English
French
Spanish
ItalianJohor Bahru
Johor Bahru, or JB for short, is one of Malaysia's most vibrant cities and also a gateway to the country from Singapore. Be it about the city's history, a run through cultural attractions, or how to get there, this article is going to cover it all.
The beauty of Johor Bahru City (Source: Agoda)
Johor Bahru was originally founded in the year 1855. When it was developed by Sultan Abu Bakar, the father of modern Johor, it attained the name "Tanjung Puteri". It got its name, Johor Bahru, meaning "New Johor" in Malay, in 1866, and the renaming signified a new start for the state. Johor Bahru was developed as the new administration center of Johor and marked its shift from the original capital within Singapore, Teluk Belanga.
During the period of British colonization, Johor Bahru had various massive infrastructure developments, including road and rail building, as well as construction concerning administration. After independence in 1957, Johor Bahru continued its growth into a sprawling city with a mix of cultures, businesses, and modern amenities.
History of Johor Bahru (Source: Thehonneycombers)
Nowadays, Johor Bahru is the capital of Johor State, and due to its proximity to Singapore, it has emerged as a crucial commercial hub and is a busy metropolis in Malaysia.
Johor Bahru is located on the southernmost tip of Peninsular Malaysia, acting as a border city separating Malaysia and Singapore. It gazes at the island nation across the Johor Strait and is connected to it by the Johor-Singapore Causeway, the major link for vehicles, pedestrians, and trains.
Its strategic location makes the city a vital entrance between Malaysia and Singapore, hence an important commercial and transport center.
One of many famous places in Johor Bahru (Source: Expedia)
Perched atop a hill overlooking the Straits of Johor is the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, one of the most visible landmarks in Johor Bahru. The mosque was built between 1892 and 1900 and is a fine example of how the Victorians combined their style with Moorish architecture. It can hold up to 2,000 worshippers and is open to visitors outside of prayer times, hence it is a must-visit for history and architecture buffs.
Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque (Source: Wikipedia)
A short drive away from Johor Bahru city center, LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort is the first in Asia and one of the best family destinations. The resort is home to over 70 rides, water slides, and attractions designed for all ages and hosts a themed hotel, a water park, and a sea life aquarium to boot-a perfect combination for an action-packed day.
Legoland Malaysia Resort (Source: BorakKita)
For shoppers and diners, Johor Bahru City Square is the place to be. The whole bustling complex of several hundred retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment spots stands just a walking distance from the customs checkpoint between Malaysia and Singapore. In this vibrant shopping center, one will find everything: from international brands and quality goods to local handicrafts.
Johor Bahru City Square (Source: Tripadvisor)
Istana Besar or the Grand Palace was constructed in 1866 by Sultan Abu Bakar and served as the official residence of the Sultan of Johor. The palace combines Malay and Western architectural styles with nicely manicured gardens around the palace grounds.
The part of the palace is, of course, used for official ceremonies, but it allows visitors to view the Royal Abu Bakar Museum in the house, which learns about the history of the royal family and the culture of Johor.
Grand Palace (Source: Britannica)
Danga Bay is Johor Bahru's biggest recreational park and waterfront, with an expanse that allows a very nice view of the city coastline. It is also full of various attractions such as five-star hotels, first-class restaurants, shopping outlets, and theme parks. When night falls, the water park in Danga Bay bursts alive into color and is always a good place to relax after an exhausting day around the city.
Hotels near Danga Bay (Source: Airpaz)
Johor Bahru has a tropical rainforest climate, hence, the temperatures are very high throughout the year, as is the humidity. While there is no time that is particularly bad, or good, to visit, most people prefer visiting between March and October, when it is comparatively drier and easier to get outdoors.
Best time to visit Johor Bahru (Source: Wikipedia)
Read more: The beautiful Malaysia with city and beach
By Air: The international airport serving Johor Bahru is Senai International Airport (JHB). It lies about 30 kilometers from the city center, with scheduled domestic flights from other cities in Malaysia and some international flights originating from neighboring countries.
By Train: Malaysian Railways- KTM operates services to Johor Bahru from Kuala Lumpur, among other parts of Malaysia. The route operated by ETS or Electric Train Service has comfortable and very scenic rides, thus, it takes a longer time compared with flights or driving.
Malaysian Railways- KTM in Johor Bahru (Source: Wikipedia)
Johor Bahru boasts rich history, modern development, and all sorts of attractions. Conveniently located right next to Singapore and with easy access by air, land, and rail, Johor Bahru is an indispensable destination for any Southeast Asia itinerary.
Read more: Trip 9 days in Malaysia: Pristine Excursion in Pangkor Island
