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Johor Bahru

Johor’s capital city of Johor Bahru (JB for short) has been repaved and replanted and is well on the way to rebranding itself, after years of being habitually criticised as a dirty, chaotic border town.

Most travelers skip southern Malaysia's largest city, but for intrepid souls there's a handful of worthwhile museums, temples and mosques, shopping and party zones. If that ain't your thing, JB also has a Legoland, where 'everything is awesome'.

As one of the five ‘economic zones’ of the Iskandar development project, which will radically change southern Malaysia over the next decade, JB is in for one hell of a makeover yet. The 720-hectare Danga Bay area, 3.1 miles (5km) from the Causeway, is poised to be a financial and commercial centre. Work on the development began in 2006 and is expected to be completed in 2025.

Explore Johor Bahru

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Top attractions

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

  • Amusement Park

    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…

  • Hindu Temple

    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…

  • Museum

    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…

  • Taoist Temple

    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…

  • Mosque

    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…

  • Architecture

    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…

  • Museum

    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…

  • Architecture

    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…

  • Hindu Temple

    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…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Johor Bahru.