07/07/2026 11:33 AM

Galloping Horses Add New Vibrancy To Tanjung Balau Beach

By Muhammad Saufee Rosman

KOTA TINGGI, July 7 (Bernama) -- The morning calm was broken by the clip-clop of Belima horses and the gentle rumble of carriage wheels along a path near Tanjung Balau Beach, evoking a bygone era when horse-drawn carriages represented the prestige and wealth of the nobility.

Designed to offer a surreal experience, the Johor Horse Carriage service has become a standout attraction in the state's tourism line-up, providing visitors with a taste of old-world nostalgia in a contemporary environment, a move aimed at boosting the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 initiative.

Yet, beyond the novelty of the attraction in the Tanjung Surat state constituency, owner Nur Iswandi Shahrani, 49, harbours a deeper ambition: to revive Johor’s distinct identity, a heritage deeply intertwined with equestrian culture and traditional arts such as the Kuda Kepang dance.

“Johor is renowned for its Kuda Kepang heritage, and this offers a real-life equestrian equivalent. We hope the public will support us by coming to try this distinctly different experience,” he told Bernama in a recent interview.

Located roughly 700 metres from Tanjung Balau Beach, the carriage service is driven by Nur Iswandi’s lifelong passion for horses, animals he views as icons of strength.

“I got the idea from seeing horse carriages used for tourism in Kuala Lumpur and Melaka. I wanted to introduce it here because Johor had nothing that offered this type of coastal experience,” he said.

Passengers get more than a scenic journey; every carriage ride features a driver who acts as a tour guide, showcasing nearby attractions, from the Tanjung Balau Museum to the local fishing community.

He noted that the unique attraction has proved popular with both local and foreign visitors, adding that tourists from neighbouring Singapore, in particular, have been drawn to the experience, seeking a peaceful escape from the city.

“For many, this is a completely new experience. It is a relaxing, open-air ride where you can just sit back and take in the scenery. There is an inherent sense of exclusivity that comes with travelling by horse-drawn carriage,” he said.

While the venture has enjoyed a warm reception over its ten-plus years in business, Nur Iswandi conceded that building a tourism attraction centered around animals has brought its fair share of challenges.

“We have received complaints about the odour, alongside concerns over animal welfare. However, we cooperate fully with the veterinary department and strictly follow international guidelines for horse care,” he said, adding that his operation has now grown to include 15 horses and three carriages.

The welfare of the horses remains paramount, Nur Iswandi stressed, noting that the business enforces a strict operational framework, including capping each animal's working hours and setting clear weight limits on the loads they pull.

He said all horses receive professional veterinary care from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, while regular stable cleaning and waste management help keep the local environment clean.

“We take strict measures to prevent our horses from escaping or straying onto the roads and causing safety hazards. Local villagers and the wider public are now far more receptive. Even government agencies regularly hire us to host their visiting dignitaries,” he said.

Reflecting on his future plans, Nur Iswandi said that while the current facilities and operations of the Johor Horse Carriage service are sufficient for now, he hopes that community-based tourism initiatives blending cultural identity and nature will receive broader support from the government and tourism agencies.

The attraction’s primary offering is a classic carriage ride priced at RM50 for groups of up to four people. For individual activities, visitors can opt for a paddock joy ride at RM10 per person, or purchase horse feed for RM5.

The carriages are a frequent fixture at Tanjung Balau Beach, where wedding couples can frame their memories with a fairytale aesthetic.

-- BERNAMA

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