Johor, the third largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, is the Southern Gateway to Malaysia and home to the millennia-old Endau-Rompin forest – one of the peninsula’s few remaining lowland forests, and one that is rich in biodiversity. The state derived its status as the country’s Southern Gateway after it was connected to Singapore through the 1.5km-long Causeway which was completed in 1924 after four years of work.
The Kuda Kepang and Zapin represent the best of the traditional Malay dances in Johor. Kuda Kepang is a dance performed in rich costumes and using woven horses. The dance denotes warriors on horseback in battle and slowly gains momentum until it becomes more vigorous when victory is celebrated. Ghazal and Barongan are the backbone of traditional Malay music. Ghazal involves a small group of musicians playing both traditional and modern instruments, and is usually performed at official functions.
Johor offers a wide range of attractions, from the exciting metropolitan atmosphere of the city to the forests of Endau-Rompin Park and the remote and beautiful islands in the South China Sea. The Endau-Rompin area covers the boundary between Johor and Pahang; spanning an estimated area of 870sq km, it is one of the few remaining lowland forests in Peninsular Malaysia. The place derives its name from the watershed of the Endau and Rompin rivers and a scientific expedition carried out in 1985 and 1986 revealed its lush and relatively undisturbed wealth of plant and animal life. A variety of plants have been discovered within the ancient forest, such as the fan palm, climbing bamboo, slender-stemmed wakling stick palm, pitcher plants, toadstools and orchids. Besides having moths and butterflies of every shape and colour gracing the forest among the foliage, the forest is also home to the Sumatran rhinoceros and an abundant form of wild-life including tigers, deer and mousedeer. A variety of fish may be easily observed through the clear waters of the rivers, while hornbills and argus pheasants have been sighted within the dense greenery. Johor also offers respite at a string of several small, clustered idyllic islands dotting the South China Sea to the east of the peninsula, favoured by vacationers seeking a more relaxed holiday by the sea. The islands are famous for their stretches of golden beaches and crystal-clear waters making them highly suitable for activities such as snorkelling, diving, windsurfing, sailing and angling.
