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We were captivated by the colourful fishing boats exhibited in front of Tanjung Balau Fisherman Museum, one of Johors main attraction that documented the livelihood of the local fishing folks. Fishing has been a major economic source for the seafarers of Kota Tinggi district since long ago and the abundance found in South China Sea has supported them for generations.

Entering the museum, you will be enthralled with the complete history of the fishing methods used by the Malay fisherman since centuries ago. That includes the method of finding fish spot through astronomical theory and you also can learn of certain taboos that they observe before the fishermen go out to sea. Some of the traditional fishing equipment shown in the museum are still being used but modernisation has demanded more technological advances and methods with Johor South East Development Board (KEJORA) playing a major role in that sector. The development progress of KEJORA since its inception in 1972 is also displayed in the museum.

In another section, a Geology Gallery displays more than 100 types of rock only exist in Tanjung Balau while the Sea Safety Gallery provides the knowledge pertaining to marine navigational and communication system. One of the most interesting sections is the Desaru Shipwreck Gallery which exhibits the salvaged items of the Chinese junk sunk in 1840s. There are about 30 types of Chinese porcelains displayed. An educational spot especially for kids, the museum has recorded a real life history of how men live by the Johor sea and it pretty much comprehend the life in other coastal areas all over Malaysia. Opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, it is open upon request from Monday to Friday.

The museum actually complement the whole area of the beautiful stretch of Tanjung Balau beach that extends to a jetty plus a mangrove sanctuary which is rich in bio-diversity of flora and fauna. We actually had seen more than five hornbills flying low persuading us to take photos of them! If you come at the right time, you can also watch how the fishermen bring in their sea catches at the beach of Tanjung Balau while strolling down its white sandy beach.