Malacca Nature Activities

Gadek Hot Spring

Located in the District of Alor Gajah, the Gadek Hot Spring is approximately 30 km away from Malacca.
It is popular as a refreshing natural spa among visitors seeking therapeutic cures for skin diseases and other ailments.
Handicraft shops and playgrounds are available to provide additional attractions for visitors. It is an ideal spot for a family outing.

Crocodile Farm

The farm is the largest in the country. Over 200 Crocodile species are reared here, including Albinos and hunchbacks.
The 'Farm' was carefully landscaped to create an environment similar to the reptiles' natural habitat. Every weekend, there are performances by the crocodiles and their trainers.
There is also a honeybee rearing area, a playground and fair ground rides located within the premises.

Butterfly Farm

This amazing natural attraction is one of the world's most comprehensive butterfly and insect farms with well over 200 local species including the rare Raja Brooke and Birdwing.
There is also a collection of more than 400 insect specimens.

Megalithic Stones

There are over 90 separate sites of these huge stones which are mostly found in Alor Gajah and on the road to Tampin. They form part of a large cluster which spreads into Negeri Sembilan and have been in existence for thousands of years. Very little is known about the civilisation that assembled these stones or what they symbolise.
There is local folklore connected to the stones and some stones are revered. In some places, the locals say that the stones grow.

Malacca Reptile Park

This park occupies about three hectares and is home to more than 1,000 snakes, including those that are poisonous and indigenous to Malaysia. There is also the rare yellow cobra and a white snake. Other attractions include a rabbit garden, a tortoise pond, a Japanese carp pond and a snake pond.

Malacca Island and Beaches

Pulau Besar

Located approximately three nautical miles off Pengkalan Pernu in Umbai, 10 km south of Malacca town, is Pulau Besar. Covering an area of 133 hectares, it is the largest of eight islands off the coast of Malacca. Believed to be the location of Malaysia's earliest civilisation, it abounds with legends of mermaids and princesses, as well as sacred graves and shrines.

Its unspoilt beauty makes it a tranquil haven for those in search of fresh air and white sandy beaches. There is an international class hotel and several beach chalets, an 18-hole international golf course, a yacht club and a host of water sport facilities for fishing, parasailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and snorkelling.

The island is an equally inviting spot for island hopping, swimming, camping, picnicking and jungle trekking.

Getting There:

Syarikat Kenderaan Aziz bus line operates regular services to Umbai from the Jalan Tun Ali Terminal in Malacca town. From the Pengkalan Pernu jetty, a speedboat then transports you to the island; the journey takes 15 minutes. A 45-minute boat service is also available from the Shahbandar jetty and the jetty behind the State Tourist Information Centre in Malacca town.

Pulau Upeh (Hawksbill Turtle spotting)

Pulau Upeh is two nautical miles off the coast of Klebang. A tiny island of seven acres, it can easily be explored on foot within 30 minutes.
Formerly known as Ilha Das Pedra, which means 'places of stone', the island has come a long way from its quarrying days when the Portuguese reigned supreme.
Now the island attracts visitors to its turtle grounds and various historical sites like the British Memorial Mast, an old well and World War II relics.
It also has spectacular sunset strips and an 80-foot observation tower.
One of the Earth's rare species, the Hawksbill Turtle is a medium-sized marine turtle with a hawk-like beak and a thorny shell. Brown and lightly striped, these turtles find their ideal resting ground on the island of Upeh. The egg-laying season is from March to June but visitors can expect to catch sight of at least a few turtles every night throughout the year.
In terms of accommodation, Pulau Upeh Resort offers guests a choice of 72 rooms ranging from suites to chalets. It also has facilities for fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, windsurfing and jet-skiing.

Tanjung Kling / Pantai Kundor

Another enchanting beach along the Straits of Malacca is Tanjung Kling, about 15 km north of Malacca town. A white sandy stretch set within a coconut grove, it is good for swimming, picnicking and canoeing.
For sightseeing, just north of the beach, there is the unique octagonal minaret and tiled steps of the Tanjung Kling Mosque. About 1 km away lies the grave of Hang Tuah, the legendary Malay warrior.
Pantai Kundor is about 2 km further down. It has a nice beach with a good stretch of white sand.

How to Get There:

Tanjung Kling may be reached by the Patt Hup bus from the Jalan Tun Ali bus terminal in Malacca town.

Tanjung Bidara

Tanjung Bidara, 30 km north-west of Malacca town, is one of the state's more popular beaches. The white sandy beach shaded by swaying casuarinas has a cove that is perfect for swimming and water sports.
This are also perfect picnic spots for families. Half the fun is getting there: the journey requires you to travel through Malacca's scenic countryside of padi fields and Malay villages.
For those seeking a weekend getaway, there are chalets and motels rooms at Tanjung Bidara Resort, which is also equipped with tennis courts, game rooms and facilities for canoeing, water-skiing and jet-skiing.

How to Get There:

Express buses and taxis plying the Kuala Lumpur-Malacca route are available at the Puduraya terminal in Kuala Lumpur. From Malacca town, catch another taxi or the Patt Hup bus en route to Tanjung Bidara at the Jalan Tun Ali Terminal.
You can also travel by car from Kuala Lumpur, using the North-South Expressway to the Alor Gajah intersection. Then drive along the Lendu Road to Masjid Tanah and Tanjung Bidara. It takes approximately 1 1/2 hours to reach Malacca town from Kuala Lumpur and 2 hours from Singapore.

Malacca

Where it all began

Malacca rose from a humble fishing village to become a major center of the spice trade forming a vital link between the East and the West. Melaka (Malacca) is rich with history. In fact, the earliest written records of the country made reference to the Malacca Peninsula, instead of the Malay Peninsula or Malaya. Since it's founding, circa 1400, by a fleeing Sumatra prince, Parameswara. The journey which Parameswara made during his flight to escape the wrath of the Emperor of Majapahit whom he had unsuccessfully tried to overthrown. At the height of its power, the Sultanate of Malacca extended its borders over the whole of peninsula to encompass Pantani in the North and on the west right into the neighboring island of Sumatra to included Aru, Rokan, Siak, Kampar and Inderagiri. This was during the mid-1400s. The Golden Age of the Malacca Sultanate unfortunately lasted only for less then a century.

Nature in Johor

Endau - Rompin National Park

This park that sits between Johor and Pahang encompasses the watershed of rivers in Endau, Johor and Rompin, Pahang, which comprises some 488 sq km of forest.
Lush and relatively untouched, it is one of the few remaining lowland tropical rainforest in the country and the last refuge of the Sumatran rhinoceros.
It is a major conservation area due to the diversity of flora and fauna found within. Its rocks and hills are estimated to be nearly 250 million years old.

Getting There :

From Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru, take the North-South Expressway and exit at Kluang. Then take a detour to Kahang town, where a four-wheel drive vehicle will take you to Kampung Peta, the entry point to the National Park.

It is also possible to reach the park by boat from the Endau River, a 3-hour journey from Felda Nitar II.
AttractionsA great place for nature lovers, there are many activities that can be pursued such as botany, nature study, bird watching, photography and jungle trekking. For nature study, the unusual flora that can be found include the famous fan palm of the 'Livistona endauensis' variety; climbing bamboo; the walking stick palm; toadstools; and orchids.

Wildlife include tigers, elephants, deer, Sumatran rhinoceros, binturong or bear cats (Arctictis binturong), chirping drongos, hornbills, argus pheasants, and white handed gibbons, the only ape species in the region.
Planning an ItineraryStaying at the park for 4D/3N would be ideal as you'll have enough time to immerse in the park's activities and attractions. Special tours may be arranged to cater to a variety of interest such as botany, nature study, and bird-watching. Photographers will enjoy the challenging activities carried out here.
Jungle TrekkingThere are some 26 km of jungle trails within the park, the most well- trodden path being the gruelling 16 km trail from Kuala Jasin to Batu Hampar and Buaya Sangkut, with numerous rapids crossings. At Buaya Sangkut, be enchanted by the beautifual sight of a waterfall.

Ulu Tiram Estate

This is a working plantation open to visitors. It is situated about 26km north-east of Johor Bahru on the road to Mersing. Visitors can view the rubber trees and observe how latex is tapped and processed for export. They can also discover the workings of a palm oil factory and see how the oil is extracted and refined to form the base for products like margarine, soap and cosmetics.

Kota Tinggi Waterfall

Also popular is the waterfall in Kota Tinggi, 62km away from Johor Bahru. Originating from the top of Gunung Panti, the waterfall cascades from a height of 36m down a steep precipice into a pool deep enough for swimming.
It is a good spot to take in the fresh mountain air, but can get especially busy during the weekends. There are Swiss style chalets equipped with cooking facilities. At the base of the fall, there are also public changing rooms, camping grounds and a restaurant.

Grisek Hot Spring

The Grisek Hot Spring is a natural hot spring in the district of Muar. Situated about 10km south-east of Parit Jawa, the Grisek Hot Spring is a popular destination for visitors who believe in the healing powers of hot mineral water to soothe muscle aches and provide some relief for certain skin ailments.
Other facilities include chalets, a children's playground, shops, showers and parking.

Aquaculture (Arowana) Centre

Located along Jalan Zahir, this tropical fish centre specialises in Arowana fish and is reputed to be one of the largest in then world. The Arowana fish is referred to as the 'Golden Dragon Fish' among the Chinese community. It is believed that the majestic looking fish brings good luck.

Islands In Johor

Pulau Aur

Pulau Aur is located 65km east of Mersing, off Johor's east coast.
The island, along with Pulau Dayang, Pulau Lang and Pulau Pinang, are rated among the best diving destinations within the Johor Marine Park Area. The deeper waters around the area ensure good visibility and variety of marine life. Dive trips can be booked at most dive shops on any of the islands.

The rich pelagic action also attracts numerous sport fishermen, hoping to try their luck with the marlins or sailfish outside the marine park island. Many private yachts anchor at the calm waters between Pulau Aur and Pulau Dayang.Rayner's Rock
Towards the north-eastern tip about 200 metres off Pulau Dayang is Rayner's Rock, a solitary large boulder breaking the surface about 4 metres high.

Diving is good around the eastern portion with a mixture of both hard and soft corals providing shelter for a profusion of marine life. You can expect to encounter schooling yellowtails, rainbow-runners, and trevallies. Closer to the reef, there are usually groupers, damsels, butterfly fish, scorpion fish and lots of shells.This submerged reef is located towards the South Pulau Aur and Pulau Pinang. The top of the reef begins at about 12 metres and slopes in excess of 25 metres.

If diving in right conditions with slight currents, a large number of prelagics including jacks, fusiliers, barracudas and black tip sharks can be sighted. Among the hard corals and scattered soft corals are wrasses, puffer fish, damsels, lionfish, snappers and in between rocky crevices, lobsters.

Getting There

There are boats to the island from Mersing jetty or Sedili. The long boat journey takes about 4.5 hours, and most operators opt to depart in the late evening, travelling through the night to arrive the next morning on the island. If the seas are rough, the boat ride could take a little longer.

Pulau Sibu

Pulau Sibu is a pleasant hideaway with its lush tropical vegetation, endless stretches of golden beaches and clear blue waters. The island is also dotted with numerous sea caves carved out of rocks. The constant pounding by the sea during the monsoon season has given the island a beautiful yet rugged appearance.

The surrounding waters contain fascinating coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life. Shipwrecks off its coast can also be found. In the olden days, Chinese junks and pirate vessels often exchanged cannon fire around this island, and the remains of these battles lie scattered all around the seabed.

There are facilities for scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, sailing and angling. Visitors can go for a hike through the jungle leading to unspoilt mangrove swamps or visit the kelong where anchovies are caught. Alternatively, head for the kampung to get a first hand look at how coconuts are smoked to make copra.

Accommodation on the island range from fully furnished chalets to basic A-frame huts. Bathing facilities are available at the community showers. There are also restaurants serving Asian and Western cuisines.

Pulau Tinggi

North of Pulau Sibu, rising 667 metres above sea level, is Pulau Tinggi. It was once an important stopover for spice traders more than 600 years ago. The early Chinese traders called it the 'General's Hat Island' due to its conical shape. Endowed with fresh water, a sheltered harbour and lush vegetation including a large variety of fruit trees, it is little wonder the island was so popular with traders.

Pulau Besar

Located approximately three nautical miles off Pengkalan Pernu in Umbai, 10km south of Malacca town, is Pulau Besar. Covering an area of 133 hectares, it is the largest of eight islands off the coast of Malacca. Believed to be the location of Malaysia's earliest civilisation, it abounds with legends about mermaids and princesses, as well as sacred graves and shrines.

Its unspoilt beauty makes it a tranquil haven for those in search of fresh air and sandy white beaches. There is an international class hotel and several beach chalets, an 18-hole international golf course, a yacht club and a host of water sport facilities for fishing, parasailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and snorkelling. The island is an equally inviting spot for island hopping, swimming, camping, picnicking and jungle trekking.

Getting There

From Mersing, boats take about an hour to reach the island. Alternatively, Syarikat Kenderaan Aziz bus line operates regular services to Umbai from the Jalan Tun Ali Terminal in Malacca town. From the Pengkalan Pernu jetty, a speedboat then transports you to the island; the journey takes 15 minutes. A 45-minute boat service is also available from the Shahbandar jetty and the jetty behind the State Tourist Information Centre in Malacca town.

Pulau Tengah

Near Pulau Besar, Pulau Tengah is 16km off the coast and is a 90-minute boat ride from Mersing. The island used to be Vietnamese refugee camp but is now gazetted as a marine park. It is a great place to watch the Leatherback turtles lay their eggs in July.

Pulau Rawa

Sixteen kilometres off the coast of Mersing is Pulau Rawa. Famed for its white coral sand, tall palm trees and coral reefs with neon-coloured fish and other exotic marine life, Pulau Rawa is truly a paradise island.

The wooden chalets nestled amongst coconut groves complement the island's reputation as a quaint hideaway.

Pulau Upeh

Two nautical miles off the coast of Klebang is Pulau Upeh. A tiny island of seven acres, it can easily be explored on foot within 30 minutes.

Formerly known as Ilha Das Pedra, which means 'places of stone', the island has come a long way from its quarrying days when the Portuguese reigned supreme. Now the island attracts visitors to its various historical sites like the British Memorial Mast, an old well and World War II relics.

It also has two landing sites where Hawksbill turtles come to lay their eggs, plus spectacular sunset strips and an 80-foot observation tower.

In terms of accommodation, Pulau Upeh Resort offers guests a choice of 72 rooms ranging from suites to chalets. It also has facilities for fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, windsurfing and jet-skiing.

Pulau Hujong

Another secluded and uninhabited island 13.5km off the coast of Mersing is Pulau Hujong. An enticing island, far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world, Pulau Hujong beckons travellers to its endless stretches of swaying palms, pristine white beaches and glassy blue waters teeming with fish and coral.

Pulau Pemanggil

Another enchanting island in Johor's archipelago is the large island of Pulau Pemanggil. Fifty-five kilometres from Mersing, this remote and peaceful island is much sought-after for its natural beauty and abundance of marine life. About 15km from Mersing, the sea turns into a deep blue; behold the sight of flying fish skipping over the water's surface, sometimes flying to a distance of 33 metres!

Teluk Ramunia

Some 10km south of Desaru is another excellent stretch of beach known as Teluk Ramunia. About 8km north of Desaru is the Fishermen's Museum at Tanjung Balau which displays fish traps and equipment used by the local fishermen and various traditional tools of the trade.

Johor Darul Takzim

Situated at the southern end of Peninsula Malaysia, Johor is the third largest state in the country. It was named after the Sungei Johor, which is the longest river in the state. Economically, it is one of the most important states in the country with various large plantations. They include commodities such as rubber, palm oil, and pineapple. On top of agricultural products, Johor is also becoming an industrial base. It has even developed to become one of the most populated states with Johor Bahru (JB), its capital city, as the second-largest city in Malaysia. A causeway and a railway line connect JB to Singapore, thus making it easier to travel to and from each country.