As you delve into its heritage buildings and explore its famous local foods and snacks – mi bandung, kopi 434, and mi siput – you will find Muar, one of the biggest cities in the southern state of Johor, has its personality in spades.
Located close to the historical state of Melaka, Muar, which is also known as Royal Town and Empress Town of Johor, has been declared as one of the cleanest cities for the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard Award 2022.
Bursting with its own character, Muar is a drive of around three hours from Kuala Lumpur. Did you know that Muar ranks first as a furniture exporting district in Malaysia, and rubberwood is the main raw material in Muar’s furniture manufacturing? Malaysia is indeed the top 12 furniture exporting country to 180 countries worldwide.
Not only is Muar the birthplace of ghazal and kuda kepang dance, but Muar Municipal Council is also the first local authority in Malaysia to showcase augmented reality murals and is recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records in 2019.
As you may also experience Muar by river cruise at Tanjung Emas Waterfront on the weekend or school holidays, read on to discover other off-the-beaten-track tourist attractions that we think you will love to venture out for arts and cultural escapades.
Muar Leather Craft
Head out to Muar Leather Craft to discover a business leather supplier to one of the global brands of men’s golf gloves produced with the highest quality materials since 1989.
Muar Leather Craft was first established as a social responsibility initiative in 2018 to educate the public on leather before it gradually received students, industrial visits, and international tourists, especially from Singapore.
The space is dedicated to showcasing the best of Muar’s hand-made craftsmanship products, which are packed with prototypes of key chains, passport covers, RFID wallets, bags, sun hats, belts, and jackets made from sheepskin leather.
On a trip to this site, join a Do-It-YourSelf (DIY) craft workshop class or learn more on several types of currently available leathers used in the finished products such as pure aniline or semi-aniline, corrected grain and suede split. You can also place an order to buy stingray bags, belts or wallets!
Muar Street Art
Soak up the atmosphere in the city centre and feast your eyes on several street arts hidden away in the narrow streets of Muar. Did you know The Loving Sisters, painted by Julia Volchkova, a Russian mural artist at Jalan Arab, was recognised as the largest street art portrait painting by the Malaysia Book of Records in 2016?
Symbolising the bond between two female siblings – Nur Najwa Alisyah, 7, and her sister, Nur Najiyah Amani, 3, the mural connotates a sense of belonging towards the city while promoting racial unity through arts.