If you love having fun in the sun or by the sea, there are loads of outdoor activities to try in n this part of Malaysia. From fishing and hiking, to a day at Legoland or a super-quick spin around a go-kart track, here are some ideas for spending things to do in Johor Bahru and the countryside around it.
Off-road karting
Singapore doesn’t have the luxury of space for many go-kart tracks, but it’s a different story across the water in Johor Barhu. The area is home to multiple go-karting centres, ideal for anyone who craves an adrenaline rush or fancies themselves as being skilled behind the wheel. (Actually, even if you’re never driven before, you can have a go on many of these tracks.)
Among the popular facilities is RUD Karting Medini, which has a 774-metre track and a range of different kart options, from basic karts to super-fast vehicles. There’s also an onsite café.
Visiting a farm
Are you a foodie? If so, you’ll enjoy exploring the many farms and plantations in Johor, where you can discover some of the best things Mother Nature has to offer! Many farms also offer night stays along with beautiful freshly cooked meals using ingredients grown on the spot, so you get a genuine farm-to-table experience. Depending on your budget, you can go with a fairly basic room or a more luxurious setup.
Many of the farms also keep animals, so you get to unwind while surrounded by Malaysia’s flora and fauna!
Cruising at Puteri Harbour
For a different view of your home in Johor, take a cruise along the Johor Straits.
It’s particularly pretty in the late afternoon, as you sail through mussel and fish farms, enjoying the golden glow of sunset, a time for outdoor activities. Operators such as Brooklyn Cruise allow you to bring your own food and drinks, too. Ask them about adding on a visit to the mangrove swamps at Senibong Cove, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a sight of eagles, monitor lizards, herons and otters.
Fishing
There are lots of options for keen anglers in Johor, depending on how serious you are about catching a big one! A relatively sedate option is Kukup in the west of Johor state, in the Pontian district. This area is synonymous with floating fishing villages that have been around for over a century, primarily inhabited by the local Chinese community. This spot is well-loved for its fresh sea breeze and tasty seafood. (Yes, you can eat your own catch!)
A different experience awaits at Mersing, a couple of hours’ drive up the east coast from JB. The town has numerous fishing tour operators, and you can book a boat charter for recreational fishing off the coast.
Thrill-seeking at Legoland
Utter the word “Legoland” to the kids and you’re bound to hear some yelps of joy. You’ll hear them again plenty of times when you go to this popular theme park in Johor too!
Probably one of the more well known things to do in Johor Bahru – a day of fun in the sun and water awaits, as you explore the three different Legoland zones, including theme park, waterpark and aquarium.
Take some tummy-churning rides, then head across to cool off at the waterpark. Follow it up with a relaxing walk around the aquarium to get your breath back. The Legoland Aquarium showcases 11 habitat zones across 25 display tanks, and over 13,000 sea creatures from 120 different species.
Too tired for the drive home? There’s also a Legoland hotel here, where you’ll be surrounded by Lego-themed everything – a definite hit with kids.
Riding an ATV
ATV Park Johor is Johor’s biggest ATV riding park. It’s one of the fun outdoor activities for families, with special packages available for groups of adults and kids. While the operators usually run these family packages on a designated route for safety reasons, if you’re heading there with a bunch of friends, you can also request a little off-piste experience, with a bit more jungle, mud and dirt thrown in!
Hiking
While much of Johor is flat and coastal, the interiors offers some enjoyable hiking opportunities, with plenty of trails to try. Try these for starters:
Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest
Gunung Pulai to the northwest of Johor Bahru rises approximately 700 metres above sea level. With rainforest and a waterfall, it offers a fab backdrop for photos. This significant water catchment area for Johor is accessible to hikers of all ages. If you’re with kids, be sure to point out the changing vegetation as you climb.
Mount Lambak Recreational Park
Further north in Johor, near Kluang, Mount Lambak is home to a 6.1km hiking trail that will take around three hours to complete. It’s considered a relatively challenging route, but the whole area is popular for walking and is open all year round.
Gunung Ledang
Located near Malacca, around three hours away by car, Gunung Ledang or Mount Ophir is a much celebrated spot in Malaysian folklore, thanks to the story goes of a magic-wielding princess who resides there. More practically, it’s considered one of the better hiking experiences in the country, with various levels of trail to choose from. You can tackle the summit on a (long) day-trip, or stay overnight.
Cycling in the city
On the second Saturday of every month, Johor Bahru city centre goes car-free for a couple of hours. From 7am to 9am, members of the public can ride bicycles, roller blades or skateboards on the city roads. It’s a nice way to get a fresh outlook on JB while not having to worry about oncoming traffic!
Outside these car-free hours, Johor dwellers can still ride in the city by using a route creator. There are many available online: Bikemap.net is one. Do remember to wear your helmets and stay safe and vigilant while enjoying outdoor activities on the road!
Firefly watching at Kota Tinggi
Ever been surrounded by thousands of fireflies at dusk, with the sun slowly setting on the horizon? It’s a totally magical experience. Kota Tinggi Firefly Park conducts boat tours to firefly-dense locations, where you can revel in what sometimes seems like a different dimension, as small flying lights ignite the darkness.
Golfing
Johor is home to a number of golf clubs, offering outdoor activities for a day out on the greens and fairways. Among these are some prominent courses that attract local and international players, such as The Els Club Desaru Coast – designed by and named after South African golf legend Ernie Els – and Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club in Iskandar Puteri.
Take your pick, dust off your clubs and head to the course to smash some down the middle!
Enjoyed this roundup of things to do in Johor Bahru and surrounds? Now read our roundup of great cafés in JB and other parts of Malaysia.
