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Welcome Message from the Prime Minister of Malaysia

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Gunung Arong Recreational Forest

Located approximately 17km from Mersing, Gunung Arong is a tranquil lowland forest with crystal clear waters, offering a refreshing retreat for visitors. A Forestry Museum has even been established with exhibits of various forest products. Picnic spots are provided for visitors, along with a well-equipped garden, campsites, and meeting halls. Jungle trails are also provided for the more adventurous visitors. Campers are advised to bring their own camping gear

Gunung Belumut Recreational Forest

This forest is located to the northeast of Kluang town. Its name is derived from the slippery and slimy stones that can be found all over the mountain. It takes about four hours to reach the peak, which is 1,004m above sea level. This forest is a haven for camping, picnicking, and mountain climbing. Gunung Belumut promises exotic vegetation and breathtaking waterfalls.

Mersing

Located 135km from Johor Bahru, Mersing is a small fishing village whose rivers bustle with fishing boats. It is also the departure point for boats that travel between the mainland and a number of islands in the South China Sea. They include Pulau Tioman, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Besar, and Pulau Sibu. There are a number of fine seafood restaurants in Mersing, along with an impressive mosque on a hill above the town. There are some good beaches nearby, including Sri Pantai, Sekakap, Air Papan, and Panyabong. Mersing is indeed a pleasant town that makes for quite a relaxing stopover

Batu Pahat

Batu Pahat is a regional business and conference center that is famous for its Chinese cuisine. It is also a favorite resting place for road travelers. A brief stop here should give you a chance to taste a wide range of fruits, groundnuts, and other local delicacies, as well as to buy souvenirs and curios. There are a few notable buildings, such as the Art Deco's mosque and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce building.

Johor Bahru (JB)

Located at the southern tip of the Peninsula, Johor Bahru is the state capital of Johor Darul Takzim. JB, in short, was established in 1855 by the late Sultan Abu Bakar (the Father of Modern Johor) and now serves as the administrative and commercial center of the state.

Johor

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.
It is believed that Sultan Mahmud Shah, the last ruler of Malacca, founded Johor when he was forced to flee from the Portuguese in 1511. After his death, his son Alauddin Riayat Shah moved the capital to Kota Tinggi in Johor. He was able to build a strong kingdom, was feared by many, and was able to make Johor a preeminent Malay state. However, this did not mean the end of turmoil and fights. In the 16th Century, the state was attacked by the Portuguese followed by the Achinese from Sumatra, and later the Bugis from Sundawesi (Celebes). However, the Malay rulers of Johor managed to hold their own fort against all odds.
When Sir Stamford Raffles set foot in Singapore in 1819, he witnessed the factional war within the court of the Johor Sultan, which was divided by Malay and Bugis factions. He pensioned off the sultans and gave actual power to the "temenggong" (Malay minister). Temenggong Abu Bakar was given that privilege to rule Johor. He elevated himself to the position of Sultan of Johor in 1886. He persevered to build up the state and to modernize its administration. He established Johor Bahru (New Johor) as the capital city and began modernizing it. He was thus aptly called "The Father of Modern Johor". Johor finally became part of the Federation of Malaya in 1948.

Pedu Lake

Settled in the midst of the dense rainforest of Gunung Fakir Terbang and surrounded by an undulating terrain, this magnificent lake offers a serenity that is unmatched, a landscape that is beautiful beyond words, and a refreshing cool environment.

Pulau Langkawi

A true tropical paradise, Langkawi is steeped in history. Its past is full of legends of wronged maidens and lovelorn princesses, all of whom have left their mark for prosperity.

Payar Island

About one hour's travel by boat from Kuala Kedah, Payar Island is part of a four-island group, which consists of Sagantang Island, Kala Island, and Lembu Island. Payar Island, in particular, is noted for its white sandy beaches and colorful marine life. It is a great place to enjoy water sports. A fascinating array of hard and soft corals and multicolored tropical fishes can be seen in the crystal clear waters. There are no accommodation facilities on these islands. Camping is only allowed after obtaining permission from the Fisheries Department at Alor Setar or Kuala Lumpur.

Waterfalls

There are a few parks in Kedah that are blessed with magnificent waterfalls. One favorite weekend retreat is Batu Kampar. Picnickers can revel in the cool depths of rocky pools while enjoying the thundering roars of the waterfall. Peranginan Bukit Hijau in the district of Baling offers another park, which features a waterfall amidst lush greenery. Other waterfalls include Puncak Janing and Seri Perigi

Bukit Kayu Hitam

This border town acts as the main entrance to Thailand. Most of the traffic between these two countries and all the buses to Hat Yai in Thailand come through this way. Apart from that, the Duty Free Shopping Annex offers shopping at bargain prices. For those who want some relaxation, there is a newly constructed golf course of international standard.