Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru sits at the southern tip of Malaysia and is closely connected to Singapore. The city is known for shopping areas, family attractions, and its role as a travel gateway. Many visitors stop h...
Top Activities in Johor Bahru
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Quick Facts
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Languages
Malay, English, Tamil
Best Time to Visit
Feb, March, April, May, June, July, August, Sep
Timezone
UTC
About
Johor Bahru, or just JB, everyone calls it that, is one of those places that kind of grows on you the more you walk around. It’s right across from Singapore, so a lot of people just pop over for a quick trip. The city isn’t fancy everywhere, but that’s sort of what makes it interesting. One part feels modern with big malls and new cafés, and then you turn a corner, and suddenly you’re in an older neighborhood with tiny shops and food places that look like they’ve been there forever. Most folks know JB because of LEGOLAND, but once you're there, you notice there’s more to do than you expect. The old town has murals painted on walls, small stores you kind of stumble into, and a slower vibe compared to the busy main roads. If you go a bit outside the center, there are coastal areas and little parks that are nice for a short walk or just to take a break. JB is not a city where you need to schedule every moment. It’s the sort of place you wander, eat something delicious from a little shop or two, maybe even shop just a little bit and before you know it, the day is gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
JB is convenient and packed with things to do without being too intense. You’ve got malls, cafés, and plenty of food options, plus LEGOLAND if you’re traveling with kids. For people coming in from Singapore, it’s an easy change of pace.
If LEGOLAND is on your list, the Nusajaya/Iskandar Puteri area is the closest and easiest. If you prefer being near shops, places to eat, or the checkpoint, staying in or near the city center makes more sense.
Most people depend on Grab. The city is more spread out than it looks, and walking only works in certain areas, like the old town. For attractions outside the main area, a car or ride-hailing makes the trip smoother.
It depends on what you’re into, but most people mix a bit of everything. Some go straight for LEGOLAND, while others prefer wandering around the old town to look at the murals or grab a coffee. JB also has loads of places to eat, and the malls are big enough to spend a few hours in without realizing it. You can fill a day pretty easily, just hopping between these spots.
Yes, it’s generally an easy place for families. Kids usually enjoy the theme parks and the indoor play areas, and getting food isn’t stressful since there are lots of casual dining options. The pace isn’t too fast, which helps when you’re moving around with children.
You’ll want a bit of cash, but not a lot. Most bigger places take cards without any issue, but smaller stalls and markets might still prefer cash. It’s handy to keep some just in case.