Like it or hate it, durian remains in a class of its own as the king of fruit, and Malaysia is well-known as one of the countries that produces the best durian in the world. But in Malaysia, Segamat is where people will head to come durian season. As a matter of fact, there’s even a news report about a grandfather who flew on a helicopter all the way from Kuala Lumpur only to savour Segamat durian!
My recent trip to Segamat, thanks to Tourism Malaysia Southern Region (Johor), was timely as it coincided with durian season that usually takes place annually around May until June, sometimes extending all the way to July and August.
Importantly, besides durians, I also made friends with amiable and talented locals, as well as experienced thrilling and adventerous activities, further opening my eyes to the many things that Segamat has to offer…
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RZ Restoran Ikan Baung Segamat
This restaurant has been in operation for over 30 years. It is especially famous for its ikan baung masak lemak cili api (catfish cooked in spicy yellow curry) and udang galah masak sambal (giant prawns with chili paste). But travellers can opt for many other dishes available; some worth recommending are daging masak hitam (beef cooked in sweet black sauce) and rojak sayur (local mixed salad dish).
Address: No.34, Jalan 2/3, Taman Utama 85000 Segamat, Johor
Operation hour: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Everyday except Tuesday)
Labis Sunrise Farm
Spread across 150 acres of land, travellers can find eight types of fruits planted here such as durian, jackfruit, cempedak, pandan coconut, mangosteen, guava and banana. Labis Sunrise Farm began operating in 2016 and offers travellers the chance to stay in well-furnished, air-conditioned rooms or camping sites.
Since it is erected on top of a hill, the view from up here is simply breathtaking, especially during sunrise. The resort area is well-decorated with beautiful murals, making it a good spot for a photo op. The other facilities are a karaoke room, pool table, mahjong and bicycles. My friends and I even tried our hands at launching the sky lanterns into the air!
To experience the farm better, travellers should participate in the ‘Fruit Farm Tour’ activity that takes them on a cute, pink bus ride to visit fruit farms, stingless bee farms, a mini zoo and a kid-friendly swimming pool. This activity takes around two hours and is priced at MYR38 (adult) and MYR33 (child).
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Address: Lot 3091, Jln Segamat, Labis, 85300 Segamat, Johor
WhatsApp: +6 011 1064 3688
Homestay Smilian Felda Tenang
If travellers are into community-based tourism, this is the place. There are many residents in Homestay Smilian Felda Tenang who take part in this homestay programme and will welcome travellers like their own family members!
My friends and I were greeted warmly by the residents of Kampung Tenang accompanied by the rousing sound of kompang and energetic silat kalimah performance, a type of Malay traditional martial arts.
It is interesting to know that the village, which is inhabited by around 1,800 people, was initially named Felda Anak Durian in reference to the king of fruit that is the icon of Segamat. It was, however, changed to ‘Tenang’ in commemoration of the late Muhammad Ariffin @ Tok Tenang who was responsible in opening the village back in 1806.
Travellers are bound to be blown away by the talented residents of Kampung Tenang comprising as many as 13 handcraft artists and entrepreneurs, each with own specialty like Resin Art Kayu Hanyut (resin art), Parang Sarung (machete and sheath), Sangkar Burung (bird cage), Deko Tayar (used tires), Piper Tongkat (smoking pipe) and Kincir Maling (propeller).
I took the opportunity to meet some of them to learn more about their products like Kraf Kulit (leather craft), Gasing Tradisional (traditional spinning top), Inovasi Gasing (innovative spinning top), Anyaman Rotan (wicker), and herbs containing nutrients to treat various illnesses.
Address: Homestay Smilian Felda Tenang, Lot. JKR 1172, Jalan Besar, FELDA Tenang, 85300 Labis, Johor
Phone Number: +6 019 785 1283
Cabin Hills Labis Eco Resort
Sitting on top of a hill, this five-acre resort offers a unique experience for travellers who want to stay on a durian farm. As a matter of fact, those who stay in Cabin Hills Labis Eco Resort can easily savour any durian that they find laying on the ground! Owned by Haji Hassan Mohd Jadi, this resort opened to the public two years ago. It can accommodate up to 80 pax at any one time.
The rooms come in the form of colourful cabins. Each cabin is fitted with a bed, television, air conditioner and water heater. Other facilities available at the resort are a multifunctional hall, meeting room, cafe, indoor playground for children, and barbecue pit.
To make it more interesting, many activities are offered here, for example, ATV-riding, archery, ping pong, and flying fox at reasonable fees. For those who love hiking can climb up Tahang Rimau Hill to enjoy a breathtaking view of Labis, while those preferring a relaxing and less laborious option can take in the panoramic sunrise view right from the resort’s grounds.
Address: Jalan Juaseh, Pekan Air Panas, 85300 Labis, Johor
Phone Number: +6 017 309 4046
ATV in Segamat
Riding ATV in Segamat with Cabin Hills Labis Eco Resort is both thrilling and fulfilling. I truly recommend this activity for travellers who want to indulge more in what Labis has to offer. Here are some of our stops during the ATV ride:
- Tok Tenang’s Tomb – Kampung Tenang earns its name in remembrance of Muhammad Ariffin, also known as Tok Tenang. He was the one who opened the village on 3 December 1806.
- Ali & Son Porcupine Farm – Mohd Zaili Ali breeds around 30 porcupines here for commercial purposes. A pair of mature porcupines can be sold for MYR2,000!
- Arshad Stingless Bee Farm – Arshad Haji Luman is committed to producing and selling only authentic stingless bee honey since 2015. There are two types of stingless bees at his farm: trigona thoracica and trigona itama.
- Air Terjun Bawah Bumi – Literally means Underground Waterfall, this attraction located within Labis Forest Reserve is also, literally, hidden amidst giant rocks and mossy boulders. This interesting natural phenomenon allows travellers to only listen to the sound of the gushing river from down under. To arrive here, travellers need to hike for 30 minutes. Other names of this hidden gem are Air Terjun Tenang Kudung and Air Terjun Hulu Sungai Tenang.
Bukit Tahang Rimau
Around a 30 to 40 minutes hike from Cabin Hills Labis Eco Resort, travellers may summit Bukit Tahang Rimau which stands at an elevation of 223 metres. From this point, travellers can admire the magnificent sunrise, parts of Labis and notable hills, including mountains such as Gunung Cabang Tiga and Bukit Pengantin. Of course, this depends on the weather conditions (or your luck!).
Labis Hot Spring
One of the recommended public attractions that travellers should visit while in Labis is the hot spring, giving rise to the area’s name Pekan Air Panas (Hot Spring Town). Hot spring water has been proven to contain healing benefits, especially related to skin diseases. Labis Hot Spring is special because the highest temperature recorded is only 45° Celcius, making the water less smelly considering it has low concentrations of sulphur.
With four pools of different depths, including a wading pool and a water playground, travellers of all ages can make the most of Labis Hot Spring. It also has a public toilet, jacuzzi, and praying room for Muslims.
The entrance fees for Malaysians are MYR4 (adult) and MYR2 (child).
Address: Air Panas, 85300 Labis, Johor
Operating hours: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Monday – Thursday) / 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Friday – Sunday)
Telephone Number: +6 07 928 7106
Air Terjun Sungai Bantang
Located within Labis Forest Reserve, Air Terjun Sungai Bantang or Sungai Bantang Waterfall has been open since 1989 before being developed in 1990. It has four rapids and four attractions namely Kolam Tengas, Kolam Hijau, Gunung Bekok and Keruing Assam Study Area.
Myriads of activities that can be done here are camping, jungle trekking and picnicking. Travellers can find two fish sanctuaries, one for kelah (Malayan mahseer), and the other for local fish like lampam (tinfoil barb) and tengas (copper mahseer).
To make this place even more enjoyable and convenient, especially for families with children, many facilities are provided such as a water splash, multipurpose hall, camping site, hanging bridge, jogging track, resting huts, interpretation trails, praying rooms and toilets.
Good to know: In 2018, a group of researchers from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) made headlines for discovering a new species of ants, scientifically known as Echinopla Tunku-Abduljalilii, at Hutan Lipur Sungai Bantang.
Address: Jalan Sungai Bantang, 85400, Bekok, Segamat, Johor
Operating hours: 9:00 a.m. hingga 5:00 p.m.
Telephone Number: +6 07 931 2141 (Pejabat Hutan Daerah Segamat)
Filed in: Segamat / Tourism Malaysia
