The Best of Johor Bahru: JB City and Iskandar Puteri - Malaysia
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The Best of Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru, or “JB”, is just across the border from Singapore in Malaysia. Johor Bahru is one of many districts in the State of Johor, Malaysia. It has also been split into 3 local governments: Johor Bahru City Council is the central area, Iskandar Puteri City Council is the western area, and Pasir Gudang City Council is the eastern area.
This article will focus primarily on the central area of Johor Bahru as well as the western area of Iskandar Puteri. Iskandar Puteri, in western Johor Bahru, is best known for Legoland Malaysia and Sanrio Hello Kitty Town.
Whether you visit for a couple of days or a couple of months, JB has something for the whole family. We’ll share what to do in JB and the best hotels for your stay. It’s even a great affordable spot to stay if you want to visit Singapore for a day or two per week - as that worked quite well for us (see: Malaysia - Singapore Border Crossing).
Malaysia is really growing and is currently at the forefront of modernization while retaining its great value. It’s no wonder that it’s also a hot weekend destination for people living in Singapore!
OUR STORY: We first visited Malaysia in an effort to keep costs lower while visiting Singapore. We had no idea what to expect when we arrived, but it ended up being one of our favorite countries after that trip. So, as we didn’t actually plan much to do in Malaysia the first time, it ended up being the first country that we decided to return to on our adventures! It would be just our luck that we arrived just before the coronavirus lockdowns began, but, as Malaysia was mostly successful at keeping the virus at bay while continuously auto-extending our visas, we were able to explore so much of Malaysia over the following year that we could basically write a guide book on it! In fact, our second baby ended up being born right here in Johor!
In this Article:
What to do and Where to stay in Johor Bahru
Malaysia is an amazing country, so it is no wonder that it was chosen as a filming location for movies such as Blackhat (starring Chris Hemsworth), Anna and the King (featuring Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat), Entrapment (starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones), Fair Game (starring Naomi Watts and Sean Penn), the less known The Sleeping Dictionary (staring Jessica Alba and Brenda Blethyn), and Jackie Chan’s Police Story 3: Super Cop. The “Blue Mansion” (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion) on Penang Island, Malaysia also appeared in Crazy Rich Asians!
What to do in Johor Bahru City (JB City)
Johor Bahru City - the central part of Johor Bahru District - can be split into different areas as well: primarily Bandar Johor Bahru (the city center), the eastern part of the city center (western Plentong), and the northern part of the city (Tebrau).
Things to do in JB City (Bandar Johor Bahru - the City Center)
Johor Bahru City Square
A conveniently located mall across from the JB Sentral Railway station. The train from Singapore stops at JB Sentral after crossing the border. TIP: Restaurants get crowded soon after the train arrives. If you’re already in JB, plan to eat earlier, and if you’re coming from Singapore you may want to eat a little farther out.
The Old Temple Of Johor Bahru
Located just across the street from Johor Bahru City Square is the Old Temple of Johor Bahru, which was built in the 19th century and tells the story of how the Chinese community immigrated to Johor Bahru.
Komtar JBCC
Adjacent to JB City Square and home of the Angry Birds Activity Park.
An indoor playground with 5 different play areas. NOTE: As of 2019, it is compulsory to purchase Angry Bird socks at the counter in addition to your admission ticket in order to enter the play areas. One pair is 6 RM (approx. $1.50 USD)Paradigm Mall
The largest mall in JB. It includes a movie theatre, indoor climbing wall, 7 floors of shops & restaurants, and an indoor ice skating rink.
Johor Zoo
Unlike the open concept Singapore Zoo, the Johor Zoo is an old-style zoo (originally opened in 1928) with cages and enclosures. At 2 RM (approx. $0.50 USD) for adults, and 1 RM (approx. $0.25 USD) for children – the price can’t be beat.
Danga Bay Theme Park
The place to go at night. The rides operate from 3 PM to midnight daily. There’s no fee to enter the park area, but each attraction costs from 2 RM to 10 RM per ride. It can get pretty crowded on the weekends and is popular among couples and families.
Hiap Joo Bakery and Biscuit Factory
Cash only. Famous for their large loaves of banana cake.
Bazaar Karat (a.k.a. “Pasar Karat”)
A large open-road flea market that comes to life at night selling food, a wide selection of new and second hand clothes, antiques, souvenirs, accessories, electronics and many other items from locals. It is only open in the evenings and best to attend after 8 PM. Haggling is expected.
Taman Merdeka Park
This park has an open-air theater, rock sculptures, a monument dedicated to Malaysia’s independence, a few cannons and a clock tower.
Roman Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception
Built in 1883, it is one of the oldest structures in Johor. This is apparent in its British colonial style design.
Things to do in Western Plentong (the eastern part of JB City)
The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey
A very modern mall with a huge assortment of quality stores and restaurants in a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere. Some of their primary outlets are: “SOGO, Village Grocer, Golden Screen Cinema, Kiddytopia, Muji and Popcorn Food Hall and Mid Valley Exhibition Centre”. They also have a few Nyonya and Penang style restaurants that are worth checking out. It ended up being one of our favorite malls to visit in Johor Bahru. Drop by any Information Counter for baby strollers, battery operated scooters, wheelchairs, gift wrap services, and even portable chargers to power up your electronic devices!
Kisho Japanese Restaurant
Extremely authentic Japanese restaurant with the freshest ingredients (they grow most things there at the store and fly in the best seasonal ingredients from all over Japan 2-3 times per week). The chefs are being mentored by a 2-Star Michelin chef in Tokyo and thus the food is served “Kaiseki course menu” - which is the Finest Dining in Japan. Meals start from RM 150 (approx $37.50). Reservations are limited to 4 groups per day, so please make reservations ahead of time by calling +607-335 2312 or see their website for more details.
Things to do in Tebrau (the northern part of JB City)
Eco Spring Labs
This is a new retail concept park set in the middle of the European styled area of Eco Spring. It is also one of the more Instagrammable locations in Johor Bahru, with stylish store fronts, a train, and a decorative Farris wheel. You can also find a variety of very tasty food served here as it comes with a number of “finely prepared” restaurants and cafés like Tropique Café & Restaurant, Gold Bean 93, Morihana Pastry, Tim House Café, J-Train, Miyakori Coffee, Broasted by SugarBun, Good Morning Food Truck, and OC’DAKA. You’ll also find a flower shop, a DiggerSite (for kids to try using an excavator), and a few other amazing photo spots. Learn more here.
Little Paris
Bonjour! This strip of Parisian-themed boutique nail salons, cafés, bakeries, and even high fashion clothing stores will remind you of Paris. You’ll want to check out the design of each store to see how they are all inspired by Paris. The decorations are easily visible by day, but the outside area really comes to life at night when the strings of lights turn on and bring the whole area together. Café de Flore is the perfect spot to eat outside and feel like you’re in Paris while enjoying the “romantic sounds of music revolving around the ambience of old Parisian buildings and iconic landmarks to the culture of C’est La Vie.” Located at Jalan Jaya Putra 1/1, Taman Mount Austin.
Toppen Shopping Centre
With an active zone, an amazingly picturesque rooftop garden, the event piazza, and a family zone, this shopping center is more than just for shopping - it’s also for having fun and relaxing! The TGV Cinema has specially designed seats with built-in speakers for a boost in sound quality. There is also a large IKEA store here, some delectably themed restaurants and cafés, karaoke, a huge children’s play area, and even an outdoor area for rock climbing and skateboarding. This is a very family friendly shopping center! We highly recommend trying the Gula Melaka FrappyKaka (a boba drink) at Akaka Melaka Cendol! Learn more about the shopping center here.
What to do in Iskandar Puteri: Western Johor Bahru
This region of Johor Bahru consists of Tanjung Kupang, Jelutong, and Pulai - but you’ll almost never hear those names. What you will hear is “Iskandar Puteri” and a few of its 11 administrative zones. Here are the primary ones that you should be aware of if you are visiting this area on holiday or vacation:
Things to do in Nusajaya
Medini Area
Legoland Malaysia & SEA LIFE Malaysia
Legoland Malaysia is the star attraction of Nusajaya. It has the theme park, water park, and a newly opened SEA LIFE Malaysia aquarium. While you can technically visit both parks in one day, we recommend spending at least 2 days here because most kids want to spend a full day in the water park as well. With a 2 year old boy, we weren’t able to go on too many rides in the main park - but he did have a lot of fun on the ones he could go on! He also loves to see fish, so SEA LIFE was wonderful for him (it’s also air conditioned so it’s a great place to take a break from Legoland on a hot day). Allot about 1-2 hours for SEA LIFE Malaysia, especially if you plan to watch the show and “create some fish” in the interactive aquarium room. Tickets HERE.
Mall of Medini
This open-air mall is fairly new and still under development - although a number of places are open and operational. It has a roof, but is not enclosed. There is a BIG grocery store here (Ben’s Independent Grocer) - which also has two restaurants - as well as Starbucks, Burger King, KFC, Absolute Thai, Subway, Secret Recipe, Old Town White Coffee, a Taiwan Street Snacks, a couple of convenience stores, a cellular store, and a clothing/footwear store. The mall also has a Causeway Link bus stop to get to and from Singapore.
Gleneagles Hospital Medini
One of the premier private hospitals in Malaysia with a majority of their doctors having been trained in the UK, USA, Canada, and Singapore. Very new facilities" as well as “a variety of modern facilities and medical equipment catering to the needs of every individual patient”. They cater to a wide range of medical specialties, diagnostics, imaging and screening services. In fact, we had many of our prenatal appointments, and gave birth to our second baby, at this very hospital! (This hospital is also a Medisave-accredited hospital, approved by the Ministry of Health, Singapore). Additionally, there is a few restaurants and a Maybank inside the hospital, as well as a food truck that is parked out front on the street every evening.
Outside Medini
Sunway Citrine Hub
Getting groceries delivered from AEON was convenient, but we liked the selection at Jaya Grocer in Sunway Citrine Hub better. Sunway Iskandar is a planned city in the process of being built. The Sunway Citrine Hub is one of the first complexes to be completed and opened. This facility has that small-town new-generation feel with boutique restaurants and cafes (like Pizz@, Sushi House, and The Story Juice Bar), the Jaya Grocer, a hair salon, and even a “Mr. D.I.Y.” store - which has all of the knick-knacks you could need for just about anything. Beware of the lake on the other side of the parking lot, however (mosquito zone!).
Sunway Big Box Retail Park
At this Retail Park, you can find the traditional Chinese Loon Sing Banquet Restaurant, as well as Lao Pa Sat Signature and a number of the typical mall restaurants. However, what really sets this place apart from the other malls are a few specialty stores: Book Xcess is the largest bookstore in Johor (and it’s a lively place, with a café, that plenty of people frequent regularly), an ACE Hardware, a Thai Odyssey to get relaxing deep-tissue Thai massages, a SportsDirect.com retail store, an Anytime Fitness, a Happy Fish swim school which looks amazing for small children, a Golden Screens Cinemas (GSC), a Mr. DIY, and the Energ X Park. There’s also a few decent clothing and shoes stores, as well as an Optometry. NSK Trade City is a decent grocery store - plus there’s also a Chinese grocer around the corner.
Eco Botanic City
An upscale and modern Chinatown-type area designed for younger professionals, and families, with many amazing conveniences - such as a print shop (Mail Boxes Etc.), a few barber shops, and a myriad of amazing restaurants - such as PiringMu Peranakan Fusion (amazing Nyonya food) and PokéGo (which serves some of the best poke that we’ve had outside of Hawaii). However, this area really has just about anything that you’d want, and most of the things that you can’t find in the Medini area - plus it’s only 5 minutes away!
Things to do in Puteri Harbour
Puteri Harbour
A few restaurants sitting on the boat harbor as well as a shopping center that includes a DC Superheros Cafe, Toys R Us, Starbucks, Hotel Jen Johor Puteri, and even a grocery store. There is even a freshmart just a block away at the Teega Walk.
Puteri Harbour Theme Park - PERMANENTLY CLOSED!
Two indoor theme parks, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and Thomas Town. Perfect for preschoolers and their parents. Hello Kitty Town has activities that involve the whole family, whereas Thomas Town lets the parents sit back while the kids play. Tickets HERE.
Kota Iskandar: Johor State Administrative Center
”Fill your time marvelling at the stylish architectures and scenic spots through our gallery, gardens and open spaces.” The facility houses the Sultan Ismail Building (BSI), a souvenir shop, waterscapes and lush gardens, the Kota Iskandar Mosque, and the Jauhar Gallery. You can join their BSI Guided Tour, a tour of the Parliament building, or the excursion bus tour around Kota Iskandar’s attractive surroundings. It is an amazing architectural site where “Johor’s Heritage Comes Alive” located at Puteri Harbour.
Things to do in Bukit Indah
Stores & Shops
Bukit Indah is between Nusajaya and JB City, although a little closer to Nusajaya. It is also surrounded by a circle of streets containing shops, stores, banks, open-air eateries, restaurants, a much larger grocery store (Tesco Bukit Indah - which allows online grocery delivery service), printing shops (PrintTech), pediatric offices, baby stores, etc.
AEON Bukit Indah
A shopping mall and supermarket. The mall has stores, restaurants, and a TGV movie theatre. The supermarket gets very crowded on the weekends, and the 8th and 28th of the month for sales.
Bukit Indah Recreation Park
Many people come to this park to jog and exercise. We also saw a number of people here playing Pokemon Go. While it is a decent place to exercise, realize that it can get quite warm as only about half of the park has tree coverage.
Things to do in Forest City
The futuristic vision of Forest City seriously surprised us when we visited. Seeing the technological and logistical planning of a city in this magnitude really made us excited and amazed - thinking “why didn’t we see our country building anything like this” - but at the same time giving us an eerie feeling about how China could potentially lead the world in innovation and win the hearts and minds of people across the globe. While only a small portion of Forest City is complete, what is done will likely make you wonder if you are walking around in what we know of as a “city” or if the entire city is a technologically advanced resort-world. Noting that it was odd for us to see menus in the Japanese restaurant, located in Malaysia, that were only in Chinese and prices listed in Yuan (we expected Malay or English - their primary languages - or potentially Japanese).
The Sales Gallery
If this is your first time to Forest City, then it is worth seeing exactly what is planned for Forest City. The Sales Gallery includes a large scale model of that vision, as well as model homes and apartment units that are available for purchase in Forest City. There is also a café and restaurant on the underground level!
The Beachfront
Along the beachfront you’ll find an iconic staircase that walks up into the clouds. Additionally, you’ll see the Kanopi Seaside, model seals, flamingos, and giant crabs on the south end of the beach and a tree-covered tropical boardwalk with plenty of straw umbrella coverings
Forest City Outlet Mall & Duty-Free Stores
A number of restaurants - such as Marrybrown and Baiyi Teppanyaki, convenience stores - like UP Grocer, a pharmacy, a furniture store, and a number of duty-free stores where you can purchase alcohol, wines, and liquors without the 15% standard Malaysian tax (not permitted to take outside of Forest City without paying the tax).
Glyken Birdnest Museum
If you’ve ever wondered about edible bird’s nests, this is your opportunity to learn the history behind its value and why it is so prized and sought after as a Chinese delicacy. Also learn about their rarity, high amounts nutrients (such as protein), and their rich flavor. “According to traditional Chinese medicine, it promotes good health, especially for the skin. The nests have been used in Chinese cuisine for over 400 years, most often as bird's nest soup.” (wiki)
Forest City Marina Hotel
The only luxury hotel in Forest City. It creates its very own unique oasis with two beautiful swimming pools in a lush forest atmosphere, private dining rooms, conference rooms, a full gym, the international C&M fine dining restaurant with astonishing views of the sea, a lobby bar, a ceremonial wedding area, and its own beachfront with turtle statuettes. While you’re here, check out the Sirocco Sky Bar & Restaurant for the best view and western food in Forest City. Book a Superior Room up to a Presidential Suite at the Forest City Marina Hotel here (previously the Phoenix Hotel).
Kanopi Seaside
Seaside tents with bedding. Supposedly quite romantic to sleep here through the night until sunrise. Overlooking Singapore across the water channel.
Baiyi Teppanyaki - Japanese Restaurant
Expect the menu to be in Chinese, the atmosphere and food to be amazing, and the prices to be in Ringgit (even though they are listed in Yuan). So it is a little pricy, but the quality is exceptionally fresh and delicious.
Things to do in Leisure Farm
This is one of the most prestigious gated developments in Iskandar Puteri, and a spectacularly relaxing area set in “pristine forest reserves and canal waterways”. The seven precincts each have their own individual perimeter fencing, entrance gates, and central monitoring security systems. You can see a variety of wildlife here as well - we saw some Stork-billed Kingfishers, monkeys, cranes, and a few Asian water monitors. It is very close to the Tuas second link bridge to Singapore as well as Nusajaya.
Balé Club & Restaurant
The “center clubhouse” of Leisure Farm, with a tropical ambiance with a calming atmosphere, including “a beach lagoon family pool, 33 meter infinity pool, conference room, BBQ/pavilion, gym, tennis courts, basketball, netball, KindiZoo Nature Play and playground”. A family-style restaurant and bar sits aside the infinity pool and extends into the grand dining hall - which is a magnificent looking thatched structure, surrounded by a reflection pond and floating steps. They serve a selection of Western and Malaysian cuisine as well as a premium range of fine wine and spirits. Open daily from noon until 10 pm.
Canal Park
An “eco-themed enclave” with gentle streams, lakes, and plenty of bird and fish life - including a few duck species. There’s also a “camping ground, boat dock, fishing pavilion, spice garden, bird island, a watch tower and jogging tracks” - although we should note that, while we were there during the coronavirus lockdown, not much upkeep had been done on these areas and there were plenty of mosquitos.
Leisure Farm Sales Gallery
This is a nice facility set up with models of Leisure Farm, brochures, and plenty of amenities to relax while you consider purchasing a property - or learning more about Leisure Farm and its facilities. “Be amazed by the innovative products, ideas and designs showcased at the D’Rimbunan Sales Gallery and enjoy our first class customer service at the One Stop Service Centre.”
Kayu Manis Orchard
Although we missed it while we were there - this may be an “excellent place for meditation or quiet reflection”. Here, a “Balinese inspired amphitheatre amidst gentle rice paddy terraces takes centre stage, while a fruit orchard, herb garden, vegetable farm and fishing area provide hours of enjoyment.”
Kuda House Equestrian Centre
An MEM/NCAS approved center that offers top quality instruction, for adults and children, in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Check it out for a fun ride, riding classes, lead trail rides, stable management courses, and horse schooling.
Poresia Country Club
This 260-acre, 36 hole championship golf course sits on a former palm oil plantation and was planned by Pete Dye. It has “four interchangeable nine-hole loops - Hibiscus, Orchid, Sakura and Bougainvillea”. The clubhouse also has a local Malaysian food restaurant. Although it is in Leisure Farm, it was sold to a separate company. Learn more here.
Technically in Kulai (north of Johor Bahru)
Things to do near Johor Bahru
Senai International Airport
Putuo Village
Putuo Village is “a serene and scenic place rich in Buddhism essence and cultural elements” It is surrounded by a bamboo forest and has a wishing tree, a prayer wheel corridor, a Datuk Gong shrine, a prayer path, a durian park, a thousand Buddha wall, and some very Instagrammable spots in their sacred bamboo grove. It was a really amazing place to see and explore near Johor Bahru!
Tasik Biru, Kangkar Pulai
Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest & Waterfall
Bonus thing to do in Johor Bahru (JB City and Bukit Indah)
Watch movies
Although this isn’t a usual “tourist” activity, movies in Malaysia are very cheap, have the latest releases, and are in English (usually with Malay subtitles) – making it a popular pastime for day-trippers from Singapore. Prices can start as low as 8 RM (approx. $2 USD) on weekdays. Movie theatres can be found at Paradigm, JB City Square, and AEON Bukit Indah (Bukit Indah is closest to Nusajaya).
Where to stay in Johor Bahru
Legoland Hotel (4-star, prices vary)
Families enjoyed the themed rooms. Restaurants are reserved for hotel guests only, but many guests recommend eating off-site for better prices.Ramada Meridin Johor Bahru (4-star, from $50 USD)
Just behind Legoland with an amazing pool area, two restaurants (including value sets of Masala Curry Chicken or Kuey Teow for RM 15.90, and a Crispy Fish Burger or a ‘Javanese’ Lamb Skewer for RM 28.00), shuttle service to Singapore & the local areas, and even the “AA Supermarket” if you need a few groceries.Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour, Johor by Shangri-La (4-star, from $80 USD)
Grand Paragon Hotel, Johor Bahru (4-star, from $48 USD)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru (4-star, from $61 USD)
Somerset Medini & Afiniti Residences Medini
D’pristine Medini
Leisure Farm
Forest City
Tours in & through Johor Bahru, Malaysia
If you’re in the area, check out some of the entertainment that Johor Bahru has to offer. With Legoland, SEA LIFE Aquarium, an indoor ice staking rink, climbing wall, many movie theaters, Hello Kitty Town, and the Angry Birds Activity Park, you really can’t get bored.
However, if you want to enjoy the coastal waters book the Colorful Snorkeling Experience (from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur) to explore even more of Malaysia! However, as we have been to each of the places in the amazing "Bangkok to Singapore on a Shoestring” tour, we highly recommend this one as it hits all of the highlights of southern Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in a single tour at a budget price!
Alternatively, use all of the helpful advice we have given you in this article and continue on your journey into Singapore by crossing the border and exploring Singapore as well!
Check out these articles about exciting places to go in Singapore:
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