Off the east coast are group of beautiful islands called the Seribuat archipelago. They are part of a marine park and some of the islands have been turned into exclusive resorts.

Among the most famous islands are Pulau Besar, Pulau Rawa, and Pulau Tinggi. The jump-off point for these islands is the pleasant coastal town of Mersing, about 135km from Johor Bahru. Mersing is also the departure point for Tioman Island in Pahang.

One of the must-sees for nature lovers is the Endau-Rompin National Park. The 800-square kilometer park straddles the Johor-Pahang border and is best accessed through the Johor side. The park is regarded as well-kept secret because of its isolation, which has left extremely rich in flora and fauna as well as largely untouched natural wonders.

In the northwestern part of the state in Muar district is Gunung Ledang or Mount Ophir. The mountain, now popular with hikers, is said to be the home of the legendary princess, Puteri Gunung Ledang who was wooed by one of the Sultan of Malacca. The legend has inspired a popular movie and successful musical.

At the foot of the mountain is Sagil where there is a waterfall. Muar town, or Bandar Maharani, itself is a picturesque town known for delicious yet inexpensive food.

Johor Bahru, the capital, has collection of majestic colonial era building, such as the Secretariat Building, Istana Besar (Grand Palace) and Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque.

The city also attracts shoppers as there are many big malls and shops to cater to all tastes.

A short distance from the city is the interesting Saleng Zoo, where you can stroke a tiger cub or share honey with a bear.

Visitors can swim in the warm tropical sea, go canoeing, boating, parasailing, horseback riding and fishing. Those who prefer a less hectic holiday can just lie beneath a shady tree at the beach and relax your mind. After working up an appetite, head over to Sungai Rengit village to try its fresh, succulent lobsters for lunch. Then you can go to the 100ha Desaru Fruit Farm to sample a luscious spread of local fruits. Golf aficionados will also be able to enjoy their game and tee off at the many golf resorts in the area. At night, enjoy the twinkling lights of the fireflies in mangrove swamp.

On the way to Desaru, you can stop by Kota Tinggi where there are several places of interest. At the Kota Tinggi Waterfalls Resort, you also can enjoy a dip in cool, crystal clear mountain water, said to be able to relax muscle knots caused by stress and tension. Kota Tinggi has recently been caught up in “Bigfoot fever”. A beast is said to be living in the forest near the town and some locals claim to have seen it. Just ask the locals in the area and they will certainly help you find a guide to take you on a day trip to locate the creature's lair.

How to get there :

Johor is located in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia about 300km south of Kuala Lumpur. It is well connected to the rest of the country by expressways and railways as well as air links. The state is also connected to Singapore via the Causeway and the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link.