Amazing Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Pontian

July 21, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 7876 Views

Pontian is a district on the western coast of Johor state. There are two towns in the district with the same name: Pontian Besar and Pontian Kechil. The district is also home to Tanjung Piai, the southernmost tip of mainland Asia. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Pontian. Being a coastal district, there are many amazing things to do in Pontian. There are several towns with pristine views of the ocean among Pontian attractions. There are also a few islands which are part of the district among Pontian tourist attractions. Besides the beaches, islands and the ocean, the district is also rich with the natural heritage of forest and mountains which you can enjoy when you visit Pontian.

If you are interested in the history of the region and the culture, you visit the Bugis Museum among things to do in Pontian. The museum focuses on the history, culture and tradition of the Bugis people who are native to this region of Malaysia. Another historically and culturally significant Pontian tourist attraction is the heritage Chinese temple known as Rumah Berhala Tiang Lin Dian. This Buddhist temple is one of the most revered places to visit on Pontian travel. It is known for over 200 statues of Old Buddha and several intricate carving in the style of Chinese architecture. It is one of the most vibrant places to visit in Pontian.

Now coming to the natural heritage to visit in Pontian, you have National Parks, Mangrove Forests, Islands, and Mountains. The most popular natural tourist attraction in Pontian is the Kukup Island which contains the Kukup National Park. This forest is frequented by hikers and bird watchers for exploration among things to do in Pontian. You will get a boat ride to reach the island from Pontian mainland. The island is also known for the Kukup Resort, a recreational and leisure destination for many tourists visiting Pontian. Other islands among Pontian attractions include Pisang Island and Kemudi Island. You will be able to access both by boat only. Besides nature & outdoor recreational activities, these islands are also well-known for their beautiful beaches.

The mangrove forest at the southernmost tip of Asia Mainland is also one of the best places to visit in Pontian for nature exploration. Here you can explore the forest in a boat and even a kayak. The dense mangrove forest attraction many adventure seekers to visit Pontian.

Finally, you have Mount Pulai or Gunung Pulai, located on the eastern end of the district. Pontian only includes a small part of the forest, the rest it shares with Kulai district. Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest is actually one of the best attractions to visit on the way to Pontian if you are coming from the eastern side.

Pontian travel would not require more than a couple of days to thoroughly enjoy. You can start your visit to Pontian directly with the Tanjung Piai or Kukup Island. Then on the way back, you can explore the places to visit in Pontian mainland towns.

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Table of Contents

Explore The Best 15 Tourist Places in Pontian

1. Kukup Island Johor National Park (Pulau Kukup)

This island is situated west of the mainland and is known for several outdoor things to do in Pontian, Johor. You will need to get a boat ride to be here to explore its unique land and ocean wildlife. You would need 3 to 4 hours for this journey.

2. Kukup Laut Fishing Village

This is the southern most fishing village of Malaysia and one of the most popular places to visit in Pontian. It is popular for showing a glimpse of the pastoral lifestyle as well as an ecosystem developed around mangroves and swamps. You would need about 2 hours to tour this village and its surroundings.

3. Kelong (Kukup) Sea Fish Farm

This fish farm spread between the mainland and Kukup island and you will have to get on a boat to explore it. It is one of the best Pontian attractions to explore sea life and would require about 2 hours of your time.

4. Sri Tanjung Leisure Farm

This is place for people who wish to enjoy organic lifestyle during Pontian travel. The farm grows its own food and has several animals one can interact with during their stay. You would need at least 2 to 3 hours to enjoy here.

5. Rumah Berhala Tian Ling Dian Temple

This large heritage temple is home to 200 statues of Lord Buddha and is among popular Pontian tourist attractions. The temple is beautifully designed and exhbits Chinese style architectural and decor elements. You would need 2 hours to explore this temple.

6. Bugis Museum (Muzium Bugis)

This museum is dedicated to Bugis people and highlights their history, culture, traditions and artifacts. There are more than 2,000 artefacts in this museum including jewelry, utensils, coins, weapons and so on. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this museum when you visit Pontian.

7. Mural Paintings

Among fun things to do in Pontian is exploring the city and hunting for street art murals. Like many other towns and cities in Malaysia, Pontian too is adorned with wonderful works of street and building exterior art in form of murals. You can find many of these as you explore the town or you can embark on a treasure to find them all.

8. Laman Mahkota Park

Home to the crown monument, which is considered among architectural icons of Johor, this is a very popular park in the town for tourists and locals alike. People visit this Pontian attraction for leisure and recreational activities. You would need half an hour or so for this park.

9. Tanjung Piai National Park (Taman Negara Johor Tanjung Piai)

The national park is a great place for adventurous things to do in Pontian. It is a huge mangrove forest with hike trails as well as wooden walkways. You would need 3 to 4 hours to explore this national park.

10. Nictar Pineapple Park

This is a huge pineapple farm with a variety of fun activities in Pontian. You can learn about and experience farming and bee keeping lifestyle here. It will take about 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the various offerings of the Nictar farm when you visit Pontian.

11. Wholesale Fish Market

If you want to take a peak into the world of seafood trade and see the variety of sea food items available, this is the place to visit. It is interesting to see the bidding war which takes place to win sea-food items at this market. You won’t need more than an hour here.

12. Johore Safari World

This is a wildlife zoo where animals are kept in large natural enclosures and you can explore it in safari tours. It is one of the most fun Pontian tourist attractions to visit for a day trip. You would 2 to 3 hours for this experience.

13. Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary

This farm is home to several animals and it takes care of them. While you explore this farm, you can also interact with animals as wells. You will need about an hour to explore this sanctuary.

14. Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest

This wonderful forest is full of hike trails, waterfalls, ponds and a beautiful lake. It is one of the best places to visit in Pontian to be with nature. You would need about 2 hours for this forest.

15. Pineapple Museum (Muzium Nanas)

As the name says, this museum is dedicated to pineapples. It tells about the history of the fruit, its farming process and the several types of pineapples. You would need an hour for Pontian travel to see this museum.

If you are looking for more Pontian tourist attractions, check out the section below.

Things to do in Pontian

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Pontian

Bugis Museum
Rumah Berhala Tian Ling Dian Temple
Pineapple Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Pontian

Pulau Kukup Johor National Park
Kukup Island
Taman Negara Johor Tanjung Piai Mangrove Forest
Pisang Island
Hutan Lipur Gunang Pulai
Kampung Sri Gunung Pulai
Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest
Pulau Kemudi Island

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Pontian

Kukup Seaview Resort
NICTAR Honeybee & Pineapple Farm
Uncle Tan Orchard Stingless Bee Farm
Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Farm
Kupuk Hai Chan Resort

Shopping in Pontian

Maslee Mall
Billion Mall

Beaches in Pontian

Kukup Island
Pisang Island
Pulau Merambong Island
Pontain Kechil Beach
Kemudi Islanf Beach
Pontian Seaside Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Pontian

Ulu Choh Dirt Park

Sightseeing in Pontian

Cape Tanjung Piai
Pontian Crown Monument
Laman Mahkota Park
Mural Paintings

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Pontian

Sin Kee Kedai Mee Restaurant
Kurau Seafood Snacks
Black Jack Grill House
Warung Tiang Merah
Platform Coffee
Min Guam Kopitiam
Shangerila Chinese Restaurant
Cendol Boy
8383 Coffee Shop
Tom Yam Restaurant
Media Makan Lee Kee
Thai Good
BaoXin Vegetarian Cafe
Foodball Seafood
Greenlife Vegetarian Restaurant

Where to Stay in Pontian?

Here we have listed Top Rated Hotels in Pontian. Here we recommend almost all mid-range and budget Hotels in Pontian.

How to Reach Pontian?

By Air

The nearest airport for Pontian travel is the Senai International Airport located in Kulais district near Johor Bahru. The second closest airports you can use to visit Pontian are Seletar Airport and Changi Airport in Singapore.

Once you get to any of these airports you have to travel by road to reach the places to visit in Pontian. You won’t get a bus to reach Pontian attractions directly from the airport. You will have to either get to major bus stations in Johor Bahru or Singapore for the same.

By Road

The nearest train station for Pontian travel is also in Kulai. Even if you are travelling from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Malacca; you will need to take a train to Kulai and then continue your journey by road to visit Pontian tourist attractions. You will find several interesting things to do in Pontian on your way from Kulai.

Several buses run daily between Pontian and Johor Bahru. You will find it equally convenient to travel to Pontian from Kulai as well. If you do not wish to take public transport, you can rent a car for Pontian travel. You will also be able to hire a car with a guide as a driver to take you around for things to do in Pontian. Both Johor Bahru and Kulai are apt to take this transport option for places to visit in Pontian.

If you are driving by yourself, you should know the routes to take to visit Pontian. If you are coming from Johor Bahru to visit Pontian tourist attractions, then take Route 5, which passes by Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest. You can make a stop there to go hiking or nature exploration among things to do in Pontian. Route 5 also connects with Pontian from the northwest side of the district. So if you are coming to enjoy places to visit in Pontian from Kuala Lumpur or Central Malacca or any other northern region, you should stick to this coastal highway route. This route is also one of the best roads for road trips in Malaysia. If you are visiting Pontian attractions from further north-east in the state of Johor, you can take Route 96.

By Water

Despite being a coastal district there are no water transport options for Pontian travel. You can get ferries to reach the islands in Pontian, but those are part of the district itself.

Image Reference

Kukup Island Johor National Park (Pulau Kukup) – Tourism Malaysia
Kukup Laut Fishing Village – Sharon Ang / PixaBay
Kelong (Kukup) Sea Fish Farm – Weixiang Ng / Flickr
Sri Tanjung Leisure Farm –
Rumah Berhala Tian Ling Dian Temple –
Bugis Museum (Muzium Bugis) – Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons
Mural Paintings –
Laman Mahkota Park –
Tanjung Piai National Park (Taman Negara Johor Tanjung Piai) – Tourism Malaysia
Nictar Pineapple Park –
Wholesale Fish Market –
Johore Safari World –
Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary – Atallent / Wikimedia Commons
Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest – Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons
Pineapple Museum (Muzium Nanas) – Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons