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Johor Lama is a
principal historical place of interest and ancient capital of
Johor. It is situated in modern
Kota Tinggi district. Johor Lama is
approximately 27 km from Kota Tinggi town,
in Teluk Sengat. Johor Lama is accessible from the North South Expressway
(NSE) via the Kulai exit (Interchage 252), onto
the Johor Bahru-Kota
Tinggi trunk road (Highway 94 and 3) and onwards towards
Desaru (Highway 92). This route is about 77km
from the NSE.
Before the
emergence of Johor Bahru, the current state
capital for
Johor, Johor Lama (Old Johor) held the seat of
power. Johor Lama first arose under the rule of Sultan Alauddin Riayat
Shah circa 1540. Its strategic location right by Johor river, the clever
use of the natural terrain and the construction of fort walls, enabled
Johor Lama to become a secure trading post for the region. Its elevated
location allowed for a strategic view of the river estuary.
Kota Johor
Lama (Old Johor Fort), was the site of fierce wars amongst the local
Malays and outside invading forces. The Old Johor Fort was built in 1540
during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah II (1528-1564). This fort
was the best defence fort among the defence forts built along the Sungai
Johor.
After the fall of the Malay Sultanate of Malacca in 1511, Sungai Johor
became the reigning centre and the defence fort to counter attack the
Portuguese position in Malacca.
The natural environment of the fort makes it easier to supervise the
movement of the ships especially the threat from the Achinese and the
Portuguese.
In 1587, the fort fell to the Portuguese. The whole fort was burnt down
and all assets including weapons were taken.
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