MY · Johor · 1.73°N 103.90°E

kota tinggi

Waterfall dips at Lombong, fireflies on the river and old sultans' tombs.

Best time
Any time of year, but avoid heavy rain. The waterfall rises fast, and the town has flooded badly in past monsoons (roughly November to January). Firefly trips are best on dark, moonless nights.
How long
1 day
Getting there
About 45 minutes' drive from JB, or about 4 hours from KL.
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MY · Johorkota tinggi1.73°N 103.90°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Waterfall dips at Lombong, fireflies on the river and old sultans' tombs.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKota TinggiMY, Johor
KLkota tinggi
≈ 291 km from KL, as the crow flies
The street of Kota Tinggi

Photo: Wee Hong · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A riverside town on the Johor River, about 45 minutes from JB, that was once a seat of the old Johor sultanate. Locals come for the waterfall at Lombong, an evening boat to see the fireflies, and the royal tombs that tell the town's history.

Makan

  1. Seafood at Tanjung SediliThe fishing town about 40 minutes north-east is the place for fresh fish and seafood.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Kota Tinggi WaterfallFalls and pools at Lombong, at the foot of Gunung Muntahak, for a cool dip.Map ↗
  2. Firefly boat tripEvening boats on the Johor River to see fireflies light up the riverside trees.Map ↗
  3. Makam Sultan Mahmud Mangkat DijulangThe tomb of the sultan killed in 1699, which ended the old Melaka royal line in Johor.Map ↗
  4. The royal tombs at Kampung MakamA group of old Johor sultans' tombs near the river.Map ↗
  5. DesaruThe beaches of Desaru, about 45 minutes east.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Don't swim at the waterfall after heavy rain. The water rises quickly.
  • Bring insect repellent for the firefly trip, and turn off your flash.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.