14 Popular Tourist Attractions in Johor Bahru, the City Across from Singapore

Johor Bahru is the capital of Johor State, located near the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It is the second most populous city in Malaysia after the capital, Kuala Lumpur, and has developed as a port city overlooking Singapore across the Johor Strait.

Due to its proximity—just about an hour from central Singapore—Johor Bahru is a highly popular day-trip destination for visitors from Singapore. The city boasts a variety of attractions, including historical buildings and leisure facilities, making it enjoyable for people of all ages, from children to adults.

In this guide, we introduce 14 must-visit tourist spots in Johor Bahru that you won’t want to miss!

1. Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is renowned as one of the most beautiful wooden mosques in Malaysia. Perched on a hill overlooking the Johor Strait, its striking white walls and blue roof create an unforgettable contrast. Commissioned by Sultan Abu Bakar, the "Father of Modern Johor," the mosque was completed in 1900 after eight years of construction.

The spacious prayer hall can accommodate up to 2,000 worshippers at once. Visitors can tour the interior outside prayer times, but proper attire is mandatory: long sleeves and pants for men, and long sleeves, pants, and a scarf for women. The panoramic view of Johor Bahru from the hilltop is also not to be missed.

2. Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Museum

The Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Museum is housed in a royal palace built by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1886. This Victorian-style building, characterized by its elegant white and blue exterior, displays around 70,000 artifacts, including furniture, tableware, and clothing used by the royal family.

Inside, visitors can explore recreated royal chambers and other highlights. The beautifully landscaped gardens offer stunning views of the Johor Strait.

3. Johor Zoo

Opened in 1928, Johor Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Asia. While relatively small in size, it features a diverse range of animals, from classic favorites like lions, elephants, orangutans, and tigers, to colorful birds and reptiles rarely seen in other countries.

The zoo's close-up animal viewing makes it especially popular among families with children. Located about a 10-minute walk from Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, it’s a convenient addition to your itinerary.

4. Tanjung Piai National Park

Tanjung Piai National Park is a national park centered around the southernmost tip of the Eurasian continent. Spanning approximately 526 hectares, the park is home to extensive mangrove forests that visitors can explore via walkways. The area is rich in wildlife, including monkeys and birds, so you might spot some during your visit.

Located about 90 km from Johor Bahru city center, the park is best accessed by bus, taxi, or a local tour. Visitors can also purchase a certificate (for a fee) marking their achievement of reaching the southernmost point of mainland Asia, complete with their name and date.

5. Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum

The Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum presents the history of the Chinese diaspora in Malaysia through informative panels. This museum is a must-visit for those interested in the role of the Chinese community in shaping Johor Bahru's history. Incidentally, Johor Bahru is called "新山" (Xinshan) in Chinese.

Inside, visitors can learn about secret societies prevalent in the Chinese community and the experiences of the Japanese occupation during World War II through various exhibits. Detailed explanations make the experience more enriching. A shop within the museum offers books and materials on Malaysian history.

6. The Malay Cultural Village

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country, with Malay people making up about 60% of the population. The Malay Cultural Village introduces visitors to the traditional culture of the Malay community and is a popular stop on Johor Bahru tours.

Highlights include traditional Malay dance performances in vibrant costumes, visits to traditional houses, and interactive experiences like batik (wax-resist dyeing), soap making, and sampling local delicacies. The on-site shop sells batik items and traditional crafts, perfect for souvenirs.

7. Johor Old Chinese Temple

The Johor Old Chinese Temple is a Taoist temple located on a street lined with religious sites, reflecting Malaysia's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. This temple is dedicated to five deities from different regions and serves as a spiritual haven for the local Chinese community.

The temple is particularly famous for the Chingay Festival held during Chinese New Year. This 140-year-old event features a procession of five deity statues carried on palanquins through the city. Each statue has a distinct expression, making them a highlight of the event.

8. Sultan Ibrahim Building

Built in 1939, the Sultan Ibrahim Building is a state secretariat office located on a hill and is visible from almost anywhere in Johor Bahru. During World War II, it served as the Japanese army's headquarters. From here, they reportedly had a clear view across the Johor Strait to Singapore.

While plans to turn the building into a museum remain undecided, its historical significance and commanding architecture make it a landmark worth visiting.

9. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple

The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, also known as the Glass Temple, is a Hindu temple renowned for being the oldest of its kind in the world and the only one in Malaysia. Completed in 2009 after a year of construction, it is a stunning architectural masterpiece.

The exterior features intricate carvings, but the interior is the real marvel, with 90% of the walls covered in mirrored mosaics that sparkle brilliantly. Reflecting Malaysia’s cultural diversity, the temple houses statues of Hindu deities alongside figures like Christ, Buddha, and even Mother Teresa.

10. Pasar Malam (Night Market)

When it comes to Southeast Asian evenings, night markets are a must-visit. Johor Bahru's night market, Pasar Malam, is incredibly popular among tourists and is held daily at various locations from Monday to Sunday.

For those looking to enjoy street food and desserts at affordable prices, Pasar Malam is the perfect choice. Highlights include sugarcane juice, shrimp-filled fish cakes, "Bunny" pancakes, and Laksa noodles. You’ll also find T-shirts, accessories, and more, making it an excellent spot to hunt for souvenirs.

11. Legoland Malaysia

Opened in 2012, Legoland Malaysia has become a prominent attraction in Johor Bahru. While Legoland also exists in other countries, this one offers a unique Malaysian charm. With a height requirement of just 100 cm, even small children can enjoy the attractions.

In 2013, the Water Park opened, making it the largest water park among all Legolands worldwide. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of attractions, from leisurely pools to thrilling slides and high-speed races. It’s a great destination for families with kids.

12. Orchid Valley

One of the world’s largest orchid gardens, Orchid Valley cultivates over 80 varieties of orchids. While initially focused solely on orchids, the garden now also showcases a wide range of ornamental plants. Visitors can tour the grounds leisurely on a tram.

The on-site shop sells ornamental plants, making this a must-visit destination for flower enthusiasts.

13. Endau-Rompin National Park

The Endau-Rompin National Park is a tropical rainforest reserve and the second-largest national park in Malaysia, after Taman Negara. Located northeast of Johor Bahru, it is known as one of the world’s oldest rainforests. The 80,000-hectare park is home to a variety of rare flora and fauna.

Visitors can enjoy trekking through the jungle, where they might encounter leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, gibbons, elephants, deer, tapirs, and occasionally even tigers and leopards. Activities like river rafting are also available on the Endau and Rompin Rivers. Note that park entry requires prior permission.

14. Pulau Tinggi

Located about 70 km off the east coast of Johor State, Pulau Tinggi is a historical island with roots in the Malacca Sultanate of the 15th century. Once known as the "Island of the General's Hat" by Chinese sailors, the small island is home to about 500 residents and rises approximately 600 meters above sea level at its highest point.

The island is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering pristine waters for activities like snorkeling and diving. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and trekking on the island, catering to a variety of tourist interests. Consider extending your trip to include a stay on Pulau Tinggi when visiting Johor Bahru.

◎Summary

Johor Bahru offers a mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that reflect Malaysia's diverse heritage. It’s also a family-friendly destination with something for everyone. Being so close to Singapore, a visit to Johor Bahru makes for an excellent addition to your Singapore trip itinerary.

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