So much more to Muar

Also known as Bandar Maharani, this Johor town is certainly more than just otak-otak and ghazal music. recommends 10 things to do here

1. GERSIK HOT SPRING

The canopy-covered hot spring consists of a centre pool, an outer concentric pool and a second concentric pool. The outermost pool is warm, the second pool is hot and you can cook an egg in the centre pool. Water is pumped from the second pool to a children’s pool nearby. A surau, toilets, a children’s playground and hawker stalls complete the picture. This hot spring is located at Kampung Sungei Gersik, about 15km from Muar. 2. ENJOY GRILLED FISH AND BIRDWATCHINGATPARITJAWA’SLEKA BEACH

Never mind that Leka Beach comprises grey sand, pebbles and mud and is overrun with mangroves. Visitors come here to bird-watch during the migratory months when it’s winter in the northern hemisphere. Of course, any time is also a good time to enjoy grilled fish and asam pedas at the halal restaurants here. Non-halal seafood is also available. 4. HAWKER’S FOOD AT JALAN HAJI ABU Muar’s Jalan Haji Abu is known as “Glutton Street” because of its many hawker stalls. They sell braised duck rice, satay, otakotak, oyster omelette and countless types of snacks. However, many gourmands make a pilgrimage here just to sample Hainanese curry rice at Kedai Kopi Lu Shan. A mouthful of the rice delivers an invigorating jolt of coriander and star anise to your tastebuds.

5. STROLL AND EAT LOCAL DELIGHTS AT TANJUNG EMAS PARK

This is a well-maintained park with shady trees, flowers and neatly trimmed lawns and offers a soothing view of the Muar River. The food court serves wallet-friendly fare and, of course, the must-eats are mee bandung Muar (stall no. 9 is famous!) and