[2025 Air Masin Attraction] Travel Guide for Kukup Island Johor National Park (Updated May)

Kukup is a fishing village in south Malaysia’s Johor state. It's known for its seafood restaurants built on stilts over the water. Offshore, to the west, Kukup Island National Park has boardwalks through mangroves, an observation tower and a suspension bridge. To the south, the coastal mangroves and mudflats of Tanjung Piai National Park are home to dusky leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques and migratory birds. Seafood is a huge feature of Kukup for obvious reason. #kukup #fishingvillage #kelong #weekendgetaways

Getting There - Drive to the kukup island jetty. Park your car and take a boat there. There are a lot of ample parking spaces nearby the jetty. Boat fee - RM10/person. The journey by boat to the island is around 15 mins. Will pass by a fisherman village on the way Attractions - The wood trails inside the national park. Can see so many species of plants and trees + nice view of the sea from the trail Things to Bring - mineral water, sun hat and a camera We love to explore national parks as we get to blend in with the natures. So many amazing views can be expected too along the way. Be sure to go and spend a day in the Kukup Island National Park someday!

#### **First Impressions** **Pulau Kukup**, one of the world’s largest **uninhabited mangrove islands**, is a wild, muddy, and utterly fascinating day trip from Johor. Accessible only by boat, this **national park** feels like entering another world—a tangle of towering mangrove roots, skittering mudskippers, and the occasional **monitor lizard** sunning itself. As a solo traveller, I loved the raw, untouched vibe—no souvenir shops, just pure nature. #### **The Good 🌿** ✔ **Mangrove Wonderland** – Walk **wooden boardwalks** through dense mangroves, spotting **fiddler crabs**, **kingfishers**, and even **otters** if lucky. ✔ **Off-the-Grid** – No residents, no WiFi—just you and the jungle sounds. ✔ **Boat Ride Adventure** – The 10-min **speedboat** ride from Kukup jetty (RM20-30 return) adds to the expedition feel. ✔ **UNESCO Recognition** – Part of a **Ramsar Wetland Site**, meaning it’s ecologically precious. #### **The Not-So-Good 🦟** ✖ **Mosquito Heaven** – **Repellent is mandatory**—I reapplied three times. ✖ **Slippery & Muddy** – Wear **sturdy sandals or waterproof shoes**; the boardwalks can be slick. ✖ **Limited Facilities** – Only basic toilets at the jetty; bring water/snacks. ✖ **Weather Dependent** – Heavy rain = flooded paths. Check forecasts. #### **Solo Travel Tips** 🚤 **Getting There:** - Drive to **Kukup town** (1.5hr from JB), park near the jetty. - **Boat hires** are informal—negotiate with local boatmen (~RM25-30 for return trip). ⏰ **Best Time:** **Early morning (8-10AM)** for wildlife activity and cooler temps. 📸 **Photo Ops:** - **Mangrove tunnels** where roots arch overhead. - **Low tide** reveals mudflats teeming with crabs. - **Sunset** from the jetty (but leave before dark—no overnight stays). #### **Nearby Detours** 1. **Kukup Fishing Village** – Famous for **floating seafood restaurants** (try chilli crab!). 2. **Tanjung Piai** – Southernmost tip of mainland Asia (45-min drive; scenic boardwalks). #### **Verdict** ⭐ **4.3/5** – A **unique, adventurous** side of Johor most tourists miss. Perfect if you: - Love **ecotourism** and wild landscapes. - Don’t mind getting a little muddy. - Crave solitude with a side of jungle soundtrack. **Solo Bonus:** Boatmen are used to solo travellers and will happily chat about local lore (if you speak Malay/Mandarin). --- **Final Thought:** This isn’t a sanitized nature park—it’s a **living, breathing mangrove ecosystem** where you’re the visitor. And that’s what makes it special. *P.S. Keep an eye out for **fireflies** if you stay past dusk—the jetty area sometimes sparkles!*

#newyearnewtrip #travelanywhere #naturalwonders If you’re searching for a serene escape off the beaten path in Johor, look no further than Pulau Kukup Johor National Park. On my recent trip, I was completely captivated by this pristine mangrove island that feels like it’s frozen in time. Getting there was an adventure in itself, with a scenic boat ride from the Kukup jetty, leading to an island that felt worlds away from city life. The park is a vibrant tapestry of dense mangroves, rich birdlife, and untouched coastal beauty. Walking along the wooden boardwalks, I was surrounded by the rhythm of nature—a peaceful haven perfect for photography, wildlife watching, or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of a natural wonder. For a truly immersive experience, I recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds and heat. It’s the perfect escape for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. If you’re in Johor, make sure to carve out some time for Pulau Kukup—it’s a hidden gem worth exploring!

#myhiddengems If you like nature and mangrove forests this would be a place not to be missed. It's about an hour drive from Johor Bahru. Once you reach the fishing village called Kukup, the local people will approach you to take a 5 minutes boat ride from the jetty to get to the park. Visitors need to pay a fee at the entrance counter. I had a really good time there. It's my most favorite island. A good quality product and having a beautiful view. I can release my stress by seeing birds flying all over the island.

#malaysiatrip Very cool remote island. You get to see the floras and founas in the swamp area. Both the Sungai Ular and sea tide are deep and high so don't get yourself into trouble. You need to take a boat to this jetty. For boat fees, please be sure to tell you're M'sian or get charged as Singaporean rate. Quite a nice place to stroll on while enjoy the nature. The boardwalk is designed in a loop to accomodate a an hour of relaxing walk. The architectural design of some structure are awesome. The arch near the Berongan Platform is aestheticly design base on the shape of the Berongan shell. The quantity of the nterpretive panel can be increased for the ease of self-guided visitors.

Cycle to the new highway across the river to Kukup