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Johor

Johor is Malaysia's most populous state and a growing economic power player. Most travel itineraries skip it, but those who stray into the southern gateway to Malaysia will be rewarded with the blissful solitude of its postcard-perfect islands and wild jungles, while getting access to a taste of authentic Malaysian culture and character not easily found in bigger tourist hotspots.

The top draw is the ridiculously gorgeous white-sand islands of the Seribuat Archipelago, where you'll find world-class diving, lost-beach trails and plenty of relaxation time with a fraction of Tioman's crowds. Inland, Endau-Rompin National Park offers the same rich flora, elusive fauna and swashbuckling action that visitors flock to experience at Taman Negara in Pahang, is available here in a more pristine setting.

And then there's the lively capital Johor Bahru, with a handful of worthwhile religious sites, museums and a heritage district, that plays sister-city to neighboring Singapore.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Johor.

  • See

    Legoland

    Got kids? Asia's first Legoland offers over 70 rides and attractions, plus a waterpark that can be visited separately or as part of a package. Nearly everything is hands-on, and it's not just about the bricks. Expect to crawl around, pull yourself up a tower with ropes, ride a dragon-coaster and shoot lasers at mummies. Located 19km from JB; buses to Legoland depart JB Sentral and Larkin Sentral bus terminals, or catch a taxi for RM50. The centrepiece is Miniland, where you'll find miniature Lego versions of regional landmarks, such as the Petronas Towers and Singapore's Merlion.

  • See

    Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman

    Step through the looking glass into this wonderland of a temple built from mirrors, glass and metal – not a single inch of the vaulted roof or wall has been left unadorned. The temple is dedicated to Kali, the goddess of time, change, power and destruction.

  • See

    Royal Abu Bakar Museum

    The marvellous Istana Besar, once the Johor royal family’s principal palace, was flung up in Victorian style by Anglophile sultan Abu Bakar in 1866. It was opened as a museum to the public in 1990, displaying the incredible wealth of the sultans to the hoi polloi in over 60,000 pieces. It's now the finest museum of its kind in Malaysia with beautifully manicured 53-hectare palace grounds (free entry); an extensive upgrade of the museum saw it shut for many years.

  • See

    Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple

    Once the centre of JB's Chinese immigrant community, and used by five different ethnic groups to worship five different Chinese gods, this small but atmospheric temple is more than 130 years old. Little remains of its original masonry after major renovations in 1995, but it does house some genuine antiques. In the first lunar month of every year, the temple organises a chingay, a procession through the city honouring the five deities.

  • See

    Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

    The stunning whitewashed walls and blue-tiled roof of this Victorian-inspired mosque speak of a mix of architectural influences. Built between 1892 and 1900, it is quite rightly hailed as one of the most magnificent mosques in the area. At the time of research it was undergoing long-term renovation with no confirmed completion date – so for now the mosque cannot be entered, but you can visit the grounds and admire the exterior.

  • See

    Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim

    Sitting magnificently atop Bukit Timbalan, the imposing Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim is a mighty melange of colonial pomp, Islamic motifs and indigenous design. Completed in 1942, the city landmark was employed as a fortress by the Japanese as they prepared to attack Singapore. Visitors are not allowed to enter, although you can take pictures from the road. The building looks brilliant at night, when it's illuminated.

  • See

    Chinese Heritage Museum

    Well-displayed exhibits chronicling the history of Chinese immigrants in this part of the Malay peninsula are the highlight of this three-storey museum. Learn how the Cantonese brought their carpentry skills to this area, while the Hakkas traded in Chinese medicines and the Hainanese kick-started a trend in coffee shops, which lasts to this day. There's good English signage.

  • See

    Heritage District

    Wandering around the characterful heritage area between Jln Ibrahim and Jln Ungku Puan is a high point of any visit to Johor Bahru. Walk past colourful old shophouses filled with barbers, Ayurvedic salons, sari shops, gorgeous temples, a few modern-art galleries and old-style, as well as trendy, cafes and restaurants.

  • See

    Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam

    This beautiful Hindu temple, with ornate carvings, devotional artwork and a tall, brightly painted gopuram (tower) entranceway, is the heart of JB's Hindu community. Photos are allowed, but be respectful of devotees.