Want to know all the best things to do in Muar? We have you covered! Below, you will find our guide to all the best attractions in Muar to plan your ultimate trip.
Muar is located in the state of Johor with its closest, more famous neighbour being Melaka. Muar is certainly less visited than Melaka. However, some historians actually date Muar as older than its now-more-famous neighbour.
Muar is currently designated as the Royal Town of Johor, and there are a number of interesting places in Muar.
Good food, good coffee, a thriving street art scene, a relaxed vibe and one of the cleanest cities in southeast Asia (according to ASEAN, having won an award in 2017), Muar is definitely worth visiting.
I also loved the lack of foreign tourists in Muar. It felt more special and like we were exploring it alone. Its street art is very cool and more fun than the more famous street art in Penang as you feel like you are discovering it by yourself when you’re not lining up to take a photo.
It’s also a pretty town with a nice river area and the streets seem to be colour coded in the centre. One minute, most of the buildings along a street are pink. Turn the corner and suddenly they’re yellow or purple! It’s fun.
There’s also plenty of street art beyond the two main places to see them that I note below. So keep your eyes open as you walk around.
Below, you’ll find the top things to do in Muar to help you plan your visit.
The attractions in Muar are low key and you can easily walk around and see most things in this list in a couple of hours. Muar is great for an overnight stop (which is what we did), but it would also make a great road trip stop on your way between Johor Bahru and Melaka.
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Top 13 Things To Do In Muar
Check Out The Colonial Architecture
The modern town of Muar was opened in 1884 and, as such, there’s a host of pre-war buildings on display. Many of Muar’s buildings display a fusion of cultures with influence from British colonial buildings as well as Middle Eastern architecture.
Top of the list are the Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque and the clock tower, both separate attractions listed below. The Customs and Excise building, completed in 1909, is also worth seeing although it is in need of a facelift. It previously served as the Muar Railway Station building.
Chiang Chuan Association Building is another beautiful architectural design with intricate details and influences from a number of cultures. Inside, you’ll find a tourist information centre.
The Muar Syariah Court, formerly the High Court building, has a more European architectural style than many of the other buildings in town.
Bangunan Sultan Abu Bakar, a two-storey building with a grand staircase and balcony, is painted in the familiar blue and white Muar colours.
All buildings above are located in the city centre and easy to walk to and from.
Stroll Along Tanjung Emas Park
Address: 4, 5, Taman Sri Tanjung, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
Tanjung Emas Park is free to enter and features numerous buildings, walkways, beautiful trees and a spacious waterfront where you can watch the sun set. Locals visit this park to cycle, jog, let their kids play in the playground and enjoy the waterfront scenery.
It’s an especially good place to visit in the evening, as the park lights up and is beautifully decorated with colourful lights.
There are food options around Tanjung Emas, including a food court, although individual stall opening hours vary. You can also bring a picnic to enjoy by the waterfront.
Take A Muar River Cruise
One of the best ways to appreciate Muar is from the water. The Muar River Cruise takes you along the river, offering a different perspective on the town and its historic waterfront.
Departing from the jetty at Tanjung Emas Park, this relaxing 30-minute boat trip passes some of Muar’s best-known landmarks, including the beautiful Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery, take some photos and see parts of the town you might otherwise miss.
It’s also a good activity for families, particularly if you’re visiting with younger children who might appreciate a break from walking around in the heat.
The cruise generally operates on Fridays, weekends and public holidays, with departures throughout the day. It’s worth checking the latest operating schedule before visiting, especially if you’re only stopping in Muar for a few hours.
Tickets cost RM30 for Malaysian adults, RM20 for children, RM25 for seniors and RM35 for international visitors.
You can find more information here.
You can easily combine this attraction with a visit to Tanjung Emas Park, making it a convenient addition to your Muar itinerary.
Address: Jalan Tanjung 4, Taman Emas, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
Check Out The Muar Clock Tower
Opposite the Sultan Ismail Bridge is the Muar Clock Tower, a three-tiered tower painted in white and blue. It’s in the middle of a roundabout.
The tower is closed to the public, but it’s well worth admiring from outside for its colonial architecture on your walk around Muar.
The clock is still functioning. It also lights up at night which makes it pretty to see.
Address: 1947, Jalan Abdullah, Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
Visit Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque
Address: Jalan Petri, Taman Sri Tanjung, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
Among the most impressive places in Muar is the Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque. This is a large mosque with a unique architectural style that combines a number of cultures, both western and eastern, in the signature Muar colours of blue and white.
From the front, it’s possible to think this building is a mansion rather than a mosque. But on closer inspection, its minarets make its design obvious. The mosque sits beside the Muar river and links up to the Tanjung Emas Park. It also faces the Masjid Sultan Ismail Muar across the river, its sister mosque.
This is one of the older mosques in the area, dating back to 1930. Inside is a tall ceiling and large prayer hall.
If you’re driving, parking is available here
See Beautiful Street Art In Maharani Mural Lane
Street art is a common sight in Muar and a walk down Maharani Mural Lane is definitely a must. This laneway has the biggest concentration of street art in the city and showcases the eclectic atmosphere of Muar.
Art ranges from Disney movies to historical scenes depicting life in Muar, to animals and self-portraits. It’s fun to see what you can spot. Some of it is more basic while other displays are quite impressive.
There’s art on the ground as well as some hopscotch and some other random activities for kids on the walls. Some areas of the laneway have colourful umbrellas hanging up as pictured above. It’s a fun lane and very pleasant in the evening when it seems to attract a nice breeze.
The laneway also crosses Jalan Sisi, a canopied street food centre and one of the major ones in town.
Address: Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
Check Out The Loving Sisters
The most famous mural in Muar is the Loving Sisters. Painted by the Russian artist Julia Volchkova, this mural features a black and white, detailed portrait depicting two young sisters, a seven-year-old and a three-year-old, in a loving embrace.
Painted on the side of a building and completed in 2016, this mural measures approximately 12 metres by 10 metres. It was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as Malaysia’s largest portrait mural at the time.
It’s randomly on a building on the side of a roundabout. You can see it on the map below.
Address: 1986, Jalan Arab, Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
Drive Along Sultan Ismail Bridge At Night
The Sultan Ismail Bridge connects Muar to Tanjung Agas and was built in the 1960s to replace ferry services. These were previously the only way to cross the river.
At nearly 400 metres long, it is quite impressive to see. It’s not a beautiful or ornate bridge, and more functional than anything, but still impressive considering its length and solid construction.
When we visited, pedestrian access was obstructed, so we crossed by car instead. You can also enjoy views of the bridge from the riverfront.
The bridge is particularly nice to see at night when it lights up. The light reflects over the water. There are plenty of places you can see it along the riverfront in the centre.
See Life-Size Dinosaur Sculptures At Don Hu Jurassic Garden Muar
If you’re travelling with kids, consider visiting Don Hu Jurassic Garden, especially if your kids love dinosaurs.
This small park is themed like a Jurassic playground, complete with life-sized dinosaur sculptures, including a T. rex, brachiosaurus and stegosaurus. Some dinosaurs have sound effects and moving parts, and the park also plays songs.
Best of all, admission is free! There are some theme park rides here too like a train, a small merry-go-round, bumper cars and an indoor games room. These do cost money but they are cheap, with most around RM10.
There are also a few souvenir shops and food for sale. It’s a fun place to visit with kids under 12.
Address: 2700, Pintasan Muar, Kampung Sabak Aur, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
Take The Muar Cultural Walk
The Muar Cultural Walk is a short walk down Jalan Meriam where more of the town’s artwork and murals are on display. This laneway specifically focuses on cultural and historic representations of Muar’s history. There are also many large murals of animals.
What’s really fun about this stretch of street art is that quite a few of the artworks also incorporate 3D elements which make it easy for you to become part of the art and get some great photos.
My kids loved posing in the pictures and we took many photos. You can spend quite a while having fun with the street art here.
Address: Jalan Meriam, Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
Visit Muar Nan Hai Fei Lai Temple
The Nan Hai Fei Lai Temple is a Chinese Buddhist temple dedicated to Guan Yin – the goddess of mercy. It’s one of the older, historic temples in town with a statue inside depicting the deity with a thousand hands.
It’s located just opposite to the bus mall. A small gateway leads you inside where you’ll find a courtyard and prayer hall. Inside, you’ll smell incense burning and see multiple people praying.
This is a nice temple with its ornate roof, courtyard and prayer hall.
Address: 104, Jalan Maharani, Taman Sri Emas, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
Shop Your Heart Out At Wetex Parade Shopping Centre
Conveniently located in the city centre, Wetex Parade Shopping Centre is a medium-sized shopping mall with lots of local shops inside. You can find good deals with products ranging from clothing to jewellery to books and more. There are larger chains as well, and a supermarket too.
There are also many eateries here including western franchises like McDonald’s, Baskin-Robbins and Boost Juice. Our favourite Sushi King is here too.
Plus, it’s got great aircon if you’re looking to escape the heat!
Address: 69, Jalan Ali, Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
Go Food Tasting At Glutton Street
Muar is a culinary destination and if the name of this street is anything to go by, you know the food here is going to be good! In fact, Glutton Streets are dotted all over Malaysia, and Muar offers its own unique fare to sample.
Also called Food Street Jalan Haji Abu, this 100-metre food street offers plenty of food stalls and traditional coffee shops. It’s a great place to sample a range of local dishes without having to travel all over town.
One thing you definitely shouldn’t miss is otak-otak, one of Muar’s most famous foods. This delicious snack consists of seasoned fish paste mixed with spices and coconut milk, wrapped in leaves and grilled. It’s full of flavour and perfect for eating as you explore the street.
Other popular dishes to look out for include or-chien (oyster omelette), fried carrot cake, satay, peanut soup and local desserts. My advice is to arrive hungry and try a few different things rather than filling up at the first stall!
While you’re in Muar, you should also make time to try mee bandung Muar. This local speciality consists of yellow noodles served in a rich, thick, spicy-sweet gravy, usually with prawns, egg and other ingredients. It’s one of the dishes the town is most famous for.
Another local favourite is asam pedas, a spicy and tangy dish typically made with fish, chilli, tamarind and aromatic herbs. It’s especially good served with rice. You can find dedicated mee bandung and asam pedas restaurants elsewhere around town if you don’t come across them during your visit to Glutton Street.
Some stalls along Glutton Street open during the day, but the street is liveliest in the evening, when more food options are available. Opening times vary between individual vendors.
It’s a must-visit for food lovers. Your stomach will agree!
Address: Jalan Haji Abu, Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
Muar Attractions Map
Best Place To Stay In Muar
Muar offers quite a few accommodation options for visitors. While you won’t find any major five-star hotel chains here, there are plenty of comfortable and convenient accommodation options.
Below, we’ve selected both a budget and midrange option, as well as our top pick for the best place to stay in Muar.
BEST – Classic Hotel Review
Classic Hotel is one of the best located hotels in Muar, being directly connected to Wetex Parade for the ultimate convenience.
The hotel offers deluxe rooms with twin or double beds, and suites including a junior and executive option. Rooms are very spacious and comfortable with flatscreen TVs and a sitting area. Suites are considerably larger with a lounge area. Rooms are a little dated but impeccably clean and of high standard.
The hotel offers both easy express check-in and check-out, free parking and Wi-Fi, and a free daily newspaper and drinking water.
There’s also a taxi stand, café and restaurant onsite, and kids under 12 stay free in existing bedding.
Click here for the latest prices.
MIDRANGE – Muo Boutique Hotel Review
This trendy boutique hotel is a very comfortable option in a super convenient position. You can walk to most Muar attractions on this list from this hotel.
There is free WiFi in rooms and throughout the hotel, as well as air-conditioning, flatscreen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and many nice extras – like common seating areas and one of the coolest reception areas I’ve seen in a hotel. Your welcome drink is a choice of dried fruit tea. It’s great.
The Muo Boutique Hotel also had the best linen and towels I’ve experienced in a long time!
There is a range of small rooms, including family rooms with a partition for privacy.
This is a great hotel for a convenient and comfortable stay.
Click here for the latest prices or click here to read our full review.
BUDGET – Dragon City Hotel Review
Dragon City Hotel is a good option if you’re looking for value for money. This hotel is further from the main attractions than our other recommendations, but offers affordable budget-friendly accommodation.
There are twin, single, queen and family rooms available. These are basic rooms with a flatscreen TV and private ensuite bathroom. WiFi is available in all rooms but some guests have reported issues.
Parking is available at a cost. Conveniently, there is a water dispenser and iron available for guest use in the common areas. There is no lift at this hotel which means you must be able to use the stairs.
The hotel is positioned close to a minimart and local restaurants and eateries.
Click here for the latest prices.
How To Get To Muar
It’s easy to get to Muar by bus, taxi or car. If you have your own car, great! You are good to go.
If you need to take a bus, click here for the latest timetables and bus prices.
You can also hire a car to get you there by clicking here.
If you are travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Muar, read our guide to exactly how to travel between these two cities here.
If you are travelling to or from Johor Bahru from Muar, read our guide here to exactly how to travel between these cities.
Muar With Kids
Muar is quite an easy place to visit with kids. Most of the attractions are in the city centre, and it’s easy to walk between them. It’s also got a calmer vibe which can make it one of the less stressful destinations to visit in Southeast Asia with kids.
Both the Don Hu Jurassic Garden and Tanjung Emas Park can’t be missed if you’re visiting with kids. Don Hu Jurassic Garden is particularly worth a visit if one of your little ones happens to love dinosaurs!
My kids (aged 6 and 11 when we visited) also loved the street art in Muar Cultural Walk. They loved posing in the various scenes.
Final Words
I hope this guide has been helpful! While there isn’t a huge range of attractions in Muar, it’s still a pretty town with plenty of artwork, interesting buildings and great street food, making it a lovely low-key destination.
You don’t need long here. You could just make it a stop to wander the city centre as you travel between Johor Bahru and Melaka. However, we did enjoy staying overnight and soaking in how clean, calm and just nice this city is.
Find the best hotels in Muar here and all our guides to visiting Muar here. You can also read about nearby Melaka here or Johor Bahru here.
Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!
