Horse-drawn carriage brings old-world charm to Tanjung Balau

KOTA TINGGI: The rhythmic clip-clop of horses’ hooves and the gentle rumble of carriage wheels are an unusual soundtrack at Tanjung Balau Beach.

There, visitors can step back in time with a horse-drawn carriage ride along the coast.

The Johor Horse Carriage service has become one of the state’s more distinctive tourism attractions, offering a nostalgic experience that harks back to an era when horse-drawn transport was associated with prestige and royalty.

For owner Nur Iswandi Shahrani, the venture is about more than offering visitors a memorable ride. The 49-year-old hopes it will also celebrate Johor’s equestrian heritage, long reflected in the state’s history and traditional arts such as the Kuda Kepang dance.

“Johor is renowned for its Kuda Kepang heritage, so 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.

Located about 700m from Tanjung Balau Beach, the attraction grew out of Iswandi’s lifelong love of horses.

“I got the idea after seeing horse-drawn carriages used for tourism in Kuala Lumpur and Melaka. I wanted to introduce something similar here because Johor didn’t have a coastal attraction like this,” he explained.

Each carriage ride doubles as a guided tour, with drivers pointing out nearby attractions including the Tanjung Balau Museum and the local fishing village.

Iswandi said the experience has attracted both local and international visitors, particularly tourists from neighbouring Singapore looking for a slower-paced getaway.

“For many, this is a completely new experience. It is a relaxing, open-air ride where you can simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.”

Although operating an animal-based tourism business has presented challenges, including concerns about horse welfare, Iswandi said the wellbeing of the animals remains his highest priority.

He said the horses receive regular veterinary care, their working hours are limited, and strict guidelines are followed to ensure they are properly cared for.

The business has since grown to include 15 horses and three carriages, with the service also hired for official functions and special events.

Looking ahead, Iswandi hopes community-based tourism initiatives that combine culture, heritage and nature will continue to receive support.

The signature carriage ride costs RM50 for up to four passengers, while visitors can also enjoy paddock joy rides for RM10 a person or feed the horses for RM5.

The horses have also become a popular backdrop for wedding photography, lending a fairytale touch to couples’ portraits against the coastal scenery.

Learn more about Johor Horse Carriage on Facebook.