Southern Region

The states of Malacca and Johor Darul Takzim form the Southern Region of Peninsular Malaysia. History, eco-destinations, islands, beaches and melding of cultures are among the highlights of this region. Malacca, the second smallest (1658 sq km) state in Malaysia, played a significant role in the history of Malaysia because it was the dynamic Malaccan Sultanate that brought fame to the land as the ‘Fabled Spice Islands of the East’. Malacca’s history began in 1403 when an exiled Hindu prince from Sumatra by the name of Parameswara sought refuge in the little fishing village which he subsequently named Malacca after the tree he sat under when he first arrived. Under Parameswara, who later embraced Islam and became know as Raja Iskandar, Malacca became a strong maritime trading port to many a ship and merchants from China, India, Arabia and Europe. The prosperity of Malacca during the height of the spice trade also attracted the attention of foreign powers. The Portuguese Led by Alfonso de Albuquerque came first. They conquered Malacca in 1511 and colonised it for 130 year. The Dutch then came in 1641 and took over for 154 years. They were followed by the British who came in 1824 and ruled until Malaysia’s Independence in 1957. Malacca also experienced Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. After World War 11, anti-colonial sentiments bred in the country among the nationalists, the result of which was the proclamation of Independence by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, at Padang Pahlawan Bandar Hilir, Melaka on 20 February 1956. Malacca has no natural resources. It sets on a course of industrial development largely through the manufacturing sectors, among them electronics, steel and ironwood, textile and rubber. Tourism is also an important industry for Malacca. Much of its touristy appeal comes from the legacies of the state’s history reflected in numerous heritage buildings within the capital city, Malacca. The other attraction comes from its population, a polyglot of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Straits-born Chinese called Peranakan, Straits-born Indians called Chitty, Portuguese descendants and Eurasians. Johor Darul Takzim has its share of colourful past when the Portuguese attacked the royal seat of the Johor Kingdom in 1587, but for many visitors it is Johor’s fresh outdoor appeal of beaches, mountains, forest reserves, waterfalls, mangroves, golf courses and sports destinations that attracts them. Johor is known as the ‘Southern Gateway’. Johor Bahru, the state capital is connected to Singapore via air, sea, road and rail making the state highly accessible from Singapore. The third largest state in peninsular Malaysia, it covers 19,984 sq. km. On the southern part of the peninsular. Johor is also one of the most developed states in the country, its economy based on a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, commerce and tourism. It is also a prime producer of rubber, oil palm and pineapple. Pepper is also cultivated on a large scale. It also has a timber and wood based industry. Bauxite is another product. The only state covered by waters on three sides, it naturally is a beach lover’s haven – and a golfer’s as well since the most number of golf resorts abound in Johor.

Getting There

• Air: The Southern Region is served by Sultan Ismail International Airport in Johor and Batu Berendam Airport, a small airfield in Melaka.
• Rail: Travelers by rail to Malacca will have to disembark/ embark at Tampin in Negeri Sembilan, which is 38km from Malacca City. Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) proceeds southwards to Johor Bahru Railway Station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak.
• Road: The North-South Expressway (NSE) which begins from Bukit Kayu Hitam in the northernmost state of Penis ends in Johor Bahru, linking most of the major tourist destinations in Johor along the way. Johor-Singapore Links: The Johor-Singapore Causeway with road/rail line. Second Link Bridge links Singapore to Tanjung Kupang in southwestern Johor.
• Sea: Malacca is a favourite destination for cruise ships. In Johor, ferry links ply regularly between Tanjung Belungkor in Johor and Changi Point in Singapore.