Kukup Island

September 18, 2025

Synopsis

5/5 (3 Votes)

Kukup Overview

Kukup is a small fishing village located in Pontian District, Johor, Malaysia, overlooking the Straits of Malacca. Known for its unique floating homes built on stilts over water, Kukup offers an authentic cultural experience blended with eco-tourism. The village is famous for its fresh seafood restaurants, mangrove national park, and traditional fishing lifestyle. Unlike bustling island resorts, Kukup charms visitors with its laid-back atmosphere, wooden boardwalks, and tranquil sea views, making it perfect for a short getaway.

The Journey to Kukup

Getting to Kukup is straightforward, especially from Johor Bahru or Singapore.

By Car:

From Johor Bahru: Around 1.5 hours (70 km) via Jalan Skudai and Pontian.
From Singapore: 2–3 hours depending on traffic at Tuas Second Link.

By Bus/Taxi:

Buses run from Johor Bahru Larkin Sentral to Pontian, then a local taxi can take you to Kukup town.

Tip: Driving is the most convenient option, especially if you plan to explore the nearby Kukup National Park.

Things to Do in Kukup

Kukup may be small, but it offers an engaging mix of nature, food, and culture.

Explore Kukup Floating Village – Wooden boardwalks lined with stilt houses, seafood eateries, and souvenir shops.
Visit Kukup National Park (Taman Negara Kukup) – A mangrove forest reserve with a suspension bridge, observation tower, and boardwalk trails.
Boat Tour – Take a boat ride to nearby fish farms and watch traditional aquaculture in action.
Seafood Feasting – Kukup is famous for its crab, prawns, and shellfish dishes.
Photography – Capture sunrise and sunset over the fishing village.
Island Hopping – Short boat trips to nearby Pulau Kukup, a protected mangrove island.

Kukup Geography

Kukup is located on the southwestern coast of Johor. Its highlight is Pulau Kukup, a small mangrove island just offshore, surrounded by mudflats and rich in biodiversity.

Kukup Town – A fishing village with homestays, seafood restaurants, and jetties.
Pulau Kukup – A mangrove island and national park, home to wildlife like mudskippers, monkeys, and migratory birds.

Beaches in Kukup

While Kukup is not known for sandy beaches, its coastal setting and tidal flats are a charm of their own. Nearby:

Pontian Beach – Around 20 minutes away, good for a quiet seaside stroll.
Tanjung Piai – Known as the southernmost tip of mainland Asia, about 30 minutes from Kukup.

Stay on Kukup

Accommodation in Kukup ranges from basic homestays to overwater chalets. Most lodges are family-run, offering a warm local touch.

MyTrip Recommended Stays:

Kukup Waterfront Resort

Overview: A popular choice located right on the water with easy access to boat rides.
Room Types: Standard rooms, family suites, and overwater chalets.
Facilities: Air-conditioning, seafood dining area, karaoke, BBQ facilities.
Special Perks: Sea-facing rooms with sunset views, boat transfer packages.

Food & Dining in Kukup

🌴 Where to Eat

New Kukup Seafood Restaurant – Famous for chili crab and black pepper crab.
Kukup Laut Floating Restaurants – Overwater dining with daily catches from local fishermen.
Homestay Cooked Meals – Many stays include homemade Johor-style seafood feasts.

🍤 What to Try

Butter prawns
Chili crab
Assam fish head curry
Sambal stingray
Fresh shellfish (oysters, clams, cockles)

Tips for Tourists

Packing: Bring mosquito repellent, sunblock, and comfortable walking shoes.
Safety: Boardwalks can be slippery—wear proper footwear.
Local Customs: Kukup is a traditional Chinese fishing village; respect local culture and avoid loud behavior at night.
Connectivity: Mobile coverage is stable, but Wi-Fi may be limited in homestays.

How to Get There

Fly to Johor Bahru (Senai International Airport)

Distance to Kukup: ~70 km (1.5 hours by car).

From Johor Bahru

Taxi/Grab: RM 100–150
Bus to Pontian (~RM 5), then taxi to Kukup (~RM 20–30).

From Singapore

Cross via Tuas Second Link, then drive directly to Kukup. Travel time: 2–3 hours.

Boat Schedule / Tickets / Fares

Boat Ride to Pulau Kukup:

Available daily from Kukup Jetty.
Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Fare: RM 5–10 per person (return trip).

Chartered Boats: Available for private tours to fish farms and mangrove exploration (RM 80–150 per boat).

Best Time to Visit

Ideal Months: March – October (dry season, sunny skies, great for outdoor trips).
Avoid: November – January (monsoon season, heavy rains, and rough seas).
Peak Times: Weekends and public holidays when local tourists from Johor and Singapore visit.

Interesting Facts about Kukup

Pulau Kukup is one of the world’s largest uninhabited mangrove islands.
The village is over 100 years old and still retains its traditional stilt-house architecture.
Tanjung Piai nearby is the southernmost tip of continental Asia.
Kukup’s seafood restaurants often cook using recipes passed down through generations.

Travel Tips

Budget around RM 200–300 for a day trip with meals, boat rides, and entrance fees.
Book accommodation in advance during weekends or holidays.
Consider joining a package tour (boat ride + seafood meal + homestay).
Bring cash—many small eateries and homestays don’t accept cards.

Final Thoughts: Why Visit Kukup?

Kukup is not your typical island paradise—it’s a living fishing village where time seems to slow down. With its floating houses, delicious seafood, mangrove adventures, and cultural richness, Kukup offers a refreshing escape from city life. Whether you’re looking for a family trip, a food lover’s getaway, or a cultural immersion, Kukup is a destination that blends simplicity with charm.

FAQ – Kukup

1. Is Kukup suitable for families?
Yes, many homestays cater to families with kids, offering safe boardwalks and family-style meals.

2. Are there medical facilities?
A small clinic is available in Kukup town; for emergencies, Pontian Hospital (20 minutes away) is the nearest option.

3. Can Kukup be done as a day trip?
Yes, it’s a popular day trip from Johor Bahru or Singapore, but an overnight stay lets you enjoy the evening seafood feast and sunrise views.

4. What type of accommodations are available?
Mostly homestays, budget inns, and overwater resorts.

5. Is English widely spoken?
Basic English is understood, especially in restaurants and homestays, but some locals speak mainly Mandarin, Hokkien, or Malay.