The Historical and Natural Gem of Eastern Johor
Kota Tinggi District, located in the northeastern part of Johor, is a land of royal heritage, waterfalls, mangroves, and seaside serenity. It is one of Johor’s largest districts, blending history, nature tourism, and growing development, especially along the east coast.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Kota Tinggi District |
| State | Johor |
| District Capital | Kota Tinggi Town |
| Area | Approx. 3,500 sq. km (one of the largest in Johor) |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 200,000 |
| Parliamentary Seats | 2 (Kota Tinggi, Tenggara) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Daerah Kota Tinggi (MDKT) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Kota Tinggi District consists of 10 mukims (sub-districts):
- Kota Tinggi
- Johor Lama
- Sedili Besar
- Sedili Kecil
- Ulu Sungai Johor
- Pantai Timur
- Pengerang
- Tanjung Sedili
- Tenggaroh
- Panti
Key Towns and Areas
- Kota Tinggi Town – Administrative center with markets and heritage
- Pengerang – Home to PIPC (refinery), rapid growth zone
- Tanjung Sedili & Desaru – Fishing villages and beach resorts
- Sungai Rengit – Popular for seafood and coastal charm
History & Heritage
- Once the seat of the Johor Sultanate after the fall of Melaka
- Johor Lama Fort (Kota Johor Lama) – important historical site
- Tombs of sultans and warriors from the 16th century
- Museums and cultural centers reflect Johor’s royal lineage
Economy & Development
- Agriculture: oil palm, rubber, fruits
- Fishing industry along the Sedili coast
- Tourism: eco-tourism, beaches, historical attractions
- Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC): major oil & gas hub
- Emerging residential and industrial developments
Education & Healthcare
- Public & private schools across towns
- Vocational institutions in Kota Tinggi town
- Healthcare:
- Hospital Kota Tinggi – government hospital
- Private clinics and mobile services in rural zones
Transport & Connectivity
- Connected via Federal Route 3 and Senai–Desaru Expressway (SDE)
- Easy access to Johor Bahru and Desaru
- Public buses and ride-hailing apps available in major areas
Tourism & Attractions
- Kota Tinggi Waterfalls (Air Terjun Kota Tinggi): Popular weekend getaway
- Desaru Coast:
- White sand beaches, luxury resorts, water parks
- Desaru Fruit Farm & Ostrich Farm
- Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum
- Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
- Johor Lama Fort & Historical Complex
- Sungai Lebam Wetlands & Firefly River Cruises
Culture & Food
- Mix of Malays, Orang Asli, Chinese, and fishing communities
- Local food highlights:
- Ikan Bakar (grilled fish)
- Mee Bandung Kota Tinggi
- Fresh seafood from Sedili & Sungai Rengit
- Cultural festivities: Maulidur Rasul, Hari Raya, and local fairs
Summary
Kota Tinggi District is a gateway to Johor’s royal history and coastal beauty. From waterfalls to oil & gas innovation, and forts to five-star resorts, it offers a unique mix of past, present, and potential—making it a rising star in Malaysia’s east coast development.