Best Things to Do in Kluang, Johor: A Practical Guide
I had never been to Kluang before, and frankly, before researching this trip, I didn’t know much about the town either. All I knew was that its name comes from keluang, the Malay word for a fruit bat, and that it always made me think of Kluang Man, the local animated series I used to watch growing up.
This time, I went on a road trip with a Johorean friend to her hometown in Muar, with planned stops in Kluang and Malacca along the way. Interestingly, despite being from Johor, she had never visited Kluang either, so it was a first for both of us.
Kluang is almost in the center of Johor. Photo credit: Derkommander0916 / Wikimedia Commons
Kluang is located almost in the center of Johor, Malaysia’s southernmost state, sitting inland away from the coast.
The town is surrounded by agricultural land, small farms, and low rolling hills, giving it a more relaxed, countryside feel compared with Malaysia’s bustling cities.
Its central location makes it a convenient stopover for travelers moving between Johor Bahru and the northern parts of the state.
History
Kluang grew up in the early 20th century as a hub for rubber plantations and other agricultural industries. Over time, it developed light industries and commercial centers, becoming an important regional town.
Despite modernization, the town has retained its nostalgic charm in areas like the old railway station and colonial-era shophouses.
Population
The town has an estimated population of around 300,000 people, with a mix of ethnic groups including Malays, Chinese, and Indians, along with smaller indigenous and Southeast Asian communities.
Malay is the main language, but you’ll also hear Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, and Tamil spoken in daily life. Reflecting this diversity, Kluang is home to a range of religions, including Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Taoism.
Best time to go to Kluang
Kluang, like the rest of Malaysia, enjoys perpetual summer and can be visited year-round, but the most comfortable months tend to fall between March and October, when rainfall is generally lighter and more predictable.
The monsoon season from November to February brings heavier and more frequent rain, which can limit outdoor plans. The good thing is, rain rarely lasts all day. If you don’t mind adjusting plans around the weather and focusing more on food, cafés, and indoor stops, Kluang is still an enjoyable destination even during the wetter months.
Notice how the lamp post decoration looks like a bat. Photo credit: Wee Hong / Wikimedia Commons
Kluang is accessible via highways linking it to other towns in Johor and other cities in Malaysia. Long-distance buses run from major cities like Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor Bahru, arriving at Kluang Bus Terminal, which is a short drive from the town center.
By train
Kluang is one of the more convenient smaller towns in Johor to reach. The town is served by ETS electric train services, which connect Kluang directly to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and other major stops along the west coast rail line.
The train station is centrally located, making it easy to walk to nearby cafes, markets, and hotels once you arrive. Trains are generally comfortable and reliable, although they might not be as frequent as buses.
From Singapore
From Singapore, the most common route is to cross into Johor Bahru first, then continue by train or bus to Kluang.
How to get around in Kluang
Getting around Kluang is fairly easy, especially within the town center. Many of the main attractions, including the railway station, markets, restaurants, and older shophouse areas are close enough to explore on foot.
For longer distances, e-hailing services like Grab are widely used and affordable. If you plan to visit places outside town such as farms, hiking trails, or recreational forests, renting a car or arranging a taxi will save time and give you more flexibility, as public transport within Kluang itself is limited.
You can’t really say you’ve been to Kluang without grabbing a drink at the legendary Kluang Rail Coffee, right there in the old railway station. They’ve got some Johorean classics, such as lontong (compressed rice cakes in coconut vegetable stew) and laksa Johor (spicy fish noodle soup with spaghetti‑style noodles).
Otherwise, just get a cup of local coffee, some toast, maybe soft-boiled eggs, or if you’re hungry, nasi lemak. The coffee’s strong and sweet, like a proper kopitiam coffee should be.
What really makes it stand out isn’t just the food though, but the whole setting in the historic railway station. If you can, go early. By mid-morning, it gets packed, especially on weekends.
2. Check out the Kluang Coffee Powder Factory
If you like coffee, the Kluang Coffee Powder Factory is a must-visit. It’s a working factory where they’ve been roasting and grinding coffee for decades, and you can see how the classic Kopi Kluang blends are made. There’s a small shop inside, so you can grab packets of coffee to take home or as gifts.
It’s a fun stop even if you’re not a coffee expert. If you’re into behind-the-scenes stuff, it’s satisfying to see how your morning cup goes from beans to the jar on your table.
Old shophouses in Kluang. Photo credit: Dominic Nelson / Wikimedia Commons
Take a stroll around Jalan Stesen and the nearby streets. This is where you’ll see the real Kluang, where rows of little shops, cafes, and family-run businesses line the streets.
It’s not polished like Penang or Malacca heritage zones. Instead, it just shows everyday life in Kluang, which makes it kind of charming, especially if you’re more into low-key local experiences rather than touristy attractions.
Keep an eye out for the small details like old signboards, faded paint, and wooden shutters. You might end up wandering into a snack shop or buying quirky knick-knacks you didn’t know you needed.
4. Explore the Central Market
The central wet market (Pasar Awam Kluang) is a slice of real life in Kluang. Early in the morning, locals shop for vegetables, meats, dry goods, and ready-to-eat food. It’s perfect for a bit of people-watching.
If you’re curious about what locals actually eat, this is the place to see it. You don’t even need to buy anything. Just walk through, soak up the smells, sights, and sounds, and maybe grab a snack while you’re at it.
Laman Kreatif Kluang. Photo credit: Dominic Nelson / Wikimedia Commons
Kluang has some colorful murals scattered around. They’re playful caricatures of local life, and like a lot of street art in Malaysia, some of them include simple 3D elements you can interact with, which makes them fun for photos.
Jalan Merdeka has the most recognizable cluster of Kluang’s street art, turning otherwise plain alley walls into something a bit more lively.
Beyond that, there are smaller murals tucked away in corners and side alleys. Nothing massive, but still enjoyable to spot if you’re wandering around with time to spare.
While you’re hunting, take your time to explore little shops, cafes, or bakeries that catch your eye.
Some of the best moments in Kluang can come from just wandering and seeing what turns up, be it a quick chat with a shop owner, a quirky mural, or a local snack you didn’t plan to try.
Kluang is surrounded by farms, and visiting one gives you a small glimpse of everyday life in the countryside. Zenxin Organic Park has gardens, walking paths, and fresh produce. Even if you’re not a farm person, it’s calm, green, and refreshing.
UK Agro Farm is more hands-on. There are animals and simple activities, so it’s especially great if you’re with kids. Both make fun half-day trips from town.
7. Take a breather at Taman Tasik MP Kluang
You don’t need to go far to get a bit of fresh air in Kluang. Taman Tasik MP Kluang is the town’s main public park, and it’s where locals go to jog, walk, sit around, or just kill time in the evening. There’s a lake at the center, paved paths around it, and plenty of benches if you just want to sit and people-watch.
It’s nicest in the early morning or around sunset, when the heat eases and the park fills up with families, couples, and regulars doing their daily rounds.
Gunung Lambak is great if you want some fresh air without leaving town. The recreational forest has walking paths, picnic areas, and short trails that lead up to the summit lookout. It’s popular with locals for morning walks and weekend family outings.
The climb isn’t tough, but bring water and decent shoes, and try to go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. It won’t feel much like conquering a mountain, but is still a nice way to stretch your legs and escape the streets for a bit.
The area is also home to Gunung Lambak Waterpark, perfect for families or anyone who wants a fun, low-effort stop.
A waterfall on Gunung Belumut. Photo credit: Faizal Jalal / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re up for something more serious, Mount Belumut is a proper full-day hike. The trail is steeper, muddier, and less groomed than Gunung Lambak. You’ll go through thick forest, roots, and uneven paths, so some hiking experience helps.
The reward is the sense of accomplishment and being deep in a tropical forest. You’ll mostly hear birds, insects, waterfalls, and very little else. Most people start early and aim to be back by late afternoon. It’s advisable to go with a guide or a group, especially if it’s your first time.
Kluang Clock Tower near Jalan Lambak. Photo credit: Dominic Nelson / Wikimedia Commons
Sitting right in the middle of a roundabout at the end of Jalan Lambak, this simple structure is one of two clock towers you can find in Kluang (the other one is at Dewan Tunku Ibrahim Ismail near the Kluang Lake Park).
It’s not especially tall or fancy, but it’s noticeable enough to be a recognizable landmark in Kluang. Take a quick photo if you want something to look back on or simply as proof you made it to this town.
Where to eat in Kluang
A friendly note to my Muslim readers: Not all of the restaurants listed here are halal or Muslim-friendly. Please do your due diligence before visiting.
Kluang Rail Coffee— an iconic Kluang brand with a few branches in town. A must-visit.
We stayed at Kluang Container Hotel, where the rooms are made from repurposed shipping containers. We’ve been to a few other container-style hotels in Malaysia before, but this one is by far the most spacious, well-equipped, and comfortable. The rooms are cleverly designed, roomy enough to feel like a proper hotel room rather than a cramped container, and it has not one, but two swimming pools!
If you’re looking for other options, here are a few top-rated hotels in Kluang that are worth considering, whether you’re after budget-friendly comfort or something a bit more upscale:
Budget
Be Boutique Hotel— Air-conditioned 2-star rooms with private bathrooms. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and electric kettle.
Melody Inn Hotel— Simple budget rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi.
Mid-range
The Imperial Hotel— A mid-range classic stay in the city center, close to local attractions.
Talula Hill Farm Resort— Family rooms with terraces, balconies, gardens, an in-house restaurant and a swimming pool. Plenty of activities for the entire family.
Casa Bianca Villa— A boutique villa near hill trails. Features large suites with balconies, some with bathtubs. Has a swimming pool, kids’ pool, and restaurant.
How long to stay in Kluang
Kluang works well as a short stop. One day is enough to cover the basics. With two to three days, you can slow down and explore more of what the area offers, including local farms, markets, and longer nature walks, while still having time to eat your way through town.
Staying longer than that makes sense if you enjoy unstructured days and a quieter pace rather than ticking off attractions.
Suggested Kluang itinerary
Day 1
Morning
Start early at Kluang Rail Coffee, inside the old railway station. Order a cup of coffee, soft-boiled eggs and toast, or a bowl of laksa Johor if you’re hungry. Expect a crowd, especially on weekends.
Start early at Kluang Rail Coffee.Head to Pasar Awam Kluang not too far away. Even if you’re not buying anything, it’s worth wandering through the wet market to see how the town wakes up.
Late Morning
Take a slow walk around the old town area (Jalan Stesen and nearby streets). Look out for murals, pre-war shophouses, and small family-run businesses that have been around for decades.
Lunch
Keep it local: beef noodles, lontong, or a simple plate of mixed rice.
Afternoon
Visit UK Agro Farm, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just want an easy, outdoorsy afternoon.
Evening
Return to town for dinner.
Check if there’s a nearby night market (pasar malam). There are several in Kluang, each open once a week on different days.
Day 2
Morning
Drive out to Zenxin Organic Park. Walk the gardens, learn a bit about organic farming in Malaysia, and pick up fresh produce or souvenirs.
Or head to Gunung Lambak Recreational Forest. The main trail is manageable for most people and shaded, making it a good first introduction to Kluang’s nature. If hiking isn’t your thing, the picnic areas and lower paths still offer greenery and quiet.
Lunch
Return to town for lunch.
Afternoon
See how the local coffee is produced at Kluang Coffee Powder Factory, and maybe buy a packet to bring home.
Take a break at Taman Tasik Kluang, or enjoy some free time: nap, café-hop, revisit any place you liked from Day 1.
If you’re leaving later, drop by a traditional bakery or biscuit shop for some edible souvenirs.
Additional tips for visiting Kluang
Go early for food. Many of Kluang’s best kopitiams, markets, and noodle stalls operate mainly in the morning. By late afternoon, some places are already closed or sold out.
Cash is still useful. While most cafés and hotels accept cards, smaller stalls, wet markets, and pasar malam vendors usually prefer cash.
Despite not being a famous destination in Malaysia, Kluang turned out to be charming in its own way. It’s easy to eat well in and is also a great place to slow down without feeling like you’re missing out. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or staying a little longer to explore the surrounding nature and food scene, it’s a town that rewards curiosity.
