Johor is swiftly establishing itself as a major tourism and economic hub in Malaysia, with expanding air connectivity playing a crucial role in its growth. The launch of new international routes, including Batik Air’s direct flights to Bangkok starting 1 December and the recent Johor Bahru-Kunming route on 31 October, aligns perfectly with the Visit Johor Year 2026 (VJY 2026) campaign.
In addition to these new flights, Senai Airport now offers thrice-weekly services from Chengdu and direct flights from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which began on 23 July and include Umrah packages. These new routes not only streamline travel for international visitors but also bolster Johor’s standing as a desirable destination.
New attractions in Johor to get excited about
Johor is also seeing an influx of exciting new attractions. The Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, for example, is home to one of the largest wave pools in the world and features a thrilling water coaster, promising a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages.
The Johor Zoo, after a three-year closure, reopened on 31 August with a fresh new look. The revamped zoo now boasts improved walkways, beautifully landscaped grounds, upgraded animal enclosures, a children’s playground, and a new visitor information centre. A second phase of renovations is set for early 2025, ensuring further improvements in time for VJY 2026.
Sireh Park, a new eco-recreation space in Iskandar Puteri, offers visitors an immersive experience with nature trails, biking paths, and camping areas. Food trucks are also available in the evenings, making it a perfect spot for both daytime and night-time visits. In addition, Johor’s theme park scene is getting an upgrade with the development of new family-friendly attractions, ensuring the state caters to a broad range of interests.
Johor’s future looks bright as tourism takes flight
Johor’s tourism development is in line with larger initiatives such as the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 (ATF 2025) from 15-20 January 2025, and VJY 2026. Local stakeholders are optimistic, noting a rise in international interest and a boost in occupancy rates, particularly at upscale resorts and family-oriented attractions. With 18,654 hotel rooms – second only to Kuala Lumpur – Johor’s hospitality sector is flourishing.
In an effort to further boost its tourism appeal, plans are underway to establish direct flight routes from Daegu, South Korea; Taichung, Taiwan; and Kunming, China. Senai International Airport remains one of Malaysia’s busiest hubs, connecting 17 domestic locations and five international cities: Jakarta, Surabaya, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Guangzhou.