Dubbed the southernmost tip of mainland Asia, Tanjung Piai is a haven for a diverse species of flora and fauna, including those unique to mangrove areas such as mangrove crabs, beady-eyed mudskippers and crab-eating macaques. Tanjung Piai is also famous for being a hot spot for birdwatchers to visit during the migratory season which falls around September and March.
Located within the district of Pontian, Johor, Tanjung Piai is a place where the earth and sea, plant and animal life, live in blissful harmony. Tanjung Piai Johor National Park covers an area of over 926ha -- 526ha of which comprise of coastal mangroves. There are two entry points to Tanjung Piai - the one at Sungai Belukang and the other at Desa Sri Piai. Entry into the Tanjung Piai park requires a minimal fee of just RM3 for adults (Malaysians) and RM5 for foreign visitors, payable at Tanjung Piai's visitor's complex
GETTING THERE
By Taxi Tanjung Piai is located about 75km from Johor Bahru. Currently there is no direct bus service to the Tanjung Piai Johor National Park. Taxi service is available from Pontian bus station, in the town center, to Tanjung Piai's entry point in Sungai Belukang. Be sure to book your return passage back to town in advance with your cab driver. A full taxi of four passengers should cost around RM15.
From Kuala Lumpur, take the North-South Expressway (NSE) south past Machap, then take the Simpang Rengam exit (Interchange 247) onto the highway headed for Tanjung Piai, via the Benut - Pontian - Kukup highways (Highway 96, Highway 5 and Highway 95). Once near Kukup, follow the sign boards leading you to Tanjung Piai.
Nearby Attractions
Rambah beach
Located close to Tanjung Piai, Rambah beach is naturally a good place for birdwatching, particularly during the birds migratory season in the months of September and March. Fishing and picknicking are also popular activities here. Once in a while, the local folks hold bird singing competition on this beach. This beach is in close proximity to Pulau Pisang and Kukup fishing village.
This beach is easily accessible by road and offers visitors all the absic facilities to make your visit here pleasurable. Facilities available include rest shades, changing rooms, shower rooms, washrooms, car parks, restaurants, food outlets and accommodation. Swimming, jet skiing, boating, banana boat ride, windsurfing, fishing, sun-bathing, beach games and camping are popular activities here.
Orchid valley
Located in the village of Kangkar Pulai, 30km northwest of Johor Bahru, Orchid Valley is a 40-ha. property at the foot of Gunung Pulai (Mount Pulai). Orchid Valley is reputedly the largest tropical orchid farm in the world. It has beautiful and exotic orchids from over 80 varieties. It is also internationally recognised, with some hybrids registered with the World Orchid Society in London.
Since its opening in February 1996, the Orchid Valley has become a popular attraction among tourists and orchid lovers especially from Singapore. Here, visitors can buy cut flowers or potted plants of exotic orchid breeds at very reasonable prices. The cool, fresh air and the scenic views with undulating hills in the backdrop are a welome change for urban visitors.
The farm consists of an orchid plantation, an educational corridor, a tourist centre and a research laboratory. Other facilities for visitors include a restaurant, a children's playground and viewing terraces. Waterfalls, lakes and fountains create a soothing ambience, and a tram ride around the farm lets visitors enjoy the breathtaking sights in comfort.
The farm is open daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm. A small entrance fee is applicable.
For more information, please contact :
Orchid Valley
19th Mile
Pontian Road
Kukup, Johor
82300
Tel: +607-5271122
Fax +607-5272913
Kukup
Kukup, is a well-known fishing village with most of its houses built on stilts. Since the middle of the 19th century, Kukup has been populated by farmers and fishermen, particularly of Bugis descent. It is famous for its fish farms and several restaurants, which serve the freshest seafood dishes, cooked in various delicious and tantalising styles. You must try the signature chilli crab dish.
Several restaurants serving seafood dishes are located along the small street, close to the jetty so you can enjoy a good seafood meal with a great view of the sea. Handicraft and delicacies such as keropok, belacan and cencaluk are available here. Those who love local dishes will definitely find this place a gastronmical delight.
After a satisfying meal you can hop on any of the boats for hire, and visit the aquaculture farms or kelong where crabs and a variety of fishes are commercially bred. Within sight of the Kukup jetty lies Kukup island, an interesting spot for a quick spin around the island on boat. Those wishing to stay overnight and explore Kukup can stay at the nearby chalet facility.
The Bugis Museum
The Bugis Museum, situated in the district of Pontian, is an interesting place to visit. Bugis is one of many Malay sub-groups that came from Celebes in Sulawesi and settled here in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The museum opens the door to give you and idea of what life must have been like for the Bugis community here. The artefacts on display here includes various household items used by the community. Have a engaging chat with the caretaker of the museum, a passionate man of Bugis descendant who will fascinate you with interesting anecdotes the Bugis community and their culture. For more information, please contact the Johor Tourist Information Centre at +607-2234935/2249960.
Nenas Museum
One section of the museum focuses on the cultivation methods of the pineapple, providing insightful information on planting techniques, pest and disease control, commercial planting, and maintenance guidelines.
You will also be able to see how the pineapple fruit is processed, from the field into the factory, where it is canned. The Museum houses one of the most extensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, publications and information pertaining to the pineapple industry in Malaysia.
A special sectoin is dedicated to illustrate the different varieties of pineapples planted in Malaysia. Some 18 varieties of pineapples is also displayed in various stages of process, from freshly cut pineapples from the fields, through to canned pineapple displays, from commercial pineapple plants to ornamental ones. Details such as the fruit shape and colour, sugar content and the different kinds of materials used in pineapple planting is also described.
For more information, please contact:
Musium Nanas Negeri Johor
Batu 32, Jalan Johor
Pontian,
Tel: (+607) 6868750 / 687 1249
Fax: (+607) 687067
Sungai peradin
Many visitors are unaware of Sungai Peradin, flanked by mangrove forests close to Pontian, Johor. The village here, called Kampung Belokok, which lies about 5km off the main road, is a hidden treasure with a colourful past.
It is said that in the Sungai Peradin area there was once a German community that worked the land and traded their agricultural produce using the river. Remnants of building columns, rail tracks and concrete slabs resembling a jetty are some of the evidences to support the existence of that community. The nearby Kampung Jerman (German Village) further supports the contention.
Today, Kampung Belokok itself is a destination famous for its fresh seafood and mangrove swamp and river cruises. Visitors come from far and near to enjoy the beauty of the mangrove forest and its inhabitants, particularly herds of monkeys numbering, which is said to number over 400, and that can be quite amuseming. Watch them as they moved in unison to cross the river or dive from tree branches.
Visitors can also visit two old charcoal kilns here, to learn how charcoal is made using the mangrove tree as a resource for wood. 'Attap' (thatched roof)-making is another rare traditional craft that should not be missed.
For more information, please contact the Johor Tourist Information Centre at 607-2234935 / 2249960 / 2241432.
