The Best 21 Things to do in Johor Bahru: Where to Go and What to See

A tourist soul never stops exploring, and your exploration can achieve its highest peak by visiting some interesting parts of this Malaysian city Johor Bahru. Let’s make it more exciting for you.

There are lots of places to visit when you are in Johor Bahru. From those places, let’s talk about Where to Go And What To See the best places to visit in Johor Bahru, which will be worth it to visit once you enter the city.

Johor Bahru is the city and the state capital of Johor in Malaysia. This city is surrounded by suburbs, industrial parks, and extended waterfront areas in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The exciting part is that the city is bordered by Singapore. It has got several historical and cultural sites along with religious sites to have a visit. Most of those places were built in the British Colonial Period.

While visiting a city, an itinerary can be helpful to plan how to spend your vacation days check out 5 reasons why you need a travel itinerary.

1. A Day with All the Animals at Johor Zoo

Johor Zoo was established in 1928 by the late Sultan Ibrahim. The zoo is the home of numerous different types of species of animals. Here you can explore several beautiful animals such as gorillas, horses, lions, elephants, flamingoes, crocodiles, wild cats, camels, bears, chimpanzees, swans, and so on.

There are some fun and interesting opportunities like interacting with some of the animals while feeding them. A photography corner has been built up there so that visitors can take pictures with the animals.

Visitors can also enjoy horse riding, boat paddling for a fun time with their family and friends. You can use restrooms to relax, try delicious food items from their food stalls, kids can play in the playgrounds if they are bored watching animals. If you are an animal lover, come and visit this beautiful Zoo at once.

Location: Jalan Gertak Merah, Taman Istana, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Entry Time: 08:30 am – 06.00 pm

Entry Fee: For Adults: RM 2.00｜For Children (3 to 12 years old): RM 1.00

Read about: 12 Best Things to Do in Johor

2. Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple

A traditional temple is also known as one of the oldest religious buildings since the 19^th century. So many people around the world visit this place on the annual Chingay, or the Parade of Deities. A 4-day parade with more than 300,000 people gathered to march around the roads together so that they could worship the 5 Deities.

This 4-day parade can give you a feeling of a colourful musical festival. A music lover should at least give it a try to experience this exciting event once in a lifetime. Temple’s architectural view can be refreshing and fun to explore.  

Location: Lot 653, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Entry Time: 07.00 am – 05.00 pm

Entry Fee: Free

3. Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque

Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque is located near the street named Jalan Skudai, which is near The Grand Palace. The State Mosque is located upon a hilltop. It was built from the period of 1982 till 1990. The Mosque will blow your mind with the mix of its two architectural styles, Victorian and Moorish styles, with a little influence of Malay style.

Mosque’s four minarets which are located on the top, look like a traditional British clock tower. You can grab ideas about grand Roman pillars and colonial-style windows featuring the entire hall. Muslims and non-Muslims both are permitted to enter the mosque. But we should try to maintain a simple, decent dress code as a sign of respect.

Location: Jalan Gertak Merah, Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Entry Time: 24 hours

Entry Fee: Free

4. Desaru Beach

Desaru beach is a famous tourists spot in Johor Bahru, Johor. It will give you an idea of the East Coastal part of Johor, which is also very near to Singapore. Though it is not a huge town, there are many activities to do for all ages of people.

If you would like to have fun and relax for a while with the waters around you, then Desaru can be the best place for you. The water there is warm, so swimming is fun out there. Moreover, kids can play around in the water. 

There are some fun attractions you can add to your list when you pay a visit to Desaru Beach:

• Desaru Coast Adventure waterpark
• The Els Club Desaru Coast
• Desaru Fruit Farm
• Desaru Ostrich Farm
• Tanjung Balau Fishing Village
• Fishermen Museum 

You can explore these places easily, and if you want to stay a little longer, there are so many famous hotels you can check in for your night stay. A night’s stay in Desaru can make you feel at home. To know hotel prices and facilities, visit booking.com.

Location: 81600 Bandar Penawar, Johor

5. Istana Besar

Istana Besar is known as the Royal Palace, and it was supposed to be the home of the Sultan of Johor in the old time. It was established in 1866 during the time of Sultan Abu Bakar.

Their architectural pattern will give you a stunning Malay and Western mix feel. Istana Besar is also known as The Grand Palace in general. It is a great place where you can visit the Royal Abu Bakar Museum with its various types of royal heirlooms and artefacts collection.

Location: 107, Jalan Tun Dr Ismail, Taman Istana, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Entry Time: 09.00 am – 05.00 pm (closed on Friday)

6. Enjoy Rides with Legoland Malaysia

Legoland is the biggest thrilling theme park in Johor Bahru of Malaysia. This can be the dream place for rider lovers with its various fun-filled rides around the park. Rides, slides, shows, and what not? Enjoy every moment with numerous activities you and your family will fall in love with.

If you think one day visit is not even enough and you want to stay there for another day, then no need to worry about it. Because you can enjoy your night by staying in the Legoland resort. So, hurry up and start enjoying your vacation with some amazing rides with your family.

Location: 7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, Bandar, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor

Entry Time: Wednesday to Monday 10:00 am – 05:00 pm

7. Johor Bahru Kwong Siew Heritage Gallery

Kwong Siew Heritage Gallery is a well-known museum for its history of the Clan association. A lover of ancient artefacts should not miss the chance of visiting this place. A great collection of some priceless artefacts such as Cantonese opera costumes, weapons used in Chinese martial arts, old Chinese musical instruments, jewellery, opium pipes are the main attraction of this place.

Learning about so many ancient histories through a single visit to this gallery can be both fun and knowledgeable. 

Location: 24, Jalan Siu Nam, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

8. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple

Arulmigu Glass Temple was the first Hindu Temple in the world that was made of glass. The whole place is made with glass which gives a glittery and shiny view in the sunlight. Temple’s floors, pillars, and walls are all covered in colourful glasses. An awestruck view with glasses is waiting for you there.

Location: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak 1/1, Wadi Hana, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor

Entry Time: 07:00 am – 10:00 am, 01.00 am – 05.00 pm

Entry Fee: Free for Malaysian citizens, RM 10.00 for foreigners

9. Danga Bay

Danga Bay waterfront is one of the most popular tourist spots in Johor Bahru. If you are searching for a place for a complete package of both leisure and entertainment with some luxury in it, then this can be the best suitable place for you to visit.

You can also have a visit at Danga world theme park while you are there. If you wish to eat something fancy and tasty, want to shop, have a visit through Danga City Mall there. You will easily find some of the best hotels of Johor in Danga Bay, in case you need to find accommodation for the night stay.

Location: Skudai, 80200, Johor Bahru

10. Roman Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception

Catholic Church always offers a serene feeling no matter which religious background you hold inside of you. This catholic church was built in 1883 in Johor. Its British Colonial Style is awe-inspiring and soothing to the eyes of visitors. If you love exploring different kinds of religious attractions, this catholic church will be an interesting visit for you.

The architecture of this church shows attractiveness in its design. Well, a visit to a church is always peaceful, right?

Location: Alternate Entrance, Jalan Abdul Rahman Andak, 80010, 9, Jalan Gereja, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

11. Sultan Ibrahim Building

One of the must-visit historical landmarks in Johor Bahru is Sultan Ibrahim Building. It’s also one of the tallest and oldest buildings in this town.

A renowned British firm designed Built-in the era of 1936 to 1939, the building and that’s why you’ll be able to see a perfect combination of western and Malaysian architecture here.

As it’s still a government asset, you need to take permission from the existing guards to enter the compound of the building. Its picturesque view and stunning background can give you iconic photos for your Instagram profile.

Location: Jalan Bukit Timbalan, Johor Bahru

Entry time: Monday to Friday 08:00 am to 05:00 pm (closed on weekends)

Entry fee: Free of charge

12. Jalan Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street

Jalan Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. This street is charming because of its traditional Chinese-style shop houses, traditional Malay architecture, and colonial buildings.

Jalan Tan Hiok Nee is one of the founding fathers of Johor Bahru, and the street name also comes from him.

The street is more famous for housing a number of delicious cafes and restaurants. All these cafes and restaurants have tasty food which is available at a reasonable price as well.

At the same time, this street has numerous antique shops where you can buy some amazing antique pieces for your home decorations.

Its old-school style will impress you, and you can take pictures of this heritage street.

Location: Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru

13. Istana Bukit Serene

Visiting a royal residence is always fascinating, and Istana Bukit Serene is such a royal palace. It is the official residence of the Sultan of Johor.

Unfortunately, this palace is not open for public visits; you can only check out the exterior part of it. But don’t think. there is nothing special!

The most enchanting beauty here is an arch that is topped with a large model of the crown of the Sultan. And the crown is decorated with real jewels.

Apart from this, the manicured gardens also have spectacular views with lovely water fountains and stunning lighting. You should visit the night look, it’s outstanding.

Location: Jalan Straits View, Bukit Serene, 80200 Johor Bahru

Entry Time: Everyday 24 hours

14. Get around Taman Mount Austin for cafe-hopping

If you’re looking for a place where you can get a cafe-hopping adventure in JB, none can be better than Taman Mount Austin. It’s a cafe haven in Johor Bahru.

The best part is that you will not only get outstanding coffee, bubble tea, and snacks but also these items are available at a cheap price.

Mount Austin has more than 30 bubble tea shops. It’s definitely great news for those of you who have bubble tea cravings.

Location: Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru

15. Johor Premium Outlets

Who doesn’t love shopping? Even many visitors come to Johor Bahru only for shopping.

JB’s most famous and luxurious mall is the Johor Premium Outlets. It’s also called an elite shopping mall and is located at the heart of Johor Bahru.

Here you’ll get countless local and international brands of fashions, jewellery, furniture, electronics, shoes, and so on. The ground floor of this mall is filled with delicious eateries, while the first floor houses fashions, shoes, and jewellery stores and the second floor has furnishing shores.

Location: Jalan Premium Outlets, Bandar Indahpura, 81000 Kulai

Entry Time: Everyday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

16. Forest City

The new attraction of Johor Bahru is the Forest City. It’s a green futuristic paradise that is built with four man-made islands.

The Forest City has a combination of nature and technology which gives it a dynamic look. You can spend a day here as it has many serene parks, sea views, and lush greenery.

Furthermore, Forest City also offers you to enjoy duty-free shopping here.

Location: Forest City, Pulau Satu, 81500 Johor Bahru

17. Pasar Karat (Bazar JB)

You will always find local flavour at the local night flea markets. And in Johor Bahru, the most popular night market is Pasar Karat which is also known as Bazar JB.

The market is always busy with visitors because of its wide variety of products like antiques, electronics, vintage items, clothes, fashion accessories, and many more. If you’re good at bargaining, then you will surely get good stuff at a very cheap price here.

Furthermore, you can’t resist the street food stalls that are placed here and there at Pasar Karat. You can get fresh-made takoyaki at only RM4/5 and can have a cold Lime & Plum juice at only RM3.

Location: 26, 20, Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru

Entry time: Everyday 06:00 pm to 02:00 am

18. Have the best curry puffs @ Salahuddin Bakery

Whoever is looking for curry puffs in JB, without wasting time opt directly for Salahuddin Bakery. It’s a family-run bakery that first opened in 1937 and has been giving its service for the last 80 years.

Curry puff is a traditional Malay snack that is stuffed with meat or vegetables inside. And at Salahuddin Bakery, you can have the authentic taste of curry puffs which attracts most people to come here and try it.

Apart from curry puffs, here you’ll get fresh pastries and light snacks which are also yummy.

Location: 26, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru

Entry time: Saturday to Thursday 09:00 am to 06:00 pm (closed on Friday)

19. Skyscape, Menara Jland

Skyscape is the first aerial entertainment space in Johor Bahru that can give you an extraordinary experience. It has so many attractions and activities for its visitors.

But the star attraction is the sky bridge view deck because of its unique view. From here you can watch Malaysia as well as Singapore. It is a 149m high glass flooring bridge that attracts most visitors at Skyscape. You can take some iconic pictures here as well.

Apart from this, you can try other attractions of this entertainment space like watching movies at the mini-theatre, play at interactive floor games, and using VR devices. All of these are stunning and elegant.

Location: Level 34, Menara JLand Johor Bahru City Centre (JBCC, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 80000 Johor Bahru

Entry time: Sunday to Friday 09:30 am to 04:00 pm (closed on Saturday)

20. Try street food @ Medan Selera Meldrum Walk

You will never know Johor Bahru entirely without trying its local food or street food. And everyone knows Medan Selera Meldrum Walk is a paradise for foodies.

This area will completely transport you to a different realm of food. The sizzling aroma will force you to try their delicious food items. It’s a very busy area. And the hawkers who set their stalls here are very friendly to visitors.

I highly recommend you to come here and try some famous food items like fried oysters, chicken BBQ, Daud Kambing Soup, fish dishes, and so on.

Location: Jalan Meldrum, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru

Entry time: Everyday 01:00 pm to 06:30 pm

21. Fanpekka Indoor Playground

Fanpekka Indoor Playground is a place for your kids where they can learn and play together. It’s a family entertainment theme park by Aeon Fantasy where they promote the concept of “learning while playing”.

You kids can develop problem-solving and communication skills here by participating in lots of exciting and fun activities. This indoor theme park has been specially designed to increase the creativity of your child.

Location: Persiaran Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru

Entry time: Everyday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Entry fee: RM74.00 (inclusive of 1 child RM62.00 & 1 adult RM12.00)

Getting to know some new places is always fun, isn’t it? Johor Bahru is a place where visitors can find almost everything.

Either connecting with nature, animals, or some different religious places with their rich architectural and ancient history or even some luxuries hotels and parks, Johor Bahru offers versatility at its best. So, a visit through this beautiful city is a must for people who cannot live without exploring new places.