JOHOR BARU: The arch on which the replica of the Johor Ruler’s Crown is placed at the entrance of Istana Bukit Serene along Jalan Skudai is the most photographed landmark in the state.

Weighing several tonnes, the crown is placed on an arch resembling elephant tusks which was built to mark Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar’s coronation on March 23, 2015.

Many local and foreign visitors stop by the site to have photos taken under the arch.

Indonesian businessman Jonno and his wife Lanni from Batam came here with their children to celebrate Chinese New Year.

“We were amazed by the size and beauty of the giant crown and will tell our friends back home to come and see it for themselves,’’ said Jonno, who is of Chinese descent.

The couple said it was their first time celebrating Chinese New Year in Johor.

He said they planned to visit Legoland Theme Park in Iskandar Puteri and shop for branded items at the Johor Premium Outlets (JPO).

Wardatul Ahmar from Klang, who brought along her Kelantanese mother-in-law, said it was her second visit to the arch site.

“It is nice of the Ruler to allow visitors to spend time at the entrance of the palace,’’ she said.

Foreign workers in Johor enjoyed the holidays by going to town to meet up with their fellow workers.

The spruced up Jalan Wong Ah Fook was a popular meeting spot.

Nepalese factory operator Surya Sagar said the festive break was an opportunity for him to meet other Nepalese workers.

“My friends and I were here last Chinese New Year but work was not completed.

“Now the area looks great,” he said.