Top 10 Things to Do in Muar, Johor (Complete Travel Guide 2025)

Introduction

You know, many travelers heading south to Johor Bahru or north to Malacca pass through Muar without stopping. An interesting thing here is that they later hear locals praising the food, riverside charm, and heritage vibes and regret rushing past. If you’ve ever visited Muar and wondered whether Muar is worth a stop or not, but you know it’s one of Malaysia’s most underrated towns worth visiting.

In 2017, Muar was recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and this recognition wasn’t just about food. The award also highlights the town’s heritage, culture, and lively riverside community. Today, Muar continues to still attract both Malaysians and overseas visitors who want to experience an authentic slice of Johor life.

This complete 2025 guide will give you the top 10 things to do in Muar, from tasting the iconic otak-otak to wandering vibrant street art, exploring hidden cafés, and at end relaxing by the river. Now let’s get into it because this list makes sure you leave with lasting memories of Muar forever.

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1. Taste the Famous Otak-Otak Muar

Obviously first comes the taste, and no trip to Muar is complete without tasting its signature dish: otak-otak. This is like spiced fish paste, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over hot coals, carrying a smoky aroma and soft texture that’s enough to satisfy your taste buds also set Muar apart from other towns in Malaysia.

The most famous spot is Otak-Otak Cheng Boi. One of the most famous place for selling both freshly grilled otak-otak and vacuum-packed versions for travelers and tourists. But you’ll see that some of the best experiences are at roadside stalls, especially in the evenings when the smell of charred banana leaves fills the air.

Malaysian locals recommend you try a mix of fish types for richer flavor, and otak-otak is more than just a snack, as it’s a symbol of Muar’s identity.

2. Stroll Through Glutton Street (Jalan Haji Abu)

Now let’s talk about some strolling, and for this you can visit Glutton Street, and its Jalan Haji Abu is Muar’s version of a Chinatown night market. You’ll see that by day it looks quiet, but when stalls open, the atmosphere transforms.

Here you’ll find fried dough sticks (You Tiao), Wonton Mee, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Char Kway Teow, and of course, more delicious and all type of otak-otak. It’s also the best place to experience kopitiam culture, here elderly locals sip hot kopi in old cafés, while families crowd tables filled with small plates of local delicious dishes.

It’s best for you to visit between 6 pm and 8 pm when the street is buzzing and if you visiting for first-time I’m sure you’ll say that this is the heart of Muar’s food culture.

3. Explore Pesta Muar’s Bustling Food Spot

If Glutton Street represents you heritage then Pesta Muar represents you the town’s youthful side. This lifestyle hub combines cafés, dessert joints, Korean BBQ restaurants, and hotpot places for you in one lively place.

Highlights of Pesta Muar include RSVP Café for pokebowls, Café 1988 for nostalgic interiors and sweet treats, and After Samps for waffles and coffee that go late into the night.

RVSP Cafe

Café 1988

After Samps

If you are Korean BBQ fan, you will enjoy Dong Seoul; also, hotpot lovers can choose between Sumo Nabe Steamboat and Flame Valley. (The Flame Valley is also half a bar, so you can order a few drinks if you’d like!)

Dong Seoul Korean Restaurant

Hotpots in Muar: Sumo Nabe, Flame Valley

You can also get bubble tea from outlets like Chagee and Tealive, which are also popular.

At nighttime, Pesta Muar becomes the social hub for younger crowds. If you want to see how the town spends its evenings beyond the riverside, this is the best place for you to make your evening unforgettable.

4. Try Muar’s Signature Asam Pedas Fish

Among the food options Johor offers fish lovers asam pedas, and for those into spicy and sour fish dishes, one of the most promising places to go is Muar.

And of course, you’ve guessed it; the second is fish: a type not very common, spiced up with tamarind, hot chili, and just the right spices for that aromatic fragrance. The result is an exquisite balance of dewy, spicy flavors and a punch of hotness.

Serve them with stingray, mackerel, or red snapper, and these are perhaps the most popular options of fish. Bizarre as it may seem, only local restricted eateries like Quan Wei Asam Pedas and Pak Yahya have somehow established reputation around this dish. One can also enjoy them with steamed white rice and ulam, a traditional salad prepared out of raw vegetables.

Asam Pedas is as comfortable as food can get; the moment you take a bite, you will know very well why locals insist their tourists try it.

5. Relax at Tanjung Emas Muar Park

I guess now you need a break from eating? If yes, you can head to Tanjung Emas Park; it’s a riverside park where families, joggers, and tourists gather to relax for some time.

This park has many exciting things for you, like walking paths shaded by trees, playgrounds for kids, and food stalls selling local snacks like rojak, mee rebus, and cendol.

Another amazing thing you’ll see boat rides along Sungai Muar depart from the jetty in the evening, offering you a peaceful way to see the town from the water. Then sunset views here are particularly memorable because this park has Sultan Ismail Bridge in the background.

If you want to slow down and take in Muar’s natural beauty, this park is the perfect and go to spot.

6. Visit Muar Yi Tourist Information – The Town’s First Tourist Station

Like me, you might find it exciting that Muar Yi Tourist Information was founded by two locals passionate about preserving Muar’s stories.

Inside this you’ll find DIY décor, history exhibitions, and displays of local crafts.

You have to pay a small entry fee (for just RM6!), then you can explore the exhibits, but the real highlight is the cultural events and walking tours organized by the team as they explain everything to you. Also, these team members will share stories you won’t find online; these stories offer a deeper connection with the town’s history and traditions.

If you want to understand Muar beyond surface-level attractions, this stop adds valuable context, and also you’ll enjoy it a lot.

7. Explore Muar’s Street Art & Murals

You know another exciting thing that Muar has transformed many of its alleys into outdoor galleries. When you walk through Jalan Sisi and Jalan Meriam, you’ll find colorful murals that tell the story of the town’s heritage, daily life, and gastronomy.

You find some murals are playful and modern, while others are deeply tied to culture. One of the most famous, “Loving Sisters,” captures the bond of family and has become an Instagram hotspot.

You’ll see that street art here is more than decoration; it’s an evolving way for Muar to express its identity and attract travelers into its neighborhoods.

8. Café-Hop in Old Muar Town

Muar’s café culture has grown rapidly with time, as it blends modern aesthetics with heritage spaces. You’ll see many cafés are housed in renovated shophouses; this thing keeps the old-world charm intact.

The Wood: It has rustic design, brunch dishes, and coffee. The most recommended cafe to visit in The Wood is the Coffee + Cream Cafe.

Café 434: It’s known for its Liberica coffee beans, and it’s one of the rarest coffee species across the world.

Heng Mui Kopitiam: Traditional kopi and kaya toast are always favorites of locals in Muar.

New Eastern Restaurant: This is known as historic spot famous for its Hainanese-Western menu, once a popular dating restaurant for couples just because it gives you romantic vibes.

Café-hopping here is less about trends and more about soaking up atmosphere because it’s a perfect balance of nostalgia and modern creativity.

9. Stay at Muar’s Best Hotels & Homestays

If you want to stay, then choosing where to stay in Muar depends on your style and budget.

MUO Boutique Hotel: A chic option for you in a heritage building, priced between RM120–RM180 per night.

PPT Muar Hotel: It’s budget-friendly and centrally located and priced at usually RM100–RM140 per night.

Secret Garden Warni Villa: A homestay villa suited for families or groups, and it ranges from RM250 to RM400 per night.

These options bring you affordability with comfort, ensuring you that you can enjoy a good night’s rest after exploring Muar streets.

10. Day Trips & Nature Escapes Near Muar

If you are going to extend your stay, it is a good idea to consider going further than just the town.

Grisek Hot Spring: Approximately 20 minutes away from Muar, this natural hot spring is reputed to give health benefits. Note that the entry price is RM 5 for adults and RM 2 for children.

Don Hu Jurassic Garden: Bring the children here for a day of complete fun in this dinosaur-themed park.

Parit Jawa Fishing Village: A coastal village famous for seafood restaurants, mangrove views, and migratory birds.

As it stands, these options present the natural beauty that Johor has to offer while keeping one grounded in Muar.

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Conclusion

You’ll find that Muar is more than just a stopover for meals between larger cities. This is the town you’d need since it has all the features you would expect from gastronomy, culture, and riverside living, providing you with complete enjoyment. Otak-otak and asam pedas to heritage cafes, murals, and riverside parks – every experience layers them up into Muar’s magic.

If you’re a first-time visitor: Resident highlights are otak-otak, Glutton Street, Old Town cafe-hop, Tanjung Emas. But for people who have more time, the more you need to discover, hot springs, coastal villages, and mural-lined alleys.

Whether it’s just a night or a weekend long stay, Muar will surely satisfy you with all that new mix of food, culture, and hidden gems. I am sure after you do that, you will know why locals take pride in calling it Johor’s most charming town.

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