Muar(Malaysia) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Muar, stay at Muar Royal Hotel, a heritage property blending Neoclassical and Malay architectural styles, overlooking the Muar River. Its riverside balconies offer serene views of Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque. For eco-conscious travelers, Oasis Resort Muar features lush gardens, kayaking, and authentic Muar-style char kway teow breakfasts, immersing guests in local culture and nature. Both properties provide access to historic sites and traditional cuisine.

The riverfront district near the old town center is ideal for staying. It's within walking distance of Muar Old Market, Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, and Chinese school heritage buildings. The area offers a peaceful atmosphere with evening riverfront light shows. Choose a hotel with river views to enjoy misty mornings on the Muar River and experience the slow-paced, culturally rich lifestyle of southern Johor.

Don’t miss the annual Muar Lantern Festival during Lunar New Year, where Heritage Street glows with thousands of lanterns, accompanied by Lion Dance performances and Malay gamelan music. Participate in ancestral temple rituals at Chan Clan Temple or join calligraphy and paper-cutting workshops. Visit Muar Pottery Workshop to create your own traditional sandstone ceramics, gaining hands-on insight into local craftsmanship and heritage.

Try Muar-style char kway teow, especially at Ah Mee Char Kway Teow, where the broth simmers for 12 hours with pork bones and spices, served with chewy noodles and chili paste. Sample Nasi Lemak Muar, made with local rice, grilled fish, peanut sauce, and tamarind juice. At the riverbank night market, taste fried banana with coconut sugar and areca nut ice drinks—authentic flavors of southern Malaysia’s culinary soul.

Visit Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, renowned for its double-tiered domes and gold-plated ceilings, reflecting 19th-century Islamic architecture. Nearby, Muar Museum houses colonial-era documents and royal artifacts. Explore the Old Muar Railway Station, retaining British-era red-brick design, perfect for photography. Don’t miss Chan Clan Temple, with intricate carvings and century-old plaques telling the story of Chinese immigrant history in Johor.

Absolutely. Oasis Resort Muar offers kids’ pools, farm visits, and nightly firefly tours. The Muar River promenade is stroller-friendly and safe for walking. Many hotels provide family suites and free shuttles to Heritage Street and Old Market. Local parks host kids’ craft workshops, such as making Malay kites or coconut shell crafts, combining fun with cultural learning.

Muar boasts rich wetland ecosystems. The Muar River delta is a prime birdwatching spot—look for egrets, kingfishers, and mudskippers. Take a morning boat tour through the mangrove boardwalks, spotting crabs and frogs. For deeper nature immersion, visit Muar National Forest Park, hiking through tropical rainforest with howler monkeys and rare birds. During summer, golden reeds sway along the banks, creating picturesque scenes ideal for photography and sketching.

Yes, Muar is well-connected via the North-South Expressway, just 1.5 hours from Kuala Lumpur. The Muar Bus Terminal links to Johor Bahru and Kota Tinggi. Use ride-hailing apps or e-scooters—many streets in the old town are narrow for cars. Walking is best for exploring heritage streets and riverfront areas, where you can admire shophouse facades and centuries-old storefronts.

Visit Muar Old Market for handmade silver jewelry and dried fruit stalls, offering Muar coconut floss cakes and Malay spice bundles. The Heritage Street Artisan Market features local designers selling hand-painted ceramic mugs, batik tote bags, and river landscape prints. At Chan Clan Temple gift shops, find limited-edition wood-carved door gods and temple incense pouches, perfect for meaningful keepsakes.

The highlight is the Muar Lantern Festival during Lunar New Year, featuring a 100-meter dragon parade and traditional opera shows. During Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque hosts a bustling Muslim bazaar with local sweets and prayer lanterns. The Mid-Autumn Moon Viewing Party on the Muar Riverbank combines lion dances, lantern riddles, and mooncake tastings—ideal for experiencing the vibrant multicultural spirit of southern Johor.