Trip to Majestic Johor: Discovering Segamat, Kluang, Batu Pahat & Pontian
When people speak of Johor, conversations often revolve around the state’s bustling capital city Johor Bahru – the gateway to Peninsular Malaysia for those coming from Singapore – or Muar, a foodie’s paradise famous for asam pedas (spicy sour gravy dish) and otak-otak (grilled ground fish cake mixed with spices and wrapped in leaf parcels). But Johor is actually more than these familiar names. Stretching from inland farms to coastal mangroves, it is a state stitched together by stories both humble and majestic, where every district carries its own rhythm of life.
Over four days, I travelled through Segamat, Kluang, Batu Pahat, and Pontian during the Majestic Johor familiarisation trip organised by Tourism Johor and Gaya Travel Magazine. Along the way, I discovered a Johor that is quieter, greener, and infinitely more soulful, a Johor that lingers in my mind long after the journey ends.
Segamat – Roots in the Countryside
Coming down to Johor from Klang Valley, Segamat was our entry point, and Walters Farm our first stop. This recreational farm seems like a playground for all ages; the farm is part mini zoo, part waterpark, part adventure park. Families flocked to the outdoor water fun area, where children splashed under the sun with squeals of delight. Elsewhere, bumper cars buzz, trampolines bounce, kids’ trains chug happily along, and ATVs rumble over dirt paths. There are even horse rides, colourful chalets for overnight stays, and friendly little animals for feeding sessions. It was easy to see why Walters Farm had become a favourite weekend escape for Segamat locals: fun, wholesome, and just far enough from the city’s rush.
A short drive away, the Railway Monument stands in quiet dignity. Simple yet symbolic, it reminds Segamat of its history and journeys once carried by iron tracks.
From there, we wandered through Lorong Seni & Budaya, a lane made vibrant by splashes of colour across walls and pathways. It wasn’t about one specific artwork, but about the mood it created: cheerful, lively, and instantly Instagrammable.
The highlight of Segamat’s town centre awaits at the Dataran Batu Hampar, also known as the Rock Garden. The Monumen Kemahkotaan Johor stands crowned with four cannons and a replica of the coronation emblem. A fountain bubbles at its base, surrounded by landscaped greenery. By day the monument stands proud; by night it glows with colourful lights that draw visitors.
Lunch at Port Baung Taman Yayasan followed. The dishes served here are simple but hearty, the kind you remember not for extravagance but for comfort. By afternoon, we reached Kebun Haus Glamping, with its canvas tents, fairy lights, and surrounding whispers of nature. I realised glamping wasn’t just about staying outdoors, but about rediscovering the luxury of simplicity.
As evening fell, Sunrise Labis Farm welcomed us with a rustic dinner. Lanterns glowed softly, conversations mingled with the sound of crickets, and the air turned cool. It felt cinematic, like the beginning of a story you knew you’d want to tell again.
Labis & Kluang – Of Durian and Coffee
The next morning, we met the king of fruits, durian. In Labis, among trees laden with durians, we cracked them open with sticky fingers, laughter filling the air with every ‘sweeter’ or ‘creamier’ bite. It wasn’t just about eating; it was about how the durian brings people together like a festive reunion.
Later, we made a brief stop at Achi Gold Café, a cosy corner that reflected the charm of small-town Johor. The café’s air is filled with the scent of fresh brews and light chatter, the kind of place where time slows down.
By afternoon, we reached Kluang and had a comforting lunch at Kellypojawani, which serves home-cooked Johor dishes that feel familiar yet special. Then came the highlight, My Liberica Coffee Farm in Simpang Renggam, where we were greeted with rows of coffee plants thriving under the sun. When we stepped into the mill, the aroma of freshly roasted beans enveloped us. Coffee here isn’t just a beverage; it is heritage, pride, and part of the local identity. As I sipped a cup brewed on-site, I realised how extraordinary the taste of something that we take for granted in daily life can be when it is experienced at its source.
Nasi Briyani – “Kellypojawani’s signature briyani: long-grain rice infused with aromatic spices, served the way Johor families have loved for generations. 
Laksa Johor – “Laksa Johor at its best — rich fish-based gravy over spaghetti, a true heritage dish unique to this southern state. 
Cendol – “End the meal with a chilled bowl of cendol, palm sugar and coconut milk swirling into the perfect sweet finale on a warm Kluang afternoon.
Dinner at Ngepot Kabin, simple yet heartfelt, closed the day before we rested at Hotel Prime Kluang.
Batu Pahat – Colours and Coastlines
Our third morning began with a hike up Gunung Lambak. The trail isn’t punishing, but the morning mist and birdsong give the atmosphere a magical quality. Each step upward felt like shedding the weight of hurried life, replacing it with calm. At the summit, the view wasn’t just scenic, it was grounding. Back at Hill & Heal Café, breakfast tasted richer for the effort made.
By mid-morning, we were on the road to Ayer Hitam, home to the bustling Bazar Arena Warna. Known among locals and visitors alike, this marketplace is a treasure trove of small business, a space where Johor’s industrious spirit thrives. Stalls brim with handicrafts, ceramic goods, local snacks like chips and crackers, fresh flowers, ornaments, traditional dodol (sticky, chewy, and caramel-like local confection), cakes, and seasonal fruits. Walking through the bazaar is an experience of its own: colours spill from one stall to another and vendors call out with warm smiles, while the air is thick with the aroma of local delicacies.
It struck me that Arena Warna wasn’t just a place to shop, but a way to connect with the community. Every purchase, whether a packet of crackers or a handcrafted vase, feels like a direct contribution to the livelihoods of small traders who keep Johor’s traditions alive.
Later, in Batu Pahat, we stopped for lunch at Pak Lurah Bistro, a place that felt like coming home to savour authentic kampung cooking. Our table was quickly covered with dishes of familiar flavours: gulai lemak (creamy and spicy coconut-based stew), fried fish, and stir-fried greens, each one carrying the warmth of Johor’s culinary heritage. But it was the sambal udang petai (sweet and spicy shrimp cooked with stink beans) that stole my heart. Fiery, pungent, addictive in the way that only petai can give. Each bite was a reminder that true comfort is often found in the simplest plates, cooked with heart.
Afterwards, Yok BP Cruise offered a slower rhythm. The boat cuts through calm waters, reflections rippling as we drifted. From the deck, the town revealed itself differently, appearing gentler from the water and more contemplative.
Our adventure continued at 53 ATV Park, where the roar of engines and the rush of adrenaline set the mood. Riding through sandy tracks and uneven ground brought a different thrill, contrasting beautifully with the slower pace of the cruise. By evening, we headed to Pantai Minyak Beku, where the sun slipped gracefully into the horizon. The sky turned gold, then orange, then dusky pink. The sunset seemed to pause time itself.
Night fell with the hum of the Vintage Market. Stalls brimmed with trinkets, chatter filled the air, and the buzz of community was strong. When we finally arrived at Barokah Sri Village for overnight rest, fatigue melted into comfort. This village balances tradition with modern touches, offering soporific hospitality.
Pontian – At the Edge of Asia
Our final day led us to Pontian, where we visited Amanda Pineapple in Ayer Baloi. Here, the experience was more than just seeing rows of spiky crowns in the field. We had the chance to plant pineapples ourselves, appreciate the patience needed to nurture a fruit that the world so often enjoys in seconds. Afterwards, we tasted freshly cut pineapples from the farm, their sweetness sharp and refreshing, and sipped on pineapple juice so pure it needed no sugar. There was also bird’s nest served alongside the drink, delicate and nourishing, but it was the juice, with its honest and unadulterated sweetness drawn straight from the fruit, which lingered in my memory.
What made it even more special was knowing that this wasn’t an experience locked behind glass doors; anyone passing through Ayer Baloi can easily savour it. Along the roadside, stalls brim with pineapples of every shape and size, offered by local traders whose livelihoods are rooted in this land. If you find yourself here, stop and pick up a fruit or two, not just for the taste, but for the story of Pontian that comes with it.
Lunch at Legasi Engkong Johor evoked nostalgia. Here, the recipes are preserved across time; the dishes are cooked with a sense of legacy. Every bite feels like partaking in a story much older than I.
But it was Tanjung Piai that left me with the deepest impression. Standing at the southernmost tip of mainland Asia, I gazed out at the meeting point of the mangroves and the sea. It wasn’t just geography; it was perspective. To be at the edge of a continent is to feel small yet connected, a reminder of how vast the world is and how precious are places such as this.
At last, our journey ended at Jermanpine Café. But little did I know, this final stop would be one of the most memorable. From the outside, it looked like a cosy family café, but stepping in revealed something I had never encountered before: a mini swimming pool for children, right in the heart of a dining space. The sound of splashing water mixed with the clatter of cutlery creates a kind of joy you can’t describe. It is whimsical, almost surreal, and even makes me smile.
Then came the adventure. We climbed onto all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and rode out towards the café’s very own pineapple plantation and tart factory. The air smells faintly sweet as rows of pineapples glisten under the sun. Inside the factory, we watched the process unfold as the pineapples were turned into golden jam, pastry shells carefully filled, and trays were slid into ovens. And then came the moment: pineapple tarts, still warm, straight from the oven. I bit into one. Buttery, fragrant, molten with jam and for a second, everything else faded away. It wasn’t just a tart; it was Johor itself, wrapped into one perfect bite.
Back at the café, we sat down for a meal. The menu at his café is generous, from local hot dishes to Western favourites, a reflection of Johor’s openness to both tradition and variety. Families chatted, children played, plates arrived steaming from the kitchen. It feels less like a café, and more of a gathering place, the kind you return to not just for the food, but for the memories it creates.
If you ever find yourself in Pontian, don’t just pass through. Swing by Jermanpine Café.Ride its ATVs, taste the tarts, let your children swim, while let yourself linger. Because sometimes, the places we least expect end up being the ones we carry home with us.
A Different Johor
Travel teaches us that beauty often lies in the unexpected, in small towns, in quiet corners, in simple meals. Johor is full of these moments, waiting for those willing to look beyond the obvious. What makes it majestic is not only its landscapes, but the way it makes you feel balanced, welcomed, and alive.
And perhaps that’s why you should come to Johor, especially to the districts of Segamat, Kluang, Batu Pahat, and Pontian . Not to rush through destinations, but to sit, taste, wander, and let Johor reveal itself in its own quiet ways, which grows on you and stays with you forever…
Gaya Travel Magazine team members express our heartfelt gratitude to Tourism Johor for making the writer’s trip to Johor possible and smooth-sailing.
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