The village has become one of Johor’s beloved stargazing spots, along one of the darkest stretches of the Mersing coastline, far from the glow of urban centres. The contrast is striking, said stargazer Nurul Syahirah Nazarudin.
On the Bortle scale — a measure of night-sky brightness from one to nine — Singapore ranks at level nine, while Kampung Mawar measures about 4.9, revealing constellations, shooting stars and, on clear nights, even the Milky Way.
Armed with telescopes, binoculars and astronomy apps, visitors can identify constellations such as Orion and trace stars invisible from Singapore.
“Working (all day) … sometimes can take a toll on you,” Syahirah said. “When I stargaze, I feel like I’m disconnecting myself from all of the stress.”
A primary school teacher with no formal science background, she says astronomy isn’t just for scientists or professional astronomers — it’s something anyone can enjoy, in their own way.
5. CRUISE THROUGH THE JOHOR STRAIT
Most journeys between Singapore and Johor Bahru happen on land. Few travellers experience the border from the water — especially after dark.
In recent years, night cruises have emerged as a popular after-hours activity, taking advantage of cooler evenings after 6pm. Instead of chartering a private yacht, which can cost thousands of ringgit, visitors can opt for shared cruises run by operators such as Promark.
For about S$50 per person, passengers board a two-hour evening cruise along the Straits of Johor.
Departing from Senibong Cove, the route traces Johor Bahru’s southern coastline, passes beneath the Causeway and skirts the maritime boundary between Malaysia and Singapore. A meal and drinks are included.
As the boat glides across the water, the Causeway looms overhead, lit up against the night sky, while coast guard vessels patrol at regular intervals.
“Most people are used to crossing the border between Singapore and JB,” says Promark night cruise guide Wong Joe Ning. “But they’ve never seen this view between this border like this.
“So calming, so chill.”
Watch this episode of the Walk on the WOW Side series here. The programme, On The Red Dot, airs on Channel 5 every Friday at 9.30pm.
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