The history of Kota Tinggi and its development is recorded starting from 1529, which is when this area was first explored by Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah II, the founder of the Johor kingdom who ruled from 1528 to 1564. The first location he explored and made the center of government of the Johor Lama kingdom was in Pekan Tua (now Kampung Sungai Telor).
The name Kota Tinggi was taken in conjunction with the construction of eight defensive forts by the Johor sultans along the banks of the Johor River, namely Kota Kara (1529), Kota Sayong (1536), Kota Batu (1540), Kota Seluyut (1564), Kota Batu Sawar (1587), Kota Touhid (1623), Kota Tinggi (1685), Kota Panchor (1716). Local historians agree that by taking the name in conjunction with the construction of the defensive 'Forts' which were all located in 'Tanah Tinggi', the name Kota Tinggi has been written as the name of this district until now.
In terms of pronunciation, the earliest date the name Kota Tinggi was mentioned was during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Syah II (1685-1699). Meanwhile, the date Sultan Mahmud Syah II began making Kota Tinggi the center of government was in 1688, when he was moved from Riau to Kota Tinggi.
When referring to the city of Kota Tinggi, the earliest location to be explored was in the Kota Touhid area. Sultan Abdul Jalil Syah III was the sultan responsible for opening Kota Touhid in 1623 and ruled there from 1623 to 1677. Most local historians agree that the earliest or first mention of the name Kota Tinggi was in 1688 by Sultan Mahmud Syah II.
Based on these events and dates (1528, 1623, and 1688), the year 1688 is the date that should be accepted as the date Kota Tinggi was opened and the location in question is located in Kampung Makam.
After those dates until the country achieved independence in 1957. Kota Tinggi City went through a rapid development process and became a famous city based on its current status.