About the Place
Located in the southern state of Johor, Muar — also called the Royal Town and Empress Town of Johor — is one of Malaysia’s most charming heritage cities. Recognised as one of the cleanest cities in ASEAN (Clean Tourist City Standard Award 2022), Muar offers an enriching blend of traditional art, local craftsmanship, and culinary treasures.
A 2.5–3 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, Muar borders historic Melaka and is the top furniture exporting district in Malaysia, using mainly rubberwood in its manufacturing. Muar is also the birthplace of ghazal music and the kuda kepang dance, with a deep-rooted connection to Malay and Javanese heritage.
Highlights
- Awarded ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard (2022)
- Home to Malaysia’s largest furniture manufacturing hub
- First city in Malaysia with augmented reality murals
- Cultural home of ghazal and kuda kepang performances
- Rich in traditional leatherwork and Malay attire crafting
Things to Do & Attractions
1. Muar Leather Craft
Discover Muar’s artisanal side at Muar Leather Craft, a gallery and workshop space showcasing fine leather goods and accessories. Visitors can join DIY sessions and learn about various leather types including sheepskin, suede, and stingray leather.
Highlights:
- DIY workshops
- Purchase keychains, wallets, belts, jackets
- Supplier to international golf glove brands
No. 11, Jalan Siantan 1, Taman Sri Siantan, Muar
+6016-3078847 | Mon–Sat: 9am–5pm
2. Songkok Masood Hussin Boutique
At Songkok Masood Hussin, explore Malaysia’s finest handmade songkok, including royal-commissioned pieces like the foldable songkok lipat and premium kain kiswah songkok.
Highlights:
- Limited-edition royal songkok
- Songkok Bugis, songkok bulan, and songkok tinggi styles
- Orders from Singapore, Brunei, and Johor royalty
No. 24, Jalan Majedi, Muar
+6016-7170884
3. Muar Art Gallery
Founded by SJY Furniture, this gallery highlights Muar’s furniture legacy. It’s a creative hub where visitors can explore rattan craftsmanship, attend woodworking classes, and sip Liberica coffee at the café.
Highlights:
- Rattan furniture and art displays
- DIY woodwork workshops at Art Space
- Café with local coffee and snacks
Jalan Junid, Muar
+606-9528789
4. Muar Street Art Trail
Don’t miss the vibrant murals scattered throughout the city. The most famous, “The Loving Sisters” by Julia Volchkova at Jalan Arab, holds the Malaysia Book of Records title for the largest street art portrait.
Highlights:
- Symbolic artwork promoting unity
- Instagrammable locations
- Free walking exploration
5. Keraton Embah Anang & Kampung Parit Bugis Homestay
Step into Javanese cultural heritage at Keraton Embah Anang, featuring stunning teak sculptures and traditional musical instruments. Opt for a homestay at Kampung Parit Bugis to try batik colouring, roti canai-making, and ketupat weaving.
Highlights:
- Cultural performances: kuda kepang & barongan dance
- Javanese sculptures and hand-carved furniture
- Authentic local village experiences
Kampung Parit Bugis, Semerah, Muar
+6013-7744244
Top Places to Stay in Muar
Muo Boutique Hotel
Modern riverfront stay with easy access to murals, cafés, and attractions.
Jalan Petri, Muar
Classic Hotel Muar
Centrally located with spacious rooms and traditional charm.
Jalan Ali, Muar
How to Get There
- By Car: ~2.5–3 hours from Kuala Lumpur via the PLUS Highway (Exit Tangkak/Muar)
- By Bus: Direct coaches from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Melaka
- By Train: Nearest major station is Segamat, then ~45 mins taxi to Muar
- By Air: Fly to Senai International Airport (JHB) and drive ~2 hours
Top Food Points in Muar
Mi Bandung Abu Bakar Hanipah
Try the original Muar-style mi bandung, a rich, creamy noodle dish.
Kopi 434 Café
A legendary coffee spot known for using Liberica beans. Great for breakfast or afternoon kopi-o.
Mee Siput Wak Jos
Crispy spiral crackers best enjoyed with spicy sambal — a local favourite snack.
Asam Pedas Pak Yahya
One of Muar’s best places for asam pedas — spicy, tangy fish curry.
Nearby Attractions
- Tanjung Emas Waterfront – River cruises and leisure park
- Muar Clock Tower & Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque – Heritage and architecture
- Gunung Ledang (Mount Ophir) – Popular trekking destination
- Bentayan Food Court – Great for street food and evening snacks
Conclusion
Muar is more than just a quiet town — it is a cultural powerhouse that blends rich Malay traditions, impressive craftsmanship, creative arts, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re exploring its vibrant murals, learning DIY leathercraft, admiring songkok couture, or enjoying mi bandung by the riverside, Muar invites you to slow down and rediscover Malaysia’s cultural heartbeat.
