Kluang is my mum's hometown, and I've made frequent trips to this town since young. I've previously blogged about taking a train to make a day's trip to Kluang. If you have a car and more time to spare, you can drive up north from Singapore (about 1.5 hours) and make a weekend trip instead.
Day 1
About 15 mins drive after exiting from the North South Highway will bring you to ZenXin Organic Park. City dwellers (including myself) are often clueless about the origin of vegetables we eat (whether it is a root of a plant or how it is grown) and how fruits trees look like. A visit to this Organic Park will answer some of these queries and open your eyes to the world of vegetables and fruits. There are free guided tours available for you to join (check out ZenXin Organic Park's website for the timing) and you can also engage in "lokang" fishing (catching fish with net in a swallow pond). To complete the visit, visit the Farm Mart to shop organic food stuffs grown in the Organic Park.
Address: Plot 47A & B, Batu 9, Jalan Batu Pahat, 86000 Kluang, Johor
For lunch or tea, I'll choose to have it at Kluang Rail Coffee. In fact, I'll never leave Kluang without having a meal there. The toasted buns are heavenly and they also serve other food like nasi lemak etc.
Address: 20 & 21, Jalan Tasik 1, Pusat Perniagaan Tasik, 86000 Kulang, Johor
There are a few hotels available in Kluang, and I often stay at Starz Hotel, as it is clean, modern and economical (and close to Kluang Rail Coffee). The rooms are pretty basic, but good enough for a 1 to 2 nights stay. There is also a supermarket and some shops right next to the hotel.
Address: No 31, 32 33, Jalan Tasik 1, Pusat Perniagaan Tasik, 86000, Kluang, Johor
After check-in, you'll probably want to go to the central town of Kluang to shop for some "Kluang Delights". I'll recommend you to buy:
1. Tong Huat Confectionary
Address: No 28 & 30, Jalan Cantik, 86000 Kluang Johor
Tong Huat Confectionary is famous for their Tau Sa Piah, and there is a sweet version and a salty (traditional) version. I actually preferred their Heong Piah (香饼) for the sugar coated winter melon fillings with sesame seeds.
2. Yuen Fatt Shanghai Mooncake
Address: No 39 Jalan Haji Manap Nordin, Kluang Bahru, 86000 Kluang, Johor
The mooncake is usually available as early as June. Unlike traditional mooncake, Shanghai Mooncake has a softer skin (almost like pineapple tart type of skin) which makes it "melt it your mouth".
Otherwise, pay a visit to Kluang Mall where Padini, Uniqlo, H&M, Cotton On and Pacific Supermarket are some of the tenants there. You can also catch a movie or have a game of bowling there.
Address: No 31, 32 33, Jalan Tasik 1, Pusat Perniagaan Tasik, 86000, Kluang, Johor
After check-in, you'll probably want to go to the central town of Kluang to shop for some "Kluang Delights". I'll recommend you to buy:
1. Tong Huat Confectionary
Address: No 28 & 30, Jalan Cantik, 86000 Kluang Johor
Tong Huat Confectionary is famous for their Tau Sa Piah, and there is a sweet version and a salty (traditional) version. I actually preferred their Heong Piah (香饼) for the sugar coated winter melon fillings with sesame seeds.
2. Yuen Fatt Shanghai Mooncake
Address: No 39 Jalan Haji Manap Nordin, Kluang Bahru, 86000 Kluang, Johor
The mooncake is usually available as early as June. Unlike traditional mooncake, Shanghai Mooncake has a softer skin (almost like pineapple tart type of skin) which makes it "melt it your mouth".
Otherwise, pay a visit to Kluang Mall where Padini, Uniqlo, H&M, Cotton On and Pacific Supermarket are some of the tenants there. You can also catch a movie or have a game of bowling there.
For dinner, a 5 mins drive from the Starz Hotel will bring you to Restoran Won Kee. Famous for its claypot rice and home cook soup, it takes a bit of time for your order to be served as they'll cook it on the spot. However, you'll find that the wait is definitely worth it as you stir in the black soya sauce and salted fish (yes, you need to do it yourself) and take your first bite.
Address: No 24, Jalan Intan2/4, Taman Intan, Kluang 86000
Day 2
My family loves dim sum, so we'll always go to Chop Foo Chow for breakfast. The dim sum there are pretty decent with a huge variety of choice. You'll need to take the order paper provided by the staff to go to the counter and take whatever you want.
Address: No 2 Jalan Langsat, 86000 Kluang, Johor
If you feel guilty eating too much during this trip, shed off some calories by taking a walk at Gunung Lambak, also know to locals as the backbone of Johor. I've only managed to reach the half way point of the 510m hill, but the view is nice enough (do be careful as there are monkeys along the way) and worth the workout.
Address: No 2 Jalan Langsat, 86000 Kluang, Johor
If you feel guilty eating too much during this trip, shed off some calories by taking a walk at Gunung Lambak, also know to locals as the backbone of Johor. I've only managed to reach the half way point of the 510m hill, but the view is nice enough (do be careful as there are monkeys along the way) and worth the workout.
Before bidding goodbye to Kluang, visit the Kluang Baru area ,which is quite famous for curry fish head. I usually have mine at Restoran Patam, and on top of curry fish head, its home-make fried tofu is equally nice.
Address: No 28, Jalan Lim Swee Sim, Taman Kluang Baru, 86000 Kluang, Johor
Hope this guide is useful for you to plan a weekend trip to Kluang.
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