2025 Kota Tinggi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

#johorbahrutrip Driving trip to Johor Bahru (JB) to Muar, Kluang, Tebrau City, and Mersing The route balances cultural stops, food adventures, and natural sights across southern Johor: ### **Suggested Route & Stops** **Day 1: Johor Bahru → Tebrau City → Kluang** - **Tebrau City** (20 mins from JB): - Start with breakfast at **The Toast Café** (famous for *kaya toast* and soft-boiled eggs). - **Drive to Kluang** (~1.5 hours): - Stop at **Kluang Rail Coffee** (original 1938 railway station café) for coffee and *roti bakar*. - Visit **UK Farm Agro Resort** (interactive goat farm) or hike **Gunung Lambak** (510m trail). - Lunch: Try *Kluang Nasi Lemak* or *Curry Mee*. - Stay overnight in Kluang (e.g., **Kluang Hotel** or eco-lodges near Gunung Lambak). **Day 2: Kluang → Muar** (~2-hour drive) - **Muar Highlights**: - Breakfast: *Muar Mee Bandung* (spicy noodle dish) at **Restoran Salahuddin**. - Explore **Muar Town**: - **Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque** (grand Moorish-style mosque). - **Tanjung Emas Park** (riverside stroll with views of the Muar River). - **Muar Street Art** (murals around Jalan Meriam/Jalan Ali). - Lunch: *Otak-Otak* (grilled fish paste) at **Haji Wahid Otak-Otak**. - Drive to **Parit Jawa** (30 mins) for fresh seafood dinner at waterfront restaurants. - Stay overnight in Muar (e.g., **Thistle Hotel** or boutique guesthouses). **Day 3: Muar → Mersing** (~3-hour scenic drive via Kota Tinggi) - **Mersing Highlights**: - Breakfast: *Roti Canai* at **Mersing Seafood Restaurant**. - Explore **Mersing Town**: - **Mersing Waterfront** (quaint fishing village vibes). - **Pantai Air Papan** (beach for a quick dip). - Optional: Take a ferry to **Tioman Island** (if extending your trip). - Lunch: Fresh seafood at **Mersing Seafood Market**. - Return to JB (~2.5-hour drive) or stay overnight in Mersing (e.g., **Mersing Hotel**). ### **Key Food Stops** - **Tebrau City**: *The Toast Café*, *Hai Kee Teochew Porridge*. - **Kluang**: *Kluang Rail Coffee*, *Restoran Yat Yat*. - **Muar**: *Mee Bandung Salahuddin*, *Haji Wahid Otak-Otak*, *Asam Pedas*. - **Mersing**: *Mersing Seafood Market*, *Warung Pokok Ketapang*. ### **Driving Tips** 1. **Route**: Use **Highway E22** (JB-Kluang) and **Highway 24** (Kluang-Muar). For Mersing, take **Highway 3** (coastal road). 2. **Tolls**: Touch ’n Go card needed for highways. 3. **Parking**: Easy in towns; RM2–5 at most lots. 4. **Safety**: Avoid rural roads at night; watch for motorcycles. ### **Bonus Detours** - **Endau-Rompin National Park** (jungle trekking, waterfalls) between Kluang and Mersing. - **Kota Tinggi Waterfalls** (en route to Mersing). This road trip blends city vibes, heritage towns, and coastal relaxation—perfect for a 3-day Johor adventure! 🚗🍜🌴 Let me know if you need more details!

#outdooradventures During our trip to Desaru, we decided to visit the Desaru Mini Zoo for a little outdoor adventure. It’s a small but charming zoo, perfect for a casual day out. The place is surrounded by greenery, giving it a relaxing vibe. As I walked around, I saw a variety of animals like horses, rabbits, deer, alpacas, fishes and even ostriches. You can get up close and personal with some of the animals, and there’s even an option to feed them, which kids especially enjoy. It’s not a big place, so it doesn’t take too long to explore, but it’s a fun and peaceful spot if you’re looking to enjoy nature and see some friendly animals up close. If you're feeling adventurous, you’ve got to try the ATV ride! It's a good way to add some thrill to your day. The ride could be bumpy but super fun, with muddy paths and small hills that made the experience exciting.

#weekendgetaways Tanjung Balau Beach is just a quick 15 minute drive from the renowned Desaru Beach, made for a perfect short stop before heading to the Hard Rock Hotel. This hidden gem stands out for several reasons: 1. A peaceful place for retreat, less crowded. 2. Stunning beach with unique black rocks and reefs. 3. Beautiful clear water, making it a refreshing spot for a quick dip. Just leisurely walk through the water, past the rocks to explore further from the shoreline and simply sit on one of the bigger rocks to take in the tranquil view. #100waysoftravel #myhiddengems #malaysiatrip

#waterfall #100waysoftravel Kota Tinggi Waterfall is a perfect destination for a fun and refreshing getaway. Located amidst lush greenery, the waterfall offers a beautiful cascade of water, creating a cool and inviting pool below. It’s a great spot for families and friends to enjoy a day out, whether you're looking to swim, have a picnic, or simply relax in nature. The surrounding park area is well-maintained, with facilities that make your visit comfortable and enjoyable. The sound of rushing water, combined with the serene natural setting, provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you’re in search of a rejuvenating escape, Kota Tinggi Waterfall is definitely worth a visit.

#familytrips2024 Desaru Mini Zoo is a delightful attraction in Johor, Malaysia, perfect for families with kids. Here’s what you can expect when you visit: Interactive Animal Experience: At Desaru Mini Zoo, you’ll get up close and personal with various animals. From birds and reptiles to furry four-legged creatures, there’s something for everyone. Feeding Fun: Before exploring the mini zoo, grab a basket of goodies from the entrance ticket counter. You can feed the animals treats like bread, long beans, baby corn, chicken feed, and fish food. It’s optional, but having treats makes it easier to interact with the animals. Adorable Alpacas: The fluffy alpacas steal the show! Kids and adults alike will enjoy petting these super-friendly and soft creatures. Remember to be gentle with the animals and follow any guidelines provided by the staff. Desaru Mini Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers! Details: Admission Price: 20 RM Operating Hours: 10 am to 7 pm You can pay via pay wave!

#familytrips2024 A cute café in Desaru Mini Zoo. It's like a cozy wooden hut with seats outside where you can chill. There aren't tons of food options, but they've got drinks, ice cream, and desserts. Plus, you can hang out with animals wandering around. And there's this awesome giant swing made of wood – super fun! Address: 103-A, Jalan Damai 10, Kampung Sungai Kapal, 81620 Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia

#familytrips2024 The Giant Yellow Duckling Floaty Decor at Desaru Mini Zoo adds a splash of fun to our visit. Imagine strolling past ponds teeming with colorful Koi fish, their scales glinting in the sunlight. Remember to buy fish food at the entrance so you can feed them, watching as they eagerly nibble at the food. And don't miss the excitement of longkang fish catching, where you can try your hand at scooping up these lively fish from a water-filled ditch. It's an experience that's sure to delight both kids and adults.

#wheretogo Yard&Co a seaside cafe in Sungai Renggit, Pengerang Johor . the charming and stylish interior definitely draw you in. there are plenty of card park location and it’s free of charge. Is convenient for you to drive in to pengerang but not public transport . is hard to get a public transport or taxi in this area. the price for the menu is a cafe pricing is on high side . but is worth to pay for the view, and the food was great too. is a Muslim friendly restaurant , no pork no lard. you may need to come early as the restaurant often fully book on weekend. opening 7 days a week from 12pm to 7pm. you can come during sunset time too, for sure you can take nice picture . #tripmoments #awesomepic #holiday #restaurant #desaru #deliciousfood

Manage to find this hidden gem beach @ Batu Layar near Desaru when driving around . it’s took 30 mins drive from Desaru to Batu Layar. the beach is beautiful and not many people know about the place. that’s why not many people know about this Hidden Spot. went there for sun tanning , listening to the wave & chilling by the beach. beautiful #weekendgetaways just short drive from JB. #freehotelstay #hiddengems

Honey is beneficial to health and it definitely has got good medicinal properties too. When we chanced upon honeybee cafe in Malaysia, we know we had to try their honey desserts. We heard so much fantastic reviews on their honeycomb ice cream and I m glad we gave it a try. A honeycomb rack can be seen at the entrance of the cafe and a piece of honeycomb is freshly cut for each order of their dessert. Although there were quite a few variations for their dessert, we had their original golden honeybee ice cream. It consists of crunchy cornflakes, vanilla ice cream, honey pearls, honey drizzle and a piece of honeycomb. It's certainly delicious and satisfied our sweet cravings! Drinks like frappe are also available but trust me, their desserts are way better!

#summerfest #desaru Yard & Co Cafe, the perfect place to eat and enjoy the seaside scenery. Best time to go is for breakfast or lunch as the place is bright for phototaking and easier to get Grab. There is an al fresco dining where you get the view of the peaceful sea and the blue skies. The interior of the cafe is also giving out a beach vibe to match the seaside scenery so that customers would feel as if they are actually on the beach. We ordered the lobster roll, halo salmon, creme brulee, lychee oolong, iced chocolate mint and all were so good! Worth a trip down to sip, eat And enjoy the seaside View!

#malaysia #johor This is Yard & Co cafe located in Johor, Malaysia. 30-minute drive from Desaru. Here, you can order massive breakfast plates and desserts like milk mochi, while enjoying the view of the beautiful sea ~ Once you find the cafe, you’ll be greeted by a charming, low-lying building next to a wooden deck with tables and chairs where you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the calming open waters and clear skies. This place is very instagrammable and the food is nice!

Did you plan your retreat yet? Fall in love all over at Jojo Rakit House. Spend some quality time with fishing activity. Take a romantic holiday or stay for the night for an unforgettable experiences with your loved. Let's celebrate your love and create memorable moments. Best holiday for your partner and family! #valentinescape #mytripvlog #couplestrip #awesomepic

#newyearadventure #tripblazers #awesomepic A good place to spend our weekend. Away from busyness of the city. Near food place with varity of choices. Got medan selera nearby & food stalls. Clean public toilet (have charged) available. Clean & windy. Parking a bit hard though. And For those who loves fishing, this is the place to go to. Can fishing at the jetty for free! Enjoy the scenery too! Location: Jetty Telok Sengat, Kota Tinggi Johor

recommended place to organize family day or gathering. quite and peaceful environment. you can rent kitchen for meals prep. bbq pit also available, open space in front seaside suitable for lite game and sport. price very affordable, rooms are clean, amenities limited, but hot shower perfect. you can rent overnight or day use. nearby restaurant located at tanjung sedili, a wide range of hawker stall, fresh seafood ... buy and bring back to resort...enjoy the grill...

Desaru Coast is a coastal resort area in Southeastern Johor, Peninsular Malaysia. The small town of Bandar Penawar serves as the area’s transport hub. Whether you are traveling alone, with your friends or family, there are more than enough activities to keep your stay fun and awesome and alternatively, if you want to keep it low-key and relaxed, the place can still give you the quiet and peace as it is still laid-back and not too crowded. For those bringing their kids in tow, there’s the Desaru Coast Adventure Water Park and the Ostrich Farms. If you love nature activities, a trip to the fishing villages in Tanjung Balau and the Desaru Fruit Farm are top options. And then there’s the food. At 40-50 RM or around 10 USD, you can already feast on affordable seafood as the town is coastal in nature. Keep it local and definitely there will be plenty of affordable but decent food options. The race started with a rolling start process in front of The Westin Desaru Coast Resort beachfront. The course is an inverted triangle swim, and in a clockwise direction. The swim was relatively smooth except for some little waves near the shore. Feedback from finishers were the presence of tiny shrimp-like creatures, or planktons. That’s open water swim for you and you will get through that. The last 700m swim back was a hurdle for some, as they were fighting to keep it rightmost on waves that were coming from right to left. From the swim out is a good 200-300 meter jog to the transition area. Another 200m jog from the transition area greets the athletes from where the bike mount area is. The long transition is worth it as this is one of the best bike courses in the triathlon racing circuit in Asia. What made the bike course pop out in this review is two things: First, the roads are silky smooth (as Zohan would say it), almost perfect and immaculate road conditions. Second, the canopy of trees and vegetation is a welcome sight, especially in the Jalan Ladang Siang section. With the sun barely out, the canopy provided shade to the athletes. It is truly a refreshing view. Despite the terrain being rolling and undulating, there is nothing too hard for most trained triathletes, except for a few steep sections. A cassette with 27 or 30 at the back is more than enough. Despite that, the course is not technical and plenty of straight sections can give triathletes time to keep their head down and steady. I thought the course would feature some coastal views, but the roadside view of plants, trees and vegetation does not disappoint. Course was well marked and plenty of marshals and police/security on hand to control the minimal traffic on the course. On my coverage, there was very minimal vehicle-cyclist interaction, and could say that the bike course was almost exclusive to the participants. Another long jog to the transition area greets the triathletes after the dismount area. As with any Siutheast Asian race, it should be hot on the

Desaru fruit farm is indeed a good place to explore. They sell a package while you can try a 20min ATV route, 45-60min fruit tour with guide, and a 6 dishes 1 soup meal made of fruit. Reasonable price and good experience. Good for family or friends.

Here in Kota Tinggi Johor..Although the restaurant seems quite a bit further in a palm oil fields and village..but once u arrived u will be amazed by the floating restaurant and 2 boats where one of the boat provides a firefly adventure..u can see its a big and comfortable boat for u to take and see the firefly at the swamp area nearby..we came in a group of 12 person..the choices of food offered also is variety and very delicious too..I personally loved the tomyam..the fish also marvellous..we had the foods cleared in just seconds..with the price offered worth and affordable..we came early so got the chance to take the table on the boat..and manage to see the other boat take off for their adventure..we had fun and belly fulled..we would come again some day again next time..#tripblazers #urbanexplorer #awesomepic #spooktaculartrip #couplestrip #deliciousfood #foodie #staycation #passionpassport #passionpassport #mytripvlog #bucketlistreboot #featured #featuredtag

📍Desaru Long Jetty Unexpected place while visiting Desaru 🫣 Apparently found a catchy jetty after look around tanjung balau 💖💖 #awesomepic #couplestrip

Vacation MODE 🔛 DO NOT DISTURB 😜 26&27 SEPTEMBER 2020 #familytrip #familytime #triplocal

Flying to Johor Bahru, the airport is overwhelming where I am going to play, Desaru Coast. Desharu's Fruit Garden, the largest tropical fruit garden in Malaysia, you can get a close look at the cold knowledge of various Southeast Asian fruits, as well as rabbits playing ~ being recognized by fans and courtesy, then from Australia And the sports planning expert in Singapore, made the J step guest of the fourth episode of "J Steps in the World" ~ [Desaru Fruit Farm, Malaysia Johor Bahru] #JVlog#

Visited Desaru Fruit Farm in Desaru Fruit Garden, I have seen passion fruit, avocado, jackfruit, breadfruit, carambola, lotus, mangosteen, ginseng fruit, lime, nine-story tower, and have not seen Many uncommon fruits and plants such as Luoshenhuamao, Qianzhijiao, leprosy, cocoa, sorrel, galangal, curry leaves, stevia, and ghost pepper. In addition to full of happiness, you can also eat fruit feast, full of food.

When the sun sets, Kota Tinggi Firefly Park transforms into one of Johor’s most enchanting experiences. For a small fee, visitors can take a guided boat ride along the mangrove river and witness thousands of fireflies twinkling in perfect harmony, creating a magical, almost fairytale-like atmosphere. This attraction is both romantic and family-friendly, appealing to couples, friends, and travelers of all ages. The park emphasizes eco-tourism and minimal environmental impact, making it a meaningful stop for those who care about nature. Budget travelers will appreciate that this experience is affordable, yet provides a memorable night out that rivals pricier attractions. Local guides share stories about the fireflies’ life cycle and the mangrove ecosystem, adding educational value. Children are often fascinated by the glow and can learn about conservation in a fun way. For photography enthusiasts, low-light shots of the glowing mangroves can be stunning. Nearby food stalls offer inexpensive snacks and drinks, ensuring visitors can enjoy a complete evening without overspending. Participating in the tesaruonbudget activity, this stop proves that magical experiences do not need to be costly. Whether it’s a family outing, a date night, or a solo adventure, Kota Tinggi Firefly Park offers affordable wonder, combining nature, learning, and serenity. #tesaruonbudget

Just a short drive from central Desaru, Tanjung Balau Beach offers a quieter, more authentic escape with a strong fishing village character. Unlike more crowded tourist spots, here you can enjoy calm waters ideal for swimming or paddleboarding. The colorful fishing boats add charm and are perfect for photography enthusiasts looking for scenic shots. Early mornings bring soft light, making it ideal for sunrise views. Families will appreciate the shallow waters and gentle waves, while couples can enjoy a romantic walk along the shoreline. The small local eateries nearby serve fresh seafood at very affordable prices, perfectly fitting the tesaruonbudget concept. You can also interact with the local fishermen to learn about their daily routines and traditional fishing techniques. Sunset is particularly breathtaking, with golden hues reflecting on the calm sea. Beachgoers can relax, picnic, or try out water sports equipment rentals at low cost. With free entry and minimal extra spending, Tanjung Balau Beach allows visitors to experience authentic Malaysian coastal life while staying on budget. Whether capturing photos, enjoying the scenery, or simply unwinding, this spot is ideal for anyone wanting a balance of beauty and affordability on their Desaru trip #tesaruonbudget

Muzium Kota Tinggi is a gateway into the rich history of Johor’s royal lineage and the cultural heritage of the region. Set in a serene town known for its historical significance, the museum focuses on the Johor Sultanate, which played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s identity. The galleries house artifacts that tell stories of power, diplomacy, and tradition. You’ll find royal regalia, old weaponry, and replicas of historical sites, each offering a glimpse into the grandeur and challenges of Johor’s past. Detailed panels and visual displays narrate the rise and fall of the sultanate, as well as its connections to other kingdoms in the Malay world. Beyond royal history, the museum also touches on local life, showcasing items like traditional costumes, household utensils, and crafts that reveal how ordinary people lived in the shadow of the palace. The building itself exudes a quiet charm, making it a pleasant spot to wander while soaking in the past. Visiting Muzium Kota Tinggi feels like stepping into a chapter of history where kings, warriors, and villagers shared the same land—a rewarding stop for anyone wanting to understand Johor beyond its modern-day face. #tesaruonbudget

#tesaruonbudget During my trip to Desaru, I stopped by VCR café for a little afternoon break. The café’s modern and minimalist interior felt so inviting, with its soft lighting and sleek design making it the perfect spot to relax after a busy day of exploring. I ordered a hot latte, and it was smooth, creamy, and had just the right balance of coffee and milk. Sipping it slowly in the calm atmosphere felt like a small moment of luxury without the hefty price tag. For budget-conscious travelers who still want great coffee and stylish vibes, this café is definitely worth visiting.

#tesaruonbudget While exploring Desaru, I dropped by VCR café for a quick and refreshing meal. The minimalist black-and-white interior gave off a sleek and calming vibe, making it the perfect spot to unwind. With its cozy corners and welcoming ambiance, it felt like a little retreat in the middle of my trip. I ordered their smoked duck salad, and it was such a satisfying choice. The smoked duck was tender and flavourful, perfectly paired with fresh greens and a light dressing. To complement it, I had a glass of iced black coffee, which balanced the meal beautifully. For travelers looking for something light, healthy, and affordable, VCR is a fantastic café to stop by in Desaru.

#tesaruonbudget During my trip to Desaru, I stopped by Coffee Bean for a relaxing break. The moment I walked in, I was greeted by a modern and cozy interior with soft lighting and comfy seats. It felt like the perfect place to rest and recharge after exploring. I ordered a warm cup of matcha latte and paired it with a slice of cake from their display. The matcha was smooth and comforting, and the cake was rich in flavor without being too sweet. For a budget-friendly yet relaxing café experience, this Coffee Bean branch is a great stop for travelers in Desaru