Johor National Park
Overview
The Johor National Park system is a remarkable network of protected natural treasures in Johor, the southernmost state of Peninsular Malaysia.
Administered by the Johor National Parks Corporation (JNPC), it safeguards diverse ecosystems ranging from ancient rainforests and mountain peaks to mangrove wetlands and coastal islands.
Together, these parks form the “green heart of Johor”, preserving biodiversity, supporting ecotourism, and offering visitors an unforgettable nature experience.
🌍 Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Johor National Parks Corporation (Perbadanan Taman Negara Johor) |
| Established | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia |
| Total Parks Managed | 7 major parks |
| Total Protected Area | Over 120,000 hectares |
| Website | www.johornationalparks.gov.my |
List of Johor National Parks
Below is a list of all protected parks under the Johor National Parks Corporation, each with its own unique natural attraction.
| No. | Park Name | Location (District) | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Endau-Rompin (Peta) National Park | Mersing | Ancient rainforest, waterfalls, Jakun villages |
| 2 | Endau-Rompin (Selai) National Park | Segamat | Takah Tinggi & Takah Pandan waterfalls |
| 3 | Gunung Ledang National Park | Tangkak | Mount Ophir (1276 m), Johor’s highest peak |
| 4 | Tanjung Piai National Park | Pontian | Southernmost tip of mainland Asia, mangroves |
| 5 | Pulau Kukup National Park | Pontian | Mangrove island, Ramsar site |
| 6 | Sungai Sedili Besar Wetlands | Kota Tinggi | River estuary, birdwatching |
| 7 | Sungai Lebam Wetlands | Kota Tinggi | Mangrove ecosystem, eco boardwalk |
🌴 1. Endau-Rompin National Park (Peta & Selai)
- Second-largest national park in Peninsular Malaysia
- Over 248 million years old rainforest ecosystem
- Home to tigers, tapirs, elephants, and rare flora like Rafflesia
- Popular for trekking, waterfall expeditions, and Orang Asli culture
📍 Entrances: Peta (Mersing) and Selai (Bekok, Segamat)
🏔️ 2. Gunung Ledang National Park
- Located near Tangkak, northwest Johor
- Features Gunung Ledang (Mount Ophir) – 1,276 m high
- A mix of mountain forest, waterfalls, and mythological legends
- Ideal for hiking, nature study, and spiritual retreat
🗻 Fun Fact: Known for the folklore of Puteri Gunung Ledang, the mystical princess of the mountain.
🌊 3. Tanjung Piai National Park
- Recognized as the southernmost point of mainland Asia
- UNESCO Ramsar site for mangrove and mudflat ecosystems
- Famous for its wooden boardwalks, birdwatching, and sunset views over the Straits of Johor
- Houses diverse crabs, fish, and migratory birds
📍 Location: Pontian District, near Kukup town
🐚 4. Pulau Kukup National Park
- A mangrove island off Pontian’s coast — no permanent residents
- Declared a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance
- Boat access only; boardwalks and lookout towers offer scenic views
- Home to mudskippers, mangrove trees, macaques, and monitor lizards
🦩 5. Sungai Sedili Besar Wetlands
- Located in the Kota Tinggi district
- Estuarine mangrove ecosystem supporting migratory birds, fish, and crabs
- Ideal for kayaking, eco-tours, and nature photography
🌾 6. Sungai Lebam Wetlands
- A smaller but ecologically rich mangrove area near Kota Tinggi
- Home to otters, kingfishers, and fireflies
- Offers boat rides and educational boardwalks
Flora & Fauna of Johor’s National Parks
| Type | Notable Species |
|---|---|
| Mammals | Malayan Tapir, Sambar Deer, Asian Elephant, Malayan Tiger |
| Birds | Rhinoceros Hornbill, Kingfisher, Egret, Brahminy Kite |
| Reptiles | Monitor Lizard, Python, Mudskipper |
| Flora | Rafflesia, Dipterocarp trees, Mangroves, Fan Palms |
🕓 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Recommended Parks |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | March – October | Endau-Rompin, Gunung Ledang |
| Monsoon Season | November – February | Tanjung Piai, Pulau Kukup, Wetlands (milder rain) |
💰 Entrance Fees (General Reference)
| Visitor Type | Malaysian (MYKAD) | Non-Malaysian |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | RM 5 | RM 30 |
| Child / Senior | RM 2 | RM 15 |
| Disabled | Free | Free |
| Camping | RM 10 per night per site |
(Varies slightly by park and activity; check JNPC website for updates.)
🧭 How to Get There
Johor National Parks are spread across the state, accessible by road from major cities.
| Nearest City | Distance / Time | Access Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Johor Bahru | 2–4 hours | North via Kluang, Segamat, or Pontian |
| Singapore | 3–4 hours | Cross Woodlands checkpoint → Johor Bahru |
| Kuala Lumpur | 4–6 hours | South via North-South Expressway (E2) |
✈️ Nearest Airport: Senai International Airport (JHB)
🏡 Accommodation Options
- Eco-lodges & Chalets (within parks like Endau-Rompin & Gunung Ledang)
- Camping Grounds (basic facilities, scenic riverside locations)
- Homestays (Orang Asli villages & rural areas)
- Hotels in nearby towns (Pontian, Bekok, Mersing, Tangkak)
⚠️ Visitor Tips
- Always book in advance through johornationalparks.gov.my
- 4WD required for rainforest parks (Endau-Rompin)
- Carry insect repellent, rain gear, and leech socks
- Respect local communities and wildlife
- Do not litter or remove plants/animals — the parks are conservation zones
📞 Contact Information
Johor National Parks Corporation (JNPC)
📍 Jalan Tasek Utara, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
🌐 Website: https://johornationalparks.gov.my
📧 Email: info@johornationalparks.gov.my
📞 Phone: +607-2237471
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is Johor National Park?
➡️ It refers to the network of protected natural areas in Johor managed by the Johor National Parks Corporation (JNPC), not just one park.
Q2. Which is the most famous park in Johor?
➡️ Endau-Rompin National Park, known for its ancient rainforest and waterfalls, is the flagship site.
Q3. Is Johor National Park the same as Taman Negara?
➡️ No. Taman Negara is Malaysia’s national-level park in central Peninsular Malaysia; Johor National Parks are state-level conservation areas within Johor.
Q4. Do I need special permission to enter?
➡️ Yes. Most parks require entry permits and guides, especially Endau-Rompin and Gunung Ledang.
Q5. Can I visit from Singapore for a day trip?
➡️ Yes. Tanjung Piai and Pulau Kukup are excellent for day trips from Singapore or Johor Bahru.
Q6. Is camping allowed?
➡️ Yes, at designated sites within the parks (with prior booking).
Q7. What wildlife might I see?
➡️ Expect hornbills, gibbons, monitor lizards, butterflies, and tropical fish; larger mammals are rare but protected within the park zones.
🌺 Conclusion
The Johor National Park system is a living showcase of Malaysia’s ecological diversity — from primeval rainforests to serene mangroves. Whether you seek adventure, photography, or quiet communion with nature, Johor’s parks invite you to experience the wild heart of the south.
From the peaks of Gunung Ledang to the shores of Tanjung Piai, every park tells a story of timeless beauty and conservation excellence.
🌿 Johor National Park — where Malaysia’s nature begins and never ends.
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