Friday 14 February, 2020 - Monday 17 February, 2020
Total Cost:
S$400.00 (Member)
Road Trip: Cultural Johor Study Tour
Dates: Friday, 14 February – Monday, 17 February, 2020
Total Cost: S$400.00
Another Road Trip!! Since it is “Visit Johor 2020”, let’s discover the cultural gems of Johor.
Johor was known in its early days as ‘Ujong Tanah’ meaning Land’s End. Its Arabic word ‘Jauhar’ means precious stone or jewel, and it was founded in the early 1500s by Sultan Ahmad Shah, the heir of Sultan Mahmud Shah, the last Sultan of Malacca, before it fell into Portuguese hands. The Sultanate of Johor was controlled by the Bugis of Celebes and the Minangkabaus of Sumatra in the 18th century.
With British intervention, the state fell into the control of one Daing Ibrahim, who took the title of Sultan.
His son, Sultan Abu Bakar, ensured that Johor prospered, developing its own constitution and efficiently administering the state. Johor was the only state in Malaysia not completely controlled by the British right up till Independence Day. Today Johor has a diverse cultural heritage with economic sectors in manufacturing and industry.
One of places to visit is the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street - JB heritage quarter, a network of lifestyle cafes and restaurants where the Instagram crowd flocks to for fresh hipster pastures. Landmarked by two street arches and the heritage building known as the Red House, here we will see several pre-World War II shophouses that have been restored.
Next we will enjoy the Chinese Heritage Museum where we will learn about the history of the Chinese community in Johor Bahru, and focus on Johor Bahru’s history. The cultures brought here by the Chinese are far more ancient.
Be mesmerised with Harmony Street, of JB filled with the Old Chinese temple, a mosque, and a Sikh temple Gurdwara Sahib, where people of different cultures live in harmony with their customs, habits, and mutual differences. Here lies the oldest Indian temple in the heart of the city, over 100 years old – it was built in December 1911.
At the Malay Cultural Village, get ready to discover the beauty of Malaysian diversity and heritage. It’s like visiting a living museum situated in Johore Bahru, with cultural programmes designed to bring out the uniqueness of Malaysian culture and traditions, and filled with explorative tours, museum gallery visits, live performances and hands-on activities.
Never miss Arulmigu Sri Raja Kaliamman Glass Temple. JB has a unique Hindu temple with much of its inside and outside surfaces inlaid with over 300,000 pieces of multicolour glass mosaic. JB's glass Hindu Temple is listed in the Lonely Planet's Secret Marvels of the World. The temple is listed in the Malaysian Book of Records as the only glass temple in Malaysia.
Look out for the Crystal Crown Arch Coronation Arch at the entrance of Istana Bukit Serene, a gift by the Sultan of Johor, to the people of Johor. A crown replica was built to commemorate the coronation of HRH Tuanku Sultan Ibrahim as the Sultan of Johor on 23rd March 2015. fashioned after the crown worn by Sultan Abu Bakar (1833-1895) during his coronation on 29th July 1886.
Pinnacle of this trip is to enjoy the Chingay Festival in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Watch the majestic lion dances during the Chingay Night Parade. This is a local Chinese annual tradition to celebrate the Chinese New Year wishing for peace and prosperity. The deities are carried around the main streets of Johor Bahru joined by a procession including floats, lion and dragons dancers.
In addition, you’ll get an up-close look at the buildings which boast of old European architecture.
Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque – On top of a hill in downtown Johor Bahru, overlooking the Straits of Johor and neighbouring Singapore, stands the magnificent Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, one of the most beautiful old mosques in Malaysia. The construction of the mosque marked the start of Johor's modernisation process in 1892, which was commissioned by the "Father of Modern Johor", the late Sultan Abu Bakar. It is a mix of architectural styles, but principally Victorian.
Grand Palace JB - This architectural wonder built in 1866 and commissioned by the late Sultan Abu Bakar is also known as the Grand Palace. Initially in a Renaissance style, the building was constructed by local artisans under the supervision of a European architect. The original furniture of the palace was made in England and ordered by the late Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866.
Overlooking the city centre of JB, Sultan Ibrahim Building is one of the most majestic buildings in JB that blend well with Malay and colonial architecture. The construction started in 1936 and was completed in 1940, costing 2 million ringgit overall. It was the tallest building in JB and during World War II while Johor was under Japanese rule, the Japanese Army used the building as a fortress, spying on the actions of the British Army around that area.
Never miss the Figure Museum, the formal official residence of Jaafar Muhammad, the first Chief Minister of Johor. Constructed in a 100-hectare of land on Senyum Hill (Smiling Hill), it resembles the British Royal family building Hardwick Hall in the United Kingdom. The museum showcases the history of Johor and Johor Sultanate.
KTMB Museum Johor Bahru Old Railway Station was once an intercity railway station that boasts western architecture in a very unique way. The building was launched in 1932 but it was closed in 2010.
You will find JB a quaint city with an abundance of breathtaking sights and rich heritage, a blend of customs, traditions, food and lifestyle. Johoreans live with a mix of old and new with historical buildings standing side by side with ultra modern shopping centres.
As for Food - We will also enjoy food - regional specialties of Chinese, Indian and Malay flavors.
Deposit: $200 SGD per person 3N 4D (Hotel double occupancy)
Final payment: $200 - payment due by December 2 (transfers, insurance, guide and tips are included together with a contribution to the FOM general fund).
First Meeting: TBD
Tour Leader: Susan Chong t_rani@yahoo.com 96643574