Information
City: Johor BahruCountry: Malaysia
Continent: Asia
Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Asia
Overview
Here’s a closer look at Johor Bahru-JB for short-the lively capital of Johor in southern Malaysia, where the air hums with traffic and the scent of street food drifts through busy markets: 1.Johor Bahru-locals call it JB-sits at the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, serving as the bustling capital of Johor.The Johor Strait divides it from Singapore, but you can cross over via the Causeway or the Second Link Expressway, where the sea glints under passing cars.JB is a bustling center in Malaysia, driving its economy, shaping its culture, and drawing tourists with sights like the vibrant night market.About 1.5 million people live in the metro area, where Malay is the official language but you’ll also hear English, Mandarin, Tamil, and local dialects in the markets; the currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).Johor Bahru was founded in 1855 by Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim, and later his son, Sultan Abu Bakar, made it the administrative capital while introducing modern touches like paved streets and orderly shop rows.It helped drive Malaysia’s economic growth and still buzzes with the colors, scents, and voices of many cultures.Three.In Johor Bahru, you can wander through centuries-old temples, ride up sleek glass towers, and breathe in the scent of the sea along its quiet beaches.In Johor Bahru, you can wander from the hilltop Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque-its Victorian and Moorish details gleaming in the sun with sweeping views over the Johor Strait-to the stately Istana Besar, now the Royal Abu Bakar Museum filled with treasures of the state’s royal past.Stroll Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street, where old shophouses, Chinese temples, and antique stores sit beside cozy cafés scented with fresh coffee, or step inside the dazzling Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, its walls glittering with millions of colored glass pieces.The Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, a 19th-century Taoist landmark honoring five deities, reflects the city’s multicultural roots.If you’re after modern thrills, spend the day at Legoland Malaysia Resort, cruise along Danga Bay for sea breezes and sunset views, shop at Johor Bahru City Square or Paradigm Mall’s vast halls, or unwind on Desaru Coast’s white sands.Nature lovers can hike Gunung Pulai’s rainforest trails and cool off by its waterfalls, wander the mangrove boardwalks of Tanjung Piai-the southernmost point of mainland Asia-or explore Pulau Kukup’s wildlife-rich mangrove island.And whatever you do, don’t miss the food: a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan flavors that’s as bold as it is unforgettable.In Johor, you can dig into Laksa Johor-spaghetti noodles soaking in rich, fish-based gravy with a touch of coconut milk-or slurp up Mee Rebus, where yellow noodles swim in thick sweet-potato gravy.Nasi Briyani Gam fills the air with spice as tender meat rests in fragrant rice, while Kacang Pool brings a hearty broad bean stew with toasted bread and a sunny-side-up egg.For something smoky, try Otak-Otak, grilled fish paste wrapped in banana leaves.Wander Taman Sentosa for fresh seafood, stroll along lively Jalan Wong Ah Fook for a mix of old and new flavors, or browse Pasar Karat’s night market for snacks, drinks, and quirky souvenirs.And if shopping’s your thing, Johor Bahru has it all-from gleaming designer stores to stalls packed with handmade crafts.Shop for designer bargains at Johor Premium Outlets, browse the bustling mix of stores, cafés, and cinemas at AEON Tebrau City, or wander KSL City Mall for everything from fashion to street‑food snacks; near the CIQ complex, Komtar JBCC draws families with its Angry Birds Activity Park, while Johor Bahru’s nightlife keeps growing alongside its family‑friendly attractions.Sip a cocktail at Sky 26 while the city glitters below, explore JB’s nightlife in lively spots like Taman Sutera Utama and Stulang Laut, tackle puzzles with friends at Escape Room JB, or catch the swirl of skirts and the beat of drums at traditional Malay dance shows during festivals; join the colorful Chingay Parade with its lion dances and floats, enjoy the Johor Bahru Arts Festival’s local and international acts, and celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Deepavali with open houses, feasts, and bright lights; arrive via Senai International Airport, drive in on the North-South Expressway, cross from Singapore by Causeway or Second Link, hop a KTM train from Kuala Lumpur, or get around with Grab, buses, and taxis; stay in anything from sleek high-rise hotels to simple budget rooms.Luxury hotels include Amari Johor Bahru, the DoubleTree by Hilton JB, and the Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel, while mid-range and budget stays range from Holiday Villa Johor Bahru and Hotel CIQ to Tune Hotel Danga Bay, where the lobby smells faintly of fresh coffee.Johor’s name comes from the Arabic word “Jauhar,” meaning “gem.” Today, Johor Bahru is growing fast as part of the Iskandar Malaysia development region, a major economic hub.Just across the causeway from Singapore, the city buzzes with cross-border visitors.
Landmarks in johor-bahru
