How to kill 3 birds with 1 stone!
Handy
MAP
OF
SINGAPORE BATAM BINTAN JOHOR
Handy Map of Singapore Batam Johor : Unlike other virtual maps, Handy Map of Singapore Batam Johor provides physical map of Singapore, map of Batam & Bintan and map of Johor & Johor Bahru.
You will not only be able to visit Singapore, but also its neighbours i.e. Malaysia (Johor state and Johor Bahru) and Indonesia (Batam and Bintan Islands) as long as you are holding a valid international passport! You will be able to make a planned and informed trip with ease without any hassle!
JOHOR
LIST
PLAY & RELAXATION IN JOHOR BAHRU
GEOGRAPHY
Location : The Southernmost state of Peninsula Malaysia with Singapore as its neighbour at the South
Population of Johor : 2.7 million
Total area : 18,986 square km
Capital : Johor Bahru
Climate : Temperature between 24 - 34 degree Celcius, high humidity (above 80%), tropical with no distinct season: sunny with heavy rainfall the whole year round.
SIGHTSEEING IN JOHOR, MALAYSIA
You could have a planned and enjoyable sightseeing if you purchase a set of Handy Map of Singapore Batam Johor.
You may contact :
JOHOR TOURISM INFORMATION CENTRE (JOTIC)
2, Jalan Ayer Molek
80000 Johor Bahru
Malaysia
Tel : 607-222 3392
Open : 8.00am-4.15pm (Mon - Fri), 8.00am-12.45pm (Sat), 10.00am-4.00pm (Sun)
JOHOR BAHRU
Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque is situated on a hill overlooking the Strait of Johor at Jalan Skudai about 3km from JOTIC.
It was completed in 1900 and was opened by the then Sultan Ibrahim.
Visiting hours from 10am to 6pm (Saturday to Thursday).
Sultan Ibrahim Building was built in 1940. It is situated at Bukit Timbalan (Timbalan Hill) which is visible from Singapore. It is a landmark in Johor Bahru.
Nowadays, it houses the Chief Minister Office, The Land and Mines Office, Housing Office and other governmental offices. As it is an important building with state offices, it is guarded.
Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum is the former residence of the Sultan of Johor. It is still used by the Royal family at special occasions. Most of the time, the Musuem is open to the public. It has rich collection of pottery, cookery, paintings, furniture etc. You may have a nice view of the Strait of Johor from the museum. A visit of it is educational and instructive. Entry ticket for foreigner is US$7-00 and RM5-00 for Malaysian.
The Old Johor Chinese Temple is located at Jalan Trus near the Public Bank Tower. Even though it occupies a small piece of land, it is the one of the oldest temples in Johor Bahru. It has been the meeting area for the Chinese community from different dialect groups. The 4 Deities in the Temple represent 4 different dialect groups. Every 20th of the first month of the lunar calendar, chingay is organized whereby the Deities will be put on parade. It is a spectacular procession which attracts both the locals and foreigners. This is the only temple in Johor Bahru with such event. This shows the importance of it to the Chinese community in Johor Bahru.
Persada Convention Centre is located at Jalan Trus, not far away from the Old Johor Chinese Temple. It was only completed in 2007. Since then, some major conventions like Malaysia Furniture Show etc were held here.
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This is the entrance of the Johor Bahru Prison. It is situated at Jalan Ayer Molek, Johor Bahru, a short distance from the entrance to the Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum. The prison has been moved to elsewhere to make way for new development as it occupies a precious piece of land in Johor Bahru. Previously it kept hundreds of prisoners. The beauties of this prison is that it is quite near to the Magistrate's Court, Session Court and the High Court. It take a little time to send the prisoners to the court to attend trial.
Jalan Meldrum runs parallel with the main street of Johor Bahru i.e. Jalan Wong Ah Fook. It is a walking street. There are about 10 budget hotels situated along Jalan Meldrum. Please refer to the ebook for room rates and contacts. A stay here is very convenient and in the town centre.
There are a few money changers operating here. You may find a variety of food and drink. At the other end of Jalan Meldurm is the massive Johor Bahru City Square.
Find map of Singapore, map of Batam & Bintan, map of Johor & Johor Bahru and ebook.
This is a hawker centre at Jalan Meldrum. You may find Chinese food like Wan Ton Mee, Fried Mee, chicken rice here at a reasonable prices.
Johor Bahru City Square has a podium and office tower and 3 level of basemet carparks. In the podium, you may find a wide range of shops ranging from boutiques, bookstore, confectionaries, garments, jeans, food courts, bistro, fast food like McDonald, foot reflexology, hair saloons, jewelry shops etc.
If you have extra time, you may enjoy a movie at the 4th floor of the podium.
You may shop and shop here the whole day!
This a walkway and garden within the city along the main street of Johor Bahru downtown, Jalan Wong Ah Fook. It is constructed above a river, Sungai Segget which was infamous for its stench over the years. The Municipal Council made a decision to cover up the river and turn it into a garden walkway as part of the plan to beautify downtown Johor Bahru.
This Church is located at Jalan Gereja next to Menara Landmark.
The Sri Mariamann Temple is situated in front of Kotaraya. It is a focal point for the Indian community especially the Hindu worshippers. The street is crowded during Hindu festive seasons. Outside the temple, you may find hawkers selling Indian tidbits and flowers for worship purposes.
This is a Duty Free Trade Zone in Johor Bahru. This building houses a hotel, the ZON Regency and a ferry terminal. You may travel to Tanjung Belungkor (Near Desaru, Johor) and Batam and Bintan (Indonesia) from here. Please refer to ebook for ferry schedule and fares.
This a sample traditional Malay house on display at the Danga Bay. There are about 10 of these traditional houses from different area of Johor State. Visitor can have their photo taken by sitting at the wooden staircase.
The ambiance here is cosy with lush turfing and tropical flowers planted at the surrounding of the houses.
Elsewhere
Kukup town is bustling with traffic and crowd especially Singaporean visitors. Visitors usually come here for holiday and seafood.
Kukup Jetty. You may take a ferry from here to Tanjung Balai, Karimun, Indonesia. It has a custom to perform immigration procedure. Visitors usually take a boat from here to Kukup Island or the houses near the seaside for holiday.
Boardwalk is built over the mangrove on the Kukup Island. Signboards are erected depicting the flora and fauna which could be found on the spot. It may take 45 minutes to walk deep inside the Kukup Island. At the end of the boardwalk is a viewing tower from which you may have a panoramic view of the whole Kukup Island and Singapore.
Tanjung Piai, Johor is the Southernmost tip of Asia Continent. Various birds migrates here especially during September each year. Among the birds which can be seen here are collared kingfisher, goldenbodied wookpecker, egrets, grey herons, little herons, lesser adjutant, chestnut bellied malkoha etc. Birdwatchers should not miss this spot!
Boardwalk is built above the mangrove for visitors to view the flora and fauna. You may find beady- eyed mudskipper and gorgeous orange fiddler crab.
Tanjung Piai Resort, Tanjung Piai, Johor. It is erected in the sea. Please refer to ebook for details.
Kukup Golf Resort. This is the only golf course in Kukup area.
Saleng Zoo. Situated at Kulai, Johor. Three (3) tiger cubs were born before the Chinese New Year.
EAT IN JOHOR BAHRU, JOHOR
New Hong Kong Restaurant is situated at Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, in the vicinity of Menara Cyperport. It serves Chinese cuisine including Dim Sum.
It is one of the oldest Chinese restaurant in Johor Bahru.
Gerai Mee Rebus Stulang Laut has moved to Hutan
Bandar Tasek Utara. It serves one of the best curry mee in Johor
Bahru.
The De Stulang is a commercial area where you can find a variety of food, sundry shops and offices.
It is located next to the ZON ferry terminal.
Restoran Sedap Corner is situated behind the Hyatt Regency Johor Bahru. It serves a variety of Malay food. It has branches at Johor Bahru City Square and Plaza Pelangi.
The Bay Leaf Food Park at Danga Bay has a collection of different kind of food like Italian, Chinese, Malay and some other local food.
The
Lazio Italian Restaurant at Danga Bay, Johor Bahru.
STAY IN JOHOR BAHRU
The
Heritage Hotel is located at the same row of building of the New Hong Kong
Restaurant at Jalan Ibrahim Sultan. It is a budget hotel. For detail room rate,
please refer to the ebook.
The
ZON Regency Hotel by the Sea is located in the Free Trade Zone. It is a high
range hotel with a deluxe room at about RM190-00 per night.
Visitor can stay a night here before departure to Batam or Bintan, Indonesia or Tanjung Belungkor, Johor for a visit to Desaru. As it is a duty free trade zone, the cigarette and alcohol here is one of the cheapest in Malaysia. There are a few bars and lounges within ZON area. There is a newly open De Paradise Exclusive KTV club. Besides, you may do shopping at a shopping here.
The De Paradise Exclusive KTV Club
There is also a conference room for rent for big size conference and meeting at the ZON Regency Hotel by the sea.
The
Hyatt Regency Johor Bahru is situated off town centre. It is situated behind the
General Hospital Johor Bahru. It is a 5-star hotel with conference facilities.
It is popular to local community as various functions and dinner are held here.
The Strait View Hotel is a budget hotel located at Jalan Skudai, in the vicinity of the Hyatt Regency. It has a panoramic view of the Strait of Johor. Visitor may stay here to enjoy the convenience of visiting some places of interest nearby.
The
M-Suite Hotel is an exclusive hotel. Its room rate ranges from RM170-00 to
RM420-00. It has a spa, Serenity Spa here. As it is by the seaside, it has a
panoramic view of the Strait of Johor.
NOTE : Of course there are other hotels including budget hotels. Please refer to the ebook for room rates and booking.
The ebook provides you with recommendation on where to stay in order to visit some places of interest by walking, to enjoy the food and drink nearby etc.
PURCHASE MAP OF JOHOR & JOHOR BAHRU
SHOPPING IN JOHOR BAHRU
Beside shopping at the mega shopping malls, we recommend you to shop at:-
The
JARO (Johor Area Rehabilitation Organization) Gallery is located at Jalan
Sungai Chat behind a secondary school, English College.
It sells hand-made cane furniture, rattan ball, rattan basket. It does hardcover book binding. These produces are done by the physically disableds of the state.
If you go downstair, you will be able to see the disabled working.
Balai
Seni Nusantara (Nusantara Art Gallery) is located at Jalan Skudai near the
Danga Bay. Here you may find the traditional Malay Sword (Keris) and antiques.
The Female Shopping Market got its idea from Hong Kong. It is situated at the Danga Bay. Visitors may enjoy shopping here because there are plenty of shops for you to visit.
PLAY AND RELAXATION IN JOHOR BAHRU
The playground at Danga Bay. It is suitable for famly visit.
Carousel at Danga Bay
Tram car at Danga Bay
The Children Toy shop at Danga Bay.
TRANSPORTATION IN JOHOR BAHRU
Please refer to the ebook.
PURCHASE MAP OF JOHOR & JOHOR BAHRU
NATIONAL FLOWER OF MALAYSIA
Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis (Malay : Bunga Raya)
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This plant is a very common plant in Malaysia. When grown unchecked, it can reach
2 -3 m in height. Normally, people use it as hedge. In lowlands, the flower
begins to close up at noon, but in highlands, it remain open the whole day. They
are numerous hybrids.
HISTORY OF JOHOR
The name of "Johor" was adopted from an Arabic word "Jauhar" meaning gem or precious stone.
The history of Johor is closely connected with the Malacca Sultanate. The Sultanate of Johor was founded by teh Malacca Sultan Mahmud Shah's son, Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah in 1528. A new capital was established at the Johor River.
Bugis
The Bugis played an important role in the history of Johor. During the Triangular War between Johor, Portuguese and Aceh (Sumatra), Jambi (at Sumatra) emerged as a regional economic and political center to an extent that it tried to free itself from Johor Sultanate. Johor was defeated by Jambi in the war. Laksamana Tun Abdul Jalil paid the Bugis mercenaries to fight along side with Johor against Jambi. Jambi was finally succumbed.
Minangkabau
When Sultan Mahmud Shah II passed away intestate, Bendahara Abdul Jalil declared himself the new sultan - Sultan Abdul Jalil IV. Minangkabau took the opportunity of the chaotic situation and introduced a prince, Raja Kecil from Siak who claimed to be the posthumous son of Sultan Mahmud Shah II.
The prince met the Bugis. He promised them wealth and political power if the Bugis were willing to help the Prince to get the throne. The Bugis extended their assistance but the prince, Raja Kecil breached his words and declared himself the new sultan of Johor without the Bugis' knowledge.
Meanwhile, Sultan Abdul Jalil IV fled to Pahang after his throne was won by the Raja Kecil.
The son of Sultan Abdul Jalil IV, Raja Sulaiman was unhappy with the situation. He sought the help of the Bugis, Daeng Prana to reclaim the throne. Raja Sulaiman finally succeeded with the Bugis' help. Raja Sulaiman became the new sultan of Johor. However, he was weak in power as the de facto sultan was the Bugis.
Anglo-Dutch Treaty
This is a very important historical event which terminated the Dutch's existence in Peninsula Malaya and Singapore. The Dutch handed over the power to the British in exchange of control of the Riau Archipelago. The Sultanate of Johor was split to Modern Johor and Riau-Lingga.
Modern Johor
Temenggong Ibrahim gained control of Johor after a treaty between the British in Singapore and Sultan Ali of Johor. Temenggong Ibrahim develeped Tanjung Puteri in Johor which becomes the capital of Johor today i.e. Johor Bahru.
During the reign of Temenggong Ibrahim, Chinese settlers from Singapore moved in to Johor and cultivated pepper which boasted the economy of the state.
Temenggong Ibrahim was succeeded by Temenggong Abu Bakar. He took the title as Seri Maharaja Johor. In 1866, he was formally crowned the Sultan of Johor.
Among his success and contribution are introduction of a constitution and development of an efficient administration system. He moved the official capital of Johor to Johor Bahru. He built the Grand Palace (Istana Besar) which the official residence of the Sultan. He continued his father's effort in opening up more farmlands for cultivation of black pepper and gambier. More Chinese immigrants moved into Johor state. Due to his great achievement, Sultan Abu Bakar is known as "the Father of Modern Johor".
ARTICLES
The Southernmost Tip of the Asian Mainland-Tanjung Piai
Tanjung Piai Monumnet
Asia is the biggest continent on Earth. It spans across a few climatic zones. Its southernmost tip is located in the State of Johor of the Peninsula Malaysia known as Tanjung Piai. The exact location of the tip is at latitude 01 degree 16 North/longitude 103 degree 30 min 46 East.
Tanjung means “cape” in Malay. Tanjung Piai is named after a fern, Acrostchrum aurem (Paku Piai Raya) which flourishes in the mangrove here.
The climate there is tropical with shining sun the whole year round. It has relative humidity of above 90% and temperature 24 – 32 degree Celcius.
Located within the District of Pontian, State of Johor, Malaysia, Tanjung Piai is a haven for diverse species of flora and fauna. Tanjung Piai Johor National Park covers an area of over 926ha, 526ha of which comprises of lush coastal mangroves.
There are 2 entry points to Tanjung Piai – one at Sungai Belukang and the other at Desa Sri Piai.
Entry into the hinderland of Tanjung Piai nowadays is easy as extensive boardwalk criss-crosses the 926ha reserve bringing visitors deep into the mangrove thickets, which would otherwise be impossible to penetrate unless the visitors do not mind walking in mud.
Boardwalk on the mangrove.
At the entrance of Tanjung Piai National Park, you will see a landmark monument measuring 20 metre high and 10 metre wide. It is made of eco-friendly fibre reinforced concrete. Its stark grey colour represents the rich mangroves and mudflats of Tanjung Piai.
Track
The monument is adorned by two fronds of Paku Piai Raya (Acrostichum aurem) which is a indigenous fern which Tanjung Piai derives its name. The type of fern flourishes in the mangrove.
Immediately after the monument are frank leading visitors to boardwalk into the mangrove. There are camping sites for both man and lady deep inside the mangrove.
Camp site on the mangrove.
Tanjung Piai is famous for being a hot spot for birdwatchers to visit during the migratory season which falls around September and March every year. Among the birds which one could spot the whole year round are :-
i. Collared kingfisher (Hacyon chloris)
ii. Goldenbodied woodpecker (Dinopium javanense)
iii. Chestnut bellied malkoha
iv. egrets
v. grey herons (Arden cinerea)
vi. little herons (Butorides striate)
vii. lesser adjutant.
Two species of monkey are thriving here. One is longtailed macaque and the other dusky leaf monkey which has a cute white “mustache” and white rim around its eyes.
Dusky leaf monkey with white mustache and white rim around its eyes.
One may spot fiddler crabs in gorgeous colours of orange and electric blue by a slow walk on the boardwalk. The other animal a visitor can see is beady-eyed mudskippers.
Mudskipper swimming in the water.
There is a resort called Tanjung Piai Resort with 6 studio rooms catering for different needs located near to the National Park. Booking in advance must be done if visitors want to stay here.
If a visitor cannot get this resort, he may have to stay at Pontian for a night or two before coming back to Johor Bahru, capital of Johor.
How to get there
Please refer to the ebook.
Where to stay
Please refer to the ebook.
This article has been published in ezinearticles.com on 14.1.2008.
PURCHASE MAP OF SINGAPORE BATAM JOHOR
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KUKUP AND PULAU KUKUP
Kukup
Town
A visit to Kukup town and Pulau Kukup (Kukup Island) is definitely a complement to visit to Tanjung Piai because it is famous for seafood and leisure activities. Kukup town is just about 15 km from Tanjung Piai, the Southern most tip of Asia continent.
Tourists especially Singaporean come to Kukup for seafood and holiday. Visitors may visit the fish rearing area known as "kelong" (cage-cultured fish farm) in the sea between Kukup Jetty and Kukup Island.
There are private houses erected by the seaside which are only accessible by boat from the Ferry Terminal. Tourist may book and stay in those private houses and carry on whatever leisure activities like gambling, mahjong, fishing, barbeque etc.
Kukup consists of 3 villages – Kukup Laut, Air Masin and Kampung Melayu. The villages used to be made up of wooden house built on bakau stilts.
Kukup is a fishing community that is famous for seafood restaurants and cage cultured fish farms.
Visitors may buy dried fish (ikan bilis) and squid, “keropok” (crackers) and other marine based food products and condiments like “belacan” (dried ground prawn), “cencaluk” (seasoned small prawn) and “agar-agar”.
Pulau Kukup
Pulau Kukup is situated just about 3 minutes boat ride away from Kukup Jetty. The boat ride will cost RM5.00 including return trip. You have to pay RM10 if you stop at a fish farm along the way.
There is a immigration check point at the Kukup Jetty. Visitors can travel to Batam and Tanjung Balai (Karimun), Indonesia from Kukup Jetty.
Kukup Jetty
Pulau Kukup (Kukup Island) is one of the largest uninhabited mangrove island in the world.
For decades, people tried to settle on this island but not successful. It remains uninhabited until today.
Pulau Kukup has an area of approximately 648 ha and is surrounded by 800 ha of mudflats. In the old days, it was floaked by vanguished pirates and early prisoners. Its importance reduced abruptly due to decrease in fortunes. Now it is revived to be bustling tourist hub with Singaporean visitors coming here for leisure and seafood.
Pulau Kukup was gazetted a national park in March 1997 and is now run by Pulau Kukup Johor National Park.
Jetty at
Pulau Kukup
In January 2003, Kukup Island was granted the status of a “Wetland of International Importance” or RAMSAR Site, by the Geneva-based Ramsar Convention Bureau.
Boardwalks are built deep into the mangrove of the island. You may take a 45 minutes walk into the mangrove using the boardwalk. Explanation signboards are erected by the side of the boardwalks showing the species of flora and fauna on the spot. It serves the purpose of education for the children and adults.
Boardwalk
At the end of the boardwalk is the 6-level watchtower. It brings you above the tree canopy and affords you a 360 degree view of the Kukup Island. It is stunning horizon of green sea with the gentle bliss blowing on your face.
Canapy walk
The water birds including migratory species from Russia and China congregate at the Southern part of Pulau Kukup i.e. the mudflat area. It is definitely a spot that cannot be missed by an ardent birdwatcher.
Other fauna like mudskipper, fiddler crab, wild boar also can be seen on Pulau Kukup.
How to get there
Please refer to the ebook.
Where to stay
Please refer to the ebook.
This article has been published in the ezinearticles.com on 28.1.2008
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THE MINI MIAMI IN MALAYSIA – DESARU
Desaru is one of the most popular beach resorts in Peninsula Malaysia. Located at the East coast of the State of Johor, West Malaysia, it has natural resources whereby clean sandy beach spans for 25 kilometres and lush green tropical forest covers most of the places.
In the old days, villagers can even hear the tiger roaring at night. Nowadays, due to extensive development, the scary yet exciting tiger roars has since disappeared; wild boars and elephants can still be seen in the jungles.
Desaru was designated to be tourist focal spot since 1970s. Both the Government and private sectors has invested heavily to develop the area. KEJORA is the Government agency established to oversee the development of Desaru.
It is accessible by road transport from Johor Bahru (capital of Johor) to Kota Tinggi and thereafter to Desaru (about 100km) or by ferry from ZON Ferry Terminal at Johor Bahru to Tanjung Belongkor and thereafter by cab to Desaru.
There are plenty of hotels in Desaru to cater for the budget travelers as well as families seeking fun in the sun. Among the hotels are
i. Desaru Golden Beach Hotel
;
ii. Desaru Golf and Country Resort
;
iii. The Pulai Desaru Beach Resort (formerly known as Desaru Perdana
Beach Resort)
;
iv. Desaru Holiday Chalet
;
v. Desaru Damai Beach Resort
.
Travelers can engage themselves in various outdoor activities like horseback riding, tennis, canoeing, swimming, boating, fishing, snorkeling, jungle trekking, golfing etc.
There are plenty of places of interest like:-
i. Fisherman Museum
This museum is located at Tanjung Balau about 20 minutes from Desaru. It displays various fishermen’s tools and equipments such glass buoy and traps.
ii. Fishing Village
Visitor may look for seafood here. There is a Chinese Confectionary in the town centre. You may take a stroll along its street which is quite enriching. Visitor can experience quiet, slow-pace living style here.
iii. Fireflies Watching
Fireflies are found in the mangroves. A night visit will be a unique and enchanted experience for visitors.
iv. Desaru Fruit Farm
Different type of fruits are available here. The king of the fruit, durian can be found here. It is seasonal. It is a controversial fruit meaning some like it other hate it because of its unique smell.
v. Sungai Renggit
It is about 35 km away from Desaru. Visitors may look for cheap seafood here. There is boxite mine in the area.
How to get there
Refer to the ebook.
Where to stay
i. Desaru Golden Beach Hotel
ii. The Pulai Desaru Beach Resort
iii. Desaru Holiday Chalet
iv. La Cemara Desaru Beach Resort
ISKANDAR DEVELOPMENT REGION - A BOOST FOR JOHOR TOURISM
Iskandar Development Region, previously known as South Johor Development Region, is a joint effort by the Johor State of Malaysia and the Federal Government of Malaysia to boost the Johor state's overall development. The region upon completion is expected to be on par with Shenzhen or Hong Kong of China.
It covers an area of 221,634 ha which is about 3 times the size of Singapore. It includes District of Johor Bahru, Mukim Jeram Batu, Mukim Sungai Karang, Mukim Serkat, Pulau Kukup and Mukim Ayer Masin.
It stretches from Johor Bahru to Senai/Kulai at the north, Port of Tanjung Pelepas at the west and Pasir Gudang at the east. It is divided into 5 zones i.e. (i) Johor Bahru city (ii) Nusajaya (iii) Western Development Corridor including Tanjung Pelepas and Gelang Patah (iv) Eastern Development Corridor including Johor Port, Pasir Gudang and Tanjung Langsat and (v) Senai-Kulai.
The Comprehensive Development Plan for Iskandar Development Region was drawn by the Khazanah Nasional Bhd. It aims to transform the southern part of the Johor including some backwater areas into an international metropolis. This region is set to become an important industrial, logistical and commercial centre with industrial facilities dealing with electronic, petrochemical, refinery and shipbuilding.
Based on the statistics, in 2005 the Iskandar Development Region has a population of 1.4 million. It is projected to have a population of 3 million by the Year 2025. Gross Domestic Product for Year 2005 is RM20 billion. This figure will be pushed up to RM93.3 million by Year 2025.
Iskandar Development Region stretches along the Strait of Johor covering coastal land, swamp land and rivers. Most of these areas can be developed into tourist spots.
The existing tourist spots in Iskandar Development Region are historical sites within Johor Bahru City, Danga Bay, Kukup and Kukup Island, Tanjung Piai, ZON Ferry Terminal, Tanjung Langsat etc. Kukup Island is a RAMSAR site and it has the world biggest uninhabited mangrove. Various species of flora and fauna flourish on this island. Nature lovers will come to this region and appreciate the uniqueness of this place.
Tanjung Piai is another mangrove near to Kukup and is the southernmost tip of Asia continent. Long-tailed macaque can be found on the tree tops here.
Visitors depart and arrive at ZON Ferry Terminal by sea from Batam, Bintan and Tanjung Belungkor, Johor. The ZON Ferry Terminal has been developed into a one stop tourist centre complete with a hotel, a shopping centre, a karaoke centre etc. It is a duty free zone where goods bought here are exempt from taxes.
Danga Bay is being developed by Ecovest Bhd. It is a mixed development comprising of shops, condominiums, theme park, marica, etc. It has a female market which follows the concept of female market in Hong Kong.
There is an international airport, Senai International Airport at Senai. Senai is an industrial area. It will be developed into international cargo hub under the Iskandar Development Region. Beside serving the cargo industries, it will be the entry point for visitors from all over the world.
With the influx of investment from all over the world into Iskandar Development Region, tourism industry will not be forgotten by the Johor state government. Currently, there are middle east investors proposing to develop theme parks at Nusajaya.
A company under Berjaya Group, Central Malaysian Properties Sdn Bhd has acquired the Waterfront Floating City and has changed its name to Lido Boulevard. It will be a mixed residential and commercial development. The special feature of this development is that most of the structures are constructed above the sea and supported by piles. This development has stirred controversy among the locals as it occupies the seafront facing Singapore, in a way blocking and spoiling the sea view whereas there are plenty of inner lands that can be used for development.
Malaysia is facing upward surge of fuel price, construction material price and commodity price. Inevitably, the pace of development of Iskandar Development Region is now being hampered. Barring unforseen circumstances in the future, as long as the national leaders stick to their commitment, Iskandar Development Region will be one of the many successful mega projects in Malaysia.
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