4 days ago
Johoreans eagerly await reopening of green landmark
Liew has cherished memories of visiting the garden as a child. The 161-year-old Johor Royal Botanical Garden is set to become a premier tourist attraction in the state when it reopens soon.
Once a public park accessible to all, it was closed for more than a decade to make way for refurbishments and upgrades.
Johorean Liew Boon Chong fondly remembers his first visit 38 years ago on a picnic with his family.
'I was six and we had to take buses to get there, which made the journey even more exciting,' he told StarMetro.
Liew said they brought their own mats, home-cooked food and spent quality time together as a family.
'For as long as I can remember, the garden, located within the Istana Besar grounds, was a gathering place for people who were there for picnics or exercise.
'I even used to see couples taking wedding photos there.
'My kindergarten also took us there for our graduation photoshoot.
'The surroundings and scenery have remained as one of my core memories until today,' said the private sector employee.
Sultan Ibrahim (front) accompanied by Onn Hafiz (second from left) taking a stroll around the garden.
The botanical garden, known for its manicured lawns, stately trees and sweeping views of the palace grounds, holds a special place in the hearts of many Johoreans, said Liew.
'Now that it is reopening, I look forward to seeing how the architecture and landscape have changed,' he said.
The reopening of the garden gives the younger generation a chance to finally experience a place their parents and grandparents often talked about.
Siti Nur Ain plans to organise a trip for fellow USM students. Siti Nur Ain Yusra, a student at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), immediately suggested a visit for her university's Johor Students Association after hearing about the reopening.
'We were told about the impending reopening of the garden during the Dewan Muda Johor event, an annual youth leaders' conference,' she said.
'Right then, I told the committee members we should plan a visit to this place that I had always heard about from my older relatives.'
She said it was also a good way to instil pride and patriotism, especially among the younger generation.
'The botanical garden can be made into a key location for outdoor learning activities, particularly the teaching of Johor's history,' Siti Nur Ain suggested.
The authorities conducted a simulation in early July to ensure things would run smoothly once the garden reopened.
Entry to the garden is through Johor Zoo, which is adjacent.
When met, an employee of the zoo explained that a new gate connects to the garden.
'Buggies will be available to transport visitors.
Gan (right) and his friends are eagerly awaiting the opening of the gardens.
'Although the garden is not open yet, we have been getting a lot of enquiries from zoo visitors.'
Among those who are eagerly awaiting the opening is engineering student Gan Ming Hua.
'We visited the zoo because we had heard about its recent facelift.
'We were impressed by the changes and can't wait to visit the garden,' said Gan.
The news has also piqued the interest of international travellers like Maggie Bernard from France, who visited the zoo with her husband and daughter.
Buggies will be available to transport visitors from the parking lot to the visitor area.
'We were not aware the botanical garden was right beside the zoo, until we got here.
'Sadly, it is not open yet but we will definitely come back soon to visit this beautiful historical site.'
Major makeover
Located within the 19th-century Istana Besar palace grounds, the botanical garden was developed in 1864.
A grand pavilion is the perfect setting to admire the lush greenery.
The over 50ha area now features 12 themed sections with more than 583 species of flora and about 145,000 trees.
According to the official website, the garden houses five historical monuments, blending natural beauty with heritage value.
Highlights include Dipterocarp Rainforest and Tropical Endemic Collection which showcases iconic Malaysian trees such as Tualang, Gaharu and Nyatoh.
Other attractions include a Japanese Garden complete with a traditional tea house which was once used for official ceremonies by the Japanese community in Johor.
Visitors can also look out for an exotic garden, heliconia and ginger garden as well as heritage buildings such as Istana Bukit Zaharah and a memorial honouring the Johor Sultanate.
The Japanese Garden with a tea house is one of the main attractions at the Johor Royal Botanical Garden. — Photos: Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Ismail and Johor Mentri Besar Facebook pages
They can explore as well a hedge maze and get to know unique plants such as the Dragon Tree, Chinese Red Banana, pitcher plants, Yellow Sakura and Bungor Langkawi.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi in a social media post, said the reopening was made with the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and at the decree of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
'After years of closure, the garden will finally be open.
'The upgrading was a result of the close collaboration between six local councils – Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG), Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu), Pengerang Municipal Council (MPP) and Pontian Municipal Council (MPPn).'
A water fountain at the garden, located within Istana Besar grounds.
Onn Hafiz said he had personally inspected the progress of the conservation project together with the state's executive councillors.
'The Johor Royal Botanical Garden is more than just a park; it is also a symbol of heritage and civilisation of the Johor Sultanate that must be preserved.
'What is even more exciting is that a new entrance is being built to link two iconic locations – Johor Zoo and the garden.
'Once completed, this route will not only make it easier for visitors to move between the two attractions but also create a more well-planned, comfortable and comprehensive tourism ecosystem.
The Johor Royal Botanical Garden was developed in 1864.
'I also hope the effort will revive the memories and sentimental value of historic sites that are part of Johor Baru's identity,' Onn Hafiz said, and stressed the state government's commitment to conserving historical buildings.
The botanical garden, when it reopens, is expected to add to the state's tourism appeal ahead of Visit Johor 2026 (VJ2026), said Onn Hafiz.
The Mentri Besar thanked His Majesty for granting consent for the reopening and Johor Regent for initiating upgrading works.
Six local councils were involved in upgrading the garden, spread over 50ha.
On July 18, Sultan Ibrahim took a stroll around the Istana Besar palace grounds and the garden with Onn Hafiz and Comptroller of the Royal Household Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani.
Tunku Ismail and Che' Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor also brought their children, including Tunku Iskandar, Raja Muda of Johor, to the garden on July 8.
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