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Kukup is a quaint little fishing village that nestles itself on the southwestern coast of Johor in Malaysia. The reason why many people love it is because of the stilted houses with fresh seafood and scenic views of the sea, making Kukup an increasingly sought-after retreat for tourists from the hustle and bustle of city life. Although this village is small in size, it actually could show quite a great depth of cultural understanding for tourists.
Peaceful Kukup village (Source: sgmydrive)
Kukup is a typical fishing village, and most of its inhabitants are Chinese immigrants who migrated from China to Malaysia in search of livelihood solutions. Settlers found this place quite alluring for fishing on the basis of rich marine life and proximity to the Strait of Malacca. As time passed, with more arrivals of settlers, the village developed and fishing became the mainstay of the people there.
In the early 20th century, this village boomed into a thriving fishing village with fish farms, seafood markets, and boats adorning its waters. While fishing remains very much an integral part of the local economy today, tourism is likewise a vital industry. Visitors come for the laid-back vibe, fresh seafood, and picturesque landscapes that Kukup has to offer.
Kukup International Ferry Terminal (Source: WikimediaCommons)
The most visited attraction of this area is the Kukup National Park. The park consists of one of the most extensive uninhabited mangrove islands in the world, Pulau Kukup. Flora and fauna, including different fish, crab, and bird species, feature in their diversity within the park area.
These raised boardwalks allow for visitors to pass through a mangrove forest within the park for an unparalleled experience regarding the nature of the region. There are guided tours on the place that will enlighten one more about the mangrove ecosystem and its necessity to the environment.
Kukup National Park (Source: Petitgo)
One of the most distinctive experiences in Kukup is the visit to the floating fish farms, better known as "kelong." These are actually platforms anchored at sea that breed fish and seafood. Tourists will be taken for a boat tour to visit these kelongs where they could understand more about the industry of fish farming and even buy fresh seafood to be prepared and cooked at local restaurants. These kelongs offer the brilliant opportunity to learn traditional ways of fishing passed on for generations.
Floating Fish Farms (Source: Mylilbookworm)
This fishing village is a place with plenty of wooden stilt houses, many of them built directly into the water. Visitors can meander along the wooden walkways that connect the homes, taking a sometimes uncomfortably intimate peek into the daily lives of the community.
These houses have been the proof that Kukup was once a fishing village, with houses built this way to be able to stand the tides and flooding. Some of these have been converted into homestays today, where tourists can stay overnight and indulge in the quiet atmosphere of this place.
Stilted Houses in Kukup (Source: TheAsianDad)
Seafood is one of the major reasons people visit Kukup. The village has long been recognized for its freshness and tastiness, especially in seafood varieties such as crabs, prawns, and fish. There are several restaurants serving seafood dishes in this village made from its catch of the day.
It is a place where every visitor gets to enjoy the freshest seafood cooked in various styles: Chinese, Malay, Thai, among other culinary traditions. In fact, it is a perfect stop for food lovers who desire to indulge in the freshest seafood overlooking the sea views.
One of the best seafood restaurants in Kukup (Source: Tripadvisor)
About a 30-minute drive away from Kukup is the Pineapple Museum. It takes one back into history about the reasons why Malaysians cultivate this fruit-known as pineapple. In fact, it is considered one of the major crops in Johor, and the museum does indeed provide an insight into how the crop is grown, harvested, and processed.
Visitors can learn about various types of pineapples, their function in the regional economy, and even taste fresh products made from pineapple. This makes for an interesting stop to learn more about the agricultural practices of the region.
Pineapple Museum (Source: Wikipedia)
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Kukup is best visited during the dry season, which is typically between May and September. The climate during this period is usually warm and favorable, rainfall is infrequent, hence ideal for going on outdoor tours like visiting Kukup National Park, touring the fish farms, or taking an evening stroll in the village. Still, the dry season permits seafood lovers to savor their favorite dishes in local restaurants since this is the best time of the year for fishing.
Beautiful Kukup village (Source: sgmyviptransport)
From Johor Bahru: Kukup lies about 40 km from Johor Bahru and can easily be visited on a day's outing from the city. You can drive to this village by car, it takes about an hour via the coastal highway south from Johor Bahru. Alternatively, there are public buses that make the journey between Johor Bahru and Kukup. The journey by bus takes about 1.5 hours and is fairly inexpensive, ideal for budget travelers.
From Kuala Lumpur: It is about a four-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. You may either drive yourself or take an express bus that goes all the way to Johor Bahru, then proceeds to Kukup. There are a number of express buses offering their services between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, which is what makes it all so accessible to visitors not wanting to drive.
Travel to Kukup by bus (Source: sgbestbargain)
Kukup is a rather quiet beach destination, located along the southwest coast of Malaysia, aptly offering an untroubled retreat into an authentic village life, abundant fresh seafood, and nature. The time to visit will be during the dry season, and one should not miss any facility provided by this small fishing village.
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