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Johor Bahru

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At a glance

Country
Malaysia
Region
Johor
Population
860,000
Best time to go
February to April
Main airport
Senai International (JHB)
Coordinates
1.49°N, 103.74°E

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Overview

Johor Bahru, known to everyone as JB, faces Singapore across a narrow strait and is linked to it by the Causeway. Many visitors pop over for food and shopping, but the city has a history of its own as the seat of the Sultan of Johor.

The old centre has a cluster of heritage streets, temples and royal buildings, while the surrounding Iskandar region holds theme parks and new developments. It makes an easy, good-value base at the southern tip of the peninsula.

Things to see

  • Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
    Photo: Chongkian, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque

    An elegant nineteenth-century mosque on a hill overlooking the strait, blending Moorish and Victorian styles.

  • Royal Abu Bakar Museum
    Photo: U.S. Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, Public domain

    Royal Abu Bakar Museum

    The former royal palace in its seafront gardens, displaying the sultans' treasures and regalia.

  • Glass Temple
    Photo: Chainwit., CC BY 4.0

    Glass Temple

    A Hindu temple whose interior is covered in millions of pieces of coloured glass and mirrors.

    Tickets and tours
  • Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
    Photo: Chainwit., CC BY 4.0

    Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple

    A small, much-loved temple in the old town that unites the city's Chinese communities.

Things to do

  • Walk the heritage streets
    Photo: Chongkian, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Walk the heritage streets

    Wander Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and its neighbours for old shophouses, coffee shops and street art.

  • Legoland Malaysia
    Photo: milst1, CC BY-SA 2.0

    Legoland Malaysia

    A family theme park and water park in the Iskandar Puteri area, west of the city.

    Find tours
  • Eat at night markets
    Photo: Chongkian, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Eat at night markets

    Try laksa Johor, satay and seafood at local hawker centres and pasar malam.

  • Beach trip to Desaru
    Photo: Fahmi Rosli, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Beach trip to Desaru

    Long sandy beaches and resorts on the east coast of Johor, around an hour's drive away.

Where to stay

Getting around

Ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to get around, as public transport is limited and distances are long.

Senai airport is around 30 kilometres north-west of the centre, roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car. From Singapore, the short Shuttle Tebrau train or cross-border buses cross the Causeway.

When to go

JB is hot and humid all year. February to April tends to be drier, while the north-east monsoon brings heavier rain from around November to January. Avoid crossing the Causeway at weekend and holiday peaks.

Plan your trip to Johor Bahru

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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