Johor Bahru

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Johor Bahru, or JB, sits at the very southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, just across the strait from Singapore. Plenty of people only pass through, but JB has a small, likeable old town, a royal heritage, great food and enough nearby attractions for a weekend.

Why go

An easy add-on to Singapore. Cross the border for a day or two and see a different side of the region.
The food. Johor has its own versions of familiar dishes, plus excellent seafood.
Family days out. Theme parks and beaches are within easy reach.

What to do

The heritage quarter

JB’s old town is compact and walkable. Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and the streets around it are lined with old shophouses, now home to cafés, galleries and eateries. Close by, the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple is one of the oldest buildings in the city and the centre of the yearly Chingay parade. Walk a little further for the colourful Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman glass temple, whose interior is covered in mosaic glass.

Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque

A striking white mosque on a hill overlooking the strait, mixing Victorian and Moorish styles. Non-Muslim visitors should dress modestly and check visiting times.

Along the waterfront

The Istana Besar, the old Johor royal palace, stands in landscaped gardens by the water, and the waterfront is a pleasant place for an evening walk with views across to Singapore.

Theme parks and malls

Iskandar Puteri, west of the city centre, has Legoland Malaysia and other family attractions. JB is also known for its big malls and outlet shopping.

Day trips

Desaru: beaches and resorts on the east coast of Johor.
Kukup: a fishing village on stilts, known for seafood.
Muar: a laid-back town up the coast, famous for otak-otak.

What to eat

Dish	What it is
Laksa Johor	A Johor take on laksa, made with spaghetti in a rich fish and coconut gravy
Mee rebus	Yellow noodles in a thick, sweet-savoury potato-based gravy
Otak-otak	Spiced fish paste grilled in banana or coconut leaves
Kway teow kia	Flat rice noodles in a dark, braised-duck broth
Seafood	Chilli crab, grilled fish and more, at seafood restaurants around the city

Getting there and around

From Singapore: Cross by the Causeway (closest to the city centre) or the Second Link in the west. Buses, taxis and trains run across the border. Check the latest cross-border options, since new links are being built.
From the rest of Malaysia: Fly into Senai airport, take an express bus, or check KTMB for train services from KL.
Getting around: Grab is the easiest way to get about. The heritage quarter is walkable.

Where to stay

Stay in the city centre near the heritage quarter if you’re here for food and sightseeing, or in Iskandar Puteri if you’re here for the theme parks.

Compare hotels in Johor Bahru Check Legoland Malaysia tickets

When to go

JB is hot and humid all year, with frequent afternoon showers. Visit outside Singapore and Malaysian school holidays for shorter border queues. The Chingay parade, usually held shortly after Chinese New Year, is a great time to see the old town come alive.

Heading north? Melaka is a short drive away.