Batu Pahat and Muar are two cities within the Johor state of Malaysia which can be identified for his or her wealthy heritage, scrumptious meals and pleasant locals. With solely two days to discover each cities, guests can expertise the most effective of what every metropolis has to supply with a brief Batu Pahat and Muar itinerary.
In Batu Pahat, guests can go cafe-hopping and take a look at the native museum. Moving on to Muar, guests can take a stroll alongside the river and admire the beautiful views of town’s quick however distinctive skyline. They can even go to the parks for picnics and out of doors actions or go for a cultural stroll. Finally, guests to Muar mustn’t miss out on the well-known Muar Otak-Otak, a scrumptious native delicacy created from fish paste.
Getting There
By Car
Batu Pahat and Muar are each accessible by automotive. From Kuala Lumpur, it takes roughly 2.5 to three hours to succeed in Batu Pahat and a couple of to 2.5 hours to succeed in Muar. The North-South Expressway (PLUS) is the principle freeway that connects Kuala Lumpur to each cities.
By Bus
Travelling by bus is a handy and reasonably priced choice for many who don’t have entry to a automotive. There are a number of bus firms that function every day journeys between Kuala Lumpur and Batu Pahat or Muar. The journey takes roughly 3 to 4 hours, relying on site visitors circumstances. Some widespread bus firms embrace Transnasional, KKKL Express, and S&S International. From Singapore, there are direct buses to Muar and to Batu Pahat. The journey to Muar takes roughly 3 to 4 hours whereas Batu Pahat is about 2 to 2.5 hours from Singapore.
Day 1: Batu Pahat
Morning
Batu Pahat is a captivating city positioned within the southern a part of Malaysia and is a good place to start out the 2-day itinerary. Batu Pahat is a college city so don’t be stunned by the hipster cafes that you just see right here which appear to be disproportionate to the small inhabitants of the city. In the morning, guests can discover the city’s wealthy historical past by visiting the Galeri Dato Onn Batu Pahat. The museum showcases the life and instances of a former head of presidency of Johor. Visitors can even be taught concerning the city’s function within the nation’s wrestle for independence.
After the museum, guests can take a stroll by means of the Batu Pahat Old Street (Old Street Commercial Centre), which is lined with fashionable outlets and cafes. Cafes to take a look at right here embrace 1970 Cafe which has fairly good conventional kopi and nasi lemak. Don’t miss the murals close to the parking zone that depict how life was in Batu Pahat.
Afternoon
For lunch, guests can head to Chop See Kee, which is widespread for wanton noodles. Alternatively, head to Hai Kee Hawker Centre by the river and take your choose among the many many meals stalls there. Those on the lookout for halal choices can try Nasi Beriani Mohd Shahi. The place doles out low-cost, generous-sized and most significantly, scrumptious parts of lamb biryani!
After lunch, you possibly can cool off and take shelter in a restaurant. One distinctive cafe to take a look at is Niqiu Space. It’s a treasure trove of an area crammed with classic gadgets and a small backyard in the midst of the cafe. The second flooring area is typically used to host impartial artists promoting their wares. You will discover the unassuming entrance to this cafe a couple of doorways down from Chop See Kee. Ask for instructions from the pleasant shopkeeper out entrance should you’re misplaced!
If you’ve your personal automotive, you can too discover Minyak Beku Beach positioned to the southwest of city. There are benches and shaded pavilions by the seashore which makes it a well-liked hangout spot amongst locals. There can be a historic marker for the Batu Pahat Well close to the seashore. While the properly itself seems to be unassuming, the title of the city was mentioned to originate from it and there are speculations on how the properly got here to be, with a Tourism Malaysia signboard giving a brief rationalization beside the positioning.Â
After ending the sights in Batu Pahat, begin to make your approach to Muar by taking a 45-minute drive by way of Jalan Muar. Before reaching Muar itself, make a brief cease at Parit Jawa.
Parit Jawa is a fishing village on the outskirts of Muar. It is legendary for its seafood and the realm by the ocean has a variety of seafood eateries to select from. You can select to have an early dinner right here within the space known as Pantai Leka – the fishing port – earlier than making your approach to Muar city.
While in Parit Jawa, you need to try this whimsical / picturesque home behind Daily Happy Otak Otak (Jalan Jabbar). It’s carried out up by the house owners of the shop and goals to recreate olden instances, full with classic signage and decor.Â
Proceed on to Muar for the night and keep the night time.Â
Day 2: Muar
Morning
One of the most well-liked locations to start out your day in Muar is at Kopi 434 Muar. Coffee lovers will probably be dazzled by their drinks menu, which incorporates greater than a dozen varieties of espresso. Their kopi is positioned in conventional porcelain cups however clients who order the costlier espresso variations will get their espresso in a flowery western-style cup. While right here, don’t miss out on their otak-otak bun which is a must-order. Do observe that it may possibly get very crowded if you come throughout the peak hours of 9AM to 10AM throughout weekends.
After a hearty breakfast, guests can head to Tanjung Emas, a well-liked leisure park positioned alongside the Muar River. The park incorporates a scenic view of the river and quite a lot of actions for guests to get pleasure from, similar to jogging, biking, and boating. Here, you’ll additionally discover the Masjid Jamek Sultan Ibrahim, one of many oldest mosques in Muar which mixes Victorian and Moorish architectural kinds.Â
Another attraction value visiting within the morning is the Muar Cultural Walk, a pedestrian-friendly avenue that showcases the city’s wealthy cultural heritage. It is positioned on a aspect avenue off Jalan Meriam. The stroll itself consists of numerous avenue artwork, with some being 3D. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll alongside the road to soak within the vibrant environment of the city.
The complete city heart of Muar will be thought-about a dwelling, functioning vacationer attraction. Here, one will discover the most important ensemble of colonial shophouses in Malaysia outdoors of Penang, Melaka and Ipoh. Many of the streets home age-old companies promoting all the pieces from confectionery, to {hardware} shops and small eating places. The excellent news is that the streets are specified by a grid so it’s simple to search out your approach and discover town heart space.
Afternoon
For lunch, guests can head to the well-known Glutton Street, positioned within the coronary heart of Muar city in Jalan Haji Abu. The avenue is lined with quite a lot of meals stalls and eating places serving native delicacies similar to otak-otak, mee bandung, and satay. Visitors can pattern quite a lot of dishes and immerse themselves within the native meals tradition.
After lunch, guests can go to the Muar Art Gallery, positioned outdoors of the city heart. The gallery-cum-cafe incorporates a assortment of latest and conventional artwork items by native artists and guests can take part in artwork workshops together with some kids-friendly actions.
Another attraction value visiting is the Muar River Cruise (MYR 20 (grownup) / MYR 15 (little one) / MYR 30 (foreigners), which gives a scenic view of the city whereas passing by means of among the historic landmarks. The cruise period is half-hour and there may be an audio recording that explains the assorted buildings guests get to see throughout the journey. Do observe that not like different river cruises in Malaysia, the Muar River Cruise will not be a sundown cruise and so they function solely till 5:30PM.
Evening
In the night, guests can head to the Muar Night Market, a bustling market that comes alive after sundown in Jalan Sisi. The market options quite a lot of stalls promoting all the pieces from native snacks to clothes. Visitors can pattern the native delicacies and store for souvenirs.
You can even select to go again to Tanjung Emas within the night because the park takes on a distinct take a look at night time. You’ll discover that a lot of the park is lit up with fairy lights, with the I Love Muar signal lit up as properly. Families collect right here with peddlers promoting all the pieces from snacks to toys for the little ones.
Where to Stay in Muar & Batu Pahat
When planning a two-day itinerary for Batu Pahat and Muar, discovering the fitting lodging is important. Fortunately, each cities provide a spread of choices to go well with completely different preferences and budgets.
Batu Pahat
In Batu Pahat, among the hottest choices embrace:
- The Katerina Hotel: A contemporary four-star resort positioned within the coronary heart of Batu Pahat. It gives comfy rooms, a rooftop pool, and a health heart. Family rooms can be found.
- The Summit Signature Hotel: A budget-friendly choice that provides clear and comfortable rooms. It is positioned close to The Summit Batu Pahat Mall and different sights.
Muar
In Muar, among the hottest choices embrace:
- Muo Boutique Hotel: A contemporary resort housed in a heritage constructing positioned within the coronary heart of Muar. Rooms are on the smaller aspect however possess a barely hip vibe.
- Remington Hotel: Located proper subsequent to the Wetex Parade Shopping Mall, that is an outdated resort that has been just lately renovated. Rooms are spacious.Â
Where to Eat in Muar & Batu Pahat
When it involves meals in Batu Pahat and Muar, guests will probably be spoilt for alternative. There are loads of native eateries that provide scrumptious and genuine meals at reasonably priced costs. Here are among the greatest locations to eat in Batu Pahat and Muar:
Batu Pahat
- Han Kee Cake and Cafe: This is a well-liked spot for breakfast and for afternoon tea as they serve quite a lot of drinks and pastries. Make certain to strive their Otah Bread whereas right here.
- Asam Pedas Mak Limah: This is the place to go for Malay model bitter/spicy dishes. Asam Pedas is the sort of gravy that goes very properly with fish.Â
Muar
- Mee Bandung Abu Bakar Hanipah: This is a well-known noodle store that serves up spicy and tangy mee bandung. The store is positioned at Jalan Abdullah.Â
- Cafe 1988: A stupendous standalone cafe in a residential space. Try their Japanese curry, croffles and molten lava cake.