Joanna James
From exploring Johor Bahru to coastal getaways in Desaru, the Malaysian state of Johor has much to offer. If you are the kind of traveller who wants to add some excitement to your holiday, then these are some of the fun things to do here.
A favourite amongst kids and Lego enthusiasts of all ages, LEGOLAND Malaysia features a spectacular theme park that offers hours of fun and excitement. There are eight areas to explore here with numerous Lego-themed attractions and rides. Highlights include Aquazone Wave Racers, LEGO NINJAGO - The Ride, Dino Island and The Dragon. At LEGOLAND, you will also find a waterpark with plenty more rides and slides as well as SEA LIFE Malaysia; here, you can get up close to intriguing creatures of the deep from sharks and stingrays to jellyfish and seahorses.
A great way to cool off and have a blast at the same time is to head to Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark. Located within a 10-minute walk from properties such as Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, this popular family attraction in Johor provides a visit that can be as laidback or action-packed as you desire. Adrenaline junkies will love Kraken's Revenge that is a combination of a flume ride and a rollercoaster as well as the speed-filled Riptide. For a more relaxing time, there's a 350-metre lazy river, the Tidal Wave Beach and the Kids Ahoy play area.
It's not just in the day that you can enjoy adventures here, but at night too. One of the best places to experience this is at the Firefly Valley Leisure Park where you can embark on nightly cruises to spot fireflies. Those staying at a Desaru resort can easily plan a visit to this attraction in Kota Tinggi; on the cruise, you will be taken to areas in the surrounding mangroves where numerous fireflies can be seen twinkling in the night like fairy lights that make for a truly spellbinding experience.
In the small Johor town of Teluk Sengat, you will find an attraction where you can encounter one of the most fearsome-looking creatures on the planet! The Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm is around a 60-minute drive from Johor Bahru and only about half an hour from Desaru. Spread across approximately 10 acres, this site is home to hundreds of crocodiles, many of which can be seen at the farm's lake. Some are over a century old and you have a chance to see them being fed too. For a fee, you can hold a baby crocodile as well.
Those who love nature can embark on special cruises that take one amidst thriving mangroves. Depending on the tour, the places you head to can vary; ideally, choose a cruise that lets you explore the Belungkor Forest mangroves that are protected as well. Make sure your excursion features a naturalist guide who can provide you with a deeper understanding of the area's rich biodiversity. Depending on the tour, you will also be able to enjoy enriching activities too like planting mangrove saplings, learning about local fishermen and savouring traditional village food.
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