Got a long weekend to enjoy? Johor Bahru in Malaysia is the perfect weekend getaway. Johor Bahru is a Malaysian town that shares its border with Singapore. Like other border towns, it had a shabby reputation for years before cleaning up its act and creating a wide range of new friendly attractions for families that have helped its popularity to rise. If you are in Singapore and looking for a small day trip, then Johor Bahru is a great option. Here, you will find large numbers of malls, eateries, and bars. The city had a wide range of cultural and historic sites, many of which belong to the British colonial era. Any history enthusiast will enjoy the fascinating museums in Johor Bahru. Like Malaysia, Johor Bahru has plenty of local food choices. Let us explore the popular things to do in Johor Bahru.
Popular Things to do in Johor Bahru
Bargain Hunt at the Johor Premium Outlet- Of many things to do in Johor Bahru, this is possibly the best place to do a quality bargain in Johor. They have both local and international brands at cheap prices. It is an open-air complex, so while shopping you must tolerate the heat too! While shopping, grab a snack and a col drink from the food court.
Enjoy a walk at the Jalan Tan Hiok Nee- It is one of the popular things to do in Johor Bahru. It is named after one of the original fathers of Johor Bahru and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Here, you will find large numbers of restaurants and cafes and there are also large numbers of antique shops along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee. The architecture is amazing, and you can expect traditional Chinese style storehouses and several colonial buildings.
Visit Legoland- If you are looking for some fun things to do in Johor Bahru, then Legoland is the right place to be. The unique part about going to a theme park is the feeling as you have stepped into a new world. Though there are several theme parks in and around Malaysia, Legoland is special compared to others? Because this entire park is constructed out of Legos! This park has both wet and dry theme park so that you can enjoy both in one place. Entry tickets start from RM73 to RM244. Kids below 12 years of age and seniors above 60 years can avail discounts.
Enjoy dining at Senibong Cove- It is one of the popular things to do in Johor Bahru at night. This spot is quite the hidden gem in Johor Bahru. It is a small township known as Senibong where you will find attractive houses constructed along the East Coast. At Senibong Cove, you can see the sunset with a fleet of yachts parked at the harbor while you enjoy a delicious dinner. After enjoying the dinners, you can go for a romantic stroll along the pathway near the coast and enjoy the nature. If you are confused about what to do in JB at night, then you must not miss dining at Senibong Cave.
Visit the Johor Zoo- Johor Zoo was one of the first zoos to be constructed in Southeast Asia in 1928. There are more than a hundred different animals here. You can see elephants, gorillas, flamingoes, and lions in this zoo. Here, you will also see reptiles and birdhouses. If you are worried thinking about what to eat in Johor Bahru zoo? No worries. There are lots of eateries around in case you feel hungry. If you have children with you, then this is the best pick. You will get many opportunities to interact with some of the animals.
Have a tour of the Istana Bear- The Istana Besar is the Royal Palace and was the home of the Sultan of Johor during the old days. This remarkable building was made in 1856 when Sultan Abu Bakar was ruling. It is an extraordinary combination of Malay and Western architecture. Ensure to look out for the large dome that tops the structure and signature blue roof. Other interesting points include the Royal Abu Bakar Museum. This museum has a huge collection of heirlooms and antiques that belongs to the Royal Family.
Visit Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple- It is one of the popular things to do in Johor Bahru especially for those who are religious. It is a traditional temple that dates to the 19th century. It was constructed with respect to the five deities admired by the Chinese community. It is one of the oldest religious buildings of its type in the city and is instantly identifiable. All credit goes to the bright white and red color scheme. Apart from the actual temple, you will find some exhibits that narrate the story of how the Chinese community first visited Johor Bahru. A trip to this city is incomplete without visiting this popular site.
Have a traditional Kopitiam breakfast in Hua Mui- The traditional breakfast in Hua Mui comprises of kaya butter toast, boiled eggs, and their specialty, Kopi. They are so delicious that one can die for them. What makes their kaya toast different from others is the fact that they use buns instead of sliced bread. To make it taste better, they use frozen butter so when you bite the toast, you get a huge chunk of cold butter. Lastly, you must drink a hot cup of kopi. Their coffee is superb.
Discover the Johor Bahru Kwong Siew Heritage Gallery- The Johor Bahru Kwong Siew Gallery is a museum situated in two traditional shophouses that dates to 1907. The buildings would have been used in the form of headquarters of Kwong Siew Clan Associations that was constructed by Wong Ah Fook, a Chinese businessman who worked with the Sultanate of Johor. This museum narrates the story of the members of this community and you will find ancient pictures and traditional costumes, weapons, and even rarities like old opium pipes. Ensure to check the collections of old coins and the fortune-telling machine and the traditional bowls, cups, and plates.
Stop at the Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm- Though the farm is teeming with big reptiles, it is well-maintained. The caretaker out there will take you for a small tour around the farm. You can see baby crocodiles nearby and if you are interested, you can try some satay or crocodile meat.
Enjoy at the Angry Birds Theme Park- The Angry Birds Theme Park is a big theme park dedicated to things related to Angry Birds. It is one of the popular things to do in Johor Barua. T The park extends to 26,000 square feet. There are different kinds of rides, amusement arcades, daily shows, and performances with the characters of Angry Birds. One of the best things about this park is it opens late in the evening so it worth the money you spend.
Visit Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque- Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque was constructed over a period of some 8 years starting in 1892 and is a combination of British colonial architecture and old-style Islamic styles. The four minarets at the top are the unique features of this mosque. These minarets make the mosque look like a traditional British clock tower. The interiors are made of white marble and you will find a perfect blend of quaint Victorian design features combined with Moorish motifs. This mosque can accommodate about 2,000 worshippers at a time and if you love religious architecture then, you must not miss it.
Taste the pastries at the Salahuddin Bakery- The Salahuddin Bakery was first opened in 1937 and has been working since then. Here, you will find a delicious collection of baked treats, but one of the main reasons people have been gathering here for years is the curry puffs. This is a traditional Malay snack made of curried vegetables or meat stuffed inside a pastry. The bakery has not undergone many changes since its establishment.
Visit Danga Bay- It is a waterfront complex that has a wide range of dining and lifestyle options. It is a popular spot in Johor Bahru worth visiting. It is also the home of the Danga World Petting Zoo, which is smaller than the main zoo in Johor, but as animal shows where young visitors can get near to the zoo animals. Danga World Theme Park is situated in the Danga Bay Complex and has nearly 20 rides like the scenic Ferris wheel and the spinning teacups.
Enjoy shopping at the Johor Premium Outlets- One of the popular reasons why visitors visit Johor is because of the bargain shopping opportunities. The best place for bargain shopping is the Johor Premium Outlets. This shopping complex styled as shopping malls carries a wide range of local and international brands all of which are sold at competitive prices and there are some eateries where you can grab a bite in between the shopping.
Visit Gurdwara Sahib Johor Bahru- One of the greatest claims of Johor Bahru is religious diversity. By keeping this in mind, you can visit a Sikh temple that was built in 1992. Tourists come here to check the beautiful yellow window frames and the unique crenelated roof. This is a significant place of worship where around 250 Sikh families can worship at a time. If you are visiting all other religious places in town, then make sure you visit this Gurudwara too.
Relax at a spa- Johor Bahru is popular for its spas. If you are looking for a way to relax and unwind when in town, then you have come to the right place. You will find many spas all over the city. One of the popular venues is a chain known as Wang Zu Bu Luo and most of the spas in this town provide similar services. The services include manicures, facials, and massages along with some traditional treatments like cupping and ear candling.
Visit the War Memorial- Situated in Jalan Abu Bakar, the War Memorial is made of two obelisks that are wholly dedicated to servicemen who lost their lives during the First and Second World War. It was constructed in 1962 and is a must-visit for all who visit the city. It is popular for its extraordinary views.
Sunbathe on Desaru Beach- Johor Bahru is near to the water. You must head to the Strait of Johor. Here, you will find a long sand strip near the coastline. A day spent on the beach may be the right option for those who are searching for a place to relax from the bustling hubs which are filled with clubs, cafes, shopping malls, and restaurants. Some of the activities that you can enjoy here include going for an exciting banana boat ride or you can enjoy jet skiing. You can book beach resorts if you want to stay in Johor Bahru for a little longer time.
Play golf- You can say Johor Bahru as a golfer’s paradise. Mainly when it comes to varieties with 11 different golf courses in Johor Bahru, you are virtually spoilt for choice. The size of the golf courses ranges from 9 to 36 holes. The place is perfect for both beginners and experts.
Enjoy dinner at Medan Selera Meldrum Walk- Johor Bahru, like the rest of the places in Malaysia, is popular for its incredible hawker street food. By keeping this in mind, if you want to test some of the best in the business, then visit the Medan Selera Meldrum Walk, which is set in the evening and has a huge collection of Malaysian dishes. Some of the popular items sold here include Laska, a creamy soup flavored with coconut milk, and Ikan Bakar, a fish rubbed in a paste made of different spices and then grilled on the coals.
Explore Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple- The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple us one of the significant buildings for the Hindus living in Johor Bahru. It is the first Hindu building made of glass. Both the exterior and interior of the temple is made of glass which makes it shine in the sunlight. Even though it is a Hindu building, you will see statues of Buddha and Christ.
Whether you travel the causeway from Singapore for a day trip to Johor Bahru or stay here for a few days, you can see these are some of the popular things to do in Johor Bahru. Whether you like historical attractions or places that are family-friendly, then there is something for everyone in JB.