Cruise Along Johor Strait Showcases A Different Side Of JB

By Nur Fatin Mohmad Kadenen

JOHOR BAHRU, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Not many realise that Johor Bahru is rich with attractions that offer visitors unique experiences, beyond just being a transit point to the Lion City across the causeway.

The rapidly developing city in fact offers a distinctive side often overlooked, ranging from cultural heritage and culinary diversity to leisure activities that allow visitors to see it from a different perspective.

Among the new attractions gaining attention is cruising along the Johor Strait, where passengers can enjoy the beauty of neon lights illuminating the city and the view of Singapore’s skyline from afar.

Even more interesting, the cruise known as 'Sinaran Cruises' also passes under the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) bridge, which is currently under construction.

For a group of friends from Selangor on a three-day two-night holiday in the city, the cruise experience left a memorable impression.

“… going around Johor Bahru city by car is common, but the cruise is something different,” said Israk Aziz, 24.

Another visitor, Badrul Hisyam Zahari, 30, also admitted being excited by the new attraction.

“For me it’s worth it, the view is beautiful and you can see the Singapore border. Actually, Johor Bahru has many attractions and activities that people don’t know about,” he said.

Sinaran Cruises owner and managing director KP.Shan said the response has been very encouraging not only among locals but also visitors from Singapore and Indonesia.

He said operations in Johor Bahru started a month ago with cruises departing from Senibong Cove Marina Jetty, while services at Puteri Harbour Jetty in Iskandar Puteri have been running for more than a year.

“For cruises in Johor Bahru, visitors have the chance to see a unique panorama as the boat passes under the RTS Link bridge. In Iskandar Puteri, the view around the Johor Strait including Kampung Tebing Runtuh is the main attraction,” he said.

Shan said he currently operates two cruises with capacities of eight and 10 people for a 45-minute trip, running from 3 pm to 10 pm daily.

“The response has been very encouraging, with about eight to nine trips daily at both locations,” he said.

As for prices, Shan said fares start at RM40 for adults, RM20 for children aged four to 12, while those under four ride for free.  

Senior citizens aged 60 and above are charged RM20, while Persons with Disabilities (PwD) enjoy a 50 per cent discount.

He added that bookings are also accepted for private cruises lasting an hour at RM350 and RM390, depending on the vessel’s capacity.

-- BERNAMA