Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Overview

The state of Johor lies at the southern most part of Malaysia. This southern gateway to Malaysia covering an area of 19, 984 sq km, is the second largest state in West Malaysia. The history of early Johor is a chronicle of glory and prosperity during the days when gambir and black pepper was a thriving business.

To the Siamese, Johor is "Gangganu" or 'Treasured Stones'. It was also once known as the "End of the Land" as it occupies the tail portion of mainland Asia. Its present name, Johor, is derived from an Arabic word 'Jauhar' which means Precious Stones.

Johor Bahru has a number of interesting historical buildings and handicraft centers. Outside the state capital in the smaller towns and villages along the coast, are picturesque scenes of rural kampungs and fishing villages. Those who prefer to bask in the tropical sun can choose between the well-known beaches.




 Johor gets its name from the Arabic word Jauhar meaning 'precious stones'. Prior to that, it was known as Ujung Tanah which mean 'land's end' in Malay, due to its location at the end of the Malay Peninsula. It is also an apt name, as the southern-most tip of Asia is located at Tanjung Piai, Johor. The state derived its status as the country's Southern Gateway after it was connected to Singapore through the 1056m-long Causeway which was completed in 1923 after four years of construction. Johor has a rich and illustrious ancient history - its sultanate was established in the early 16th century, commanding the southern Peninsula and Riau islands. 
 

Upon Malacca's defeat to the Portuguese in 1511, the son of the last Sultan of Malacca, Sultan Mahmud Shah, had established a monarchy in Johor and had posed a constant threat to the Portuguese. Johor is the only state, apart from Melaka, that grew into an empire. During its peak, the whole of Pahang and the present day Indonesian territories of Riau Archipelago and part of Sumatra Island were under Johor's rule.





Johor Tourism Awards

A total of seventeen awards were given away to tourism industry players in the state during the inaugural Johor Tourism Award 2010. The awards included categories such as best accommodation, best restaurant/food outlet,best travel agent, best tourist guide and best media write-up. The objective of the event are to encourage the state's agencies private sectors and individuals to help develop the tourism industry. The award would also help to improve communications and cooperation between the Johor Tourism Department and the tourism industry stakeholders in the state.

A one-stop haven to cater for all, Johor has a myriad of treasures, from the lushes green forest, the scenic view from the mountain, cascading waterfalls, to the magnificent sky scrapers in the city. Explore the state of culture and heritage, and be mesmerized with its beauty and charms.


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