Pulau Kukup National Park, located in Pontian District, Johor, covers over 600 hectares of dense mangrove forest and an additional 800 hectares of surrounding waters. The park is one of the few remaining uninhabited mangrove islands in the world, making it a critical habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can encounter mangrove tree species such as Rhizophora and Avicennia, as well as a rich assortment of wildlife including migratory birds, mudskippers, fiddler crabs, monitor lizards, and occasionally dolphins swimming near the shore.

The park is designed for sustainable exploration with raised wooden walkways and boardwalks that allow visitors to walk through the mangrove forests without disturbing the delicate ecosystem. These walkways provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, and enjoying the unique scenery of winding waterways, mudflats, and dense mangrove roots.

A highlight of the park is the observation tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mangrove forests and the Johor Strait. From this vantage point, visitors can spot birds such as egrets, herons, kingfishers, and migratory species that stop over during seasonal movements. The park also supports small educational programs for school groups and eco-tourism visitors, emphasizing the importance of wetland conservation and the ecological role of mangrove forests in protecting coastlines and supporting biodiversity.

The visitor center provides informative displays and interactive exhibits about mangrove ecology, tidal patterns, and conservation efforts. Staff and guides are available to explain the ecosystem and answer questions, making it an educational as well as recreational experience.

Pulau Kukup offers a peaceful escape from urban life, attracting nature lovers, photographers, birdwatchers, and eco-education tours. The quiet environment, combined with its rich biodiversity and well-maintained facilities, makes it ideal for both day trips and guided educational visits. Visitors are encouraged to respect the park rules, avoid littering, and follow designated paths to protect this fragile ecosystem for future generations.

---

How to Get There

• From Johor Bahru, drive about 1.5 hours to Pontian, then take a 5-minute ferry from Kukup Jetty to the island.

---

Travel Tips

• Wear non-slip footwear; walkways can be wet.

• Bring sunscreen and a hat for sunny days.

• Visit in the morning for better wildlife sightings.

• Avoid the monsoon season (Nov–Feb)

---

Admission Fee

• Malaysian: RM 10

• Foreigner: RM 20 (Subject to change)

Opening Hours

• Daily: 08:00 – 17:00