Popular Tourist Attractions to Visit in Kota Tinggi

June 17, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 8933 Views

Kota Tinggi is both a district and a town. There are 10 towns which fall under the Kota Tinggi district. Much of the Kota Tinggi travel is for ecotourism. Though there are several places in Kota Tinggi being specially developed for tourism. The district has a pretty long coastline so there are plenty of places to visit in Kota Tinggi facing the South China Sea. There are several things to do in Kota Tinggi along the coast as well, both inside the ocean and along the coast. Near to the district capital town there are two famous Kota Tinggi sightseeing spots popular among tourist. First is the Kota Tinggi Waterfalls and the second is the Kota Tinggi Firefly Park. There are several mountains and waterfalls you can explore on Kota Tinggi travel, but this one is popular for being at hiking distance from the capital town. The Firefly Park is among popular things to see in Kota Tinggi. The boat ride takes you along the Johor River near the firefly breeding & nesting locations. It is one of the most beautiful experience you will have at any Kota Tinggi attraction. Even more than the waterfall, the Firefly ride would be most memorable among things to do in Kota Tinggi.

Further deep in the jungle you have birdwatching experience at Gunung Pantai Bird Sanctuary. There is also a recreational forest within the vicinity you can explore on foot and even camp overnight. There is actually no shortage of hiking trails in Kota Tinggi. Nature exploration is among the most popular things to do in Kota Tinggi. You can also include several beautiful waterfalls among Kota Tinggi sightseeing spots to hit on your hike trail. These waterfalls are especially popular among Malaysian locals on weekend getaways as bathing & picnic spots. Besides the birds, you can also get up close with crocodiles at the Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm, a zoo exclusively for crocodiles. Similarly there an Ostrich Farm as well, a zoo exclusive to ostriches among places to visit in Kota Tinggi.

Kota Tinggi is historically significant to the state of Johor. This is the place where the Johor Empire began. One of the Kota Tinggi attraction are the Kampung Makam Royal Tombs. It also holds the tomb of the 10th Sultan of the Johor kingdom. Among other historical Kota Tinggi tourist attractions is the city’s museum, which also traces the history, rise and fall of the Johor Sultanate. There are also other historical things to see in Kota Tinggi. But, most people are there for the beaches and adventure. The best Kota Tinggi attraction for incredible beaches is Desire Beach. This white sanded beach is also popular for water sports, snorkeling and other things to do in Kota Tinggi. You can also hire a motorboat or a sail boat to take you on short cruise along the coastline. There are some incredibly beautiful sights of lush green forests merging with fine sand flowing towards the ocean. You can cover much of Kota Tinggi sightseeing on a coastal boat ride itself.

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Table of Contents

The Best 14 Tourist Places to Visit in Kota Tinggi

1. Sultan Mahmud Mangkat di Julang Mausoleum

This historical tomb is known for beign the final resting place of King Mahmud Shah II, who was the last ruler of Johor to descend from the Malacca Sultanate. It is an important historical Kota Tinggi attraction located in the village of Kampung Makam. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this mausoleum.

2. Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm

Spread over 10 acres, this is the largest crocodile farm in the country and one of the most interesting places to visit in Kota Tinggi. It is home to several hundred saltwater crocodiles, some of which are quite large. You will need an hour or so to tour this farm.

3. Thekchen Choling Temple

This Chinese and Buddhist temple is known for its vivid architecture and decor. The temple has several statues, paintings and sculptures which make it one of the most beautiful Kota Tinggi tourist attractions. You will need 2 hours to explore this temple.

4. Kota Johor Lama Museum

This museum is centered around Johor Lama, a mukim on banks of Johor river which was once protected by Old Johor Fort. The museum tells about the history and culture of this part as well as exhibits several parts of the old fort. It is among important historical attractions to cover during Kota Tinggi travel and you will need about an hour for it.

5. Desaru Ostrich Farm

Home to more than 200 ostriches, this farm is the venue for unusual things to do in Kota Tinggi. You can enjoy watching these fascinating birds from a distance and even participate in interactive activities with them. It will take you an hour to enjoy this place.

6. Kota Tinggi Waterfalls

This waterfall is one of the most popular nature spots for those who visit Kota Tinggi. It is situated along the slopes of Mount Muntahak. There are also several picnic spots close to the waterfall to relax. You will need 2 to 3 hours at Kota Tinggi Waterfalls.

7. Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum (Muzium Nelayan Tanjung Balau)

As the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to fishermen and the trade of catching fishes. It shows the evolution of the craft and different techniques used in the trade. It is among the most interesting things to see in Kota Tinggi, especially for those who are completely oblivious to it. You will need about an hour for this museum.

8. Gunung Panti Mountain

This mountain is visited for hiking, trekking, camping, picnic and other outdoor things to do in Kota Tinggi. The beautiful mountain has several trails of varying difficulties to follow to the top. You will need at least half a day’s time to engage with it.

9. Desaru Coast

If you are planning to explore the coast during Kota Tinggi sightseeing, then head towards Desaru, it is has everything to offer that you can expect from a coastal retreat. There are beaches, parks, bars, seafood joints, watersports and more. Desaru has one of the most vibrant beaches in Kota Tinggi. You can easily spend a couple of days here.

10. Tanjung Balau Beach

This beach is quite close to Desaru and one of the most popular Kota Tinggi beaches. It is not as vibrant in terms of activity as Desaru, but perfect if you looking for scenic beauty and a place to chill by the ocean.

11. Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark

If you want to enjoy some freshwater near the coast during Kota Tinggi travel, then take time to enjoy this mix of amusement, adventure and waterpark. It has something for everyone to enjoy. You will need 3 to 4 hours to enjoy here, although some people even choose to spend entire day here.

12. Kota Tinggi Museum

One of the most important historical places to visit in Kota Tinggi is the region’s museum. It talks about its history and culture with special focus on the Sultans of Johor. You will need an hour or two to explore this museum.

13. Firefly Valley Leisure Park

Perhaps one of the most fun things to do in Kota Tinggi is to explore the firefly valley on a boat at night to see little miracles of nature. The valley is quite beautiful during the day as well and it is wonderful as a day trip Kota Tinggi attraction, but it is popular for the fireflies which bring this valley to life at night. You can easily plan a day’s trip to this place.

14. Desaru Fruit Farm

This farm allows you explore the farming process of various fruits. It is a delightful experience as the farm is beautifully designed and there are several activities you can be a part of to enjoy some pastoral experiences which you can’t get at any other Kota Tinggi tourist attractions. You will need 2 to 3 hours for this farm.

If you are looking for more places to visit in Kota Tinggi, check out the section below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities which you can enjoy in this district.

Administrative Divisions to Visit in Kota Tinggi

Johor Lama
Kambau
Kota Tinggi Town
Pantai Timur
Pengerang
Sedili Besar
Sedili Kechil
Tanjung Surat
Ulu Sungai Johor
Ulu Sungai Sedili Besar

Things to do in Kota Tinggi

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Kota Tinggi, Johor

Muzium Nelayan Tanjung Bulau
Old Johor Fort / Kota Johor Lama
Kota Tinggi Museum
Mausoleum of Sultan Mahmud Shah Mangkat di Julang
Thekchen Choling Kota Tinggi Meditation Center
Makam Laksamana Bentan
Makam Tauhid
Kampung Makam Royal Tombs

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Kota Tinggi, Johor

Lake Linggiu / Tasik Linggiu
Gunung Sumalayang
Gunung Panti Bird Sanctuary
Gunung Muntahak
Kota Tanggi Waterfalls
Gunung Pelepah
Air Terjun Waterfalls
Pelepah Waterfalls
Bukit Sisek
Sungai Lebam

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Kota Tinggi, Johor

Adventure Water Park Desaru
Crocodile World Zoo
Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
Kota Tinggi Firefly Park
Desaru Ostrich Showfarm
Koref Desaru
Firefly Valley Leisure Park
Desaru Fruit Farm
Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa

Beaches in Kota Tinggi, Johor

Tanjunk Laut Beach Resort
Tanjung Leman Beach
Pantai Tanjung Buluh
Pantai Tanjung Bulau
Tanjung Lompat
Desire Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Kota Tinggi, Johor

River Cruise
Hiking
Trekking
Diving
Snorkling
Boat Rides

Sightseeing in Kota Tinggi, Johor

Tanjung Leman Jetti
Laman Kubu British 1939

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Kota Tinggi, Johor

Okid Kopitiam
Yap Fong Noodle House
Super Lobster
Poseidon Oyestarbay Resort

Where to Stay in Kota Tinggi?

Here we have listed all Top Rated Hotels in Kota Tinggi. Almost all are Mid-Range and Budget Hotels to stay in Kota Tinggi

Custom Tours Package in Kota Tinggi

How to Reach Kota Tinggi, Johor?

By Air

The closest airport you can use to reach Kota Tinggi is the Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru. The second closest airports for Kota Tinggi travel are in Singapore & Kuala Lumpur. Most people would club the places to visit in Kota Tinggi with their trip to Johor. It will add to your convenience if you are staying in town while on Kota Tinggi travel. But most people do choose to stay in Johor Bahru and spare a day trip for things to do in Kota Tinggi.

By Road

Whether you land in Johor Bahru or Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, you will get easy access for Kota Tinggi travel by bus. The buses can be taken directly from the airport itself. You may also get to explore some of the Kota Tinggi tourist attractions on the way. But, these would be mostly Kota Tinggi sightseeing spots, you can’t actually get off the bus as you please.

By Water

Though the district has a long coastline, there are no ferries coming in for Kota Tinggi travel from elsewhere. You can rent a boat or a yacht, if you want to feel luxurious, to go about the coast. You can also enjoy boat rides along the coast and you can take a boat to the islands nearby. But you don’t have ferries or boats or ships running as regular means of transport from somewhere outside for Kota Tinggi travel. There are several beautiful things to see in Kota Tinggi along the coast and it is a memorable experience to explore these sights on a boat cruising over ocean waves. It is one of the most fun things to do in Kota Tinggi.

Image Reference

Sultan Mahmud Mangkat di Julang Mausoleum – Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons
Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm – Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons
Thekchen Choling Temple – Dorje tenzin / Wikimedia Commons
Kota Johor Lama Museum – Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons
Desaru Ostrich Farm – Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons
Kota Tinggi Waterfalls – Nicolas Lannuzel / Flickr
Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum (Muzium Nelayan Tanjung Balau) – Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons
Gunung Panti Mountain –
Desaru Coast – Jpatokal / Wikimedia Commons
Tanjung Balau Beach – Fahmi Rosli / Wikimedia Commons
Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark –
Kota Tinggi Museum – Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons
Firefly Valley Leisure Park – Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons
Desaru Fruit Farm – Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons