Johor Bahru Day Tour: Ostrich Farm, Waterfall & Fireflies

Fireflies light up like Christmas trees on the river at night, and you see them year-round as long as it isn't raining.

A full-day private tour from Johor Bahru that ends with a free transfer to Singapore, visiting four sites: an ostrich farm where kids hand-feed birds and learn breeding facts, a historic fishing village at low tide to see wind-stressed rock formations from 275 million years ago, a natural waterfall for swimming, and a 45-minute firefly river cruise. The guide speaks English, Chinese, Malay or Cantonese, and the pace suits families with children from age 3.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ostrich Farm and Nature Spots

• Feed and learn about ostriches
• Visit Tanjung Balau beach at low tide
• Enjoy natural waterfall and splash
• Take firefly river cruise at night

The experience

How do you pack four different landscapes into one day without feeling rushed? This tour strings them together in sequence, starting at Desaru Ostrich Farm: the largest in Malaysia, run by a family with about 200 birds. Kids feed them by hand (ostriches have no teeth, so it doesn't hurt), watch the young chicks, and learn that the birds peck 1,500 times a day. If they're brave, they can ride one. The farm has a restaurant on site serving ostrich-themed dishes like omelette and stir-fried meat, priced between 10 and 25 ringgit.

Next is Tanjung Balau, an old fishing village established over a hundred years ago. The real draw here is timing: visit during low tide and the seascape transforms. Hidden marine life appears: seashells in different sizes, small fish trapped in shallow pools between rocks, tiny crabs skittering across sand. The most unusual feature is the wind-stressed rock formations visible only at low tide, believed to be from the Permo-Carboniferous age, more ancient than rocks from 275 million years ago. A cement walkway extends out to sea with shelters built along it so you can stand and watch the waves against the rocky surrounds. The operator will tell you the low-tide timing five days before your trip, since it changes daily. March to October is ideal. Avoid monsoon season when waves are too rough.

The waterfall at Kota Tinggi is small and natural, with cold water and slippery rocks. Kids often yell at first when they step in, but once they're soaked, the splashing doesn't stop. The negative-ion-rich environment feels relaxing. Small fish and water spiders live in the water, so bringing bread to feed them is an option. There's no shower facility, only a changing room, so bring your own clothes, swimwear isn't necessary. The driver will make sure you have a clean toilet break before and after. Avoid visiting after heavy rain when the water turns muddy. January to November is best.

The day ends with a 45-minute firefly river cruise on the Kota Tinggi river, a rare breeding ground for fireflies. Thousands spread over the banks and light up like Christmas trees, and occasionally they fly right into the boat. You might also spot iguanas, big lizards or monkeys in the tree branches. The fireflies are active year-round as long as it isn't raining. After the cruise, the driver takes you across the border to Singapore: no separate transfer booking needed. You'll need a valid passport (six months validity), a visa to enter Singapore if required, and your return flight ticket if you're flying out from there. Malaysia Ringgit notes are useful since many local eateries don't accept credit cards yet.

What’s included

• Admission to Desaru Ostrich Farm, Tanjung Balau Beach at low tide, Kota Tinggi Waterfall and Kota Tinggi Fireflies Park.
• express way fees, fuel and parking.
• a free transfer from your final stop in Johor to Singapore.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Cantonese, Chinese and Malay

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by New MST Transport Holiday

Is this one for you?Book this tour if your family has children from age 3 and you're ending your Johor stay by crossing into Singapore the same day: the free transfer to the border saves you arranging separate transport, and the four stops fit comfortably into a full day without backtracking. The guide speaks English, Chinese, Malay or Cantonese, and the pace is built for kids who want to feed animals, splash in water and watch fireflies light up at night.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Chinese, Malay and Cantonese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

Why is low tide so important at Tanjung Balau Beach?

Tanjung Balau's seascape is especially beautiful during low tide because that's when hidden marine life appears: seashells, small fish trapped in shallow pools between rocks, and tiny crabs. The most unique feature is the wind-stressed rock formations visible only at low tide, believed to be from the Permo-Carboniferous age, more ancient than 275-million-year-old Permian rocks.

When is the best time to see the fireflies on the river cruise?

Fireflies are active year-round on the Kota Tinggi river as long as it isn't raining. The 45-minute cruise happens at night when thousands of fireflies light up the banks like Christmas trees, and they occasionally fly into the boat. January to November is ideal. Avoid the rainy season when fireflies are less active.

Does the tour price include meals, or do I need to budget for food?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. However, the ostrich farm has a restaurant on site serving ostrich-themed dishes for 10 to 25 ringgit, and you'll pass local eateries throughout the day. Many accept only cash in Malaysia Ringgit, so have notes on hand.