KAMPUNG Sungai Melayu in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, is poised to attract significantly more visitors, after undergoing a major upgrade aimed at enhancing accessibility, visitor comfort and tourism offerings.
Johor Tourism director Mohammad Nazrul Abd Rahim said the upgraded attraction had been repositioned as one of the state’s latest ecotourism products.
It offers visitors a more comprehensive experience beyond traditional boat rides through the mangrove forests, he said.
Mohammad Nazrul said Kampung Sungai Melayu had long been popular among tourists seeking to explore the area’s natural beauty.
The latest improvements introduced new facilities and activities designed to enrich the overall visitor experience, he said.
“The product has always existed, but now we are introducing it as a refreshed ecotourism destination with better facilities and additional attractions for visitors,” Mohammad Nazrul said during a ceremony to unveil the upgrades.
He said the key improvements included better infrastructure and amenities, as well as the introduction of a digital ticketing system for tourists to purchase tickets and make payments via cashless methods.
He added that parking issues that previously affected visitors had also been addressed, making it easier for tourists to access the attraction, especially during peak periods.
“The facilities are now more comfortable and convenient for visitors.
“We have resolved several issues including parking concerns,” he said.
Mohammad Nazrul said the upgraded destination would not only benefit tourists, but also create economic opportunities for local residents and tourism operators in the village.
He said visitors could also purchase locally produced handicrafts and traditional products unique to the village, including food items and souvenirs.
“Tourists can experience the culture of Kampung Sungai Melayu and take home products made by the local community.
“This adds value to their visit while supporting local entrepreneurs,” he said.
Mohammad Nazrul expressed confidence that tourist arrivals would increase substantially, following the reopening and introduction of new attractions and facilities.
Meanwhile, Iskandar Puteri mayor Datuk Hasrin Kamal Hashim said the reopening marked the completion of a broader upgrading initiative aimed at making the ecotourism site more attractive and accessible.
He said new facilities included an e-ticketing counter as well as several kiosks selling local tourism products, handicrafts and village-made goods.
Hasrin Kamal added that one of the most significant improvements was the opening of a new access road along the Sultan Iskandar Coastal Highway, linking the area to surrounding developments and reducing travel distance.
He said the newly opened route shortened the journey into the village by more than 3km compared with the previous access road, making the destination easier to reach from Johor Baru city centre.
“Previously, visitors had to use an older road that was less convenient. With the new road, access is much smoother and more direct,” he said.
Hasrin Kamal said Kampung Sungai Melayu was one of the few places within Iskandar Puteri where visitors could experience a mangrove forest ecosystem within close proximity to an urban centre.
It was a unique attraction for both domestic and international tourists, he said.
