Amanda LimJust over 2 hours from Singapore, this quiet Johor town at the foot of Gunung Ledang surprises visitors with its waterfall walks, local food legends, and fresh‑from‑the‑farm durians during peak season.
If you’re after things to do in Tangkak that go beyond eating durian until you can’t move, this relaxed one‑day itinerary offers the best mix: nature, local flavours and small town charm.
Also read: One Day Itinerary in Muar, Johor: Best Things to See, Eat and Do
8.00am – Depart Singapore
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Set off after breakfast in Singapore, around eight in the morning. The drive to Tangkak typically takes 2-3 hours via the Woodlands or Tuas checkpoint.
The journey itself is part of the trip: watch the scenery change from city towers to palm oil plantations and small kampung roads. A quick stop at a petrol station or convenience store for drinks keeps everyone fresh for the day ahead.
11.30am – Arrive at Gunung Ledang and walk to Puteri Waterfall
Image credit: Johor National Parks
After time on the road, stretch your legs with fresh air at Gunung Ledang National Park, also known as Mount Ophir. While the summit trek takes hours and proper gear, the lower trails are easy enough for most visitors.
Follow the short path to Puteri Waterfall, where clear water tumbles over wide rock terraces. Locals often gather here to picnic or wade in the shallow pools. The sound of water and the shade from rainforest trees create a calm, cooling start to your day. Spend about an hour enjoying the view, taking photos or dipping your toes.
Also read: 11 Mountains in Southeast Asia with the Most Incredible Views
1.00pm – Taste Tangkak’s famous beef noodles
Image credit (L-R): Tangkak Beef Noodle Official Facebook
By lunchtime, you’ll be ready to explore what Tangkak is known for: beef noodles. Head into town and stop at Restoran Kuang Fei, a favourite among both locals and Singaporeans who make the drive.
The broth is gently aromatic, the noodles slightly chewy, and the sliced beef or brisket tender without being overly fatty. Paired with pickled green chilli, it’s a comforting dish that’s satisfying without being heavy.
If you prefer something else, nearby shops serve classic wantan mee or rice dishes, making it easy for everyone to find a meal they like.
2.15pm – Indulge in fresh durians at local farms and stalls
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After lunch, it’s time for durian, the part many visitors look forward to most! During peak season from June to August, farms near Gunung Ledang and roadside stalls around Tangkak display stacks of Musang King, D24, Red Prawn and kampung durians.
Tasting durian here feels different from buying it back in the city. You can pick a fruit, watch it opened on the spot, and taste its creamy, bittersweet flesh straight from the shell. Take your time: one or two small fruits shared among friends often feels just right for an early afternoon stop.
Remember to bring cash in Malaysian ringgit, as most stalls are cash‑only, and a pack of tissues or wet wipes comes in handy.
3.30pm – Pause for a moment of calm at Piyaram Buddhist Temple
Once you’ve had your fill of durian, make a short visit to Piyaram Buddhist Temple, just outside the town centre. With its Thai‑inspired roofs, statues and colourful decorative details, the temple adds a cultural touch to the trip.
Visitors usually spend about twenty minutes here, walking quietly around the courtyard or taking a few photos against the backdrop of the tiled roofs and blue sky.
4.00pm – Pick up pastries at Hua Bee Bakery
Image credit (L-R): Chop Hua Bee 和美饼家 Official Facebook
Stop by Hua Bee Bakery, a traditional spot known for freshly baked kaya puffs, tau sar piah and coconut tarts. The pastries here are popular among local families and often sell out by evening, so it’s worth visiting earlier in the afternoon.
Pack a few to bring home; they travel well and make thoughtful souvenirs for friends or something sweet to enjoy on the road.
4.30pm – Relax over an iced drink at a local café
Image credit: Reezky Pradata’s Images
By late afternoon, take a slow break at a local café or kopitiam in town. Order an iced kopi, teh tarik or perhaps a bowl of cendol if the weather feels warm.
Sitting down for twenty or thirty minutes lets you soak in the quiet rhythm of small‑town life and chat over the day’s highlights.
5.30pm – Browse textiles and local shops (optional)
Image credit: Tourism Johor
If you have time and interest, drop by one of Tangkak’s textile shops. The town has a reputation for affordable cotton and batik fabrics, attracting visitors from across Johor and beyond.
Even a quick browse through the colourful bolts of fabric can be an interesting end to the day, and you might find a piece or two to take home.
6.00pm – Start the drive back to Singapore
Begin the journey south around 6 in the evening. Depending on traffic and mood, you could detour through Johor Bahru for dinner (perhaps seafood or a casual meal at a shopping mall) or keep things light with pastries and drinks bought earlier.
Most travellers reach home in Singapore by about 8 or 9 at night, bringing back photos, local flavours and perhaps the faint smell of durian lingering in the car.
Also read: A Guide to Johor’s Cities: Things to Do in Johor Bahru, Kulai, Kota Tinggi, and More
Why Tangkak makes a rewarding one‑day escape
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A day trip to Tangkak shows how much there is to enjoy in a single day: from walking to a rainforest waterfall to tasting the town’s signature beef noodles, sharing fresh durian at a roadside stall, and discovering a quiet temple and traditional bakery.
It’s a balanced way to see a lesser‑known part of Johor, without the pressure to tick off dozens of sights or start before sunrise. For those searching for things to do in Tangkak, Johor, this itinerary offers an easy, enjoyable path to nature, food and a touch of local culture all wrapped into a single, memorable day.
