Cruising along Johor river

Guests getting a feel of the new river cruise programme which was recently introduced in Kota Tinggi.

KOTA TINGGI: Tourists can now explore another side of the state through a two-hour boat ride which stops at villages along the Johor river here.

The cruise package is a joint collaboration by the Southeast Johor Development Authority (Kejora) and Panz Adventures@Media Kota group.

The cruise aims to promote tourism products offered by villages along the 70km including Kampung Kelantan, Kampung Makam and Kampung Panchor, among others.

Kejora general manager Norazman Othman said that the authority would allocate between RM3mil and RM5mil yearly to promote the tourism products of 66 villages located between Pengerang and Taman Sri Lambak in Kluang.

“The money will be used to upgrade jetties especially in the Kota Tinggi district, for boat maintenance as well as other activities.

“We also organise courses for boat operators and provide classes for those who wish to obtain a licence to operate the boats,” he told reporters during a press conference at Kampung Johor Lama here

Norazman added that Kejora would review the effectiveness of the programme through the number of tourists taking part as well as the sales of products sold by the villagers.

Norazman (centre) posing with some of the participants of the programme at Kota Johor Lama in Kota Tinggi.

“Each village has its own unique offerings in terms of the food, tradition and culture and even recreational parks,” he added.

Over 30 media members as well as personnel from Kejora and local authorities participated in the river cruise programme, stopping at Kampung Panchor and Kampung Johor Lama.

Participants were given the opportunity to learn about the history of the villages as well as their local specialities including homemade food before heading to the Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm.

Panz Adventures @ Media Kota manager Shahrool Anuar Rohani said that the initiative was launched in December last year.

Among the places the cruise will stop at is the Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm in Kota Tinggi.

“The fare is RM150 and RM85 for an adult and child respectively,” he said adding children below the age of nine travel for free, subject to terms and conditions.

Shahrool said they can accommodate 34 people on the boat, including two crew members and two tour guides. \

Refreshments are provided.

For information, go to www.facebook.com/panzmediakota