Tribes, you can also visit Kota Tinggi Firefly Park and take a river cruise to see the fireflies lighting up the trees along the riverbank.
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Address: Jalan Kota Tinggi, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
6. Gunung Ledang (Mount Ophir)
Climb Johor’s highest mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of the state.
The government limits the number of people who can climb it in a day, so you must first register with the national park.
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Get an early start to watch the sunrise from the summit and even touch the clouds.
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How to get there: It takes about 2.5 hours from Singapore. Take a bus via Tangkak to Gunung Ledang, then take another bus to Gunung Ledang National Park.
7. Rawa Island
I have postponed my plans to visit the Maldives because of the high cost.
While many floating resorts mimicking popular honeymoon islands have sprung up across Asia, Pulau Rawa, just three hours from Johor checkpoint, has a similar allure with its white sand beaches and azure waters.
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There are only two resorts on the island, but both are perfectly Instagrammable, and the best part is that they’re right by the ocean.
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If you’re up for a quick hike, the Hilltop Jungle Tracking is an easy 20-minute climb. Once you reach the top, the endless horizon of the South China Sea and the islands around Mersing will open up before you.
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How to get there: Take a three-hour bus ride from Singapore to Mersing, then catch a ferry to Pulau Rawa.
8. Tasik Building, Kankar Pulai (Blue Lake Sri Alam)
There are abandoned granite quarries in Johor, but you enter them at your own risk.
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Just at the entrance there is already a beautiful view, and if you go up a little further you can see the blue lake and the quarry like a small valley.
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With the right angle and filters, your photos could make people think you’re exploring a European canyon.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Oc5ltlsvG/
Address: 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia
READ ALSO: Cheapest way to travel to JB: Train, bus, car or taxi?
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