7 Eco-Farms in Johor for Families

If you are looking to expose your kids to the wonderful world of nature in the form of farm stays, you do not have to fly to Australia or other countries to do that. Our neighbouring state up north, Johor, offers farm stay experiences at a far more economical level.

So if you are on a shoestring budget, here are a few suggestions where to take the family for that farm experience during the school holidays - with 4 out of the 7 listings offering their own accommodation options.


1. Kahang Organic Rice Eco Farm (KOREF) Resort

Kahang Organic Rice Eco Farm Resort is a no ordinary farm. Or resort. A little more than 2 hours by car from Tuas Checkpoint, the Eco Farm spans 260 acres of arable land at the fringe of the tropical Malaysian Rainforest Reserves.

Top draws of the Eco-Farm include the wide range of outdoor activities that families can partake in. Kids can row on a bamboo raft, pretend they are participating in Ninja Warrior on the Water Obstacle Course, scurry like little hamsters in a Water Ball and go zipping down a Flying Fox line suspended over the lake. For something calmer, there are rabbits, ducks and fishes to feed.

It is also the first and only certified organic rice farm in Malaysia that provides free and easy eco-farm stays. Stay in its Floating Chalets on the lake for that simple kampong-living experience. Nature lovers will enjoy this rustic getaway.

Read more about our experience here: www.cheekiemonkie.net/2014/10/farm-stay-in-johor-malaysia-koref-resort.html

Address: Km 43, Jalan Kluang Mersing, 86700 Kahang, Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +6 07 771 3431 | +6 012 720 8158 | +6 012 768 3149
Website: www.organic-kahang.com


2. UK Agro Farm

Situated in Johor - about an hour’s drive from Singapore - UK Agro Farm Resort is Malaysia’s largest goat and sheep farm, with 100 acres of grazing land for 4,000 sheep. It offers a farmstay experience but the farm is also good for a day trip. There are tons of farm activities to do such as touring the Herb Sanctuary and Mushroom and Fruit Farms to learn all about plants. The highlight of the farm tour is probably feeding and cuddling sheep at the Sheep Farm. Kids can try bottle feeding baby goats, or feeding grain to ostriches at the Ostrich Park.

If the kids still have energy to expend after that, they can partake in the Sheep Challenge where they would be given 3 minutes to catch sheep in an enclosure, and stand to win a prize if one is successful. Or if they prefer something less exhaustive, families can sign up for UK Agro Resort’s DIY activities ranging from lantern-making, kite-making to baking their very own goat milk muffins or curry puffs.

Accommodation is at the ‘Long House’, a traditional house structure that has its roots in the Iban community in Sarawak. Built on stilts and with long corridors, the rooms overlook vast green meadows and grazing pastures. Rooms come with the usual amenities like air-conditioning and water heater so they are pretty decent, clean and functional.

Read more about our experience here: www.cheekiemonkie.net/2012/05/farm-stay-in-malaysia-part-1.html

Address: Plot 8, Project Pertanian Moden Kluang, KM13 Jalan Batu Pahat, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607-759 7555; +607-759 5018; +607-759 5991
Website: www.ukfarm.com.my


3. HS Farm

This is one farm that I stumbled onto online while researching for farmstays in Johor. We have yet to pay it a visit but from what I read, it is surrounded by lush tropical greenery and situated within a 15-minute drive from Muar Town and Muar Jetty.

Photo from HS Farm's website

Guests can enjoy activities including fishing, cycling, horse riding and a mini zoo. The rooms look simply furnished, and come with a fan and a flat-screen TV. If you are planning to go with the extended family, this may be a good choice as the extra large rooms can sleep up to 8 persons.

Photo from HS Farm's website

Address: PTD 4116, Parit Pajar, Jalan kesang, 84000 Muar, Johor. Malaysia
Website: welcome.hsfarmstay.com


4. Tanjung Sutera Resort

The only listing here that does not have 'Farm' in its name, I too stumbled upon this resort while searching for unique resorts in Johor to bring the family to. But the above average online reviews that I had read cemented its inclusion status into this list.

Tanjung Sutera Resort is located 40 metres above sea level in the East Coast of Johor, Malaysia. Once a coconut plantation, it spans a hilly area of more than 20 acres of land, overlooking the true blue South China Sea and comes with a touch of kampong ambience.

Photo from Tanjung Sutera Resort's website

From the resort, trek to Tanjong Sedili which is located at the South eastern coast of Johor adjacent to Jason Bay. This area is home to a stretch of scenic rocky coast and beach that contain rich inter-tidal marine life and geological rock formations which pre-date to the Jurassic period! Other facilities include water sports and a swimming pool.

Photo from Tanjung Sutera Resort's website

Accommodation includes standard rooms, family suites, cottages and even a seaview suite. All the rooms have air-conditioning and are fitted with water heaters.

Address: Lot 901 Kuala Sedili Besar, 81910 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +6019 776 76 77
Website: tanjungsuteraresort.com


5. Zenxin Organic Farm

You may recognize the brand 'Zenxin' as its organic vegetables are sold in our supermarkets here. And that should not come as a surprise as Zenxin Agri-Organic Food is Malaysia’s leading producer, distributor and retailer of organic produce. Situated just before the turn-in to UK Agro Farm (so its a great pit-stop if you are on your way to the sheep farm), Zenxin houses an Organic Park which is the first open-to public organic farm in Malaysia, combining the educational and recreational purposes.

Admission is chargeable (Adults RM10 & Child (4-12) RM8) and visitors will be able to one go on a tour of the huge farm and learn more about how various vegetables and fruits are grown. There are even bicycles for rent, or longkang fishing for the kids. There's also a mini petting farm with rabbits, ducks and quails for kids to feed and play with.

Photo from Zenxin Organic Farm's website

Remember to head to the restaurant after the farm visit for an affordable organic steamboat meal!

Address: No.8, Jln Teknologi 1, Kws Perindustrian Mengkibol, 86000, Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9am - 9pm
Website: www.zenxin.com.my


6. Desaru Fruit Farm

Desaru Fruit Farm is great for a day trip to Johor, with more than 100 varieties of tropical fruits for kids to see. Go on the guided farm tour to visit the 180 acres of natural tropical fruit land, view the agricultural gallery, fish pond and vegetable and herb gardens. Kids will no doubt be smitten with the Petting Zoo, and also have the opportunity to learn more about bees and taste local raw honey. Lunch is usually included in the package.

Photo from Deasaru Fruit Farm's website

Prefer to stay over for the night in Desaru instead? The nearby Lotus Desaru Beach Resort is a great option with one, two, three or four-bedroom apartments AND... a huge ‘spash-tacular’ water play park located in the middle of the resort. Read more of our stay HERE.

Address: No 1, Sungai Cemaran, Desaru, 81930 Kota Tinggi, Johor Darul Takzim
Website: www.desarufruitfarm.com


7. Sri Tanjung Leisure Farm

This is one farm that I have not brought the monkies to but I figure if your kids love animals like mine do, Seri Tanjung Leisure Farm might just be worth checking out. Besides being able to see various plants and tropical fruit trees, kids can visit the mini zoo which is home to ostriches, fishes, horses, ponies, rabbits, birds and more. Admission is chargeable at RM10 for adults and RM8 for children.

Address: Ptd 5577, Parit Lan, Kayu Ara Pasong, 82010 Pontian, Johor
Website: stl-farm.com.my

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Link: www.armourpublishing.com/product/got-kids-go-where-pre-orders