Muar Holiday Trip: Things To Do, Where To Stay & What To Eat in Muar (2025)

We recently visited Muar for a short family holiday trip. Muar is a small town in Johor that is located between Singapore and Malacca, and is a hidden gem that every foodie should visit. It is the royal town in Johor known for its rich culture, friendly locals and mouthwatering local food. 

For those of you who are looking for a short local outstation trip from Klang Valley with your friends and family, Muar is a great place to visit. Read more about our Muar holiday trip below.

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What We Love About Muar

• Murals Around Muar Town

As you drive or walk around Muar town, there are plenty of murals on the walls that will catch your attention. The largest portrait and most known mural in Muar is The Loving Sisters Mural by Juta Volchkova which captures the love bond between two child sisters from Muar that is painted beautifully on a heritage building wall on Jalan Arab. 

• Delicious Muar Food

Muar is famous for its otak-otak which is a steamed or grilled spicy fish paste mixture in coconut or banana leaves. One of the highlights of our family’s Muar trip is savouring the local Malay food including satay (which locals usually eat for breakfast), lontong drenched in rich coconut gravy, and mee bandung Muar that is bursting with umami flavour.

Things To Do in Muar, Johor (Muar Tourist Attractions)

Tanjung Emas Park

Tanjung Emas Park is a popular free tourist attraction in Muar, especially in the evenings when the park lights up and there is a cooling breeze from the river. It is a great place in Muar for the entire family. Little E enjoyed driving one of the rental battery operated vehicles around the park’s main square.

Address: Tanjung Emas Park, Taman Sri Tanjung, 84000 Muar, Johor.

Maharani Mural Lane

Another must-visit FREE attraction in Muar is Maharani Mural Lane, a vibrant alley filled with colourful street art. The murals here are beautifully painted on the old shophouse walls which turn the simple lane into a creative open-air gallery. It is a great spot for photography enthusiasts and tourists who enjoy exploring hidden corners of Muar town. Come here during the day for clear views and good lighting for your photos.

Address: Maharani Mural Lane, Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor.

Muar Clock Tower

The Muar Clock Tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Muar with its classic design and cream-coloured exterior. At night, the clock tower at Muar’s central square is beautifully illuminated. Visitors can’t climb up the tower.

Address: Muar Clock Tower, 1947, Jalan Abdullah, Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor Darul Ta’zim.

Muar Cultural Walk

For those who enjoy learning about local heritage, check out the Muar Cultural Walk which is spread out across different parts of the town. It showcases the artistic and historical side of Muar through beautiful murals in the back alleys, old heritage buildings and shoplot architecture, places of worship, signboards, and more which tells the stories of Muar’s people and traditions.

Address: Muar Cultural Walk, Jalan Meriam, Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor Darul Ta’zim

Muar River Cruise

Hop on the Muar River cruise which departs near Tanjung Emas Park. On this relaxing boat ride, you can enjoy the town’s riverside views, heritage buildings, and colorful lights reflecting on the water. During the cruise, you’ll pass by landmarks including the Sultan Ismail Bridge and the majestic Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque.

Address: Muar River Cruise, Jln Tanjung 4, Taman Emas, 84000 Muar, Johor Darul Ta’zim.

Opening Hours: Daily: 9AM to 10PM 

Entrance Fee: RM12 for adult, RM6 for child

Sultan Ismail Bridge

Another iconic spot in Muar is the Sultan Ismail Bridge built in the 1960s, which connects Muar town to Tanjung Agas across the Muar River. The best time to visit is at night, when the bridge is beautifully lit and reflects on the calm river below, creating a picture-perfect view.

Address: Sultan Ismail Bridge, Jalan Kesang, 84000 Muar, Johor Darul Ta’zim

Donhu Jurassic Garden

Stop by Donhu Jurassic Garden, a mini outdoor dinosaur-themed park with life size dinosaur figurines. There is also a mini indoor fun fair attraction that is best for kids under 7 years old. It is suitable for a quick stop for families whose kids enjoy dinosaur adventures. 

Note: Do wear long pants and use mosquito spray. Little E was only three when we visited and found the loud dinosaur roars a bit scary, hence we only spent about 15 minutes here.

Address: Donhu Jurassic Garden, 2700, 224, Kampung Sabak Aur, 84000 Muar, Johor.

Opening Hours: Friday to Sunday from 10AM to 6PM

Free entry to the outdoor dinosaur garden. 

Dinosaur World Playground (small indoor children amusement park): RM10 per ride, RM50 for 7 rides and RM100 for 14 rides.

Wetex Parade

Visit Wetex Parade, a small shopping mall in Muar that is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy some air-conditioned comfort when it is raining or gets too hot outside. You can relax indoors browsing the retail shops, take a quick bite or drink at one of the cafes or restaurants.

Address: Wetex Parade, 69, Jalan Ali, Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor Darul Ta’zim

Opening Hours: Daily: 10AM to 10PM

Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque

The Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque with a colonial-Islamic architecture is located along the Muar riverside and surrounded by well-kept gardens and has become a peaceful place for reflection and photography. 

Address: Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque, Jalan Petri, Taman Sri Tanjung, 84000 Muar, Johor Darul Ta’zim.

How To Get To Muar, Johor

• By Car

For those who enjoy going on road trips, driving from Kuala Lumpur to Muar is approximately 170 kilometers, and it takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes using the North–South Expressway (PLUS Highway).

• By Bus

The bus ride from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur to Terminal Bentayan Muar takes about 3 to 3 and a half hours, depending on traffic. Bus tickets cost around RM18 per person (one way).

• Private Vehicle Hire

Hire a private transfer service from Kuala Lumpur to Muar, Johor for a more comfortable road trip journey. This option is value for money for families or travelling groups who want a direct, door-to-door service in a premium MPV or van without the hassle of waiting or multiple stops.

Best Time To Visit Muar

The best time to visit Muar is from March to October, during the drier months when the weather is often sunny. These months are suitable for exploring popular outdoor Muar tourist attractions without worrying about heavy rain. Muar can be visited all year round, but do try to avoid the rainy season between November and February if you can.

Hotels in Muar

• Best Pick – Classic Hotel Muar

The Classic Hotel Muar is a top accommodation choice for those who want comfort with a touch of heritage charm. It is located next to Wetex Parade shopping mall, with spacious rooms, friendly service and views of the Muar River. Its central location makes it a good place to rest after exploring Muar.

• Budget – Muar Traders Hotel

If you’re traveling on a budget, the Traders Hotel Muar provides good value for money with clean and simple rooms for backpackers and solo travellers.

• Mid-Range – Muo Boutique Hotel

For couples and tourists seeking stylish and modern accommodation, the Muo Boutique Hotel is for you. It features chic interiors, cosy rooms, and a rooftop café where guests can enjoy scenic views of Muar. Check out their Lego mockup of Muar shoplots at the lobby.

Muar Local Food Guide (Where To Eat The Best Food in Muar)

Kopi 434 Muar

Established by Sai Kee Coffee, this iconic café is the birthplace of the legendary Elephant Bean, a premium Liberica coffee bean known for its rich aroma, smooth texture and naturally sweet aftertaste. Order their popular coffee drinks made from their signature Elephant Bean from classic hot coffee to iced Liberica latte.

Operating Hours: Daily from 8AM to 5:30PM

Address: Kopi 434, 121, Jalan Maharani, Taman Sri Emas, 84000 Muar, Johor Darul Ta’zim

Restoran Mee Bandung Abu Bakar Hanipah

This popular restaurant is famous for local Muar Malay food and is best known for serving the original Mee Bandung Muar. The dish features yellow noodles soaked in a thick, aromatic gravy made from shrimp paste, dried shrimp, chillies, spices, and a hint of sweetness that perfectly balances the rich umami taste. 

Operating Hours: Saturday to Thursday to 7AM to 4PM. Closed on Friday

Address: Restoran Mee Bandung Abu Bakar Hanipah, 69A, Jalan Abdullah, Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor Darul Ta’zim.

Another place for Mee Bandung is Mee Bandung Udang Galah Muo Ori which serves a premium version of Muar’s iconic noodle dish using freshwater prawns (udang galah). 

Satay Warisan

Satay Warisan is one of Muar’s popular spots for breakfast. Muarians love to start their day with a breakfast meal of smoky, juicy skewers of grilled meat dipped in creamy, nutty peanut sauce. 

Operating Hours: 

• Monday, Thursday and Friday: 7AM to 1.10 PM
• Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed
• Saturday and Sunday : 8AM to 1.10 PM

Address: Satay Warisan, 13, Jalan Majidi, Taman Sri Tanjung, 84000 Muar, Johor Darul Ta’zim.

Another good spot for stay is Zin Satay House which has a wide variety of satay including chicken, beef, lamb, tripe and even liver.

Muar Glutton Street

Muar Glutton Street on Jalan Meriam and Jalan Haji Abu Food Street is a food hub with a wonderful mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian delicacies. This 100 metres street stretch is filled with the aroma of grilled satay, freshly made otak-otak, noodles sizzling in woks, and local desserts like apam balik and cendol. 

Address: Muar Glutton Street, 55, Jalan Meriam, Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor Darul Ta’zim and Jalan Haji Abu Food Street, Jalan Haji Abu, Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor Darul Ta’zim

Asam Pedas Jalan Joned or Asam Pedas Simol

This is one of the best places in Muar to savour the town’s beloved Malay-style asam pedas. The gravy, made from tamarind juice, chilli paste, and aromatic herbs, pairs beautifully with stingray, mackerel, or red snapper. Asam pedas fish is often served with white rice, salted eggs, and vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Operating Hours: Daily from 9AM to 5PM

Address: Asam Pedas Jalan Joned, Jln Junid, Taman Sri Tanjung, 84000 Muar, Johor

If you are looking for Chinese-style asam pedas, head to Restoran Chun Hui in Parit Jawa (a fishing village about 20 minutes from Muar town).

What To Buy in Muar (And Where To Buy Them)

• Muar Otak-Otak

Many tourists often buy otak-otak from Muar which comes in both frozen packets for steaming and the grilled stick version. Otak-Otak Cheng Boi or Bentayan Otak-otak is our family’s go-to shop to buy otak-otak whenever we are in Muar. They sell otak-otak, a local delicacy with fresh ingredients (squid, fish or prawn paste) and the perfect balance of spices. Don’t forget to bring an ice box so you can keep these otak-otak fresh during the journey back home.

• Mee Siput

This crispy noodle snack with a spicy sambal for dipping is a Muar original snack, making it a great travel snack or gift for friends. You can find it easily at local markets and sundry shops around town.

• Local Bread

For soft and fluffy local bread, stop by Gee San Bakery. They’re known for their unique otak-otak buns, fragrant pandan loaves, and sweet coconut buns. Our family stopped by this bakery before heading back to Kuala Lumpur to take away some of their delicious local bread and buns.

Is It Worth Going To Muar?

Yes, it’s definitely worth going to Muar for its authentic local charm, delicious food, scenic Muar river view and laid-back small town charm.

We hope that you are able to visit Muar in the near future with your loved ones.