When you are in Johor, you can explore Kulai, a city in the state of Johor, Malaysia. It is only around 29 kilometers to the north of Johor Bahru, accessible easily by private car or online taxi, bus, and the KTM Komuter for only 40 minutes to an hour. People even go to Kulai by cycling, due to the scenic route.

Aside from being an accessible destination from Johor Bahru, Kulai itself is an attractive city to explore. It is rich with culture, and it is suitable for people that look for a natural destination. Kulai is indeed beautiful, with Gunung Pulai or Pulai Mountain as the most popular attraction.

Interested in exploring Kulai? Then let’s discover all the things to do in Kulai!

Location: 1488, Jalan Kampung, Off, Jalan Kota Tinggi - Kluang, Felda Taib Andak, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday, 9 AM - 6 PM

Exploring Putuo Village is the first thing to do in Kulai that is related to its rich culture. Putuo Village is a Buddhist village, where people usually visit to get a spiritual experience yet also enjoy the real nature of Kulai. In fact, Putuo Village is a prominent 43-acres Buddhist site.

The village is home to the famous and sacred Goddess of Mercy or Guanyin Statue. Other than that, the architecture of the temples here are mesmerizing and so detailed by carvings and statues. The pagodas and the pavilions are so in match with the natural scenery, making Putuo Village a nice photography spot.

Getting to Gunung Pulai or Mountain Pulai is a popular thing to do in Kulai. In fact, so many people come to Kulai to explore this recreational forest to do a lot of fun outdoor activities.

Get ready, wear your comfortable clothes and your sporty shoes as you will go hiking to the summit of Pulai Mountain. There are several famous hiking trails to get to the summit, which is about 654 meters above the sea level.

On the way to the summit is the beautiful natural scenery that will refresh your mind and body. The sounds of the bird chirping will complete your hearing, making you utterly aware of being in the middle of nature—just like you need to be after your daily hustle and bustle.

If you are not into hiking on the trails to the top of Gunung Pulai, it is possible for you to come to Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest only to enjoy the view. The highlight of the recreational forest is the refreshing yet amazing Gunung Pulai Waterfall–please add it to your list of things to do in Kulai.

Your journey will start at the entrance of Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest. It takes only around 1 to 1.5 km from the entrance to Gunung Pulai Waterfall, requiring you to do a short hike. Relax, it’s not that hard to hike to the waterfall. Children can do it too!

When you’re there, the beauty of the waterfall will hit your senses. The sound of the cascading flow of the water will make you relax. You can swim or have a picnic at the side of the waterfall, and don’t forget to take a lot of pictures.

Location: Jalan Kijang, Kampung Baru Kulai, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia.

Visiting Hakka Village in Kulai is like a required thing to do in Kulai. It offers a rich cultural experience, introducing you to the traditions of the Hakka community. The Hakka are a unique ethnic group within the Han Chinese, known for their distinct culture, language, and history. Originating from northern China, they migrated to various regions, including southern China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, over centuries.

Let’s explore authentic Hakka architecture, taste traditional Hakka cuisine, and enjoy engaging cultural performances. The village provides insights into the history and lifestyle of the Hakka people, making it an educational and enjoyable destination. Its scenic surroundings and welcoming atmosphere will make your visit memorable.

Location: 4103, Jalan Kelapa Sawit 3, Kampung Sri Paya, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia

In the morning, you can exercise while also taking a stroll and admiring the Kulai Street Art. Located at Jalan Kelapa Sawit, the walls around you are full with colorful murals with various themes. Of course, other than admiring only, you can also take a selfie and make the street art as your background.

Along the street, you can find some food sellers, including some ice cream sellers that feel so tempting when you visit at noon. There are also some eateries, offering local foods. It’s worth it when you stop for a break and try those local delicacies!

Location: Jalan Premium Outlets, Bandar Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday, 10 AM - 10 PM

Who doesn’t love shopping? When you’re in Kulai, you can still do this hobby of yours by visiting Johor Premium Outlet. Johor Premium Outlet (JPO) is known for its shopping opportunities for top brand items at relatively affordable prices.

JPO features real premium brands like Coach, Michael Kors, and Nike. To get there, you can drive from Johor Bahru (about 30 minutes) or take a bus from major cities. The outlet provides a wide range of luxury and designer brands, making it a popular destination for shoppers looking for great deals, even for foreign tourists.

Location: Lebuh Putra Utama, Bandar Putra, 81000, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7 AM - 6.30 PM

Surprisingly, Hutan Bandar Kulai, or like the Kulai Municipal Park in the middle of the city, is great and full of superb facilities for everyone, including families with children. Local people usually come in the morning for easy jogging and exercise, while enjoying the sun and getting natural vitamin D!

Its cleanliness is top notch. Also, the facilities include well-maintained toilets, swimming pool (suitable for kids as well), a playground, and even a gym. When you need a spot to chill and enjoy the view, you can come here. The view of the lake and the plane spotting will make your visit more interesting, hence it’s a must-try thing to do in Kulai.

Location: Jalan Siantan 3, Taman Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor, 81000, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Every Wednesday, 6 - 9 PM

It’s time to savor a variety of local and international street food, from satay and roti canai to bubble tea and skewers, in Pasar Malam Temenggong! Not only the delicious foods, you can also browse through stalls selling clothes, accessories, gadgets, and handmade crafts.

A little tip before you visit Pasar Malam Temenggong: please bring some cash too. Some sellers might not have the QR Code or other cashless option.

Location: Jalan Kota Tinggi, 81100 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia

Kulai Tian Hou Gong Temple is a prominent religious site in Kulai, Johor, Malaysia, dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess that protects fishermen and sailors. The temple is well-known for its vibrant and elaborate architecture, featuring traditional Chinese design elements such as ornate carvings, colorful tiles, and detailed sculptures.

The temple is generally open to the public, allowing you to explore its beautiful architecture, participate in rituals, and learn about the local culture. Entry to the temple is free, although donations are often appreciated to help with the temple's maintenance and activities. Don’t forget to wear modest clothing, it’s a holy place!

Location: F49, Bandar Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

Last but not least, one of the things to do in Kulai for free is shopping in AEON Kulai Mall. Well, it’s not entirely free because you might want to buy something, but window shopping is not a sin either. If you’re not on a budget for shopping, you can visit AEON Kulai Mall for other reasons, like visiting the food court.

You can have a lot of fun with all those things to do in Kulai without having to pay for anything! If you’re not from Malaysia, or you’re the local looking for a hotel for staycation, you can use Traveloka to book a hotel and other travel needs like flights, and tickets for activities. Get the best deal and the fast process of booking on Traveloka!