JOHOR BARU: As the countdown to Visit Johor 2026 (VM2026) begins, anticipation is building among Malaysians eager to explore what the southern state has to offer.
From theme park thrills to eco-tourism experiences, Johor’s growing list of attractions is stirring excitement among young travellers and families alike.
“I’ve always heard Johor is more developed, especially when it comes to leisure. As a waterpark lover, I’m excited that there are at least three major theme parks I want to visit,” said Sabahan student Jordy Elver Osmond, 24, who is currently pursuing a degree in education.
He added that he hoped Johor would seize the chance to host more world-class events.
“Why should big concerts only happen in Kuala Lumpur? I hope Johor can bring in what others cannot,” he said.
For public relations practitioner Yew Chin Choon, 23, from Klang, an invitation from a friend sparked her interest in discovering Johor’s charm.
“To be honest, I haven’t seen much publicity about VJ2026, but I’m still curious. I hope to find more family-friendly attractions beyond just malls,” she said.
Yew added that urban green spaces would be a welcome addition.
“Coming from Klang, I’d love to see eco-tourism options in the city. I’ve heard Johor is doing well in that aspect,” she said.
Penangite M. Daneswaren, 23, who is currently undergoing his internship, is also eager to compare Johor’s tourism scene with his home state.
“Penang is known globally, but I’m curious about Johor, especially with its reputation for sports tourism. I’d like to see more international events here, youth forums, tournaments, things that attract a wider crowd,” he said.
For pharmacist Doretty Epina Richard, 27, from Sarawak, a return visit to Johor after three years is long overdue.
“Travelling with a big family means we need good transport and packages for all ages. Accessibility is everything. I’m looking forward to seeing how Johor has changed,” she said.
To prepare for the expected influx of tourists in 2026, the state government has been ramping up infrastructure upgrades. In April, Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that 33 tourism-related projects had been completed over the past year.
These include the second phase of upgrades at the Johor Zoo, the restoration of the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, and the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Melayu. The Royal Botanical Garden has also opened, while works have been carried out at Gunung Ledang National Park in Tangkak and Tanjung Piai National Park in Pontian.
With efforts in full swing, Johor is positioning itself as a top tourism destination not just within Malaysia, but also on the regional stage.
