February 25, 2012: Three tourist boats in the water at Pregnant Maiden Island (Pulau Dayang).

©pistolseven/Shutterstock

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.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Masjid Jamek Sultan Ibrahim Muar

    Masjid Jamek Sultan Ibrahim Muar

    Johor

    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…

  • Gunung Ledang National Park

    Gunung Ledang National Park

    Johor

    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…

  • Legoland

    Legoland

    Johor Bahru

    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…

  • Royal Customs and Excise Building

    Royal Customs and Excise Building

    Johor

    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…

  • Royal Abu Bakar Museum

    Royal Abu Bakar Museum

    Johor Bahru

    The marvellous Istana Besar, once the Johor royal family’s principal palace, was flung up in Victorian style by Anglophile sultan Abu Bakar in 1866. It…

  • Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple

    Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple

    Johor Bahru

    Once the centre of JB's Chinese immigrant community, and used by five different ethnic groups to worship five different Chinese gods, this small but…

  • Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

    Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

    Johor Bahru

    The stunning whitewashed walls and blue-tiled roof of this Victorian-inspired mosque speak of a mix of architectural influences. Built between 1892 and…

  • Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim

    Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim

    Johor Bahru

    Sitting magnificently atop Bukit Timbalan, the imposing Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim is a mighty melange of colonial pomp, Islamic motifs and indigenous design…

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Go Beyond

Johor and beyond

Beyond Johor
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