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Johor

Johor is Malaysia's most populous state and a growing economic power player. Most travel itineraries skip it, but those who stray into the southern gateway to Malaysia will be rewarded with the blissful solitude of its postcard-perfect islands and wild jungles, while getting access to a taste of authentic Malaysian culture and character not easily found in bigger tourist hotspots.

The top draw is the ridiculously gorgeous white-sand islands of the Seribuat Archipelago, where you'll find world-class diving, lost-beach trails and plenty of relaxation time with a fraction of Tioman's crowds. Inland, Endau-Rompin National Park offers the same rich flora, elusive fauna and swashbuckling action that visitors flock to experience at Taman Negara in Pahang, is available here in a more pristine setting.

And then there's the lively capital Johor Bahru, with a handful of worthwhile religious sites, museums and a heritage district, that plays sister-city to neighboring Singapore.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Johor.

  • See

    Gunung Ledang National Park

    According to legend, the highest mountain in Johor is the home of Puteri Gunung Ledang, a mythical princess whose presence is said to permeate the jungle slopes. Climbing Gunung Ledang (also called Mt Ophir; 1276m) is a very demanding – yet rewarding – two-day return trip from the National Park Office to the summit. Consider a side trip to the Puteri Waterfalls, which feature a cool bathing pool. The route is dangerous in parts; mandatory guides cost RM140 per day.

  • See

    Legoland

    Got kids? Asia's first Legoland offers over 70 rides and attractions, plus a waterpark that can be visited separately or as part of a package. Nearly everything is hands-on, and it's not just about the bricks. Expect to crawl around, pull yourself up a tower with ropes, ride a dragon-coaster and shoot lasers at mummies. Located 19km from JB; buses to Legoland depart JB Sentral and Larkin Sentral bus terminals, or catch a taxi for RM50.

  • See

    Royal Customs and Excise Building

    Today painted blue and yellow, with the date 1909 on its domed clock tower, this was once the Muar Railway Station Building. Look out for it on the north side of Jln Maharani, in between Jln Sayang and Jln Sisi. The railway was established in 1890 in response to the huge economic boom of the late 19th century, when Muar became the wealthiest district in Johor. It stopped running in 1925.

  • See

    Tanjung Piai National Park

    Just 90km southwest of Johor Bahru city centre, on the southernmost tip of mainland East Asia, this national park protects shorebirds and mangrove swamps. Tourism is just gaining a foothold so there's little infrastructure beyond a small visitor centre, some boardwalks and a jetty.

  • See

    Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman

    Step through the looking glass into this wonderland of a temple built from mirrors, glass and metal – not a single inch of the vaulted roof or wall has been left unadorned. The temple is dedicated to Kali, the goddess of time, change, power and destruction.

  • See

    'The Loving Sisters'

    Look out for this terrific black and white mural of two sisters on the side of a building by the roundabout as Jln Arab meeets Jln Bakri. The 12m-high painting was created by Russian artist Julia Volchkova.

  • See

    Masjid Jamek Sultan Ibrahim Muar

    This incredible light-blue- and white-painted, blue-roofed, overblown Victorian fantasy was completed in 1927 at a cost of RM10,000; it's a magnificent composite of European and Middle Eastern influences.

  • See

    Sultan Abu Bakar Building

    Red-roofed and painted light blue and white, this imposing and grand copy of the Istana Besar (Grand Palace) in Johor Bahru today houses the Muar Land Office and District Office. It dates from 1921.