Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/77402
MALAYSIA JOHOR BAHRU Located in southern Malaysia, across from Singapore, is Johor Bahru, the capital of Johor state and second largest city in Malaysia. With a population of nearly 2 million, this is an important commercial, industrial and agricultural center mainly for rubber, palm oil, pineapple and pepper. Johor Bahru is easily accessible to Singapore and as a result almost half of Singapore's annual 22.5 million foreign tourists visit it each year via the bridges and rail links connecting the two. As a result, Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures in the state, have been influenced by visitors and traders throughout history. After establishing a sultanate in the 16th Century, Johor Bahru then commanded the Southern Peninsula, Riau islands and part of Sumatra Island; and thus became an empire. From as far back as this period, it's possible to see reminders of a rich Islamic heritage peppered beautifully all over the region. 106 www.paradisesonline.com Tourists on their way to either Seribuat Archipelago (or more specifically, Pulau Tioman, the largest of the islands in Pahang State) or Singapore, would stop at this popular destination, as Johor Bahur's sparkling history is enough to keep guests entertained for days. The Royal Abu Bakar Museum, showcasing the Sultan's admirable treasures is a must-see, and for a greater understanding of the Islamic history, visit the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, which sits overlooking the Straits of Johor. Built between 1892 and 1900, this stunning building was cleverly designed to combine both Victorian English colonial architecture with core Islamic values and design–creating a building that is breathtakingly beautiful. Pasir Pelangi, the royal village built by Sultan Ibrahim of Johor in the early 1900's, is an area full of several culturally inspiring, dazzling palaces. Covered with intricate designs and glittering with gold, along with these historical buildings, Pasir Pelangi is also home to a horse riding school open to the public, where riding enthusiast can ride around nearby farms amidst marvellous scenery. If retail therapy is your thing, then a trip to The Zon mall with 200 plus stores is a must. Alternatively, for a more authentic shopping experience, wander down to the Pasar Malam or the colourful lively night market in the colonial area, where you can indulge in a myriad of local trinkets and food delicacies. For a more holistic experience, step outside the thriving cosmopolitan centre and explore the mountains, waterfalls and rainforests in this region. Johor is home to five national parks offering an abundance of nature and wildlife to discover. The botanical and wildlife paradise of Endau Rompin covers an area of 80,000 hectares and is home to rich and exotic flora and fauna with thundering waterfalls—a great place for trekkers. If you're interested in visiting the islands, Mersing on the east coast is a lovely little fishing village where tourists can relax before moving onto the Seribuat archipelago. As one of Malaysia's southern jewels, here you'll find long stretches of clean, white sandy beaches lined with casuarina trees. Take a dip in the glistening waters, and try a spot of snorkelling—or if you're keen to don a scuba outfit, the diving is world class.