Roughly halfway between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian city of Muar is famous for its diverse architecture and regional cuisine. Here you’ll find everything from traditional temples and mosques — most of which are located along the Muar River — to neoclassical-style stunners like the Muar Syariah Court. The city is known for its coffee, and one good way to experience Muar is to tour the coffee shops and food stalls specializing in local dishes like otak-otak, curried fish wrapped in coconut leaves. Outside of Muar, you’ll find lush, mountainous terrain outside of the city limits in Gunung Ledang National Park, home to mountain hikes and gorgeous waterfalls, such as Puteri Waterfalls.

Located near the equator, Muar enjoys a tropical climate that is hot and often overcast. The city experiences plentiful rainfall from April to September. If you prefer warm and dry weather, the best time to visit Muar is between January and May, when the equatorial heat is not too harsh, and there is little to no rain. This period is also the best time for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate sightseeing, hiking, and recreational parks. From October to March, flowers bloom, adding to the beauty and fragrance of the city. In October, Maur celebrates the Nine Emperor God Festival, offering vegetarian food and traditional dances.

Gunung Ledang National Park

Located just outside Muar, Gunung National Park is home to Mount Ophir, the setting for a local Malay legend surrounding the failed romance between a fairy princess and Sultan Mahmud Shah. The park is best known for its steep hiking trails. Scenic routes extend along the rocky mountain, offering views of waterfalls.

Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque

Located at the mouth of the Muar River, the Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque is a beautiful white mosque with a blue roof and sky-blue pillars. It is a popular destination for religious pilgrims and art enthusiasts here to admire architecture that combines Western styles with traditional Malay and Arabic influences.

Food Street Jalan Haji Abu

Visit Food Street Jalan Haji Abu (also known as Muar Glutton Street) to taste some of Muar’s best street foods. Local Malay foods, such as asam pedas (spicy and sour fish stew with vegetables), and Javanese dishes, like Nasi Ambeng (rice with various halal side dishes), are Maur’s signature cuisine. After a meal, treat yourself to delicious desserts like the tempeh goreng, a fried Javanese fermented soybean cake served with a hint of coriander.