Next we move to the south, mainly the states of Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Johor. Having been born in Muar, Johor in 1970 and lived in the state until I moved out upon reaching the age of 18 it is natural that I have a liking for these parts of the world. I'm also very familiar with Melaka and Negeri Sembilan as it lies not so far from Muar. Besides, since small I often go to Selangor and the Klang Valley and these states happened to be on the way...
Despite that, the truth is my familiarity with rivers to the south is actually very limited. My interest lies mainly with Sungai Muar as it is the river I grew up with. Once in a while I get fascinated by Sungai Kesang which forms the border between Johor and Melaka, also the Melaka river itself especially since it has been cleaned the last two decades to be turned into a major tourist attraction. In the last 3-4 years only did I discovered the beauty of Sungai Linggi which forms the border between Negeri Sembilan and Melaka and it is only last year that I appreciated Sungai Johor despite the fact that I first saw its vastness while going on a solo round Peninsular Malaysia bike trip 13 years ago.
13. Sungai Linggi
This is the most important waterway in Negeri Sembilan. It seems almost all rivers in the state west of the main mountain range of Banjaran Titiwangsa flows into Sungai Linggi before getting into open waters of the Straits of Melaka.
Interlude: A visit to Kuala Linggi...
14. Sungai Melaka
Despite it being not so long and wide, the popularity of this river seems to match the likes of the River Thames in London and River Seine in Paris at least in Malaysia. I remembered brushing aside the river as a filthy dumpyard when I was growing up, at times following my parents shopping in Melaka. But the last 2 decades saw major transformations turning it into a beautiful major tourist attraction.
The watergate sytem of the river Melaka
15. Sungai Kesang
You might have passed and overlook this river in your way down south or back. My advice, took your sweet time to veer into the old Muar-Melaka trunk road and you'd appreciate it as a beauty in itself. Better still find the rural road to the estuary and you'll find views quite interesting and rewarding...
16. Sungai Muar
The beauty of Sungai Muar goes without saying not because I grew up around it. Rather it is one of the major rivers of Malaysia with its upriver parts extending into the heart of Negeri Sembilan, the side east to Banjaran Titiwangsa that is. It has history which at times sound romantic. Just have a look at what I've featured so far...
A look at Talang Dam, the most upstream part of the Muar river...
Where Muar river meets Jempol in Negeri Sembilan...
Views from on top of Muar town...
17. Sungai Batu Pahat
Another river I've often passed by when I was small going to areas further south. But it is only in the last few years that I finally saw where it drains out...
18. Sungai Johor
The could be the widest river in Peninsular Malaysia if not all of Malaysia. Just look at these articles...
The immensely wide Johor river - Views from the jetty at Johor Lama...
The immensely wide Johor river - Views from Kampung Johor Lama...
The immensely wide Johor river - Views from Teluk Sengat...
19. Sungai Sedili
I've just noticed that this river in the district of Kota Tinggi is a major river in these parts, after realising that I forgot to give attention to the rivers on the east coast of Johor. I have been here at least once. God willing I will go here again and feature it in a future article.
20. Sungai Mersing
Mersing is THE major town of Johor's east coast. This gateway to the beautiful resort island of Pulau Tioman also has a beautiful river which gave it its name.
Smelling the sea in Mersing...
21. Sungai Endau
This river forms the natural border between the states of Johor and Pahang. Like Sungai Sedili I have also been here at least once and hope to come again and feature it here soon.
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