birding...

Johor is a state of Malaysia between 1°20"N and 2°35"N. It is one of the most developed states in Malaysia. The capital city and royal seat of Johor is Johor Bahru, formerly Tanjung Puteri (English: Princess' Cliff). The old state capital is Johor Lama. The Arabic honorific of the state is Darul Ta'zim ("Abode of Dignity'). It is surrounded by Pahang to the north, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan to the northwest, and the Straits of Johor to the south which is divided by the international border between Malaysia and the Republic of Singapore. Tanjung Piai, in the district of Pontian, is the most southerly point of mainland Asia.

In the official census of 2000, the population of Johor was 2.75 million people with 54% Malays, 35% Chinese, 7% Indians and 4% others. It is the fifth largest state (18,984 km˛) of Malaysia. It is the southernmost state in Peninsular Malaysia, being south of Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang and north of Singapore, from which it is separated by the Straits of Johor. The highest point in Johor is Gunung (mountain) Ledang (1276 m). Gunung Ledang is also known as Mount Ophir. Johor is the only state in Malaysia which has a 400 km beach stretching on both the East and the West coast. Johor has 8 large islands with numerous smaller ones.

Johor experiences wet equatorial weather with monsoon rain from November until February blowing from the South China Sea. Average annual rainfall is 1778 mm with average temperature of between 25.5 °C (78 °F) and 27.8 °C (82 °F). Humidity is between 82 and 86%.

Johor is also noted for its national parks. Johor currently has five national parks, with a combined area of more than 700 km˛ and several smaller recreational forest. Almost all recreational parks are based around a mountain. Johor also has the third largest mangrove forest reserve in Peninsular Malaysia (167 km˛).

I have spent just one day in the state some years ago... it was a fabulous day's birding; principally in Panti Forest. This is the state contiguous with Singapore, which is a common stopover for long-haul flights. So Johor is well within reach for a day trip when based in Singapore - be sure to be up early in the morning as the causeway is traffic clogged at rush hours. Unfortunately Panti forest is, at the time of writing, closed for logging - but it is a large area and, no doubt, it will re-open. I hope so as it is a terrific place for birds and other wildlife - we saw and heard gibbons and saw the paw prints of several middle sized cat species. Birds seen included, Litle Spiderhunter, Tiger Shrike, Great Hornbill, two tree swift species, minivets, several babblers and many others. Beach areas were good for waders [such as Malaysian Plover], fishing terns etc. Farmland and suburbs were also good for commoner species... I saw enough to know I want to spend a couple of weeks here one day! - Fatbirder