Johor Bahru blog. The fullest guide to Johor Bahru for first-timers

Are you planning to travel to Johor Bahru in Malaysia but don’t know where to start? Then let’s explore with Living Nomads all the guides of traveling to Johor Bahru, from how to get there, having fun to staying, eating compiled specifically for you in this Johor Bahru blog (Johor Bahru travel blog) with the fullest guide to Johor Bahru (Johor Bahru travel guide) for first-time visitors!

Johor Bahru (also known as JB) is the capital of Johor state, located in the southernmost tip of Peninsular Malaysia and is also the second largest city in the country. Not only modern and dynamic, JB also retains unique cultural, historical and natural features. The ancient beauty is evident through the ancient architectural works and famous museums. The vibrant life here is adorned by a series of commercial centers, shopping areas and bustling night markets.

In particular, Johor Bahru is only a short distance from Singapore, making exploring the two countries more convenient than ever. It is the blend of ancient and modern that makes Johor Bahru a stop that is hard to ignore.

Johor Bahru blog: Overview of Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru (also known as JB) is the capital of Johor state in the South of the Malay Peninsula and is also known as the second largest city in Malaysia. Not only is it a modern and dynamic city, it is also a convergence of cultures, history and nature. The ancient beauty of the city is evident through ancient architectural areas and famous museums. Not only that, Johor Bahru attracts tourists because it is also a modern shopping paradise, you can find everything in this city.

Johor Bahru is in contrast to the noisy and crowded atmosphere in the capital Kuala Lumpur, this is a peaceful city located in the south of Malaysia. Those who have visited here all have the same opinion that Johor Bahru has low roofs, less high-rise buidlings, wide streets with many nooks and crannies to experience, such as colorful amusement parks and interesting around islands.

Most of the beaches here are clean, blue water and have a diverse marine ecosystem. Visitors can try scuba diving, fishing, swimming, surfing… Today, Johor Bahru plays the role of financial center and logistics center of southern Peninsular Malaysia.

An interesting thing that you may not know is that Johor Bahru is only separated from Singapore by a bridge! This makes combining travel between Singapore and Malaysia easier than ever.

Best time to travel to Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru has a humid tropical climate, welcoming visitors all year round. According to the Johor Bahru travel guide, the best time to explore this city is from April to October. At this time, the weather in Johor Bahru is dry, very favorable for outdoor activities. The temperature during this period ranges from 29°C to 34°C with warm, pleasant weather.

In particular, mid-May to late June is the perfect time to enjoy the blue sea and golden sunshine, ideal for swimming and water activities. In addition, if you are passionate about culture and festivals, consider visiting Johor Bahru in September. This is the time when many major traditional events in Malaysia take place, such as National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, providing a deep experience of local culture.

To have a perfect Johor Bahru Malaysia tour, choosing the right time is very important. The most ideal time to visit Johor Bahru is from April to October, when the weather is dry, with little rain, suitable for outdoor activities.

During this time, many festivals and events take place, such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the Indian festival of Deepavali, the vibrant Johor Bahru Big Ramadhan Bazaar with its many street foods and handicraft stalls (held in April or May) creating a joyful and bustling, vibrant atmosphere.

The Christmas and Chinese New Year seasons in Malaysia (from December to January) are also ideal times to travel to Johor Bahru. During this time, the city is filled with a festive atmosphere with many activities, events and special promotions. Christmas, Diwali Malaysia and New Year are all major holidays, the time when Johor Bahru becomes more vibrant and bustling than ever.

How to travel from Vietnam to Johor Bahru?

To travel from Vietnam to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, you have many options in terms of means of transport and routes. The most convenient way is to fly directly from Vietnam to Senai International Airport (JHB) in Johor Bahru which takes only about 2 hours.

If there are no direct flights on your departure date, you can fly to Singapore and then travel by road to Johor Bahru. Flights from Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Singapore’s Changi International Airport (SIN) are popular.

To ensure a smooth trip to Malaysia, you should book your flight to Johor Bahru at least 1-2 weeks in advance.

Getting Johor Bahru from Kuala Lumpur

The bus from the capital to Johor Bahru is quite cheap and convenient, the travel time is 4 – 5 hours with some of the following companies:

• City Express (KL): ticket price from about 35 ringgit
• Pacific Ekspress: ticket price from about 35 ringgit
• Transnasional: ticket price from about 35 ringgit
• Maju Express: ticket price from about 37 ringgit
• Billion Stars: ticket price from about 19.9 ringgit
• S&S International: ticket price from about 22 ringgit
• Causeway Link Express: ticket price from about 34 ringgit

In addition, you can also book tickets from KL Sentral central station in Kuala Lumpur to JB Sentral station in Johor Bahru. The routes currently in operation include: 21 Express Peninsular (departing at 04:38), Ekspres Rakyat (departing at 13:30) and 25 Senandung Sutera (departing at 23:40). The travel time by train is 6 – 7 hours.

• The bottom deck fare: About 64 ringgit (adult) and 36 ringgit (child).
• The top deck fare: About 33 ringgit (adult) and 21 ringgit (child).

After arriving, you can travel by public transport such as bus or taxi. We recommend that visitors should ask carefully about the price before taking a taxi to avoid unnecessary “rip-offs”.

From Changi to Johor Bahru

From Changi Airport, you can take a taxi, bus or MRT to the Johor-Singapore border, then take a bus or taxi across the Causeway Bridge to Johor Bahru. Travel time from Changi Airport to Johor Bahru is usually about 1-2 hours depending on traffic conditions.

Another option is to fly to Kuala Lumpur and then take a bus or train to Johor Bahru. From Kuala Lumpur, you can choose to take a bus for about 4-5 hours or take a train for about 6-7 hours to Johor Bahru. In addition, when returning from Johor Bahru, you can use a private driver service to be able to travel according to your desired schedule.

Means of transportation in Johor Bahru

For convenient travel in the city, the most convenient and proactive is still Grab taxi. You can catch a taxi in many areas in the city such as the airport, the streets. Of course, most taxis have meters, but to avoid being “ripped off”, you should ask carefully about the price before going.

In addition, if you intend to go to Kuala Lumpur from Johor Bahru, you can choose one of the following popular inter-provincial routes:

• Airplane: At Senai International Airport, Johor Bahru, there are flights to Kuala Lumpur and vice versa every day. In particular, there are more than 137 flights from Kuala Lumpur to JB every day. Ticket prices are about $27.18/one way and $465.88/round trip. Flight time is about 55 minutes.
• Train: At KL Sentral central station, Kuala Lumpur, there are a number of train routes departing to JB Sentral station, Johor Bahru such as 21 Express Peninsular, 1 Ekspres Rakyat, Senandung Sutera. One-way ticket prices range from $4.66 to $14.36, depending on the seat type. The bus travel time is 6-7 hours.
• Bus: This can be said to be the cheapest way from Kuala Lumpur to JB. This is a modern bus, with cushioned seats, air conditioning and LCD screens. The departure point is the TBS bus station at Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur and the stop at JB is Larkin station, Kluang, Segamat district. Some of the most popular buses are Billion Stars, Causeway Link Express, S&S International, etc.

Where to stay in Johor Bahru?

When traveling to Johor Bahru Malaysia, choosing the right accommodation is very important so that you can easily travel around and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

You can choose to stay in the central area of ​​Johor Bahru city with a convenient central location, close to major attractions such as Johor Bahru City Square, KSL City Mall… If you like coastal space, Danga Bay is the ideal area with beautiful sea views and many restaurants, cafes by the beach.

Here are some hotels in Johor Bahru Malaysia with beautiful locations, full amenities that you should refer to:

Amari Hotel in Johor Bahru with modern, luxurious design.

Amari Johor Bahru has a prime location in the city center, close to places such as the city square, train station, Angry Birds park. The hotel has a modern design, full of accompanying services. Amari Hotel is a favorite choice of domestic and foreign tourists. (agoda, booking)

Tune Danga Bay Hotel

Tune Danga Bay Hotel is only about 500m from Danga Bay, with a very airy view of the sea. With a typical design using 2 main colors of red and white, Tune Danga Bay attracts thousands of visitors. Here, visitors can enjoy full services such as restaurants, cafes, … With a very close distance to Danga Bay, this is a place chosen by many tourists to stay. (agoda, booking)

Trove Johor Bahru Hotel

Trove Johor Bahru stands out with its modern architecture, luxurious rooms, and convenient amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and modern conference rooms. This is an ideal stopover for visitors who want to explore the dynamic beauty of the old town with its diverse shops, bars and restaurants. This hotel offers a classy resort experience in the heart of the vibrant city of Johor Bahru. (agoda, booking)

• Legoland Malaysia Resort (agoda, booking)
• Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel (agoda, booking)
• Doubletree By Hilton Johor Bahru (agoda, booking)
• KSL Hotel & Resort (agoda, booking)
• Hallmark Regency Hotel – Johor Bahru (agoda, booking)

Check out more top and best hotels in Johor Bahru on Agoda or Booking.

Where to go and things to do in Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru is a vibrant city in Malaysia with a variety of fun and relaxing activities, very suitable for families with young children. Here are some Johor Bahru, Malaysia fun places and best things to do that you should not miss.

LEGOLAND Malaysia

The special feature of the parks and entertainment models in Johor Bahru is its unique model that cannot be found in Vietnam even in Southeast Asia. The parks here are all planned in their own unique and impressive style, especially suitable for families with small children. The first park to mention is Legoland, built from more than 50 million colorful lego bricks, taking players back to their childhood with a variety of games such as roller coasters, water slides, magic tricks, watching 4D movies….

The park consists of two main parts: LEGOLAND Theme Park and LEGOLAND Water Park. LEGOLAND Water Park is where you can enjoy fun water games, water slides, swimming pools and water play areas suitable for all ages. It can be said that LEGOLAND Malaysia is a great destination for a memorable and unforgettable day of fun with your family.

Desaru Fruit Farm

When coming to Johor Bahru, you will be surprised by the presence of countless farms, each offering wonderful experiences of nature. One of the outstanding farms that the Johor Bahru travel guide suggests is Desaru.

Desaru Fruit Farm is a leading eco-tourism destination in Johor Bahru, possessing a cool green space and many types of fresh, delicious, clean fruits. After purchasing the entrance ticket, you will be able to explore a fruit paradise with more than 100 types of tropical fruits, such as durian, jackfruit, orange, guava… planted close together in the garden and fish pond.

With a large, green space and fruits grown naturally, Desaru is a paradise for those who love to explore agriculture and clean food. Here, you can enjoy fresh fruits right on the spot, from oranges, guavas, jackfruit to hundreds of other tropical fruits. The cost of visiting the farm is quite reasonable, only about 25 RM (equivalent to 130,000 VND).

In addition to enjoying delicious fresh fruits, you also have the opportunity to admire the fish ponds and poultry raised in a free-range environment. In particular, with its beautiful natural scenery, this farm will be an ideal background for you to capture wonderful photos, immersing yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside.

Johor Bahru Night Markets

Unlike many other Asian cities, where night markets are often open on weekends and there are only a few specific markets. Coming to Johor Bahru, you will experience many different night markets divided by days of the week. The most special ones are the Kampung Bendehara and Kampung Kangkar Tebrau night markets held on Sundays, where clothes, souvenirs and unique cuisine are sold at cheap prices, easy to bargain.

One of the prominent night markets is Kampung Bendehara and Kampung Kangkar Tebrau on Sunday. This is where visitors can find all kinds of items from clothes, souvenirs to attractive street food. You can bargain at the markets to buy items at very affordable prices.

Johor Zoo

If you are a nature lover, an animal lover, you should not miss the opportunity to explore Johor Zoo in Johor Bahru city. Here, you will have the opportunity to see rare wild animals such as camels, leopards, lions, flamingos, etc.

Danga Bay

If you are looking for a place to relax and rest in Johor Bahru, Danga Bay will definitely be a great destination. This place attracts visitors with its poetic, lyrical coastline and smooth white sand. In particular, along the coast are many restaurants and eateries. There you can enjoy a variety of delicious local dishes.

Orchid Valley

Orchid Valley is located about 30km northwest of Johor Bahru city center and is a great destination for flower lovers. With an area of ​​​​up to 40 hectares, it currently holds the record for the largest orchid plantation in the world. In addition, coming to Orchid, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of more than 80 different species of flowers.

Sanrio Hello Kitty Town

Johor Bahru’s second famous park is Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, a pink-filled destination loved by many girls. Here you can freely take pictures with giant Hello Kitty cats. The park has an area of ​​more than 100,000m2 with many interesting games waiting for visitors to explore on their journey to Johor Bahru.

In addition to the two parks mentioned above, Johor Bahru also has Angry Bird Park, Dinosaur Park, The Little Big Club Park… which are equally unique.

Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

The mosque in Johor Bahru has a very special architectural style, a combination of Victorian and Corinthian architecture. The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque was built in 1892 and took 8 years to officially complete. The mosque can accommodate up to 2,000 worshipers and opened in 1900, using stone imported from Italy and an altar transported from Turkey.

• Address: Jalan Gertak Merah, Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
• Hours: 5–6:45 AM, 12:30–9:15 PM

Grand Palace Park (Istana Besar)

Located near the Danga Bay area, this palace is called Istana Bukit Serene, and is one of the residences of the King of Johor Bahru. Therefore, it is not open to the public, people can only take pictures outside. Designed in the Art Deco style, an eclectic art and decoration style that originated in Paris in the 1920s.

• Address: Jalan Straits View, Bukit Serene, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
• Admission fee: Free

Sanrio Hello Kitty Town

Sanrio Hello Kitty Town is an ideal destination for visitors who love the Hello Kitty character. Designed with the main color of pink, this place offers a unique space for fun and experiences for the whole family.

Here, visitors have the opportunity to visit Hello Kitty’s house from the bedroom, living room, kitchen to secret corners like entering a vivid cartoon world. In addition, activities such as making Hello Kitty cookies, creating bracelets and handmade coasters also attract the participation of many visitors.

Desaru Beach

Desaru Beach is an ideal destination that the Johor Bahru travel guide suggests for a relaxing vacation. With its fine white sand and clear blue water, this place offers a peaceful space, separate from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Visitors can participate in many exciting activities such as swimming, sunbathing or participating in water sports such as surfing and kayaking. In addition, this area is also famous for its high-class resorts, restaurants and beachside cafes, offering a diverse and rich culinary experience.

Board games Cafe by Hey Decoupage

Board games Cafe by Hey Decoupage is an ideal destination for those who love playing board games and want to enjoy a cozy, friendly space.

Established in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, this place offers a diverse collection of games from classic to modern, suitable for all ages and interests. Not only a place to relax and entertain, Board Games Cafe by Hey Decoupage is also an ideal meeting place for groups of friends, families and social gatherings. 

Blue Ice Skating Rink

Blue Ice at Paradigm Johor is a unique and exciting entertainment center in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Located at Paradigm Mall, Blue Ice is a place for customers to enjoy ice skating without having to go to a place with snow. With an artificial ice floor, customers can skate all year round regardless of the weather outside. Blue Ice provides a spacious and safe space for family members and friends to participate.

Laser Battle in Johor Bahru

Laser Battle is an exciting entertainment center in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, famous for its laser tag activities. It offers customers a dramatic and exciting experience, suitable for both families and groups of friends.

Laser Battle provides full equipment such as laser guns and modern score counters to ensure each match is fair and exciting. In addition, the center also has service packages to suit every need, from birthdays, special events to corporate team building activities.

Skyscape at Menara Jland in Johor Bahru

Skyscape at Menara JLand is a combination of bar, restaurant and entertainment space on the rooftop of Menara JLand building. Skyscape offers customers a unique and wonderful experience, where customers can enjoy the beautiful view of Johor Bahru city from the rooftop. With luxurious space, modern style and professional service, Skyscape at Menara JLand is a destination not to be missed when you come to Johor Bahru.

Islands in Johor Bahru

Around Johor Bahru, there are many islands such as Pulau Tioman, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Sibu Besar… A top beach that attracts visitors in this city is Pulau Tioman, which owns peaceful, warm water and is backed by a poetic mountain range. Pulau Tioman was once recognized by TIME magazine as the most beautiful island in the world.

Endless shopping paradise

Johor Bahru is a transit point between Malaysia and Singapore, so it is no surprise that this place has become a shopping paradise for visitors. The city has many shopping malls that are open until 10pm and often have attractive promotions. Some suggested shopping places for visitors: Plaza Pelangi, Holiday Plaza, Johor Bahru City Square, AEON/Jusco Tebrau City shopping mall…

Johor Premium Outlets

When you come to Johor Bahru, if you want to hunt for cheap items, quickly go to Johor Premium Outlets, which is considered a shopping paradise for tourists. In particular, if you shop here, you will get a lot of discounts on items, from clothes, jewelry, household items from 26-65%. You can find here a lot of products, from popular to famous brands such as Nike, Adidas,..

The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey

This shopping mall has just opened not long ago, has a fairly large area and is home to many fashion and dining stores. This will be the first name that comes to mind when talking about famous brands around the world, from clothes, shoes, cosmetics to perfumes.

• Address: 1, Persiaran Southkey 1, Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
• Admission fee: Free

What to eat?

When you travel to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, you cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy the typical dishes of this country. One of the outstanding dishes is Nasi Lemak, a traditional rice dish mixed with sesame oil and served with spicy sambal sauce, eggs, pineapple and often with additional options such as fish, chicken, or fried potatoes.

Johor Bahru cuisine offers an impressive experience with the taste buds thanks to the uniqueness of the Malay people. Local food is always generous with the scent of cinnamon, lemongrass and ginger, has a characteristic turmeric yellow color and a sweet and fatty flavor from coconut milk.

You can try a bowl of Mee Rebus noodles with a thick broth made from potatoes, salted soybeans and aromatic curry spices. If you like strong flavors, the Malaysia travel guide recommends you try Asma pedas, which includes fish cooked with tamarind, tomatoes, beans, chili… quite spicy and sour.

Nasi Briyani is a dish of rice marinated with turmeric and cooked with chicken, eggs, and served with curry. Nasi Briyani rice is also served with a strange yogurt salad. In addition to Malaysian dishes, if you do not like the taste, you can try Chinese cuisine, which is also very diverse and rich. A big plus point of cuisine in Johor Bahru is that the prices are affordable.

Chinese Cuisine Can Be Found At The Amaya Food Gallery In Johor Bahru

Mee Goreng Mamak is another popular dish. It is an Indo-Malaysian style stir-fried noodle dish, known for its spicy and flavorful taste, made with peanuts, eggs, and herbs.

Johor Bahru is also famous for its smoked cooking method. The dish will have an extremely delicious flavor that you should try. Project Smoked Restaurant in Taman Sentosa, Johor Bahru is a recommended destination for enjoying dishes prepared using this method.

Apam Balik

Apam Balik is a thin, crispy cake made from glutinous rice flour and filled with corn, eggs and other ingredients. With a crispy crust and delicious filling, this cake is often enjoyed as a snack in the morning or afternoon.

Grilled Squid

Grilled Squid is a must-have dish in your Johor Bahru travel guide. The dish is made from fresh squid, grilled over hot coals and dipped in spicy chili sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also brings a unique culinary experience to visitors.

Chee Cheong Fun

Chee Cheong Fun is a thin rice cake, often rolled with fillings such as shrimp, char siu or beef. The dish is served with dark soy sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds, creating an unforgettable, distinctive flavor.

Chwee Kueh

Chwee Kueh is a cake made from rice flour and water, steamed in a small mold. The top layer of the cake is fried radish and chili sauce, bringing a delicious and attractive flavor. The dish is often used as a snack in the morning.

Assam Laksa

Assam Laksa is a noodle dish with a characteristic sour and spicy broth, cooked from fish and tamarind. The dish has a unique flavor, combining the sourness of tamarind and the spiciness of chili, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Where to eat in Johor Bahru?

Delicious, cheap restaurants in Johor Bahru that attract tourists include:

• Restoran Ya Wang: Address: No. 28, Jalan Segget, Johor – Famous for two dishes: duck stewed with Chinese herbs and roast duck.
• Jang Won Korean Food: Address: Johor Bahru Town K3-211, Kompleks Perniagaan Taman Stulang Laut, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Stulang Laut
• Restoran Kam Long: Address: 74, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru – Famous for curry fish head, Bibimbap and seafood dishes.
• Lok Lok Stall Behind Taman Sentosa (near Shell petrol station): Address: Jalan Keris, Taman Sri Tebrau – Enjoy a variety of fresh seafood.
• Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory: Address: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia – Famous for banana cake.

Tips before you go

When preparing for a trip to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. First, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and check when entering Malaysia. In addition, you should prepare Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) in advance when coming here for ease of payment.

For convenience in communication and accessing information when needed, you should check the compatibility of your mobile phone and buy a local tourist SIM. Finally, prepare clothes suitable for Johor Bahru’s weather, especially if you go during the rainy season, you should bring a raincoat and other personal items to ensure comfort and safety throughout your trip.

• Bring necessary documents: If you are an international tourist, do not forget to bring your passport and visa (if required). You need to carefully check the regulations on entering Malaysia.
• Exchange money: Johor Bahru uses the Malaysian ringgit (MYR). You should exchange money before arriving, or you can withdraw money from local ATMs. Exchange rates may vary from place to place, so please consult before exchanging money.
• Weather: Johor Bahru has a tropical climate, hot and humid all year round. The Johor Bahru travel guide suggests that you should prepare light, airy clothes and sunscreen to protect your skin when participating in outdoor activities.
• Culture and etiquette: When participating in religious activities, festivals or visiting temples, you should follow cultural rules and dress respectfully.
• Food: Johor Bahru cuisine is very rich, but if you are not familiar with street food, try snacks or ask locals about what suits your taste. Be careful when eating strange dishes and remember to drink enough water.
• English and Malay: English is quite popular in Johor Bahru, but Malay is the official language. Sometimes you will encounter some people who do not speak English, so knowing a few basic sentences in Malay will be very useful.
• Shopping: Johor Bahru is famous for its shopping areas such as Johor Premium Outlets. If you shop, be sure to check the prices and always ask about promotions to get good items at reasonable prices.
• Safety: Although Johor Bahru is a safe destination, you should still be cautious, especially in crowded areas or when participating in night activities. Protect your personal belongings and avoid going out too late without a companion.

Traveling to Johor Bahru Malaysia offers visitors memorable experiences. From historical architecture to bustling commercial areas and beautiful beaches, Johor Bahru is truly a vibrant city and worth exploring. Hopefully, the useful experiences above will help MIA.vn readers have a worthwhile journey to explore Johor Bahru. This city will help us forget many of the fatigue and worries of daily life to immerse ourselves in valuable experiences throughout the trip.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Johor Bahru you can refer to

• Singapore – Legoland Malaysia Bus
• Ice Skating Experience with Blue Ice Skating Rink in Johor
• LEGOLAND Malaysia Ticket
• Firefly River Cruise Tour in Kota Tinggi Johor
• Skyscape Ticket at Menara Jland in Johor Bahru
• Private One Way Transfers from Johor Cities to Singapore
• Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast Ticket in Johor

Read more Johor Bharu guide here.