Get muddy with your buddies in Johor with ATV rides, hikes and more

Raptor Nest is a good spot for thrill-seeking adventurers. — Photos: GISELE SOO/The Star

Grains of sand flew into my face when I rode the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) down the rugged trail, revving the engine. The afternoon sun was relentless, and the soft breeze did little to cool us down.

The moment the wheels hit the muddy track, the heat was the last thing on my mind.

Ahead of us were muddy trails, winding jungle tracks and enough puddle to make sure none of us would return clean.

If your idea of a weekend getaway is a little more rugged than a casual stroll around the shopping mall or a trip to that popular “aesthetic” cafe, then you might want to see what Johor has in store for you.

The southernmost state in Peninsular Malaysia is actually gaining traction as an adventure destination, with a wide range of outdoor activities to suit different types of travellers.

Our ATV ride was just one of the many activities we experienced over several days in Johor during a recent trip, which revealed a side of the state that many visitors may have overlooked.

Go on a thrilling ATV ride with ATV Park Johor in Kota Tinggi.

Mud and bumps

Our first stop was the ATV Park Johor in Sungai Lebak, Kota Tinggi, which is a 45-minute or so drive from the state capital, Johor Baru.

Before setting off, our guides briefed us on how to operate the vehicles. Those who preferred not to ride alone could opt for either a double-seater ATV or the utility terrain vehicle (UTV), where two people sit side-by-side.

The route would take around two hours to cover, with a stop midway at what our guides called a “waterfall”. Naturally, many of us pictured a cascading stream hidden deep in the forest. That thought alone kept us going as the afternoon heat intensified. But more on that later.

The ATV trail was anything but boring. We bounced over uneven ground, rolled through muddy potholes of varying depths and navigated around thick tree roots that criss-crossed the trail.

At certain sections, the terrain dipped quite sharply downhill. Rather than speeding down the slope, we were told to step on the brake gently and let the ATV roll downhill on its own before accelerating again on flatter ground.

It sounded easy ... out on the trail, though, keeping the ATV steady while waiting for the right moment to accelerate was another story.

There were also plenty of low-hanging branches to dodge, which made it extra exciting.

About 30 minutes into the ride, we were already counting down to that promised waterfall. Under the blazing sun, even the thought of cool water was enough to keep our spirits high.

When we finally arrived, we discovered that the waterfall was actually a small pool fed by flowing water rather than a natural cascade. It wasn’t quite what many of us had imagined, but after the hot and muddy ride, none of us were complaining.

Most of us jumped straight in, letting the cool water wash away the sweat and a good amount of mud we had “collected” along the trail.

We later learnt that there is indeed a natural waterfall – Tengkil Waterfall – along a separate route. It is only open on weekends and visitors must book at least five days in advance, as the operator is required to obtain a permit from the Johor State Forestry Department beforehand. Bookings can be made through the ATV Park Johor.

By the time we returned to the centre, our clothes were spattered with mud (again!).

Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones where getting dirty is part of the fun.

Raptor Nest is a good for thrill-seeking adventurers.

That adrenaline fix

Our second ATV adventure took place at Raptor Nest, located within Sireh Park in Iskandar Puteri, about 20km from Johor Baru. This was one of the most exciting parts of the whole trip – even getting to the starting point was exhilarating.

We climbed aboard a rugged 4WD vehicle that rumbled through gravel tracks in the forest before we took a short walk to the ATV site. The ride itself was shorter than the one in Kota Tinggi, but no less exciting.

The track was made up of deep ruts left behind by heavy machinery, causing our ATVs to tilt dramatically from side to side.

“There are moments where it feels like you are about to fall,” said one of the fellow riders.

We tackled every twist and turn, some riders more confidently than others.

Sireh Park has more than just ATV rides. Occupying about 139ha, the former oil palm plantation has been transformed into a recreational park in which visitors can easily spend an entire day.

While you’re at Sireh Park, you can go kayaking at Raptor Nest.

Besides the ATV ride, visitors can also go kayaking or fishing on the lake, take a leisurely walk around the area, camp overnight or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings. Those who prefer not to pitch their own tents can stay at Raptor Nest’s tents instead.

The lake, nicknamed Chicken Feet Lake, gets its moniker from its branching waterways, which resemble a chicken’s footprint when viewed from above.

Nature lovers will also appreciate the park’s tree-planting programme and birding opportunities. The forest attracts a wide variety of bird species, making it a favourite among birders.

While walk-in visitors are welcome, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Competition on four wheels

We swapped muddy jungle trails for a different kind of adventure at X Park Iskandar Puteri, where we stayed for two nights at its accommodation, X Chalet.

The highlight for many of us was the go-kart circuit.

Once our helmets were on, it was game on. With engines roaring, we waited at the starting line, determined to set the fastest lap time possible.

Some of us got so hooked that one round turned into two, then three.

Despite our best efforts, none of us managed to beat the operator Satish’s impressive lap record. But that gave us another excuse to get back behind the wheel.

If go-karting isn’t your thing, there are other activities to choose from. Some of us tried the high rope obstacle course – a good way to face your fear of heights, apparently – and golfing, for the very first time.

I was especially keen to try the latter, but hitting a tiny ball was much harder than it looked. Every swing tested both my patience and my coordination, and a few lucky shots weren’t enough to keep me going.

Others, meanwhile, seemed naturally gifted. Maybe golf chooses you, and not the other way around.

Still, it was a great time to be had because everyone in the group found something they enjoyed.

X Ladang lets visitors get a feel of what farm life is like.

The park also has activities such as archery, obstacle courses and pickleball, while those looking for something more relaxing can visit X Ladang, where visitors can feed cows, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

We wrapped up one evening with dinner aboard a floating “restaurant”, which floated across the lake as the sun began to set, a relaxing way to end an action-packed day.

When people think of Johor, destinations like Mersing, Desaru and its beautiful islands often come to mind. And rightly so. But the state’s appeal extends far beyond its coastline.

Enjoy your dinner on a floating dining boat at X Park Iskandar Puteri.

Whether you are looking to splash through muddy jungle trails, challenge your friends to a go-kart race or simply unwind by the lake, there are enough activities to fill a fun weekend getaway in the state.

All you really need is a willingness to try something new and perhaps not mind getting a little muddy along the way.

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Travel notes

How to get there: You can fly to Senai International Airport near Johor Baru, then rent a car to get to the attractions.

Alternatively, you can also take a bus from any of the major terminals in Peninsular Malaysia and stop at Johor Baru.

Driving is another option; it takes about four hours to get from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Tinggi, and 3.5 hours to Iskandar Puteri.

Attractions:

Sireh Park 

ATV Park Johor 

X Park Iskandar Puteri