Puteri Waterfalls, Gunung Ledang

Among the locals, Gunung Ledang (formerly Mt Ophir) is more well known for its mysterious reputation rather than as a natural attraction. At the mention of this mountain, stories of the legendary Puteri Gunung Ledang, entwined with tales of supernatural encounters easily come to mind.
Standing at 1,267m, Gunung Ledang (Mount Ledang) is Johor's highest mountain and it can be accessed both from Johor (Sagil) and Melaka (Asahan). The journey to the top will take approximately five hours through the dense jungle.

Mysticism aside, the Ledang's natural beauty, with its challenging mountain trails, icy waterfalls and varieties of flora and fauna, is able to enchant both believers and sceptics alike. Its breathtaking waterfalls known as Puteri Waterfall; make wonderful picnic spots,  while the breathtaking view from the summit lures thrill seekers to scale this mountain. Various amenities, including rest shades, dressing rooms, camping sites, food stalls and car parks are provided here.

Mount Panti Recreation Forest

Panti Forest Reserve is located at the headwaters of Sungai Johor, Linggiu and Ulu Sedili in southern Johor State (Putz, 1978). The habitat is mainly lowland dipterocarp forest with hill forest located on two peaks of over 600 m, Gunung Muntahak (634 m) and Gunung Sumalayang (615 m). Montane ericaceous forest is found on the western summit of Gunung Panti (654 m), the highest point in the reserve. Montane ericaceous forest can be found on the summit of Gunung Panti Barat. A favourite haunt for birdwatchers and photographers, over 250 bird species have been recorded including several Sunda endemics and globally threatened species.

Situated about 8km from Kota Tinggi town, the recreational forest is easily accessible by any form of transport. An ideal location for relaxation, there are sheds, stools, toilet facilities and car parks provided for visitors. Peat swamps can be found in the low-lying areas and the rivers frequently overflow during the months of November to February. The reserve has been logged since the early 1970s but has since ceased. Primary habitats that remain are now confined to the foothills of the mountains.

Pulau Tinggi

Pulau Tinggi gets its name from a high hill rising 2,000 feet above sea level ("tinggi" is a Malay word for high).  The island is painted green by the lush tropical forest that is rich with rattan, timber and other valuable plants. Some even say that it's an inactive volcano.

Its surrounding waters is rich with exotic marine life and beautiful underwater flora fringing its coral reefs, providing a breathtaking underwater view for divers and snorkelling enthusiasts. The island is also blessed with natural fresh water and sheltered harbour, which explains its role as a stopover point for traders in the olden days.

Apart from its physical beauty, Pulau Tinggi is also famous for its mystical characters.  The locals believe that Malay's most famous hero, Hang Tuah, had stopped here in one of his journeys.

Kukup

Kukup, is a well-known fishing village with most of its houses built on stilts. Since the middle of the 19th century, Kukup has been populated by farmers and fishermen, particularly of Bugis descent.  It is famous for its fish farms and several restaurants, which serve the freshest seafood dishes, cooked in various delicious and tantalising styles. You must try the signature chilli crab dish.

Several restaurants serving seafood dishes are located along the small street, close to the jetty so you can enjoy a good seafood meal with a great view of the sea. Handicraft and delicacies such as keropok, belacan and cencaluk are available here. Those who love local dishes will definitely find this place a gastronmical delight.

After a satisfying meal you can hop on any of the boats for hire, and visit the aquaculture farms or kelong where crabs and a variety of fishes are commercially bred. Within sight of the Kukup jetty lies Kukup island, an interesting spot for a quick spin around the island on boat. Those wishing to stay overnight and explore Kukup can stay at the nearby chalet facility.

Parit Jawa

On the western coast of Johor, lies a small town called Parit Jawa. The main attraction here especially during the October-March migration season, is the birdlife. Despite the busy river mouth near the jetty the bird fauna seems unperturbed. The most noticeable of the birds are the Lesser Adjutants of the family of Storks, by sheer virtue of their endangered status and size. Standing at 120 cm tall, with a white body and dark grey wings this species is unmistakable. Its head is virtually bald, apart from a sparse covering of fine hair-like feathers. There are only 2000 odd numbers left in the world and its cousin, the Greater Adjutant, not found in Malaysia, is critically endangered with only 500 odd left in the wild. To be able to sight these amazing prehistoric looking birds is worth the weekend to this classic, pre-war-looking town of Parit Jawa.

Active during the day, these storks feed on fish and amphibians such as the Crab-eating Frog. Once seized, the prey is subjected to a series of stabs with its powerful beak, before being swallowed whole. At nights the storks roost in mangrove trees along the coast. Nesting occurs mainly during the dry season, either in small colonies or as single nests.

Flocks of terns are often seen following fishing vessels back to harbour, swooping down to pluck small fish from the waters churned up by the boats' propellers. Kingfishers are common too, including migrants such as the Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis and the Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata; there are numerous sticks or posts close to the jetty where they like to perch.