Singapore (SIN) – Muar

Muar’s name is believed to have originated and derived from its geographical location at the mouth or estuary of Muar River, the Malay words “Muara” which means eastuary or mouth of river. Muar is rich in history as mentioned in many historical records and archeological evidences. It is believed that the history of Muar started much earlier than the Sultanate of Malacca which witness the rise and fall of the empire. There were many accounts recorded and said about the history early and modern days of Muar. There are a few famous old historic legends which evolved around the area of Muar namely, Hikayat Malim Deman (Epic of Malim Deman), Legenda Lembing Awang Pulang Ke Dayang (Awang’s Spear Return to Dayang Legend) and Legenda Puteri Gunung Ledang (Mount Ledang Princess’ Legend).

As of 2009, Batu Pahat is the 20th largest urban area in Malaysia in terms of population. In 2006, Batu Pahat surpassed Muar to become the second largest urban area in Johor and by 2012, Batu Pahat is the 16th largest urban area in Malaysia in terms of population.Batu Pahat has developed rapidly over the past few years, its growth encouraged by people from neighbouring townships who come to visit the local shopping centres. Nowadays, Batu Pahat enjoy the name of “Northern Johor Shopping Paradise” due to the rapid development of those shopping malls and hypermarkets.

To Do

• Take a relaxing stroll along the scenery riverside from the town to the park, about 1km+ distant, have a picnic at the beautiful riverside garden and catch the sunset by the beach of the Tanjung Emas Park. Enjoy the scenery with nice landscape of rows of trees and majestic old colonial buildings and pre-war shophouses along the way.
• Get on the boat and join the river cruising along Muar River at Tanjung Emas jetty. Jeti Tanjung Emas, Tanjung Emas, Muar. Tel: 019-6658827.
• Have a round of golf at the Tanjung Emas Golf Club in Muar. The Tanjung Emas course may not be a dream golf course but one can surely relax and enjoy a round of golf in cool soothing breezes. But beware of the wayward wind which can play havoc with your game which can be treacherous and may even blow away your ball. The par-35 (2,721 m) 9-hole layout is a flat and short golf course, but challenges come in many forms: the wind, large ponds, numerous 0.B. markers and sand traps provide it all. The course is open to the golfing public armed with handicaps. Tel :06 9521550
• Muar is touted to be food haven for gluttons. Check out the Eat section, plan and have a round of nice local foods at the many eating places in town.
• Try having a big catch by fishing at the Muar River at a few local anglers’s favourite fishing spots i.e. Tanjung Emas, Tanjung Ketapang, Tanjung Agas, the Sultan Ismail Bridge.
• Go for the adventurous freshwater prawn(udang galah) fishing at Panchor, Grisek, Kundang Ulu, Lenga, Gombang or Bukit Kepong areas located at the upstream of Muar River by renting a boat. Fire-fly watching eco-tour also may be arranged.(Tel.: 06-971 1150, 013-680 2265 Hj Rahmat bin Idris)
• See the oyster harvesting by fishermen diving to the bottom of Muar River at Pengkalan Tiram, Parit Tiram, Jalan Sallleh, Muar. Grab the opportunity to buy the cheap and fresh oyster for dinner. Tel :012-6363614
• Stay at the local village homestays and experience the colourful local kampung cultures, foods and life of the Malays of Java and Bugis decends. Enjoy the local warm hospitality and friendliness of the host and family. Visit the village local small industries like traditional delicacies making, agricultural activities like local fruit harvesting at orchard or livestocks animals, poultry and fish farming or activities at rubber, oil palm or coconut plantation. Learn the interesting local traditional festivals, games, music and dances like the Javanese’ Kuda Kepang and Barongan or the Malays’ Zapin and Ghazal, and also local martial art Silat performances. For contact, see “Sleep” section.
• Visit the Orang Asli village at Lenga and Gunung Ledang area.
• Trek up the top of the magical jungle-capped legendary Gunung Ledang. Seek out the challenges and adventures to go on an expedition to the peak of the mountain, camp in the rugged wilds, or a convention amidst nature and get soak in Air Panas waterfall at the mountainfoot.
• Ride bicycle across the town, across both bridge and by the beach. Bandar Maharani is so flat that you don’t need to be strong rider to go anywhere.
• Try to get yourself a motorcycle and ride from the town through Bukit Pasir, Lenga to Bukit Kepong and back to Muar town through Gerisek, Bukit Gambir and Serom.