Top 11 Attractions in Batu Pahat (2024)

As one of the more photogenic towns in Malaysia, there are many attractions in Batu Pahat not to be missed. Many would call this town underrated or unheard of, but once you step into its boundaries, you will regret there aren’t more Instagram posts featuring this town. While it is a fair distance from Kuala Lumpur, it’s easily accessible through bus services to Batu Pahat.

1. Minyak Beku Beach (Pantai Minyak Beku)

One of the first places you should visit in this city is Minyak Beku Beach. This beach is ideal for family gatherings and picnics due to the numerous street vendors, public restrooms, and shaded pavilions over the water. It is also one of the preferred attractions in Batu Pahat for people to take pictures of because of its panoramic beauty during sunset.

This beach is also well-known because of the Batu Pahat Well, located near the mouth of the river. The history of this well can be traced back to the time of Sultan Mansur Syah, Sultan of Malacca, when it was dug by fleeing Siamese troops after they failed their attack on Malacca. Batu Pahat (or “chiselled stone”) got its name from this incident, whereby the Siamese soldiers chiselled a hole in the rock until water flowed.

2. Chong Long Gong Temple

Chong Long Gong Temple is a holy place for the local Chinese in the fishing village of Segenting. The temple is well-known for its fish-touching rite, where it is believed that touching the head of the giant arapaima fishes in the pond will bring you prosperity. Apart from that, there is a jetty for fishing boats nearby with a sea view, which is ideal for a stroll and provides a perfect and calm sunset scenery for photographers.

What’s more interesting is the Lovers’ Bridge, which has become one of the village’s most romantic attractions in Batu Pahat for courting couples. The locals think that if a man and a woman walk across the bridge, they will fall in love and marry. Along the way to this attraction, you can find local hawkers and shops that might sell your favourite childhood snacks and souvenirs.

3. Y Lake Recreational Park (Taman Rekreasi Tasik Y)

As one of the more well-known attractions in Batu Pahat, the park is ideally situated between the junctions of Jalan Sulit and Jalan Kolam Air which also offers free parking. This recreational park is ideal for light meals and small family gatherings due to its numerous sitting spaces and shady trees. Throughout the day, small vendors and hawkers can sell various local cuisines and snacks.

There is a jogging path around the park for running enthusiasts or casual walkers who want to take in the beauty of this artificial lake spread. You can also see the residents practising tai chi and Zumba in the morning and evening. Besides that, this park is also suitable for children as there are fun playgrounds and a couple of dinosaur sculptures.

4. Penggaram Square Batu Pahat (Dataran Penggaram Batu Pahat)

Previously known as the town square, this open field has been revitalised to become more than a simple gathering spot for retailers and diners. This Batu Pahat attraction is a large open area near the town’s centre. A sculpture of a hand made of stone chiselling a rock with a hammer in the middle of the fountain was built as a part of the town’s 100th anniversary and continues to serve as a visual narrator of the town’s history.

The area is also becoming an activity centre featuring locals with live stage performances, new year countdowns, and other community events that occur throughout the year. It is not surprising to see soccer tournaments, social gatherings, and local street food in one of the most visited places in Batu Pahat during the evenings.

5. DIY Playground Batu Pahat

A former waste dumping ground was transformed into a DIY amusement playground by an elderly man, Tan Ching Swee or fondly known as “Uncle” among the locals, using his savings and time. It was done to provide an entertaining playing space and experience for the kids in his neighbourhood. The facilities in this Batu Pahat attraction are hand-made using recyclable materials.

Among the facilities available for the kids are the zip line, manual pirate ship, slides and many more.

6. Si Hai Long Wang Temple

Si Hai Long Wang Temple, a Taoist temple, is another must-visit Batu Pahat attraction. The temple was named after Long Wang (Dragon King, the God of the Sea who oversees the marine creatures, the seas, and the weather. When you visit this place, not only will you be greeted with a significant number of colourful deity sculptures, but you will also be able to enjoy a cool breeze as this temple was built near the Batu Pahat River.

7. Soga Perdana Amenity Forest (Hutan Lipur Soga Perdana)

Soga Perdana Amenity Forest is a recreational forest best for activities such as jungle trekking and mountain hiking. There are cement stairs and handrails to assist you on your journey to explore this lush green forest. Escape from the bustling town and take a nature stroll learning about the many flora and fauna here.

8. BP Walk

Don’t know where to grab food after a long day of activities? Make a trip to Batu Pahat Walk for a local treat. Located along Jalan Rahman, food stalls are all lined up cooking up a storm for customers. They are open till late, so if you are looking for a late night supper, this is the Johor attraction you should be at.

9. Batu Pahat Botanical Park (Taman Botani Batu Pahat)

Located 20 kilometers away from the Batu Pahat town, you will come across this very beautiful and lush recreational park for a relaxing stroll in the park. Walking around the wooden bridge surrounding this big man-made lake will take your breath away. Do bring your picnic mat along for a relaxing evening getaway from the city.

10. Batu Pahat Dato’ Onn Gallery (Galeri Dato’ Onn Batu Pahat)

This was once the residence for Allahyarham Dato’ Onn Jaafar the third Prime Minister of Malaysia, when he was just a state minister of Johor. Built in 1938, this estate has been converted to be a memorial gallery to showcase Johor cultural and heritage.

11. Batu Pahat Old Street Commercial Centre

One of the most famous attractions in Johor, Batu Pahat Old Street Commercial Centre is the place for tons of fun, shopping and eating all day. Not only do the colonial design buildings look nice in pictures, but many cafes here also serve delicious desserts.

In actuality, the attractions in Batu Pahat resemble the simple lifestyle of the community that looks for something fun and exciting in the small things around them. In contrast to the busy life of big cities like Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat provides a natural scenery surrounding this small town.