It is very interesting if you learn about the culture and histories of a Country or State especially if there are hidden folklore behind its existance. Malaysia is very wellknown to have these traditions, series of knowledge as well as taboos that has been passed down through many generations. This includes the State of Johor.

Johor, the state located in the southern portion of Peninsular Malaysia was believed to have many names prior to the name Johor. The last name known to be was Ujung Tanah, malay translation means “End of the Land”. There were several names that were related to the prior names including Wurawari (from the book of R.O Winstead), Hujung Medini (poem of Nagara Kertagama), Ganggayu (a name used before 1450) and Langyu. But it was believed that the name was derived from the Arabic word Jauhar which means “gem”.

Synonim with its tagline “The Land Where Excitement Begins”, Johor certainly has all ranges of activities whether you are travelling with families, singles, couples, thrill seeker, city lover, excapist and many more.

Johor offers historical sites such as Bukit Kepong in Muar, a historical police station which was brutally ambushed and attacked by the communist party in 1950 killing 26 policemen and family members. For mountain climber tryout climbing Gunung Ledang (Mount Ophir), the top 10 most difficult mountains to climb in Malaysia. The most interesting part of this mountain is the myth tales belonging to Puteri Gunung Ledang where she resides at. Legend says that the princess was asked in hand for marriage by Sultan Mahmud (the ruler of Malacca) but was refused when she gave 7 conditions to fulfilled including a bowl of his son’s blood which the Sultan was wiling to do killing his only son just to marry the beautiful princess.

Do drop by Legoland, an amusement park with more than 70 hands on rides, slides, shows and attractions with awesome adventures for the whole family. Who wouldn’t want to be a kid forever. hahaha..Or perhaps, you would love to do some shopping then head down to Johor Premium Outlet and shop till you drop with luxurious items massively slashed down prices. Branded goods include Coach, Michael kors, Salvatore Ferragamo and Polo Ralph Lauren.

Johor has also many local foods not to be missed. If you have the chance, do try the famous durian kampung, or if you can’t stand the smell, other foods to try out may include cendol pulut, mee bandung, nasi briyani, famous mee rebus, mee goreng ayam and much more delicious food. Not forgetting our alltime favourite mee siput Muar and coconut shake.

Still not convinced of visiting Johor, then perhaps you should throw all your stress and miserables away and rejuvenate yourself in Tioman or Rawa Island. Rawa Island is a small and beautiful which would be the best for people seeking a secluded area away from the bustling and hectic noises. Whereas, Tioman would be best for those who loves the dives and snorkelling possibilities. Alcohol are much cheaper here compared to the mainland as Tioman offers duty free spots. Both islands only operate between the months of April and October due to the monsoon season.

When would be the best time to visit Johor? A good time to avoid would probably be between November to February as Johor is also affected by the monsoon seasons and it would be very wet during these months.

In addition, don’t forget to also check-out our other destination guide such as Kedah, Sabah and Pahang 🙂 Book now with Azuki Tours!