2025 Kukup Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

When in Kukup, this is a MUST MUST have when you are in pontian. Why because I am also willing to just drive all the way up to this place just to have beehoon(friend with some kind fish), chicken wings(which was sadly sold out), the fried pork and intestine and their dip of home made chilli. I was told that this place is a family run business where it is now taken over and run by the son who is the chef at times who is currently taking over the father. This restaurant has also alot of good reviews, you can compare with Google reviews on this too! They also have a very popular crab dish and an deep fried oyster egg which was alsp sadly sold out, my advise is to head there early for lunch! #passionpassport #johor #kukup #pontian #foodie #restaurant #seafood #musteat #friedpork #malaysia #musttry

short Vacation to Kukup..nice view

Tucked at the southern tip of Johor lies Kukup, a sleepy fishing village with big seafood flavours and one of the most charming sunset views around. We drove down for a late afternoon seafood feast and weren’t disappointed — think fresh prawns, chili crab, fried squid and lala cooked kampung-style in humble, sea-facing restaurants built on stilts. The vibe was refreshingly rustic — no frills, but that’s exactly the charm. 🌊 As we ate, we watched the tide roll in beneath us and caught a stunning sunset over the water. It’s moments like these that make you forget city life for a while. 📍 Getting There: Kukup is about 1.5–2 hours by car from Johor Bahru and is a popular detour for those en route to Pontian. ⸻ Pro Tips: • Go before 5pm to secure a good waterfront table for dinner. • Bring cash; some eateries may not accept cards. • Wear comfy sandals — it’s a bit uneven walking on the wooden planks. #summervacay #kukup #SeafoodMalaysia #HiddenGemsMalaysia #KukupTrip #RusticEscape #JohorEats #FishingVillageVibes

#summervacay Kukup Street Art: ♥️ A Vivid Canvas of Fishing Village Life Kukup, a charming fishing village in Pontian, Johor, is renowned not only for its fresh seafood and stilt houses but also for its burgeoning street art scene. While not as extensively documented as some other street art hubs in Malaysia, Kukup's murals offer a unique artistic reflection of its identity, primarily focusing on the daily life, heritage, and natural beauty of a traditional fishing community. The street art in Kukup typically adorns the walls of shophouses and traditional homes, transforming ordinary facades into vibrant narratives. You'll find murals depicting: Fishermen and their livelihoods: Expect to see colorful portrayals of boats, fishing nets, the day's catch, and the hardworking individuals who brave the seas. These often highlight the traditional methods and the essence of Kukup's primary industry.

#summervacay Stayed at a Kukup homestay and honestly… it was all about eating and eating! From fresh seafood to non-stop BBQ sessions, we were constantly spoiled with delicious food. The homestay was comfortable, with a relaxed, laid-back vibe — perfect for a foodie getaway with family or friends. If you love to makan, Kukup is the place. Would come back for round two!

#springitinerary I think this makes a great half-day trip from Johor Bahru, Johor. Here’s my recommended route and tips: Navigation: Just search “Kukup Island National Park” Location: Lot 1319, Mukim, 82300 Kukup, Johor Darul Ta'zim Note: Park opens at 9 AM and closes at 4 PM. When you arrive, there are parking lots nearby and many roadside parking spots — just park wherever you find a space. Buy your entrance ticket to the Mangrove National Park (see photos 2, 3, 4). Ticket prices: Foreigners: RM20 Locals: RM10-15 After buying tickets, walk about 100 meters to the building (photo 5). On the right side, there’s a small door where a Chinese-speaking attendant helps with boat rides. Taking the boat costs extra: Foreigners: RM15 Locals: RM10 The boat ride to the mangrove park takes 5-10 minutes. Inside, you can walk freely — no need to follow separate routes. One hour is enough to explore the whole park. There’s only one toilet (photo 8) and a five-story observation tower (photo 9) perfect for photos. The scenery is beautiful and very relaxing. After your visit, take the boat back to the starting point — boats come and go frequently. Where to eat? Some recommended spots: Seafood: Hai Jing Seafood Restaurant (right at the boat exit) Ya Qiang Food Center (note: closes around 3-4 PM) Coffee shop: Twins Cafe next to Hai Jing Seafood (photo 10) Also, check out the nearby Saltwater Fishing Village (photo 11). It has a strong sea smell but takes just a few minutes to walk through. Bonus: If you have extra time, drive about 10 minutes to the southernmost point of the mainland for a quick photo spot before heading home — worth a visit but no need to go out of your way. #JohorBahru #Johor #HalfDayTrip

#johorbahrutrip Welcome to **Kukup Laut**, the fishing village where the streets are made of water, every house has its own private "driveway" for boats, and dinner comes straight from the sea to your plate—often while it's still wiggling! This quirky waterworld is Johor's ultimate escape from reality. --- ### **First Impressions** - **The Arrival**: Walking the **wooden gangplanks** between rainbow stilt houses, trying not to drop your phone in the ocean below - **The Smells**: Saltwater, frying garlic, and that unmistakable *low tide* perfume (you'll get used to it) - **The Sounds**: Boat engines puttering, karaoke drifting over the water, and the *snip-snip* of locals de-bearding mussels **"Only in Kukup" Moment**: Watching a **fisherman hand-feed eagle rays** from his porch like they're pet puppies of the sea. --- ### **Must-Do Experiences** 🦞 **Seafood Galore**: Feast on chilli crab, butter prawns, and *sambal stingray* at floating restaurants 🚤 **Boat Tour**: Zip through mangrove tunnels where fireflies party at night 🎣 **Jetty Fishing**: Borrow a rod and try your luck (the fish here are *very* judgey) **Hidden Gem**: The **abandoned stilt house** at the village edge—creepy-cool for photos, especially at golden hour --- ### **Food You'll Dream About** 🍤 **Black pepper crab** so spicy it'll clear your sinuses 🐚 **"Drunken clams"** cooked in Chinese wine 🍍 **Pineapple fried rice** served in actual pineapples (because why not?) --- ### **Perfect Day Itinerary** ⏰ **2:00 PM**: Arrive, check into a stilt homestay ⏰ **3:30 PM**: Mangrove boat adventure ⏰ **6:00 PM**: Sunset karaoke with uncles (Bon Jovi hits mandatory) ⏰ **8:00 PM**: Seafood feast under string lights --- ### **Survival Tips** - **Waterproof bag** for phones (those gangplanks are treacherous) - **RM100 cash** per person for meals/activities - **Anti-mosquito everything** (they're the unofficial welcoming committee) - **Bring swimwear**—some homestays have "pool decks" for ocean dips --- Kukup Laut isn't just a village—it's a **floating carnival** where the seafood is fresh, the karaoke is loud, and every sunset turns the water into liquid gold. Just don't be surprised if you leave craving crab for weeks. *Local secret: Visit during the Lunar 9th month for ghost festival boat decorations!*

Do you miss home? You can get your homesickness fixed with the homecook dishes prepared by mama woh bee here. Very friendly mama and papa will serve the homecook dishes by appointment (min 4pax) on weekdays and walk-in allowed on Saturday, the only day you can order any individual dish on the menu (no min spend). We almost missed the opportunity to dine in as we came on one of the weekdays but we're fortunate enough to tag along another group of 4 for their pre-booked dinner. Very nice and cozy environment, chit chatting session with the owners. Price - RM99 for the 5 dishes (as picture) for 2pax and mama let us tried the fried lobak for free.

A hidden gem in Kukup for sure. If you don’t know what to eat, you should pay a visit here. Pay and they will bring you your meal without menu. (We paid Rm50 per pax for food and beverage charged separately). We have been trying to have meal in this place and finally we managed to enjoy the environment and food here. We also lucky as there is one singer doing live performance. It was raining day so not many customers. We ordered the minced meat rice taste the best for all the food we ordered. One special drink using coconut water mix with coffee. The owners ere super friendly. The environment will bring back some memory during young time. Location : WohBee Canteen, Kukup

New cafe in Kukup, serving typical Malaysian cuisine. Their asam pedas fish and mee rebus are absolutely superb and bursting with flavor! What makes this cafe even more special is its nostalgic theme, which evokes fond memories and adds a unique ambiance to the dining experience. The interior is beautiful. There are many antique items. And the old vespa is so cool! The wood surrounding the shop beautifies the coffee shop itself despite being in a fishing village area. However, there is an unpleasant smell because the shop is located in the fish market area. It makes me nauseous. Besides, parking is far away. You better park in the right place if you don't want to get a ticket from the police. Location : Kopi Twins Cafe, Kukup

Kukup has ten major environmental advantages, including fresh air, pleasant climate, wide sea views, rich ecological resources and a complete mangrove reserve, providing visitors with an excellent opportunity to get in touch with nature. The fishing village culture here is well preserved, the residents are friendly and simple, and show a strong sense of human touch. Besides that, Kukup’s seafood restaurants offer fresh and delicious delicacies, making it a paradise for food lovers. Well-developed infrastructure, including comfortable homestays and a convenient transportation system, makes people's journey more pleasant. Whether it is enjoying the sunset, tasting seafood, or experiencing the fishing village style, Kukup provides tourists with a holiday environment that is both humane and naturally harmonious, making it an ideal leisure tourist destination. 🏖️Environment/Facilities:

It was a perfect weekend getaway to our neighbouring country and had a all meals provided trip. 9 of us booked a chalet in Kukup, there were 9 beds in 3 bedrooms, karaoke and mahjong in the chalet. Table tennis and instagrammable spots were around the chalet common areas.

#familytrips2024 Kukup is a serene fishing village in Malaysia, offering a tranquil escape from the bustle of city life. Its charming wooden houses on stilts, built over mangrove swamps, create a picturesque backdrop. Visitors can savor fresh seafood at the village's eateries, enjoy boat tours to nearby islands, or simply relax by the water's edge. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the rich biodiversity of the surrounding mangrove forests, home to various species of birds and marine life. While the village lacks luxurious amenities, its rustic charm and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst stunning scenery.

Taman Negara Johor - Hujung Benua Asia Such a lovely place...Historic Place to be and nice view Titik Tengah Asia - Pontian Johor

#hiddengems WohBee the floating canteen is a hidden restaurant located at Kukup Fishing Village. You need to take a short 10 minutes to walk from the main entrance of the village to reach WohBee the floating canteen. It offers homecooked food. WohBee the floating canteen is run by a family and only operate on Saturday. If you wanted to enjoy homecooked food during weekday, you need to contact them first and see whether they accept your reservation, she will decides the menu on behalf of you. Address: PTD2627, 82300 Kukup, Johor

#2024wish Exploring Kukup, Malaysia, brings a unique shopping experience where acquiring dry goods becomes a cultural necessity. The vibrant markets showcase an array of local treasures, from dried seafood and exotic spices to traditional handicrafts. Delight in the rich flavors of the region by procuring dried delicacies, such as salted fish and aromatic herbs. These dry goods encapsulate the essence of Kukup's coastal charm and make for cherished souvenirs. Each purchase is a sensory journey, allowing visitors to take a piece of Malaysia's maritime heritage home, creating lasting memories infused with the scents and flavors of this enchanting coastal destination.

#2024wish At Kukup, Malaysia, the timeless allure of kelongs beckons as boats pause amidst the tranquil waters. These traditional fishing structures, perched on stilts, create a captivating scene against the sea's expansive backdrop. As boats gently navigate towards the kelong, the rhythmic hum of water and the creaking of wooden structures set the stage for an authentic maritime encounter. Upon reaching the kelong, a vibrant tapestry of marine life unfolds. Fishes, silver and gleaming, dance beneath the surface, enthralling onlookers. Nets are cast, creating a spectacle of skill as local fishermen showcase their craft. The immersive experience of stopping by a kelong at Kukup is not just a glimpse into traditional fishing; it's a journey into the heart of coastal life, where the sea generously offers its bounty to those who pause to appreciate its wonders.

#2024wish Kukup in Malaysia unfolds as a picturesque canvas of charm with its unique stilted houses, creating an enchanting architectural seascape. These traditional wooden abodes, perched above the water on sturdy stilts, mirror the ebb and flow of the tidal rhythms. The vibrant colors of the houses reflect the coastal vibrancy, painting a captivating scene against the azure backdrop of the sea. Walking along the narrow boardwalks, one can admire the simplicity and functionality of these homes, adorned with intricate details and often framed by vibrant bougainvillea. Kukup's houses stand as a testament to a harmonious coexistence with nature, where beauty merges seamlessly with the coastal lifestyle.

#2024wish Embarking on a boat ride at Kukup, Malaysia is an enchanting voyage into the heart of maritime beauty. As the boat gently glides through the tranquil waters, mangrove-lined shores unfold like a living tapestry. The rhythmic sounds of lapping waves create a soothing melody, harmonizing with the calls of coastal birds. The air is imbued with the briny scent of the sea, adding a touch of maritime magic to the journey. Passing by traditional fishing villages on stilts, the boat ride unveils the authentic charm of Kukup's coastal lifestyle. Whether exploring the mangrove labyrinth or venturing towards the open sea, each boat ride at Kukup promises a serene and immersive encounter with nature's maritime wonders.

#2024wish Wandering through the vibrant streets of Kukup, nostalgia comes alive with a charming array of old-school childhood toys and games. Small stalls tucked into the bustling dry market offer a delightful journey back in time. Colourful childhood old school toys and games, inviting a generation raised on simple joys to relive cherished moments while walking through the path here.

#2024wish Kukup, situated in the southernmost part of Peninsular Malaysia, is renowned for its enchanting fishing experiences. As dawn breaks over the serene waters, fishing enthusiasts flock to Kukup to embark on a maritime adventure. In the midst of the tranquil fishing experiences at Kukup, there's a touch of adventure as the tide recedes. During low tide, explorers might encounter the unexpected: snakes navigating the exposed seabed. These slithering residents, often non-venomous mangrove snakes, add an element of surprise to the coastal ecosystem. While it's essential to maintain a cautious distance and respect their habitat, this encounter with nature's wonders amplifies the unique allure of Kukup. It serves as a reminder that beyond the thrill of fishing, the coastal environment is a dynamic, interconnected ecosystem where diverse marine life coexists, creating a harmonious yet unpredictable backdrop for those who venture into its depths.

A friend gathering trip to Malaysia Kukup for a 2 days 1 night stay at Red forest resort. Very nice resort with cosy views. we are able to have fire works and lantern wishing. And so happen to capture the picture of a dragon during dawn hour. What a magnificent view.