Established in 1918, Pasir Gudang is a sprawling city on the eastern edge of Johor Bahru. Its name comes from the sand mines that once existed in the area before the landscape was marked by rubber plantations owned by British and Singaporean cultivators in the early 20th century. Today, Pasir Gudang is a hub for the shipbuilding, petrochemical and palm oil industries.
Things to do in Pasir Gudang
One of Pasir Gudang’s most famous cultural institutions is the Kite Museum, which was established in 2002 as part of the Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival. It occupies a two-storey building powered by a small windmill and houses an impressive collection of vintage kites, posters and artefacts related to kite-flying and the festival’s history.
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss a visit to the TS Wonderland Indoor Water Theme Park, where you’ll find shallow pools and children’s play equipment. Older kids can get behind the wheel at the Permas Go-Kart Club, which boasts a well-designed track laid out within a forest plantation.
In the far north of Pasir Gudang is the Blue Lake, a stunningly coloured body of water that fills a disused quarry. A walking trail leads through an old rubber plantation to the reservoir, which is famed for beautifully reflecting its surroundings. The lake lies adjacent to the Malaysian Institute of Industrial Technology, which forms part of the Universiti Kuala Lumpur.
Getting around Pasir Gudang
Pasir Gudang is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Johor Bahru and 35 minutes from Senai International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Asia. Buses connect Pasir Gudang to destinations across Johor Bahru and travel throughout the city itself. Having your own vehicle is the most convenient way of exploring the region.