#14 Kluang, Johor

 

District: Kluang, Johor
Towns in the district: Kluang Town, Paloh, Renggam, Machap, Layang-Layang
Last time I was there: A regular stop now whenever I drive back to JB

The story:
Growing up in JB, Kluang was just a name I’d heard -- one of those Johor towns people said had great food, a relaxed vibe, and plenty of keluang (bats) flying around. These days, it’s become a near-automatic stop whenever I’m on the road south. The first order of business? The legendary Kluang RailCoffee, the original railway canteen from 1938 that still oozes rustic charm. Its roti bakar, steamed buns, and strong, aromatic coffee are the stuff of local legend. 





After that, it’s usually a stroll through Laman Kreatif Kluang, the mural-lined lane perfect for “just one more photo.” Founded in 1915 as a humble railway town, Kluang has kept its soul -- a warm, unhurried blend of old kopitiams, friendly faces and small-town stories that never seem to age. It’s no surprise that Kluang was named Malaysia’s Happiest City in the 2024 Malaysia Happiness Index.


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