Discover the charm of Putuo village in Kulai, Johor
Putuo village is a charming off the beaten path site in the Kulai, state of Johor, Malaysia. This charming village is nestled in the heart of a lush valley, surrounded by rolling hills and serene natural beauty.
If you drive, this place is easy to get to. But it will be a challenge if you are taking grab or public transport because it is quite a ways outside of Kulai. And there may not be any grab options within the vicinity when you are leaving. Once you finish, head over to nearby Kulai town for the eats and cafè hopping.
Upon reaching the main gate, you will find a home for the elders. There’s a small carpark, where you can park. But I will advise you to go further in all the way where there are more parking lots.
Putuo village has 3 main sections. A cafè, a Buddhist temple and a colorful park.
Things to do in Putuo village, Kulai: The cafè
Known as the FAT BAMBOO CAFÈ. It is a great place to chill out and recover from your time spent at the temple and the park mainly because of the air-con. And across the seats you get a big window overlooking parts of the temple and also car park.
Unfortunately, the prices are quite expensive for what is on offer. That is understandable since there is no other competition within the vicinity. So pick your drink and/or food carefully.
Or skip it altogether if you already have other plans for cafè hopping before or after.
Potentially IG worthy, especially when you get the drinks in bamboo cups or baskets which is unique to this place.
Buddhist temple
Next to the cafè, is the premise of the Buddhist temple. A spiritual destination with a few things to do here in addition to prayers in the main temple hall.
For starters, you can walk along the path of the big bells and roll each one of them along the way for luck and/or fortune.
Or you can go to the wishing tree, where you write down your wishes, roll in up and tie it, and throw it onto the tree.
Then there is an joining path of ‘repentance’ you can take towards the park.
The Park
This is the highlight of the place. Although you will have to pay an entry fee of RM5 if you are local and RM10 if not.
A notable Kulai attraction, it has many installations that is both IG worthy and also encourages you to interact with them. This will take approximately half an hour if not more. I will let the pictures to the talking.
Going beyond Putuo village, 花果山 Hua Guo Shan Temple
Since you are already at Kulai, here’s another thing what you may check out nearby.
According to local lore, in the 1980s, an individual discovered a small statue of this goddess “招财娘娘” while clearing land.
After placing the statue on a large rock and offering prayers, the person reportedly experienced a financial windfall.
This story attracted many visitors seeking prosperity, leading to the temple’s reputation as a place to pray for wealth. You will also find people who specially go there to wash their feet or take a bath with the waters that collect there.
Remember to take photos of with your Chinese Zodiac with you are there!
Kelapa Sawit Wall Art
And here’s another bonus. If you want to have a breakfast before going to the Putuo village and/or 古来花果山 Hua Guo Shan Temple, the following location is the place.
The Kelapa Sawit Wall Art area, created mostly by the local residents as a way to spruce up the village to attract more visitors to their local businesses including a great selection of Hakka cuisine.
If you are eating, remember to hunt for specific Hakka cuisine because everything else can be found anywhere else.
Putuo village, bottomline
Putuo Village, a serene oasis in Kulai, offers a unique blend of Buddhist temple, natural beauty, and Malaysian Chinese cultural experience. Explore this hidden gem, nestled near Kulai town and Johor Bahru, and discover its spiritual significance.
Be in on the secret Putuo village and one that is mostly unknown to even the locals. Since it is family-friendly, create lasting memories with your loved ones in this peaceful oasis. Also, relax and unwind in this natural retreat.
Although not a bucket list item, but one that will be an interesting side trip nonetheless and a way to burn of the calories from an earlier meal. After that explore other nearby Kulai attractions and Johor tourist spots.
I check out a hidden spot at Batu Pahat Old Street Commercial Center, next.
Experience Johor Bahru Like a Local: Guided Tour
Also, discover the authentic charm of Johor Bahru living with me in a guided tour. As your personal guide, I’ll show you what living in JB is really like.
To start, I’ll pick you up from Singapore and drive you across the border into JB. Next, we’ll indulge in:
- Local coffee and meals
- Exploring areas near Woodlands Causeway and Tuas 2nd Link
- Insider knowledge on pros and cons of different neighborhoods
- Answers to your burning questions
Notably, as a seasoned resident, I’ll share my expertise without any agenda. Consequently, you’ll get a true feel for JB’s lifestyle, amenities, and community. Moreover, I’ll provide valuable insights into:
- JB’s best neighborhoods
- Local culture as well as hidden gems
- Everyday living experiences
Unlike traditional real estate tours, my guided experience focuses on showcasing the real JB. Indicate your interest below. Otherwise, you can also explore my YouTube channel for a glimpse of life in JB.
