Top Ten Attractions In Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru (also known as JB) is notorious for being a dirty, chaotic border town, and it still has more crimes as compared to most cities in Malaysia.  However, it is a haven of cheap shopping, food and petrol, so there are still surprisingly many cosmopolitan corners to explore.

Chinese Heritage Museum 

Located at Jalan Ibrahim is the Chinese Heritage Museum.  Founded by the JB Tionghua Society (which is made up of the 5 major Chinese groups in JB, namely the Hokkiens, Teochews, Cantonese, Hakka and Hainanese), the museum is an interesting place to learn about the origins of the Chinese community, their contributions to JB, the history of British colonial and the Japanese Occupation period.

Johor Premium Outlets 

The Johor Premium Outlets is located at the outskirts of JB, near Kulai or Senai airport and it is about an hour to reach by taxi.

Many designer brands like Armani, Burberry, Coach, Nike, Guess, etc. are offering huge discounts.  Worth visiting if you do not mind stuff from the last season.

Danga Bay 

This recreational park is located near Istana Bukit Serene.  You can enjoy taking a boat ride, train tram, riding a bicycle or strolling by the sea.  Additionally, this coastal public park has many different cafés, restaurants and street stalls to satisfy your hunger pangs.  There is also a night market for you to experience the Malaysian culture. 

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Istana Grounds 

Immerse yourself in the grandeur and power of the royal family atop Bukit Timbalan at the Sultan Ibrahim Building.  The display of royalty starts from the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, housed within the blue-roofed Grand Palace in the vast compounds of the Istana Garden. Along Jalan Tun Dr Ismail, you will see Dataran Bandaraya, which serves as the venue for public festivities.  In the vicinity is the Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Mausoleum - the royal burial grounds. 

Stulang 

Overlooking the northern shores of Singapore is Jalan Stulang Laut.  This is the haven for food lovers.  The gastronomic fanfare begins along a disjointed set of shophouses and several coffee shops, finally ending at the massive Free Trade Zone, where you can do some duty-free shopping. 

Taman Sentosa and the Vicinity 

Taman Century and Taman Sentosa are the urban shopping and entertainment enclaves.  Many people visit here for the cheap food at the Taman Sentosa Hawker Centre, the unbeatable bargains at Sentosa Shopping Complex, Pelangi Plaza, Pelangi Leisure Mall and Crowne Plaza or the inexpensive entertainment at the karaoke joints and bars. 

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Stepping-Stone to other parts of JB

JB is less than two-hour drive from several traditional Malay villages and the untouched rainforest reserves at Endau-Rompin National Park.  If you are feeling adventurous, you can choose to drive to the fishing town of Mersing or to the Kota Tinggi and Lombong Waterfalls. 

LEGOLAND Malaysia 

There are 6 LEGOLAND Parks in the world, and only one of them is in Asia. Located in JB, LEGOLAND Malaysia offers more than 40 rides and shows.

Apart from that, the attractions are localised where Asian landmarks are built using more than 30 million Lego bricks.

Jalan Tan Hiok Nee 

There are many quirky cafés and eateries at Jalan Tan Hiok Nee.  It is the “Chinatown” of JB and is very close to the Chinese Heritage Museum.  During the weekends, the road will be closed and stalls will be set up along the street selling souvenirs and novelty items. 

KSL City Mall 

If you are into cheap mobile phone covers and accessories or gaudy fashion, then KSL City Mall is the place for you. Phone covers & accessories like screen protectors and cables in all shapes and sizes can be selling as low as RM5.

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Picture Acknowledgment