Top Things to Do in the Kota | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Kota

Places To Visit In Kota

Danum Valley Conservation Area

Located in the north-eastern part of Borneo in Sabah, Danum Valley Conservation Area is a lowland dipterocarp forest. Spreading over 438 sq. km, this pristine forest land is around 82km away from Lahad Datu, which is the nearest town. It houses endemic flora and fauna and is known for species such as gibbons, mousedeer, Borneon orangutan and over 250 species of birds. Danum Valley is an ideal place for birdwatching, wildlife sighting and an adventurous stay in a forest. The forest has great topography ranging from cascading waterfalls to hills to rivers, thus offering a wide variety of activities like swimming, trekking and hiking. Night Walks and Night Drives are among other thrillful activities to experience at the Conservation Area. The Valley is of great interest to the scientists who have been researching the forest for years. Several research programmes are conducted all year around. The forest is unique as it has never had any permanent human settlement or hunting. Read More

Desaru Coast

Nestled in Southeast Malaysia, the Desaru coast is a premium integrated destination resort. Sprawling across an area of about 128 acres, this resort houses luxury resorts, villas, an enchanting waterpark, lush green golf courses, a huge conference hall and a beautiful waterfront dotted with retail stores and food joints. If you wish to relax and rejuvenate, you can spend a day at the beach and admire the beauty of the scintillating golden sandbanks. You can even spend a day at the spa where you can enjoy relaxing spa therapies. However, if you wish to indulge in some kind of activity, you can visit the fitness centre or enjoy a day at the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark or The Els Club. The Desaru Coast is also a great place for food lovers. While one can relish traditional Malaysian delicacies blooming with flavours, one can also enjoy the traditional delicacies of other countries some of which include Chinese, Thai and Indian. Read More

Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark

Situated in Malaysia’s premium resort, Desaru Coast, the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is regarded as one of the biggest waterparks in the world. The waterpark spans across an area of about 21 acres, and houses one of the largest wave pools. Further, Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark also houses the first water coaster of the region. The waterpark has been divided into five unique zones that feature the theme of a traditional Malaysian village. The zones are Penawar Falls, Penawar River, Shipwreck Reef, Tidal Wave Beach and Kids Ahoy. One can explore a great variety of wet as well as dry rides in each of these zones. Some of the famous attractions of the waterpark include the 350m lazy river, Penawar River, the Tidal Wave Beach which houses the ginormous wave pool and other rides like Wild Whirl, Swinging Ship, the Super Twister and the Tempest. Desaru coast also houses several restaurants and eateries where one can relish a sumptuous meal after a fun-filled day at the waterpark. If you wish to plan a family outing or a school picnic then the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is a great option for you. Read More

Desaru Fruit Farm

Situated in Johor Baru, the Desaru Fruit Farm is a marvellous agro-tourism site that houses over 100 species of plants, fruits and trees. The farm also houses a petting zoo, a go-kart track, a fish pond as well as a paintball activity area. Sprawling across an area of about 180 acres, this farm houses a unique variety of tropical seasonal and tropical non-seasonal fruits. Further exotic fruits are also grown inside the farm. Some of the plants and fruits that are grown inside the farm include passionfruit, cocoa, mango, kasturi, soursop, breadfruit and rose apple. The farm only uses natural organic techniques of plantation and also practices sustainability. Due to its sustainable plantation techniques and humongous variety of plant species the Desaru Fruit Farm has been honoured with several awards. During your visit to the farm, you can also visit the agricultural gallery and the herbal and vegetable garden. Further, you can purchase fresh fruits from the Mini Market located inside the farm. The petting zoo also offers a great experience. Some of the animals that are housed inside the zoo include rabbits, goats and other poultry. One can not only pet these cute animals but can also feed them. Read More

Desaru Ostrich Farm

Situated in Kota Tinggi, Johor, the Desaru Ostrich Farm is regarded as one of the largest ostrich farms in Malaysia home to about 200 ostriches. You can not only admire the marvellous creatures of the farm but can also interact with them. Some of the activities include feeding and riding the ostriches. A guided tour of the farm is also available. The highlight of the tour is when the guide demonstrates the opening of an ostrich egg. Mouth-watering food and a souvenir store can also be found inside the farm. Read More

Firefly Valley Leisure Park

Firefly Valley Leisure Park in Kota Tinggi District of Johor is a fascinating destination and experience for all children and nature lovers. The park is located about 3 km from the intersection point of Kota Tinggi town and Bypass. The tour includes the mystical journey down the river and a friendly visit to the mini-farm. Boat tour and cruise is available during the evening. The firefly park is home to thousands of fireflies that groove in a beautiful synchronization among the tall and dark mangrove swamps. Flash photography is not allowed as it may disturb the little bugs. Relax back and watch them settle around the eerie mangroves that lay haughty and majestic encompassing the river, protecting it from the daily echoes of the city. Once you are done touring , don’t forget to try their delicious spread - a buffet , Barbeque and Al Carte dinner that is available at the venue itself. Each ride fares for:RM20 for adultsRM12 for children Read More

Gunung Muntahak

Nestled in Kota Tinggi, concealed by the famous Kota Tinggi Waterfall, lies the beautiful, untouched, and unexplored Gunung Muntahak hill. This hill is the source of the Kota Tinggi waterfall which rises to a height of about 634 metres. Although the peak does not offer a great view due to the presence of other smaller hills and lush green vegetation, the trail leading up to the summit is a true sight to behold. The hill is rich in humus which is beneficial for the growth of a beautiful and rich palm named Johannesteijsmannia Altifrons. The trail from the plantation to the peak is divided into 7 sections. The breath-taking Kota Tinggi waterfall can be found in the second section of the trail. An undulating terrain lasts up until the fourth section. However, as you head towards the summit the terrain starts to become steeper as well as narrower. If you are a nature lover or just someone who loves to trek then you must plan a visit to this beautiful hill in Kota Tinggi. Read More

Kota Johor Lama Museum

Situated in the Kota Tinggi District of Johor, the Kota Johor Lama Museum gives an insight into Old Johor Fort and also provides information about the local history and culture of Johor Lama. The museum houses several remains of the Johor Fort that was built by Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah II. The commemorative stone inscription that is housed in the premises of the museum gives an insight into the history of the Johor Fort. The Kota Johor Lama Museum was established in 2007 and it is administered by the Department of Museums and Antiquity. The museum represents a typical Malaysian traditional house. The history of the Johor fort goes back to the year 1540. The fort was constructed in response to the Malay Sultanate of Malacca’s defeat by the Portuguese. The Johor Fort was built to protect the Johor River and also to monitor the movement of vessels in the river. Unfortunately, the fort was captured and destroyed by the Portuguese in 1587. Read More

Kota Tinggi Waterfalls

Nestled in the Kota Tinggi district of Johor, the Kota Tinggi Waterfalls is one of the most breathtaking spots in Malaysia. The spot houses 2 waterfalls, one can be found at the park’s entrance while the other is nestled further down the trail. The waterfall at the entrance is a true treat to the eye however, it is smaller as compared to the waterfall that is found further down the trail. The Kota Tinggi Waterfalls are a great spot for family outings and picnics. Two man-made slides have been constructed near the waterfalls at the entrance. One can rent tubes here if he or she wishes to enjoy a ride of the slides. You can also take a dip in the small pools, located beside the waterfall down the trail. If you are a nature-lover or just someone who loves to trek and enjoy bird-watching then you must plan a visit to this place. Read More

Muzium Nelayan Tanjung Balau

Situated in the Kota Tinggi district of Johor, the Muzium Nelayan Tanjung Balau is the only museum in Malaysia that is dedicated to fishermen. The museum houses artefacts and replicas of several fishing equipments like nets, boats and oars. The dioramas, posters and films give one the feeling of being in a traditional fisherman village. Soft background music is constantly played inside the museum. The museum contains a huge variety of stones, rocks and it also houses a model of a Chinese vessel that sank in the 1830s. Muzium Nelayan Tanjung Balau is divided into a number of galleries, some of which include the Fisherman’s Gallery, the Geology Gallery, the Sea Gallery and Desaru Shipwreck Gallery. During your visit to the museum, you should also visit the souvenir shop where you can bag interesting artefacts. Read More