Johar Bahru is the capital city of Johor, siting at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It is the second largest city in Malaysia and also known for its rapid economic growth and development. As one of the most visited cities globally, Johor Bahru also has the world's busiest land border crossing, via the Johor-Singapore Causeway, KTM Intercity and the future RTS Link to Singapore. It is also served by Senai International Airport and the world's 15th-busiest port, Tanjung Pelepas. The gateway to many southern Malaysian tourist destinations, including the beautiful islands of the Riau Archipelago. It is also recognized for its diverse cuisine, rich in Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavours.
Johor Bahru has become a major tourist destination, with the opening of a major amusement park in 2012. The LEGOLAND amusement park, the first Legoland park in Asia, that attracts millions of visitors annually. Other places to visit in Johor Bahru include Danga Bay recreational park, cultural sites like the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum and Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, and many shopping destinations like City Square Shopping Mall, KSL City Mall and Johor Premium Outlets. Also, at a short drive from the city, the Desaru Coast offers its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and water activities to its visitors, making it a great escape from the city buzz.
Johor Bahru boasts a rich history, shaped by sultans and traders, that is evident even today in many museums and landmarks offering intriguing insights to its past. The Chinese Heritage Museum is where visitors can learn about the settlers who came to Johar Bahru in the 1800s. The Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam, a spectacular religious Hindu temple adorned with 100 statues. The historic streets of Johor Bahru Old Town lets you walk through its colourful murals, heritage buildings, and charming cafes.
One of the most beautiful and significant mosques in Johor Bahru is the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque. It sits on a prominent position atop a hill, overlooking the Straits of Johor, providing breathtaking views of the accompanying waterway and the neighbouring country of Singapore. Its architectural design uniquely blends Victorian and Moorish influences, showcasing the grandeur of Islamic motifs and a Western-style approach. The strategic location and architectural elegance make it a prominent landmark and a must-visit destination in Johor Bahru.
Danga Bay is the largest recreational park, spanning over 25 kilometres of waterfront, offers an array of entertainment from shopping and dining to adventure and amusement rides. Visitors enjoy the scenic views of the Straits of Johor, along with a vibrant night market offering local handicrafts and food. In Danga Bay the theme parks like Danga World Petting Zoo and Danga World Mini Theme Park appeals to families, while the Danga Bay Marina provides a base for yachting and sailing enthusiasts.
Other places to explore are Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street, a charming street with traditional coffee shops and art. Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park that is less crowded than LEGOLAND, but just as fun. Kuso Trick Art Gallery, that is an interactive 3D art museum perfect for photos. And Gunung Pulai, a peaceful nature reserve with waterfalls and hiking trails.
Johor Bahru is an ideal travel destination year-round with, a mix of vibrant city life, delicious street food, and exciting theme parks. As the families enjoy recreational spots, while the nature enthusiasts often visit the nearby national parks, such as Pulau Kukup and Gunung Pulai, for treks and rich biodiversity. And the perfect blend of great weather, local festivals, and fewer crowds is between the month of March to May and September to November.
LEGOLAND Malaysia - Legoland Malaysia is a family-friendly theme park located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Inaugurated in September 2012, it is the first Legoland theme park in Asia and sixth in the world offering visitors an exciting journey through a world of creativity, fun, and adventure. Spanning over 76 acres, the park offers more than 70 interactive rides, shows, and attractions suitable for families and children of all ages. Built with over 40 million Lego bricks, the park's notable features include Mini land, where Asian landmarks are recreated in miniature form using Lego bricks, and various themed zones such as Lego Technic, Lego Kingdoms, Land of Adventure, and Lego City. Further adding to the resort's appeal an adjacent water park is opened in 2013 with water slides and a wave pool. Besides the amusement rides and water park, there are also various dining options, shopping, and a LEGOLAND hotel that provides themed accommodation, allowing guests to extend their stay in a Lego-inspired environment. The resort provides a unique, educational, and entertaining experience. With its hands-on experiences, Legoland Malaysia offers a full day of action-packed entertainment.
Johor Bahru City Square -
The Johor Bahru City Square with area spanning over 300,000 square feet, houses over 300 retailers, including international fashion brands, local boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and a multi-screen cinema. The modern architecture of the complex seamlessly integrates retail with recreational spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors to spend an entire day. The adjoining CIQ (Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine) complex enables convenient cross-border travel for shoppers and travellers, further enhancing the mall's strategic importance as a commercial hub. This City Square is not just a shopping haven but also a place where various cultural events and festivals are celebrated, reflecting Malaysia's rich heritage.
Johor Bahru City Square is a bustling shopping and entertainment complex located in the heart of Johor Bahru. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists as it stands prominently near the Johor-Singapore Causeway, which connects Johor Bahru to Singapore. This vibrant mall is designed to cater to a wide array of tastes and preferences, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Pasar Karat Bazar JB -
Popularly known as Bazaar Karat or Bazaar JB, it is a night flea market in Jalan Segget in Johar Bahru. A great place for visitors willing to experience the thrill of shopping in a flea market than visiting branded stores in a mall. This market is a hidden treasure for shoppers as it provides a wide variety of products ranging from fridge magnets to clothes to electronic equipments. Located within a walking distance or taxi ride from the JB Checkpoint and major landmarks like JB Sentral.
JB's vibrant night bazaar offers thrifty fashion, unique souvenirs, and delicious street food, buzzing late into the night. Bazaar Karat truly comes alive after 10 PM and stays buzzing until 2 AM. Plan your visit for the late evening to experience the full vibrant energy and widest selection of goods and food. At the market look for incredible deals on bundle t-shirts, shoes, bags, and more, with low prices. Indulge in a wide array of local Malaysian street food, from seafood to noodles and unique snacks. Shop for souvenirs like keychains, fridge magnets, and t-shirts, perfect for last-minute gifts. Also look for antiques and vintage items like old cameras, brassware and the vintage enamel pot.
Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple –
The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Johar Bahru. Established in 1922, it is situated next to the railway tracks between Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Mohd Taib in Johar Bahru. The temple was later transformation with glass fittings from 2008 and completed in October 2009. On 12 May 2010, listed in the Malaysian Book of Records as the first and only glass temple in the nation. Since then, the temple became one of the state's major tourist attractions.
Famously known as “GLASS TEMPLE” the interior of the entire temple is covered in a mosaic of 300,000 multi-coloured mirror tiles, adorned with hundreds of thousands of glass beads. The light from crystal chandeliers is reflected on doors, pillars, walls and ceilings in a bright blaze. The centrepiece in the Atma Lingam sanctuary of the temple is a lotus for Shiva, where devotes can pour rose water and perform their prayers. There are 10 gold-finished sculptures close to the ceiling that portray the cycle of life, from birth, youth, adulthood, to old age and death. Though, it is a Hindu temple there are statues of Gautama Buddha, Jesus Christ, Mother Teresa & other Saints inside. Murals, made of glass, include some modern scenes of kindness and cross-faith love, where a Muslim and Christian is helping a Hindu who got into a motorcycle crash. The temple is open for devotees from 7am to 10pm daily, while visiting hours for tourists are between 1pm and 5pm.
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