Kota Tinggi is a small town in the state of Johor, Malaysia, located around 42

kilometres north-east of Johor Bahru, on the road to Mersing. It can also be

reached by ferry from Changi terminal in Singapore where tourists need to pass
through the immigration checkpoint at Tanjung Belungkur ferry terminal before
their arrival.

Kota Tinggi is best known as a historical town because the Sultanate of Johor was
established here. Many historical tombs are found here including the famous tomb
of Sultan Mahmud Mangkat Dijulang (the last sultan of the Malaccan Sultanate
line).

The town itself is of little interest, but the waterfalls at Lombong, located 15
kilometres north-west of the town are popular tourist destinations. Kota Tinggi
Waterfalls, as it is called, is 36 meters high and is located at the base of the 634-
metre high Gunung Muntahak mountain. The cool river water drains through a
series of shallow pools ideal for swimming. However, the natural beauty of some
parts of the location has somewhat been spoilt by resort development with artificial
landscaping.

The waterfall area is a great place to have family picnics, but the place can get
crowded during the weekends. The scenery is perfect as you watch the water
cascading down with the view of the 600 m high Gunung Muntahak in a distance.

The Kota Tinggi park was made famous by the river and the waterfall. It is the
focal point of the day's outing. Over the years and following growing demands, the
park area has been continuously upgraded. The area of the park itself is relatively
small. It has a gigantic car park, almost half the area of the park. There is a
straight, direct path from the car park to the main waterfall area, along the bank of
the river. This walking distance is approximately a kilometer.

All the way on the left are the food outlets and stalls. Then on the right, is the river
itself. There are railings along the banks and the river itself is kept free of rubbish.
Picnickers would be on a lookout for any empty spaces in the river.

There are also many beaches along the coastal part of Kota Tinggi. The most
popular beaches are Tanjung Balau, Desaru and Batu Layar, which are 58 km, 55
km, and 62 km from Kota Tinggi town respectively. Chalets and hotels offering
reasonable rates can easily be found along the beach.

For accommodation, one can always go to the Swiss style chalets built near the
falls and stay overnight, equipped with cooking facilities. There are public
changing rooms and camping grounds at the base of the waterfall. There is also a
restaurant nearby that provides both Chinese and Western food. Food stalls are set
up here as well. A camping ground has also been opened for those who wish to
camp out. There are parking spaces available for cars, buses and motorcycles as
well.

Many visitors who have been to Kota Tinggi often leave the place after having a
good time. Many go back for repeat visits.