Johor Day Tour: Ostrich Farm, Beach, Waterfall, Fireflies

Four stops: feed ostriches, hunt crabs, splash in waterfall, watch fireflies light river at night

A private guided day tour of Johor by car visiting Desaru Ostrich Farm, Tanjung Balau Beach, Kota Tinggi Waterfall, and Kota Tinggi Fireflies Park, built around families with children ages 3 to 12. The tour includes admission to all four sites, park fees and transport; a guide speaks English, Chinese, Malay or Cantonese; groups stay under eight people; low tide timing at Tanjung Balau changes daily, and the operator confirms the schedule five days before departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Johor's nature and wildlife

• Visit the largest ostrich farm
• Feed and learn about ostriches
• Explore Tanjung Balau beach at low tide
• Visit the Fishermen’s Museum
• Enjoy the natural waterfall and splash
• Take the magical firefly river cruise

The experience

The day starts at Desaru Ostrich Farm, Malaysia's largest, where kids feed the birds by hand and learn why ostriches peck 1,500 times a day without teeth to hurt. The farm runs about 200 ostriches and a guide walks you through the young chicks and different ages, explaining how they're bred and fed. If your children are brave enough, they can ride one. The on-site restaurant serves ostrich-themed dishes (omelette, satay, stir-fried meat) between 10 and 25 ringgit, created by the owner Colin and his wife.

Next is Tanjung Balau, the oldest fishing village in Johor, established over a hundred years ago by fishermen from Kelantan and Terengganu. The real draw is the low tide, when hidden marine life emerges: seashells in every shape, small fish trapped in shallow pools between rocks, tiny crabs skittering across sand. The site also holds wind-stressed rock formations visible only at low tide, believed to be from the Permo-Carboniferous age: older than formations from 275 million years ago. A cement walkway extends out to sea with shelters along it, circling a small bay before a bridge back to the mainland. Timing matters here. The operator confirms the low tide schedule five days before your trip.

Kota Tinggi Waterfall is small and natural, with cold water and slippery rocks: kids yell at first, then splash and smile once they're soaked. The negative-ion-rich air feels relaxing. Small fish and water spiders live in the water. Bringing bread to feed them keeps kids occupied. Bring your own changing clothes. There's a changing room but no shower. Walk slowly on the rocks, avoid the waterfall after heavy rain, and skip the swimwear. Just come as you are.

The day ends with a 45-minute firefly river cruise on the Kota Tinggi river, a rare breeding ground for fireflies. Travel under the stars as thousands of fireflies spread over the riverbanks, lighting the trees like Christmas lights. Fireflies occasionally fly into the boat. You might spot iguanas, big lizards or monkeys in the branches. The fireflies are active year-round except during rain.

What’s included

• Admission to Desaru Ostrich Farm, Tanjung Balau Beach, Kota Tinggi Waterfall, and Kota Tinggi Fireflies Park.
• private car transport for up to eight people.
• express way fees, fuel and parking.
• a live guide in your choice of English, Chinese, Malay or Cantonese.

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 back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated 18 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?The tour runs eleven hours with stops that involve water (splashing at the waterfall, wading at low tide), and an evening boat ride, so plan for a full day and bring changing clothes. Groups stay under eight people, which keeps the pace flexible and lets the driver adjust for your children's energy and interests.

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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.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The operator monitors conditions and will adjust the itinerary or close attractions if necessary. Your customer service officer will advise and make changes with your permission if bad weather or an attraction closure happens unexpectedly.

Can I bring my toddler, and do I need to bring a car seat?

Children from age 3 are welcome. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, or sit on an adult's lap. Specialized infant seats are available. Let the operator know your child's age in advance so they can prepare the right car seat.

What should I bring to the waterfall?

Bring your own changing clothes. There's a changing room but no shower facility. You don't need swimwear. Just wear clothes you're comfortable getting wet. The operator ensures you have a clean toilet break before and after the visit.

Can we celebrate a birthday during the tour?

Yes. The operator can arrange a birthday celebration during the trip and help prepare a birthday cake with the driver's assistance.

What's the best time of year to visit Tanjung Balau Beach?

Visit between March and October to avoid the monsoon season, when wind and waves are too strong. Low tide timing changes daily throughout the year, and the operator will confirm your specific schedule five days before departure.