Johor, The Southern Gateway

Flag of Johor state

The state of Johor situated at the southernmost part of Peninsular Malaysia. Johor is the country's southern gateway and the third largest state in Peninsular Malaysia. Flanked by the Straits of Malacca on the west and the South China Sea on the east, the state is separated from Singapore by the Straits of Johor.

 Johor has long stretches of sandy beaches and many fishing villages to explore. the state also rich agricultural and industrial sate. Besides palm oil, rubber, pineapple and banana plantations there are many industrial estates scattered across the state. Johor Bharu is the capital city of Johor state. Johor is famous for its rich variety of traditional culinary specialities. the local dishes include Johor Laksa, Otak-otak, Mee Bandung and Lontong. 

District of Johor

ZAPIN DANCE, MALAY TRADITIONAL DANCE

Zapin dance is traditional Malay dance and it is very popular in Johor

It is believed that Muslim missionaries of the Middle East namely Persia and Arabia introduced the dance to Malaya during the fifteenth century. The dance was originally performed by males only however it is also performed by female dancers these days. The simple version of the Zapin is performed to the rhythm &1234 and the foot is extended out to the side on the last count. It can be done on the spot, traveling forwards and backwards or diagonally in the basic form. The carriage of the dancers is quite erect and dignified.

The music for Zapin comes from an ensemble of traditional instruments which include the lute (gambus), gypsy-type bongos (marwas) and the violin. There are no hard and fast rules as to the number of dancers that perform. However because of the very interactive nature of this dance, it is usually performed in pairs. The dancers can then play with each other, teasing, challenging and enjoying each others company. It is most popular in Johor.

 There are numerous forms of Zapin dances and it varies from state to state. One of the most popular forms and certainly more evolved and intricate is the Zapin Tenglu from the town of Mersing. Said to be inspired by the ebb and flow of the tide and the lives of fishermen, the dance has many unexpected movements like a rotation of the body from the waist followed by a sudden accented, sharp and held movement of the arms and shoulders. It is said that these movements are derived from the feeling of being tossed around in a fishing boat and having to catch yourself before you are thrown overboard. Another popular Zapin dance is the Zapin Pekajang. Both Zapin traditions are still performed today. The Zapin Melayu, although declining in popularity, is still performed in the villages in Johor.

JOHOR TRADITIONAL FOOD

• Laksa Johor

Laksa Johor has coconut milk, kerisik, dried prawns, lemon grass, and curry spice. The garnishing comprises slices of onion, beansprout, mint leaves, vietnamese corriander and cucumber. Sambal belancanis placed on the side. Finally, freshly squeezed lime juice before eat. The unique is its used spaghetti instead of the normal rice noodle.

• Mee Bandung

Mee bandung is a traditional cuisine and the famous food from Muar, Johor.

• Mee Rebus

Mee rebus is a well-known food contained in blanched noodles and serve with its own gravy, boiled eggs and ancillary materials.

• Otak-otak

Otak-otak is a classic Nyonya dish brightly flavoured with various aromatic hers, exotic spice and infused with the sweet fragrance of rich coconut milk.