One Day Itinerary in Muar, Johor: Best Things to See, Eat and Do

While Melaka and Johor Bahru often steal the spotlight, Muar is the kind of destination that rewards curious travellers looking for something more laid-back and local. 

Known as the Royal Town of Johor, Muar is steeped in heritage and beloved for its riverside charm and street food legacy. Here’s how to spend one perfect day soaking up its best sights, bites and small-town vibes.

Also read: How to Spend 24 Hours in Kota Tinggi, Johor: A 1-Day Itinerary 

Getting to Muar from Singapore (6.00am–8.00am)

You’ll have to start your day early to make the most of your trip, but trust us, it’s worth it. The drive from Singapore to Muar takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on checkpoint traffic and weather. 

The journey itself is part of the charm: you’ll pass through lush countryside, palm plantations and small kampungs as the landscape gently shifts from urban Singapore to rural Malaysia. If you’re not driving, consider booking private transport for convenience, especially if travelling in a group.

Breakfast in Muar (8.00am–9.00am)

You’ve earned your breakfast, and Muar does it right. Start your day with one of these beloved local staples:

Option 1: Kedai Kopi See Hoi

This humble coffee shop has been serving locals for decades. A standout is its traditional charcoal-brewed coffee, which carries a strong, smoky aroma you won’t find in modern cafés. 

Pair your cup with crisp kaya butter toast and a side of perfectly runny half-boiled eggs, and you’ve got a classic breakfast that nobody can resist.

Option 2: Mee Bandung Abu Bakar Hanipah

If you prefer a heartier meal to fuel your morning, head to this famous stall for the iconic mee bandung Muar. 

This noodle dish originating from muar is rich and satisfying; egg noodles drenched in a spicy, savoury gravy made from dried shrimp, chilli, peanuts and tomato paste, then topped with a mix of beef, seafood, egg, tofu and onions. Abu Bakar Hanipah’s version is widely regarded as the gold standard.

Also read: Best Things To Do In Kluang, Only 2 Hours From Johor Bahru

Morning activity: A walk through history and riverside serenity (9.00am–11.30am)

With breakfast out of the way, it’s time to stretch your legs and take in Muar’s peaceful riverside ambience.

Tanjung Emas Park

This well-maintained waterfront park is where locals come to jog, picnic or simply enjoy the river breeze. Lined with shaded trees and dotted with gazebos, Tanjung Emas offers a relaxed introduction to Muar’s slower pace of life.

Take a stroll along the riverbank and look out for the Sultan Ismail Bridge, a prominent local landmark.

Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque

Just a short walk away is one of Muar’s most striking structures. Built in 1927, this blue-and-white mosque blends Islamic and colonial architectural styles.

The structure features onion domes, minarets and arched verandas that look out across the river. It’s a favourite photo stop for good reason.

Lunch in Muar (11.30am–1pm)

By now, you’ll have worked up an appetite, and Muar has no shortage of excellent lunch spots that showcase its culinary diversity.

Option 1: Glutton Street

A local hotspot for food lovers, this bustling stretch of shophouses and hawker stalls is perfect if you’re looking to sample a little bit of everything.

Don’t miss Otak-Otak Cheng Boi, famous for their authentic flavour, or try out Lu San wanton noodles, classic nasi campur (mixed rice), and fried carrot cake, Muar-style.

Afternoon exploration: Culture, colour and local icons (1pm–3.30pm)

Muar may be compact, but it’s full of personality. 

Muar Cultural Walk

This outdoor street art trail runs along Jalan Meriam and surrounding alleys, showcasing vibrant murals that celebrate Muar’s people, history and culinary heritage. 

You’ll spot everything from giant otak-otak depictions to scenes of traditional life. It’s not just for selfies; the murals genuinely reflect the town’s identity and pride.

Beca Gergasi (giant trishaw)

Just around the corner is this oversized trishaw sculpture—part nostalgic monument, part quirky photo opp. It pays tribute to the humble pedicabs that once ferried people around town, and has since become one of Muar’s most recognisable landmarks.

Options for those evening vibes (3.30pm–5.30pm)

As the sun begins to set, head back towards the water to soak in Muar’s evening atmosphere.

Muar River Cruise

If available, a river cruise is a great way to view Muar’s key sights from a different perspective. The boat glides past colonial-era buildings, mosques and parks, all while offering commentary about the town’s past. 

Cruises usually depart from the jetty near Tanjung Emas and last about 45 minutes. Take note that it is only open Friday–Sunday and on public holidays!

Muar Clock Tower

Wrap up your sightseeing at the town’s most iconic landmark: the Muar Clock Tower. Built in 1929, this elegant cream-and-blue structure sits right at the heart of Muar town and has become a beloved symbol of the area.

As the sun begins to set, the tower is beautifully lit, offering a charming backdrop for evening photos. With its colonial-style architecture and central location, it’s the perfect spot to take in the town’s laid-back bustle before dinner.

Dinner and the end of the day (5.30pm onwards)

Muar option: Satay by the river

If you’re craving meat, there are several satay stalls by the river where you can tuck into skewers of beef or chicken, perfectly charred and served with rich, nutty peanut sauce and soft ketupat.

The smoky aroma alone is enough to lure you in, especially as the grills fire up just before sunset. It’s casual, it’s authentic, and it’s exactly the kind of local food memory worth making.

Alternative option: Head back to Johor Bahru for Dinner Instead

If you prefer a more varied dining scene or want to start on the trip back home earlier, you can opt to drive back after your late afternoon adventures. Departing Muar around 5.30pm gets you to JB by 7.30pm, just in time for a relaxed dinner or dessert session in the city.

Also read: Underrated Day Trips from Singapore (That Aren’t Johor Bahru)

Relax and unwind in Muar

Muar is best enjoyed unhurried. While it’s doable in a day, it’s also worth an overnight stay if you’d like to explore more local cafés, catch the sunrise over the river, or simply enjoy the slower rhythm that this small-town gem offers.