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Kota Tinggi is the largest district with a land area of 3,488.7 sq. km. is often called the 'historical district' because of its importance as a seat of the Johor Sultanate. The promontories and sheltered river shores along Johor River are ideal for the establishment of settlements and as defence forts against enemy invasion. Traces or remnants of such historical settlements are found at Johor Lama, Panchor, Bukit Seluyut, Kota Tinggi town and Sayong Pinang.
Johor Lama is regarded as a very significant settlement by the presence of a unique fortress here. Built of bunkers of huge solid rocks interposed with cannons on a high ground, the importance of Johor Lama was thus beyond doubt. This is further supported by the naming of the present capital city of Johor Bahru (new Johor), as 'Johor Lama' means old Johor.
The other important site is Kota Tinggi town itself. The village, Kampung Makam, situated about 2 km. from the town centre, has remnants of walls and makam (tombs) of dignitaries. The walls were believed to belong to a palace or fort, known as Kota Tauhid. The presence of ruler's tomb (Makam Sultan Mahmud) and tombs of a treasurer and a general in Kampung Makam further reinforced the presence of ruling settlements in this part of Kota Tinggi town.
Kota Tinggi coastline adds to its treasure with beautiful beaches fringing the South China Sea. Each of these beaches has its character and romance, and is supported by built facilities ranging from the very modest to the luxurious. It is thus a perfect destination for those in search of sun, sea and sand.
Its shore along the sheltered Johor River prompted the construction of a privately owned marina with berthing and resort facilities. An 18-hole golf course within the resort further boosts its status as a tourist destination.
The presence of fireflies also along its shore has amazed visitors with this nature's gift.
The district's coast supplies it with exotic seafood, especially the lobster. Panti Recreational Forest not only gives the district a green backdrop, it provides locals and visitors a like to be with nature or to partake in recreational activities. The Kota Tinggi Waterfall, located about 15 km. from the town, actually originates from the forest and has been a source of family and group fun and activities.
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Historical Center |
The historical town of Kota Tinggi is steeped with past glories. The Pusat Sejarah Kota Tinggi (historical center) in the town collects the various historical artifacts and anecdotes to help visitors to have a better understanding of the important role played by Kota Tinggi in Johor Sultanate. A visit to this center is recommended.
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Kota Tinggi Waterfall |
This popular recreational center boasts of scenic waterfalls that originate from Gunung Panti. Day trippers are assured of a refreshing recharge by listening to the splashing sounds of cascades, or simply enjoy some quiet moment with mother nature.
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Desaru Beach |
'Desaru' means a land of Casuarinas. Beside the endless view of the casuarinas, Desaru Beach is famed for its pristine sandy beach facing the South China Sea that is said to be of some 25 km. long. This advantage has attracted the establishment of several international class beach resorts, each offering different facilities.
What makes Desaru more popular is the availability of other attractions within a short drive, which include a fishermans museum, fireflies, historical relics and fresh safood particularly at Sungai Rengit where this small fishing town that supports several fishing villages, not only for its seafood but also as a source to feel what life is in a slow-pace fishing community.
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Tanjung Balau Fisherman Museum |
Do you know how to forecast areas and concentration of fish just by looking at the colour of the sea water or just by looking at the moon? Apparently these were techniques used by traditional fishermen especially in the Malaysian east coast. Visit this Fishermen Museum if you want to know more about these ancient fishing techniques.
Located 5 km. north of Desaru, Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum was developed by the South Johor Development Authority (KEJORA), as part of its development project in the fishing village of Tanjung Balau. The museum is built on a 9.7-hectare land in 1992. It has a main building that serves as a gallery, four small rest areas and a souvenir shop.
The museum displays various artefacts used by fishermen such as fishing traps, tackles and various types of floats, and replicas of the fishermen's catch according to the equipment used. There are also traditional boats and rafts exhibited. Besides that, visitors may also learn about local taboos, beliefs and superstitions related to the sea.
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Desaru Fruit Farm |
The fruit farm is an agro-tourism site with over 100 species of tropical fruits, an ostrich farm and an apiary. Children can enjoy a bullock-cart ride too.
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