Johor's hidden gem: Honeymooners Muhammad Fadzhil Dali and Faraliza Mahmud (centre), both 30, flanked by R. Sharan Kumar, 28, and N. Ashwini, 28, and Lai Mun Kit, 25, and Chou Jie Wei, 24, taking photos with a 10.5m-tall giant golden snake statue in Putuo Village in Kulai, Johor. The couples are enjoying the stunning bamboo forest that evokes a South Korean atmosphere. Photo: THOMAS YONG/The Star
Putuo Village a hidden paradise for honeymooners and visitors alike
KULAI: Honeymooners Muhammad Fadzhil Dali and Faraliza Mahmud felt like they had been transported to South Korea while strolling through a serene, lush bamboo valley – but they were actually in Johor.
The couple from Kuala Lumpur were in Johor Baru for their honeymoon recently and decided to wrap up their trip with a visit to the scenic Putuo Village.
Muhammad Fadzhil, 30, said it was his wife’s idea to stop at the village, about 10km from Kulai town, after seeing recommendations on social media.
“We were pleasantly surprised that Johor has such a vast bamboo forest, complete with beautiful decorations for photo opportunities,” he said, likening the forest to those in South Korea.
“My wife, who has always wanted to visit South Korea, said our photos looked like they were taken overseas,” the food trader said when interviewed.
“Since it is the Chinese New Year season, we also took photos with the festive decorations, including a giant golden snake statue in the forest.”
Muhammad Fadzhil said he and his wife were impressed by the village and would recommend it to his family and friends.
Businessman Jacky Chang, 58, said it has been his family’s tradition for the past 10 years to visit the village during Chinese New Year.
“Besides soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the fresh air at the bamboo valley, I also prepared some ang pow to distribute to senior citizens at an old folk’s home located within the village,” he added.
Meanwhile, Putuo Village marketing manager Alston Lim said they saw an average of 14,357 visitors each day during the first week of Chinese New Year.
He said the village recorded 86,144 visitors from Jan 29 to Feb 3, an increase of 30% compared with last year.
“Apart from local visitors of various races, we also noticed more tourists from China, South Korea and Vietnam this year.”
“One of the main attractions is our 10.5m-tall giant golden snake coiling around some bamboo structures, which took our team about six months to plan and construct in conjunction with the Year of the Snake.
“The snake structure also glistens with 8,888 pieces of handcrafted scales.
“Inspired by ancient Chinese mythology, the creature symbolises harmony and blessings.”
Lim added that the entrance fee to the bamboo valley remains the same at RM10 per adult and RM5 for children and seniors aged 55 and above.
The funds go towards the conservation of the bamboo plants.
