5 Underrated Towns in Johor That are Worth the Roadtrip
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Unless you’re from there, many towns in Johor are just dots on a map. With highways getting you to your destination faster, you often miss out on discovering charming towns along the trunk roads.
So take a step back to when road trips meant stopping at little towns for food and stumbling across random attractions that make you feel like you’ve made the discovery of a lifetime.
Johor is full of them, if you know where to look.
1. Pengerang
Photo Source: Tourism Johor
If you need just one reason to drive all the way to the southeastern tip of Malaysia, it’s lobster.
Sungai Rengit is known as Johor’s lobster capital. Fittingly, you’ll find many seafood restaurants offering live lobster in a variety of styles; from Chinese butter lobster to lobster sashimi. While there’s also a (inedible) lobster monument in the town, it’s only one of three structures that you have to visit in Pengerang.
Nearby Sungai Rengit is the Jomis Old Jetty, the remains of an old abandoned jetty that perfectly frames the ocean and nearby islands - perfect to catch the vibes or take amazing photos.
The second is just a short drive away, in Tanjung Pengelih. Here, you can find the remains of a WWII bunker known as the Pengerang Battery. This was the last British stronghold in Malaya right up till the fall of Singapore during the Japanese invasion. While you can hike the trail and explore the bunkers and gun emplacements yourself, a guide is recommended for safety and a better understanding of the history and structures in the area.
2. Ayer Hitam
Photo source: Discover Malaysia via Johor Now
Ayer Hitam is known as “Bandar Seramik” (Ceramic Town) has long been famous for its ceramics and handicraft. The town is a lively artistic hub, with the hustle and bustle of traders and buyers. All around, you’ll see an assortment of ceramic products such as vases, photo frames, and figurines on display in shops.
The town’s expertise in handicraft also extends to food. Ayer Hitam is also known for local tidbits and delicacies such as prawn crackers, otak-otak, and assorted kuih - all made fresh daily.
Bazar Arena Warna is a must-stop in Ayer Hitam. Here, you’ll find stalls selling all manner of handicraft, food items, souvenirs, and fresh produce - all under one roof. Independent artists and musicians also trade their wares here, lending to a lively, artistic vibe.
3. Kluang
Photo Source: Google Maps
40 years ago, Kluang would not have made it to this list. The town used to be a central layover hub for drivers and railway commuters. With the opening of the North-South Expressway and lesser reliance on trains, you now have to intentionally go to Kluang rather than “accidentally” discovering how awesome it is from a short stop.
By far, Kluang is most well-known for the Kluang Rail kopitam - a canteen in the now-decommissioned railway station that serves delicious local coffee and charcoal-toasted bread with kaya and butter. The kopitiam is still operational, serving Malaysian favourites that taste as authentic as they did back when the canteen opened in 1938.
After your meal, stretch those legs and stroll through Kluang’s Central Square. Here, street art and murals colour the walls and alleys, telling the Kluang’s stories and heritage along the way.
Kluang is also home to Zenxin Organic Farm, the largest organic vegetable farm in the country. Kids in particular would love the tour and workshops offered, while you can pick up fresh organic veggies and products to bring home.
4. Endau
Photo Source: MY Mersing via Facebook
Right at the coastline bordering Pahang, Endau is a fishing town that still retains a rustic charm. In the evenings, colourful fishing boats line the river mouth as fishermen return from the sea, a sight that feels like a snapshot from a bygone era.
Many areas in the town still retain its wooden shophouses, offering a nostalgic glimpse of old Johor.
Being a coastal town, seafood is a must-have. From Malay-style ikan and udang bakar to homestyle Chinese seafood dishes, any restaurant along the coast will serve you fresh seafood with a view to match.
5. Batu Pahat
Photo source: Delok-Delok Sekitar
Ever wondered how Batu Pahat got its name? As the story goes, Siamese soldiers fleeing after a failed invasion of Malacca in the 15th century took up camp in the area. To supply themselves with fresh water, they chiseled (pahat) rocks (batu) at a site near the coast to create a freshwater well.
What’s amazing is that this well still exists! You can find the well in Kampung Minyak Beku, on a mound by Minyak Beku beach. But why is the place called Minyak Beku (Frozen Oil), you might wonder?
Stories vary, but the most common story is that the village was founded by a great warrior named Daeng Ahmad. During the building of the village, the usually free-flowing wood oil they extracted from keruing trees unexpectedly hardened (or ‘froze’). Taking this as a sign, Daeng Ahmad named the village Kampung Minyak Beku, or Frozen Oil Village.
If you’re travelling with kids, the DIY Playground is a quirky community-built playground made from recycled materials that sparks a sense of creativity, imagination, and sustainability.
In Johor, the journey is the reward
Photo Source: @DiscoverKluang on Instagram
From history and legends to foodie delights, Johor has something for every kind of traveller. All it takes is turning off the highway, slowing your pace, and enjoying the drive.
Much like taking a ferry from Berjaya Waterfront in Johor Bahru to Batam, being on the open ocean and choosing between being on the deck or marvelling at the size of commercial ships from your air-conditioned cabin is part of the experience.
As the saying goes it’s not the destination, it’s the journey.