Formerly known as Tanjung Puteri, Johor Bahru is the capital of Johor, which is located on the southern tip of Southeast Asia and one Malaysia’s most developed states.
What it is: A major city in southern Malaysia, right across the causeway from Singapore, known for its shopping malls, family attractions, and border-crossing buzz.
Affordability: Very budget-friendly, with cheap food, public transport, and accommodation options across the board.
Safety: Generally safe, though petty theft and scams can happen, especially near the border and busy areas.
Popularity: Popular with Singaporeans on day trips and families visiting nearby theme parks, but often skipped by international tourists.
Tourist Infrastructure: Moderate, malls, theme parks, and transport are well-covered, but walkability and signage can be lacking.
Accommodation Options: Budget hotels, local guesthouses, mid-range chains, and family-friendly resorts near Legoland.
Dining Scene: Casual and tasty, street food, hawker centers, seafood spots, and Malay-Chinese-Indian fusion cuisine.
Nightlife: Low-key, with casual bars, karaoke lounges, and live music, mostly hotel-based or tucked into malls.
Weather: Hot and humid year-round, with frequent rain and a monsoon season from November to January.
Best Time to Go: February to September for drier weather and fewer border delays.
Known For: Shopping, theme parks, proximity to Singapore, street food, family resorts, cultural mix.
Top Attractions: Legoland Malaysia • Johor Premium Outlets • Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque • Johor Zoo • Angry Birds Activity Park • Danga Bay • Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple • Istana Bukit Serene.
- Population: Approximately 860,000 in the city; around 2.2 million in the metropolitan area (Iskandar Malaysia region).
- Emergency Numbers: 999 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
- Time Zone: Malaysia Time (MYT), UTC +8 (no daylight saving time).
- Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (RM MYR); ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.
- Language: Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) is the official language; English, Mandarin, and Tamil are also widely spoken.
- Electricity: Standard voltage is 240V; plugs are type G (three rectangular pins, same as the UK).
- Internet: Good coverage; free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafes, and public areas.
- Convenience stores: Found throughout the city, 7-Eleven, KK Super Mart, and MyNews are common chains.
- Nearest International Airport: Senai International Airport (about 20 miles / 32 km northwest of the city center).
- Trivia: Johor Bahru is connected to Singapore by the Johor–Singapore Causeway, one of the busiest border crossings in the world.
- Iconic Local Foods: Must-try dishes include laksa Johor, mee rebus, otak-otak (spiced fish cake), and kway teow.
- Fun Fact: Johor Bahru is home to Legoland Malaysia, the first Legoland theme park in Asia.
Johor Bahru, the capital of Malaysia’s Johor state, sits just across the causeway from Singapore and is known for its mix of modern malls, family-friendly attractions, and local heritage spots. Most tourists come for shopping, theme parks like LEGOLAND Malaysia, and easy day trips from Singapore. But Johor Bahru also offers historic temples, lively street food scenes, and cultural sites that reflect its Malay, Chinese, and Indian heritage.
What sets Johor Bahru apart is its role as a convenient, affordable getaway that blends big-city energy with local traditions. It’s a popular destination for quick breaks, family vacations, and cross-border shopping sprees.
Top attractions include LEGOLAND Malaysia, Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Istana Bukit Serene, and the Johor Bahru City Square mall. For a more local experience, stroll Jalan Tan Hiok Nee for heritage architecture and street eats.
Although the city can be rather crowded and noisy, the area around Jahor Bahru is very pretty, with natural beauty ranging from the stretch of water between Malaysia and Singapore known as the Straits of Johor to mighty mountains, tropical rainforests and sparkling waterfalls.
Beach bunnies should hop on over to the collection of Desaru beaches and islands that lie to the south, among which Pulau Dayang island is probably the most popular. The clear blue waters around this island are excellent for snorkeling and diving, while sunbathing, swimming and boat trips are also favorite pastimes.
For lodging, the city center near JB Sentral is ideal for easy access to shopping and transport, while the Nusajaya area is great for families visiting LEGOLAND and other theme parks. Accommodations range from international hotel chains and mid-range stays to budget inns.
Getting around is easiest by Grab (ride-hailing app) or taxis, though buses also connect major areas. Walking is possible in central spots but limited by busy roads and hot weather.
Dining is a highlight, with hawker stalls and casual eateries serving Malaysian staples like nasi lemak, laksa, satay, and roti canai. Nightlife is modest, with local bars and cafés providing relaxed spots to unwind. Shopping is a major draw, with malls like City Square, KSL City, and Mid Valley Southkey offering everything from fashion to electronics.
Visitors to Johor Bahru will never go hungry as there is a great range of cheap food to try, which draws large numbers of hungry gastronomes from Singapore every day. Fresh seafood is widely available and often turned into spicy curries and traditional Malay dishes. Johor Bahru is famous for its vibrant night market and this is a great place to find a cheap meal and pick up a bargain or two.
Johor Bahru is generally safe, though petty theft can occur, keep an eye on belongings, especially in crowded areas. The tropical climate means hot, humid weather year-round, with the rainy season typically from November to February.
Why Go to Johor Bahru?
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Shopping & Spas: Enjoy affordable malls and wellness centers close to Singapore.
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Theme Parks: Visit LEGOLAND Malaysia and other family-friendly attractions.
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Cultural Mix: Explore temples, mosques, and heritage streets reflecting a rich blend of cultures.
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Street Food: Taste a variety of Malaysian dishes at hawker centers and markets.
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Convenient Location: Make easy day trips between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
Who Might Not Enjoy Johor Bahru?
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Visitors Wanting Big-Ticket Sights: JB is more about shopping and leisure than landmark attractions.
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Travelers Avoiding Humid Weather: Expect hot, sticky conditions most of the year.
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Those Seeking Nature Escapes: While there are parks nearby, the city itself is urban and built-up.
What’s Cool
Legoland Malaysia, Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, City Square Mall and shopping, night markets (Pasar Karat), Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, Johor Bahru Heritage Trail, vibrant local food (laksa, satay), film spots (Ah Boys to Men 3), easy access to Singapore, family-friendly attractions.
What’s Not
Hot and humid weather year-round, traffic congestion (especially near border), limited nightlife, occasional flooding in monsoon season, crowded checkpoints to Singapore, fewer cultural landmarks, spotty pedestrian infrastructure, tourist scams in busy areas, language barriers outside main spots, limited public transport options.
Johor Bahru is located in the southern part of Malaysia, at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, just across the causeway from Singapore. It serves as the capital of Johor state and is a major commercial and industrial center. Senai International Airport is the main gateway, and the city is well connected by buses, taxis, and the Johor–Singapore Causeway.
Covering around 220 km² (85 mi²), Johor Bahru is a sprawling city with a mix of modern malls, cultural landmarks, and growing residential districts. Key areas include the City Center, Danga Bay, Tebrau, and Nusajaya (Iskandar Puteri).
Most tourists stay in the City Center or Danga Bay for easy access to attractions, shopping, and transport links.
City Center (JB Sentral)
The City Center is the commercial and transit hub, home to shopping malls, hotels, and cultural landmarks. It’s the most convenient area for tourists.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range) – Business hotels and boutique stays.
- Nearby Attractions: Johor Bahru City Square • Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque • Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
- Dining: (Mixed) – Local food courts, cafés, and international chains.
- Nightlife: (Moderate) – Pubs, lounges, and karaoke.
- Shopping: (Excellent) – Malls and street markets.
Danga Bay
Danga Bay is a waterfront area under development, offering seaside promenades and new residential and entertainment projects.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Resorts and serviced apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Danga Bay Park • Royal Johor Marina
- Dining: (Seafood) – Waterfront restaurants and cafés.
- Nightlife: (Growing) – Beach bars and lounges.
- Shopping: (Limited) – Small malls and retail outlets.
Tebrau
Tebrau is a fast-developing suburban district known for its large malls and family-friendly entertainment, popular with domestic tourists.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Chain hotels and serviced apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: AEON Tebrau City • Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park
- Dining: (Family-Friendly) – Restaurants in malls and local spots.
- Nightlife: (Quiet) – Neighborhood bars and cafés.
- Shopping: (Excellent) – Large malls and hypermarkets.
Nusajaya (Iskandar Puteri)
Nusajaya, part of the Iskandar Malaysia development, is a modern district home to theme parks, government buildings, and new residential areas.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Resorts and luxury hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Legoland Malaysia • Puteri Harbour
- Dining: (Family-Oriented) – Casual dining and theme park eateries.
- Nightlife: (Minimal) – Resort bars and lounges.
- Shopping: (Good) – Malls and specialty shops.
Taman Pelangi
Taman Pelangi is a residential and commercial neighborhood close to the city center, popular for dining and local shops.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Hotels and guesthouses.
- Nearby Attractions: KSL City Mall • Pelangi Leisure Mall
- Dining: (Local) – Hawker centers and Chinese restaurants.
- Nightlife: (Casual) – Pubs and karaoke bars.
- Shopping: (Good) – Local malls and specialty stores.
Stulang Laut
Stulang Laut is a coastal area known for its duty-free shopping and ferry terminal to Batam and Bintan, Indonesia.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Hotels and apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: The ZON Duty Free Zone • Stulang Beach
- Dining: (Casual) – Seafood and local eateries.
- Nightlife: (Quiet) – Few local bars.
- Shopping: (Focused) – Duty-free outlets.
Most visitors travel to Johor Bahru from Singapore via the large causeway that spans the Straits of Johor and links the two countries. Senai International Airport is located 28kms from Johor Bahru and is a popular gateway for passengers arriving from Kuala Lumpur.