Bordering with Singapore, Malaysia’s southernmost state of Johor is also the country’s most populous province. The state capital of Johor Bahru is more of a transit point than a tourist hotspot, yet it has some decent attractions making it a worthwhile destination in its own right.

As the state’s political and economic centre, Johor Bahru is the most significant tourist centre in Johor and where the majority of major attractions can be found within the state. Visitors commonly head for Johor Bahru’s royal palaces and lively night markets, considered some of the state’s best attractions.

To the north of the Johor lies Pahang, while Negeri Sembilan and Malacca are situated to the northwest and the Straits of Johor to the south. The border with Singapore, a popular point of entry for many visitors, sees 50,000 people a day cross the bridge between the two countries. With close proximity to the ocean, Johor enjoys picturesque scenery and status as a tourist stop-off for those on their way to or from Singapore.

Johor is split into eight districts: Batu Pahat, Johor Bahru, Kluang, Kota Tinggi, Mersing, Muar, Pontian and Segamat, the largest of these being Johor Bahru. Johor also has eight small islands located off its coast: Tinggim, Rawa, Sibu, Tengah, Pemanggil, Aur, Besar and Lima. Most of these islands are sparsely populated, with Tinggi being the most significant island and a popular tourist attraction which can be visited by boat from the mainland.

The state’s attractions comprise cultural sites and buildings as well as scenic beaches. The Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum and Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque are must-sees, while the unique city within a city Danga Bay is also not be missed. Danga Bay offers all manner of leisure facilities and is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.

The state has its own delicious variation on traditional Malaysian cuisine, and no shortage of places to sample it. Eateries range from ubiquitous roadside vendors to upmarket restaurants in the state’s top hotels. Shopping options are plentiful also, with the city of Johor Bahru offering everything from handicraft markets to modern malls selling branded and designer goods. In fact, many Singaporeans take daytrips to Johor Bahru to take advantage of the cheaper shopping opportunities.

Johor is well equipped to receive visitors, with a solid tourist infrastructure in place. Accommodation options are plentiful, particularly in the state capital, with no shortage of reputable hotels on offer as well as budget establishments.

Johor can be reached easily via land from Singapore or other regions within Malaysia. By air, the state is accessible from Macau, Palembang and Jakarta and many domestic destinations.

Johor was originally known as Ujung Tanah, meaning 'land's end' in Malay. However, after the state was established, it changed its name to the current title, which is a derivation of the Arabic word jauhar, meaning ‘precious stone’. The history of Johor is marked by struggles for control between various powers including the Malays, Portuguese, Chinese, Dutch and British.

After Malacca was captured by the Portuguese in 1511, the Malays re-established their kingdom in Johor. Things were far from quiet in the region following this event however, with the Malays facing numerous challenges to their control. These challenges forced them to forge a number of strategic alliances in order to maintain economic and political status in the region.

In 1641, with Dutch assistance, Malacca was captured and added to the Johor kingdom. Over the next two decades, the state enjoyed a period of great prosperity which dwindled towards the end of the century and the early 18^th century.

In 1819, Johor was split into two territories. The mainland area fell under the control of the Temenggong and the Sultanate of Riau-Linggi came under the control of the Bugis. This period marked the beginning of modern day Johor. A treaty signed in 1855 between British-controlled Singapore and the Sultan Ali of Johor saw Johor’s control handed to Dato' Temenggong Daing Ibrahim (excepting Kesang which was later ceded in 1877).

Dato' Temenggong Abu Bakar, son of Temenggong Ibrahim, succeeded his father as the Sultan of Johor in 1866 and went on to play a major part in the development of the state. The Sultan helped to draft a constitution and establish a stable political system. Additionally, he constructed the Istana Besar, the Sultan’s official residence. Through his achievements, Sultan Abu Bakar garnered the title ‘Father of Modern Johor’.

Black pepper and Gambier industries became Johor’s economic foundations in the 19^th century and encouraged an influx of Chinese immigrants to migrate to the region. After the death of Sultan Abu Bakar, his successor was forced to rule under the watchful eye of DG Campbell, a British adviser who took office in 1914. WWII saw the city hold out against the Japanese longer than any other city in the Malay peninsula. After the war, the state of Johor became a part of the Federation of Malaya.

Johor experiences a tropical monsoon climate for the greater part of the year, enjoying temperatures that hover around the 27°C mark, with only slight seasonal variations. The rainy season runs from May through December, during which time the greater part of the annual rainfall is experienced.

January to April is an ideal time to visit the state of Johor, as the weather is not excessively warm and chances of rain are only slight. Relative humidity can be quite high during this period and at other periods of the year also, making air-conditioning a welcome relief.

Whatever season you decide to visit in, be sure to pack appropriate clothing. Skimpy attire is best avoided for cultural reasons, regardless of the weather. Visitors are advised to wear modestly styled lightweight cotton clothing that’s comfortable on hot days and provides some protection from the sun.