Muar, Malaysia
Region: Johor
Geographic Coordinates: 2.050000, 102.560000
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 35.0°C (77°F to 95°F)
Climate: Muar, Malaysia has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, and experiences monsoon seasons from November to February and May to August.
Population: 191346
Language: Malay
Muar is a town located in the state of Johor, Malaysia. It is situated on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is known for its rich history, Cultural heritage, And scenic beauty. The town is surrounded by lush green forests, Rivers, And hills that make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Muar has a long history that dates back to the 14th century when it was ruled by the Sultanate of Malacca. During this period, Muar was an important trading port due to its strategic location at the mouth of the Muar River.
The town’s historical significance can be seen in its well-preserved colonial-era buildings such as Masjid Jamek Sultan Ibrahim and Tanjung Emas. Apart from its rich history, Muar is also known for its delicious food culture. The town’s culinary scene features a mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines that reflect its diverse population. Some popular dishes include mee bandung Muar (spicy noodle soup), Otak-otak (grilled fish cake), Satay (grilled meat skewers) and nasi lemak (coconut rice). One of the main attractions in Muar is Tanjung Emas Park which overlooks the estuary where the river meets with the sea.
This park offers stunning views of both natural beauty as well as historical landmarks such as Sultan Abu Bakar Building which now houses Johor Royal Museum. Another must-visit spot in Muar is Sungai Mati Recreational Forest which boasts a range of activities including camping, Hiking trails through dense rainforest areas with waterfalls along them. For those interested in learning more about local culture there are several museums worth visiting such as Raja Ali Haji Memorial Museum or Johor Cultural Centre where visitors can explore traditional crafts like batik making or learn about traditional dances like zapin.
Overall, Whether you’re a history buff, Nature lover or foodie, Muar has something for everyone. It is a town that offers a glimpse into Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
- Tanjung Emas Park
- Muar River Cruise
- Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque
- Muar Clock Tower
- Wetex Parade Shopping Centre
- Bukit Mor Recreational Forest
- Pagoh Education Hub
- Parit Jawa Fishermen Village
- Sungai Mati Recreational Forest
- The Royal Press Museum
- Furniture manufacturing: Muar is renowned as the furniture capital of Malaysia due to its large number of furniture manufacturers and exporters.
- Food processing: The district has numerous food processing factories that produce a wide range of food products such as snacks, biscuits, and confectionery.
- Agriculture: Muar has a significant agricultural sector that produces crops like palm oil, rubber, coconut, fruits, and vegetables.
- Textile industry: The textile industry in Muar produces fabrics for clothing and home textiles.
- Tourism: The town boasts several attractions such as historical sites like Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque and recreational parks like Tanjung Emas Park which attract tourists.
- Retail trade: There are several retail shops selling various products ranging from clothes to electronics to household items.
- Construction industry: With the increasing population in the area comes an increase in construction activities including building houses, commercial buildings etc.
- Education sector- There are numerous educational institutions including schools and colleges offering courses on various subjects.
- The Muar Sultanate was founded by Sultan Ali in the 15th century.
- The Portuguese arrived in 1511 and conquered Malacca, establishing a trading post in Muar.
- During the late 19th century, Sultan Abu Bakar modernized and developed Muar.
- Muar was occupied by the Japanese during World War II from 1942 to 1945.
- Chung Hwa High School, the first Chinese school in Muar, was established in 1919.
- Notable people from Muar include Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (former Prime Minister), Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (Deputy Prime Minister), and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (Minister of Foreign Affairs).
- In recent years, Muar has become known for its food tourism industry with dishes such as otak-otak (grilled fish cake) and mee bandung (noodle soup) being particularly famous.
- Muar Cultural Walk
- Tanjung Emas Recreational Park
- Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque
- Muar Royal Palace Museum
- Bukit Mor Recreational Forest
- Pagoh Education Hub
- The Gravityz Adventure Park Muar
- Parit Jawa Fishing Village
- The House of Lim Leng Swee
- Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex
- Muar Cultural Festival: This festival celebrates the diverse cultures and traditions of Muar, featuring various performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
- Muar Food Festival: As a food haven, the city hosts an annual food festival that brings together local delicacies from various communities.
- Johor Bahru International Kite Festival: Held annually in February or March, this event attracts kite enthusiasts from all over the world to showcase their skills and creativity.
- Pesta Tanglung dan Perahu Naga: This traditional Chinese festival is celebrated during the Mid-Autumn Festival with dragon boat races, lantern-making contests, and mooncake-eating competitions.
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri: The biggest Muslim holiday in Malaysia is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Muar with open houses where families invite friends and neighbors to share traditional dishes like ketupat (rice dumplings) and rendang (spicy meat dish).
- Thaipusam: A Hindu festival that takes place in January or February where devotees pierce their bodies with hooks as a form of penance while carrying kavadis (decorated frames) on their shoulders.
- Chingay Parade: A colorful street parade that showcases traditional dances, music performances, acrobatics shows, and floats featuring Chinese mythology characters during Chinese New Year celebrations.
- Johor International Batik Fashion Week: An annual event held in April that promotes batik fashion industry through fashion shows exhibitions workshops by local designers showcasing their latest collections for spring/summer season.
- World Kite Festival & Championship at Tanjung Bidara Beach Resort: An international kite competition held every year on Tanjung Bidara beach resort which attract professional kite flyers from all over the world to compete against each other showcasing different types of kites designs they have created themselves or purchased from vendors around the globe.
- Mee Bandung Muar is a spicy noodle dish that includes shrimp, beef, and vegetables.
- Asam Pedas is a sour and spicy fish stew.
- Otak-Otak is grilled fish cake wrapped in banana leaves.
- Satay Muar consists of skewered meat (usually chicken or beef) marinated in spices and grilled over charcoal.
- Nasi Briyani Gam is a fragrant rice dish cooked with spices and served with tender mutton or chicken curry.
- Restoran Haji Wahid is famous for its Mee Bandung Muar and Asam Pedas dishes.
- Warong Pak Mat Larkin Dalam is popular for its Nasi Briyani Gam.
- Restoran Sri Tanjung Muar specializes in seafood dishes such as otak-otak, asam pedas ikan pari (stingray), sambal udang petai (prawn with stinky beans), ikan bakar (grilled fish).
- Kedai Kopi Sin Yit Sing is well-known for its satay muar dish.
- Restoran Sate Wak Radol also serves satay muar but offers other Malaysian dishes such as nasi lemak, mee goreng mamak etc.
- Tanjung Emas Park is a waterfront park that offers jogging tracks, playgrounds, and a musical fountain.
- Muar River Cruise provides a scenic boat ride along the Muar River.
- Gunung Ledang National Park is a nature reserve that features hiking trails and waterfalls.
- Bukit Mor Recreational Forest is a forest reserve with picnic areas and hiking trails.
- Taman Rekreasi Maharani is a recreational park with playgrounds, walking paths, and an observation tower.
- Taman Seri Lambak is a public park that has jogging tracks, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Parit Unas Recreational Park is another public park with cycling paths and playgrounds.
- Sungai Mati Recreational Forest Reserve offers camping sites and hiking trails in its forest reserve setting.
- Tanjung Ketapang Beach Park provides beachfront access for swimming areas and picnic spots alike.
- Wet World Water Park Muar offers family fun activities like water slides, wave pools etc., at this water theme park location.
