User:Alice/Kitchen/Johor Bahru

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The skyline of Johor Bahru, seen from the Causeway

Johor Bahru [1] (also Johor Baru or Johore Baharu, but universally called JB) is the state capital of Johor in southern peninsular Malaysia, just across the causeway from Singapore. A bustling city and a significant regional transport and manufacturing hub, it has little of interest for the casual tourist.

Understand

Declared a city only in 1994, Johor Bahru is rapidly growing. Latest census figures indicate that it is Malaysia's second largest city proper and second largest metropolitan area, with a population of 1.4 million and almost 2 million respectively. Given its relatively large land space, the city is not as dense as many other Malaysian cities.

Due to its proximity to Singapore, it unavoidably suffers from comparison with its neighbour. Clean-up initiatives like greening the city and covering the open sewers that until a few years ago ran through the centre of the city have made it a more pleasant place to live. However, even up to now, there has been little effort in maintaining buildings and public facilities and even the city centre may seem run-down to some. Though appreciably less organised and much more messy compared to the glitz of Singapore, shopping and eating in the city can be a real adventure, with many shopping complexes and a wide variety of food establishments offering budget to fine dining.

Johor Bahru is probably more well known as an industrial city rather than a tourist-friendly town. Many of the world's top electronics manufacturers have at least one plant in Johor Bahru and its harbour is one of the busiest in the region.

The Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex was opened in Dec 2008 and an almost straight, 600 m long flyover now links this gigantic complex with the Causeway making travelling more convenient.

Orientation

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

• South - The main city centre is located on the southern part of the city which has a link to Singapore via the causeway. 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.

• North - Its main centre is Taman Johor Jaya, and it can be accessed via the trunk road, Jalan Tebrau. There can be a relatively frequent peak hour jam along this road. Recently, the Austin area has been a hive for construction activities with the latest Jusco Tebrau City locating in its vicinity.

• West - Probably one of the largest areas, its hub is Skudai and important housing estates such as Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Taman Skudai Baru, Taman Bukit Indah, Taman Perling and Taman Nusa Bestari are located here.

• East - The main hubs here are Pasir Gudang which is both a port city as well as a manufacturing hub, and Masai.

Get in

By plane

Senai International Airport

Senai International Airport (JHB ^IATA), [2], formally Sultan Ismail International Airport (Malay: Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Sultan Ismail), is located about 35 km north-northwest of the Causeway. It only has direct domestic flights to and from East and West Malaysia. The airport is compact with free Wi-Fi.

Domestic flights are provided by:

• Malaysia Airlines [3] with direct flights to and from Kuala Lumpur-KLIA;
• AirAsia, +60 85 9999, 07:00-19:00; [4]) with direct flights to/from Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur-KLIA, Kuching, Miri, Penang and Sibu;
• Firefly, ☎ +60 3 7845 4543, daily 08:00-21:00, [5] with direct flights to/from Kuala Lumpur's Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport Subang Skypark terminal (formerly known as Terminal 3). Firefly also offers direct flights between Johor Bahru and Kota Bharu in Kelantan.

• From/to Johor Bahru:

• Causeway Link operates airport express shuttle buses [6] between the airport and the City Lounge on the north edge of Kotaraya II bus terminal in Jl Trus. The bus schedule is revised several times a year due to changes in flight schedules. The Kotaraya II bus terminal is a mere ten-minute walk from the CIQ. Tickets cost RM8 one-way and the journey time is about 45 min.

• There are also non-express buses from and to the airport. Currently, JB Central Line's A1 bus (Larkin: 07:00-20:30) and Causeway Link's 333 (Larkin: 6AM-8PM about every 1.5-2 hr, one-way fare RM3.50) go between Larkin bus 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:

• The following express buses go between Singapore (the bus stop opposite Kranji MRT station/Queen Street Terminal/Jurong bus interchange/Boon Lay MRT station) and various points in Johor Bahru - CW1 - CW6 and the Singapore-Johore Express. Go to [7] and the Larkin Bus & Taxi Terminal website for schedules, bus frequencies and fares.

• The Transtar Cross Border Service (TS1) plies between Changi Airport and Johor Bahru's Kotaraya II bus terminal. The Transtar Cross Border Service (TS2) plies between Resorts World at Sentosa and Johor Bahru's Kotaraya II bus terminal. Advance Coach AC7 bus plies bewteen Yishun bus interchange in Singapore and Johor Bahru's Kotaraya II bus terminal. See below ('By bus, from and to Singapore') for more details.

• SBS Transit public (non-express) buses provide non-express services between Johor Bahru and Singapore

• • Bus 160 from Jurong East Interchange (next to Jurong East MRT Station)[8]
  • Bus 170 (with the red plate) from Queen Street Terminal to Larkin terminal [9]
  • Bus 170 (with the blue plate) Kranji MRT station [10]

• SMRT public (non-express) buses [11] similarly provide non-express services between Johor Bahru and Singapore. Bus 950 departs from Woodlands bus interchange, which is just opposite the Woodlands MRT station. The bus terminates at Kotaraya II terminal in Johor Bahru.

• If you are planning to go to Senai Airport from Singapore, the cheapest option is to travel from Singapore to the City Lounge on the north edge the Kotaraya II terminal (see By bus below) on Jalan Trus by any of the numerous buses mentioned above, and then transfer to a Causeway Link Express airport shuttle bus. Alternatively, you can also go from Singapore to the Larkin bus 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 between JB Sentral and the Johor CIQ, 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. The most convenient way to get from Johor to Singapore Changi Airport is via Transtar Travel's "cross border" coach service between Changi Airport and Johor Bahru's Kotaraya II Bus Terminal.

By road

From and to Singapore

As of Dec 2012, Malaysian Immigration has abolished the need for the white Immigration Card at the JB CIQ Checkpoint due to the implementation of the biometric system called the National Enforcement and Registration System (NERS) introduced on 1 Jun 2011. Fingerprints may still be taken upon arrival.

Most visitors to JB arrive from Singapore via one of two land links:

• The Causeway linking Malaysia and Singapore is a very popular and thus terminally congested entry point connecting directly into the heart of JB. While congestion isn't as bad as it once was, the Causeway is still jam-packed on Friday evenings (towards Malaysia) and Sunday evenings (towards Singapore). The Causeway can be crossed by bus, train, taxi or car. Since the opening of the new customs and immigration complex, crossing the Causeway on foot is no longer possible.

• A second crossing between Malaysia and Singapore, known as the Second Link, has been built between western Singapore and Malaysia. Much faster and less congested than the Causeway, it is used by some of the luxury bus services to and from Kuala Lumpur and is strongly recommended if you have your own car. Causeway Link public buses (CW3, CW3S, CW4, CW4S and CW6), which get very packed during evening peak hours (going towards JB, 17:45-19:00) and morning peak hours (coming from JB), use this crossing. Only Malaysian "limousine" taxis are allowed to cross (and charge RM150 and up for the privilege). Walking across is also not allowed, not that there would be any practical means to continue the journey from either end if you did. It is very far away from the city centre, however, compared to the Causeway.

Sultan Iskandar CIQ at the Causeway

Driving a car from Singapore to Malaysia is relatively uncomplicated, although small tolls are charged for both crossing and (for the Second Link) the adjoining expressway. Tolls on the Singapore side can only be paid with a CashCard or Autopass, and on the Malaysian side only with a Touch n Go card. Be sure to have both ready.

Entering Singapore with a foreign-registered car is more complicated and expensive. See Singapore | Get In for details.

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

From and to other parts of Malaysia

JB is at the southern end of the North South Expressway, the toll highway which runs the length of Peninsular Malaysia. 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 also links JB with the East Coast towns of Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu via Kota Tinggi and Mersing. The West Coast's coastal road can be accessed from Pontian..

By bus

From and to Singapore

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, 3, and the Budget Terminal at Changi Airport and terminates at Kotaraya II Terminal. The one-way fare from Changi Airport to Johor Bahru is S$7 for adults and S$3.50 for children. From Johor Bahru, adults will pay RM7 whereas children will pay RM3.50. For boarding at the other points along the route in Singapore, adults pay between S$2 and S$6, whereas child fares are between S$1 and S$3. Payment can be made using EzLink card or with cash. The first bus leaves Changi Airport for Johor Bahru at 07.15, Johor Bahru for Changi Airport at 05:00 with the last departures at Changi Airport and Kotaraya II scheduled at 23:15 and 21:00 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 [12].

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 also terminates at Kotaraya II Terminal in Johor Bahru. Fares are set lower, at S$5 for adults from RWS to JB, and S$2.50 for children. From JB, adults will pay RM5 and children, RM2.50. For boarding at the other points along the route in Singapore, adults pay S$3 or S$4, whereas child fares are S$1.50 or S$2. Passengers can choose to pay using their EzLink cards or with cash. From RWS, the first bus will leave at 8AM (Mon-Sat) or 9AM (Sun and public holidays) with the last one at 23:59. From Kotaraya II Terminal, the first bus departs M-Sa 05:45; Su and public holidays 06:45. Last bus at 21:45. Service TS8 runs every hour. The bus calls at 6 stops in Singapore (excluding Woodlands Checkpoint) along its route. For the full schedule and fare structure, refer to [13].

The Advance Coach AC7 bus service [14], [15] runs between Yishun bus interchange in Singapore and Kotaraya II terminal in Johor Baru. It makes numerous stops enroute between Yishun bus interchange and the Woodlands checkpoint. The frequency is 20 to 30 minutes, 05:45-23.30 (Singapore to Johor Bahru) and 05:00-23:50 (Johor Bahru to Singapore). The bus fare is a flat S$2 (if you board the bus anywhere in Singapore) or RM2 (if you board the bus in Johor Bahru).

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 bus terminal/Kotaraya bus terminal/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 bus terminal to Queen Street terminal by SBS 170. This is slightly more than 100% more expensive than by paying in cash (2.20RM) based on exchange rates of S$1 = 2.40 RM. It is also cheaper to pay in ringgit, based on current exchange rates (S$1 = RM2.40), (2 RM versus S$1) when traveling 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.

All buses except CW3, CW3S, CW4S 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 [16] 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 gives you the opportunity to board (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 next bus by showing your ticket or using your EZ-link card.

Coming from Singapore and if you are planning to go on immediately to Larkin bus terminal, you may take any of the frequent, non-stop buses that terminate at Larkin. After clearing Malaysian immigration, walk about 50 meters past the tourist office and go down the escalator. The buses are all waiting at the departure bus bays (part of the CIQ) downstairs. These bus bays are also accessible by walking along the slip road that links the CIQ with Jalan Lingkaran Dalam. Fares from Johor Bahru CIQ to Larkin: CW1, CW2 and CWL 1.20 RM, SBS 170 1.50 RM (payable by EZ-link card - S$1.11), Singapore-Johore Express 1.00 RM. 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 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 by Singapore-Johore Express or SBS 170, or vice versa. The trip should take about 8-10 min in the absence of heavy traffic. Note: CWL only plies between Johor CIQ and Larkin bus terminal.

However, you can consider taking the Maju bus or Transit Link's orange-red 'City Bus' (all of these do not have bus numbers - they have the word 'Larkin' displayed on the front of the bus; the one-way bus fare is RM1.70) to Larkin bus terminal from either JB Sentral's bus bays (facing Jalan Jim Quee) or from the bus stop opposite City Square at Jalan Wong Ah Fook. City Square is less than 5 min walk from the JB passport control booths - turn left just before the tourist office and walk along the passageway until you reach the lobby of the CIQ. You then cross two overhead bridges - one linking the CIQ to JB Sentral and the other linking JB Sentral to City Square. Note that you are not allowed to walk to the CIQ departure bus bays from City Square or JB Sentral - there is a sign forbidding entry to the passageway from the lobby.

In the other direction, upon entering the Johor Bahru CIQ, follow the signs for "Woodlands" to get to the immigration booths and then to the Singapore-bound buses one floor below.

The restriction of Malaysian operated buses not stopping anywhere within Singapore and conversely, Singapore ones in Johor Bahru could be used to your advantage. The exception is SJE where the only boarding/ alighting point in Singapore is at Queen Street, even though it's a Singapore-registered bus. 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.

If you intend to go to Singapore from West Malaysia for a short trip, you can consider putting up for the night in a JB hotel and take a bus to and from Singapore. The hotels in JB are much cheaper than those in Singapore.

For the SBS and SMRT buses, you have to pay the exact fare if you do not have the EZ-Link card; you will not get any change back from the driver.

However, for the Singapore-Johore Express bus and the CW2 bus departing from Queen Street Terminal, and for the CW5 bus departing from the Newton Food Centre car park, purchase the ticket from the ticket counter. Any change will be given by the ticket seller. Purchase the tickets for the Singapore-Johore Express bus departing from the Larkin bus terminal or Queen Street Terminal from the ticket counter and any change will be given. If you board the CW1, CW2 and CW5 bus elsewhere in Singapore or anywhere in Johor Bahru, you have to purchase the ticket from the driver and no change will be given. If you board the Singapore-Johore Express bus at the checkpoint in Singapore or Johor Bahru, you have to purchase the ticket from the driver or the ticket seller standing beside the bus and any change will be given.

West Malaysia and Hat Yai

Direct buses between Johor Bahru and many cities and towns in West Malaysia as well as Hat Yai in Thailand depart from and arrive at Larkin Bus & Taxi Terminal, located some 5 km northwest of the north tip of the Causeway. See the Larkin Bus & Taxi Terminal website [17] for schedules, bus frequencies and fares. This L-shaped terminal has 3 levels:

• Level 1 contains coach and bus ticket booths, shops, about a dozen food and beverage outlets, a fish/meat/fruit/vegetable market, ATM machines, a left luggage office (2 RM per bag per day, 7AM-10PM), travel agency , pharmacy, police post and information counter etc.
• Level 2 contains a giant shopping bazaar
• Level 3 contains a food court and a mosque.

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 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. Note that you may have to pay a hefty surcharge on top of the normal ticket price for departures on public holidays. You can also buy the bus tickets for some destinations for some of the bus companies from the local travel agencies (there are about half a dozen of them) located on the ground floor of Merlin Tower facing Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and even arrange for a shuttle van (RM4 per person) to send you to Larkin terminal. You can also buy Causeway Link and Plusliner intercity coach tickets from the ticketing counters in City Lounge on the north edge of Kotaraya bus terminal.

There are shared taxis departing from Larkin 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 passenger(s) is or are willing to pay for the remaining seat(s). Shared taxi fares per person in RM: Genting Highlands 120, Kuala Lumpur 95, Kuala Lumpur International Airport 95, Kuantan 95, Seremban 80, Malacca 65, Muar 50, Segamat 50, Kluang 40, Yong Peng 40, Batu Pahat 40, Mersing 40, Desaru 40, Kukup 20, Pontian 15, Kulai 10, Senai International Airport 10, Kota Tinggi 10.

There are local buses connecting Larkin bus terminal with various parts of the city. To go from the city centre to Larkin, 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 1.70RM 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 City Square or JB Sentral from Larkin bus 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 bus terminal to City Square/JB Sentral en route to Masai, Pasir Gudang and Kota Tinggi respectively.

By taxi

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 JB.

The "basic" direct taxi service from the Singapore Taxi Terminal at Queen Street (in Bugis) to the Johor Bahru Taxi Terminal at Pasar Bakti Kotaraya II costs S$10 per person or S$40 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$45 (depending on distance). Likewise, if you want to take a taxi from Kotaraya II to anywhere in Singapore, you need to use a Singaporean taxi and pay at least RM70 for the service.

Taxis can also be booked to bring you from anywhere in Singapore to Kotaraya, or from anywhere in JB to Queen St. ☎ +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.

If you need to get directly from point A in Singapore to point B in JB or vice versa, there are two options. The more expensive option is to take a limousine taxi licensed to take passengers from any point to any destination, but only a few are available and they charge a steep RM150 per trip. However, 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. Advance booking is highly recommended, ☎+60 7 5991622. Alternatively, you can arrange a 2-taxi ride through the call centre, whereby once across the Causeway, you swap taxis.

By train

The new Johor Bahru railway Station

You can take a MRT train from any MRT station in Singapore to Marsiling MRT station (North-South line). This is the nearest MRT station (1.5 km or 15 min walk) to the KTM Woodlands Train Checkpoint. Note that there is a taxi rank in front of the pedestrian exit/entrance to the KTM Woodlands Train Checkpoint. This train station is linked to the Woodlands Checkpoint by an overhead bridge. Once you walk past the taxi rank, you will need to go to level 3 to reach the overhead bridge using the escalators or elevators. You can also head to the taxi rank or go to the Marsiling MRT station on foot or by public bus once your clear Singapore immigration and customs. Instead of going down the staircase/escalator after clearing customs, walk along the passageway to the left of the staircase/elevator, turn left and then walk across the overhead bridge until you see the escalators or elevators at the end. Use them to go to the ground level. SMRT bus number 950 goes between Marsiling MRT station and the Woodlands Checkpoint. Note that the last southbound train leaves Marsiling MRT station for Marina Bay/Toa Payoh/Ang Mo Kio MRT station (the last stop on the North-South line) at 23:10/23:46/00:35 respectively. In the other direction, the last train leaves for Jurong East MRT station at 00:29.

Johor Bahru has a spanking new JB Sentral railway station along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Jim Quee. It is connected to both the CIQ and City Square by pedestrian overhead bridges. There are retail outlets (including a 24-hr 7-Eleven store), food and beverage outlets and money exchange offices (the one at street level is open 24 hr) in the new station. There are coin-operated (2 x 50 sen), small left luggage lockers, a Muslim prayer room, male/female toilets (both free of charge), a police post and a tourist information booth in here as well. KTM train services to and from here started on 21 Oct 2010. The old train station, located just two hundred meters south of JB Sentral along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and facing Merlin Tower, has been decommissioned.

KTM trains between Singapore and West Malaysia (7 per day in each direction, all via JB) all cross the Causeway. All KTM services to and from the old Singapore railway station in Tanjong Pagar have ceased, and all trains now depart from the Woodlands Train Checkpoint, which is just 700 m from the start of the causeway. Immigration procedures are now back to standard international practice. When you go from Singapore to West Malaysia by the KTM 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 on board the train at JB Sentral, and upon the train reaching Woodlands Train Checkpoint, you disembark and Singapore immigration stamps you in. Given the fact that the train fare between Woodlands Train Checkpoint and JB Sentral is at least three times the bus fare between Woodlands Checkpoint and Johor Bahru CIQ, only train buffs should consider taking the train instead of the bus. The adult/child, one-way fare for tickets purchased online from JB Sentral to Woodlands Train Checkpoint is RM3, 7 or 11, /RM2, 6 or 10. In the other direction, the adult/child, one-way fare for tickets purchased on-line is S$5 or 11/S$5 or 10. If the tickets are purchased at the ticket counter, the adult, one-way fare is RM3 for all trains (JB Sentral to Woodlands Train Checkpoint, purchase the ticket no more than 30 minutes before the train's departure time) and S$3 or S$11 (Woodlands Trains Checkpoint to JB Sentral, purchase the ticket no more than 30 min or 24 hrs respectively before the train's departure time). The S$3 ticket is only for the 0800 and 1945 trains; the other train tickets cost S$11. Go to KTM's website [18] and the Johor Bahru Sentral railway station website for the schedules/fares and to buy on-line train tickets. Online ticket purchases can only be made within 30 days of the departure date but not less than 48 hr before the departure time.

By boat

The ZON Ferry Terminal website: [19], ☎ +60 7 221-1677 is located in the east wing of "The ZON" duty free complex (locally referred to as "Duty Free"), which is in Stulang Laut, 1.8 km northeast of the Causeway. Ferries go to Batam and Bintan in the Riau Islands of Indonesia. The east wing of the complex is mostly three-storey and also comprises a big KTV club and 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 shopping and hotel complex building, walk past the Restoran Hameed's (which is on your right) and then follow the signs to the halls. Alternatively, you can go right to the ground level of the east end of the main building (comprising the hotel, the shopping mall and the department store) of the complex. There, you will see a ticket counter beside a minimart. You can go up to the arrival/departure hall using the elevator or the staircase. There is a money changer and a small restaurant in the ferry terminal. Another ticket counter is located right inside the terminal's arrival/departure hall.

You can take the orange and red-colored Transit Link City Bus number 123/S & S yellow-red-blue S2 bus/JB Central Line bus number 727/Maju bus number 10/Causeway Link CT1 bus from the JB Sentral's bus bays facing Jalan Jim Quee (starting point) or from the bus stop opposite City Square at Jalan Wong Ah Fook. For the return leg, the buses do not go past City Square; they all terminate at JB Sentral's bus bays. The one-way fare is RM 1.30. Note: the Causeway Link CTI bus does not pass by ZON on its return leg. Causeway Link's no. 22 (launched on May 1, 2011) goes between JB Sentral and the ZON complex enroute to Kampung Bakar Batu. It does not go past City Square on both legs of the journey.

From and to Batam: Ferries depart hourly on the half hour 07:30-18:30 to Batam Centre. The ferries from Batam Centre depart hourly on the half hour 07:30-15:30, and at 16:15, 17:00 and 17:45 (Indonesian time). Fares: RM69/110 one-way/return for adults, RM46/69 one-way/return for children, plus international departure tax of 10RM per passenger for all passengers. Journey time: 90 min.

From and to Bintan: Only 3 ferries (09:30, 13:00 and 17:00) daily to Tanjung Pinang. The ferries from Tanjung Pinang leave at 07:00, 12.30 and 15:00 (Indonesian time). Fares: RM86/144 one-way/return for adults, RM54/86 one-way/return for children, plus international departure tax of 10RM per passenger for all passengers. Journey time: 150 min.

Note: All children 3 years old and below do not require tickets but are subject to an international departure tax of RM10. Passengers must be at the ferry terminal at least 30 min before the ferry's departure.

On foot

Immediately after the opening of the new Johor Bahru CIQ complex in Dec 2008, crossing the Causeway from Singapore to Johor Bahru on foot was officially forbidden by the Singapore authorities. Once you have cleared Singapore immigration at the Woodlands Checkpoint, you have to take any of the public or private buses waiting at the bus bays downstairs to cross the Causeway. There is always a Singapore police officer stationed at the staircase entrance to the Causeway to prevent anyone from crossing the Causeway on foot. However, the Malaysian authorities are planning to build a new immigration and customs checkpoint right at the Malaysian end of the Causeway to be used exclusively for people wishing to cross the Causeway (Singapore to Johor Bahru only) on foot. Note that it is has always been forbidden to walk from the Johor Bahru CIQ to the Woodlands Checkpoint.

Get around

JB's public transport is currently limited to a bus network run by several operators. There are plans to build a light rail transit network in the near future.

By taxi

Travelling by taxi is a fairly cheap alternative, although the drivers sometimes refuse to use the meter so you must be firm with them and insist that they use it. Taxi drivers are required by law to use their meters and issue a receipt upon request. If the driver has a meter and does not switch it on, remind them to do so. If you get into a taxi not fitted with a meter, it might be best to get out again immediately to avoid being ripped off or later becoming engaged in arguments about the fare. Drivers will often claim there is no meter fitted to a taxi, but they have just hidden it, often with a rudimentary device such as a piece of cloth or cardboard in front of the faceplate of the meter. Travellers need to be vigilant when dealing with such taxi drivers, especially if the driver blatantly refuses to use his meter and negotiates a fare with you. A local person or someone more familiar with these tricks will not be fooled by this, as the driver is seeking to deceive the unwary with dishonesty and deception. Look for another taxi or insist that the driver use the meter and stop playing games. Taxi drivers will also often attempt to raise their fares after agreeing with the passengers on the amount to be paid during the initial negotiation. They will tend to get belligerent and aggressive and may even threaten passengers when passengers try to reason with them. Ride at your own risk. Some drivers demand extra money as a 'bonus' or for some fictitious 'extra' charge on top of the metered fare. Do not pay more than the amount shown on the meter or for any extra charges other than those detailed below. Do not travel in a taxi when the meter is not used.

The starting fare is RM3 (previously RM2) for the first 2 km and the fare increases by 10 sen for every subsequent 115 m (previously 150 m). You will only be charged for waiting time in excess of 3 min during the journey - the rate is 10 sen for every 21 seconds (previously 45 seconds). Additional charges include: actual road toll charges; RM2 for telephone bookings; a 50% surcharge is levied between midnight and 6AM. The additional RM1 charged on the 3rd adult passenger and RM1 charged for every piece of baggage kept in the trunk were both abolished effective 1 Aug 2009.

There is a taxi rank at Jalan Jim Quee - it is right next to the Johor Bahru CIQ. You can see it below as you cross the overhead bridge from the CIQ to JB Sentral. The taxis operate on a prepaid coupon system - buy your coupon from the booth on the edge of the road. Official fixed rates for prepaid taxi coupons from the CIQ to : AEON Tebrau City Shopping Center RM21.50 , Danga Bay RM14 , Larkin bus station 10.90 RM , Senai International Airport RM45. If you do your math, you will find that it is almost two times more expensive to go to any destination using the prepaid coupons compared to using the meter, excluding charges for waiting time and other additional charges mentioned above.

By bus

You can opt for a bus to move around the city. However, sometimes there are no clear indications of the bus stops. Just follow the crowds and wait alongside the locals for the buses. Look at the destination boards on the bus and do not hesitate to ask the bus driver directly. There are major bus stops opposite City Square at Jalan Wong Ah Fook. This is where you can take buses to many parts of the city and its suburbs, and also as far as Kota Tinggi (41 km away) and Kulai. All public buses no longer stop in front of JB Sentral at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. Some buses stop at JB Sentral's bus bays (newly opened in May 2011) facing Jalan Jim Quee. The last buses leave City Square or JB Sentral for their respective destinations at about 23:00 or earlier; the last buses returning to City Square or JB Sentral leave their starting points at about 22:00 or earlier. Fares (for the onward journey and return journey respectively) for selected destinations from/to the bus stop opposite City Square at Jalan Wong Ah Fook: Kota Tinggi RM4.80, Kulai RM4.00, AEON Bukit Indah RM2.70, #JUSCO Permas Jaya Shopping Centre RM2.60, AEON Tebrau City RM2.40-2.50, Carrefour RM2.20-2.30, Danga Bay RM1.60-1.70/1.60-1.70, Larkin Bus Terminal RM1.70/1.70, Jalan Kebun Teh/Jalan Tebrau junction RM1.60-1.70/1.60-1.70, #ZON Mall and Department Store RM1.30/1.30, Plaza Pelangi or Taman Sentosa RM1.20-1.30/1.20-1.30, junction of Jalan Abu Bakar/Jalan Sungai Chat (within 200 m of both the Straits View Hotel and Tepian Tebrau hawker center) RM1.00/1.00, Hospital Sultanah Aminah (5 minutes walk from or to Mawar Complex) RM1.00/1.00, Johor Bahru Zoo RM1.00/1.00 Note: #The return bus does not return to City Square but terminates at JB Sentral - all passengers must disembark there.

However, if you are coming from Singapore and want to go to Larkin terminal straight away, you can board any of the numerous public buses (bound for Larkin) waiting downstairs in the Johor Bahru CIQ after clearing customs and immigration. The bus bays are about 50 m beyond the tourist office.

The frequency of the buses is not consistent, especially for the buses that do not leave from the Bus Terminals. There are generally more buses in the morning and there are fewer buses as it gets later into the day. Keep a look out for suspicious persons who wait at the bus stop and pay more attention to the people waiting at the bus stop rather than the buses on the road. Walk into a nearby shop if you feel that something is amiss.

By car

There's little point to renting a car for touring JB alone, but if you come from Singapore, it can make more sense to rent a car here to explore the rest of Malaysia as car rental rates here are much lower than those of Singapore and fuel costs here are about half of those of Singapore.

• Hawk Rent A Car, No. 50C, Bangunan KPMNJ, Jalan Segget (two blocks west of the Causeway), ☎ +60 7 224-2849 /54 msiahawk@hawkrentacar.com, [20]. A basic manual Proton Wira starts from RM140/day, offices throughout the country for easy drop off (extra charges apply).

• Pacific Rent-A-Car, Lot PTB No.20708, Sultan Ismail Airport City Lounge, Terminal Bas Central Kotaraya, Jalan Trus, ☎ +60 7 224 3951, +60 7 224 3952, fax: +60 7224 3953 [21]

• Mayflower Car Rental, Level 2A, Plaza Seni, Jl Trus/Jalan Wong Ah Fook, ☎ +60 7 2241357, +60 7 2271739, carhire@mayflower.com.my, [22].

• ORIX Car Rentals, [23]

On foot

If you planning to walk from City Square to any of the hotels just southeast of the Johor Bahru CIQ in the JL Tanjung Puteri are or beyond, you have two possible routes to choose from: a. Walk down JL Tun Abdul Razak (Jalan TAR) as far as the police station (it has white walls with blue columns). Walk underneath the newly constructed flyover and then walk along its left edge until you see a metal staircase abutting the flyover. Climb up this staircase to the flyover. Without crossing the road, walk along the sidewalk of this flyover towards the Johor Bahru CIQ (it is a massive structure and is clearly visible) or away from the Causeway for about 200 m and you will find yourself at the intersection of this flyover, Jl Tanjung Puteri and Jalan Lumba Kuda, about 300 m from the ultra-modern Grand BlueWave Hotel. b. Walk to JB Sentral by crossing the overhead bridge linking JB Sentral with City Square. Just before you reach the overhead bridge linking JB Sentral with the CIQ, you will find escalators on your right. Go down the escalator, exit JB Sentral into Jalan Jim Quee. Walk past the bus bays on your right for 400-500 m and you will reach the intersection of JL Jim Quee and JL Tanjung Puteri.

See

Historical and modern landmarks

• Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, sandwiched between Jalan Abu Bakar/Jalan Masjid Abu Bakar/Jalan Gertak Merah, 1.8 km west of the Causeway. 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 the then Sultan Ibrahim. It is made of white marble and is a combination of Moorish and Victorian architecture. It can accommodate 2,000 worshippers. Visiting hours are Sa-Th 10:00-18:00 except during congregational prayers. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque building. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (1-way fare RM1) that go to Bukit Indah/Kulai/Selesa Jaya from opposite City Square (starting point) at Jl Wong Ah Fook or from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak.

• Masjid India, at the junction of Jalan Dhoby and Jalan Duke. This mosque with two different minarets located in the heart of the city 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.

• Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum, located along Jalan Tun Doktor Ismail, 1.3 km west of the Causeway. The official entrance to the palace museum grounds is through a gateway facing the High Court building on Jalan Air Molek. After passing through this gateway, you have to drive or walk along a paved asphalt road for about 400 m before reaching the main (central) building (the one with a grand staircase) of the palace museum complex. You can also exit/enter the palace museum grounds by walking down/up the grassy slope to/from the main road - Jalan Tun Doktor Ismail. Definitely Johor Bahru's top attraction, this is the opulent former residence (Istana Besar or Grand Palace) of the Sultan of Johor. It is still used for royal and state ceremonies and functions. It is surrounded by a 53-hectare, beautifully tended garden (free admission). The adjoining Zaharah Botanical Garden (Kebun Bunga Zaharah in Malay) lies about 300 m northwest of the palace museum complex centered about a roundabout. The palace complex was first completed in 1866 but has been extended and refurbished many times since. It was built in the neoclassical style by local artisans under the supervision of a European architect. The original furniture of the palace was made in England and ordered by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866. Sultan Iskandar officially declared the museum open to the public on 11 May 1990. The museum is housed in two of the three white buildings (all with blue-tile pitched roofs) in the complex and consists of 4 parts: the Dewan (in the west building); the Throne Room, the Treasure Rooms and the Hunting Room (in the central building). The east building is not open to the public. The scale of the palace is suitably grandiose. In the Dewan, are displayed an array of items presented to Sultan Abu Bakar and his successors by dignitaries. You can also find in this building detailed biographies of Sultan Abu Bakar and his successors, Sultan Abu Bakar's stone bust, the sultans' personal memorabilia, etc. In the Hunting Room, you can find exhibits like stuffed animals, etc. In the central building on the second level (you have to remove your shoes), you can find the reception rooms, the royal bedrooms (note the four-poster teak beds), the royal dining room, the chamber of the Royal Council, the throne room (it has a pair of gilt thrones), the library, etc. The banqueting hall on the first level can be seen only from the second level. The furnishings inside these Rococo-style rooms include exquisite wooden furniture from various countries, crystal glass chairs and tables from France, Japanese ceramics, oil paintings of the royals, chandeliers, etc. On the first level of the central building, you can find exhibits such as gold/silverware, crystal ware, gold and silver jewellery, royal regalia, Malay hand weapons, a numismatic collection, etc. Open Sa-Th 09:00-21:00, closed when there are official functions and ceremonies. Entry US$7/3 (payable in ringgit at a poor exchange rate) for foreign adults/children, RM5 for Malaysian and Singaporeans , and only RM1 for Malaysian children. Last ticket sale is at 16:00. Photography inside the museum is forbidden.

• Istana Bukit Serene, sandwiched between Jl Kolam Air and Jl Straits View, 7 km northwest of the Causeway. This green-roof, stone building is the official residence of the Sultan of Johor. The palace has a huge sprawling garden which is a common site for many royal gatherings and celebrations. It was built in 1933 in the Art Deco style. Part of the palace building can be seen afar from Jalan Skudai. The palace walls have fantastic and exquisite carvings. The main tower is 35 m tall. The Istana is guarded by the personal military force of the Sultan of Johor. Neither the building nor its gardens are open to the general public.

• Sultan Ibrahim Building. Built in 1940, this grey-bricked building is located on top of Bukit Timbalan. It used to house the State Secretariat, the Menteri Besar's (Chief Minister) office, State Assembly Hall and the offices of the state government. The building is an architectural blend of British colonial, Malay and Saracenic elements. It has a distinctive, 64m-high Mughal-style tower. Visiting hours: Mo-Th 08:00-12:45, 14:00-17:00; Fri 09:00-12:15, 14:45P-17:00; closed Sa Su and public holidays.

• Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru, Jalan Datuk, 3 km west of the Causeway. Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru is the city square (not to be confused with the City Square shopping mall in the heart of downtown) that was constructed in conjunction with Johor Bahru being granted city status on January 1994. A yellow coloured building with a gigantic, yellow 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. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (one-way fare 1RM) 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 the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak.

• Johor Bahru Art Gallery, (Galeri Seni Johor in Malay), 144 Jl Petrie (about 700 m northeast of the Thistle Hotel, on the north edge of a major highway - the Inner Ring Road, also called Jalan Lingkaran Dalam). Housed in a 2-storey white building built in 1910, it displays mostly Malaysian modern paintings. Other exhibits include Islamic calligraphy, ceramics, ornate wooden window frames, traditional clothing, weapons, currency, etc. There is a cart with a thatched roof and a giant drum displayed outside the building. Free admission. Open daily except on public holidays 09:00-16:30. (website, in Malay only - [24])

• Roman Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, 9 Jl Gereja (700 m northwest of the CIQ). 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 colorful harvest festival service is held within the church

• Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum, (Malay: Muzium Warisan Tiong-Hua Johor Bahru), 42 Jalan Ibrahim 80000 (200 m south east of the main post office in downtown JB), ☎ +60 7 224-9633, fax:+60 7 224-9635, [25]. 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. Open Tu-Su 09:00-17:00 (last admission 16:00), closed on Mondays. Adults RM3, children/senior citizens/students 1 RM.

• Johor Bahru Kwong Siew Heritage Gallery, (Malay: Galeri Warisan Kwong Siew Johor Bahru), 24 Jl Siu Nam, ☎ +60 7 223 3682. Museum opened on 30 Oct 2010. It 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, Cantonese opera scripts, Chinese chess sets, Malayan/Malaysian banknotes and coins, old typewriters, kitchen utensils, cups/bowls/plates/teapots, traditional Chinese medicine and fortune teller's reference books, rubber-tapping equipment, baskets and and a dummy of a female, Chinese labourer. Open Tu-Su 09:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. Admission - adults RM5, children and students RM2. Photography is forbidden.

• Roufo Old Chinese Temple, (Roufo Gumiao in Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin), Jl Trus, 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. The five deities are Gan Tian Da Di, Hong Xian Da Di, Hua Guang Da Di, Zhao Da Yuan Shuai and Yuan Tian Shang Di. Their effigies are all found inside the prayer hall - extreme left: Gan Tian Da Di; extreme right: Hong Xian Da Di; middle left to right: Zhao Da Yuan Shuai, Yuan Tian Shang Di, Hua Guang Da Di. Two more deities - 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. As you stand in the courtyard with your back facing the wooden gate entrance, you will notice a wing on your left ('left wing') and a wing on your right ('right wing'). The Goddess of Mercy is in the left wing and the Weather God is in the right wing. There is a small museum located in the right wing and behind the prayer hall. In this museum you will find the following exhibits: five sedans for the five deities, four sculptures of deities, three wooden tablets with the names of three of the five deities, twelve oil lamps, a hand fan, a stone sculpture of a lion, eight big wooden tablets hanging on the wall, etc. There are also illustrated descriptions of the five deities and the history of the temple, as well as giant photos showing the Parade of Deities (see below). Photography is forbidden in the museum and captions are mostly in Chinese only. Admission to the museum is free. The temple organizes an annual 4-day Chingay parade known as the Parade of Deities. The climax of the parade occurs on the night of the 3rd day when the deities are paraded around the city centre. Open daily 07:30-17:30.

• Gurdwara Sahib Johor Bahru, (Johor Bahru Sikh temple), 1B Jl Trus, (across the road from Plaza Kotaraya in the heart of the city), Sikh temple built on the site of the smaller and older Sikh temple and was inaugurated on the 28 Aug 1992. 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 9:30-11:30.

• Sri Raja Mariamman Hindu Temple, 4 Jl Ungku Puan, right in the heart of downtown Johor Bahru. It underwent an 18-month renovation in 2010. It was reopened to the public on 12 Jun 2011, with a consecration ceremony on the same day. Free admission for visitors. Everyone has their shoes in the racks beside the gate entrance.

• Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Hindu Temple, No. 22, Susur 1, Jl Tebrau., (less than 50 m west of Tebrau Highway and 400 m north of Tropical Inn/Landmark Shopping Centre and beside the railway track). 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. The temple also has some special features like air-conditioning, canteen (it is at the back of the temple building and sells only Indian vegetarian food) and is very clean. This place has become one of the top tourist and pilgrimage attractions in this city and there are 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 07:30-12:00 daily; Temple closure Tu-Su 12:00-13:00 & M 12:00-19:00; Temple visiting hours daily except Mon (closed to visitors) 13:00-18:00. Admission RM10/5 for adults/children (5-12 years old), still photography/video fee RM3/5, leaving shoes with the guardian RM0.50. Chitra Pournami Paal Kudam Festival held every Wed and Glass Chariot Procession held every Thurs at the temple.

• War Memorial (Tugu Peperangan), Jl Abu Bakar, (about 2  km west of the causeway, across the road from the brown-colored Jabatan Kehakiman Syariah Negeri Johor Islamic court building of Johor state and the white-colored Pusat Islam Iskandar Johor-Iskandar Islamic Centre). The twin obelisks commemorate martyred servicemen of the First and Second World Wars, and the Emergency (the confrontation with Indonesia in 1962). It was completed in 1962 and unveiled by Colonel H.H. Sir Ismail, the then Sultan of Johor on 1 Jul 1962. It was erected by the ex-servicemen association of Malaya Johor Branch. The erection was funded from donations by the government of Johor, ex-servicemen association of Malaya and members of the public. Seldom visited by more than a few persons at any one time, it is a clean, quiet spot with vantage views of the Straits of Johor.

• Makam Diraja (Royal Mausoleum), (in a large Muslim cemetery enclosed by three roads - Jl Mahmoodiah, Jl Petri and Jl Mariamah, about 2 km northwest of the CIQ). This is a royal mausoleum of Johor state. It is a grey coloured building with two domes. 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.

• Tanjung Kupang Memorial, Jalan Kebun Teh (4km north of the CIQ; its gate entrance is 30 m north-east of the junction of this road and Jalan Serunai; the site is opposite Foon Yew 1 School). 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 Dec 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.

Other

• Danga Bay (Teluk Danga in Malay), [26] (7 km northwest of the Causeway). Set to be the premier waterfront development in Johor Bahru, with residential properties, commercial buildings and recreational facilities. Among the attractions that have opened so far are: Danga World Theme Park, Danga World Petting Zoo and Rumah Limas. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (one-way fare RM1.60 or 1.70) that go to Bukit Indah/Kulai/Selesa Jaya from opposite City Square (starting point) at Jl Wong Ah Fook or from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jl Tun Abdul Razak. You can take a tourist tram from the Danga Convention Centre to the Festive Street Mall and back (RM5 per person, free for children below 3 years old).

• Rumah Limas Here, Johor State's eight districts are represented by uniquely-designed traditional wooden Malay houses named as Rumah Kluang, Rumah Mersing, Rumah Segamat, Rumah Johor Bahru, Rumah Pontian, Rumah Kota Tinggi, Rumah Muar and Rumah Batu Pahat. In additon, there are two other traditional wooden Malay houses - Rumah Utama and Rumah Spa. All of these buildings surround a lawn, situated right at the edge of the Skudai Highway. Cultural shows unique to each district are performed in the Rumah Utama. Johor cuisine is served inside and outside some of the houses. There is an orchid garden beside the Rumah Segamat. Massage and spa therapy are offered in the Rumah Spa. Rumah Mersing offers wedding planning services. Rumah Johor Bahru has a gift shop. Rumah Kota Tinggi has a Malay arts and crafts exhibition whereas Rumah Kluang has traditional Malay games and cash crops exhibitions.

• Danga World Petting Zoo is open daily 15:00-23:59. There is an animal show at 20:30 and 22:00. RM10 RM (RM5 for children) is very steep considering that this zoo is substantially smaller than the Johor Bahru Zoo at Jl Gertak Merah. No video filming is allowed.

• Danga World Theme Park. An amusement park more suitable for 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, 15:00-23:59.

• Taman Merdeka, (2 km south of the Larkin Bus Station and 1.5 km east of the Istana Bukit Serene at JL Kolam Ayer). 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. Free admission.

• Taman Rekreasi Hutan Bandar, (Recreational Park City Forest in English), Jl Tasek Utara, (Ulu Air Molek, 1.5 km southeast of the Larkin bus terminal). 13 hectare recreational park. Maintained by the municipality and lying within easy reach of the city centre (the CIQ is only 3 km away), 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 and an open-air swimming pool (open Fridays to Sundays only). There is also an orchid park with many different species of orchids. Anglers can fish by the lakes. There is a car park just beyond the park's entrance on Jalan Tasek Utara. There are food and beverage outlets beside the car park.

• Johor Bahru Zoo, Jl Gertak Merah, (across the street from the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque). 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 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. RM2 for adults, RM1 (for 3-12 year olds), free for children under 3 years old. Open daily 9AM-6PM. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (one-way fare 1RM) 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 the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak.

• Saleng Zoo, Kulai (along the way from Jalan Skudai all the way past Senai town). Reasonably well-maintained private zoo. To get there, take any of buses that go to Kulai from opposite City Square (starting point) at Jl Wong Ah Fook or from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak.

• Orchid Valley Located in the Pulai area along the Skudai-Pontian highway. Relatively run down.

• Mawar Complex (Kompleks Mawar; Mawar is the Malay acronym for Majlis Wanita Johor), 888 Jl Sungai Chat, (50 m west of the Thistle Hotel on the same side of the road), ☎+ 60 7 221-4100. Complex consists of several buildings, among them a handicrafts workshop (closed to the public) and 'Rumah Mawar' (also known as 'Galeri Mawar'). The latter is housed in a pretty 2-storey white building. It has photos of members (especially female) of the Johor royal family and various famous women of Johor. There are also displays of clothes worn by Sultanah Zanariah on the first level and mannequins wearing wedding clothes and traditional Malay clothes on the second level. Open only on M-F 10:00-16:00. The admission of RM5 includes a mandatory guided tour of the 'Rumah Mawar'. You have to get one of the staff from the administration building to open the door to the 'Rumah Mawar'. He or she will act as a guide. Photography is forbidden except for the mannequin display on the second level. There is a small canteen selling Malay food at the entrance to the complex. 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 Jl Wong Ah Fook or from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. Alight at the bus stop in front of the red-colored Sultanah Aminah Hospital on Jalan Abu Bakar. It is about 5 min walk from here.

• Kraftangan Malaysia Cawangan Negeri Johor (Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation of Johore State), Lot. PBT 20002, Jl Cenderasari,(' 'Off Jalan Datin Halimah, 1.5 km northwest of Larkin bus terminal and opposite Foon Yew 4 school), ☎ +60 7 235-0433, +60 7 235-0431, fax: +60 7 235-0432.Contains a so-called Treasured Possession Gallery (open M-F 09:00-17:00) exhibits batik, embroidery and beads. It also hosts a handicrafts fair on its premises once a year.

Do

Golf courses

• Royal Johor Country Club probably the most expensive club in Johor Bahru. It is also the first course in this city.

• Tanjung Puteri Resort one of the largest courses in Johor Bahru and boasts of many awards. Very well-designed courses and attracts a fair number of visitors.

• Leisure Farm easily accessible by Singaporeans via the second link.

• Pulai Spring Resort Partly-owned by a Singapore company and popular with Singaporeans.

• Austin Hills Country Club located within the Tebrau Corridor and close to AEON Tebrau City. 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.

• Tropica Leisure Golf, No:37-01 & 39-01, Jl Setia Tropika 1/15, Setia Tropika, Kempas http://www.tropicaleisuregolf.com], ☎ +60 7 234-1004. The first simulated golf course in Johor Bahru. Play simulated golf at RM30 or 40 per hour (1-2 persons)/RM60 or 70 per hr (3-4 persons) and choose from 40 golf courses worldwide.

Water sports

• Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base in Sibu Island, [27]. Chalet accomodation and a restaurant, it organises boat diving and snorkelling trips and various excursions around the island.

Cinemas

There are four major cineplexes in Johor Bahru - Tanjung Golden Village at AEON Tebrau City, Golden Screen Cinemas at Pelangi Leisure Mall, MBO Cinemas at KSL City and Cathay Cinemas at City Square. 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) - Tanjung Golden Village RM8/13, Golden Screen RM6/9, MBO RM10/11 and Cathay RM6/12. 3D movies command higher ticket prices. There is an old movie theater ('Pawagam Broadway') in the city centre, about 100  m southeast of the Sri Raja Mariamman Hindu temple, that shows only Tamil-language movies.

Others

• The Johor Society for the Performing Arts (JSPA), ☎ +60 717-9388, [28]. A non-commercial Society dedicated to the advancement, promotion and development of the performing arts in JB.

• Cruise from and to Danga Bay. There are two types of cruises available. The speedboat cruise (daily every hour; adult - 10RM, child under 12 years old - 5RM; duration of cruise 20-25 min) goes from the pier beside the Marina Club building (this is where you will find the International Restaurants) to the Causeway and back. The Danga Cruise 8 (a triple-deck cruise ship) also sails the Straits of Johor (from Danga Bay to the Causeway and back). The pier for this ship is located off Danga Beach. The Danga Cruise 8 starts F-Su 20:00 and costs RM50 net, inclusive of buffet dinner on board the ship.

Buy

Piracy is rampant in Johor Bahru, with many shops selling pirated videos and software openly

JB is full of shopping malls catering mostly to local and Singaporean shoppers. The goods sold here are somewhat limited but prices are often lower than Singapore's malls.

• Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (JARO) Handicrafts Centre[29]. 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.

• AEON Tebrau City No 1, Jalan Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau. ☎ +60 7 352-2220. Open daily 09:30-23:00. The 2nd largest shopping mall in the city after KSL City. Almost half of the mall's three-level floor area is occupied by the JUSCO hypermarket (situated on all the 3 levels). There are numerous international fashion shops like Giordano, MNG, Esprit, Dorothy Perkins. A full range of dining options is available. It is at the junction of Tebrau Highway (also known as Jalan Pandan) and Jalan Desa Tebrau, about 12.5 km north of the CIQ. 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 (Do not take the blue taxis waiting at the Jusco taxi rank- they have turbo meters that jump very fast and will charge you an outrageous sum eg RM30 to go to City Square - when the fare shouldn't be more than RM20, even if it is raining. You'll be better trying to flag down a passing taxi at the main road)
• KSL City[30], sandwiched between Jalan Seladang(east), Jalan Kijang(north), Jalan Serigala(west) and Jalan Beruang(south) in Taman Centuri, 500 m west of the Jalan Dato' Sulaiman/Tebrau Highway junction. ☎ +60 7 288-2888. 4-storey shopping mall that is part of a shopping-residential-hotel complex is the biggest in the city. It has 350 sales outlets, including 70 food and beverage outlets and a eight-screen cineplex. It is open daily 10:00-22:00. A metered taxi from City Square at Jl Wong Ah Fook to here costs about RM4 (excluding waiting time), and there are many buses (one-way fare from City Square RM1.20 or RM1.30) that go past the Jalan Datok Sulaiman/Tebrau Highway junction. Maju bus number IM17 (one-way fare RM1.50) travels between Holiday Plaza (final stop) and City Square, passing by KSL City. Causeway Link S1 bus (one-way fare RM1.50) travels between City Square and KSL City every 20 min in both directions 08:30-23:00, with decreasing frequencies 08.30-10:00 and 08:00-23:00.

• City Square, 106-108 Jl Wong Ah Fook, (across Jl Tun Abdul Razak from the JB Sentral train station), ☎ +60 07 226-3668. [31]. JB's most accessible shopping mall, a mere 5 min walk from the CIQ. A pedestrian bridge connects the mall to JB Sentral, which is itself connected to the CIQ by a pedestrian bridge. It hs 270 sales outlets, including 50 food and beverage outlets. There is a Singapore-run Cathay Cineplex on levels 5 and 7, and beside it (on level 5) is a food court run by Singapore-based Food Junction. There is free Wi-Fi in all public areas. Open daily 10;00-22:00.

• Holiday Plaza, Jl Dato' Sulaiman, Taman Centuri (600 m west of the Jl Datok Sulaiman/Tebrau Highway junction). A very long shopping mall, notorious for selling pirated movies, music and software. The Parkson department store here occupies 4 levels. It has food outlets. A metered A metered taxi from City Square at Jalan Wong Ah Fook to here costs about RM4 (excluding waiting time), and there are many buses (one-way fare from City Square RM1.20 or RM1.30) that go past the Jalan Datok Sulaiman/Tebrau Highway junction. Maju bus number IM17 (one-way fare RM1.50) travels between Holiday Plaza (final stop) and City Square.

• Plaza Kotaraya, Jalan Trus, only 500 m from the CIQ. It is smaller and older than the nearby City Square. Its main tenant, the UO Superstore, has a wide range of groceries, household appliances, clothes, toys, luggage at competitive prices. There are several restaurants and a food court. Open daily 10AM-10PM. The entire shopping centre has been closed for renovation since the last quarter of 2011.

• Pelangi Leisure Mall, 148 Jl Serampang. 2-storey mall located in Taman Pelangi. The main tenants are: Giant hypermarket, Golden Screen cinema, Superbowl bowling alley and McDonald's. Open daily 10:30AM-10PM. Causeway Link's CT1 bus (runs between Kotaraya bus terminal and Bayu Puteri, via City Square) passes by this mall.

• Plaza Larkin, Jl Geruda, (opposite the Larkin Bus 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. Also in the same building on the first level is food court (Selera Johor 'Johore delights'; see 'Eat, budget, hawker centers' section) that serves mostly Johorian cuisine.

• Plaza Sentosa (formerly Kompleks Lien Hoe), Jl Sutera, Taman Sentosa. Shopping centre, 3.5 km north of the CIQ. The main tenant here is The Store department store, which occupies 4 levels. Causeway Link's CT1 bus (runs between Kotaraya bus terminal and Bayu Puteri, via City Square) passes by Plaza Sentosa.

• Southern City , Jalan Suria Utama, Taman Suria (5 km north of City Square and less than 500 m west of the Tebrau Highway). 2-level shopping centre. It resembles a factory or warehouse from a distance, it lies between Jl Suria Utama, Jl Suria 12, Jl Suria 18 and Jl Suria 19. The main tenants are: Giant hypermarket and a mega furniture store.

• Courts, Jl Tun Abdul Razak (at junction of Susur 4 and Jl Yahya Awal). Consumer electronics and furniture retailer.

• Festive Street Mall, Danga Bay. 1-storey mall consists of 280 retail outlets, including about a dozen food and beverage outlets. Parking is ample and free. Open daily from 11:00-22:00.

• Landmark IT Mall, 12 Jl Ngee Heng, (600 m northwest of the CIQ). 6-level shopping mall is housed within the 10-storey podium of the twin-tower 35-storey Menara Landmark building. It only deals in IT products - computers and accessories, and mobile phones and accessories. There is a small food court at the basement.

• Danga City Mall, (formerly known as Best World), Jl Tun Abdul Razak Susur 1, (just north of the intersection of Jl Tun Abdul Razak and Jl Lingkaran Dalam, abutting both of these highways), [32], ☎ +60 7 221-5008, Fax: +60 7 221-7008. Open daily 10:00-22:00. Free parking in the huge open-air car park south of the mall. Level 3 specializes in computers and related accessories, hand phones and cameras. The giant Metrojaya department store is the main tenant, occupying levels 1-4. There are about 20 food and beverage outlets, a supermarket, pharmacy, fitness centre and spa and a bowling centre. KTM trains stop at the mall's station only two times a day in each direction.

• Sutera Mall, 1 Jl Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai, [33]. 3-level shopping mall 12 km from the city center. The main tenant here is the Carrefour hypermarket. Open daily 10.30-22:30. Free parking. There is a bus interchange adjacent to the mall (bus numbers: IM03 from/to Jl Tampoi in Johor Bahru and CW3S/CW4S from/to Jurong East Interchange in Singapore).

• ZON Mall and Department Store, at the end of Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, 1.8km north-east of the Causeway, in the ZON duty-free complex [34]. The Mall has several duty-free (chocolate, alcohol and tobacco) speciality outlets among its its 60 sales outlets. It also has a supermarket and food court in the basement. The ZON Mall, the 5-level ZON Department Store and the ZON Regency Hotel by the Sea are all 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. You can take Transit Link City Bus number 123/S & S S2 bus/JB Central Line bus number 727/Maju bus number 10/Causeway Link CT1 bus from the JB Sentral's bus bays facing Jalan Jim Quee (starting point) or from the bus stop opposite City Square at Jalan Wong Ah Fook. For the return leg, the buses do not go past City Square; they all terminate at JB Sentral's bus bays. The one-way fare is RM1.30. The Causeway Link CT1 bus does not pass by here on its return leg. Causeway Link's No. 22 goes between JB Sentral and the ZON complex enroute to Kampung Bakar Batu but does not go past City Square on both legs of the journey.

• Jalan Segget Bazaar, Jl Segget, a street that runs between Jl Ibrahim and Jl Wong Ah Fook. Daily open-air bazaar in the heart of JB with business from 6PM-2AM. This is a bazaar that sells mostly clothes, and also a wide range of other products - bags, belts, electric fans, food and drinks, footwear, handphone (mobile phone) accessories, perfumes, sunglasses, toys, wallets and watches.

• Galeri Coklat, 19A, 19B-B2, Jl Ah Siang, Tanjung Puteri, (about 30 m northwest of the major T-junction comprising Jl Lingkaran Dalam, Jl Ibrahim Sultan and Jl Tanjung Puteri), ☎ +60 7 221-8873, [35].. This shop-cum-museum is run by a leading Malaysian supplier of cocoa-related products. The museum and shop are found side by side in one big room on the ground level of a modern, 3-storey building. Here, you can purchase a wide range of chocolate products (both chocolate sweets and beverages) under the brand name "CacaoRich". You can also have free samples of the shop's chocolate drink. The cocoa and chocolate museum is straight ahead of you as you enter the door. Admission to the museum is free. Open daily (including public holidays) 08:30-17:30. Credit cards (Mastercard, Visa and JCB) are accepted.

Eat

JB is a popular destination for budget-conscious visitors from Singapore, as most dishes are half price at this side of the border.

Budget

Hawker Centers ('Pusat Penjaja' in Malay)

There are quite a number of hawker centres across Johor Bahru. Hawker centres are basically a collection of pushcart, van or fixed stall vendors selling food or drinks in one particular area. Food and drinks are sold cheaply in these areas. Among the more well-known hawker centers are as follow:

• Tepian Tebrau, intersection of Jl Mohammad Amin and Jalan Sungai Chat (about 500 m southwest of the Thistle Hotel and 3.5 km west of the Causeway). 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). Stalls open daily 12:00-17:00 - most of them open at or after 15:00 - and close 21:00-23:59.

• Selera Johor Johore delights Food Court, beside Plaza Larkin (across the road from the Larkin bus terminal), Jl Geruda. 22 fixed food and drink stalls serving, as the name suggests, mostly Johorian cuisine.

• Medan Steamboat Luton Van Dataran Bandaraya, Jalan Abdul Samad. It is located just beside the Dataran Bandaraya (3km west of the Causeway) - the building with the distinctive yellow clock tower. This is an open-air hawker center with almost 20 van stalls, with tables and chairs under plastic shelters. It specializes in 'steamboat', which is actually pieces of meat, seafood or vegetables on wooden skewers cooked in boiling water and then eaten with sauces. Daily typically 18:00-02:00.

• Medan Selera Sungai Chat, intersection of Jl Abu Bakar and Jl Sungai Chat (about 500 m southwest of the Thistle Hotel and and 3.5 km west of the Causeway). 8 fixed stalls, some of them specialising in ikan bakar (grilled fish). Open-air seating underneath plastic shelters.

• Medan Selera Meldrum Walk, (along Meldrum Walk, a pedestrianised street between Jl Siu Koon and Jl Stesyen, runs parallel to Jl Meldrum and Jl Wong Ah Fook). 90 food and drinks pushcart stalls to choose from, all serving Malaysian (Chinese, Malay, Indian) cuisine. The disadvantage is that the tables and chairs are all in the open air. Stalls open from the late afternoon onwards.

• Pusat Penjaja Taman Sri Tebrau, (on the south side of Jalan Keris, 200-300 m east of the Tebrau Highway-Jl Keris junction and Crystal Crown Hotel respectively. 3km north of the CIQ). Hawker center with 118 fixed stalls.

• Pusat Penjaja Jalan Perang Taman Pelangi, (at the junction of Jl Perang and Jl Sri Pelangi, just opposite a big mosque - Masjid Jamek Taqwa Taman Pelangi - with a golden, onion-shaped dome). Hawker centre with 20 pushcart stalls, 300-400 m southwest of the Pelangi Leisure Mall. One of the hawkers sells satay sticks for RM0.60 each, peanut sauce and cucumbers included. There is another stall serving clay pot chicken rice for RM6.50 each.

• Johor Jaya Hawker Center located across the road from Daiman Bowling mall.

Mamak Food

There are three relatively large chains of Mamak restaurants across Johor Bahru, namely Ayub, Sri Alam and Habib. They all serve similar food like roti canai, nasi lemak and mee goreng. In general they are located all across town. Just ask a local person, and they will gladly point you to the right direction.

Malay Food

If you can get up early in the morning there are 2 different types of 'roti canai' that you may try out in Johor that should not be available in other states. 'Roti canai' is a flat piece of fried dough that is served with different types of curries depending on your mood. One is located near the new CIQ building near Kim Teng Park. This version is very thick and extra crispy and the chili paste that comes with it is to die for. It is advisable to ask for directions first as it is only accessible by car. The other 'roti canai' is located at Century Garden near the Honda showroom in front of the MAA building. These are tiny, light and fluffy versions of the original 'roti canai' and it comes with a small bowl of savory sardine-mixture to go with it. Both are reasonably priced and you should not miss them.

• Restoran Banafee. Jalan Datuk Abdullah Tahir (across the street from the New York Hotel, beside a car wash outlet). It is housed in an open-air shed and serves mostly local cuisine. Prices of selected items: nasi ayam penyet RM7, nasi daging penyek RM7, pecel lele (Indonesian-style grilled catfish) RM6, nasi goreng RM3.50, nasi goreng ayam RM6M, mee rebus RM3.50 RM, murtabak ayam or murtabak daging RM5 RM, nasi lemak kosong RM2 RM. teh tarik RM1.20 RM (with ice RM1.50 RM), apple or orange juice RM2 RM (with ice RM2.50 RM). There is no government tax or service charge. Open 24 hrs.

• Restoran ZZ. 20B Jalan Sungai Chat. It is at the end of this road, and just before the start of Jalan Mahmoodiah, behind the Sultanah Aminah Hospital, only 200m east of the Thistle Hotel. ☎ +60 7 224-0417 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. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con, seating capacity for about 100 persons. M-F 06:30-23:00, Sa-Su 06:30-16:00.

• Mee Rebus Stulang. k21 Selera Johor Johore Delights Food Court, beside Plaza Larkin (since late 2010) and across the road from the Larkin bus terminal at Jalan Geruda. This Malay-operated mee rebus outlet used to operate out of a van, with tables and chairs underneath a large shade, at the car park behind the grey Open University (Universiti Terbuka Malaysia) building. It costs RM3.50 for the normal ('biasa') plate, RM4.00 for the large ('besar') plate and RM5.00 for the special plate which has toppings of boiled prawns and mushrooms. Daily 08:00-22:00.

• Nasi Lemak Senibong. Located in Kampung Senibong, it has been serving one of the best Nasi Lemak in Johor Bahru. Costing RM4 per plate, it consists of coconut-flavoured rice, chicken (comes in three flavours), an egg and sambal (traditional malay chili sauce).

Chinese Food

• Restoran Bamboo, 1 Jl Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, 3 km north of the CIQ. ☎ +60 7 3313180. 2-storey, A/C, non-halal Chinese restaurant well-known for its "emperor's paper wrapped chicken"-a whole, spring chicken wrapped in both aluminum foil (outside) and paper (inside), baked in the oven for hours. Economical set lunch (daily 11:00-17:00). It has two other outlets in the city: 47 Jl Bayu Puteri 1/3, Taman Bayu Puteri; 70 Jl Sutera Tanjung 8/3 Taman Sutera Utama (Skudai). Prices at the Taman Sentosa outlet are not subject to government tax or service charge but prices at the other two outlets are subject only to a 6% government tax.

• Restaurant Teck Sing, 3 and 5, Jl Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa. ☎ +60 7 334 7025. website: [36]. It has signature dishes: Teck sing paper baked chicken and curry fish head. There is no government tax or service charge. air-con. Daily 11:00-21:00

• Master Yong Abalone, 39, Jl Molek 2/1, Taman Molek, ☎ +60 12 708-9069, +60 7 352-6448. The first and only restaurant in Malaysia to serve whole abalones with 'kuay teow' soup dishes. A unique dish specially prepared by chef 'Master Yong' chef is 'Abalone Cube Medley in Volcano Stone Pot'. Other Chinese dishes are available too. There is no government tax or service charge. air-con. Daily 10:00-22:00.

• Huizu Hot Wok, 27 Jl Utama 43, Mutiara Square, Taman Mutiara Rini, Skudai (off JL Gelang Patah). ☎ +60 7 557-3977. [37] Halal Chinese restaurant. Open daily

• On Kee Restaurant, Permas Jaya (opposite New Bus Stand at Permas Jaya). Various Chinese dishes in a pleasant environment with friendly waiters.

• Kedai Makanan Mee Hoon Kueh, 56 JL Sutera (on the south side of this street), 600 m east of the Jl Sutera-Tebrau Highway junction. 4 different varieties of the mee hoon kueh dish. It also serves curry mee . There is no government tax or service charge. air-con. Tu-Su 12:30-22:00 .

• Restoran Sing Kee, 124-126, Jl Cengai, Taman Melodies, (at the junction of this road and Jl Meranti, 3.5 km north of the CIQ). Serving the local community for nearly 20 years. Its signature dish is the curry fish head. air-con, Tu-Su 11:30-15:00, 17.30-21.30.

• Tapai Tang Restaurant, (at the north end Jl Meranti, Taman Melodies, 3.5 km north of the CIQ'). A/C eatery serving Chinese dishes only. The menu is mostly in Chinese only. There is no government tax or service charge. Indoor and outdoor seating. A/C and open daily from 10:30AM-4:30AM.

• Restoran Yi Bao, 5 Jl Maju, (across the street from Plaza Pelangi). '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. Open Mon-Wed, Fri to Sun 9:30AM-10PM, closed on Thursdays.

• San Low Seafood Restaurant, Jl Biru,Taman Pelangi (less than 200 m from the southeastern end of this street), ☎ +60 7 332 3869, +60 7 334 3623, [38]. Its specialties are: assam fish and steamed fish, chili and black pepper crab, fried clams, dry fried mee hoon and a unique dessert called teow chew yam (RM16, medium only). There is no government tax or service charge. Tables and chairs underneath a giant shed, no A/C. Daily 4:30PM-1AM.

• Restoran Yong Mui, 149 Jl Lumba Kuda. This restaurant has 3 stalls - beef noodles, kueh tiao goreng/Hokkien mee and wonton mee /deep-fried wonton/bean curd stick soup(1.50 RM). There is no government tax or service charge. No A/C. Open daily 7AM-4PM.

• Restoran Shang Ji, JL Lumba Kuda. 4 main stalls, two of which (Cathay laksa and duck noodles). Cathay laksa (small/big serving RM4/5); beef noodles (7 RM); duck noodles (small/big serving 4/5 RM); fish ball soup 5 RM/fish slice soup RM6-8 . There is no government tax or service charge. No A/C. Open Tue-Sun 730am to 4pm, closed Mondays. Any of the main stalls can close as early as 1PM if all its food has been sold out. The very famous beef noodle stall vendor who used to operate under the name of Kedai Makanan dan Minuman Ang Kim Chwee in the adjacent building on the same side of the road for almost four decades and for a few months in this restaurant retired and closed his stall permanently in the first half of 2011.

• Woon Kiang Restaurant, Jl Stulang Darat (150 m southwest of the T junction comprising this road, Jl Stulang Laut and Jl Pasir Pelangi). Johor Bahru style kuay teow kia, boiled in a herbal-like soup and served with pig offal, braised duck meat, preserved salted vegetables, braised half-boiled eggs and various types of beancurd. Closed on Sundays.

Indian Food

• <eat name="Restoran Nilla" alt="" address="No.3, Jalan Ungku Puan" directions="" phone="+60 7 227-5722" url="" hours="main branch (no air-con) daily 24 hr, other branches daily 07:00-22:00" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""> Restaurant with 5 branches (self-proclaimed as the "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 no government tax or service charge. 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.</eat>

Others

• <eat name="Madam Chang's Nyonya Cafe" alt="" address="No.10G Jalan Bestari 6/2, Taman Nusa Bestari" directions="right opposite of Tesco Bukit Indah" phone="0127587932" email="" fax="" url="" hours="Tu-F 11AM-3PM, 5PM-9PM; Sa Su 9AM-3PM, 5PM-10PM" price="">Nyonya food.</eat>

• Dann's Cafe. at Taman Daya. A popular place for good Johor laksa, Hyderabad biryani rice, mee siam Kuah.

• Dewi's Moghul Biryani and Penang Assam laksa. (located at Taman Molek near Standard Chartered Bank). It serves tasty biryani and asam laksa.

• TasteBetter, located at the first floor of Bukit Indah Jusco, Taman Bukit Indah 1st floor. This chain outlet serves various types of yogurt and ice-cream, as well as common beverages and bakery items. freshly made yogurt. The durian flavored yogurt and ice cream is one of the more popular choices on its menu, very popular among Singapore visitors and foreigners. The one of its kind durian puff is freshly made daily and is something you should not miss when you visit Bukit Indah Jusco.

• Hiap Joo Bakery and Biscuit Factory, 13 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee (at the junction of Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Trus), tel 223 1703. This traditional bakery located in the heart of the city is more than 80 years old. The bread has been baked 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 1230pm and 230pm 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. Preparation of the breads and cakes for baking start at around 8 am. The shop is only open (Monday to Saturday) for business from 12.30pm to 6pm. Closed on Sundays.

• W.W. Laksa House, 36A and 36A1, Jalan Kolam Ayer (beside the 7-Eleven store and 300-400m north of the Kolam Ayer mosque). Tel: 012-7990979/012-7273755. As the name suggests, it specializes in laksa. It also serves 'dry mee' and 'mee soup' for the same prices. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con. Open daily 7am-4pm, closed on alternate Tuesdays.

• Restoran Yew Swee, 64, Jalan Harimau Tarum (located in a very long row of shophouses on the west edge of the Tebrau Highway), opposite the vast, empty field (Taman Tebrau Jaya) that just abuts the north side of Plaza Pelangi. Laksa, mee hoon kuih, dry mee or mee soup. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con. Open Mon to Sat 8am to 5pm, closed on Sun.

• Restoran Mustika Zamzam, Jalan Datuk Abdullah Tahir (between the Restoran Carabao and the New York Hotel). 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, tandori chicken, tosai (7 types), etc. The restaurant has 2 flat-screen cable TVs and a bigger white screen with cable TV projector. Open 24 hrs and no air-con.

• Simple Street, Jalan Datuk Abdullah Tahir (north side), 50m from the junction of this street and the Tebrau Highway. This is an open-air restaurant serving only local cuisine. There is no government tax or service charge. Open from 5pm to 3am, Mon to Sat. Closed on Sundays.

• Mr Kebab, Jalan Datuk Abdullah Tahir, located in the same premises and run by the same management as the Restoran Banafee. Specializes in Turkish cuisine. Dürüm chicken döner kebab, cut into several pieces 8 RM; chicken döner kebab served with pieces of dürüm, French fries and salad 12 RM; dürüm lamb döner kebab, cut into several pieces 9 RM; lamb döner kebab served with pieces of dürüm, French fries and salad 13 RM; chicken şiş kebab served with pieces of dürüm, French fries and salad 12 RM; lamb şiş kebab served with pieces of dürüm, French fries and salad 13 RM; pide 12RM; chicken or lamb chop served with French fries and salad 12RM; fish and chips served with French fries and salad 14RM; spaghetti bolognese 7 RM; French fries 5 RM. There is no government tax or service charge. Open 24 hrs.

• Restoran JB Catering and Food Supplies, Stadium Tan Sri Dato' Haji Hassan Yunos, Jalan Dato' Jaafar, 80350, 1km east of the Larkin Bus Terminal. Tel: 07-221 4775, Fax: 07-221-4778, E-mail: jbcateringjohor@gmail.com. It serves buffet and a la carte meals. The tables and chairs are all under a huge, open shed with fans. Seating capacity - 330. No Wi-Fi Internet access. Big cable TV screen. A la carte orders daily only from 5pm to 12am. Daily lunch buffet [12 main dishes, plus roti canai, roti jala, mee rebus, rojak, Malay salad] 11am-430pm. Barbecue dinner buffet [12 main dishes, plus fried noodles, barbecued chicken and mussels, barbecued mutton, mutton soup, mashed potato, cream of mushroom soup, fruit salad] Fri and Sat only, 7pm-midnight. Both buffets come with rice, cold and hot desserts, cut fruits, cold and hot drinks. The restaurant is closed to the general public whenever it is booked for a large-scale banquet (especially for weddings) held in the restaurant. Telephone in advance before you come to be sure that it is open. Ramadan daily dinner buffet.

• Restoran Anjung Warisan, Taman Seni Budaya Negeri Johor (beside the Yayasan Warisan building), 296-A Jalan Petri (Kampung Tarum), 200m east of the Jalan Petri/Jalan Abdul Samad junction and 1.3km north of the Thistle Hotel. E-mail anjung.warisan.village@gmail.com. A popular and unique restaurant serving Malay and Western cuisine. Diners can either remove their shoes and sit cross-legged on the floor for a traditional Malay style meal, or sit at Western-style tables with normal chairs. The Western-style tables are at ground level while cross-legged seating is found in the upper-level and ground-level wooden platforms surrounding bare tree trunks. There is even a nightly angklung (musical instruments consisting of bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame) performance by a solo performer every night, starting from 7.30pm. You should book in advance to get a seat in the upper-level platforms. There is a car park (free parking) beside the restaurant.

• Restoran E & Y, 1 Jalan Maju, Taman Pelangi. Tel 07-3322786. This restaurant serves cheap Malay and Mamak food. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con. Free Wi-Fi Internet access. Open 24hr. There is another outlet (also open 24 hrs 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.

• Restoran Seri Madina, at the junction of Jalan Siu Nam and Jalan Meldrum. Mamak, halal restaurant in the heart of the city, serving Mamak and Malay cuisine such as biryani, murtabak, mee goreng, nasi goreng, roti etc. There is no government tax or service tax. Open daily 24hr and no air-con.

• Restoran Yasin, 4, Jalan Sungai Chat (Wisma M.T.P. Abdul Kadir, just opposite and east of the Thistle Hotel). This restaurant serves cheap Malay and Mamak food. There is no government tax or service charge. It has an air-con and a non air-con section. The air-con section is open from 10am to 10pm daily. There is a flat-screen cable TV in the non air-con section. The non air-con section is open 24 hrs daily.

• Restoran Hasyima, Plaza Seni (level 1), Jalan Wong Ah Fook. It serves local cuisine and specializes in nasi beriyani. There is no government tax or service charge. Halal and no air-con. Open 7am to 11pm daily.

• Kafe Enampuluhan, 69 Jalan Ibrahim Sultan (in the same building as the Heritage hotel). It serves 65 dishes of local cuisine and 35 types of hot and cold drinks. Its specialty is mee rebus. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con. Cable TV. Open 11am to 1.30am daily.

• Restoran Hameed's, level 2 ZON Mall, at the end of Jalan Ibrahim Sultan. This is a Mamak restaurant serving local Malay/Indian dishes. There is no government tax or service charge. Open daily 8am to 8pm.

• Restoran Hua Mui, 131 Jalan Trus 80000 (at the junction of this street and Jalan Dhoby). A 2-storey restaurant established in 1946. It has 68 local and Western dishes available all day and 33 items that are served only during breakfast. Take away 0.30-0.50 RM extra. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con. Open daily from 8am to 6pm, closed every alternate Thursday.

Mid-range

• Hikage (formerly Sosaku),12 Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi 80400 (150m west of the Tebrau Highway), tel. +60-7-333-6368. Opening hours 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10.30pm (Mon-Fri); 12pm to 4pm, 6pm to 10.30pm (sat, sun and public holidays). This Japanese restaurant is among the various food and beverage outlets along this road popular among JB food connosieurs. It only serves fixed-price, all-you-can-eat Japanese meals. For the main dishes (166 items for dinner, 155 items for lunch), choose from the following categories: agemono, nimono, otsumani, ramen & rice, sashimi, sushi, yakimono), you have to order from the illustrated menu. You help yourself to unlimited servings of miso soup, salad, fruits, ice-cream and cold drinks from the buffet table. Buffet pricing - 50 RM plus 10% service charge (lunch and dinner on weekends and dinner on weekdays); 35 RM plus 10% service charge (lunch on weekdays). Carlsberg beer 12RM, Asahi beer 14RM.

• Sapporo (formerly Shogun), 80, Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi 80400 (at the junction of Jalan Kuning and Jalan Serampang, beside the Pelangi Leisure Mall). Tel 07-3333076. Japanese restaurant that opened on 10 Nov 2010, serves various Japanese dishes (a la carte only) such as sushi (from 5 RM), sashimi (from 14 RM), ramen (from 16 RM). All prices are subject to a 10 percent service charge only. Open 12pm to 4pm, 6pm to 10.30pm daily.

• Don Sushi, 299-A, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa 80150 (100m west of the junction of Jalan Sutera and Jalan Pasir Pelangi), tel 07-3352313. It serves both a la carte and buffet Japanese meals. Rates for buffet meals - weekday lunch (11.30am to 2.30pm) 33.90/19.90RM++ (adults/children); weekend and public holiday lunch, week-end and public holiday high-tea, and dinner on all days (11.30am to 2.30pm, 3-6pm, 6.30-9.30pm) 39.90/23.90RM++ (adults/children)

• Furusato, Straits View Hotel. Good value for money Japanese fare. Friendly Japanese-speaking staff.Open 365 days a year. Serve authentic Japanese cuisine. Mon-Fri 1200-1430, 1800 to 2230; Sat 1200-1430, 1800-2200; Sun 1800-2200; Tel. +60-7-223-8322 HP:019-7732086.

• Hokka Hokka!, Danga City Mall basement, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Susur 1 80000, tel 07-228 8333. Japanese restaurant. It serves agemono (e.g. tori katsu 7.90RM), bento (from 12.90RM), don, otsumani, ramen (from 9.90RM), sashimi, soba, sushi, temaki, udon, yakimono. There is no government tax or service charge for all dishes. Open daily from 11am to 9pm.

• Kura, 85, Jalan Harimau Tarum (Taman Century) 80250, at the Jalan Serampang/Tebrau Highway junction. Tel 607-3357998. Japanese restaurant. The menu includes agemono, cold and hot appetizers, don, ramen , sashimi , set meals , soba, sushi, teppanyaki, etc. Set lunch (choose from any 10 sets; available daily from 12 to 2.30pm, including public holidays) at only 9.90 RM. Air-con and non-halal. All prices are subject to a 10% service charge only. Open daily (including public holidays) 12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30 pm

• Sushi Monzta, 22 Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi 80400, tel 07-3311172. website: [39] (their illustrated menu can be found here). Japanese restaurant. Ramen 12 to 15 RM, sushi 6 to 12 RM, sashimi, don, soba, udon, teppanyaki, teriyaki, tempura, etc. Bento lunch special (11.30am to 2.45pm) 15 RM, set meals 16 to 33 RM. All prices are subject to a 10% service charge only. Mastercard is accepted. Open 1130am to 245pm, 5pm to 10pm; closed on Tuesdays.

• Tera-Thai Fine Dine Restaurant, 31 Jalan Abdul Samad, 1km or about 10 minutes' walk north of the Thistle Hotel; tel 607 222 6300; fax 607 221 6300; Housed in a restored bungalow with elegant, Thai interior decor. It is on the right side of the road (at the junction of Jalan Abdul Samad and Lorong 2)as you walk north from the Thistle Hotel. Open daily 1130 to 1530 and 1730 to 2300. Authentic Thai cuisine, appetizers and desserts. Set meals (only Mon-Fri from 1130 to 1730) - meal with 2 dishes without iced lemon tea 9.90 RM, meal with 3 dishes and iced lemon tea 15.90 RM, meal with 4 dishes and iced lemon tea 19.90 RM. Special set dinners with dessert buffet and free-flow coffee and tea (28 to 35 RM per person) are available during Ramadan. All prices are subject to only a 10% service charge.

• Best Thai Restaurant, 58 Jalan Abiad, Taman Tebrau Jaya 80400; tel 07-3382255; e-mail: hwee1388@hotmail.my. Set meals for 2 to 10 persons - 2 pax 28 RM, 3 pax 48 RM, 4 pax 68 RM, 8 pax 188 or 288 RM, 10 pax 388 or 488 RM. All prices are subject to a 5% service charge only. Open daily 1130am to 1130pm. Air-con. Credit cards (Visa Mastercard JCB) accepted.

• Restoran Carabao, 16 Jalan Datuk Abdullah Tahir 80300, tel 607-335 9333, website: [40] (their illustrated menu can be found here). This is a restaurant that specializes in Thai (especially seafood) cuisine. It is entirely made of wood with interesting pieces of teak wood furniture. It can accommodate up to 200 diners, and you can choose to dine on regular tables and chairs at the main dining hall or sit on mats in a Chiangmai ”Kantoke” cubicle style seating. Extensive Thai menu. Western food such as beef steaks, salmon, chicken chop or cutlet, spaghetti, fish & chips are also served. All prices are subject to only a 10% service charge. No air-con. Car park in front of the restaurant. Open daily including on public holidays 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 1am.

• Kim Chi & BBQ Korean Restaurant, 24 Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi 80400. Tel 07-333 1700. Barbecued beef, barbecued pork, seafood, pancakes, stews and noodles. Individual lunch set menu (11am to 4pm) 9.80 to 15 RM. Group set menus (available all day) for 2 to 5 pax. All prices are subject to a 10% service charge only. Air-con. Open daily 11am to 11pm.

• Restoran Taro J1, 17 Jalan Maju (across the street from Plaza Pelangi), Taman Maju Jaya. Tel: 07-332 2570. This is Korean restaurant that was opened by a South Korean. Open daily 10am to 10pm. No air-con. There are lunch promotions (order before 3pm) available, such as chicken or beef bulgogi (9.90RM plus 10% service charge) that is served with rice, seaweed soup, kimchi and cold Korean tea.

• Robin's Portuguese Chicken, City Square Lot J2-10 and J2-11 (level 2). Website: [41]. Restaurant that serves Macau cuisine. There is no government tax or service charge. Open 10am to 930pm daily.

• Restoran Pekin, 38, Jalan Baldu 5, Taman Sentosa. Tel: 607-333 2928, 607-332 0902. This is a Chinese restaurant that has been around for more than 20 years. It still serves up piping hot Chinese food favored by both locals and Singaporeans. It specializes in seafood as well as soups and desserts. Supreme abalone 98RM per person. All prices are subject to 6% government tax. Open daily 11am to 11pm. It has another branch at: Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Sutera Utamabiz Centre, Taman Sutera Utama 81300 Skudai

• AK Noodles House, Lot J2-12, Level 2 City Square. Tel /Fax : 07-221 1843. Website: [42]. This a well-known fish ball noodle specialist established in Johor Bahru whose specially made pure fish balls contain no preservatives. There is no government tax or service charge at the City Square outlet, which is open daily from 10am to 9pm. The main branch ('Ah Koong Restaurant') at 266, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa also serves steamboat. There is another outlet at 42 & 44, Jalan Jati 1, Tmn Nusa Bestari Jaya, Skudai.

• Restoran Amma, 164-A/B Jalan Ngee Heng (opposite Tropical Inn and Landmark IT Mall). Tel 07-2211909 Fax 07-2244909. Indian restaurant right in the heart of the city. It serves biryani, tandoori, tosai, roti dishes, etc. There is no government tax or service charge. Open daily 730am to 1030pm. Halal and air-con.

• Penang Corner, Danga City Mall basement, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Susur 1 80000, tel 07-223 5333. It serves mostly local cuisine: rice dishes 6.90RM, noodle dishes 5.90RM, bean curd dishes, beef dishes, fish dishes, prawn dishes, vegetable dishes, soups. Western food is also available: chicken chop 10.90RM, fish and chips 10.90RM, salads 5.90 to 10.90RM, French fries 4.90RM. There is no government tax or service charge. Open daily from 11am to 9pm.

• IT ROO Cafe, 17 Jalan Dhoby (at the junction of this street and Jalan Pahang, and occupies a 2-storey corner shophouse), tel 07 222 7780. Established in 1961. Rated as serving "the best chicken chop in town" in 2003 by Malaysia's The Star newspaper. Takeaway surcharge 0.50 RM per item. There is no government tax or service charge. Open daily 12pm to 10pm (last order 9.30pm), including on some public holidays. Air-con inside and there is outdoor seating available.

• Teh Sarabat, Unit J3-05 and 05A, City Square Level 3, 106-108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook. It serves a large range of Malaysian (especially Malay and Mamak) dishes. There are 77 food items and 26 beverage items to choose from the partly illustrated cardboard menu. In addition, there are other special dishes written under 'today's special' on the white board at the restaurant's entrance. Its house specialties include Sarabat laksa, Sarabat rojak, Sarabat Nasi Lemak set and kari kepala ikan. Note that roti canai, tosai and murtabak are only available until 11.30am and from 3pm onwards. All items are subject only to a 5 percent service charge. Open 10am to 10pm daily. Free Wi-Fi Internet access in the restaurant.

• Sedap Corner, restaurant chain established in 1987, with 9 outlets in Johor Bahru. The headquarters and main outlet is at 11,Jalan Abdul Samad (300m north of the Thistle Hotel; tel:+607-224 6566, fax:+607-223 6509). Website: [43]. It serves local, Thai and Western cuisine. All prices are subject to a 6% government tax and 6% service charge. The outlets at Jalan Abdul Samad, City Square and Kotaraya are open from 10am to 10pm daily.

• Restoran Singgah Selalu, 36D-F, Jalan Skudai (Skudai Highway, right across the highway from the unmistakable red and white, multi-storey Tune Hotel in Danga Bay). Tel 07-235 2233. There are two other outlets at: Plaza Kotaraya (level 2, open daily 10am to 10pm) in downtown and Jalan Skudai Lama in Taman Tampoi Indah. Seafood, Malay, Chinese, Thai and Western cuisine are served here. Indoor and outdoor dining available. There is no government tax or service charge. The main outlet at Jalan Skudai is open daily 24 hrs.

• Restoran Malay Village, 9A Jalan Kolam Ayer 80100 (at the junction of this road and Jalan Mohd Amin), tel/fax 07-2211221. This restaurant opened on 1 Feb, 2010. It is 1.1km or about 10 minutes' walk northwest of the Thistle Hotel, 100m south of the Kolam Ayer Mosque. It serves Chinese, Malay, Nonya, Thai and Western cuisine at moderate prices. Outdoor (tables and chairs under small open sheds) and indoor (air-con) dining available. 2011 daily Ramadan buffet dinner (6 to 9pm) 29.90/15.90 RM net for adults/children 4 to 12 years old. There is no government tax or service charge. Open daily 0800-midnight. No Wi-Fi Internet access is provided for diners.

• D'Terrace BBQ Steamboat, 9 Jalan Kolam Ayer 80100 (at the junction of this road and Jalan Mohd Amin), tel 012-756 5693/012-710 7251/012-715 5223/017-779 7251. This BBQ steamboat restaurant (next to the Restoran Malay Village) opened on 1 Jan, 2010 and is 1.1km or about 10 minutes' walk northwest of the Thistle Hotel, 100m south of the Kolam Ayer Mosque. It only serves all-you-can-eat BBQ steamboat buffet meals. Outdoor and indoor (air-con) seating are both available. The steamboat menu (about 60 items). Besides, you can help yourself to unlimited servings of cooked white rice, porridge, cold drinks and cut fruits. 1 free ice-cream stick per diner. Halal; Open daily 5pm to 12 midnite.

• Banafee Village [44], Lot 9022, Jalan Dato' Abdullah Tahir (just beside the Embassy Hotel and Service Apartment) 80300, Tel: 07 333 3377, Fax: 07 338 1777, E-mail: director@banafeevillage.com. A new, 2-storey restaurant (the 1st level has no air-con; the 2nd level has air-con and is only opened to groups who have pre-ordered catered buffet meals from the restaurant) that opened in 2009. It serves a la carte Arab, Chinese, Malay and Western dishes at moderate prices. There are about 300 items on the menu. All main course dishes start from 7RM. All prices are subject to a 6% service charge. The first level has 2 flat-screen cabled TV sets and a live band performance every night from 9pm to 3am. Open 24 hrs and free, unlimited Wi-Fi Internet access. The Sat and Sun high tea buffet from 3-6pm is no longer offered. Daily Ramadan buffet(6.30pm to 9.30pm) for the year 2011 - 42RM/20RM net (adults/children 12 years old and under), more than 80 dishes encompassing Chinese, Malay, Western and Arab cuisine.

• Station One Cafe, 4 Jalan Serampang (at the junction of Jln Serampang and Jln Abiad 1), Taman Pelangi 80200. Tel +607 331 4718. Website: [45]. It serves mostly Western food, with a few local and fusion dishes. All prices are subject to a 10% service charge only. No air-con. Free Wi-Fi Internet access and there are 2 flat-screen cable TVs in the restaurant. Open 8am to 2am daily. There are 5 other outlets in the city.

• Old Town White Coffee, website: [46], located at City Square and at nine other places in the Johor Bahru metropolitan area. This is a nation-wide restaurant chain serving Malaysian cuisine. All prices are subject only to a 10% service charge. Open daily 8am to 930pm.

• Marrybrown, website: [47]. Malaysian fast-food chain established in 1981. It is the largest home grown fast-food chain in Malaysia with over 250 outlets in Malaysia and a dozen other Asian countries. It serves fried chicken, chicken burgers and some local cuisine. Three of the Johor Bahru outlets are located at City Square (level 2), ZON Mall (level 1) and Festive Street Mall at Danga Bay. Prices of selected items in RM - 2 pieces of fried chicken 6.40, 2 pieces of fried chicken with mashed potato, bun and salad 8.30, fish and chips 11.90, chicken burger 4.10 to 8.90, fish fillet burger 6.20, chicken porridge 4.20, mee kari ayam goreng 6.90, nasi ayam Marrybrown 7.90. There is no government tax or service charge for all outlets except at the one at Senai International Airport.

Splurge

• Anna's Kitchen, No.18K Jalan Abdul Samad. It is right across the street from the Villa de la Rose service apartment building, about 500m north of the Thistle Hotel and 350m northwest of the Jalan Abdul Samad/Jalan Lingkaran Dalam junction. The entrance is inconspicuous (look to your right as you walk northwest along Jalan Abdul Samad from the Thistle Hotel) and the restaurant is actually about 2.5m below street level at the basement of a row of shop houses. Established in 2005. The restaurant serves a variety of Oriental delicacies and Western staples. It also offers fusion delights. Among the restaurant's best dish is the deep-fried Cordon Bleu squid (RM29.90++). Australian sirloin steak RM35.90RM++, grilled salmon 35.90++, Penang prawn mee/Penang fried kway teow/Penang asam laksa each RM6.90++ Open Mon to Sat 1330 to midnite, closed on Sundays. Tel +607-2242168.

• Selasih Rrestaurant, Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim. Tel. +607-219 8888 (ext 7389). Website: [48] Upmarket restaurant specializing in Johorean cuisine; it also serves specialties from other parts of Malaysia. Open 1130am to 1030pm daily. Daily executive set lunch 35RM++ per person. There is a steamboat buffet dinner (8.30 to 10.30pm) only on Thu, Fri and Sat for 45RM++ per person.

• Chakra Restaurant, No. 1, Jalan Yusof Taha (150m southwest of the junction of Jalan Lingkaran Dalam and Jalan Yahya Awal), tel/fax: 07 223 9991, email: enquiry@chakrajb.com, chakra_jb@yahoo.com. Housed in a converted 2-storey, 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. Open daily 11am to 3.30pm, 6 to 10.30pm.

• Sizzle Dining & Bar, 47 Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, tel 07-332 9179. Japanese restaurant. Ramen 15 to 23 RM, maki 8 to 22 RM, temaki 6 to 10 RM, sashimi 18 to 30 RM, set lunch 18 to 30 RM. A range of Japanese alcoholic drinks are served in the restaurant. Open - Sun 12pm-10.30pm; Mon,Wed-Sat 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm. Closed on Tue.

• Chez Papa French Bistro and Wine Room [49], 38 and 40 Jalan Jaya, Taman Maju Jaya, 100 m north of Plaza Pelangi. Tel: +607-3334988; Fax: +607-2373888; Email: enquiry@chezpapa.com.my. 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. Dinner from 6:00pm to 10:30 pm (last order), closed on Sundays. Wine, cocktails and tapas from 5:00pm to 12.00am, closed on Sundays. The Wine Room has a wine list of more than 80 wines, over 20 different types of imported beer, serves cocktails and tapas.

• Coffeetrap Restaurant & 'Juicytrap Restaurant, located at 7,11 & 15 ,Jln Permas Jaya. Tel 07-3861991. A sidewalk alfresco dining outlet with live music featuring famous Billy Lee probably the best guitarist in johor bahru together with local artistes and a Filipino band from early as 7:30PM. The best dishes are lamb shank, grilled salmon, chicken chop with gravy. Popular with locals and expatriates from early as 12PM Fri-Mon and 3PM Tue-Thu, with happy hour promotions until 9PM. Open daily. Free ample parking space and expect RM 40 onwards per person for dinner and a drink. Fresh fruit juices and vegetarian dishes are also available.

• Gianni's Trattoria, 110 Jalan Serampang Taman Pelangi (mid-way between the Tebrau Highway and Pelangi Leisure Mall. Tel 607 331 2230 Fax 607 331 7230 Email hans.durst@gmail.com. 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 at 25RM++ (weekends) and 22RM++ (weekdays). Open daily 11am to 11pm.

• Il Giardino, [50], 65A Jalan Perang, 200m south of Pelangi Leisure Mall; Italian cuisine, the cheapest of the five Italian restaurants in Johor Bahru; pasta 12.90-17.90 RM, pizza 12.90-18.90 RM, fish and meat dishes 13.90-32.90 RM. All prices are subject to 10% service charge. Open 12pm to 10pm Mon and Wed-Fri, 12pm to 10.30pm Sat-Sun, closed Tue. Free Wi-Fi Internet access.

• International Restaurants Danga Bay, Marina Club, Kawasan Danga Bay. A collection of three restaurants - Asiana Penang & Western Cuisine, Kong Inn Seafood Restaurant and Lazio Italian Restaurant & Cafe - can be found housed on the first level of the same building ('Marina Club'). Free parking is available here. Asiana(open daily 11AM-midnight; all-day steamboat buffet 29.80RM+); Kong Inn (open daily 12:30PM-3PM, 6PM-11PM; classic business set meal per person 48/68/98 RM++, min. two persons); Lazio (open daily 1100-1500, 1800-midnite; main course 33 to 45 RM++, pasta 16.50 to 26 RM++, pizza 15 to 28 RM++, salad 11.50 to 14.50 RM++, soup 10.50 to 14.50 RM++, appetizer 8.50 to 20 RM++)

• Ros Marino, 123 Jalan Damai, tel 607-222 7123 (located on the ground floor of a unit of a row of three-storey white-colored shophouses, approximately 400m northeast of the junction of Jalan Lingkaran Dalam and Jalan Setulang Darat). Authentic Italian dishes like ossobuco. Breads and bruschettas 4-18 RM++, starters and salads 8-28 RM++, pizzas (each of these are of one size only) 18-30 RM++, pastas and risottos 16-32 RM++, soups 6-18 RM++, meat dishes 28-75 RM++, fish dishes 32-42 RM++, house wine per glass 16 RM++, soft drinks and fruit juices 4.00-5.80 RM++. Open Tue to Fri and Sun 1200-1430, 1800-2230; Sat 1800-2230; closed on Mon.

• Meisan Szechuan Restaurant, Located on the second level of the Mutiara Hotel, along Jalan Dato' Sulaiman. It has been in business for over 20 years. The restaurant is well known for its popular spicy Szechuan cuisine. This charming restaurant has a very unique setting. Its rich, dark wood-paneled wall and latticed screens are subtly detailed in gold to project the charm of old-world China. 5-course individual set meals at 35, 45 or 55 RM++ per person. Menus for groups of 5 to 10 persons, total price: 438 RM++ (5 to 7 persons), 698 RM++ (8 to 10 persons), 998 RM++ (8 to 10 persons). Open daily: lunch from 11.30am to 2.30pm, dinner from 6.30pm to 10.30pm

• Restoran New Hong Kong, Located at 69-A Jalan Ibrahim Sultan (next to the orange-colored Heritage Hotel) and housed in a green two-storey building, about 20m east of the T-junction consisting of Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Jalan Tanjung Puteri and Jalan Lingkaran Dalam. It was established in 1954. Probably one of the best Chinese restaurants in Johor Bahru. Their hot sweet yam paste dessert with pumpkin is highly recommended, albeit a little steep (RM8++ per bowl). Their appetizer (RM 2.60++), a cucumber dish in sauce, is also very good. Eating here starts off with the appetizer, RM2++ for peanuts, RM 1.50++/pax for tea and RM 1++/pax for towels. Prices for selected dishes - Hongkong noodle 15/23/30 RM++ (small/medium/large), Szechuan hot and spicy soup 18/27/36 RM++, sauteed ginger chicken 18/27/36 RM++, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall 288 RM++ per bowl (minimun 6 bowls). There are lao po bing (wife cakes) available for takeaway here. The traditional flavour costs 90 sen and the red bean flavour costs RM 1.10. The traditional flavour is recommended over the red bean flavour. Open daily 11am-2.45pm (Sun 9am-2.45pm), 6pm-9.45pm; Visa/Mastercard accepted.

• Grand Straits Garden Seafood Restaurant, No.3, Jalan Persiaran Danga, Danga Bay, tel: +607-2388118, Fax: +607-2375799, Email: enquiries@gsg.com.my. Website: [51]. Non-seafood dishes are also served here. The complete a la carte menu is listed in the restaurant website. 'Super value Menus' (for 8-10 persons) - set menu A 398RM++ and set menu B 498RM++ per table. Wedding meal packages can be booked with the restaurant. Indoors and outdoors seating available. Open daily 11:30am to 12.00am.

• Kong Inn Seafood Restaurant, 155&155A/157&157A, Jalan Sutera (at the junction of this road and Jalan Songkit 5), Taman Sentosa, tel: +07-334 3232 fax: +07-333 1566, [52], email: enquiry@konginn.com. Besides seafood, this 2-storey restaurant also serves noodle dishes, vegetables dishes, bean curd dishes, chicken dishes, pork dishes, etc. Meal packages (10 persons) for Chinese New Year, weddings, birthdays, etc. are available. All prices are subject to a 6% government tax and a 6% service charge. Aircon and open daily 1130am to 3pm and 530pm to 11pm. There are two other outlets at Danga Bay and at at 23, Jalan Kampung Jawa, Masai (tel: +07-387 7330).

Drink

• Bert's Keller, 23 Jalan Pelanduk, Taman Century. ☎ +60 7 335-8788. Few pubs in the city can boast of being around for more than 20 years. Since 1986, Bert’s has been the favourite watering hole for regulars who know how to enjoy a few laughs in good company. 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. Open daily 16:00-01:00.

• Duty Free Zone, Stulang Laut at the end of Jalan Ibrahim Sultan. Kill two birds with one stone by having cheap local food in numerous eateries along Jalan Ibrahim Sultan (all less than 400m from the Duty Free Complex) and an alcoholic drink within the Duty Free Complex at the end of this road. Locals and foreigners are allowed to buy as much alcohol as they want, but must pay duty at the customs office for any alcohol that is brought out of the complex. You can savour alcohol in the various pubs or in the Palm Lounge hotel bar (level 5) at the ZON Regency Hotel by the Sea (formerly Eden Garden Hotel), all of them located in the Duty Free Zone building complex.

• T.G.I. Friday's, Wisma JOTIC, Jalan Ayer Molek. ☎ +60 7 221-3380. [53]. American restaurant chain focusing on casual dining. It is conveniently located in the same building as the tourist office and 400 m east of the Abu Bakar Museum. It serves various alcoholic drinks, and various American, Italian and Mexican dishes in cheerful, air-con surroundings.

Sleep

There is plenty of accommodation in Johore Bahru to suit all budgets. The cost of a double room in a budget hotel right in the city centre (ie around Jalan Meldrum) starts from RM40 net per room per night. In general, the budget hotels outside the city centre are cheaper.
Backpacker hostels with dormitories (dorms) are not as commonly found in Johor Bahru as in Malacca, Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown. There are currently twelve hotels clustered around Jalan Meldrum - this street runs parallel between Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Wong Ah Fook between the police station (it is a white building with blue columns) and City Square. All of them [Hotel Dragon Inn (formerly known as Top Hotel), Gateway, Grand Paradise (formerly known as Causeway Inn), Hanyasatu (formerly known as Fortuna Hotel), Hawaii, Hong Kong, JA Residence (formerly known as Compact Hotel), J.B., Meldrum, T-Hotel], except the Central Hotel (inside the Merlin Tower) and the Citrus Hotel (formerly known as A Vista Melati Hotel), have rooms that cost less than RM100 net per double room per night.

Budget

• <sleep name="Aspen Summer Hotel" alt="" address="No 16-01, Jalan Molek 1/13, Taman Molek" directions="" phone="+607-3518161" email="aspensummerhotel@yahoo.com" fax="+607-3517161" url="http://sites.google.com/site/aspensummerhotel" checkin="" checkout="" price="Single/superior double/deluxe double room 68/98/108 RM per room per night">A nice budget hotel. All rooms with attached bathroom, aircon, TV and safe box.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Aman Sari Hotel City Centre" alt="" address="49 Jl Wong Ah Fook" directions="" phone="+60 7 219 7777" email="" fax="" url="http://www.amansaricitycentre.com/" checkin="2PM" checkout="12noon" price="From RM 160 nett per room per night"> 263-room hotel opened in 2012. All rooms with air-con, coffee/tea maker, television LCD/plasma screen with satellite/cable TV, refrigerator, attached bathrooms, safe deposit box, and Wi-Fi Internet. Facilities: spa, cafe, pub/lounge, meeting rooms, car park.</sleep>

• Cosy Inn, 38-ABC, Jl Jaya, Taman Maju Jaya, tel 07-3353388. Single room/double room with air-con, TV, attached shower but shared toilets - 40/45 RM net per room per night. Double room with air-con, TV and attached bathroom - 55 RM net per room per night. There is no Wi-Fi or wired Internet access. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• Dragon Inn Hotel (formerly known as Top Hotel), 12-12D Jl Meldrum, tel 607-2244950/2244755, fax 607-2244945. Double/triple/quadruple room - 98/108/128 RM net per room per night. 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.

• Eight Days Hotel, 24,26,27 & 28 Block A, Permas Mall, Jalan Permas Utara (less than 10km or about 10-15 min drive from the CIQ, and is just beside Jusco Permas Jaya; free parking), Tel : +607 3889 889 Fax : +607 3873 888, E-mail : booking@8dayshotel.com, website: [54]. Boutique hotel with 48 rooms spread on 3 levels. Free WiFi coverage throughout the hotel. Attached bathroom, 32" LCD TV with satellite channels, free wireless high-speed Internet, laptop-friendly safe box, direct-dial telephone, air conditioning with ionizer, iron & ironing board(on request), hairdryer(on request). Facilities: conference room, bistro-cafe and free car park. Single room 78 RM, double room 103-180 RM, triple room 150 RM, quadruple room 170 RM. There are promotional rates available (net, per room per night): single room 69 RM, double room 89-150 RM, triple room 129 RM, quadruple room 148 RM. Credit cards are accepted.

• Gateway Hotel, No. 61, Jalan Meldrum, tel: 07-2235029, fax: 07-2235248. 28-room hotel right in the center of the city. Double room 90 RM net per room per night. All rooms have air-con, TV and attached bathrooms. There is no Wi-Fi or wired Internet access, and no breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• Ghazrin Budget Hotel, 14 Susur Larkin Perdana 2, Larkin Perdana (1 km northeast of Larkin bus terminal); tel: 07-2382700; E-mail: ghazrin_budget_hotel@yahoo.com. Single room with fan/double room with fan/double room with fan and television/double room with air-con and television/quadruple room with air-con and television 25/35/40/50/90 RM net per room per night. Free Wi-Fi Internet access for guests. All bathrooms are shared. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• <sleep name="Grand Dragon Hotel" alt="" address="27,29,31,33 & 35 Jalan Permas 10/5 Bandar Bahru Permas Jaya" directions="7 km from the Causeway" phone="+607-3882323" " fax="+607-3882323" "portal" checkin="" checkout="" price="Double room 58-70 RM net per room per night, triple room 89 RM net per room per night, quadruple room 98 RM net per room per night">All 48 rooms with attached shower, air-con and color TV. Internet access, hair dryer and complimentary newspaper.</sleep>

• Grand Paradise Hotel, 6A Jalan Meldrum (opposite the police station). Tel: 607-2248811, Fax: 607-2248820, Email: johor@paradisehotel.com.my. Website: [55]. 50-room budget hotel with a shabby exterior. Promotional rates (applicable for walk-in and with prior reservations) for double/triple/quadruple rooms - 65/85/100 and 120 RM net per room per night; there is a surcharge of 10 RM net per room for all rooms on Fridays, Saturdays, eves of public holidays, public holidays and during school holidays. Published rates for double/triple/quadruple rooms - 100/120/160 RM net. All rooms with attached bathrooms, television and air-con. Free Wi-Fi Internet access for guests in the rooms only. Facilities: function/conference room. No breakfast is provided. Credit cards (Mastercard and Visa only) are accepted.

• Hanya Satu Hotel, 29 Jalan Meldrum, tel 607-228 8111, fax 07-221 1118, e-mail hotel@hanyasatu.com.my, website: [56]. 6-storey with 61-rooms. Single/double/triple/quadruple room - 70/80 and 90/120/140 RM net per room per night; there is a surcharge of 10 RM net per room for all rooms on Saturdays, eves of public holidays and public holidays. All rooms with attached bathroom, flat-screen television and air-con. Travel agency, an Internet cafe (open 24 hrs, 3 RM per hr) and money changer's booth. There is no Wi-Fi Internet access. Laundry service is provided. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• Hotel 187, 187 Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Century. Tel 07-333 8008. 2-storey hotel less than 500m east of Holiday Plaza. Single/double room 45/60 RM net per room per night. All rooms with attached bathroom, TV and aircon. There is no wired Internet access but guests are entitled to free Wi-Fi Internet access. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• Hotel 193, 193 Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Century. Tel/fax 07-331 2333. 2-storey hotel less than 500m east of Holiday Plaza. Double room with double bed/double room with two single beds/triple room 50/60/75 RM net per room per night. All rooms with attached bathroom, TV and aircon. There is no wired Internet access but guests are entitled to free Wi-Fi Internet access. No breakfast is provided. Mastercard and Visa are both accepted. There is another branch at 33 Jalan Molek 2/3, Taman Molek 81100 (tel 07-3533969, fax 07-3556166)

• Hotel CIQ, 54 Jalan Lumba Kuda, tel: 07-222 2211, fax: 07-223 3211, email enquiry@ciqhotel.com.my, website: [57]. 25-room, 4-storey budget hotel that opened in July 2010. Single/superior double/deluxe double or triple room 68/88/108 RM net per room per night. Long-term rates per 30 nights and 3-hour rates are available. All rooms with air-con, 32-inch color LCD TV and attached bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi Internet access for guests. No breakfast is provided. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted.

• Hotel Fizzio, 59 and 61 Jalan Sutera (across the road from Plaza Sentosa), Taman Sentosa, tel 07-332 8111. Double/triple room with attached bathroom, television and air-con - 99RM/125RM net per room per night. There is no wired or Wi-Fi Internet access. No breakfast is provided. Mastercard and Visa are both accepted.

• Hotel Hawaii, 21 Jalan Meldrum, tel 07-2240633, fax 07-2230828. 36-room hotel. It is one of only two hotels in the Jalan Meldrum area (the other being the Hotel Hong Kong) that has rooms costing less than 50 RM net per room per night. Double room with attached bathroom and fan, but no TV - 40 RM net per room per night. Double room with attached bathroom, air-con and TV - 50 RM net per room per night. There is no Wi-Fi or wired Internet access. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• Hotel Hong Kong, 31-A Jalan Meldrum (opposite Merlin Tower), tel 2246407. It is one of only two hotels in the Jalan Meldrum area (the other being the Hotel Hawaii) that has rooms costing less than 50 RM net per room per night. Single room 42 RM net per room per night, double room 47 RM net per room per night. All 22 rooms with air-con, attached bath/shower and toilet (no hot water), but no TV. You have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the reception. There is no Wi-Fi or wired Internet access. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• Hotel Indah, 4 Wisma M.T.P. Abdul Kadir, Jalan Sungai Chat (just opposite and east of the Thistle Hotel) tel: 07-2226768 fax: 07-2230100. Double room with attached bathroom, television and air-con - 70 RM net per room per night. There is no wired Internet access, but guests are entitled to free Wi-Fi Internet access. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• Hotel Insuna, 72A-B Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi, tel 07-3325299. Double room with air-con and shared bathroom only/double room with air-con, TV and attached bathroom/triple room with air-con, TV and attached bathroom - 45/65/75 RM net per room per night. There is no Wi-Fi or wired Internet access. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• Hotel Kelana, Jalan Skudai, Tel: +60-7556-2050 Fax:07-5581488 Address: 22, Jln Besi 1, Skudai. One of the popular budget hotels near the Malaysian University of Technology (UTM). Rooms start from RM 45, with hot water shower, AC and in-room TV. Some 15km from the Johor Bahru city center but buses to/from the city are aplenty.

• Hotel Le Tian, 2A-D Jalan Siu Nam, tel: 07-2248151/2248152. 27-room hotel. Double/triple/quadruple room - 66/88/110 RM net per room per night. All rooms have attached bathrooms, air-con and TV. Free Wi-Fi Internet access is available for guests, but only during the day and at the second level. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• Hotel Rasa Sayang, 10 Jalan Dato' Dalam; tel 07-2248600; fax 07-224 8612. 4-storey, 110-room hotel housed in a pink building. Right across the street from the modern, multistorey Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (Employees Provident Fund) building. All rooms with air-con, color TV and attached bathrooms. Facilities include laundry, safe deposit box, parking, spa and fitness center. Standard double/superior double/deluxe double/family triple room published net rates 98.60/116.00/133.40/156.60 RM. Buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant is included in the rates. Credit cards (Mastercard and Visa only) are accepted.

• Hotel Sentosa, 17A-19A-21A Jalan Sutera (across the road from the gigantic Plaza Sentosa), Taman Sentosa. Tel: 07-333 6161. Double/triple/quadruple room - 70/80/90 RM net per room per night. All 19 rooms with air-con, attached bathrooms and TV.

• Hotel Tai Kah Hoe, 199 and 201 Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Century, tel 07-335 1777, fax 07-335 1666. 2-storey hotel less than 500m east of Holiday Plaza. Double room with double bed/double room with two single beds/triple room/quadruple room 50/60/70/80 RM net per room per night. All rooms with attached bathroom, TV and aircon. There is no wired Internet access but guests are entitled to free Wi-Fi Internet access. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• <sleep name="Hotel Time" address="15 Jalan Permas 10/8, Bandar Permas Jaya" phone="6-07-3885580" url="http://www.hoteltimejohorbahru.com/" price="Rates on official hotel website - superior double/deluxe double/triple/quadruple room RM 73/78/92/102 net per night per room"> It offers 38 air-conditioned rooms, all of which have cable TV, Internet connection, a coffee/tea maker,telephone and attached bathroom. Some of its amenities include laundry service, wake-up call, and Internet access.</sleep>

• Indah Inn, 47 Jalan Titiwangsa 2, Taman Tampoi Indah, +60-7-241-1133. Located nearby KIP Mart. Room rates - RM70 w/o window, RM80 with window, no surcharge applied on weekends/public holidays. Rooms with hot water shower, Air Con, TV and free wifi (a little slow). Quite cosy and clean place, definitely worth it's price.

• Johor Bahru Guest House, No. 14, Jalan Songkit 1, Taman Sentosa; Tel: +6012-713 8930 / +6012-722 8930; Fax: +607-331 9801; E-mail: jbguesthouse@yahoo.com; website: [58], 2-storey guesthouse with 5 private rooms for rent, located 3.5 km north of the CIQ. Room rates (valid only for direct online booking thru the guesthouse's website) for single occupancy/double occupancy - 40/50 RM (Mon to Thu), 50/60 RM (Fri to Sun) net per room per night. All rooms with queen-sized bed, book shelf, wardrobe, desk and chair, chair and coffee table, private bathroom with hot shower, ceiling fan, air conditioner, color TV, free WI-Fi Internet access and refrigerator. Fresh linen and towels are provided. Facilities (free of charge): fully equipped common kitchen, washing machine with free detergent, iron and hair dryer, use of desktop computer with Internet and printer. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• Jomi Homestay, 2H Jalan Inche Besar Zubaidah (at the junction of this street/Lorong 4 Jalan Yahya Awal/Jalan Mariamah, 1km southwest of Danga City Mall). Email: jomihomestay@gmail.com. Tel: 07-226 7188. Dorm 15 RM net per person per night. Single Room/Double Room 25/40 RM net per room per night. Breakfast not included in the room rates. Free Wi-Fi Internet access. All rooms with fans and shared bathrooms (hot and cold showers). It has a kitchen. Laundry Facilities (RM 5.00). Cash payment only.

• Kozi Hotel, 03, Block 6, Danga Bay,Jalan Skudai (200m southeast of the red & white colored Tune Hotel). Tel:+607-238 9001 Fax:+607-238 9006 Email:kozi@streamyx.com. Website: [59]. Single/double/triple room - 88/98-128/138 RM net per room per night. All the 40 rooms with attached bathroom, LCD TV and air-con. Wi-Fi Internet access available. Credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) are accepted.

• Lea Court Hotel, 90A, 92A Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi, tel 07-3330025. Double room - 56/45 RM net per room per night, with/without hot water. All rooms with air-con, TV and attached bathroom. There is no Wi-Fi or wired Internet access. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• Lion Hotel , No. 49-M, Jalan Lumba Kuda (300m northeast of the CIQ), tel 07-2232211, fax 07-2236651. Housed in a 3-storey building. Standard double room with 1 king-sized bed/standard double room with 2 twin beds/superior double room with 1 king-sized bed/deluxe triple room with 1 king-sized bed and 1 single bed 57.50/63.25/74.75/86.25 RM net per room per night. All rooms have air-con, attached bathroom, television and telephone. No breakfast is provided. There are two restaurants, one spa, one laundry shop and one bar in the same building. There is no Wi-Fi or wired Internet access. No breakfast is provided. Credit cards (American Express, Mastercard and Visa) are accepted.

• Lucky Hotel, 19A-B Jalan Sri Pelangi (100m northwest of the Jalan Sri Pelangi and Jalan Kuning junction, 400m south of the Pelangi Leisure Mall), Tel 07-3326686. Double/triple room - 30/35 RM net per room per night. This 14-room hotel is housed in a 3-storey building. All rooms with air-con and attached shower and toilet. Only triple rooms have TV. The reception is on the second level, and the rooms are all on the second and third levels.

• Meldrum Hotel, 1 Jalan Siu Nam (at the junction of Jalan Siu Nam & Jalan Meldrum), tel: 607-227-8988, fax: 607-227-8990. email: meldrumhotel@gmail.com, website: [60]. 107-room, 3-orchid hotel. Single room 70 RM net per room per night, double room 80/90/100 RM net per room per night, triple room 145 RM net per room per night, quadruple room 165RM net (comes with 1 attached bathroom) and 180 RM net(comes with 2 attached bathrooms) per room per night. All come with air-con, attached shower/toilet (except the cheapest double room - only attached shower), telephone and color 20" TV with remote control. This is currently the only hotel in the Jalan Meldrum area with a dormitory (8 persons, double-decked beds, bathroom outside the dormitory; 40RM net per person per night). Complimentary mineral water. Free Wi-Fi Internet access, only for the superior double rooms that cost 100 RM net per night. Facilities, in the same building as the hotel: luggage storage, money changer, news stand, hair saloon, hand phone shop, laundry service. No breakfast is provided. All guests must pay a refundable deposit of 30 RM per room (for private rooms) or 30 RM per person (for the dormitory) upon check in. All room rates include 6% government tax and 6% service charge. Credit cards (Mastercard and Visa only) are accepted, only for 100 RM and above.

• Meyah Hotel, 22 Jalan Jaya, Taman Maju Jaya (only 100m north of Plaza Pelangi); tel: 07-3328789. 23-room hotel. Single/Double/Quadruple room - 40/50/80 RM net per room per night. All rooms with air-con, telephone, television and attached shower room or bathroom. There is no Wi-Fi or wired Internet access. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• Neverland Hotel, 2, Jalan Abiad, Taman Pelangi, Tel +607-333 8223, 331 6223; Fax +607-331 9223; E-mail: enquiry@neverland-hotel.com.my; [61]. 3-storey, 40-room hotel that opened in Dec 2010, just 300m northeast of Plaza Pelangi. There are 7 typres of rooms, but no single rooms. Double/Triple/Quadruple room 88, 108, 138, 148, 188/138/168 RM net per room per night respectively. 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 Internet access and there are three PCs in the lobby with free, wired Internet access; iron and ironing board (upon request), laundry, and 24-hr CCTV. Credit cards are accepted.

• OKID Hotel Johor Bahru, 41, Jalan Permas 10/7, Permas Jaya. Website: [62]. 3-orchid budget hotel. Housed in a 4-storey building, 48 rooms, 4 types of rooms. All rooms have attached bathrooms, air-con and color TV. It is only 7 km from the Causeway. Online reservation available. Promotional room rates: double room - 60/70/80 RM net per room per night, triple room - 90 RM net per room per night. Free Internet access only for the triple room and the most expensive double room. No breakfast is provided. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) accepted.

• Pavilion Hotel, 3A-B Jalan Perang (at the junction of Jalan Perang and Jalan Sri Pelangi, about 300-400 metres southwest of Pelangi Leisure Mall). Tel 07-3325990. Double room - 49 RM net per room per night. All rooms with air-con, telephone, television and attached bathroom.

• Pelangi Hotel, 34A-C, Jalan Jaya, Taman Maju Jaya, tel/fax 07-3339057; e-mail hotelplg@streamyx.com. 2-orchid budget hotel about 100m from Plaza Pelangi. Single room with fan, shared bathroom and TV/single room with air-con, shared bathroom and TV/single room with air-con, attached bathroom and TV - 30/35/45 RM net per person per night. Double/triple room with air-con, attached bathroom and TV - 60/80 RM net per room per night. Free and unlimited Wi-Fi access. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• Sing Court Hotel, 36A-C, Jalan Jaya, Taman Maju Jaya, tel 07-3351488. Single room with shared bathroom/single room with attached bathroom - 30/40 RM net per person per night. Double/triple room with attached bathroom - 50/60 RM net per room per night. All rooms with air-con, telephone and TV. There is no Wi-Fi or wired Internet access. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• Spa Hotel, 4th floor, Blk G, Plaza Sentosa, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, Tel: 07-278 4871 Fax: 07-278 8972. Double/triple/quadruple room - 55 (no TV) or 75 (with TV)/105 (with TV)/120 (with TV) RM net per room per night. All rooms with air-con and attached bathroom. Hotel facilities: spa, sauna, steam bath, gymnasium.

• Star Inn, 184 Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Century, tel 07-332 2111, fax 07-331 4558, e-mail starinn1@streamyx.com. 2-storey hotel across the road from Holiday Plaza. Double room 70 or 80 RM net per room per night. Triple room/quadruple room 90/100 RM net per room per night. All rooms with attached bathroom, TV and aircon. There is no wired Internet access but guests are entitled to free Wi-Fi Internet access. No breakfast is provided.

• Sunshine Backpackers Hostel@Johor Bahru, 185 Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad. Tel:+60 17-7923886, E-mail: sunshine.backpackers.hostel@gmail.com. Hostel (opened in 2011) with a garden located opposite KSL City shopping center and 400m west of the Jalan Dato Sulaiman/Tebrau Highway junction. Male dorm/female dorm/mixed dorm 30 RM net per person per night. Single room/double room 50/70 RM net per room per night. Rates are higher (5 RM net higher for dorms) on Fridays and Saturdays. Free Wi-Fi Internet access. It has a kitchen. Breakfast is provided. BBQ dinner every Friday night at the hostel garden.

• T-Hotel, No 94, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Tel: +607-221 1972, Fax: +607-221 1462, Email: info@t-hotel.com.my, website: [63]. Opened in the second half of 2011, this 2-star, 5-storey hotel has 104 rooms. Room rates (the rates are similar for walk-in or with online reservations) for single room/double room 85 or 115/98, 123 or 148 RM net per room per night respectively. All rooms with attached bathroom, 32-inch plasma flat screen LCD TV with selected Astro satellite channels, air-con, free Wi-Fi Internet access, IDD telephone, coffee and tea making facilities, commplimentary 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. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard only) are accepted.

• The Heritage Hotel, 69 Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Stulang Laut, tel 07-226 9341, fax 07-226 9342. Double room/triple room/quadruple room - 100, 110 and 130/135/150 RM net per room per night respectively. All rooms with attached bathroom, TV and aircon. There is a ground floor cafe in the lobby (free Wi-Fi Internet access) in front of the reception. A simple breakfast (included in the room rates) is provided in the cafe. Credit cards (JCB, Mastercard and Visa) are accepted.

• Tian Jin Hotel, 14A Jalan Sulam, Taman Sentosa, tel 07-334 5881. 2-storey hotel on the edge of the Tebrau Highway 3.2 km north of City Square. Double room 50 RM net per room per night. Triple room 70 RM net per room per night. All rooms with attached bathroom, TV and aircon. There is no wired Internet access but guests are entitled to free Wi-Fi Internet access. No breakfast is provided. Cash payment only.

• <sleep name="Timor Hotel" alt="" address="92 Jalan Permas 10, Bandar Permas Jaya" directions="" phone="6-7-3862223" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rates - standard double/superior double/triple room RM 45/50/60 net per room per night" lat="" long=""> It offers 48 air-conditioned rooms, all of which have air-con, cable TV, telephone and attached bathroom.</sleep>

• Tune Hotel, Lot PTB 22819, Jalan Skudai, Danga Bay. Website: [64] 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 when booked online with credit card ranges from 45RM to 65RM per room per night, plus 10% service charge and 6% government tax, and are generally cheaper the further in advance you book the room. The basic room rate will get you: ensuite bathrooms with heated showers, hair dryer and toilet roll; a ceiling fan; a power socket in the room; and an electronic key card. The following are optional, chargeable add-ons to the basic room: air-conditioning, in-room Wi-Fi Internet access, 32-inch LCD TV with 11 channels, towel/conditioning shampoo/shower gel/soap. Rooms can also be booked through a call center (fee: 10 RM plus 6% government tax) and are also available walk-in. There are 24 hr CCTV security, a car park and reception staff on duty 24 hours. Luggage storage 2 RM per piece per day. No breakfast is provided. Credit cards are accepted.

• WF Hotel, No. 2 Jalan Gelam (the hotel faces Jalan Kebun Teh), 300m west of the Tebrau Highway, Telephone: +607.331.0008; Fax: +607.331.2699; E-mail: contact@wfhotelsgroups.com; website: [65]. 3-storey budget hotel that opened on 1 Jan 2011. Promotional, net rates - valid for walk-in and with prior reservation (normal rates in brackets) per room per night - single 68(98++), double 78/88(118++)/108, triple 148, suite for 7 persons 268(298++). All rooms with air-conditioning, attached bathroom, telephone, LCD TV with cable channels and free Wi-Fi Internet access. Breakfast - 6RM net per person. There is a restaurant beside the lobby. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted.

• Zen Zeng Hotel, No. 2, 4, 6 & 8, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Susur 1/1, (300m southeast of Danga City Mall) Tel : 607-221 2333 Fax : 607-226 5233. E-mail: zenzengbudgethotel@yahoo.com, website: [66]. 5-storey, 64-room budget hotel. Single/standard double/superior double/deluxe double/triple/quadruple room rates - 48/66/79/92/104 RM per room per night. Rates are subject to 6% service charge and 6% government tax. A basic breakfast (0730-1100) in the cafe next door is included in the rates. All rooms with air-con, color TV and attached bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi Internet access (only in the lobby) and laundry service available. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted.

Mid Range

• Bliss Boutique Hotel, 50 Jalan Jaya, Taman Maju Jaya 80400, 250m north of Plaza Pelangi; Tel: Tel: 607-3327188/607-3337188; E-mail: enquiry@blissboutiquehotel.com; website: [67]. 4-storey, boutique hotel that opened in early 2011. 16 Boutique Rooms, 30 Designer Rooms and 1 Luxury Suite. Promotional rates (walk-in or with reservation, same rate) in RM, per room per night - single room 98RM++, double room 128/148/168RM++, triple room 198RM++, suite for 2 persons 328RM++. All rooms with air-con, attached bathroom, 32" LCD cable TV, minibar, safety box, writing table and complimentary coffee/tea-making facilities. Buffet breakfast and unlimited, free Wi-Fi Internet access (in the lobby and all the rooms) are included in the rates. There are two computers (with free Internet access) in the lobby for the guests to use. Hotel facilities: restaurant, wine and cigar bar, business center, meeting area, indoor mini-garden with skylight. All major credit cards are accepted.

• Citrus Hotel , 16 Jalan Station 80000 Johor Bahru; Tel: +60 7 222 2888; Fax: +60 7 221 2411; e-mail: enquiry@citrushoteljb.com; website: [68]. Mid-range, 10-storey hotel that reopened in July 2011 after undergoing extensive renovations on the inside and outside. Located in the heart of Johore Bahru right opposite City Square Shopping Centre. The hotel has a total of 125 hip rooms with 6 different types of rooms and two different types of suites. All rooms have air-con, 32” LCD flat screen TV with cable and satellite TV channels, IDD telephone, free wireless Internet connection and ensuite, fully-equiped bathrooms, personal electronic safe and wardrobe. Double room 128-162 RM per room per night. Triple room ('Family Room') 188 RM per room per night. Family suite for 3 persons 206 RM per suite per night. Deluxe room and suite guests can enjoy Club Floor privileges. The above room rates quoted are applicable only for online reservations and are subject to a 10% service charge and 6% government tax. Extra bed 50 RM net. Buffet breakfast (6.30 to 10.30 am) is included in the rates. Facilities: Citrus Club Lounge (for suite and deluxe room guests only), karaoke lounge (level 2), function room for 70 persons, business center (2 Internet Stations), laundry services and a restaurant ('Citrus Cafe' on level 2 - serves buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch and dinner). Credit cards (Mastercard and Visa only) are accepted.

• JB Central Hotel, located on the top half of the Merlin Tower (which is actually an office-shopping center-hotel complex), Jalan Meldrum. Tel: 6 07 222 2833, Fax: 6 07 223 3139, website: [69]. The ground-floor lobby's entrance is facing Jalan Meldrum. Standard/deluxe double and triple room rates (the rates are the same for walk-in and with prior reservations) - 125/135 and 155/175 RM plus 6% government tax and 10% service charge per room per night respectively. All rooms have air-con, attached bathroom (hair dryer on request), television, telephone, sofa with coffee table, and a writing desk and chair. Two free bottles of mineral water are supplied daily to each room. Buffet breakfast is included in the rates. Free and unlimited Wi-Fi Internet access for guests, but only in the lobby. There is no wired Internet access in the rooms. Facilities: restaurant, ballroom, conference rooms, spa, massage services, sauna/steam room, laundry services. Credit cards (Mastercard and Visa only) are accepted.

• JA Residence Hotel, 18, Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Tel: 221 3000, Fax: 221 4000. Modern 3-star, 19-storey hotel offering 108 rooms and 3 suites. Facilities: business center, restaurant, three meeting/conference rooms. Standard double/deluxe double/triple room/suite for 2 persons - 99/130/170/250 RM net per room/suite per night. All rooms have attached bathroom with shower and built-in hair dryer, air-con, cable television, refrigerator, desk, IDD telephone and mini-bar. Buffet breakfast (6.30am to 10am) is included in the room rates, except for guests staying in the standard double rooms. For standard double room guests, the optional buffet breakfast costs 11.50 RM net per person. It is available to non-guests for the same price. No Wi-Fi Internet access is available in the hotel and the rooms are not wired for Internet access. American Express, Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted.

• Tropical Inn, 15 Jalan Gereja, Tel: 607 224 7888, Fax.: 607 224 1544, email: reservation@tropicalinn.com.my, website: [70] 3-star hotel with 172 rooms located within the high-rise Johor Tower. It is 300m north of the Kotaraya II bus terminal and next to the twin-tower Landmark IT Mall. Discounted online reservation and published rates for double/triple/quadruple room - 130/140/190 RM and 220/240/330 RM respectively per room per night. The rates are subject to a 10% service charge and 6% government tax. Buffet breakfast (7am to 1030am) is included the rates, but only for 2 persons per room. Extra bed 45 RM net. All rooms have air-con, attached bathroom, IDD telephone, color TV, mini refrigerator, writing desk and chair, daily newspaper. Facilities: bar, restaurant, 6 conference rooms, ballroom for 550 persons, spa, sauna, beauty parlor, shops. Wi-Fi Internet access in the rooms is chargeable at 25RM net per 24 hr. Free Wi-Fi Internet is also available in the lobby and restaurant and conference rooms.

• Straits View Hotel, 1-D Jalan Skudai 80200, 3.5km west of the Causeway tel 7224 1400, fax 7224 2698 , e-mail reservations@straitsviewhotel.com, website: [71]. Superior room at 138RM net, deluxe room at 158RM net per room per night. Non-buffet continental breakfast included. All rooms have cable TV, air conditioning, direct dial telephone, refrigerator, attached bathrooms and free Wi-Fi Internet access. 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.

• Hotel Seri Malaysia, Jalan Langkasuka 80350, Larkin, tel : 07-221 1002/3/5, fax: 07-221 1006, email: gm_hmsjb@yahoo.com, website: [72]. It is only 500 meters east of the Larkin bus terminal. Double/triple rooms at 120/140RM (Sun to Thu) and 140/160RM (Fri and Sat) per room per night, net, inclusive of buffet breakfast. Double rooms have two single beds or one queen-sized bed. All rooms with air-con, attached bathroom and cable TV. Free Wi-Fi Internet access, but available only in the lobby. It has a restaurant that serves a la carte meals, and sometimes buffet lunch (12pm to 1.30pm) when there is sufficient demand for 20RM net. Other facilities: multi-function rooms, meeting roooms, courtyard, terrace garden, laundry service, convenience store, prayer room and free parking.

• Naza Talyya Hotel, 17 Jalan Tenteram (behind the Grand BlueWave Hotel) Tel: 07-2227788, Fax: 07-2237788. 3-star hotel with 138 rooms (4 types of rooms). Facilities: 1 ballroom, 3 conference rooms, swimming pool, restaurant. Double superior room rate, if reserved online - 130RM net per room per night, buffet breakfast for 2 pax included. Double superior/double deluxe room walk-in discounted rate - 148/180 RM net per room per night, buffet breakfast for 2 pax included. Published rates for double superior room - 200/240 RM net per room per night for single/double occupancy. All rooms have attached bathroom with hair dryer, air-con, LCD cable television, refrigerator, desk, in room safe, coffee/tea maker and complimentary bottled water. Wi-Fi Internet access in rooms - 20 RM per 24 hrs.

• Hotel Selesa Johor Bahru, junction of Jalan Datok Abdullah Tahir and Tebrau Highway , formerly known as the Grand Continental Hotel. Website: [73]. 4-star hotel with 270 rooms and 15 suites. Amenities include convenience store, business center, function rooms, ballroom, gymnasium, sauna, outdoor swimming pool (on top), two restaurants, and cocktail/karaoke lounge. Promotional rates for superior/deluxe/executive deluxe room - 135/150/190 RM++ (single or double occupancy) per room per night respectively (buffet breakfast included), if reserved through the hotel's website. All rooms with attached bathroom, air-con, IDD telephone, color cable/satellite television, refrigerator, minibar, coffee/tea-making facilities, complimentary daily local newspaper, iron and board (upon request), hair dryer (upon request). Wi-Fi Internet: 10.50RM net for 1 hr or 21RM net for 24 hrs. High tea buffet (only on Saturday, 2-5pm) RM 30++/15++ adult/child.

• 11@ Century Hotel, formerly known as the Surf Pacific Hotel, 94 Jalan Pelanduk (250 metres south of Holiday Plaza, and just across the street from KSL City), tel: +607 333 3300 fax 607 335 5878. Website: [74]. 11-storey modern boutique hotel with 221 rooms and 12 suites. Published rate for standard double room/triple room 140/170 RM and 200/270 RM net per room per night respectively. All rooms have air-con, attached bathrooms, 32-inch LCD flat-screen satellite television, free unlimited Wi-Fi Internet access, in-room safety box, complimentary coffee/tea making facilities and complimentary newspaper. Buffet breakfast is included in the rates. It has eight function rooms and a restaurant(open 630am to midnight)serving local and international cuisine.

• Hotel Selesa Pasir Gudang, Jalan Bandar 81700 Pasir Gudang, Johor Darul Takzim, Tel +607 251 8899 Fax +607 251 1901 E-mail: resv@selesapg.com.my/hotsel@tm.net.m website: [75]. A three-star hotel in Pasir Gudang. Facilities: swimming pool, six function rooms, two restaurants. 185 rooms. Double room online reservation rate/rack rate 160/250 RM++ per room per night. All rooms have air-con, attached bathroom, coffee/tea maker, mini-bar, colour TV with ASTRO channels and in-house movies and IDD telephone. Buffet breakfast is included in the rates.

• The Embassy Hotel and Service Apartment, 14 Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Tel 607-338 9999, Fax 607-335 3081, E-mail enquiry@hotelembassy.com.my. A range of hotel rooms, hotel suites and service apartments are available. Standard/deluxe double room RM 138/163 net per room per night, buffet breakfast is included. All hotel rooms are air-conditioned, have attached bathrooms, a flat-screen TV, a minibar and coffee/tea making facilities. Facilities: indoor swimming pool, gym, meeting room, business center, restaurant, bar, spa and wellness center, convenience store/money changer, clubhouse, games room, laundry service, Wi-Fi Internet access (20 RM per 24 hrs).

• New York Hotel, 22 Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Telephone: (607) 331 1588 Fax: (607) 331 8588 Email: newyorkh@tm.net.my website: [76]. One of the relatively newer hotels in Johor Bahru, located a short distance from the city center. A high-rise, tranquil, business-class, 3-star hotel with 413 rooms. Facilities: indoor car park, indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, two ballrooms, two meeting rooms, Palm Garden Cafe, karaoke lounge, bistro and pub, hair salon, spa center, reflexology center, convenience store. Rates superior room - RM190 (double occupancy) net per room per night, deluxe standard room - RM210/270 (double occupancy/triple occupancy) net per room per night, deluxe premier room - RM230/290 (double occupancy/triple occupancy) net per room per night. All rooms have attached bathrooms with hair dryer, colour television (Astro satellite programs in deluxe and suite rooms),IDD telephone, air-conditioning, stocked mini-bar and refrigerator, daily newspaper and coffee/tea-making facilities. Wi-Fi Internet access - complimentary only for deluxe premier rooms, otherwise chargeable at RM10 net for 2 hrs or RM20 net for 24 hrs. Complimentary parking and complimentary minibar for all deluxe rooms only.

• Suria City Hotel Johor Bahru , 10 Jalan Bukit Meldrum (beside the Grand BlueWave Hotel), tel: 6072231791 fax: 6072231792, website: [77]. This hotel, 500m northeast of the Causeway, actually has two wings - South Wing and North Wing. The South Wing is a three-star, 162-room hotel. Double room rate, if reserved through the hotel's website - 168 RM net per room per night, buffet breakfast included. All rooms have air-con, attached bathroom, IDD telephone, flat TV with astro cable/satellite channels, wired Internet access, mini-refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, ironing board and hair dryer. South Wing facilities: outdoor swimming pool, eight function rooms, business center, restaurant, laundry service. The smaller and less expensive North Wing is located right across the road - Jalan Tenteram. It reopened at the end of 2010 after renovation works. North Wing double/triple/quadruple room, walk-in or with prior reservations - 88/108/138 RM net per room per night. All rooms with attached bathroom, air-con and TV. There is no breakfast provided and no Internet access. The only facility here is a swimming pool.

• Silka Johor Bahru Hotel, Address: Lot 101375, Jalan Masai Lama, Plentong. Telephone: +607-360 1000, Fax: +607-360 5000, Email: info.johor@silkahotel.com. [78]. 252-room hotel 4km southeast of AEON Tebrau City and 300m from the edge of the Pasir Gudang Highway. Normal online reservation rates for standard double/deluxe double 145/150 RM per room per night, 20% lower if you book at least 7 days in advance. There also weekend special rates. All rates are subject to 10% service charge and 6% government tax. The room rates include buffet breakfast. All rooms have ensuite bathroom with hair dryer, 32" LCD TV with satellite television channels, electronic safe box, free Wi-Fi Internet access, air conditioning, mini-bar and coffee/tea-making facilities. Facilities: two restaurants, bar, four function rooms, laundry services, concierge and tour arrangements, money changer, airport shuttle bus, limousine service, Internet access, facsimile service.

Splurge

• Grand BlueWave Hotel 9R, Jalan Bukit Meldrum, Tel. no. 607 221 6666, Fax no.: 607 222 9473, Email: info@grandbluewavejb.com.my, website: [79] A grand and stately 20-storey (184 rooms and suites) 5-star hotel in the city center. Free, twice-daily bus service to and from Senai International Airport only for guests. Normal rates start at RM190++ per room per night incl. buffet breakfast. Free and unlimited wired high-speed broadband Internet access in all rooms. Free Wi-Fi Internet access in the lobby area. The hotel has the usual 5-star hotel amenities, including swimming pool, ballroom, business center, spa, a bar and two restaurants .

• M Suites Hotel, 16 Jalan Skudai 80200 Johor Bahru (1.5km south of Danga Bay), Tel : +607 22 11 000 Fax : +607 22 60 380, E-mail : m-suites@tm.net.my, website: [80]. This is an all-suites, 5-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 wireless Internet connection is available in the public areas on the ground floor. The cheapest suites (for 1 or 2 persons) start from RM 310++/255 net (published/Internet rate) per suite per night, inclusive of buffet breakfast. However, there are occasional discounts on the hotel's website offering suites that cost only RM 200 net per suite per night for the cheapest suites.

• Grand Paragon Hotel[81], 18 Jalan Harimau. This is a 4-star hotel with 325 rooms and suites. It is located only 500m from the Tebrau Highway and is in walking distance with the Plaza Pelangi Shopping Centre. It is approximately 5 minutes’ drive to the heart of the city or the new checkpoint of Johor Bahru (CIQ) and it is estimated 45 minutes’ drive to Changi and Senai airports. Tel: +607-268 5222, Fax : +607-268 5333, email : info@grandparagonhotel.com.my, reservation Hotline : 607-268 5331 / 607-268 5332. This hotel has two restaurants: Cafe Para Para (international and local cuisine) and Kishin-Tei (Japanese cuisine). Standard double/deluxe double rooms cost 280/320 RM++ (normal rates) per room per night inclusive of buffet breakfast. Free and unlimited Wi-Fi Internet access in all areas, and free and unlimited wired Internet access in the hotel's business center.

• Crystal Crown Hotel, 117 Jalan Tebrau, Tel 07-333 4422, Fax 07-334 5505, email: cchjb@crystalcrown.com.my, website: [82]. This hotel opened in 1993 has pretty decent, large rooms. Facilities: business center, massage and spa center, 24-hour coffee house, cocktail lounge, Kirishima Shuzou Japanese restaurant (daily 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm), meeting rooms and indoor car park. Double rooms (4 types) cost 200/230/245/295 RM net per room per night Triple rooms cost 70 RM net more and single rooms cost 10 RM net less per room per night. All rooms have ensuite bathroom with hairdryer, air-con, color TV, telephone, desk and chairs, coffee/tea-making facilities. Buffet breakfast is included in the rates. The quoted rates are similar for both walk-in and with prior reservation. Internet access 10 RM net for 1 hr or 30 RM net for 24 hr.

• Mutiara Hotel, Jalan Datok Sulaiman, Taman Centuri KB No. 779 80990 Johor Bahru Tel: +60.7.330.0300 Fax: +60.7.331.8884 E-mail: saljb@mutiarahotels.com [83] 5-star hotel with 336 rooms and suites. Located next to Holiday Plaza. Though the hotel is probably the first luxury hotel in this city, it has stood the test of time and is reasonably well maintained. The cheapest (superior) rooms start from 228/450 RM++ per room per night. Extra bed 70RM++ per night per room. Buffet breakfast is included in these rates. Wired or Wi-Fi Internet access - 10 RM net per hr or 25 RM net per 24hrs. Facilities: business center, hair salon, bistro, lounge, bar and three restaurants: Capri the Continental Restaurant, Seri Mutiara Restaurant (local and international cuisine, a la carte and buffet meals) and Meisan Szechuan Restaurant (see 'Eat, splurge' section). Seri Mutiara Restaurant: weekend high-tea buffet (Sat-Sun 12-4pm) 38RM++, weekday (Mon-Fri 12-230pm) lunch buffet 42RM++, dinner buffet (Fri-Sat) 55RM++

• Puteri Pacific, Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, The Kotaraya PO Box 293 80730 Johor Bahru. Telephone: 607 219 9999 Fax: 607 219 9998 E-mail: info@puteripacific.com [84]. 5-star hotel with 500 rooms and suites. Well-equipped rooms typical of a 5-star hotel. Facilities: ballroom, business center, swimming pool & 4 restaurants. Cheapest rooms start from 230RM++ per room per night. Buffet breakfast is included in the rates. Wired internet access available in the rooms. Those staying in the Princess Deluxe rooms have to pay 57 RM net for 24 hours (in excess of 30 min) or 1.90 RM net per minute (30 min or less). Newsroom Cafe on the first level: a la carte and buffet meals serving local and international cuisine. Weekday lunch (Mon-Fri, 12-2.30pm) 39RM++, weekend buffet high-tea (Sat and Sun, 12-4pm), 35RM++, buffet dinner (Sun-Wed, 6.30-10.30pm) 40RM++

• Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor, Jalan Persiaran Golf, off Jalan Jumbo, Senai; Tel:(607)599 6000, Fax:(607)599 6301, E-mail: reservation@palmresort.com, [85]. Located way some 35km northwest of the city, there are only two reasons to stay here: It is a part of the Palm Resort Golf and Country Club, and it is only three minutes drive away from Senai International Airport. 330 rooms and suites. Deluxe rooms/suites published rates - 420RM/800,1000,1200,1400,1800 RM per room/suite per night. Deluxe rooms/suites discounted rates, if reserved through the hotel's website - 248RM/608,608,808,1008,1208 RM per room/suite per night. The rates are subject to 10% service charge and 6% government tax. Facilities: six food and beverage outlets, 30 function rooms, spa, souvenir shop, 8-lane bowling alley, children's playground, squash courts, outdoor tennis courts, Olympic-sized swimming pool, gymnasium, jacuzzi, sauna.

• Thistle Johor Bahru, Jalan Sungai Chat, tel. +60-7-222-1234, [86]. 380-room,5-star hotel. The hotel was given a long-overdue renovation in 2009/2010 and is now one of JB's best again, although the location is awkward if using public transport, with very limited selection of shops or restaurants nearby. Its 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. Room rates start from RM190++ per room per night (buffet breakfast extra 20RM net per person). Wired Internet access available in all the rooms, at 57RM net per 24 hrs (min. charge of 57RM net, use your own laptop). Hive Nightclub has live bands every night.

• ZON Regency Hotel by the Sea, 88 Jalan Ibrahim Sultan (the east end of this road), Stulang Laut; tel: 607-221 9999; fax: 607-221 5303; website: [87]. It is located within a duty free zone and shares the same building as the ZON Mall and ZON Shopping Centre. The hotel has the usual 5-star hotel amenities: spa, business center, grand ballroom, convention and exhibition center, 6 function rooms, 2 auditoriums, shops, bar, three restaurants. Normal rate for the cheapest room if reserved through the hotel's website 240RM net per room per night (buffet breakfast for 2 pax included). Free and unlimited Wi-Fi Internet access for guests.

Stay safe

Safety precautions Tourists should practise some common sense when walking around. Do not show off your money and valuables in crowded areas. If you do so, expect to get robbed. Try to use small change when purchasing merchandise, etc. Do not follow anyone to any unlit lanes.

Singaporeans like to tell horror stories of crimes in the "wild, wild North" and its former Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew once claimed that Johor Bahru is crime-ridden. As a result of the high crime rate, the number of tourists from Singapore has dropped drastically over the past few years. This could partly be due to the high profile that the Singaporean press gives to crime committed in Johor Bahru against its citizens. Even Johor Bahru citizens took to the streets in September 2007, asking for the city to take action against crime. Although the crime rate in Johor Bahru is still higher than in Singapore and elsewhere in Malaysia, things have become better since the Johor Bahru administration took action to increase the police presence and initiate several anti-crime measures - including the creation of a hotline for tourists to call should they require urgent police assistance. The number is +60 7 221-2999.

• 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 a painful and unpleasant death.
• 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.
• Stay home at night or only go to areas with good security such as malls and private clubs.
• Using restrooms in petrol kiosks after sunset is not advised. There are cases of armed robbers hiding within the restroom waiting for victims.

In the event that you DO get robbed, it is likely that the robber would be armed with a parang, a long Malay sword. You are advised to give up most, if not all, of your valuables to avoid putting your personal safety in jeopardy.

Tap water should be boiled before drinking. 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

Consulates

• Konsulat Jenderal Republik Indonesia. Address - No. 46, Jalan Taat (less than 20m from the junction of this street and Jalan Tun Abdul Razak).

• Consular Office of Japan. Address - Suite 15B, Level 15, Menara Ansar, 65 Jalan Trus. Telephone - +60 7 221-7621

• Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore. Address - Suite 35.02, Level 35 Johor Bahru City Square Office Tower 106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Telephone - +60 7 226-5012. Email - singcon_jhb@sgmfa.gov.sg.

Tourist offices

• The official Johor Tourism Information Centre (JOTIC) at Jalan Ayer Molek (opposite the High Court building and about 1 km southwest of JB Sentral) is a tiny office on the 3rd level in a sprawling yellow building of the same name, a 10 min walk from City Square; M-F 08:00-17:00. There are three other tourist offices located at:

1. Johor Bahru CIQ ('Tourist Information Centre' open daily 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm). To get there coming from Singapore, walk about 50m after clearing Malaysian immigration
2. South end of Jalan Wong Ah Fook ( M-F 08:00-19:00; Sa-Su and public holidays M-F 08:00-22:30)
3. JB Sentral ('Tourist Information Centre', next to the passenger waiting area on level 2 daily 09:00-18:00). You can get free brochures and maps on various destinations in West Malaysia, including free maps of JB.

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.

Contact

Internet cafés

Internet cafés in Johor Bahru are thin on the ground.

• East Point (IT products and accessories shop), 04-06A (4th level), City Square, 106-108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Open daily 1030am to 930pm. There are 16 PC terminals. 3.50 RM per hour.
• Internet café on the first level of the Hanyasatu Hotel, 29 Jalan Meldrum. Located just beside the hotel lobby, it is open 24 hrs. 33 PC terminals, 3 RM per hour.
• Meeting Point Internet Café, No. 59 Jalan Meldrum (beside Gateway Hotel). Open daily 10am to 9pm. There are 10 PC terminals. 3 RM per hour. There is a minimum charge of 2 RM if the usage is 40 min or less; after 40 min, it is 50 sen for every 10 min.
• Pusat Komputer Surflink, 31A Jalan Wong Ah Fook (beside the overhead bridge to City Square). It is open 24 hrs and there are 14 PC terminals. 3 RM per hour. There is a minimum charge of 2 RM if the usage is 40 min or less; after 40 min, it is 10 sen for every 2 min.
• Obizcom, on the ground level of Plaza Larkin, opposite the Larkin Bus Terminal on Jalan Geruda. 2RM per hour. Open daily 10am to 10pm.

Post offices

• Main post office. Jalan Datuk Onn, 800m south-west of the CIQ or about 10 minutes walk from it. Open Mon to Sat 0830-1700, 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').

Go next

• Desaru - sleepy seaside resort town located on the eastern part of Johor, about 2 hours away by car
• Endau Rompin National Park
• Gunung Ledang - 1276m high mountain near the border of Johor and Malacca states, popular with trekkers, campers and students on field trips
• Gunung Pulai
• Kota Tinggi - Waterfall Park
• 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 2.5 hours drive from Johor Bahru, and the gateway to the beautiful island of Tioman
• Sibu Island - dive resort about two hours away
• Singapore - right across the Causeway