Johor Bahru, situated at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, is the second-largest city in Malaysia and a hub of incredible places to visit and immersive experiences. There are numerous activities to enjoy in Johor Bahru, from visiting family-friendly theme parks to exploring unique natural wonders, sampling a vibrant food scene, and shopping for traditional handmade souvenirs to take home. If you’re planning a trip to this part of Asia and searching for the best things to do, our list has you covered. Continue reading to discover the top experiences!
Our list of the best places to visit in Johor Bahru can help you plan a well-packed itinerary.
Best time to visit Johor Bahru
The ideal time to visit Johor Bahru is from March to October when the weather is agreeable and dry, ensuring that your sightseeing plans remain on track. The average temperature during these months hovers around 25°C to 30°C, with minimal chances of rainfall.
How to reach Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is well-connected to the rest of Malaysia by road, air, and rail transport. It is also linked to Singapore via roads, rail, and regular flights.
By air: Senai International Airport is located within the city.
By train: Johor Bahru Sentral Railway Station (JB Sentral) is in the city.
By road: Taxis, buses, and shared coaches ply to Johor Bahru.
Top things to do in Johor Bahru
Explore Kota Tinggi Firefly Park
The Kota Tinggi Firefly Park is a unique attraction, allowing visitors to observe fireflies in dense mangroves. Guests board a boat for a river cruise to a mesmerising location where thousands of fireflies sparkle in all their glory. The mangroves serve as the habitat and breeding grounds for these fireflies, making the cruise a wonderful occasion to witness a stunningly beautiful natural spectacle. Photography with flash is prohibited here to not disturb the fireflies, and it is far too dark to take good photos without flash. Therefore, be prepared to leave your cameras and phones in your pockets and bags.
Opening hours: 1 pm to 11 pm
Ticket: MY 25 (USD 5.61)
Book your stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru via Booking.com
Book your stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru via Agoda.com
Find the perfect souvenir at Pasar Karat night market
If you seek souvenirs and an immersive cultural experience, go to the Pasar Karat night market. One of the best things to do in Johor Bahru is to shop at this market, which is a must. Here, you can sample local street food and browse handmade items for home decor. Dried spices and condiments, fresh produce, casual apparel and accessories, and novelty items are all available, along with numerous cafes and restaurants lining the market where you can sit and unwind.
Opening hours: 6 pm to 2 am from Wednesdays to Sundays; 12 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 2 am on Tuesdays; closed on Mondays.
Sample authentic Malay cuisine
One of the most popular things to do in Johor Bahru is to sample the local fare. Malaysian cuisine is a heady mix of Chinese, Indian, and traditional Malay flavours, offering a variety of delectable dishes to suit every palate. Make a reservation at some of the finest restaurants here, but do not forget to try the street food. These locations will surely provide some of the most authentic Malay cuisine in the country.
If you are looking to sample local flavours, some of the must-have items include Laksa (spicy noodle soup with coconut milk), Roti Canai (crispy flatbread served with dipping sauces), Nasi Lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk with various accompaniments), Nasi Kandar (steamed rice accompanied by vegetable or meat curry), Fish Head Curry, and Ikan Bakar (grilled fish).
Looking for more places to enjoy the best Nasi Lemak in Malaysia? Check out our guide for top recommendations!
Take in the stunning views at Desaru Beach
At Desaru Beach, pristine beaches, azure waters, golden sands, and breathtaking views are guaranteed. You can spend the day frolicking in the water, sunbathing, watching a mesmerising sunset, and exploring local food options at the beachside shacks shaded by tall casuarina trees. Additionally, several high-end resorts and restaurants line the beach, where you can savour the freshest seafood available along with live music.
Plan a trip to explore the Desaru Coast near Johor Bahru.
Enjoy adventure activities in Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is an excellent destination for adrenaline enthusiasts seeking high-octane adventure activities such as ATV riding, go-karting, and archery. You can enjoy a thrilling experience at ATV Park Johor, where you can ride an ATV across challenging terrains. Alternatively, you can embark on an adventurous ride on a dirt bike at Tristan Park.
You can also try archery, paintball, and horseback riding. If you’re travelling with kids, don’t miss the adventure and water parks for a fun-filled day!
Book your stay at One&Only Desaru Coast via Booking.com
Book your stay at One&Only Desaru Coast via Agoda.com
Enjoy a visit to Endau-Rompin Peta Johor National Park
If you want a day trip from Johor Bahru, consider visiting Endau-Rompin Peta Johor National Park. This beautiful park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is an expansive protected forest, rich in stunning natural beauty and home to unique flora and fauna. Visitors can observe hundreds of species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
The area is home to the Upeh Guling and Buaya Sangkut waterfalls and Tasik Biru Lake. Visitors can enjoy multiple hiking trails, flowing streams, and breathtaking views in every direction. Additionally, you can explore the enchanting Janing Barat, a forest filled with fan palms. The park is closed during the monsoon season, which lasts from November to March.
Love exploring nature? Check out our story on Malaysia’s National Parks.
Distance from Johor Bahru: 197 km
How to reach: The best way to reach the national park is via local buses or taxis.
Shopping in Johor Bahru
The city is well known for offering a wide range of shopping opportunities for people from all walks of life. You can find high-end shopping malls here, humble street markets, and local shopping complexes. Some must-visit markets in Johor Bahru include Johor Bahru City Square, Johor Premium Outlets, KSL City Mall, AEON Mall, and Komtar JBCC.
If you are looking for night markets and street shopping, don’t forget to head to Johor Bahru Pasar Malam, B5 Johor Street Market, Pasar Karat, and Johor Jaya Food Street. Pick up luxury goods at the shopping malls, from apparel to accessories, cosmetics, electronics, and more. The best places to visit are the street and night markets for casual clothing, local brands, handmade souvenirs, and handicrafts.
Shop the best travel experiences here
Must-try restaurants in Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru hosts many fantastic food festivals, some showcasing local delicacies while others offering global cuisines. The food scene here is bursting with flavours and recipes influenced by several parts of Asia. You can find an array of fabulous eateries here, ranging from the uber-luxe to street stalls that offer unique dishes and authentic cuisines.
Some of the best restaurants include Fifty Trees, Binchotan JB, Tosca at Double Tree By Hilton Johor Bahru, Suasana Suites Cafe Johor Bahru, and Café BLD in Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel.
Check out our story on the best eateries near the Johor Bahru Causeway.
Top hotels in Johor Bahru
From 5-star luxury resorts to more humble boutique hotels, the city offers plenty of accommodation options. Expect unparalleled luxury, seamless service, stunning views, beach-front properties, private pools, decadent dining options, modern amenities, and much more. Some of the best hotels in the area include Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, One&Only Desaru Coast, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru, and Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel by Marriott.
Book your stay at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas via Booking.com
Book your stay at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas via their website
Insider tips for people visiting Johor Bahru
- Explore the local markets for handmade souvenirs.
- Try booking cabs on apps rather than hailing one down the road for a smoother experience.
- Consider a day trip to nearby villages for an immersive cultural experience.
- Learn a few Malay phrases to help you navigate the city better.
- Ask locals for food recommendations for authentic Malay cuisine at budget-friendly prices.
- Try to avoid venturing into dark alleyways or leaving your valuables unattended.
- Most shops accept cards or electronic payments, but you might find some that do not. Carry enough cash with you to cover basic expenses.
(Feature image credit: Lionel Lim, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
This story first appeared in Travel & Leisure Asia.
