I'm talking about being in a country where tourist destinations abound, but they become like common things to you, simply because they are in your country.
May it not happen to me anymore... but then again, do I have the time and money to take a vacation? Hopefully!
Read on...
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To Land's End... in a day
Get to know Johor's rustic gems. Tanjung Piai and Kukup Town make a good weekend getaway from the urban hustle and bustle
GONE FISHING
What: Seafood in Kukup
Kukup is a small fishing village located about 40km south-west of Johor Bahru, in the district of Pontian. Visitors from Singapore and Indonesia flock there for the open-air seafood restaurants built on stilts over water.
At the seaside New Kukup Restaurant, next to Kukup International Ferry Terminal, you never have to worry about the freshness of the seafood. The restaurant has an alfresco dining area that extends over the water and gets its seafood fresh from large fishing nets positioned below. The food has the stamp of approval from celebs such as Phyllis Quek, Felicia Chin and Chen Hanwei.
The salted egg yolk crab (RM45, or $19.50, per kg) is sweeter than the average haunt's, and the gravy is finger-licking good. The marriage of prawns and cereal (RM38) is familiar to most Singaporeans, but these prawns are fresher than those found in Singapore, though the cereal topping was a bit on the scanty side.
The stretch of sea between Kukup Fishing Village and Pulau Kukup is home to aquaculture farms. These "floating farms" use a modern farming method where fish are reared in large cages suspended from wooden floating platforms. The farmers move around the platforms with ease, but make sure you keep an eye on the children, as these planks are quite slippery and narrow.
Get there: New Kukup Restaurant, No 1 Kukup Laut; tel, +607 696 0216; opening hours from 10am to 9pm
THE LAND ENDS HERE
What: Tanjung Piai
This cape in Johor is part of Tanjung Piai National Park, which covers 5.26 sq km of mangroves and another 4 sq km of inter-tidal mudflats.
A 653m boardwalk trail leads visitors into the heart of the mangrove and to the southernmost tip of mainland Asia. Known as Land's End, it is reportedly the inspiration behind the "At World's End" tag of the third Pirates Of The Caribbean movie.
Tanjung Piai National Park offers guided tours, fishing, bird-watching from its three observatory towers, and camping on platforms underneath the mangrove.
The best period to visit is between September and March, during the bird migratory season.
Pulau Kukup is an island entirely covered by a mangrove forest and surrounded by mudflat. The second largest mangrove island in the world, it is an ecological treasure trove that has 50 per cent of the world's true mangrove species, 76 bird species and 12 species of fauna. A 12m suspension bridge across Sungai Ular is one of the main tourist attractions on Pulau Kukup.
Stand in the middle of the bridge, and drink in the picture-perfect view of Kukup Village and the boats at the quay. Observation towers can be found on either end. Each is 10m high, and is perfect for bird-watching.
Both parks are on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of wetlands.
Get there: Tanjung Piai - From Johor Bahru, take the Jalan Skudai Highway and head for Pontian/Pontian Kecil. At Pekan Nenas, turn left at Sri Bunjan, follow the rural road and take the right turn at Jalan Tenggayun. Thereafter, follow the signage for Tanjung Piai. Kukup - The island is near the south-western tip of the peninsula, about 20km from Pontian Town and 62km from Johor Bahru. From the North South Expressway (NSE), take the Skudai exit (Interchange 254) through Pontian Kechil (Highway 5 and 95) towards Kukup.
HOW TO EAT A HONEYCOMB
What: Honey Bee Farm
Get up-close and personal with the bees at the Tanjung Piai Honey Bee Farm, and have a taste of the honey - fresh from the honeycombs.
Established in 1996 by owner Pak Mat, the honey bee farm is definitely off the beaten track. The only way to get there is to drive until you spot the weather-beaten arch.
Pak Mat harvests his honey the old-school way, no bee suits for him. The bees are "familiar enough" with him and will not sting him even if he is dressed in a T-shirt and shorts.
When eating the honey pieces, suck out the honey from the honeycomb and chew the wax as you would gum.
Get there: Perepat Timbol, off Tanjung Piai, Serkat, Pontian; tel, +6013 797 2842.
For information on guided tours, contact JB-based Prima Sierra Holidays at +607 521 7087.
BRAND NEW RESORT
What: Nusajaya
Johor Bahru will have a brand new resort town in 2012. With plans to have indoor theme parks in collaboration with Legoland and Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty, Nusajaya looks set to be a fun-filled holiday destination for families looking for a quick break.
Nusajaya also aims to be Asia's foremost fully integrated city comprising a financial district, medical and wellness village, creative park, as well as a waterfront and marina.
Getting there: Visitors can hop onto the Bas Iskandar Malaysia No. IM06 which runs from Bukit Indah to Kota Iskandar and back. Bukit Indah can be reached from Singapore by taking the Handal Indah Bus from Jurong MRT Interchange.
From TODAY, Travel
To Land's End ... in a day
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