Muar

Muar's name is believed to have originated and derived from its geographical location at the mouth or estuary of Muar River, the Malay words "Muara" which means estuary or mouth of river. Muar is rich in history as mentioned in many historical records and archeological evidences. It is believed that the history of Muar started much earlier than the Sultanate of Malacca which witness the rise and fall of the empire. There were many accounts recorded and said about the history early and modern days of Muar. There are a few famous old historic legends which evolved around the area of Muar namely, Hikayat Malim Deman (Epic of Malim Deman), Legenda Lembing Awang Pulang Ke Dayang (Awang's Spear Return to Dayang Legend) and Legenda Puteri Gunung Ledang (Mount Ledang Princess' Legend).

Muar District covers 1,354 km². Muar sits at the mouth of the Muar River, on the coast of the Straits of Malacca. Muar's geographical ground and area generally has a flat terrain. The town is about 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, and about the same distance (166 km) northwest of Johor Bahru. It is 45 km south of Malacca Town. It is also 50 km north of Batu Pahat.

Muar as the rest of peninsular Malaysia enjoys a year-round tropical rainforest equatorial climate which is warm, humid and sunny, along with plentiful rainfall, especially during the southwest monsoon season from September to December. The temperatures is between about 22 °C/72 °F (night) and 30 °C/86 °F (day), between 70% and 90% humidity, and an annual total rainfall of about 2400mm. The climate is very much dictated by the adjacent sea and the wind system.

Muar has a population of 437,164 (2007) with a multiracial demography, consists of mainly Malay, Chinese, Indian, etc. Beside the local languages like Malays, Chinese (Mandarin and other dialects Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese) and Tamil, English is widely understood and spoken.

• District Office of Muar/Pejabat Daerah Muar Tel: +60 6-9521021/06-9522615 Fax : 06-9528817
• Municipal Council of Muar/Majlis Perbandaran Muar (MPM) +60 6-9521204/5/6
• Muar District Police HQ +60 6-9526222
• District Hospital: Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital +60 6-9521901
• Muar District Immigration Department +60 6-9522685

Nearest airports to Muar are the Malacca (Batu Berendam Airport)(MKZ ^IATA) with the Johor Bahru (Senai International Airport)(JHB ^IATA) and Sepang's KLIA(Kuala Lumpur International Airport)(KUL ^IATA) airports located farther afield. There is also the southern neighbour, Singapore's Changi International Airport (SIN ^IATA) across the causeway. Transfer by bus or taxi has to be taken to redirect to Muar.

The nearest train railway stations are Segamat with Seremban or Kluang located farther. Transfer by bus or taxi has to be taken to redirect to Muar.

Besides federal roads, Muar is also accessible via the North–South Expressway through the Tangkak and Pagoh interchanges exits which are located 20 km and 30 km from the town, respectively.

If you're driving from Kuala Lumpur on the North South Expressway (NSE), take the Tangkak exit (Interchange 235) and drive on past Sg. Mati and Parit Bunga (on highway 23 and 5). Muar town is about 27 km from the Tangkak exit. If you are driving from Johor Bahru, exit at Pagoh and head to the Muar town.

There are two bus stations in Muar; Hentian Maharani Bus Station and Bentayan Express Bus Station (formerly Pagoh Bus Station).

• From Kuala Lumpur (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan(TBS)) - RM16, 2–3 hours. Mayang Sari Express. Hasry Express. Sks KL. Transnasional.
• From Johor Bahru (2-3 hrs).
• From Malacca (1 hr or less). SKA (every 15 minutes), Mayangsari (9AM, noon and 4PM), MOS, Orkid.
• From Batu Pahat Mayangsari Express.
• From Ipoh, Penang, Alor Star and Northern Malaysia
• From Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bahru and East Coast
• From Segamat
• From Singapore: HKKL Express.
• From Hat Yai Thailand: HKKL Express.

There are also chartered taxi services available below two taxi terminals.

• Hentian Maharani Bus Station (+60 6-9529980) (Pakatan Pemandu-pemandu Teksi dan Kereta Sewa Daerah Muar).
• Hentian Bentayan Bus Station (+60 6-951 5341)(Persatuan Tuan-Tuan Punya Kereta Sewa Daerah Muar).

These chartered taxis travel within Muar district and outside Muar such as to KLIA International Airport, Kuala Lumpur and even Singapore. They carry up to 4 passengers at a time. The taxis in Muar don't have a metered system, and they often charge according to the travel distant, time and number of passenger.

Ferry services from Bengkalis and Dumai, Sumatra, Indonesia are available on every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, ticketing booth located at and ferries departing from the Custom Jetty at Jalan Maharani at noon. Journey time is just under two hours. Tickets cost RM80/160 one-way/return. (+60 12-6363614) Muar is the only district (besides the state capital Johor Bahru) in Johor that has its own Custom and Excise Duty Department office and checkpoint at its own jetty.

• 🌍 Donhu Jurassic Garden (麻坡東湖恐龍園有限公司), 2700, Pintasan Muar, Kampung Sabak Aur. Theme park. (updated Aug 2018)
• 🌍 Tanjung Emas Park. Tanjung Emas recreational park overlooking Muar River is the place to go. This recreational park has a food court offering local delicacies if you get a little hungry- try the ikan asam pedas (fish cooked with tamarind sauce and chilli paste) for which this town is famous. There's plenty of rest shades if the sun gets too hot and also a children's playground to keep the little ones amused. The park, which is much visited during the weekends, also houses a 9-hole golf course, Tanjung Emas Golf Club. A 45-minute to one hour Muar River Cruise departing from this park is also available to offer tourists views of Muar town from the river. Nearby, Tanjung Ketapang is next to Tanjung Emas facing the Malacca Straits. The mangrove along the coastal line is home to wild monkeys or macaques but harmless and tame to visitors who feeds them. (updated Jun 2020)

• Laman Maharani Padang Nyiru - The garden at the new park called Padang Nyiru near the Sultan Ismail bridge, named Laman Maharani, includes a modern clock tower with old English architecture, a mini Roman Colosseum, a neatly manicured lawn, a pavement under leafy trees, a fountain, a dome-shaped pavilion, parking bays and a beautifully-designed seawall. The garden immortalises the old days when the site was a busy trading centre where junks and boats anchored with merchandise and charcoal. It is now a green lung for the town folks and visiting tourists to take leisurely walks and enjoy the natural beauty of the Muar River in the town centre.
• Pantai Leka, Parit Jawa - A nice sea-side fishing village and the coast is an important stopover and winter feeding ground for 60 bird species of migratory birds including egret, eagle, heron, sandpiper, swift and kingfisher, and efforts is being taken to gazet the area as a bird sanctuary. There are many sea foods, grilled fish and assam pedas stalls and restaurant serving nice delicious foods. GPS coordinates 1.951372N 102.635517E.
• Sungai Gersik Hot Spring - Kolam Air Panas Sungai Gersik, the natural wonder of hot springs can be found in the district of Muar, about 10 km from Parit Jawa town. The hot spring, with water temperature is estimated at 50 to 70 °C, was discovered over 100 years ago in the peaty area, was believed to have healing power due to its high sulphur content. The hot spring area has chalet, public amenities like toilet, bath room and parking facilities, Muslim prayer room, a children's playground and some shops. The place is opened from 7AM to 7PM. Admission is free to locals and foreigners. GPS Coordinates: GPS 1.940900N 102.741300E.
• Nasuha Spices & Herbs Farm. Ladang Rempah Ratus Nasuha farm is located at the 19 Km of Jalan Muar Pagoh. It covers an area of over 3200 acres, known to be the largest Herbs and Spices farm in Asia, producing 6 to 10 metric tonnes of raw herbs and spices each day. The farm is planted with 135 types of herbs collected from all over the world. There is a museum, restaurant, a herbal SPA, a resort and a processing plant inside the farm. Group tour can be arranged to visit the farm for bird watching, hiking activities, stress management and motivational course is also offered to public members. 
• Dusun Damai. An scenery fruits orchard homestead resort on a scenic hill in Pagoh, Muar, midway PLUS highway between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. 15 minutes from Pagoh toll plaza. 

• 🌍 Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque (Located along Jalan Petri, close to mouth of Muar River.). Completed in 1930 and was officially opened by Johor's Menteri Besar, Dato Mustafa bin Jaafar to replace the old wooden building build in 1887. The building captures an unusual combination of the Anglophile's Victorian and Moorish architectural influences similar to the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque in Johor Bahru will be of interest to any visitor with a fine eye for aesthetics. (updated Jun 2020)
• 🌍 Nan Hai Fei Lai Goddess of Mercy Temple (南海飛来) (On the riverside main road of Jalan Maharani opposite the Bentayan Express Bus Station). Fondly called Ah Nio Keng(亚娘宫 yà​ niáng ​gōng​/觀音庙 Guānyīn miào​), literally the temple of Guanyin Goddess of Mercy, is the oldest Chinese temple in Muar. (updated Jun 2020)
• Kerng Tang Kou Bioh Temple, Muar (粤东古庙) - The temple also fondly called Tua Lau Yah Keng (大老爷宫) in Teochew dialect is located at the Muar Kwangtung Association building at the beginning point of intersection of Jalan Bakri and Jalan Meriam in the town centre was founded by early settlers from Teochew/Chaozhou in 1895, is one of the oldest temples in Muar town. Its name Kerng Tang Kou Bioh (粤东古庙); means "Guangdong's Ancient Temple" was derived from Teochew's geographical location in Kwangtung/Guangdong (粤东/广东) province in China and its ancient Teochew patron deity worshipped at the temple, the "Tua Nang Kong" (大人公) or "Xuántiān​​ Shàng​dì​" (玄天上帝) (the Lord of Profound Heaven or Black Heavenly Emperor God). It was brought in from the Riau Archipelago, Indonesia by Tan Song Hai (陈松海) for worship in a shop house at Jalan Maharani before it was saved in a fire and relocated and installed at the present temple in 1913. The temple was renovated several times and a major one was when the entrance arch with traditional Chinese temple architecture and the big sitting deity statue at the compound build and erected in 1998. During the "Chap Goh Mei" celebration on the last day of Chinese New Year festival, on the 15th day of first lunar month of Chinese calendar, drove of Taoism devotees will throng to congregate to pray at the temple and to observe a traditional Teochew custom, called "Puak Tau Sai" (博豆狮).
• San Chai Temple, Parit Unas (善才爷庙) - The Parit Unas' (南亭寺) Nán​ Tíng​ Sì​ Temple was founded by late Dato Kor Thian Peng, the temple's medium who was touted to be the foster son of late Johor Sultan for their good relationship ever since he helped to cure an illness of a Johor Sultan royal family member and conferred the Johor datukship award. According to legend, the temple divine deity god had protected devotees who seek to hide in the temple during 1969 May 13 racial riots and has helps many devotees in many occasions from near and far especially, droving flocks of people to throng the temple to worship especially during the birthday of the divine god, San Chai Yeah (善才爷) on the 23rd day of the 1st moon of Chinese lunar calendar(around January/February after Chinese New Year) every year. A Chinese primary school adjacent to the temple, SRJKC San Chai was built and operates with the aids of the temple and the Sultan's donation.
• Sian Kong San Temple, Bukit Bakri (神公山庙) - A beautiful and tranquil Buddhist temple located on top of a hill at Bukit Bakri with magnificent scenery.
• Nagamalai Koil Alaiyam Temple, Bukit Pasir - Snake Hill temple, Bukit Pasir, Muar. Local folks call it Hindu snake temple. This temple, located in the Sime Darby Palm Oil Plantation in Bukit Pasir is said to be a very auspicious temple among Hindus. There are small shrines on the forested hill with cobra and Hindu God statues. According to The Star, Nagamalai Alaiyam is the third most important hill temple in Malaysia after Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur and Thannimalai temple in Penang.
• Nattukottai Chettiars' Sri Murugan Temple - The oldest Hindu temple in Muar town in Jalan Meriam has a unique and beautiful steeple of the dome with old Indian Hindu achitechture element, but has been torn down as it is now undergoing some major re-construction. It is also fondly known as the Chettiar temple for the contribution of the community in building the temple where local devotees visit for the divine Lord Murugan's blessing since the early days it was built. There is a grand annual celebration with a chariot procession. +60 6–9537358.
• Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple(ஸ்ரீ முத்து மாரியம்மன் கோவில்) - at 29 Jalan Mohammadiah, Muar held its Hindu consecration ceremony between 8.45am and 9.45am. Annual temple celebration, Amman Festival, celebrated around October end yearly with procession of the Amman Chariot. +60 6-9515470
• Sri Maha Kaliamman Alaiyam Temple - at Jalan Junid Dalam, Parit Perupok Laut, Muar. Annual temple celebration, Amman Festival, where goat sacrificial offering ceremony held will be celebrated on the first weekend of August yearly. GPS Coordinates: 2 6 56.39N 102 41 38.13 . Tel :016-2533648

• Balai Polis Bukit Kepong - This police station at Bukit Kepong with a history museum is famous for the notorious attack by the communist terrorist on 23 Februari 1950 during the emergengy period.
• Kubu Bentayan - The last fortress of the retreat Malacca Sultanate soldiers before it falls during the attack of the Portuguese in the 15th century situated at mouth the Sungai Bentayan, the Bentayan Express Bus Station (formerly Pagoh Bus Stand) location now. Another fortress but built by the Portuguese later, Fortaleza de Muar was also believed to be in the same area.
• Makam Panglima Lidah Hitam, Parit Sakai - The grave of a legendary Malay warrior Panglima Lidah Hitam (the Black Tongue Warrior) or Baginda Zahiruddin from Padang Pariaman, Minangkabau, Sumatera, Indonesia; the founder of Silat Lintau, whose tongue was black colour when he die and buried in Parit Sakai Laut, Jalan Junid.
• Makam Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah I, Kampung Raja, Pagoh - The tomb of the Malacca Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah I is located at Kampung Raja, Ulu Pagoh. Sultan Alauddin is 7th Sultan of Malacca Sultanate from 1477 to 1488, and he also built a residence palace in Pagoh. GPS Coordinates: 2 9 38.27N 102 45 29.59E.
• Tapak Sejarah Kota Buruk, Jorak - The Kota Buruk fortress historical site at Tanjung Selabu, Jorak, Bukit Pasir, Pagoh is where the founder of the Malacca Sultanate, Parameswara, stayed for more than 10 years upon his exile from Temasik before proceeding to Melaka. Another historic site, 'Biawak Busuk', opened by Parameswara, is said also to be located just nearby.
• Rumah Adat Bugis - Rumah Adat Bugis or Bolla Lopo or literally Bugis Customary House is a traditional Bugis house at Km 19 Parit Pechah, Sri Menanti. It was built 100 years ago by Tahir bin Daeng Mustapha, a descendant of Raja Bugis. In the language of Bugis, 'Bolla' means house and 'Lopo' means big; literally means "Big House". The house design and elements are unique with many beautiful carving and features. It also house many old traditional items. Located at Parit Pecah, along the stretch between Sungai Gersik and Parit Jawa. It's easy to miss, so visitors have to go slow and look out for it on the left while moving towards Parit Jawa Muar or on the right if travelling towards Batu Pahat.

• Johor Sultan's Birthday - will be celebrated on 22 November every year to commemorate the birthday of the new Sultan who just succeeded the throne. Cultural activities, fishing competition, duck catching competition at Tanjung Emas Park. Muslim Tahlil and Thanks-Giving Prayers at the main mosque. Guard of Honour parade and Swear of Allegiance Ceremony in the morning at the Dewan Jubli Intan. +60 6-9521021
• Malaysia National Day - celebrated on 31 August every year, the national independence day. Cultural and entertainment show and fireworks will be on display on the eve of celebration at Tanjung Emas Park. A celebration parade by the government agencies, uniform bodies, political entities and private organisation in the early morning of celebration. All celebration mostly held at the Dataran Tanjung Emas square and park vicinity. +60 6-9521021
• Chap Goh Mei's "Puak Tau Sai" (博豆狮) - celebration on the last day of Chinese New Year festival, on the 15th day of first lunar month of Chinese calendar (around February). Drove of Taoism devotees will throng to congregate to pray at the Kerng Tang Kou Bioh (粤东古庙) temple and to observe a traditional Teochew custom, called "Puak Tau Sai" (博豆狮) where devotees seek the divine deity's blessing for the new year to obtain home the “peanut lions” (Chinese guardian lion statues made of sugar and peanut) but to repay back the “peanut lions” statues to the deity and temple the next coming year in double the number of statues they obtained. The quest to obtain the “peanut lions” will be decided through the “toss of the victory cups” (博胜杯) to ascertain the divine's will of the deity. +60 12-2510338
• San Cai Deity's Birthday - celebrated on the 23rd day of the 1st moon of the Chinese lunar calendar (around March) every year by Taoism devotees for the divine Taoist deity San Cai Yeah's(善才爷) birthday at the San Cai Yeah Temples, Parit Unas which is very famous and revered among the devotees.
• Nine Emperors Gods' Birthday - celebrated from the 1st day to the 9th day of the 9th moon of the Chinese lunar calendar (around October/November) every year by vegetarian Taoism devotees for the Taoism deities Kiu Ong Yeah's (Nine Emperors') (九皇爷) birthday. During the 10 days celebration, Chinese opera theatre, interesting colourful religion ceremonies, fire crossing ceremony, knife ladder climbing ceremony by mediums and devotees will be held at the 2 main Taoism temples; Jalan Bentayan's Tao Tian Keng (斗天宫) temple and Jalan Arab's Tao Boo Keng (斗母宫) temple. Celebration peaks with grand colourful procession on the 8th day morning and 9th day evening at the town centre. A "send-off" ceremony will be held at the Tanjung Emas river side on the 10th day marking the end of the celebration.

• 🌍 Muarar Hotel 99, 3, top floors, Jalan Sungai Abong, Pusat Perniagaan Sungai Abong, ☏ +60 6-9525300. (beside traffic light) with aircon, built-in toilet, TV, free Wi-Fi. RM48. 
• Sabak Awor Resort, 9094, Jln Bakariah, Sabak Awor (near 2nd bridge/bypass), ☏ +60 6-954 1345, +60 12-6060775. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Has air-conditioning, private bathrooms, TV, Wi-Fi. RM60-120. (updated Nov 2022)
• Tanjung Emas Inn :28, Top Floors, Jalan Parit Haji Baki (near stadium/Jalan Junid) (RM48) with aircon, built-in toilet, TV, free Wi-Fi. +60 6-9519488
• Hotel Astra Binajaya : Across the river, near Giant Hypermarket, Maharani Rivera Tanjung Agas (RM 60). +60 16-7558844
• Hong Leng Inn :Jalan Abdul Rahman (opposite 7-Eleven & Klinik Asia) (RM38-85). +60 6-952-9487
• Motel 26 :Jalan Khalidi, Muar. (near Taman Khalidi Baru Food Court)(RM40-80, furnished semi-detached house). +60 6-951-2836, +60 12-669-9577
• Palma Enterprise Hotel, ☏ +60 6-952-9487. Sg Abong (run by Hong Leng Inn). RM50-60. 
• 56 Mansion: 56, Taman Selasih 2, Jalan Kg Tengah, Sungai Abong. (RM50-70) with aircon, built-in/shared toilet, TV, free Wi-Fi. +60 12–5768725, +60 12-6022992
• Warni Villa: Taman Junid Perdana, Muar. Furnished semi-detached house (RM50-100). +60 6-9539336
• Marina Lodging: Pantai Leka (next to Chinese temple), Parit Jawa. (RM35-40) with aircon, built-in toilet, TV. +60 6–9874571, +60 12-6219762
• Alami Homestay: No.9, PRD 15/E, Parit Raja Tengah, Jalan Temenggung Ahmad. (RM130) +60 13–6196804, +60 13-6936404
• 🌍 My Budget Inn, No. 46-2, Top Floors, Jalan Khalidi (opposite BP petrol station), ☏ +6069549696, +60176668199. With air-conditioning, built-in toilet, TV, free Wi-Fi. RM39-98. (updated Jun 2020)
• 🌍 Bentayan Hotel, Top Floors, Jalan Bentayan (beside Chinese temple), ☏ +6069542779, +6069534901. with aircon, built-in toilet, TV, free Wi-Fi. Single-RM42, Double-RM58. (updated Jun 2020)
• 🌍 Sungai Abong Hotel, Top Floors, Jalan Sungai Abong, ☏ +6069539336. RM35-40. (updated Jun 2020)

These are mostly old hotels providing budget and cheap rooms, normally around RM30. Room condition is not so clean, but located in the middle of the town.

• Embassy Hotel : 171, Jalan Abdullah. +60 6-9521886
• Nam Yang Hotel : 41, Jalan Maharani. +60 6 922558.
• Wah Hin Chan Hotel : 120 Jln Meriam. +60 6 9512043
• 🌍 Leewa Hotel, No. 44, Jalan Ali, ☏ +60 69515995. (updated Jun 2020)
• 🌍 Kingdom Hotel, No. 158, Jalan Meriam, ☏ +6069521921. (updated Jun 2020)

• Hotel Pelangi, 79, Jalan Sisi, ☏ +60 6-951 8088. Centrally located hotel has 80 guestrooms and suites. RM85-RM250. 
• 🌍 Muar Traders Hotel, No. 16, Jalan Petrie, ☏ +6069538100, +6069539100, admin@muartradecentre.com.my. From RM95. 
• 🌍 Riverview Hotel (美景酒店), No. 29, Jalan Bentayan, ☏ +6069513313, enquiries@riverviewhotel.com.my. RM60-RM90. 
• 🌍 Townview Hotel (城景酒店), No. 60, Jalan Sisi, ☏ +6069511788, enquiries@townviewhotel.com.my. RM60-RM90. 
• 🌍 Streetview Hotel (菀景酒店), No. 11 & 13, Jalan Ali, ☏ +6069537088, enquiries@streetviewhotel.com.my. Renovated from pre-war shop houses. RM80-RM90. 
• D'99 Hotel, ☏ +60 6 953 9899, +60 6 953 9799. A new hotel in the town, 173 Jalan Abdullah, with Delifrance outlet. From RM112.70. 
• Apartel Maharani, ☏ +60 6-9532525. Rooms and apartment. B-1-5, Wisma 2020, Jalan Temenggong Ahmad, Muar. RM158-190. 

• Hotel Classic, 69,Jalan Ali Muar (beside Wetex Parade), ☏ +60 6-9533888. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. 4-star hotel. From RM120. (updated Nov 2022)

• Ladang Rempah Ratus Nasuha, Jalan Muar, ☏ +60 6-973 7231, +60 6 973 7608, +60 6 973 7609. Herbal spa sauna, restaurant and resort at KM 19, Jalan Muar-Pagoh. 

There are also some homestays providing interesting stay and holiday programme located at the outskirt villages of the town.

• Homestay Kg. Sarang Buaya, +60 12-754 0597, +60 6-988 1378, +60 19-747 3442, 07-416 2396.
• Homestay Kg. Melayu Bt. 28 Lenga, +60 6-952 3093, +60 6-971 1150, +60 13-680 2265.
• Homestay Kg. Parit Bugis, ☏ +60 13-774 4244, +60 7-416 3837, +60 19-273 3703, parit_bugis@yahoo.com.