7 of Johor’s Best Kept Secrets That Malaysians Should Definitely Visit

Admit it, the only reason most of us would make the drive down to Johor would be to get all that branded stuff for realllyyyyy discounted prices at Johor Premium Outlets (JPO). Okay la, who doesn’t like a good bargain right? However, our Southern counterpart has so much more to offer than just bargain goods and a checkpoint before heading to Singapore. With a name that’s derived from the Persian word meaning ‘gem’ or ‘jewel’, it’s no wonder the state is full of secret gems that are totally worth the trip down south. If you’re planning your next getaway to Johor, here are some of its ‘secrets’ that Malaysians should definitely add to their itinerary.

1. Canopy Tribes

Source: Gaya Travel

Want a change of view from the typical modern hotel but don’t really want to rough it out in nature? Canopy Tribes is the perfect place for you. Located approximately 3km away from Kota Tinggi, the site offers fully furnished tents for all your glamping needs. It even comes well equipped with a charcoal BBQ pit! Be one with nature and bask under the sea of stars without sacrificing on comfort and luxury.

2. Pulau Rawa

Source: Johor Now

Accessible via boat ride from Mersing Jetty, the island boasts pristine white sand and clear blue waters that would even shame those beaches outside of Malaysia. If you’re not one to sit still and bask in the sun, the island also offers activities like snorkelling and diving as well as a short hiking trail with a stunning view. More importantly, don’t forget to try two of their famous water slides!

3. UK Argo Farm

Source: AMI Travel

You don’t have to go all the way to New Zealand anymore to get a scenic view of sheep grazing in the fields. Seriously though, the farm fields look like they belong in the Lord of the Rings movies. Located in Kluang, the farm specialises in sheep and goat dairy products and visitors can get a chance to cuddle with the baby goats too. Not a baaa-d deal if you ask me.

4. Firefly Valley Leisure Park

Source: Amusing Planet

For all the lovebirds out there, jump on the river cruise at Firefly Valley Leisure Park and watch as colonies of fireflies light up the Johorean riverbank. The river cruise lasts approximately 40 to 50 minutes, so if you’re looking for some down time in the quiet of nature, this would be the perfect place to get it!

5. Desaru Coast

Source: The ELS Club

Desaru Coast offers an array of things to do. Forget being bored because you should be worrying about how to fit everything into your day instead! Get your tee on at the Els Club Desaru Coast’s golf course, which is great for both golf experts or rookie putters to enjoy. Golf isn’t your thing? Take a drive down to pick some fresh fruits at the Desaru Fruit Farm or get up close and personal with ostriches at the Desaru Ostrich Farm. They even have an adventure water theme park close by too! How to do everything in one day?!

6. Endau Rompin National Park

Source: Wonderful Malaysia

The name of the park comes from the two rivers that flow through the forest – Endau River and Rompin River – and is one of the oldest rainforests in the world! There are even rock formations that date back to 248 million years ago! Visitors can visit the Orang Asli village, go tube rafting or even go on a night safari. Just remember to be careful! They even have a designated campsite located in Merekek for those of you who want to camp the night there.

7. Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park

Source: Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park

Besides Legoland, Johor offers so many other theme parks such as the Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park. The park offers a range of exciting indoor sports and leisure activities that will cater to the inner adrenaline junkie in you. Activities include:

• Tropical ‘Ice Skating’ rink
• Drift-karting that puts a spin on traditional go-karting
• An indoor trampoline centre
• Slip and slide on all the different water slides available at the water park
• Malaysia’s longest indoor suspension adventure rope consisting of 51 different challenges and obstacles for visitors to maneouvre

If you’re a thrillseeker, this is definitely the place for you!

We can tell you all about how Johor is so much more happening than people make it out to be, but just talking about it isn’t going to cut it unless you experience it for yourself! Want to explore the wonders of Johor this year end but don’t want to spend time on the road or too much money on air tickets? Fret not, because it’s now much easier to get there with great deals from AirAsia.

Fly to Johor from ONLY RM49 one way anytime from now until 6th May 2018!

Not only that, you can also now make Johor your destination hub with AirAsia flights to a total of 16 destinations across SouthEast Asia, for both domestic and international flights. They’ve even added direct flights to Macao and Kolkata!

Don’t wait liao! Book your flights now as promotions end this 3rd December! Visit the AirAsia website for more info on these awesome deals.