Hi, welcome to my blog! I’m Kenny — a true local Malaysian Chinese who was born and raised right here in Malaysia. Everything I share comes from personal experience — no tourist traps, just real stories and honest recommendations.
If you’re wondering where to explore in Johor like a local, you’re about to discover a side of this southern state most visitors never see.
Johor might be famous for shopping and theme parks, but if you look a little deeper, you’ll find charming fishing villages, quiet beaches, and hidden nature trails. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip from Singapore or a weekend getaway, these are my favourite gems.
Ahh, Johor — the underrated southern powerhouse of Malaysia. I’ll be honest, I used to think Johor was just where people crossed to Singapore or went for LEGOLAND.
But once I started exploring properly, I realised Johor has its own magic — full of culture, hidden beaches, crazy good food, and kampung vibes that stay in your heart.
One moment I’m sipping kopi in a rustic kopitiam in Muar, the next I’m walking along a quiet beach in Desaru wondering why nobody told me Johor could be this peaceful.
It’s the kind of place where modern malls are just 10 minutes from old-school fishing villages. If you’ve only been to Johor Bahru, trust me — that’s just the surface. The real joy comes when you know where to explore in Johor like a local.
NUM 1 : Pantai Minyak Beku, Batu Pahat – A Quiet Beach with Local Legends (FREE)
Escape the city buzz at this peaceful beach in Batu Pahat. Locals love the breeze, the simple seaside stalls, and the nearby Batu Pahat well — tied to local legends.
It’s not polished like Desaru, but that’s what makes it special. If you want to explore Johor like a local, this spot captures the laid-back coastal charm perfectly.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Jalan Minyak Beku, 83000 Batu Pahat, Johor |
| Prices | FREE |
| Hours | Open 24/7 |
NUM 2 : Tanjung Piai National Park – Southernmost Tip of Mainland Asia (RM 5–20)
Tanjung Piai is more than a map landmark — it’s a peaceful mangrove park with boardwalks, crab-spotting, and views across the Straits of Johor.
Standing here feels like you’re at the end of the world. Another great pick if you’re looking for where to explore in Johor like a local with a love for nature.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Tanjung Piai, 82030 Pontian, Johor |
| Prices | RM 5–20 |
| Hours | 9 AM – 5:30 PM |
NUM 3 : Tasik Biru Kangkar Pulai – A Blue Lake Hidden in the Hills (FREE)
This turquoise lake, surrounded by hills and greenery, feels like something from a painting. A short hike takes you to a viewpoint with stunning scenery.
It’s a former quarry site, so be cautious — but it’s one of those secret spots that makes exploring Johor like a local so rewarding.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Jalan Kangkar Pulai 5, Kangkar Pulai, Johor |
| Prices | FREE |
| Hours | Best visited in the morning or late afternoon |
NUM 4 : Kampung Sungai Melayu – A Malay Fishing Village Experience (RM 15–35 activities)
For a real taste of local life, visit this peaceful kampung near Johor Bahru. You can take a mangrove boat tour, try traditional fishing, or just stroll along the jetty at sunset.
These authentic kampung moments are exactly why I love showing people where to explore in Johor like a local.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Kampung Sungai Melayu, Iskandar Puteri, Johor |
| Prices | (RM 15–35 activities) |
| Hours | 9 AM – 6 PM |
NUM 5 : Gunung Lambak, Kluang – A Local Favourite for Morning Hikes (FREE)
This modest mountain is a favourite weekend hike for locals. There’s a paved path for beginners and a more adventurous jungle trail for hikers seeking a challenge.
The view at the top — sweeping vistas of Kluang — is the perfect reward for your effort. Another must if you want to know where to explore in Johor like a local who loves the outdoors.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Jalan Gunung Lambak, 86000 Kluang, Johor |
| Prices | FREE |
| Hours | Open daily |
And there you have it — five hidden gems that show a completely different side of Johor, far from the tourist crowds.
As a local Malaysian Chinese, I truly believe the best parts of any trip are the unexpected ones — quiet beaches, forest trails, and the warm welcome of small towns.
If you enjoyed this guide on where to explore in Johor like a local, you might also like my insider guide on What to Eat in Johor — where I dive deeper into even more authentic spots.