BATU PAHAT: About 40 participants of the Sail Malaysia To Langkawi 2014 expedition were taken to several places of interest in Johor recently.
The participants, mainly foreigners, were part of a five-day Tourism Malaysia programme.
They visited popular landmarks such as the Sultan Ibrahim Building, Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Muzium Tokoh, Puteri Harbour, Ayer Hitam and the Parit Tengah Homestay.
John Biker, 50, said the visits were interesting as he got to experience rural life by trying out a variety of traditional food and observe local games such as congkak and gasing ( top) being played.
“This is my first visit to the rural areas in Malaysia. Johor has many beautiful villages and the locals are friendly.”
Biker said he also saw the Barongan dance which he had seen before in Bali, Indonesia.
“However, this is the first time I have seen the kuda kepang dance,” he said, adding that he marvelled at Johor’s ability to preserve its cultural roots and greenery despite rapid development.
Parit Tengah village head Husaimi Hashim, 45, said he was delighted that the tourists were keen to learn about rural Malaysia.
“We organised several activities for them and they tried their hand at cooking local delicacies such as rempeyek and roti jala.” By Omar Ahmad