Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru (Jawi: جوهر بهرو, Chinese: 新山) (also Johor Baru or Johore Baharu, informally called JB) is a city and the state capital of Johor in Malaysia. It is the second largest city of the country and the financial centre of the state of Johor. The city is surrounded by suburbs, industrial parks and long waterfront areas, in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia. Johor Bahru together with Iskandar Puteri and Pasir Gudang cities and Kukup, Kulai, Pekan Nanas and Senai towns form the megaregion Iskandar Malaysia.

Areas

Johor Bahru's metropolitan area can be easily divided into four parts - North, South, East and West.

• North - Its main centres are Taman Daya, Taman Mount Austin, Taman Desa Tebrau and Ulu Tiram, which can be accessed via the trunk road, Jalan Tebrau. There can be a relatively frequent peak hour jam along this road. The area is a very popular place for the local to patronise due to the latest development of AEON Tebrau, Lotus's Tebrau, IKEA Tebrau, Toppen Shopping Centre and Mount Austin's bustling socialising and entertainment district.
• South - It is the main city centre (IIBD) where most of the city government agencies are located. This area is also where many of the old town areas are located, including its Chinatown, Little India and Stulang Laut waterfront areas. It is an area with housing estates which have been around for more than three decades. Important estates include Taman Pelangi, Taman Century and Taman Sentosa.
• East - The main suburbs here are Plentong and Permas Jaya, a housing suburb; other part is industrial areas and the Sultan Iskandar Reservoir.
• West - The main centres is Danga Bay area, an integrated waterfront development. The main suburbs here are Bandar Baru UDA, Tampoi and Kempas.

Understand

Johor Bahru is a fast-growing city. The city has about 860,000 inhabitants (2020), and its district has about 1.7 million. Johor Bahru is mostly suburban and lacks a condensed metropolitan environment. Given its relatively large land space, the city is not as dense as many other cities in the country. Many of the world's top electronics manufacturers have at least one plant in Johor Bahru.

Due to its proximity to Singapore, Johor Bahru is frequently visited by tourists from Singapore particularly on weekends, in order to benefit from lower comparable restaurant and accommodation prices of at least 50%. Congestion at the border checkpoints is particularly heavy during long weekends or extended public holidays. Shopping and eating in the city can be a real adventure, with many shopping complexes, restaurants, cafes and a wide variety of local, Asian and Western food establishments offering from street food to fine dining. There are also plenty of spas, massage parlours, resort hotels, karaoke, night markets, pubs and nightclubs in the city. The city also houses many establishments for arts, sports, games and outdoor activities. To some degree, it also serves as a bedroom community for Singapore, as many Malaysians who work in Singapore live in Johor Bahru where the cost of living in much lower, and commute across the border daily.

Johor Bahru has a good mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures, with racial and religious harmony actively promoted by the Sultan of Johor. The city has been receiving large investments, particular from Chinese property developers, as part of the Iskandar Malaysia project. As result, there is massive construction all over the city. While mostly residential properties are being built, some are aiming to create man-made tourist attractions such as Danga Bay (Country Garden, Greenland) and Princess Cove (R&F). Johor Bahru is a sprawling city; its city centre is rather small for a metropolis of its size, and many of the city's best shopping areas and restaurants are in the suburbs rather than in the city centre. While the public transportation leaves much to be desired and may be too complex or inadequate for tourists in general, local inexpensive ride-hailing apps such as Grab makes the task of exploring the city much easier.

History

The city was founded in 1855 as Tanjung Puteri during the rule of Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim of the Johor Sultanate. In 1862, it was renamed as Johore Bahru when the Sultanate moved its capital there from Telok Blangah. After the independence of Malaya in 1957, Johor Bahru became the capital of Johor State and continued as such after the formation of Malaysia in 1963. Johor Bahru was declared a town in 1977, and then a city in 1994. Subsequently, with the establishment of Nusajaya, many of the state administration offices were moved to the new town. In 2020, the new city hall of Johor Bahru was established in Bukit Senyum.

Climate

Johor Bahru
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       163     31 22       140     32 22       203     33 22       233     33 23       215     33 23       148     32 23       177     32 22       186     32 22       191     32 22       218     32 23       238     31 23       245     31 22 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       6.4     88 71       5.5     90 72       8     91 72       9.2     91 73       8.5     91 74       5.8     90 73       7     89 72       7.3     89 72       7.5     89 72       8.6     89 73       9.4     88 73       9.6     87 72 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Like the rest of other areas in Malaysia, Johor Bahru has an equatorial climate with consistent temperature throughout the year. It has a considerable amount of rain and high humidity. Daily average temperature ranges from 26.4 °C (79.5 °F) to 27.8 °C (82.0 °F). Although the climate is relatively uniform, it does show some seasonal variation due to the effects of monsoons. Day time can be a bit hot, thus bringing a hat, cap or umbrella may always be a good idea, because sometimes rain will also pour down unexpectedly.

Tourist offices

Johor Tourist Information Centre

The official 1 Johor Tourist Information Centre at Jalan Ayer Molek (about 1 km southwest of JB Sentral) is a tiny office on the 3rd level in a sprawling white building of the same name, a 10-min walk from JB Sentral station; M-F 8AM-5PM. There are two other tourist offices located at:

1. Johor Bahru CIQ ('Tourist Information Centre' open daily 9AM-1PM and 2-6PM). 50 m from Sultan Iskandar Building.
2. JB Sentral ('Tourist Information Centre', next to the passenger waiting area on level 2 daily 9AM-6PM). You can get free brochures and maps on various destinations in West Malaysia, including free maps of JB.

Talk

Malay is the official language of the state and Malaysia, and spoken by virtually all locals. English, however, is widely used as a second language in public and for business, commercial and tourism purposes. Teochew is the main language spoken by the Chinese community, with many of them able to speak Mandarin as well, while Tamil is the main language spoken by the Indian community. Other languages from East, Southeast and South Asian countries can also be found in the city due to the significant presence of migrant workers from those countries.

Generally, most of the public commercial signs are bilingual in Malay and English. Many private establishments will also include Chinese or Tamil signs. However, road signs are mostly written in Malay only. Road names are mostly written in both the Rumi and Jawi scripts.

Get in

By plane

The most practical way for most international visitors to enter is through Singapore Changi Airport (see below).

Senai International Airport

Senai International Airport

1 Senai International Airport (JHB  ^IATA) is the main airport serving Johor Bahru, located in the neighbouring town of Senai. It has several international flights from other Southeast Asian countries, and it has also domestic flights from major airports around Malaysia, including connecting flights from Malaysia's main airport Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Selangor, which is served by flights from major destinations around the globe.

• Domestic flights are provided by:
  • AirAsia, ☏ +60 85 9999. 7AM-7PM. Direct flights from Alor Setar, Bintulu, Ipoh, Kota Bharu, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur-KLIA, Kuching, Langkawi, Miri, Penang, Sibu and Tawau.  
  • Batik Air. Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur-Subang Airport. (updated Jan 2023)
  • Firefly, ☏ +60 378454543, customer_care@fireflyz.com.my. 8:30AM-9:30PM. Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur-Subang Airport and Penang.  
  • Malaysia Airlines. Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur-KLIA and Kuching.  

• From/to Johor Bahru:
  • Causeway Link operates airport express shuttle buses between the airport and JB Sentral with 12 return journeys per day. First departure from either side is at 9AM and last departure is at 8:30PM. Tickets cost RM8 one-way and the journey time is about 45 min.
  • There are also non-express buses from and to the airport. JB Central Line's A1 bus (Larkin Sentral: 7AM-8:30PM) and Causeway Link's 333 (Larkin Sentral: 6AM-8PM about every 1½-2 hr, one-way fare RM3.50) go between Larkin Sentral terminal and the airport. The A1 bus terminates at Senai Airport and Permas Jaya, so you can board or disembark from the bus at various points.
  • Taxis are available and the ride takes about 30 min. Taxis leaving from the airport operate on a voucher system; buy your voucher from the taxi desk inside the terminal (next to the car rental desks). A trip to the city centre is RM45 for up to 4 passengers.
• From/to Singapore:
  • If you are planning to go to Senai Airport from Singapore, the cheapest option is to travel to JB Sentral (see By bus below) and then transfer to a Causeway Link Airport (CWA) shuttle bus, or to Larkin Sentral terminal by express or non-express bus and transfer to an airport-bound bus. If you're in a hurry, you can take an ordinary Malaysian taxi for an official rate of RM45 from the taxi rank at JB Sentral, after clearing Malaysian immigration and customs. From JB to Senai takes around 30 min off peak. Buy your coupon from the counter before boarding the taxi.

Singapore Changi Airport

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN ^IATA) across the border in Singapore is commonly used by locals due to its better connections. The downside is that you will have to pass through customs and immigration twice, and getting to/from your destination can be a bit of a hassle as normal Singaporean taxis are not allowed to cross the border into Johor Bahru and vice versa. Transtar Travel's "cross border" coach service operates between Changi Airport Terminals 1 and 4, and JB CIQ, from which you can catch a taxi or public transport to anywhere in Johor Bahru.

By road

From other parts of Malaysia

Due to the separation of East Malaysia from Peninsular Malaysia by sea, Johor Bahru can only be accessed by road from the peninsula. JB is at the southern end of the North South Expressway, the toll highway which runs the length of Peninsular Malaysia along the West Coast. Those accessing or leaving the city can exit or enter at Jalan Skudai, Jalan Adda Utama, the Pasir Gudang Highway or Jalan Tebrau.

JB is also at the southern extremity of the Federal Route One, the main trunk roads which runs the length of Peninsular Malaysia's West Coast states. Federal Route Three or the East Coast Road links JB with the East Coast cities of Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu via Kota Tinggi and Mersing. The West Coast's coastal road can be accessed from Pontian.

From Singapore

Sultan Iskandar CIQ

Most visitors to JB arrive from Singapore via the 2 Causeway linking the two countries. By some measures the busiest border crossing in the world, the Causeway is a very popular and thus often congested entry point connecting directly into the heart of JB. Congestion can be expected towards Singapore during the morning rush hour as many Malaysians head across the border to work, and towards Johor Bahru during the evening rush hour as they head home from work. The most crowded times tend to be on Fridays (especially from 9AM to noon and 3PM to 10PM) when many Singaporeans travel across the border to Malaysia for a weekend getaway and Malaysians travel back home after the workweek. Saturday mornings and the eve of public holidays (or public holiday weekends) can see the checkpoint packed too. Sunday afternoons and evenings, as well as the last day of public holiday weekends see the Causeway crowded in the opposite direction. The Causeway can be crossed by bus, train, taxi or car. This website provides more advice on when the best time to travel across the causeway would be.

To drive a car from Singapore to Malaysia, one must prepare the stored-value card (NETS CashCard or CEPAS Card) with sufficient funds to pay for tolls before leaving Singapore and the Touch 'n Go card when entering Johor Bahru to pay the RM20 VEP toll fee. Drivers of Singapore-registered cars must also ensure that their fuel tank is filled to at least ¾ full when leaving Singapore. Offenders may be fined up to S$500 by Singaporean authorities, and will not be permitted to leave Singapore.

Rental agencies will frequently prohibit their cars crossing the border or may charge extra in both directions.

Cycling across the Causeway from Singapore is possible. To do so, take the motorcycle lanes and have your exit and entry processed at the manual motorcycle counters.

By bus

Larkin Sentral Terminal, the main bus terminal for long-haul bus travel within Peninsular Malaysia.

3 Larkin Sentral Terminal serves as the major long-haul bus terminal in the whole of Johor Bahru. Buses between JB and other Malaysian or Thai cities, and those between JB and Singapore will usually start and terminate here or at JB CIQ.

West Malaysia and Thailand

Direct buses between Johor Bahru and many cities and towns in West Malaysia as well as Hat Yai in Thailand arrive at Larkin Sentral Terminal. This L-shaped terminal has coach and bus ticket booths, shops, about a dozen food and beverage outlets, a market, and a left luggage office (RM2 per bag per day, 7AM-10PM).

There is a big, open-air car park in front of the bus terminal - enter from Jalan Garuda. Several dozen bus companies run direct bus services between Larkin Sentral and various destinations in West Malaysia with services to Kuala Lumpur typically starting from just after sunrise and ending at slightly past midnight. Except during public holidays (when you should buy the ticket in advance), you can usually purchase your ticket on the day of departure or even less than an hour before the scheduled departure time. You may have to pay a hefty surcharge on top of the normal ticket price for departures on public holidays.

There are shared taxis departing from Larkin Sentral terminal to various destinations (only as far as Genting Highlands) in West Malaysia. The fare per person for the shared taxis is at least three times the coach fare per person for the further destinations. The shared taxis, unlike the intercity buses, do not depart at set times. They only depart when the shared taxi has reached a maximum of four passengers or if the passengers are willing to pay for the remaining seats. Shared taxi fares per person in RM: Genting Highlands 120, Kuala Lumpur 95, Kuala Lumpur International Airport 95, Malacca 65, Mersing 40, Senai International Airport 10, Kota Tinggi 10.

There are local buses connecting Larkin Sentral terminal with various parts of the city. To go from JB Sentral to Larkin Sentral, you can take the Maju bus or Transit Link's orange-red 'City Bus' (all of these do not have bus numbers - they have the word 'Larkin' prominently displayed on the front of the bus; the one-way bus fare is RM1.70 and average frequency of the Maju bus is 5-10 min). These buses stop at the bus stop opposite City Square in Jalan Wong Ah Fook and at the JB Sentral's bus bays facing Jalan Jim Quee.

To go to JB Sentral from Larkin Sentral terminal, you can take the Maju bus number 208, 224 and 227 (one-way fare RM1.70) or Transit Link's orange-red 'City Bus' (one-way fare RM1.70). Maju bus number 208, 224 and 227 go from Larkin Sentral terminal to JB Sentral en route to Masai, Pasir Gudang and Kota Tinggi respectively.

From Singapore

There are three main types of bus transport between JB and Singapore: private buses, Causeway Link buses and SBS Transit/SMRT public buses. All buses except CW3, CW3S, CW4 and CW6 use the Causeway. Other than the immigration checkpoints, all Johor Bahru bound buses can only stop at one or two destinations in Johor Bahru, while Singapore-bound Causeway Link and Singapore-Johore Express buses can only stop at one destination in Singapore. Terminals aside, all buses make one stop each at Singapore immigration checkpoint and at Malaysian immigration checkpoint, which may mean boarding (esp. on those line buses where you can pay with an EZ-link card) a different bus. At both immigration points, you must disembark with all your luggage and pass through passport control and customs, then board the same or next bus by showing your ticket or using your EZ-link card.

The following private buses run between various stops in Singapore and either JB CIQ or Larkin Sentral Terminal in Johor Bahru:

• From Johor Bahru to Woodlands, via Johor–Singapore Causeway

Frequent buses between Johor Bahru and Singapore

Line	Stops in Singapore	Stops in JB	Maximum Fare (from JB to SG)	Maximum Fare (from SG to JB)
Causeway Link CW-1	Kranji MRT only	Larkin via JB CIQ Checkpoint	RM 2.60	S$ 2.60
Causeway Link CW-2	Queen St only (Bugis MRT)	Larkin via JB CIQ Checkpoint	RM 4.80	S$ 4.80
Causeway Link CW-5	Newton Circus only (Newton MRT)	Larkin via JB CIQ Checkpoint	RM 4.60	S$ 4.60
SBS Transit 170	Queen Street Terminal via 61 stops along Woodlands Ave 3 (for Kranji MRT), Upper Bt Timah Rd (for Downtown Line), and Bt Timah Rd	Larkin via JB CIQ Checkpoint	S$ 2.30 (card)	S$ 2.30 (card)
SBS Transit 170X	Kranji MRT via 5 stops along Woodlands Rd	JB CIQ Checkpoint only	S$ 1.75 (card)	S$ 1.71 (card)
SBS Transit 160	Jurong Town Hall Interchange via 40 stops along Woodlands Rd (for Kranji MRT), Bt Batok Rd, and Jurong Gateway Rd (for Jurong East MRT)	JB CIQ Checkpoint only	S$ 2.20 (card)	S$ 2.20 (card)
SMRT 950	Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange (for Woodlands MRT) via 8 stops along Woodlands Center Rd, and Woodlands Ave 3	JB CIQ Checkpoint only	S$ 1.79 (card)	S$ 1.75 (card)
Singapore-Johor Express (SJE)	Queen St only (Bugis MRT)	Larkin via JB CIQ Checkpoint	RM 3.40	S$ 3.30
Transtar TS1 (10x daily)	Changi Airport Terminals 3,1,4 via Expo MRT, Woodlands MRT, Marsiling MRT	JB CIQ Checkpoint only	RM 13.00	S$ 11.00
Transtar TS8 (13-14x daily)	Resorts World Sentosa via Outram Park MRT, Great World MRT, Orchard MRT, Stevens MRT	JB CIQ Checkpoint only	RM 10.00	S$ 8.00
AC7	Yishun MRT via Sembawang MRT	JB CIQ Checkpoint only	RM 6.00	S$ 2.50

• From Iskandar Puteri to Tuas, via Malaysia–Singapore Second Link

Frequent Buses between Iskandar Puteri and Singapore

Line	Stops in Singapore	Stops in Iskandar Puteri	Maximum Fare (from IP to SG)	Maximum Fare (from SG to IP)
Causeway Link CW-3	Jurong East MRT	Perling Mall, Bukit Indah 1, Bukit Indah 2, Horizon Hills via 2nd Link CIQ Checkpoint	RM 6.00	S$ 5.00
Causeway Link CW-3S	None (connects with CW3 only at 2nd Link CIQ Checkpoint in Malaysia)	Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Sutera Mall, Nusa Bestari, Bukit Indah 1, Bukit Indah 2 via 2nd Link CIQ Checkpoint	RM 7.00	S$ 5.00
Causeway Link CW-7	Tuas Link MRT only	Gelang Patah Sentral via 2nd Link CIQ Checkpoint	RM 4.50	S$ 4.50
Transtar TS6 (6x daily)	The Star Vista (Buona Vista MRT) via One-North MRT, Tuas Link MRT	Gelang Patah Sentral only	RM 8.00	S$ 6.00

• The Transtar Cross Border Service TS1 minibus (24 passengers) plies between Changi Airport and Johor Bahru. The service calls at coach stands at Terminals 1, 2 and 3, and terminates at Johor Bahru CIQ. The first bus leaves Changi Airport for Johor Bahru at 8:15AM, Johor Bahru for Changi Airport at 5AM with the last departures at Changi Airport and Larkin Sentral scheduled at 11:15PM and 9PM respectively. Frequency is set at every 60 min. The bus calls at 5 stops along its route in Singapore (excluding Woodlands Checkpoint) and uses the Tampines and Seletar Expressways.
• The Transtar Cross Border Service TS8 double-decker bus plies between Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) and Johor Bahru. The bus calls at 6 stops along its route. The service terminates at Larkin Sentral, with drop off at JB CIQ. Passengers can choose to pay using their EZ-link cards or with cash. From RWS, the first bus will leave at 8AM (weekdays) or 9AM (weekends and holidays) with the last one at 12:15AM. From Larkin Sentral, the first bus departs M-F 6AM; Sa Su and public holidays 7AM. Last bus at 9:30PM. Service TS8 runs every hour.
• The Advance Coach AC7 bus service runs between Yishun bus interchange in Singapore and Larkin Sentral Terminal. It makes numerous stops en route between Yishun bus interchange and the Woodlands checkpoint. The frequency is 20 to 30 minutes, 5:45AM-11:30PM (Singapore to Johor Bahru) and 5AM–11:50PM (Johor Bahru to Singapore).
• The Singapore-Johore Express (SJE) runs a non-stop service between Queen Street Terminal in Singapore and Larkin Sentral Terminal from 6:30AM–1AM. At the terminals, buy tickets from the ticket counter. At Woodlands or JB checkpoints, get the ticket from the driver or the ticket seller standing beside the bus. Change will be given.

SBS Transit and SMRT public buses provide non-express services which charge based on distance travelled, and can be paid by cash, bank card, or stored-value EZ-link card. Exact fare is required when paying by cash; you will not get any change back from the driver. Buses are painted in lime green or red.

• Bus 160 from Jurong East Interchange (next to Jurong East MRT Station)
• Bus 170 from Queen Street Terminal to Larkin Sentral Terminal
• Bus 170X at Kranji MRT station
• Bus 950 from Woodlands Bus Interchange to Larkin Sentral Terminal

Causeway Link buses are bright yellow and hard to miss. Buy tickets from the ticket counter at the terminals. Boarding anywhere else will require payment to the driver with no change given. These are by far the cheapest option to cross the Johor Straits but it also causes mad rushes and queues at the checkpoints. The main CW buses are:

• CW1 from Larkin Sentral to Kranji MRT station
• CW2 from Larkin Sentral to Queen Street Terminal
• CW5 from Johor Bahru CIQ to Newton Circus

The restriction of Malaysian-operated buses not stopping anywhere within Singapore and conversely, Singapore ones in Johor Bahru could be used to your advantage. 30 min could easily be shaved off the journey time within Singapore alone by boarding express buses CW2, CW5 or SJE when leaving Singapore from the Queen Street terminal or Newton Food Centre's car park. A little more time could be saved on the Johor Bahru side by hopping on to a Singapore-registered non-express bus (e.g. SBS 160/170, SMRT 950) once you clear Malaysian customs and immigration at the Johor Bahru CIQ, but you will have to pay a new fare as you did not start your journey in Singapore on a Singapore-registered non-express bus.

It is possible but more expensive to use the EZ-link card compared to paying in cash in Malaysian ringgit when boarding SBS 160, SBS 170 or SMRT 950 at Larkin Sentral/Johor Bahru CIQ to go anywhere in Singapore. The percentage price difference becomes greater the further you go into Singapore. For example, it costs S$1.90 using the EZ-link card to go from Larkin Sentral terminal to Queen Street terminal by SBS 170. This is slightly more than 100% more expensive than by paying in cash (RM2.20). It is also cheaper to pay in ringgit when travelling from the Woodlands Checkpoint to the Johor Bahru CIQ by the Singapore-Johore Express bus. Conversely, it can be cheaper using the EZ-link card for both the bus and MRT train if one has the intention to connect to the MRT train at Kranji, Marsiling or Woodlands MRT stations, due to Singapore's Distance Fare pricing policy.

By taxi

From other parts of Malaysia

Johor Bahru can be easily accessed from other parts of Johor Bahru District, such as the neighboring Iskandar Puteri or Pasir Gudang with a relatively cheap price due to its extensive highway networks. If coming from other states in Peninsular Malaysia, it is still usually acceptable although the price will be much more expensive. Taking a taxi from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the city is also generally still acceptable.

From Singapore

For any transportation between Johor Bahru and Singapore, only specially licensed taxis are allowed to operate across the border. The rules seem baffling at first, but boil down to this: Malaysian taxis are only allowed to go to the designated terminal in Singapore, and Singaporean taxis are only allowed to go to their terminal in Johor Bahru.

The "basic" direct taxi service from the Singapore Taxi Terminal at Queen Street (in Bugis) to the Larkin Sentral Terminal costs S$15 per person or S$60 per car departing from Singapore, and RM15/60 from Johor Bahru. The main advantage of a taxi is that you don't need to lug your stuff (or yourself) through customs at both ends; you can just sit in the car. This service is also available 24 hours a day.

If you want to take a taxi from Queen Street to somewhere other than the terminal in Johor Bahru, you have to use a Malaysian (yellow) taxi, and the price will be at least S$80 (depending on distance). Likewise, if you want to take a taxi from Larkin Sentral to anywhere in Singapore, you need to use a Singaporean taxi and pay at least RM120 for the service.

Taxis can also be booked to bring you from anywhere in Singapore to Larkin Sentral, or from anywhere in Johor Bahru to Queen Street ☏ +65 6296 7054 (Singapore) or ☏ +60 7 224-6986 (Johor Bahru), and be sure to get the taxi's number, driver's name and his phone number.

Private limousine car services offer point-to-point services from anywhere in Singapore to anywhere in Johor Bahru, but these exist in a legal grey zone. The standard fare is start from $100 for Singapore to Johor Bahru with 7 seater Mpv Car (Toyota Innova / Toyota Alphard). Unlike normal cabs, they can also use the Second Link, which makes them by far the fastest way of getting to western parts of Johor.

Alternatively, you can arrange a 2-taxi ride through the call centre, whereby once across the Causeway, you swap taxis.

By train

Johor Bahru Sentral Railway Station

Kempas Baru Railway Station

Entering Johor Bahru by train, you can stop at either the 4 JB Sentral or 5 Kempas Baru Station, the two railway stations of the city.

JB Sentral station is the southern most railway station in Malaysia. It is located along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Jim Quee. It is connected to the CIQ, Johor Bahru City Square, KOMTAR JBCC and R&F Mall by pedestrian overhead bridges. There are retail outlets (including a 24-hr 7-Eleven store), food and beverage outlets. There are coin-operated (2 x 50 sen), small left luggage lockers, a Muslim prayer room, toilets, a police post and a tourist information booth in here as well. The old colonial railway station is on the west side of JB Sentral and has been preserved, but is no longer in use and not open to the public, though you are welcome to take photographs from the outside.

Kempas Baru station is located along Jalan Permatang Utama. It has some limited shops and car parks. For those who wish to explore the northern part of Johor Bahru, this railway station is located closer to the region.

There are three pairs of shuttle trains a day from Gemas to connect to the ETS network north of Gemas all the way to Padang Besar in Perlis. Tickets for each train are sold separately; for example, when going to Kuala Lumpur from Johor Bahru, tickets are sold as JB Sentral-Gemas on the shuttle and Gemas-KL Sentral on the ETS. The ETS service is in the process of being extended to Johor Bahru, with completion expected in 2025. There is also a nightly sleeper train that runs through the East Coast Jungle Line to Tumpat.

From Singapore

Given the long queues for road travellers, crossing the border by train can be a more convenient and less time-consuming alternative. The Johor Bahru-Singapore stretch is served by the Shuttle Tebrau shuttle train. The train station in Singapore is at Woodlands Train Checkpoint, which is 700 m from the start of the causeway. There are 14 departures per day from Woodlands and 17 per day from JB Sentral. Shuttle trains will leave Woodlands for JB Sentral at 7:20AM, 8:30AM, 9:40AM, 10:50AM, 12:20PM, 1:50PM, 3:20PM, 4:30PM, 5:40PM, 6:50PM, 8PM, 9:10PM, 10:20PM, 11:30PM and leave JB Sentral for Woodlands at 5AM, 5:25AM, 5:55AM, 6:20AM, 7:30AM, 8:40AM, 9:50AM, 11:20AM, 12:50PM, 2:20PM, 3:30PM, 4:40PM, 5:50PM, 7PM, 8:10PM, 9:20PM, 10:30PM. When you depart from Singapore by train, you get stamped out by Singapore immigration first inside the Woodlands Train Checkpoint, and just across the hallway, Malaysian immigration stamps you in before you board the KTM train. In the reverse direction, Malaysia immigration stamps you out before boarding the train at JB Sentral, and upon the train reaching Woodlands Train Checkpoint, you disembark and Singapore immigration stamps you in. Gate opens 30 minutes before departure and closes 10 minutes before departure.

Tickets from JB to Singapore are RM5 and tickets from Singapore to JB are S$5. While this is several times more expensive than the bus (though much cheaper still than taxi or rental car), the trains are the only way to completely avoid traffic jams, meaning that at popular times tickets can sell out days in advance, especially for JB to Singapore trains. It's thus wise to use KTM's website, the KTMB app, or Easybook.com to buy tickets in advance, with a purchase window of up to several months to 15 minutes before departure if still available. If there are any spare seats, you can also buy tickets at the station counters but don't count on this always being available.

For JB Sentral-Woodlands, at JB Sentral there are turnstiles installed at the departure gate (Gate A); scan the barcode or QR code on your ticket (can be one stored on a mobile device) to activate the turnstile. For Woodlands-JB Sentral, tickets bought online must be exchanged at the KTMB ticket counter before departure.

The nearest MRT station (1.5 km or 15 min walk) to the KTM Woodlands Train Checkpoint is Marsiling MRT station on the North-South Line. SMRT bus number 856 goes from Marsiling MRT station to Woodlands Train Checkpoint, while SMRT bus number 950 serves the reverse direction. The last full-service southbound train leaves Marsiling MRT station for Marina South Pier at 11:06PM, though there are later MRT services that end at Toa Payoh or Ang Mo Kio. In the other direction, the last train leaves for Jurong East MRT station at 12:43AM. Thomson-East Coast Line trains from Woodlands MRT plying the entire route to Bayshore leave until 11:33PM, with Orchard-terminating services leaving until 12:02AM.

Although Marsiling MRT station is the nearest, more buses go between Woodlands MRT station and Woodlands Train Checkpoint. From Woodlands MRT station, take SMRT buses 911, 912 (longer route), 913 or 856 to Woodlands Train Checkpoint. In the reverse direction, take SMRT buses 911, 912 (longer route), 913, 903 (longer route) or 178. Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub and Temporary Bus Interchange offer more local and regional bus services, although only 960 (for Bugis/Civic District), 961 (for Chinatown), 963 (for HarbourFront), and 858 (for Changi Airport) is of interest to travellers.

By boat

• 6 Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal (in the east wing of "The ZON" duty free complex), ☏ +60 72211677. Ferries arrive from Batam and Bintan in the Riau Islands of Indonesia. The east wing of the complex is mostly three-storey and also comprises several bars. To reach the ferry terminal's arrival/departure halls on the second level, you can go to the second level of the ZON Duty Free building by following the sign. You can go up to the arrival/departure hall using the lift or escalator. The ticket counter is located right inside the terminal's arrival/departure hall. There is a small restaurant in the ferry terminal and a money changer on the first floor of the building. 

You can take 123 or S&S1 bus departing from Permas Jaya or MV2 bus departing from Mid Valley Southkey, both depart to JB Sentral terminal passing through Stulang Laut area.

From and to Batam: Ferries departing for Batam goes two two destination on the island, which are Batam Center and Harbour Bay. For destination to Batam Center, ferries depart at 7:15AM, 9:30AM, 11:45AM, 1:15PM, 3:30PM and 6PM (Malaysia time). The ferries from Batam Centre depart at 7:15AM, 9:30AM, 11:45AM, 2PM, 3:30PM and 4:30PM (Western Indonesian time). Fares: RM100/160 one-way/return for adults, RM70/100 one-way/return for children, plus surcharge of RM21 per passenger for all passengers. For destination to Harbour Bay, ferries depart at 9AM, 10:30AM, and 5:30PM (Malaysia time). The ferries from Harbour Bay depart at 6:30AM, 9:30AM and 1AM (Western Indonesian time). Fares for both destinations: RM100/160 one-way/return for adults, RM70/100 one-way/return for children, plus surcharge of RM21 per passenger for all passengers. Journey time: 120 min. Journey time for both destinations: 120 min.

From and to Bintan: Ferries depart daily at 3PM to Tanjung Pinang. The ferries from Tanjung Pinang depart at 7AM (Western Indonesian time). Fares: RM130/210 one-way/return for adults, RM95/145 one-way/return for children, plus surcharge of RM21 per passenger for all passengers. Journey time: 150 min.

Children 3 years old and below do not require tickets but are subject to surcharge of RM21. Passengers must be at the ferry terminal at least 30 min before the ferry's departure.

On foot

Walking by foot to enter Johor Bahru from surrounding city and towns (Iskandar Puteri, Pasir Gudang and Senai) is nearly impossible because the city is almost fully connected by highways. Walking from Singapore along the Causeway bridge is acceptable, although you are always encouraged to take vehicles.

Get around

On foot

The city has many suburbs or areas with concentrated tourist points or locations. Within each of those areas, it is simple to walk around to enjoy what the city can offer, especially for short distances within the downtown area. Public toilets are only located within shopping malls, petrol stations or public parks, and are not available on/along the walking pavements. In the Johor Bahru City Centre, it is possible to walk by foot to Chinatown, Little India, Old Town and Pasar Karat night market; popular roads frequented by tourists include Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Jalan Segget, Jalan Dhoby, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Jalan Pahang, Jalan Pasar, Jalan Trus and Meldrum Walk. Various major shopping centres are also frequently accessed by pedestrians arriving from the Causeway, such as the Galleria @ Kotaraya, Komtar JBCC and Johor Bahru City Square (JBCS). JBCS and Komtar JBCC are linked by an elevated overhead pedestrian walkway to the JB Sentral train station and the customs & immigration checkpoint (JB CIQ), which in turn has a pedestrian walkway to the R&F Mall and the Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House at the southern coastal tip of the city.

A very long sidewalk pavement connects the city vertically along the Tebrau Highway, which connects to several area continuously equipped with pedestrian overpasses such as Taman Pelangi, Taman Abad, Taman Century, Taman Pelangi and Taman Melodies suburbs, where visitors can walk and explore some shopping centres (Holiday Plaza, KSL City and Plaza Pelangi) and roadside restaurants. Popular weekly night markets occur along the entire Jalan Seladang (adjoining both Taman Abad and Taman Century) every Monday evenings, along with the Jalan Perang (within the centre of Taman Pelangi) every Tuesday evenings. Popular dining areas are located along Jalan Keris and Jalan Badik at Taman Sri Tebrau (known as Dai Mah Garden, 大马花园) or along the Jalan Sutera named roads at Taman Sentosa. Nearby is the Southkey district, contains both Southkey Mosaic and 'The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey', which is the largest integrated shopping mall in Southern Malaysia, with an attached hotel, convention centre and two office towers.

East of the Causeway, Stulang Laut is a waterfront area close to and east of the Causeway which offers views of the Johor Strait by walking along the shoreline with various restaurants located along the way up until The Zon Duty Free shopping mall. The small stretches of either a beach or a seaside promenade are popular among the locals, especially during the evening. Permas Jaya is a vibrant neighbourhood whereby visitors can explore the various shops, restaurants, hotels, nightlife spots, including the AEON Permas Jaya and Stellar Walk shopping malls, a 9-hole golf course and seafood restaurants along seafront. Further east along the seafront, the Senibong Cove marina is a popular destination for tourists to enjoy waterfront dining throughout the day and nightlife.

North of the Causeway and further inland, in the Larkin area around the Larkin Sentral terminal, visitors can easily explore the nearby attractions by foot such as Larkin Public Market, Dataran Larkin, Plaza Larkin, Dato Onn Village Recreational Area, Johor Craft Complex, Tan Sri Dato' Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium sport complex and the Bulat Bulat Corner food court. Together with the Majidee area (along the Jalan Masjid), they are the main focal points of the Malay community within Johor Bahru and they offer an authentic experience of the Malay heartland. Northeast of the city, Taman Desa Tebrau houses large shopping centres such as Lotus's Tebrau, AEON Tebrau City, IKEA Tebrau and the attached Toppen Shopping Centre which are all within walking distance of each other, including nearby shoplots featuring various restaurants and cafes. Taman Johor Jaya is a nearby mature neighbourhood which is one of the main modern focal points of the Chinese community within Johor Bahru and has an abundance of commercial and dining retail activity. Further north, Taman Mount Austin is a vibrant newer entertainment and dining neighbourhood filled with numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, karaoke bars and the Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park; all within walking distance of each other. Taman Setia Indah houses the Setia Indah Park with rows of shops and restaurants north of it, and also the nearby TD Point Retail Mall pedestrian zone. Eco Spring (located within Taman Eko Flora) is a notable neighbourhood with a grand Classical European-themed commercial development known as Eco Palladium, along with an adjacent outdoor retail park known as Eco Spring Labs.

West of the Causeway, in the Danga Bay area, visitors can walk and explore the seaside area with an attached theme park, convention centre, restaurants, Beletime Danga Bay shopping mall and the nearby Serene Square attraction in front of the gates of Sultan Johor's palace known as Istana Bukit Serene. Going further up northwest along the Skudai Highway, the Bandar Baru UDA township, which is a modern focal point of the Malay community within Johor Bahru, has the Plaza Angsana shopping mall and the nearby B5 Johor Street Market that are popular day and night. Further along the Skudai Highway, various shopping malls popular with tourists include Paradigm Mall and Sutera Mall, located at Taman Sutera Utama which has an adjacent vibrant entertainment and dining neighbourhood.

By taxi

Taxi stand in Johor Bahru.

Taxi prices in Johor Bahru are fairly affordable. However, always either use taxis only with meters or ask for a price estimate before proceeding with your journey; there remains a possibility of being fleeced by some unscrupulous taxi driver touts. The starting fare is RM3 for the first 2 km and the fare increases by 10 cent for every subsequent 115 m. You will only be charged for waiting time in excess of 3 min during the journey - the rate is 10 cent for every 21 seconds. Additional charges include: actual road toll charges; RM2 for telephone bookings; a 50% surcharge is levied between midnight and 6AM. There are no additional charges for a 3rd adult passenger or baggage kept in the trunk. Almost all of major shopping malls and high-star hotels in Johor Bahru feature taxi stands in front or around them.

By bus

Public buses in Johor Bahru.

If you wish to explore Johor Bahru by bus, the main bus terminals of the city are Larkin Sentral, 7 JB Sentral, 8 Taman Johor Jaya and 9 Ulu Tiram. From these terminals, buses going to almost major suburbs of Johor Bahru as well as Iskandar Puteri and Pasir Gudang can be found. The destination also serves up until Pontian Kechil, Ayer Hitam and Kota Tinggi in the neighboring districts of Johor Bahru. The last buses leave JB Sentral for their respective destinations at about 11PM or earlier; the last buses returning to JB Sentral leave their starting points at about 10PM or earlier. Before boarding any bus, look at the destination boards on the bus and do not hesitate to ask the bus driver directly. The frequency of the buses is inconsistent and are not regularly scheduled (especially for the buses that do not leave from the bus terminals), as buses often wait either for a sufficient number of passengers boarding at the terminal before beginning their outward journey, or are forced to drive off because of overcrowding and frequent honking at the bus terminal. There are generally more buses in the morning and there are fewer buses as it gets later into the day. Pay more attention to the people waiting at the bus stops rather than the buses on the road, as buses (particularly publicly-owned buses such as the white and yellow-roofed “MyBAS”/Causeway Link or red-white and blue-roofed “PAJ”/Maju Holding buses) may not pick-up passengers from designated bus stops. However, the privately-owned white-grey and orange-roofed “City Bus” is more receptive at picking up and dropping off passengers at both designated bus stops and undesignated parts of the road, as their drivers do not collect a salary but instead have to generate income from fare collection after paying a daily lease to the bus owner.

JB Sentral to Larkin Sentral

If you are planning to go from JB Sentral bus terminal to Larkin Sentral terminal or vice versa, you may take any of the frequent, non-stop buses that terminate at Larkin Sentral. For those who recently cleared Malaysian immigration, they may walk straight to the post-immigration bus bays downstairs at the JB CIQ Complex. These bus bays are also accessible by walking along the slip road that links the CIQ with Jalan Lingkaran Dalam. Fares from JB Sentral to Larkin Sentral: CW1, CW2 and CWL RM1.20, SBS 170 RM1.50 (payable by EZ-link card - S$1.11), Singapore-Johore Express RM1.00. These fares are payable only under the following circumstances - a. You fail to board the SBS 170 bus within 45 minutes of alighting from the SBS 160, SBS 170 or SMRT 950 bus. b. You did not buy a valid, through ticket to Larkin Sentral while in Singapore. c. You had travelled on a bus of a different bus company from Singapore to Johor Bahru CIQ (e.g. Woodland Checkpoint to JB CIQ by CW1 or CW2, then JB CIQ to Larkin Sentral by Singapore-Johore Express or SBS 170, or vice versa). The trip should take about 8-10 min in the absence of heavy traffic.

However, if you have left the JB CIQ complex and proceeded to walk towards the city centre area, you can consider taking the local buses such as MyBAS, PAJ or ‘City Bus’ at the JB Sentral bus bays (facing Jalan Jim Quee), which is located downstairs and separated outside from the main concourse area by a roadway. Buses heading there would usually have the word 'Larkin' displayed on the front of the bus; the one-way bus fare is RM1.70) to Larkin Sentral terminal.

By bicycle

Bicycle lane along Wong Ah Fook street

Bicycle lanes in Johor Bahru are limited, with only few roads marked with such lanes. It is not possible to cycle in the paying highways in the city and it is not advisable to cycle in the non-paying highway roads. If you wish to do cycling, please use full cycling gear, such as reflectors and lights. Cycling is best to do within residential areas. The residential areas at the northern part of the city generally have more marked bicycle lanes.

By ride hailing services

Local ride hailing service app Grab is affordable and very popular in JB, and is likely the most hassle-free way for visitors to get around without a car, if they have a mobile Internet connection. Many commercial establishments have also dedicated waiting areas for e-hailing vehicles. Nevertheless, due to the recent more stringent laws pertaining ride-sharing apps, do allocate more time before you make any vehicle booking because it might take slightly longer time to get one, especially in less-crowded places. Most people in Johor Bahru speak or understand English, communication would be less of a problem.

By car

Car parks for the disabled in Johor Bahru. Major public places in the city are equipped with such facilities.

Driving is generally the most convenient way to explore the city. Roads in the city are wide and well-paved with plenty of available parking lots during the weekdays. Malaysians drive on the left. The speed limit on the paid highway is 110 km/h and on the expressway is either 90 km/h or 70 km/h. For public parking areas with special designated parking fee by the city council (e.g. outside shopping malls), do purchase parking coupon from any convenient store, available in hourly or half-hourly basis of ticket, especially when you park on Saturday to Thursday at 8AM to 6PM. These tickets which are applicable for parking in Johor Bahru area can also be used in Iskandar Puteri, Senai and Kulai.

Most of the parking lots in public places have lot for those with mobility disability. Most of the parking lots in public places have reserved spaces designated for those with mobility disability. When parking at those reserved lots, please ensure your vehicle has the mobility disability sticker pasted clearly on the windscreen so that you will not get fined or your vehicle will not get clamped by the local authorities. Many public and commercial establishments have also ramps at its main entrance for those requiring wheelchair to move around.

A car can also be rented for exploring the city.

• Hawk Rent A Car, Lot S17, Podium 1, Menara Ansar, No. 65, Jalan Trus, 80000, ☏ +60 72132205, +60 162076510 (after office), msiahawk@hawkrentacar.com. 
• Mayflower Car Rental, Wisma Tan Chong, No. 27, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, ☏ +60 72071775, mcr-jhb@mayflower-group.com. M-F 8:30AM-6PM, Sa 8:30AM-1PM. 
• ORIX Car Rentals, Suite 19-01, Level 19, City Plaza, No. 21 Jalan Tebrau, 80300, ☏ +60 73310299. (updated Nov 2021)
• Pacific Rent-A-Car (PRAC), 54-G Susur 1, Medan Cahaya, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 80000, ☏ +60 72243951, +60 72243952, reservation@iprac.com. (updated Nov 2021)

Petrol stations are relatively easy to find in the city. There are generally three types of fuels, which are RON95, RON97 and diesel. By law, foreign-registered cars (irrespective of the driver's nationality) are strictly limited to fill in RON97 type of fuel only.

See

Johor Bahru has a well-mixed balance of things to see from historic, traditional and modern landmarks, cultural and religious places, sports and entertainment venues, as well as nature from city parks and seafront places. Most of the tourist places are well spread throughout the city. So if you plan to go to any corner of the city, you will always find something interesting to see, to do or to enjoy.

Community enclaves

Chinatown, along with Little India, are two often overlapping areas that indicate the early development of Johor Bahru as a city

• 2 Chinatown, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station). This historical Chinese community area is located mostly along the Tan Hiok Nee Street. It consists of various restaurants, shops and landmarks, such as Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum, Museum of 24 Festive Drum, Senso Art Gallery, Art 52 Gallery and the nearby Johor Bahru Kwong Siew Heritage Gallery. Free, except when visiting individual establishment. (updated Jul 2020)
• 3 Little India, Jalan Ungku Puan (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station). This historical Indian community area is located mostly along the Ungku Puan Street. It consists of various restaurants, shops and landmarks, such as Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple, India Mosque, Gurdwara Sahib Johor Bahru and the nearby Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple. (updated Dec 2020)
• 4 Majidee Malay Village (Kampung Melayu Majidee), Jalan Masjid (take 10B, 39, 41, 133, 188, 205, 208, 224 227, BET2, or S&S1 bus from JB Sentral terminal and alight at Taman Majidee). This Malay community area is located mostly along the Masjid Street. It consists of various restaurants, shops and landmarks, such as Majidee Malay Village Market and Majidee Malay Village Jamek Mosque. (updated Jul 2020)

Landmarks

Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House

Serene Square

• 5 Austin International Convention Centre (AICC), No. 71, Jalan Austin Heights 8/2, Taman Mount Austin. Convention centre. (updated Apr 2019)
• 6 JLand Tower (Menara JLand), Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 80000, ☏ +60 72888766, askus@menarajland.com.my. An iconic skyscraper with lightshow on its outer glass windows at night. It has a gallery and viewing platform at its 34th level to see the skyline of Johor Bahru named Skyscape. (updated Nov 2021)
• 7 Johor Bahru City Square (Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru), Jalan Datuk, Sri Gelam (take 7B, 77B, 229, 777B, JPO1, PM1, S&S7 bus from Larkin Sentral terminal or 1B, 5B, 15, 111, 331, 505 or BET3 bus from JB Sentral terminal and alight at Sultanah Aminah Hospital). Johor Bahru City Square is a public square that was constructed in conjunction with Johor Bahru being granted city status on January 1994. A grey-coloured building with a gigantic clock tower built stands on the north edge of the square. The square is surrounded by two sports fields on the south side and three sports fields on the west side. Many outdoor events are held here. Free. (updated Sep 2020)
• 8 Johor Public Library (Johor Public Library Corporation), Jalan Yahya Awal, Kampung Mahmoddiah, 80100, ☏ +60 72279261, ppaj@johor.gov.my. Su-W 9AM-5:30PM, Th 9AM-4PM. The main public library of Johor Bahru. It also consists the Petrosains PlaySmart Johor Bahru science centre. (updated Dec 2020)
• 9 Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum (Makam Diraja Mahmoodiah), Jalan Mahmoodiah, 80100 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station). This is a royal mausoleum of Johor state. The first sultan of Johor laid to rest here was Sultan Abu Bakar in 1895, as are the three sultans that reigned after him: Ibrahim, Ismail and Iskandar. Other persons interred here include: sultanahs (wives of the sultans) Sultanah Fatimah, Sultanah Ungku Maimunah Ungku Abdul Aziz, Sultanah Rogaiyah, Sultanah Tun Aminah; other royal family members; notable politicians like Dato' Jaafar Muhammad, Dato' Onn Jaafar, Tan Sri Othman Saat and Dato' Muhamad Salleh bin Perang. The mausoleum is not open to the public. Free. (updated Oct 2020)
• 10 Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House, Mercu 2, Jalan Tanjung Puteri 1, R&F Puteri, 80300 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 143781145. Performing arts theater with modern architecture design facing the Tebrau Strait. (updated Oct 2020)
• 11 Permas Square (Dataran Permas), Jalan Permas 5/10, Permas Jaya, 81750. An open space square which also consists of football field, hockey field, children playground and roof-covered futsal field. (updated Dec 2020)
• 12 Persada Johor International Convention Centre (Pusat Konvensyen Antarabangsa Persada Johor), Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 72198888, admin@persadajohor.com. Convention centre designed with an architecture that resembles the official hat of Johor Sultanate. (updated Nov 2021)
• 13 Serene Square (Laman Serene), Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar (take 7B, 77B, 229, 777B, JPO1, PM1, S&S7 bus from Larkin Sentral terminal or 1B, 5B, 15, 111, 331, 505 or BET3 bus from JB Sentral terminal and alight at Danga Bay). 24 hours. This is a public square in front of Serene Palace. Built on a 433 m² of land, it costed RM6.8 million to built. It features a 12-m-high star and crescent statue. The ground features a double 5-corner star, which makes it in total of 10, representing the total numbers of districts in Johor. Free. (updated Apr 2018)
• 14 Sultan Ismail Library (Perpustakaan Sultan Ismail), Jalan Datin Halimah, Larkin, 80350, ☏ +60 72391791. Sa-Th 9:30AM-6PM. Public library of the Johor Bahru City Council. (updated May 2022)
• 15 Tanjung Kupang Memorial Park (Memorial Peringatan Tragedi Tanjung Kupang), No. 87, Jalan Rebena, Kebun Teh, 80250 (take 10B, 39, 41, 133, 188, 205, 208, 224 227, BET2, or S&S1 bus from JB Sentral terminal and alight at Taman Sentosa). This memorial was erected by the Johor state government in memory of the 100 passengers and crew members killed when Malaysia Airlines Flight 653 (MH653) Boeing 737 crashed at Tanjung Kupang (about 20 km west of Johor Bahru) on the evening of 4 December 1977. The names and nationalities of all the 100 victims are inscribed on a less than two-meter-high wall clad with shiny, black stone. Free. (updated Apr 2018)

Places of worship

Sultan Iskandar Mosque

Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple

Church of the Immaculate Conception

Being a melting-pot for various religions of the country, Johor Bahru houses various religious sites from all major religions in Malaysia. Many of the religious sites are heritage buildings from the old days.

• 16 Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple, No. 4, Jalan Ungku Puan (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station). 5:30AM-noon, 6-9PM. Free admission for visitors. Everyone has their shoes in the racks beside the gate entrance. The temple also features the Indian Heritage Centre cultural centre. (updated Nov 2021)
• 17 Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, No. 22, Susur 1, Jalan Tebrau (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station). Inaugurated in 1996 and touted as "The First Glass Temple in the World". The inner surface of the walls and the columns inside the temple are clad with imported glass, hence the name. The floor is paved with granite. There's a canteen at the back of the temple building and sells only Indian vegetarian food. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims coming here everyday. There are food and drink stalls lining both sides of the driveway in the front of the temple. Temple prayer hours 7:30AM-noon daily; Temple closure Tu-Su noon-1PM & M noon-7PM; Temple visiting hours daily except M (closed to visitors) 1-6PM. Chitra Pournami Paal Kudam Festival held every Wednesday and Glass Chariot Procession held every Thursday at the temple. RM10/5 for adults/children (5-12 years old), leaving shoes with the guardian RM0.50.  
• 18 Church of the Immaculate Conception, No. 9, Jalan Gereja, 80100 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 72243034, +60 72248490. Beige building with a single steeple (with spire) is one of the main Roman Catholic churches in Johor Bahru. Built in 1883 in the British colonial style, it is one of the oldest structures still standing in Johor Bahru. Try to get here for the Tamil feast of Pongal in mid-January, when an intriguingly colourful harvest festival service is held within the church. (updated Apr 2018)
• 19 Gurdwara Sahib Johor Bahru (Johor Bahru Sikh Temple), No. 1B, Jalan Trus (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 72231129, gurdwarasahibjohorbahru@gmail.com. This Sikh temple was built on the site of the smaller and older Sikh temple and was inaugurated on 28 August 1992. This is a 2-storey white building with yellow window frames and an all-round, crenellated roof parapet. The Darbar Sahib is located on the second level. The Granthi quarters and two rooms for Sikh visitors are located at an annex on the second level. The Guru Ka Langgar hall, kitchen and office are located on the first level. There are about 250 Sikh families who participate in the religious activities in this Gurdwara Sahib. The normal weekly prayers are held Su 9:30-11:30AM. (updated Nov 2021)
• 20 India Mosque (Masjid India), Jalan Duke, 80000 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station). This mosque has two different minarets and was founded by the city's Indian Muslim community. It is a modern-looking mosque with white walls, blue-tinted glass cladding on both its minarets and a blue and silver dome. Free. (updated Sep 2020)
• 21 Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple (柔佛古廟), Lot 653, Jalan Trus, 80000 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station). 07:30-17:30. It is a Chinese temple believed to be built in 1870 by a group of Chinese community leaders led by Tan Hiok Nee, a famous, local Teochew businessman. This is where five different Chinese dialect groups - Cantonese, Hainanese, Hakka, Hokkien and Teochew - worshipped their respective deities and their effigies are all found inside the prayer hall. The Goddess of Mercy and the Weather God are also worshipped here; their effigies are found outside the prayer hall. The prayer hall is straight ahead as you enter the wooden gate entrance from Jalan Trus. There is a small museum behind the prayer hall which have illustrated descriptions of the five deities and the history of the temple, as well as giant photos showing Chingay Parade. Captions are mostly in Chinese only. The temple organizes the annual 4-day Chingay Parade. The climax of the parade occurs on the night of the 3rd day when the deities are paraded around the city centre. Free. (updated Feb 2022)
• 22 Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque (Masjid Negeri Sultan Abu Bakar), Jalan Masjid Abu Bakar (take 7B, 77B, 229, 777B, JPO1, PM1, S&S7 bus from Larkin Sentral terminal or 1B, 5B, 15, 111, 331, 505 or BET3 bus from JB Sentral terminal and alight at Sultanah Aminah Hospital). Located on top of a small hill and overlooking the Straits of Johor, this state mosque took eight years to construct (1892-1900). It has four minarets that resemble British clock towers. It was inaugurated by Sultan Ibrahim. It is made of white marble and is a combination of Moorish and Victorian architecture. It can accommodate 2,000 worshippers. Free. (updated Apr 2022)
• 23 Sultan Iskandar Mosque (Masjid Sultan Iskandar), No. 2, Jalan Dato' Onn 2, Bandar Dato Onn, 81100 (take P-111 bus and alight at the mosque). Built in 2013, the mosque has been declared as Malaysia's first tourism-friendly mosque after the Malaysia Tourism Quality Assurance certificate issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. It also consists the An-Nur Gallery. Free. (updated Nov 2021)
• 24 Wat Phra Buddha Srithep Phetchabun Johor Bahru, Jalan Jaya Putra 7, Taman Setia Indah, 81100 (take 10B bus from JB Sentral terminal and alight at Taman Setia Indah). The city's only Thai Buddhist temple. (updated Sep 2021)

Museums and galleries

Johor Bahru houses several museums and galleries in which some of them were converted from old colonial-era buildings. Entries are usually very cheap if not free of charge.

Museums

Figure Museum

• 25 Royal Abu Bakar Museum (Muzium Diraja Abu Bakar), ☏ +60 7 223 0222. The Royal Abu Bakar Museum is one of the oldest buildings in Johor and is one of the main attractions in the state. This building was built in the year of 1866. It is formerly the Grand Palace of the Johor Sultan and has turned into a museum since 1982. The museum is filled with information and rare artifacts of the Royal Family. There are picture galleries featuring the family tree lasting many decades. The belongings of the Royal Family are exhibited there including the weapons of Malaysia. Nearby attractions which are related to the history of Johor and the Sultan himself, include the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque and the Sultan Abu Bakar Monument. (updated May 2022)

• 26 Figure Museum (Muzium Tokoh), ☏ +60 72070934. The museum is housed in a building constructed in 1893 which was once used as the official residence of the first Chief Minister of Johor. As of July 2024, it is under renovation with an unknown date to reopen. (updated Jul 2024)
• 27 Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum (Muzium Warisan Tionghua Johor Bahru), No. 42, Jalan Ibrahim, 80000 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 72249633, heritage_museumjb@jb-tionghua.org.my. Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. Housed in a restored 4-storey building. Learn about the history and culture of the Chinese community in Johor Bahru. The displays are spread out over four storeys. There are numerous captioned photos on display, several TV screens showing video clips, objects/artefacts on display, mannequins dressed in traditional Chinese wedding clothes, a replica of the entrance door and sedan chair of the Roufo Chinese Taoist Temple in Jalan Trus, etc. RM3 adult; RM1 children, students, senior citizens. (updated Apr 2022)
• 28 Johor Bahru Hokkien Association Museum (新山福建文物馆), Hokkien Building, No. 2D, Jalan Yahya Awal, Kampung Kertak Merah, 80000. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-1PM. The museum showcases the important historical events, such as Malaya during World War 2, cultural relics and the historical development of Fujian. Free. (updated Sep 2020)
• 29 KTM Museum (Muzium KTM), Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station). The museum used to be the main railway station of Johor Bahru. (updated Apr 2018)
• 30 Museum of 24 Festive Drum (廿四节令鼓文化馆), No. 31, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station). Museum about Chinese drums, located above a cafe. (updated Jun 2020)

Galleries

Johor Bahru Kwong Siew Heritage Gallery

• 31 Art 52 Gallery, No. 52, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station). Art gallery. (updated Apr 2018)
• 32 Glulam Gallery (Galeri Glulam), Jalan Tampoi, Kawasan Perindustrian Tampoi, 81200, ☏ +60 72329048, mtibjb@mtib.gov.my. It is a gallery which was opened on 22 May 2012. (updated Apr 2018)
• 33 Johor Bahru Kwong Siew Heritage Gallery (Galeri Warisan Kwong Siew Johor Bahru), No. 24, Jalan Siu Nam (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 72233682. Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. Museum occupies 2 units of adjoining 2-storey shop houses that were completed in 1907. They used to be the headquarters of the Kwong Siew Clan Association established in 1878 by Wong Ah Fook, a China-born, successful and influential entrepreneur who developed close links with the Johor Sultanate. The exhibits are all the second level (A/C). Here you can find the illustrated biographies of the 13 past and present presidents of the Kwong Siew Wai Kuan (Clan Association), other prominent Kwong Siew Wai Kuan figures, Wong Ah Fook and three of his sons. The history of Kampung Ah Fook, which was established by Wong Ah Fook and corresponds to the very heart of the city, is described here. Some of the exhibits in this museum are: Cantonese opera costumes, weapons used in Chinese martial arts, lion dance troupe equipment and costumes, old Chinese musical instruments, jewellery, opium pipes, and Cantonese opera scripts. Photography is forbidden. RM5 (adults), RM2 (children). (updated Apr 2022)
• 34 Johor Craft Complex (Kompleks Kraf Johor), Lot. PTB 2002, Jalan Cenderasari, Larkin 80350, ☏ +60 72350433, fax: +60 72350432. 9AM-6PM. Contains a so-called Treasured Possession Gallery exhibits batik, embroidery and beads. It also hosts a handicrafts fair on its premises once a year.  
• 35 Johor Heritage Foundation (Yayasan Warisan Johor), Lot 888, Jalan Sungai Chat, 80100, ☏ +60 72213148, +60 72245488, pengurusan@ywj.gov.my. Cultural centre for Johor, which consists of Mawar Gallery. (updated Jul 2020)
• 36 Johor Japan Football Gallery (Galeri Bola Sepak Johor-Jepun), Tan Sri Dato' Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium, Jalan Dato’ Jaafar, Larkin 80350, ☏ +60 720700084. Daily 9:30AM-5:30PM. A gallery built in 2018 by Johor Japan Friendship Association and Johor Darul Ta’zim Football Club which serves as a symbolic reminder of the 20th anniversary of the Japanese national football team’s qualifications into the World Cup after beating Iran to progress to the 1998 World Cup. (updated Jul 2018)
• 37 The Malay Cultural Village, 33A Jalan Petaling, Kawasan Perindustrian Larkin, 80350. Cultural centre. (updated Apr 2018)
• 38 Senso Art Gallery Cafe, 25 & 25A, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 72200299, sensoartgallerycafe@gmail.com. Art gallery with cafe and workshop section. (updated Apr 2022)

Nature

Johor Bahru houses many open green space, ranging from parks, city forests, lakes, public squares etc. Each suburb generally has community park, especially in the northern areas of the city. These areas are famous among locals to hang out, rest and do exercise in the morning or early evening before dark. All of the parks are equipped with car park and public toilet facilities. Usually animals are prohibited from being brought to the parks.

City parks

Public parks in Johor Bahru are patronized by the people in late afternoon, equipped with public toilets and car parks.

• 39 Austin Perdana Park, Mount Austin. Park. (updated Dec 2020)
• 40 Country Garden Central Park, Persiaran Aliff Harmoni Utama, Taman Damansara Aliff, 81200. Park. (updated Apr 2018)
• 41 Dato Onn Village Recreational Area (Kawasan Rekreasi Kampung Dato Onn), Jalan Datin Halimah, Larkin Jaya. Park. (updated Apr 2018)
• 42 Gaya Community Park, Jalan Tegap 1, Taman Gaya, 81800 Ulu Tiram. Park with big circular amphitheater and children's playgrounds. (updated Oct 2021)
• 43 Setia Indah Park, No. 10, Jalan Setia 3/1, Taman Setia Indah, 81100 (take 10B bus from JB Sentral terminal and alight at Taman Setia Indah). Park. Free. (updated Sep 2020)
• 44 Setia Tropika Linear Park, Jalan Persiaran Setia Tropika, Setia Tropika, 81200. An urban park with walking path and children's playground. Free. (updated Mar 2020)
• 45 Taman Eko Flora Urban Park, Jalan Ekoflora 8, Taman Eko Flora. Park. (updated Sep 2021)

Lake parks

Lakes in Johor Bahru are designed to have park surrounding them together and made opened to the public. Swimming and fishing are usually prohibited in these lakes unless otherwise permitted.

• 46 Adda Heights Park, Jalan Adda 2/4, Adda Heights, 81100 (take P-111 bus and alight at Adda Heights). An urban park with walking path encircling a lake. Free. (updated Apr 2018)
• 47 MBJB City Forest (Hutan Bandar MBJB), Jalan Tasek Utara (take bus 39, 208, 224, 227 from Larkin Sentral terminal and alight at the forest). 7AM-11PM. 13-hectare recreational park. Maintained by the municipality, this gem of a public recreational park contains seven lakes surrounded by tropical rain forest. There is a big fountain at the north end of the southernmost lake. Within the park are jogging/hiking tracks, wooden bridges and platforms, a children's playground, climbing wall, skatepark, parkour ark and an open-air water park. There is also an orchid park with many different species of orchids. There is a car park just beyond the park's entrance on Jalan Tasek Utara. There is a food court beside the car park. Free. (updated Oct 2020)
• 48 Merdeka Park (Taman Merdeka), Jalan Datin Halimah, 80200. 7AM-7PM. Public park surrounding a large lake with pavilions, an open-air theatre, rock sculptures, an independence monument, 2 bridges, two twin 2-storey white buildings, cannons and a clock tower. There is also a paid-per-entry shared gym within the park. Free. (updated Sep 2020)
• 49 Mount Austin Lake (Tasik Mount Austin), Taman Mount Austin, 81100. Lake surrounded by high-rise residential buildings, ideal for relaxing and fishing. Free. (updated Feb 2021)
• 50 Pandan Lake Park (Laman Tasik Pandan), Jalan Harmoni Utama, Taman Desa Harmoni, 81100. A park with lake in its centre. It has a food court around its vicinity. (updated Oct 2020)
• 51 Seri Austin Lake, Jalan Seri Austin 1. Urban lake surrounded by residential area, equipped with pedestrian around it. Free. (updated Dec 2020)
• 52 Setia Tropika Town Park, Jalan Setia Tropika Utama, Setia Tropika, 81200. Town in the middle of a residential area with lake at its centre, equipped with children playground and picnic site. Free. (updated Jul 2020)
• 53 Taman Pelangi Indah Lake and Park (Tasik dan Taman Taman Pelangi Indah), 12-20, Jalan Pesona 1, Taman Pelangi Indah, 81800 Ulu Tiram. A park which consists of 4 different lakes, surrounded by forest vegetation and walking path. Free. (updated Oct 2020)

Others

Johor Zoo

• 54 Danga Bay (Teluk Danga), Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar (take 7B, 77B, 229, 777B, JPO1, PM1, S&S7 bus from Larkin Sentral terminal or 1B, 5B, 15, 111, 331, 505 or BET3 bus from JB Sentral terminal and alight at Danga Bay). It is a waterfront development with residential properties, commercial buildings and recreational facilities. The area features the Danga Bay Theme Park and Danga Bay Convention Centre. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent bus (one-way fare RM1.60 or 1.70) that goes to Bukit Indah/Kulai/Selesa Jaya from JB Sentral Terminal. You can take a tourist tram along the coastline area (RM5 per person, free for children below 3 years old). (updated Apr 2018)
• 55 Johor Zoo (Zoo Johor), Jalan Gertak Merah. 9AM-6PM. This is one of the oldest zoos in Malaysia. The zoo was built by Sultan Ibrahim in 1928 and became the private menagerie of the royal family. It was opened to the public in 1962. 5-hectare, run-down zoo that provides a dismal diversion to locals and Western tourists. It only has birds and mammals on display. There is a pond inside the zoo where you can rent boats as well as a children's playground. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (one-way fare RM1) that go to Bukit Indah/Kulai/Selesa Jaya from opposite City Square (starting point) at Jalan Wong Ah Fook or from the bus stop in front of KTM Museum at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. RM2 adults, RM1 3-12 years old children, free 0-3 years old children. (updated Apr 2018)
• 56 Sinaran Agro Farm (Sinar Agro Farm), Lorong Manggis, Kampung Baru Sri Aman, Kempas 81300, ☏ +60 137480869. Agritourism in a farm. (updated Dec 2019)
• 57 Stulang Beach (Pantai Stulang), Stulang Laut. This small stretch of beach facing the Johor Strait is a great relaxing place at night, which is also near to many eateries establishment which all are within walking distance. Free. (updated May 2021)

Pedestrian zones

Little Paris

The city houses various thematic pedestrian zones catered for younger visitors with eateries and shops, as well as arcades and hang out places.

• 58 B5 Johor Street Market, Pusat Bandar Tampoi, 81200, ☏ +60 72441271. Pedestrian zone with container as theme. It consists of eateries, shops, supermarket and a performance stage for regular entertainment and art-related performances. Free, except when buying food or stuffs. (updated Apr 2022)
• 59 Little Paris (Little Paris at Mount Austin), Jalan Jaya Putra 1/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, littleparisiskandar@gmail.com. A French-themed street with various shop houses, cafes and outdoor eateries, brighten up by lights during evening time. Free, except when buying food or stuffs. (updated Sep 2020)
• 60 Spring Labs, Jalan Ekoflora 1, Taman Ekoflora, 81100, ☏ +60 73642552. Hang out places for colourful eateries and retail in an outdoor pedestrian setting with cafes, convenient store, shops, studios, laundry and playground. Free, except when buying food or stuffs. (updated Sep 2021)
• 61 TD Point Retail Mall, Pusat Perniagaan Taman Daya, Jalan Daya, 81100, ☏ +60 73555866, farhana@keckseng.com. Outdoor concept of retail and F&B parks, which includes various restaurants and shops. Free, except when buying food or stuffs. (updated Sep 2021)

Do

Theme parks

Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park

• 1 Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park, No. 71, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 (take BET6 bus from JB Sentral towards Taman Setia Indah and alight at Taman Mount Austin.), ☏ +60 197163183, ask@funtime.my. Water park 10AM-7PM, adventure park 10AM-6PM, sports & leisure park 10AM-10PM. Water Park Big Splash, Adventure Park, Jump Street Austin Heights, Drift in Austin, Skating Rink Austin Heights. Water park RM88, adventure park RM88, jump street RM228, skating rink RM228, drift RM228. (updated Apr 2018)
• 2 Danga Bay Theme Park, Danga Bay, Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar (take 7B, 77B, 229, 777B, JPO1, PM1, S&S7 bus from Larkin Sentral terminal or 1B, 5B, 15, 111, 331, 505 or BET3 bus from JB Sentral terminal and alight at Danga Bay). 3PM-midnight. An amusement park suitable for adult and children. Among the 20 rides are (price per person per ride, minimum RM4): Zamperla pirate ship (RM10), tea cups (RM4), 2-level merry-go-round (RM4), balloon ferris wheel (RM4), flying elephant, bumper car. (updated Jun 2018)
• 3 Dinosaur Alive Water Theme Park, KSL Hotel & Resort, No. 33 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 (take S1 bus from JB Sentral and alight at KSL City). Water park at the rooftop of a shopping mall. (updated Apr 2022)
• 4 La Stella Water Theme Park, Starhill Golf and Country Club, 6.5KM, Jalan Kampung Maju Jaya, Kempas Lama, 81330 Skudai. 9AM-6PM. Water park. Adult RM10.60-25.00, children RM8.50-12.00. (updated Apr 2018)
• 5 Tiram Indoor Water Park, Today's Mall, Jalan Kota Tinggi, 81800 Ulu Tiram, ☏ +60 78640694, lina@tiramwaterpark.com.my. 10:30AM-10PM. Indoor water park. Adult RM14.70, children RM20.00. (updated Apr 2018)

Adventures

Drift Culture Enterprise

• 6 Drift Culture Enterprise, 2nd floor, No. 20A, Jalan Gaya 2, Taman Gaya, 81800 Ulu Tiram, ☏ +60 197279433. Mini 4WD and radio-controlled drifting. (updated Dec 2020)
• 7 The Escaper (密室逃脱), Level 2, No. 79, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, ☏ +60 73522566, theescapergames@gmail.com. Try to escape from this virtual reality maze game if you can. (updated Apr 2022)
• 8 G Flights, Level 3, Stellar Walk, Permas Jaya (take bus 123 or S&S1 from JB Sentral Terminal and alight at AEON Permas Jaya), ☏ +60 73823912. Commercial airline flight simulator. (updated Jul 2020)
• 9 Lost in JB - The Haunted House, No.2 Jalan Austin Heights Utama, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, ☏ +60 73645043. 12:30PM-11:30PM. Haunted house. (updated Apr 2018)
• 10 Permas Go-Kart Club, Lot 1195, Jalan Bunga Matahari, Taman Plentong Baru, ☏ +60 197111733, louis@permasgokart.com. Go-kart on dirt and stone track in the middle of palm oil plantation. (updated Apr 2018)
• 11 Seadoo Safari, R&F Mall, Block G-07, ☏ +60 1137314741. Personal watercraft riding along the Tebrau Strait. (updated Dec 2022)
• 12 Skyscape, Menara JLand, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 80000, ☏ +60 72218766, +60 72228766, askus@menarajland.com.my. 9:30AM-5:30PM (Su-F). Explore the magnificent of Johor Bahru city skyline from the top of JLand Tower at level 34. (updated Sep 2020)
• 13 Southiez Hobby, No. 115-02, Jalan Adda 3/1, Taman Adda Height, 81100, ☏ +60 167668378, southiezhobby@gmail.com. Mini 4WD shop and race track. (updated May 2021)
• 14 Tristan Park, 21 Jalan Kekabu 11, Taman Desa Cemerlang, 81800 Ulu Tiram. Dirt biking. (updated May 2021)
• 15 VR+Zone (VR+乐园 VR Zone), No. 27, Jalan Austin Heights 8/4, Taman Mount Austin, 81100. Virtual reality game venue. (updated Nov 2019)

Sports

The city houses plenty sport facilities of various types. The state of Johor also has the highest number of golf courses in Malaysia, where most of the courses are international-standard golf courses.

Golf

• 16 Austin Heights Golf and Hotel Resort, Lot Ptd 58061, Jalan Mutiara Emas 8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, ☏ +60 73524300, reservation@austingolfresort.com. Nestled amidst the lush greens of the 27-hole golf course, the resort clubhouse boasts 66 exclusive suites, free-form swimming pool, tennis courts, 8-lane bowling alley, sauna, jacuzzi, karaoke and banqueting facilities all under one roof. (updated Dec 2020)
• 17 Daiman 18 Golf Club, No.18, Jalan Pesona, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 (take 39, 133, 208 or 224 bus from JB Sentral terminal and alight at Taman Johor Jaya), ☏ +60 73649770, daiman18@daimangolf.com.my. Tu-Su 7:15PM-10:30PM. Golf course. (updated Sep 2020)
• 18 Johor Golf and Country Club, 3211 Jalan Larkin, 80200, ☏ +60 72233322, enquiry@johorgolfandcountryclub.com. Golf course. (updated Apr 2018)
• 19 Ponderosa Golf and Country Club, No. 3, Jalan Ponderosa 1, Taman Ponderosa, 81100, ☏ +60 73549999, enquiry@ponderosagolf.com. 8:30AM-8PM. Golf course. (updated May 2021)
• 20 Permas Jaya Golf Club, 6 Bandar Baru, Jalan Permas Selatan, Permas Jaya,, 81750 (take bus 123 or S&S1 from JB Sentral Terminal and alight at AEON Permas Jaya). Golf course. (updated Apr 2022)
• 21 Starhill Golf and Country Club, 6.5KM, Jalan Kampung Maju Jaya, Kempas Lama, 81330, ☏ +60 75588111. Golf course. (updated Nov 2020)
• 22 YnD Golf Hub, No. 17-01, Jalan Ponderosa 2/2, Taman Ponderosa, 81100, ☏ +60 1162612016, yndgolfhub@gmail.com. 3-10PM (Tu-Fr), 10AM-10PM (Sa-Su). Indoor golf simulator. (updated Apr 2021)

Stadiums and sport complexes

Larkin Arena

• 23 Daiman Johor Jaya Sports Complex, No. 1, Jalan Dedap 3, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 (take 39, 133, 208 or 224 bus from JB Sentral terminal and alight at Taman Johor Jaya), ☏ +60 73551888, enquiry@daimansports.com.my. Sports complex with facilities such as swimming pool, badminton court, gymnasium, table tennis and sauna. (updated Apr 2018)
• 24 Dato' Suleiman Mohd Noor Indoor Training Centre (Pusat Latihan Tertutup Dato' Suleiman Mohd Noor), Jalan Sungai Chat, 80100. Indoor football field. (updated Dec 2020)
• 25 Larkin Arena (Arena Larkin Indoor Stadium), Larkin, 80350. This 7,000-seating capacity indoor stadium houses facilities for badminton, takraw, basketball etc. The architecture of the building is derived from traditional Johorean houses, which is a hybrid of square and circle. (updated Apr 2022)
• 26 Mount Austin Sport City, Jalan Ekoperniagaan 2/9, Kampung Baru Sri Aman, 81300. Sport area which consists of 5,000-seat track and field athletics stadium, badminton stadium and recreation centre for the general public. (updated Sep 2020)
• 27 Permas Jaya Sports Complex, Permas Jaya, 81750, ☏ +60 73887020. Sports complex. (updated Oct 2020)
• 28 Sports Prima, PTD 64858, Jalan Sri Purnama 4, Perindustrian Sri Purnama, 81100, ☏ +60 73349181, enquiry@sportsprima.com. Sports centre. (updated Apr 2018)
• 29 Tan Sri Dato' Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium (Larkin Stadium), Jalan Dato Jaafar, Larkin, 80350. The former football stadium for the JDT football team. It also consists of the Johor Japan Football Gallery. (updated Apr 2018)
• 30 Tebrau Sports & Recreation Centre, PTD85814, Jalan Cantik, Taman Pelangi Indah, Ulu Tiram, 81800, ☏ +60 142525222. 8AM-2AM. Sport centre. (updated Sep 2020)
• 31 Tiara Sports World, Lot 7207, Jalan Pasir Pelangi, Pasir Pelangi, 80050, ☏ +60 124988205. Sports complex. (updated May 2021)

Wall climbing

• 32 Petit Climbing Centre, Lot 432, Jalan Saujana Utama, Taman Saujana, 81750 Plentong, ☏ +60 197166222, arinpetit@yahoo.com. Wall climbing centre. (updated Apr 2018)
• 33 Rockworld, No. 6, Jalan Perniagaan Setia 4, Setia Business Park II, 81100, ☏ +60 197729338, rockworld.jb@gmail.com. Tu-F 6-11:30PM, Sa Su 10AM-11PM. Indoor wall climbing. (updated Oct 2020)
• 34 Rock Yard, MBJB City Forest, Jalan Tasek Utara. Wall climbing inside the forest, divided into the low wall and high wall. Free. (updated Oct 2020)

Others

Aerofly Johor Light Aircraft and RC Plane Runway

• 35 Aerofly Johor Light Aircraft and RC Plane Runway, Lorong Manggis, Kampung Baru Sri Aman, 81300. Open space runway for light aircraft and aeromodellers enthusiasts, suitable for fixed-wing, gliders, helicopters and drones. Free. (updated Oct 2020)
• 36 Blue Ice Skating Rink, 3F-30, Paradigm Mall, Jalan Skudai, 81200, ☏ +60 72323583, blueicejohor@gmail.com. 10AM-10PM. Ice skating. RM25-30 (non-member), RM20-25 (member). (updated Feb 2022)
• 37 Daiman Bowl, No. 2, Jalan Dedap 3, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 (take 39, 133, 208 or 224 bus from JB Sentral terminal and alight at Taman Johor Jaya), ☏ +60 73513399, enquiry@daimanbowl.com.my. Su-Th 10AM-1AM, F Sa 10AM-2AM. Bowling centre. (updated Apr 2018)
• 38 Danga Futsal Centre, Lot 19120, Kampong Sungei Danga, 81200, ☏ +60 197275912, dangafutsalctr@gmail.com. Daily 8AM-2AM. Indoor futsal court. (updated Apr 2018)
• 39 Happy Hoof Riding Ranch, PTD 109057, Kampong Plentong Baru, 81750, ☏ +60 136988180, happyhoof88@gmail.com. 7:30-11AM, 4-7PM (Tu-Su). Horse riding ranch. (updated Feb 2021)
• 40 Johor Bahru City Council Swimming Pool Complex (Kompleks Kolam Renang Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru), Larkin Jaya 80350. Swimming pool. RM10. (updated Apr 2018)
• 41 Johor Bahru District Basketball Association Basketball Stadium (Stadium Bola Keranjang Persatuan Bola Keranjang Daerah Johor Bahru), Jalan Dato Jaafar, Taman Dato Onn, 80350. Indoor basketball stadium. (updated Nov 2019)
• 42 Taman Daya Hockey Stadium (Stadium Hoki Taman Daya), Jalan Daya, Taman Daya, 81100. Hockey stadium. (updated Nov 2019)

Cinemas

Broadway Theater

There are four major cineplexes in Johor Bahru: TGV Cinemas, Golden Screen Cinemas, MBO Cinemas and Cathay Cinemas. Minimum/maximum adult ticket prices for 2D movies (minimum prices on one or more weekdays, in particular Wednesdays; maximum prices during weekends and public holidays) - TGV Cinemas RM8/13, Golden Screen RM6/9 and Cathay RM6/12. 3D movies command higher ticket prices. Regular movie showing cinemas are almost exclusively located inside shopping centres. Generally, there are Malay and Chinese subtitles given for English-speaking movies. For movies in foreign languages, the subtitles will be in English, Malay and Chinese.

• 43 Broadway Theatre (Pawagam Broadway), No. 41, Jalan Segget, 80000 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station). This is an old movie theater in the city centre, about 100 m southeast of the Sri Raja Mariamman Hindu temple, that shows only Tamil-language movies. (updated Apr 2022)

Arts and cultural festivals

Chingay Parade

The city organizes the annual cultural events Chingay Parade, as well as other themed-events, such as food, anime, cosplay, game festivals etc.

Organized by The Johor Society for the Performing Arts, Johor Bahru (and Iskandar Puteri) holds various annual entertainment and cultural festivals, such as Johor Bahru Arts Festival, Johor Bahru Film Festival, Johor Bahru Classical Music Festival, Johor Bahru Indigenous Festival and Johor Bahru Writers and Readers Festival since 2004, making it Malaysia's longest-running arts festival that covers all disciplines of performing arts.

Others

• 44 Petrosains PlaySmart Johor Bahru, Johor Public Library Corporation, Jalan Yahya Awal, Kampung Mahmoddiah, 80100, ☏ +60 72245498, psmartjb@gmail.com. Sa-W 9AM-5:30PM, Th 9AM-4PM. Science centre for children. Free. (updated Apr 2018)

Learn

When you decide to have a short stay in the city, there are several educational and skill training providers that provide short term courses.

• 1 A to Z Language Centre Johor Bahru, G-08, Jalan Permas 15/1, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 (take bus 123 or S&S1 from JB Sentral Terminal and alight at AEON Permas Jaya), ☏ +60 73861784, admin-jb@atozlanguage.com. M-F 10AM-9:30PM, Sa 10AM-5:30PM. Japanese, English, Malay and Mandarin class. (updated Oct 2020)
• 2 Good Times DIY Baking Studio, Level 1F-03A, Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, Jalan Skudai, 81200, ☏ +60 72326267. 11AM-8PM. Baking and bread preparation class. 
• 3 Kunkwan, Block E02-01 to E02-07, Jalan Harmonium 24/2, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 (take bus 66 from Larkin Sentral terminal or bus 808 from JB Sentral Terminal and alight at AEON Tebrau City), ☏ +60 1127581606, +60 127581625, promotion2@kunkwan.com. Mandarin class and HSK test centre. (updated Apr 2022)
• 4 Love Fun Baking House (爱烘焙聚乐部), No. 2, Jalan Dedap 17, Johor Jaya, 81100, ☏ +60 127899039, lovefunbakinghouse@gmail.com. Baking and bread preparation class. 
• 5 MuzArt, No. 37, 37-01, 37-02, Jalan Setia Tropika 1/15, Taman Setia Tropika, 81200, ☏ +60 72321798, muzart@muzart.com.my. Tu 12:30-9:30PM, W 9AM-7PM, Th 12:30-9:30PM, F Sa 9AM-8:30PM. Children art class. 
• 6 Savory Baking Garden (思の手工烘焙坊), No. 28A, Jalan Adda 3/3, Adda Heights, 81100, ☏ +60 0197738898, meitzechua@hotmail.com. Baking class. 

Buy

Johor Bahru offers endless possibilities when it comes for shopping, from the full air conditioned shopping malls (equipped with supermarkets, cinemas, child playground), open air street night markets and bazaars, and dedicated handicraft and art centre. It also has plenty of convenience stores located in almost any shop lot and petrol station for a quick snack or light food. Street vendors is extremely hard to find, although you will still find people walking around to sell you things when you dine in at outdoor hawker centres.

Shopping malls

Shopping malls in Johor Bahru are characterised by their large sizes and ample car parks along major busy roads. They usually have cinemas, food courts, shops and supermarkets.

Johor Bahru houses many shopping malls with various sizes and for different segments of the society, which are fairly located throughout the whole city areas. Most of them open from 10AM until 10PM, except for the cinemas which usually open for an extended time. Many of the shopping malls are within the public bus routes and they have ample parking spaces, including dedicated parking spaces for those with mobility disability. All of the price of goods inside shopping malls are fixed and generally there is no bargaining.

• 1 AEON Mall Bandar Dato' Onn, No. 3, Jalan Dato' Onn 3, Bandar Dato' Onn, 81100. Shopping mall with beer garden and small outdoor gym facilities. This is the major and largest mall in the northern part of the city. (updated Sep 2020)
• 2 AEON Tebrau City, No. 1, Jalan Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 (There are many buses going there from the bus stop opposite City Square at Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Take any bus that goes to Kota Tinggi or Ulu Tiram, e.g Maju 227, Causeway Link 6B. The one-way bus fare is RM2.40 or RM2.50. A metered taxi fare will cost you about RM16.), ☏ +60 73522220. Su-Th 10AM-10PM, F Sa 10AM-11PM. Almost half of the mall's three-level floor area is occupied by the AEON hypermarket (on all the 3 levels). There are numerous international fashion shops like Giordano, MNG, Esprit, Dorothy Perkins. It is at the junction of Tebrau Highway (also known as Jalan Pandan) and Jalan Desa Tebrau. It consists of Japanese-themed section called Japan Village featuring many Japanese restaurants and shops and Fanpekka Theme Park for children.  
• 3 Angsana Johor Bahru Mall, Tampoi, ☏ +60 72351420. A shopping mall for traditional clothes and electronic goods hunting, located at the western side of the city. (updated Oct 2020)
• 4 Beletime Danga Bay, Bay Point Persiaran Danga Perdana Country Garden, Danga Bay, 80200, ☏ +60 72910927, jiayi@beletime.com.my. Shopping mall facing the Tebrau Strait. (updated Jan 2023)
• 5 Galleria @ Kotaraya, Jalan Trus, 80000 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), info@galleriakotaraya.com. Shopping mall with UTC Johor, a centralized government-related service centre. (updated Sep 2020)
• 6 Holiday Plaza, Jalan Dato' Sulaiman, Taman Century (take S1 bus from JB Sentral and alight at Holiday Plaza). A very long shopping mall built in the early years of the city. It sells various mobile and telecommunication products. (updated Jan 2022)
• 7 Johor Bahru City Square, No. 106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 72263668. 10AM-10PM. A pedestrian bridge connects the mall to JB Sentral, which is connected to the CIQ by a pedestrian bridge. There is an mmCineplexes on levels 5 and 7. (updated Jan 2022)
• 8 KOMTAR JBCC, Johor Bahru City Centre, 80000 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 72679900, info@komtarjbcc.com. KOMTAR JBCC is a four-level shopping mall in the KOMTAR Johor Bahru complex, which consists of KOMTAR JBCC Tower, JLand Tower and Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre. (updated Apr 2021)
• 9 KSL City, No. 33, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 (S1 bus from JB Sentral Terminal), ☏ +60 72882888. daily 10AM-10PM. The 4-storey shopping mall that is part of a shopping-residential-hotel complex. It has 350 sales outlets, including 70 food and beverage outlets. (updated May 2021)
• 10 The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Jalan Bakar Batu, Southkey, 81100 (take bus P-102, P-103 or 808 from JB Sentral Terminal at alight at the shopping mall), ☏ +60 73369288. The largest shopping mall in Johor. The main tenant of the shopping mall is SOGO and it also consists the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre for MICE events, KF Kiddy Circuit and children playground Kiddytopia. (updated Dec 2022)
• 11 Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, Jalan Skudai, 81200, ☏ +60 72313888, enquiry.pmjb@wctmalls.wct.my. 10AM-10PM. Shopping mall with Camp5 climbing wall, Blue Ice Skating Rink, Star Archery, Future Land and Fun Space game arcades, Utopia Jungle World kid playground and visual art centre and Paradigm Mall Convention Centre. (updated Dec 2022)
• 12 Paragon Market Place, No.135, Jalan Tampoi, 81100, ☏ +60 73310883, enquiry.pmjb@wctmalls.wct.my. Train station-themed shopping mall. (updated Dec 2020)
• 13 Plaza Larkin, Jalan Garuda, Larkin Jaya, 80350 (walk from Larkin Sentral terminal). This is a place for those interested in the latest fashions, with its number of clothing boutiques. There is an Internet cafe, a computer shop and a money changer on the first level. (updated Apr 2018)
• 14 Plaza Pelangi, No. 2, Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi, 80400 (take CT1 bus from Johor Sentral Terminal and alight at Taman Pelangi). 10AM-10PM. Shopping mall and centre for computer and IT-related items. (updated Dec 2020)
• 15 Plaza Sentosa, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 (Causeway Link's CT1 bus (runs between Kotaraya bus terminal and Bayu Puteri, via City Square)), ☏ +60 73311275. The main tenant here is The Store department store, which occupies 4 levels. The shopping mall building also features the Grand Sentosa Hotel. (updated Mar 2018)
• 16 R&F Mall, Jalan Tanjung Puteri, 80300 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 72772777, rnfenquire@rnfmalljb.com. 10AM-10PM. A shopping mall with an open space at its central area facing the Tebrau Strait. It is connected to the Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House. (updated Jan 2022)
• 17 Stellar Walk (星海广场), Jalan Persiaran Senibong, Permas Jaya, 81750, ☏ +60 73369288. Shopping mall with focus on education. (updated Nov 2021)
• 18 Today's Mall, No. 4, Jalan Kota Tinggi, 81800 Ulu Tiram (take bus 66 from Larkin Sentral terminal or bus 41, 227 from JB Sentral Terminal and alight at the shopping mall), ☏ +60 78610068, enquiry@todays-mall.com.my. The only mall in Ulu Tiram area of Johor Bahru. It consists of the Tiram Indoor Water Park and the Tiram Bowl. (updated Apr 2020)
• 19 Toppen Shopping Centre, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 (take bus 66 from Larkin Sentral terminal or bus 808 from JB Sentral Terminal and alight at the shopping centre). Shopping mall, adjacent to IKEA Tebrau. It features The Topp, located at its top floor which has big screen for free movie screening, small water park and various sport facilities, such as ball, skate, and climbing wall. It also consists of The Pantheon Toppen, Malaysia's largest e-sport and gaming centre. (updated Dec 2022)
• 20 The ZON Duty Free, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan (take P-102 bus from JB Sentral Terminal and alight at Stulang Inbound). The ZON Duty Free is a shopping mall which has several duty-free (chocolate, alcohol and tobacco) specialty outlets. It also has a supermarket and food court in the basement. The Berjaya Waterfront Hotel is also housed in the same building. You have to declare all dutiable goods purchased in the complex and which you intend to bring out of the complex at the customs checkpoint upon leaving the complex. (updated Dec 2022)

Supermarkets

A typical supermarket in the city

Supermarkets in Johor Bahru are usually in the suburbs near the residential areas. Although the general opening hours is 10AM to 10PM, some of the supermarket chains do open earlier and close later. Most of them are equipped with ample parking spaces and located within the route of public buses.

• 21 Southern City, No. 3, Jalan Suria 19, Taman Suria, 81100 (take P-103 bus from Larkin Sentral Terminal and alight at the supermarket.). Supermarket with Giant as the main anchor. (updated Apr 2022)

Markets

Morning wet market in Johor Bahru

Markets in Johor Bahru can be found in almost near many suburbs for morning and afternoon groceries shopping fresh from the farms. Prices may not be fixed, thus bargaining is acceptable here.

• 22 Johor Jaya Wet Market (Pasar Awam Johor Jaya), Taman Johor Jaya (take 39, 133, 208 or 224 bus from JB Sentral terminal and alight at Taman Johor Jaya). Wet market. (updated Mar 2019)
• 23 Larkin Public Market and Bazaar (Pasar Awam Larkin dan Bazar), Jalan Kenyalang, Kampung Dato Onn Jaafar, 80350. Market. (updated Apr 2022)
• 24 Majidee Malay Village Market (Medan Niaga Kampung Melayu Majidee), Jalan Masjid, Kampung Melayu Majidee. Market. (updated May 2018)
• 25 Suria Market, Jalan Suria 18, Taman Suria. Market and food court. Many of the stall operators were transferred from the now defunct Tebrau Market. (updated Nov 2021)

Others

• 26 Jalan Segget Bazaar, Jalan Segget (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station). 6PM-2AM. Daily open-air bazaar along the street that runs between Jalan Ibrahim and Jalan Wong Ah Fook. This bazaar sells mostly clothes, and also a wide range of other products - bags, belts, electric fans, food and drinks, footwear, mobile phone accessories, perfumes, sunglasses, toys, wallets and watches. (updated Nov 2019)
• 27 Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (JARO Handicrafts Centre), 18 Jalan Sungai Chat, Sri Gelam 80100, ☏ +60 72245632. Su-Th 8AM-5PM. The JARO Handicrafts Centre sells hand-made products such as rattan baskets, customised book-binds, batik handbags, denim shopping bags, patchwork bed linen, soft toys, etc. all produced by the physically-disabled people. JARO is a charitable organisation that provides vocational training and paid jobs for the physically-disabled. (updated Nov 2021)
• 28 Pandan City Mall, Jalan Seri Purnama, Kawasan Perindustrian Seri Pernama, 81100 (take bus 10B, 39, 41, 133, 188, 205, 208, 224, 227, 808, BET2, S&S1 from Johor Sentral Terminal or bus 66 from Larkin Sentral terminal and alight at Pandan City). Shopping district with various shops and food stalls. (updated Apr 2018)

Eat

Main article: Cuisine of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei

Food trucks in Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru offers local delicacies of Malaysia to Western and Asian choices of food. Dining venues range from budget and mid-range eateries to high-end restaurants with various price ranges. Many of them are in restaurant and entertainment districts, shopping malls, along sea fronts, hawker centres, pedestrian zones, food courts, stand alone food stalls or even food trucks. Alternatively, you can always use food delivery apps from your mobile phone to get your favorite foods delivered straight to your accommodation from major restaurants in the city.

Halal-certified logos are displayed at many restaurant entrances. Some other restaurants also offer non-pork and non-lard foods but lack halal certification.

There are approximately 200 vegan and other vegetarian eateries across the JB metropolitan area, especially in Skudai and the entertainment district that is Mount Austin. Most but not all veg*an eateries across the JB metro area are Chinese Buddhist and thus have allium-free menus.

Hawker centres

Hawker centres in Johor Bahru are generally located evenly throughout the city, with food sold in charts in a designated area.

There are many pusat penjaja or hawker centres across Johor Bahru. Hawker centres are basically a collection of pushcart or van vendors selling food or drinks in one particular area. This is the alternative of which otherwise would be the street food equivalent in other countries. The places are usually relatively decent with no air conditioners. There are usually enough tables for its patrons; therefore, there is no need to reserve any particular table. Food and drinks are sold cheaply in these areas. Food and drink stalls are usually separated from each other, in which usually one drinks stall caters to several food stalls. Among the more well-known hawker centres are as follow:

Near the bridge to Singapore

• 1 Food Generation JB (FGJB) (新食代, Connoisseur), 8-8B, Jalan Bukit Meldrum (walk along the same pedestrian walkway from JB Sentral to R&F mall, exiting halfway and then walking along and past the GBW hotel.), ☏ +60 16 772 3210. 5PM-midnight. Modern food court adjacent to the Johor Bahru border checkpoint, with two separate covered areas (featuring the various food stalls) and a large alfresco beer garden seating area with a rotating fan in the middle of the garden, a musical stage at the rear of the garden, palm trees surrounding the garden seating area. Entrance contains a refurbished relic of a white bus. (updated Feb 2023)

Century Garden

• 2 Cedar Point Food Centre (食得福美食中心), No. 10, Jalan Musang Bulan, Taman Abad, 80250, ☏ +60 127885080. 7AM-midnight. Open-air hawker centre with performance stage and stalls selling some goods. (updated Feb 2023)
• 3 大马花园小贩中心 (Taman Sri Tebrau Hawker Centre, Pusat Penjaja Taman Sri Tebrau), No. 15, Jalan Keris, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050. Hawker centre with 118 fixed stalls. (updated Feb 2023)

Larkin

• 4 Bulat Bulat Corner, Jalan Dato Jaafar, Larkin Jaya, 80350 Larkin, ☏ +60 107185874, bulatbulatcorner@gmail.com. Hawker centre serving Malay foods. (updated Feb 2023)
• 5 Selera Johor (Johore Delights), Plaza Larkin, Jalan Geruda, Larkin (beside Plaza Larkin, across the road from the Larkin Sentral terminal). 22 fixed food-and-drink stalls food court serving, as the name suggests, mostly Johorian cuisine. (updated Feb 2023)
• Restoran TKR, Larkin, Jalan Dataran Larkin 1, 80350 (near Larkin bus terminal). 24/7. Malay and Indian food. RM 1-20. (updated Jan 2024)

Sri Gelam / Nong Chik

• 6 Medan Selera Tepian Tebrau (Tepian Tebrau Hawker Centre), Jalan Mohammad Amin. Stalls open daily noon-5PM - most of them open at or after 3PM - and close 9PM-midnight. 32 fixed stalls underneath a long and narrow open-air shed serving a catch-all of Malaysian food. It is famous for its seafood, especially ikan bakar (grilled fish). (updated Feb 2023)

Budget

Near the bridge to Singapore

• 7 Restoran Shang Ji, No. 141-142, Jalan Lumba Kuda, Bukit Chagar, 80300. Tu-Su 7:30AM-4PM. The main stalls can close as early as 1PM if all their food has been sold. 4 main stalls, two of which (Cathay laksa and duck noodles). Cathay laksa (small/big serving RM4/5); beef noodles (RM7); duck noodles (small/big serving RM4/5); fish ball soup RM/fish slice soup RM6-8. No air-con. (updated Feb 2023)
• 8 Restoran Nilla, No. 3, Jalan Ungku Puan, ☏ +60 72275722. main branch (no air-con) daily 24 hr, other branches daily 7AM-10PM. Restaurant with 5 branches (self-proclaimed as "the best banana-leaf food in town") offering South Indian meals. Excellent and friendly service. The menu (140 items) is displayed on one of the walls inside the restaurant. Indian sweets are also sold here, on a per piece basis. There is another branch (no air-con) at 109 Jalan Trus just around the corner - it is 30 m southwest of the main branch at Jalan Ungku Puan. (updated Feb 2023)
• 9 Hiap Joo Bakery, No. 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee (at the junction of Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Trus), ☏ +60 72231703. M-Sa 12:30 to 6PM. Preparation of the breads and cakes for baking start at around 8AM. This traditional bakery has been baking bread the same way since it was founded in 1928, in a firewood oven which dominates the little shop. The business is now run by the founder's children and grandchildren. Breads and cakes are ready piping-hot from the oven at around 12:30 and 2:30PM respectively. There are no additives added to any of the breads and cakes. The products must be consumed within three days of purchase because no preservatives are used. (updated Feb 2023)
• 10 Salahuddin Bakery, No. 26, Jalan Dhoby, 80000. This bakery opened in 1937. (updated Feb 2023)

Century Garden

• 11 Restoran E&Y Sahul, 1 Jalan Maju, Taman Pelangi (take CT1 bus from Johor Sentral Terminal and alight at Taman Pelangi), ☏ +60 73322786. This restaurant serves cheap Malay and Mamak food. No air-con. Free Wi-Fi Internet access. There is another outlet (also open 24 hr and no air-con) at the junction of Jalan Lingkaran Dalam and Jalan Ah Siang, right beside the Menara MSC Cyberport skycraper. This outlet has a more extensive menu than the one at Taman Pelangi, and some of its dishes have different prices compared to similar dishes at Taman Pelangi. 24 hours daily. (updated Feb 2023)
• 12 Restoran Yi Bao (順利麵粉粿), No. 5, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400. Open M-W F-Su 9:30AM-10PM, closed Th. 'Mee hoon kueh' is the only dish served here, it is a popular Chinese delicacy where pieces of flour cake, meatballs, mincemeat, vegetables, fragrantly deep-fried anchovies and eggs are cooked in a thick soup. A noodle version is also available. Expect large crowds of office-going workers during lunch hours and it can get very crowded on weekends. Non-halal. (updated Feb 2023)

Sri Galam / Nong Chik

• 13 Restoran ZZ, 101, Jalan Mahmoodiah, Kampung Bahru (At the end of this road, and just before the start of Jalan Mahmoodiah, behind the Sultanah Aminah Hospital, 200 m east of the Thistle Hotel.). M-F 6:30AM-11PM, Sa Su 6:30AM-4PM. Popular low-key eatery serving Malay and Thai dishes, with a total of 60 items on its menu. Besides ordering full-plate or full-bowl dishes (different menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner), you can also get servings from the more than 20 dishes on the buffet counters (self-service) - you will be charged accordingly for each of these servings. No air-con, seating capacity for about 100 persons. (updated Feb 2023)
• 14 W.W. Laksa House (水塘。辣沙), No. 36A1, Jalan Kolam Ayer, Taman Kolam Air, 80100, ☏ +60 167767695. 8:30AM-3PM. As the name suggests, it specializes in laksa. It also serves 'dry mee' and 'mee soup' for the same prices. No air-con. (updated Feb 2023)

Setia Tropika

• 15 Restoran Mustika Zam Zam (Setia Tropika), Jalan Setia Tropika 1/25, Taman Setia Tropika, 81200. 24 hours daily. This restaurant serves mostly local cuisine such as mee goreng, chicken/beef/mutton murtabak, naan, capati, nasi beriani ayam/daging/ikan/kambing (chicken/beef/fish/mutton), nasi campur, nasi goreng, nasi kandar, nasi lemak, roti (23 types), chicken/beef/mutton soup, tandoori chicken, tosai (7 types), etc. The restaurant has 2 flat-screen cable TVs and a bigger white screen with cable TV projector. No air-con. (updated Feb 2023)

Taman Daya

• 16 Dann's Cafe, 42 Jalan Sagu 15, Taman Daya, ☏ +60 73525082. M-Sa 10:30AM-6PM. A popular place for good Johor laksa, Hyderabad biryani rice, mee siam Kuah. (updated Feb 2023)

Mid-range

Johor Bahru is filled with various themed-restaurants for the mid range public

• 17 Adam's Kitchen, TD Point Retail Mall, Taman Daya, 81100, ☏ +60 108800156. W-M 9AM-10PM. Chinese Muslim restaurant. (updated Feb 2023)
• 18 Chakra Restaurant, No. 1, Jalan Yusof Taha, Kampung Bahru, enquiry@chakrajb.com. Daily 11AM-3:30PM, 6PM-10:30PM. Housed in a converted 2-story, colonial bungalow built about 120 years ago, it has been in operation for more than 60 years. It serves cuisine from all parts of the Indian subcontinent. It also offers catering services. (updated Feb 2023)
• 19 Restoran Pekin, No. 38, Jalan Baldu 5, Taman Sentosa, 80150, ☏ +60 73332928, +60 73320902, pekinsutera88@gmail.com. 11AM-11PM. This is a Chinese restaurant that has been around since the 1990s. It still serves up piping hot Chinese food. It specializes in seafood, soups and desserts. (updated Feb 2023)
• 20 DreamLiner Airways Cafe, 7 Jalan Harmonium 35/1, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100, ☏ +60 73647359, dreamliner7351@gmail.com. 11AM-11PM. Aeroplane-themed restaurant where you will sit in an airplane seating style with big central television showing general video about airplane flying in the sky. Nevertheless, the foods are served on normal plates as usual. (updated Feb 2023)
• 21 The Cave Restaurant, No 9, Jalan Kolam Ayer, 80100. Restaurant with a dining experience inside a cave theme. (updated Feb 2023)
• 22 Platform 9 Fine Dining, 01-39, Blok A, Pusat Perdagangan Ekoflora, Jalan Ekoflora 7/3, Taman Ekoflora, 81100, ☏ +60 163332657. Harry Potter-themed restaurant. Get dressed up in of the character and enjoy magical show during the dining time at a particular time. (updated Jun 2022)

Splurge

• 23 Senibong Cove (Teluk Senibong), Persiaran Senibong, Teluk Senibong, 81750 Masai (requires passing through the main security gates of the neighbourhood, which is granted to the general public). Several high quality establishments offering a variety of local and international food – sensitive to all diets – provide some of JB’s most prominent food right on the marina’s edge of Senibong Cove, at the end of the Lunchu River. F&B establishments include: Vanilla Bean, Goldman, Yew's Café, Harvests Bar & Grill, Delicious 8, Bora Bora, Bierhaus, My Liberica, Paik's Restaurant, La Olla, Chang 9, Aristo Gastrobar. The waterfront community also features Cani Hair Studio and Granville Groceries minimart. (updated Feb 2023)
• 24 Chez Papa French Bistro And Wine Bar, 38 & 40, Jalan Jaya, Taman Maju Jaya (100 m north of Plaza Pelangi), ☏ +60 73334988, enquiry@chezpapa.com.my. M-Sa 5:30PM-midnight. Dinner from 6-10:30PM (last order). Wine, cocktails and tapas from 5:30PM-midnight. Authentic French cuisine and a fine selection of wines. Established in 1999 by Dominique Muller. The restaurant also offers a cosy and intimate wine bar with music. The Wine Room has a wine list of more than 80 wines, over 20 types of imported beer, serves cocktails and tapas. (updated Feb 2023)
• 25 Gianni's Trattoria, No. 110, Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 (mid-way between the Tebrau Highway and Pelangi Leisure Mall), ☏ +60 73312230, hans.durst@gmail.com. 11:30AM-10:30PM. Fantastic Italian cuisine. Pizzas (each of these are of one size only), pastas, soups, meat and fish dishes, appetizers. Daily set lunch consisting of soup, main course and iced lemon tea. (updated Feb 2023)
• 26 Grand Straits Garden Seafood Restaurant, City Plaza, No. 21, Jalan Tebrau, 80300, ☏ +60 72388118, +60 72388058, enquiries@gsg.com.my. Seafood restaurant. (updated Feb 2023)
• 27 Rosmarino Italian Restaurant, No. 65, Jalan Kuning 2, Taman Pelangi, 80400, ☏ +60 73339033. Tu-F Su noon-2:30PM, 6-10:30PM; 6-10:30PM; closed on M. Located on the ground floor of a unit of a row of white, three-storey shop houses. Authentic Italian dishes like ossobuco. RM35-100. (updated Feb 2023)

Drink

Nightlife in Johor Bahru usually are located in a concentrated area filled with cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, budget hotels, pubs, karaokes etc. It gets more crowded during evening.

See also: Iskandar_Puteri#Drink

In some particular areas, the nightlife scene in Johor Bahru can be quite an adventure with many choices available on the ground. The most popular inland nightlife areas within the Johor Bahru metropolitan area, are the Mount Austin and Sutera Utama areas for younger crowds, where it features nightclubs, pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, karaokes, gaming centres, shops and an occasional night market. A well-known concentrated drinking area along the coast is The ZON at Stulang Laut. It features The ZON Duty Free shopping mall selling alcoholic beverages tax-free, but you must pay upon exiting the area through the customs. It also features many pubs and nightclubs within the duty-free precinct. Another popular drinking area along the coast is at Senibong Cove marina. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights have the largest crowds patronizing those establishments until late midnight except on Sunday night. There are also other nightclubs and pubs scattered throughout the city although they are located individually.

• 1 After 5 Bar and Lounge, GFL 020-023, Jalan Austin Heights 8/2, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, ☏ +60 177131341. Bar and lounge. (updated Nov 2019)
• 2 Bert's Keller, No. 23, Jalan Pelanduk, Taman Century, ☏ +60 7 335-8788. daily 4PM-1AM. A cosy and intimate, no-nonsense pub. Bert’s Keller has a small menu that is big on quality and portions, serving chicken chop, lamb chop, oxtail stew, stir-fried noodles, etc. Its signature oxtail stew comes with a side of toast. This special stew is served a day after the meat has been steeped in its sauces and is so tender that it is ready to fall off the bones. Live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays. 
• 3 Freedom Ultimate Club, The ZON, Stulang. Night club. (updated Jun 2018)
• 4 The Geoventure, The ZON, Stulang Laut. Night club. (updated Jun 2018)
• 5 LED Modern Bar, GF-L010, L011, L012, L013, L013A, Austin International Convention Centre, Jalan Austin Heights 811, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, ☏ +60 197096060, enquiry@ledmodernbar.com. Night club. (updated Nov 2019)
• 6 Midnight Austin, No. 48, 50, 52, Jalan Austin Heights 8/2, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, ☏ +60 76020280. Pub and bistro. (updated Nov 2019)
• 7 Mining Bar, Menara Hartamas, Block A #01-07&08, Jalan Austin Heights 8/4, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, ☏ +60 73532432. Bar. (updated Nov 2019)
• 8 Mulligans Irish Pub (Mulligans Signature), No. 2-6, Jalan Austin Height 8/6, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, ☏ +60 73642364. Irish pub. (updated Nov 2019)
• 9 Project X, No. 10, Jalan Austin Heights 8/4, Mount Austin, 81100, ☏ +60 127727101, info@project-x.my. 4PM-midnight. Beer bar. (updated Oct 2020)

Sleep

There is plenty of accommodation in Johor Bahru to suit all budgets. The cost of a double room in a budget hotel right in the city centre (i.e. around Jalan Meldrum, between Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Wong Ah Fook near City Square) starts from RM50 net per room per night. In general, the budget hotels outside the city centre are cheaper and most of them are located within shop lots areas. Backpacker hostels with dormitories (dorms) are not as commonly found in Johor Bahru as in Malacca, Kuala Lumpur and George Town. For short term stay, the city offers many choices of accommodation from Airbnb's platform. For non-Malaysians, rooms are generally quoted without the tourism taxes, in which you still need to pay upon check-in, which costs RM10 per room per night.

Budget

A budget hotel in Johor Bahru is usually built from a converted shop lot along shop lot rows.

• 1 CIQ Hotel (Hotel CIQ), No. 54, Jalan Lumba Kuda (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 72266888, enquiry@ciqhotel.com.my. 25-room, 4-storey budget hotel. Single/superior double/deluxe double or triple room RM68/88/108 net per room per night. Long-term rates per 30 nights and 3-hour rates are available. All rooms with air-con, 32-inch LCD TV and attached bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi Internet access for guests. No breakfast is provided.  
• 2 Double K Hostel, 1st floor, No 31-01, Jalan Dataran Larkin, Taman Dataran Larkin, 80350 (right behind Larkin Sentral (Larkin bus stand); opposite Omar restaurant; look for 24 Hours Clean Pro Laundry (blue signboard)), ☏ +607-2328299, doublekhotel@gmail.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Rooms clean, breakfast, free wifi, tea and coffee whole day. Comfortable living room where guest can relax, play games or watch movies. RM 30. (updated Sep 2017)
• 3 Dragon Inn Hotel (Hotel Dragon Inn), No. 12-12D, Jalan Meldrum (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 7-2244950. All 37 rooms are air-conditioned, have satellite TV and attached bathrooms. Laundry service, free Wi-Fi Internet access throughout and 24-hr CCTV security system. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only. Double/triple/quadruple room - RM98/108/128 net per room per night.  
• 4 EG Hotel, No. 18 & 20, Jalan Setia Tropika 1/1, Setia Tropika, 81200, ☏ +60 104011393. A budget hotel in Setia Tropika area. (updated Aug 2020)
• 5 Hotel 101, No. 41, Jalan Beladau 18, Taman Puteri Wangsa, 81800 Ulu Tiram, ☏ +60 78675101, booking@hotel101.my. Budget hotel in Ulu Tiram area. (updated Aug 2020)
• 6 Newland Hotel, No. 2, Jalan Abiad, Taman Pelangi, 80400, ☏ +60 73338223, ewlandhoteljb@gmail.com. All rooms with attached bathrooms (hair dryers inside), air-con, minibar, electronic safe, writing table, complimentary coffee and tea making facilities, LCD cable TV and telephone. No breakfast is served. Facilities: free Wi-Fi and there are three PCs in the lobby with free, wired Internet access; iron and ironing board (upon request), laundry, and 24-hr CCTV. Double rooms RM90. (updated Oct 2015)
• 7 Seri Malaysia Hotel (Hotel Seri Malaysia), Lot PTB 17648, Jalan Langkasuka, 80350 Larkin (500 m east of the Larkin Sentral terminal), ☏ +60 72211002, rsvn.jhb@serimalaysia.com.my. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. All rooms with air-con, attached bathroom and cable TV. Free Wi-Fi but available only in the lobby. Buffet breakfast included. It has a restaurant that serves a la carte meals, and sometimes buffet lunch (noon to 1:30PM) when there is sufficient demand for RM20. Other facilities: multi-function rooms, meeting rooms, courtyard, terrace garden, laundry service, convenience store, prayer room and free parking. RM208-258. 
• 8 T-Hotel Johor Bahru, No. 94, Jalan Wong Ah Fook (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 7 221 1972, fax: +60 7 221 1462, info@t-hotel.com.my. All rooms with attached bathroom, TV with selected Astro satellite channels, air-con, free Wi-Fi, IDD telephone, coffee and tea making facilities, daily newspaper, hairdryer and iron. There is a hot and cold water dispenser on each floor corridor. Daily housekeeping, laundry service, concierge, elevator and 24-hr CCTV surveillance. No breakfast is provided. Singles RM85-115, doubles RM100-150.  
• 9 Tune Hotel Danga Bay, Lot PTB 22819, Jalan Skudai, Danga Bay, ☏ +60 72329010. Check-in: 11AM, check-out: 2PM. 6-storey, 218-room, no-frills, chain hotel. All rooms are double-occupancy and have attached bathrooms, with either 1 queen-sized bed or 2 single beds. The basic room rate will get you: ensuite bathrooms with heated showers, a ceiling fan and an electronic key card. The following are optional, chargeable add-ons: air-con, in-room Wi-Fi, TV with satellite channels, towel/bath essentials. There are 24-hr CCTV security, a car park and reception staff on duty 24 hours. Luggage storage RM2 per piece per day. No breakfast is provided. RM45-60.  
• Ghazrin's Classic Hotel, No 3 & 5, Jalan Dataran Larki (just near Larkin bus terminal), ☏ +60 7-238 8700, +60 18-952 4009. shared bathroom, free wifi, tv, key deposit RM 50. walk-in room 1p RM40 (fan), room RM 100-150. 

Mid-range

• 10 Austin Park Hotel, No 71, Jalan Austin Heights 8/2, Taman Mount Austin 81100, ☏ +60 73603088, info@austinparkhotel.my. Hotel. (updated Apr 2019)
• 11 Citrus Hotel, No. 16, Jalan Station, 80000 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 72222888, fax: +60 72212411, enquiry@citrushoteljb.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. All rooms have air-con, TV with cable and satellite TV channels, IDD telephone, free Wi-Fi and ensuite, fully-equipped bathrooms, personal electronic safe and wardrobe. Walking distance to the famous pedestrian street, Meldrum Walk, and within easy reach of the CIQ (Customs Immigration Quarantine) Complex as well as local taxi stands. From RM120.  
• 12 Grand Hallmark Hotel, No. 32, Jalan Molek 2/2, Taman Molek, 81100, ☏ +60 73572288, reservation@grandhotelhallmark.com. Hotel. RM108-248. (updated Apr 2018)
• 13 Grand Sentosa Hotel, Plaza Sentosa, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150, ☏ +60 73315888, sales3@grandsentosahotel.com.my. Hotel. (updated May 2018)
• 14 Midori Concept Hotel, No. 57, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, ☏ +60 73646555, midorihotelasia@gmail.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Hotel. RM218-878. (updated Nov 2020)
• 15 New York Hotel, No. 22, Jalan Dato’ Abdullah Tahir, 80300, ☏ +60 73311588, nyhotel@newyorkhotel.com.my. A high-rise, tranquil, business-class, 3-star hotel with 413 rooms. Facilities: indoor car park, indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, 2 ballrooms, 6 meeting halls, Palm Garden Cafe, massage centre, sauna, and gym. RM160 (superior premier) to RM350 (suite). (updated Sep 2020)
• 16 Prince 33 Hotel, No. 2, 6, 8, Jalan Austin Heights 8/2, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, ☏ +60 73644033, +60 72882533, enquiry@prince33hotel.com. Hotel. (updated Nov 2019)
• 17 Straits View Hotel, 1-D Jalan Skudai (3½ km west of the Causeway), ☏ +60 7224 1400, fax: +60 7224 2698, reservations@straitsviewhotel.com. Non-buffet continental breakfast included. All rooms have cable TV, air conditioning, direct dial telephone, refrigerator, attached bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. Facilities: conference/function room, banquet hall/ball room, laundry service, car park. This hotel has two restaurants - Furusato Japanese Restaurant and Marina Seafood Restaurant - both on the first level. Superior room at RM138 net, deluxe room at RM158 net per room per night. 

Splurge

A splurge hotel in Johor Bahru is usually a hotel which has swimming pool, restaurants, meeting rooms and is a stand alone building.

• 18 Berjaya Waterfront Hotel, No. 88, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Stulang Laut, ☏ +60 72219999, bwh.rsvn@berjayahotel.com. It is in a duty-free zone and shares its building with The ZON Duty Free shopping centre. The hotel has the usual 5-star hotel amenities: spa, business centre, grand ballroom, convention and exhibition centre, 6 function rooms, 2 auditoriums, shops, bar and three restaurants. Free and unlimited Wi-Fi for guests. From RM190 with buffet breakfast. (updated Mar 2017)
• 19 Crystal Crown Hotel Johor Bahru, No. 117, Jalan Tebrau, 80250, ☏ +60 73334422, +60 72764422, fax: +60 72763582, +60 72763505, cchjb@crystalcrown.com.my. Pretty decent, large rooms. Facilities: business centre, massage and spa centre, 24-hour coffee house, cocktail lounge, Kirishima Shuzou Japanese restaurant (daily noon-2:30PM, 6-10:30PM. All rooms have en-suite bathroom with hairdryer, air-con, TV, coffee/tea-making facilities. Buffet breakfast is included. Double from RM240. (updated May 2021)
• 20 GBW Hotel (Grand BlueWave Hotel Johor Bahru), No. 9R, Jalan Bukit Meldrum, Tanjung Puteri, 80300 (walk from JB Sentral bus terminal or train station), ☏ +60 72216666, info@gbwhotel.com.my. Hotel. (updated Sep 2019)
• 21 Grand Paragon Hotel, No. 18, Jalan Harimau (500 m from the Tebrau Highway), ☏ +60 7-268 5222, fax: +60 7-268 5333, info@grandparagonhotel.com.my. This hotel has two restaurants: Cafe Para Para (international and local cuisine) and Kishin-Tei (Japanese cuisine). Free and unlimited Wi-Fi in all areas. Double from RM270. (updated Mar 2017)
• 22 Holiday Villa, No. 260, Jalan Dato’ Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250, ☏ +60 72903388, res@holidayvillajb.com.my. Hotel. RM420-700. (updated May 2018)
• 23 M Suites Hotel, No. 16, Jalan Skudai, 80200 (1.5 km south of Danga Bay), ☏ +60 72211000, info@m-suites.com. This is an all-suites, 4-star hotel, with 128 suites (for 2, 4 or 5 persons) ranging from 513 to 1117 square feet. The hotel is equipped with the usual 5-star facilities. Fixed-line, broadband Internet connection is available in the suites, and free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas on the ground floor. There are occasional discounts on the hotel's website offering the cheapest suites at RM200 per suite per night. From RM310. (updated Oct 2015)
• 24 Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel, No. 2, Jalan Permas 11, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 (take bus 123 or S&S1 from JB Sentral Terminal and alight at AEON Permas Jaya), ☏ +60 73813333. A high-end hotel located nearby many eateries and entertainment area, perfect for those doing business trip to the nearby Pasir Gudang industrial areas. (updated Jan 2021)
• 25 Thistle Johor Bahru Hotel, Jalan Sungai Chat, Sri Gelam, 80100, ☏ +60 72229234, reservations-malaysia@thistle.com.my. Rooms are large and very well maintained and it has one of the best views for hotel chains in Johor Bahru. It has two restaurants, two bars, one outdoor swimming pool and two tennis courts. Other facilities: ballroom, meeting and function rooms, banquet hall, spa. Hive Nightclub has live bands every night. Location is awkward if using public transport, with very limited selection of shops or restaurants nearby. Room rates start from RM190 per room per night (buffet breakfast extra RM20 net per person).  

Stay safe

Johor Bahru has somewhat developed a reputation for crime, due in part to sensationalised reports by some foreign media of crimes committed against their citizens; the proximity to super safe Singapore doesn't help perceptions. Although Johor Bahru's crime rate is generally higher than elsewhere in Malaysia, by taking appropriate safety precautions, you can ensure your stay, like those of the vast majority of visitors, will be an incident-free one.

• Do not carry a handbag when walking around town. Snatch thieves have been known to snatch handbags away while their victims are walking on the street, using a motorcycle. If they do manage to grab your handbag, let them have it as some snatch thieves are known to drag their victims along the road with their motorbikes until they release their grip, almost certainly resulting in severe injuries.
• Keep your passport safe and close to you because it is a highly prized valuable to robbers.
• Lock the car door immediately or as soon as you get into the car.
• Avoid walking around the city alone. You should walk around the city in groups of preferably 3 or more for safety.
• Only go to areas with good security such as malls and private clubs at night.

If you are robbed, you are advised to give up most, if not all, of your valuables to avoid putting your personal safety in jeopardy.

As a rule of thumb, the general hawker food scene in Johor Bahru is hygienic though certain areas are less so. So keep an eye out for those dirty hawkers who pay very little attention to hygiene.

Cope

Water

Tap water should be boiled before drinking. Nevertheless, bottled water is widely available at a cheap price in almost all eateries, shops, and convenience stores.

Consulates

• 7 Indonesia (KJRI Johor Bahru), No.46, Jalan Taat, 80100, ☏ +60 72274188, fax: +60 72274288, johorbahru.kjri@kemlu.go.id. (updated Oct 2020)
• Singapore, Suite 35.02, Level 35, Johor Bahru City Square Office Tower, No. 106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, ☏ +60 72265012, fax: +60 72265013, singcon_jhb@mfa.sg. 

Publications

• WAVES Lifestyle Magazine is a free monthly lifestyle magazine for young adults and tourists in Johor Bahru who are on the look out for fresh and trendy stuff covering topics ranging from health, fashion, food reviews, ‘Things to do in JB’, entertainment, technology, finance, community. WAVES Lifestyle Magazine can be picked up at most Information Counters at shopping malls across Johor Bahru, selected office towers, Tourism Malaysia Information Counters at JOTIC, JB Sentral, CIQ, Senai Airport.

Connect

Internet

Generally many of the eating establishments in the city will have free Wi-Fi connection for Internet access and almost all of accommodations will have one. Due to the abundance of cheap Internet plan on mobile phone and Internet ownership at homes in Malaysia, Internet cafés in Johor Bahru are thin on the ground. Nevertheless, some can still be found at some location although most of them are most likely be shared with online gaming centres.

• 8 The Pantheon Toppen, Toppen Shopping Centre, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100, ☏ +60 102276418, joel.goh@thepantheon.co. An integrated Internet cafe, gaming and e-sport centre. It is also Malaysia's first and largest e-sport centre. (updated Jan 2023)
• Meeting Point Internet Café, No. 59 Jalan Meldrum (beside Gateway Hotel). Open daily 10AM-9PM. There are 10 PC terminals. RM3 per hour. There is a minimum charge of RM2 if the usage is 40 min or less; after 40 min, it is 50 sen for every 10 min.
• Obizcom, on the ground level of Plaza Larkin, opposite the Larkin Sentral Terminal on Jalan Geruda. RM2 per hour. Open daily 10AM-10PM.

Post offices

Generally post offices are not that hard to find, and you will always be able to find one in any major suburb of the city.

Johor Bahru post office

• 9 Bandar Baru Uda, No. 6, Jalan Padi Mahsuri 12, Bandar Baru Uda, 81200. Post office. (updated Aug 2020)
• 10 Bandar Dato' Onn, No. 6948, Jalan Perniagaan Setia 1/7, 81100. Post office. (updated Aug 2020)
• 11 Johor Bahru, JKR 2521, Jalan Dato Onn, 80000. M-Sa 8:30AM-5PM, closed on Sundays and the first Saturday of the month. Besides the usual postal services, it sells first day covers and sets of stamps for collection ('Presentation Packs'). (updated Sep 2020)
• 12 Johor Jaya, No. 15, Jalan Ros Merah 2/20, 81100 (take 39, 133, 208 or 224 bus from JB Sentral terminal and alight at Taman Johor Jaya). Post office. (updated Aug 2020)
• 13 Permas Jaya, No. 5, Jalan Permas 10/3, Permas Jaya, 81750 (take bus 123 or S&S1 from JB Sentral Terminal and alight at AEON Permas Jaya). Post office. (updated Aug 2020)
• 14 Taman Daya, No. 63, Jalan Sagu 10, Taman Daya, 81100. Post office. (updated Aug 2020)
• 15 Tampoi, JKR 2386, Jalan Nenas, Taman Tampoi, 81200. Post office. (updated Aug 2020)
• 16 Ulu Tiram, JKR 3208, Jalan Kota Tinggi, Ulu Tiram 81800. Post office. (updated Aug 2020)

Go next

• Desaru - seaside resort town located on the eastern part of Johor, about 2 hours away by car
• Iskandar Puteri - the administrative capital of the Johor, containing the Legoland Malaysia and the Kota Iskandar complex of administrative buildings
• Endau Rompin National Park - a national park in the northern part of Johor
• Mount Ledang - 1276m high mountain near the border of Johor and Malacca states, popular with trekkers, campers and students on field trips
• Kota Tinggi - town with waterfall and many fireflies attractions
• Kukup - a seaside town along the western part of Johor, well known for its water village which can be rented relatively cheap, and its good and reasonably priced seafood
• Mersing - in the north eastern part of Johor, about 2½ hours drive from Johor Bahru, and the gateway to the beautiful island of Tioman
• Sibu Island - dive resort about two hours away
• Batam - an Indonesian island south of Johor Bahru, about 2 hours away by ferry
• Singapore - right across the Causeway you will have to cross the border and meet the county's entry requirements

Routes through Johor Bahru

Malacca (Ayer Keroh) ← Yong Peng ←	NW  S	→ → Singapore
Desaru ← Kota Tinggi ←	NE  S	→ → Singapore
Batu Pahat ← Pontian ←	W  E	→ END