Published · 5 min read
Why visit Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru (JB) is Malaysia's southern gateway — just across the Causeway from Singapore and a short ferry ride from Batam and Bintan. It's an easy weekend destination with theme parks, heritage sites, great-value food and shopping, and beaches within a couple of hours' drive.
Theme parks and family fun
- Legoland Malaysia Resort in Iskandar Puteri — theme park, water park and Lego-themed hotel.
- Puteri Harbour waterfront for an easy evening stroll.
- Indoor activities such as go-karting at Oh My Kart (Aeon Tebrau City) and indoor archery at Go Archery (Larkin Sentral).
Heritage and culture
- Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, overlooking the Johor Strait.
- Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street, with old shophouses, cafés and murals.
- Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, one of the oldest buildings in the city.
- Istana Besar and the surrounding gardens.
Food and shopping
JB is famous for value-for-money food: local breakfasts, seafood dinners, night markets and a fast-growing café scene. For shopping, the city has large malls close to the checkpoint, while Johor Premium Outlets in Kulai is popular for branded outlet deals.
Day trips from JB
- Desaru Coast — beach resorts and water parks on the east coast.
- Kota Tinggi — waterfalls and nature, and fireflies along the river.
- Melaka — a UNESCO World Heritage city, about three hours away by road.
Getting around
Public transport in JB is limited, so most visitors use ride-hailing apps or hire a car. If you're travelling as a family or group, a car or MPV with a driver lets you cover more sights without worrying about parking or directions — and our drivers can pick you up from Singapore, Senai Airport or the Stulang Laut ferry terminal.
Visiting from abroad? Check Malaysia's latest entry requirements, such as the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), on the official Immigration Department of Malaysia website before you travel.
