Renggam's murals, historical buildings and decades-old businesses would be of touristic interest.
DESPITE ongoing efforts to promote Johor as a tourist destination, there is still a lack of awareness of places outside Johor Baru.
Manager Jade Ann Baculanta, 33, said while there were plenty of interesting places in Johor, most remained hidden and unknown to international visitors.
“I have been travelling to Johor regularly for years but have only recently found out that there are actually a lot of interesting places to explore other than Johor Baru malls.
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“In the past, I would head to Johor Baru with my friends on the weekends and we would spend all our time in malls and restaurants,” said Baculanta, who is from the Philippines and has been working in Singapore for over a decade.
She only learned of other interesting places around the state after getting to know her husband, who is from Johor.
Baculanta said she had been discovering hidden treasures in districts such as Batu Pahat, Muar and Kluang since last year.
“There are actually a lot of things to do and places to visit. It is a shame that many outsiders are unaware of this.
Baculanta says Johor needs to improve transportation and access to visitor information.
“I think there is definitely a need to further promote these places, especially those that are far from Johor Baru.”
She said there also was a need to improve public transport for visitors and make information more accessible to tourists, especially those from other countries.
“I find it difficult to travel to many parts of Johor without a car.
“There is also not much information on how visitors can get from one end of the state to the other without relying on ehailing services.
“I have travelled to countries where, despite facing language barriers, I was still able to move around easily.
“It would be great if Johor could move in that direction,” she added.
Muhd Afiq Haziq, 29, who runs a homestay in Tangkak, said the district suffered from a lack of promotion.
“There is so much more that needs to be done to promote Tangkak.
“A lot of people, especially those from outside the country, are not aware that Johor is more than just Johor Baru.
Sukri says lack of accommodation in Renggam deters visitors.
“Each district in the state has much to offer but is not given much promotion.”
Muhd Afiq said the majority of his guests came from cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Melaka.
“The only international visitors we receive are from Singapore but they usually come only during durian season.
“There is also a need to improve public transportation for us to attract international tourists who do not want to drive.
“The closest bus terminal is in Muar, which is about 40 minutes from my homestay.
“It is difficult for people to come here unless they have a car,” he said.
Sukri Zakaria, 48, who owns a restaurant in Kluang, echoed this sentiment.
“My restaurant is in a town called Renggam, which is in Kluang district.
“We have a lot of historical buildings and decades-old businesses that I am sure a lot of visitors will find interesting.
“The town’s murals are perfect for tourists to fill their social media feeds.
“Unfortunately, many people are not aware that there is such a place in Johor,” said Sukri.
He said the lack of hotels and homestays in Renggam was also a reason for visitors to skip the town.
“I hope the state government will put in more effort to promote this place and help us bring in more visitors.
“This will spur the town’s economic potential and give locals the confidence to open hotels or homestays that will allow visitors to spend a day or two in this quiet town.” — By VENESA DEVI
