Johor Bahru Tourist Information and Tourism

(Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia)

The fast growing city of Johor Bahru (or JB as it is commonly known) is one of Malaysia's largest and most diverse. Johor Bahru lies right down in the south and is the main gateway to Singapore, which is perhaps the principal reason that so many people visit each year.

Although there's not much in the way of tourism to tempt the visitor, the city does offer good shopping and appealing cosmopolitan spots. Its waterfront has recently enjoyed a serious makeover, while Danga Bay is the city's burgeoning centre of commerce. There are also cheaper hotels and eating here, with mosques and palaces being the main landmarks. Of note, the Johor Tourist Information Centre is on the Jalan Ayer Molek.

Johor Bahru Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Since Johor Bahru is situated on the southerly shore of the Malay Peninsula, it is just a short distance from many appealing beaches and resorts, such as those around Desaru - to the east, and Kota Tinggi, Tanjung Balau and Teluk Sengat - to the north-east. Further tropical Malaysian beaches reside on the neighbouring islands, including those within the Seribuat archipelago, such as both Pulau Besar and Pulau Tioman. More information about Johor Bahru Beaches.

When it comes to actual tourist attractions, it is fair to say that Johor Bahru struggles to compete with those next-door in Singapore. However, the city's public plazas have been revamped and its days of being a rather rundown border town are well behind. The hilltop Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque (Masjid Negeri Sultan Abu Bakar) is a particularly eye-catching attraction and boasts views across the Straits of Johor. Families will enjoy spending time at the Danga World Theme Park, where fun fairground rides are accompanied by a small zoo. Somewhat larger is the official Johor Bahru Zoo, which is amongst the oldest of its kind in the whole of Malaysia, dating back to the late 1920s. If you fancy relaxing in pleasant surroundings, then head to the Taman Merdeka, where a large lake, pavilions, monuments and a restaurant await visitors. Alternatively, the Rumah Limas complex of historic wooden Malay houses may well appeal and represents the city's eight districts. More information about Johor Bahru Tourist Attractions.

Since Johor Bahru is the state capital, it does come with some important buildings and landmarks, with much interesting old architecture lining the Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. The official residence of the Sultan of Johor, the Istana Bukit Serene is a magnificent palace with landscaped gardens and a tower. Other significant sights in the city include the Sultan Ibrahim Building, the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Hindu Temple, the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Old Chinese Taoist Temple. Close to the Thistle Hotel, the Mawar Complex comprises some intriguing old buildings, including the attractive white-washed Galeri Mawar and a handicrafts workshop. More information about Johor Bahru Landmarks and Monuments.

Celebrating the rich history and heritage of the state, the museums of Johor Bahru are of a high standard, with the top-runner being the Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum, which comes with many priceless royal treasures and antique furnishings, as well as breathtaking landscaped gardens. Displayed at the Chinese Heritage Museum is information and exhibits relating to the story of the city's Chinese community. For Malaysian fine art, traditional clothing and even some weaponry exhibits, the Johor Bahru Art Gallery (Galeri Seni) offers something quite unique. Further cultural offerings are close by, in the neighbouring towns of Kota Tinggi and Pasir Gudang. More information about Johor Bahru Museums.

Johor Bahru is conveniently linked to Singapore by a lengthy causeway and during the weekend, many Singaporeans head into the city to shop and hang out. The proximity of Singapore also means that day trips from Johor Bahru are simple and almost effortless, and the attractions here come in the form of the Chinatown, Colonial and Little India districts, the tree-lined boulevard of Orchard Road, the Flyer observation wheel, and the enormous and fun-packed Science Centre. Also popular are excursions to the seaside village of Kukup and the riverside town of Muar, as well as both the Endau Rompin National Park and the Gunung Ledang National Park, where scenic hiking trails lead to waterfalls, ancient lowland forests, mountains and rare wildlife. More information about Johor Bahru Attractions Nearby.

More Johor Bahru Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Malaysia (south)
• Location: Johor state
• Status: city / state capital
• Area: approximately 71 square miles / 185 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 1.4 million
• Language: Malay
• Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
• Time zone: MST (UTC + 8)
• Country dialling code: +60
• Telephone area code: 07
• Average daily Johor Bahru January temperature: 30°C / 86°F
• Average daily Johor Bahru July temperature: 31°C / 88°F