JETCO Johor Family Travel Series: Discovering Johor Heritage & Batu Batu Island (Part 1)

HER Voice

Before motherhood, travelling meant chasing adventures. I loved hopping between cities, wandering through hidden streets, immersing myself in different cultures, and squeezing every possible experience into a trip.

But motherhood has changed that.

Today, even having a few quiet hours to myself feels like a luxury. And if I'm being honest, they often come with a little bit of mum guilt too.

This year has been one of the most challenging seasons for our family.

With my husband away on a long work assignment from December to June, I found myself juggling two full-time passions. Besides running my own business, Zheng Yue Music Guzheng Studio, I was also growing The Babies Cue community, all while raising my wonderfully energetic four-year-old who has recently discovered that "being independent" also means climbing almost everything in sight.

It wasn't an easy season for either of us.

Even though we were apart for work, we both knew one thing. When he returned, we didn't want our next family trip to be about ticking attractions off a list or rushing from one place to another. We simply wanted time together.

So when JETCO invited us on a media familiarisation trip to Batu Batu Island, the invitation couldn't have come at a better time.

What I didn't expect was that even before reaching the island, Johor itself would gently remind me that sometimes the best holidays aren't the busiest ones. They're the ones that allow you to slow down.

HER Story

A Stress-Free Beginning

Travelling with a young child usually starts long before you leave home.

Packing extra clothes. Packing snacks. Making sure the medicines are packed. Double-checking if you've brought your child's favourite toy, because somehow they only remember it after you've left the house.

One thing I genuinely appreciated about this trip was the complimentary pick-up service right from our doorstep. It instantly took one thing off my mental checklist.

We left home at 6.30 am, crossed the Causeway without much delay, and before we knew it, we had arrived at our first stop, Johor Heritage Foundation.

It's funny how the smallest conveniences can make travelling with children feel so much easier.

Our Advanture

Stepping Into Johor's Living Heritage

Our first destination was Kompleks Warisan Sultan Abu Bakar, located within Yayasan Warisan Johor.

The first thing that caught my attention was the pair of historic cannons standing proudly outside the entrance. They almost felt like they were welcoming visitors into Johor's royal heritage.

Once inside, the atmosphere completely changed.

Rather than feeling like a museum, it felt like stepping into an old Malay kampung. Every corner had its own story to tell, from traditional homes and cultural displays to heritage collections that offered a glimpse into how families once lived.

Because we arrived quite early, we had the place almost entirely to ourselves. It was peaceful, quiet and never felt rushed. The staff welcomed us warmly, and we could take our time exploring each space without having to navigate through crowds.

Culture That Comes Alive

One of my favourite moments was watching the traditional cultural dance performance.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that performances here can feature up to 12 to 15 dancers. For such a cosy heritage space, that's actually quite impressive. It wasn't just a performance. It felt like Johor sharing a piece of its culture with every visitor.

Another highlight for me was watching the artisans weave traditional Johor textiles by hand.

Seeing every thread carefully woven together gave me a whole new appreciation for the craftsmanship behind these beautiful fabrics.

As a mum, this experience meant even more. Our children are growing up in a world surrounded by technology. Watching my son quietly observe someone creating something entirely by hand reminded me that some experiences simply cannot be replaced by a screen. They have to be seen with your own eyes.

History Hidden in Everyday Objects

One exhibit that really caught my attention was the Beduk, a ceremonial drum with significant historical value.

It was specially commissioned for the launch of the reorganised UMNO party in 1988 and was ceremonially struck by the late Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail at Johor's Grand Palace.

Standing in front of it, I couldn't help but think about how some of the simplest objects often carry the richest stories.

Breakfast Like a Local

After our tour, we headed over to Gerai Rasa Johor, which is located within the heritage complex itself. Breakfast was simple, hearty and incredibly satisfying. We were served fragrant nasi lemak, comforting bowls of soto ayam, and a variety of traditional Malay kuih. The best part is that it's also open to the public. If you're planning to visit the heritage complex, I'd definitely recommend stopping here before continuing the rest of your Johor adventure.

More Than Just a Museum

One thing I didn't expect was discovering that visitors can actually dress up in traditional Malay attire for a heritage photoshoot. The experience even includes hairstyling, making it a lovely way to immerse yourself in the culture while bringing home a unique keepsake.I could already picture families creating beautiful memories together here.

The Babies Cue Reflections

Finding Peace at Kampung Stay @ Teluk Buih

Finding Peace at Kampung Stay @ Teluk Buih. After breakfast, we continued our journey towards Mersing and arrived at Kampung Stay @ Teluk Buih. The moment I stepped out of the vehicle, my first thought was...

"This feels like Malaysia's little Santorini."

White villas, open skies, sea breeze and a pace of life that instantly felt slower. It isn't luxury in the extravagant sense. Instead, it offers something I think many mums secretly long for.

Peace.

The kind where you don't feel pressured to be doing something every minute. The kind where sitting down with a cup of coffee while listening to the waves somehow feels like the most productive thing you can do.

A Place I'd Return To

As we toured the largest villa, I found myself imagining spending an entire weekend here with my family.

The spacious living room even comes with a sofa bed, making it feel less like a hotel and more like a holiday home where everyone can simply relax.

Then another thought crossed my mind.

Wouldn't this make the perfect venue for a Babies Cue Mummies Retreat? A weekend where mums don't have to think about cooking, planning or rushing from one activity to another. Just good food, meaningful conversations and a little time to reconnect with ourselves.

I have a feeling many mums would understand exactly why that sounds so tempting.

About The Babies Cue

The Babies Cue is a Singapore-founded mothers’ community built on Her Voices, Her Stories, and Her Growth.

We provide trusted educational and emotional support for mothers from pre-pregnancy through postpartum and early childhood. Combining credible resources with authentic insights from real mothers.

Built by mothers and led by mothers, The Babies Cue is a safe and transformative space where women come together to share, learn, and grow.

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