by Revati Tamboli Updated on 16 Oct 2018
Image Source: wikipedia.org
Johor Bahru (JB) was also called as Tanjung Puteri or Iskandar Puteri, located in the southernmost part of Malaysia. Contrary to popular belief, Johor Bahru houses plenty of attractions and activities beyond its legacy of shopping. From aesthetic mosques to petting ostriches, the city has plenty to offer to all the tourists who visit. Until the recent past, Johor Bahru was famous for being a gateway to Singapore. However, with the growth in tourism, this city in Malaysia has achieved its share of stardom with glittering skyscrapers and entertaining amusement parks. Its nightlife beams with lights and attracts a lot of tourists to its vicinity.
You will come across enough spots of sightseeing attractions, cultural attraction, religious structures along with various things to do and see in JB on your trip to Johor Bahru. Find our best tourist guide for what to do in JB which covers all the best Johor Bahru attractions and activities.
Let's explore the best things to do in Johor Bahru:
1. Build your own Lego at Legoland Malaysia
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The first international theme park in Malaysia, Legoland is a children’s paradise. Located in Johor, the park has over 40 interactive rides and shows. Opened in 2012 by the Sultan Ibrahim Ismail, the park has since become a permanent feature on the city’s skyline. Head on here for a fulfilling day for the kids, with the perfect end at the Legoland hotel - a Lego-themed hotel, attached to the theme park. Get on the aerial monorail ride, perfect for adults accompanying their kids here. Finally, pick up something at the Lego store as a souvenir from your trip here.
- Attraction Type: Amusement Park, Theme Park, Entertainment
- Address: 7, Jalan Legoland, Bandar Medini, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
- Timings: 10:00 am - 07:00 pm
2. Danga Bay - one of the best things to do in Johor Bahru with kids
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Counted as one of the best things to do in Johor Bahru, the Danga Bay recreational park is the largest, one of its kind attraction in the city. Along with featuring several rides, this attraction is also popular as an events’ venue. Kids, especially, are certain to have a great time here. A bunch of restaurants dotting the Danga Bay make this an ideal place to spend the evening at. Seafood is what you must try at most of the restaurants around the Danga Bay recreational park. Thus, if you are looking for places to try local food, rest assured you will find a gamut of options here.
- Attraction Type: Waterfront, Park, Walking Area
- Address: Skudai, 80200, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
- Timings: 24-Hrs
3. Be in Awe of Splendour at the Istana Besar
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Standing tall as an ode to brilliant architecture, Istana Besar is the palace built by Sultan Abu Bakar. Constructed in 1866, the palace has a beautiful view overlooking the Straits of Johor. Be sure to visit the Royal museum located inside the palace for a detailed history into the lifestyle of the royal family. The palace architecture is inspired by an Anglo-Malay style, with an artful dome of Malay design and a distinctive blue roof – indicatively of the Anglo influence.
4. Let your kids make merry at the Angry Birds Theme Park
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Located surprisingly within the famous Komplex Tun Abdul Razak mall in Johor Bahru, this theme park is at its unique best. A big hit with the children, this theme park is designed after the famous mobile game – Angry Birds. With plenty of eateries within the grounds (right near the entrance), the theme park visit can very easily be a whole day event. Get kids to try the many activities within the park such as the foam pit, the trampoline, and the exciting egg hunt.
5. Glance upon splendid architecture at Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
Built in 1922, Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Johor. A true display of Malaysian architectural prowess, this temple is unlike any other - earning it a Guinness world record. The temple’s key attraction is its reflective glass body which makes up 90% of the surface of the temple. The interior is covered with colourful mosaics, statues and murals, making it a beautiful picture backdrop. The temple is primarily open for religious activities but also permits tourists at specific hours.
- Attraction Type: Religious Site, Temple, Tourist Center, Architecture
- Address: No.22 Lorong Satu, Tebrau, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
- Timings: 07:00 am - 10:00 pm
6. Enrich yourself with the culture at Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
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The sun setting over the horizon with the skyline of Johor Bahru on one side and the Straits of Johor on the other – this is the sight you will be rewarded with when visiting the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque. Known to be one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in Malaysia, it can accommodate over 2000 worshippers at a time. The architecture – a mix of Victorian and Malaysian styles – is a sight for sore eyes. Listed as a protected heritage site by the Department of Museums and Antiquities, head over here to be culturally enriched.
7. Be one with the animals at Johor Zoo
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Initially operated as a private safari park for the royal family, Johor Zoo is one of the first zoos to open in Asia. From the mighty prides of lions to our distant relatives - the gorillas, this zoo is home to hundreds of species of animals. First opened to the public in 1962, the zoo is located very close to another landmark in the city - the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque. Apart from animal-watching, the zoo also offers activities like paddle boating, horseback riding, or even feeding the animals.
- Attraction Type: Outdoors, Wildlife Park, Zoo
- Address: Jalan Gertak Merah, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
- Timings: 09:00 am - 06:00 pm
8. Walk through history at the Chinese Heritage Museum
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Located in the heart of Chinatown, the museum provides a glimpse into how the Chinese people in Johor lived. For interesting insights on the history of the people of Singapore, get the informative audio tour. From mock-ups of the rooms to the many artefacts kept here, the tour lets you step back in time. If you are into the history and culture of a place, this museum is not to be missed!
- Attraction Type: Museum, History Museum
- Address: 42 Jalan Ibrahim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
- Timings: 09:00 am - 05:00 pm
9. Discover Chinese heritage Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street
A perfect combination of old and news, the Tan Hiok Nee heritage street showcase the Chinese heritage through the architecture and buildings and adopts the new with the many modern cafes here. It highlights numerous food and retro bistros and old-fashioned shops. With its unique architectural design, it highlights old pilgrim structures which you can't miss against the modernity of the rest of the city. Pick from any of these famous bistros - Bev C, a boutique cafe, Drums Cafe, Amphawa Boat Noodle, Chaiwalla & Co container cafe, EHHE Art Café - for a great food experience.
10. Escape from the concrete life at Gunung Pulai Forest Reserve
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If adventure is your calling, then the Gunung Pulai Forest Reserve is an ideal retreat for you. With beautiful trails for walking and cycling, this reserve is a hiker’s paradise. Although the entire length of the trails is only 10km, the picturesque view and the magical rainforest sounds, make up for the short distance. Being 700m above sea level, the reserve remains at a pleasant climate throughout. Cut off from concrete buildings and civilization, it is the perfect escape for adventure lovers.
11. Pet a majestic bird at Desaru Ostrich Farm
Has it been a dream to be within petting distance of a majestic bird like Ostrich? Then look no further than the Desaru Ostrich Farm as it gives you this very experience. With over two hundred ostriches in the farm, visitors can take pictures and even ride these powerful birds for a fee. There is also a well-stocked souvenir shop, where you can buy ornaments made from ostrich eggs, beaks, bones and even leather. If you are in the mood for an adventurous tasting, the in-house restaurant also offers ostrich meat, done a few different ways.
12. Eat to your heart’s content at Meldrum Night Market
A must-visit for all foodies, the Meldrum night market is just a short distance away from JB Sentral. Hidden away in a back alley behind two famous food streets - Jalan Wong Ah Fook and Jalan Meldrum, this market has a variety of culinary treats for all who visit. From Singapore delights like Char Kway Teoh to the Malay version of pancakes (Apam Balik), this market offers street food at its best. If ambiance and fancy seating is not a matter of prime importance for you, then head on here for the best food experience!
13. Get into dangerous encounters at the Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
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If you are looking for a kick of adrenalin from close encounters with dangerous animals, then look no further. Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm allows the visitors to touch crocodiles with their bare hands. A conservatory and tourist centre in one - the farm also gives visitors the chance to observe baby crocodiles, watch and feed in the hundreds of more crocodiles they have. Also head to their restaurant to try some herbal concoctions aimed at relieving cold and other ailments. If you do visit, don’t forget to see the legendary 130-year-old toothless crocodile.
14. Explore ancient tradition at Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
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One of the oldest structures in Johor Bahru, this Chinese temple stands out against the modern skyscrapers that make up the city’s skyline. Still open as a place of worship as well as a tourist spot, the temple is said to be built in the 19th century. The temple stands testament as a symbol of unity among five Chinese dialect groups - Teochew, Hoklo (Hokkien), Cantonese, Hakka and Hainan. Although it has been renovated to make it more structurally sound, the cultural aura of the temple has been preserved.
15. Appreciate the beauty of Istana Bukit Serene
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Also known as Laman Mahkota, the Istana Bukit Serene is the official residence of the Sultan of Johor. It is regarded as one of the most famous landmarks in Johor with a majestic palace within. Although entry to the palace isn’t allowed, visitors an still take photographs with the artistic palace in the backdrop. The garden in front of the palace hosts many events and celebrations by the royal family. The most distinct feature is the ornate and artfully carved crown that is placed before the palace as a gift from the Sultan to his people.
16. Bathe yourself in luxury at Princess Cove Johor Bahru
If experiencing the royal life is on your bucket list then there is no better place to go than Princess Cove. The many hotels, offices and malls here are the most aesthetically pleasing built right against the marina, meant for the lifestyle of royals. From fine dining experiences to shopping at the most expensive boutiques, the line-up of luxury is endless here.
17. Feast like a king at Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
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Named after one of the founding fathers of Johor Bahru, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee is a road in the more established segment of the city. It highlights numerous food and retro bistros and old-fashioned shops. With its unique architectural design, it highlights old pilgrim structures which you can't miss against the modernity of the rest of the city. Don’t forget to try the famous food trail with authentic Malaysian cuisine, open-air karaoke, and play Chinese chess right on the road!
18. Eat authentically at Jalan Wong Ah Fook
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Yet another one for the foodie in you - Jalan Wong Ah Fook is one of the busiest one-way roads in Johor Bahru bustling with the most delicious street foods. From Malaysian finger foods to spicy Singapore noodles, from satays to western pasta, this street is all about satisfying your food cravings. Located within a 10-minute walk from the city square, this street can be combined with city square shopping, making it the ultimate gratification day.
19. Wake your inner shopaholic at Johor Premium Outlets
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Draw out the shopaholic in you at Johor Premium Outlets. As the principal premium-brand outlet in Southeast Asia, you'll be able to discover extravagant brands at affordable prices. As big as more 30 football fields consolidated, Johor Premium Outlets houses 130 designer stores from Calvin Klein to Burberry. Rebates are throughout the entire year, in some cases going as high as 90%! Add some food to your shopping experience, in the many restaurants and cafes available here right from Baskin Robins to Starbucks and from Pizza Hut to Subway.
20. Shop at Komtar JBCC
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Komtar JBCC, one of the biggest malls in Malaysia. Find a huge collection of brands of your choice at affordable prices. Linked to the Central and City Square with a bridge, Komtar has everything you need to spend an entire day here. It houses designer stores from Calvin Klein to Burberry, Bath and Body work to Marc Jacobs. Add some food to your shopping experience, in the many restaurants and cafes available here right from Tony Roma's and Earle Swenson's.
