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Johor Bahru
From wiki.travel.com
Johor Bahru (also Johor Baru or Johore Baharu, but universally called JB) is the state capital of Johor in southern peninsular Malaysia, just across the causeway from Singapore. A bustling city but one with little of interest for the casual tourist, it is a significant regional transport and manufacturing hub.
Johor Bahru can be easily divided into four parts - North, South, East and West.
South - The main city centre is located on the southern part of the city which has a link to Singapore via the causeway. It is an area with housing estates which have been around for more than three decades. Important estates include Taman Pelangi, Taman Century and Taman Sentosa.
North - Its main centre is Taman Johor Jaya, and it can be accessed via the trunk road, Jalan Tebrau. There can be a relatively frequent peak hour jam along this road. Recently, the Austin area has been a hive for construction activities with the latest Jusco Tebrau City locating in its vicinity.
West - Probably one of the largest areas of the four, its hub is Skudai and important housing estates such as Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Taman Skudai Baru, Taman Bukit Indah, Taman Perling and Taman Nusa Bestari are located here. The largest port in Johor, Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas is located in this area too.
East - Another port city which has been around for more than 20 years. The main hub is Pasir Gudang which is both a port city as well as a manufacturing hub. Tanjung Langsat which is located near Pasir Gudang is fast becoming a petro chemical hub.
Declared a city only in 1994, Johor Bahru is a rapidly growing city. Latest census figures indicates that it is fast becoming Malaysia's second largest city, with a population of over one million. Given its relatively large land space, the town is not as dense as other cities around Malaysia.
Due to its proximity to Singapore, it unavoidably suffers from comparison with its neighbour. Recent clean-up initiatives like greening the city and covering the open sewers that until a few years ago ran through the center of the city have made it a more pleasant place to live. Though appreciably less organised and more messy compared to the glitz of Singapore, shopping and eating in the city can be a real adventure, with many shopping complexes and a wide variety of food establishments offering budget to fine dining.
Johor Bahru is probably more well known as an industrial city rather than a tourist-friendly town. Many of the world's top electronics manufacturers have at least one plant in Johor Bahru, and after the tough times after the 1997 economic crisis the town is stirring to life again.
Get in
By plane
Senai International Airport
Senai International Airport (IATA: JHB), [1]. formally Sultan Ismail International Airport (Malay: Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Sultan Ismail), is located 28 km to the northwest of Johor Bahru. It currently only has scheduled domestic services for passengers to both East and West Malaysia by Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia and Firefly. It is designated as "international" because it offers cargo services to foreign destinations. The airfares to these destinations from Senai airport are considerably cheaper than those from Singapore. The airport is compact but it is recently renovated and now fully equipped with shops, a restaurant (landside only), WLAN access (ask for free login at information desk), etc.
Domestic flights are provided by Malaysia Airlines (Level 1, Menara Pelangi, Jalan Kuning, tel: +60-7-331 0036, [2]) with direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, and the low-cost carrier AirAsia (Call centre number: +603 2171 9333, [3]) which provides cheaper direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Kota Kinabalu, Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bangkok.
Firefly airlines is now flying from Terminal 3, Subang airport ( Kuala Lumpur)twice daily. (call centre: 603-7845 4553 or visit http://www.fireflyz.com.my)
- To/from Johor Bahru:
- Causeway Link (Tel: +60-7-3582244) operates 14 daily airport express shuttle buses between the airport and the City Lounge (1st/last departs for the airport at 5:30AM/10PM, 1st/last bus departs for City Lounge at 6:10AM/11PM) on the north edge of Kotaraya II bus terminal in Jalan Trus. Tickets cost RM8 one-way and journey time to the airport is about 45 minutes. The return journey stops at JB Sentral before returning to Kotaraya II. The Causeway Link bus schedule is found at - http://www.senaiairport.com/popup.asp?idVal=CAUSEWAY%20LINK%20SCHEDULE. Drinks and snacks can be bought from the snack bar (closed on Sundays) in the City Lounge. City Lounge has car rental services, ticketing counters for intercity express coach services (Causeway Link and Plusliner) and a flat TV screen to check all the incoming and outgoing flights of Senai Airport.
- There are also non-express buses from and to the airport. Currently, JB Central Line's A1 bus (operating hours: 7 am to 8.30pm, website: http://www.senaiairportline.com) and Causeway Link's 333 (operating hours 6am to 8pm, frequency every 1.5 to 2hr, one-way fare 3.50 RM) go between Larkin bus terminal and the airport. The A1 bus terminates at Senai Airport and Permas Jaya, so you can board or disembark from the bus at various points such as Plaza Sentosa, Holiday Plaza, Crystal Crown Hotel, Jalan Skudai, etc. The Maju 207 bus service between Larkin bus terminal and Senai Airport has been cancelled.
- Besides the bus, taxis are also available, taking about 30 minutes. Taxis leaving from the airport operate on a voucher system - buy your voucher from the taxi desk inside the terminal (next to the car rental desks). A trip to the city center is RM45 for up to 4 passengers.
- To/from Singapore: The airport's transport links to Singapore are rather poor although a direct rapid transport system is slated to be build in the future. [4]
- SBS Transit public buses provide one of the cheapest and most reliable form of transport to Johor via Singapore. Bus 160 is available from Jurong East Interchange which is accessible by taking the Singapore North-South MRT line heading towards Jurong East MRT Station and stops at Kota Raya II Terminal in Johor. Check [5] for detailed information. Bus 170 is available from Queen Street Terminal in Singapore to Larkin Terminal in Johor. Check [6] for detailed information. Bus 170 (with the blue plate) is available from Kranji MRT, which is also accessible by taking the Singapore North-South MRT Line heading towards Jurong East MRT Station - alight at Kranji MRT Station and ask for directions via the Station Master.
- SMRT public buses similarly provide one of the cheapest and most reliable form of transport to Johor via Singapore. Bus 950 from Woodlands Interchange – again, take the Singapore North-South MRT Line heading towards Jurong East MRT Station - alight at Woodlands MRT Station and proceed to the basement of the station where the interchange is located. Announcements are also made prior to the Woodlands stop on alighting at the "next stop" if you want to catch Bus 950 to Johor's Kota Raya Terminal. Check this website [7] - select 950 at the dropdown menu for detailed information.
- A direct private bus link is provided by SPS Coach (Ticketing counter at airport Tel: +60-7-5993976; Singapore ticketing Tel: +65-62503333) and is only available to Malaysia Airlines ticket holders. It runs between Senai airport and the Copthorne Orchid Hotel on Dunearn Road, Singapore and costs RM 12 or S$12 depending whether you are leaving from or coming to Johor Bahru. For flights and the corresponding bus schedules, check Malaysian Airlines' Singapore website.
- The cheapest option is to travel from Singapore to the City Airport Lounge at the Kotaraya II terminal (S$1 on Causeway Link buses) (see By bus below) on Jalan Trus and transfer to a Causeway Link Express airport shuttle bus. See the "To/From Johor Bahru" section above for details of buses between City Airport Lounge and the airport. Direct buses from the airport to the Second Link stopped running in June 2006.
- If you're in a hurry, you can take an ordinary Malaysian taxi for an official rate of RM45 from the taxi rank between JB Sentral and the Johor CIQ, after clearing Malaysian immigration and customs. From JB to Senai takes around 30 minutes off peak. Buy your coupon from the counter before boarding the taxi.
- If you are a train or history buff, opt to take the KTM (Keratapi Tanah Melayu) from Singapore to Johor. Singapore's mainline station at Tanjong Pagar features colonial grandeur decor since the railway was built by the British and pass by palm plantations, among other sights. Check [8] for detailed information and descriptions or [9] to purchase tickets.
If you plan to take an early morning flight, bear in mind that the earliest bus leaves the City Lounge at 5:30AM and reaches the airport around 6:10AM. You have the option of staying in JB for the night. Alternatively, you can book a taxi that takes you directly to the airport or to the City Lounge at Kotaraya, but this will cost you; (see By taxi below). It is recommended that you plan these carefully, the variables and the risks involved in this morning rush is pretty high.
Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport (IATA: SIN) across the border in Singapore is commonly used by locals due to its better connections, including to other Malaysian destinations. The downside is that you will have to clear passport control and customs twice, and the public transportation links from Changi to Johor Bahru are rather poor as taxis are not allowed to cross the border into Johor Bahru, making the journey somewhat cumbersome. In addition, flights to Singapore are usually more expensive than those to Senai. However, if you can arrange your own private transport, flying into Singapore may well be your most practical way of getting to Johor Bahru.
By road
From Singapore
Immigration formalities
You will need to fill up an immigration card to enter Malaysia, so the first thing to do at the Malaysian checkpoint is to walk past the long queue and get one from the immigration officers. Ask for more cards if you want to make a return visit someday. Fill the form, then join the queue.
Most visitors to JB arrive from Singapore via one of two land links:
- The Causeway linking Malaysia and Singapore is a very popular and thus terminally congested entry point connecting directly into the heart of JB. While congestion isn't as bad as it once was, the Causeway is still jam-packed on Friday evenings (towards Malaysia) and Sunday evenings (towards Singapore). The Causeway can be crossed by bus, train, taxi or car. Since the opening of the new customs and immigration complex, crossing the Causeway on foot is no longer possible.
- A second crossing between Malaysia and Singapore, known as the Second Link, has been built between western Singapore and Malaysia. Much faster and less congested than the Causeway, it is used by some of the luxury bus services to Kuala Lumpur and is strongly recommended if you have your own car. There is only one bus across (CW3, see below) which gets very packed at evening peak hours(5.45pm - 7pm), and only Malaysian "limousine" taxis are allowed to cross it (and charge RM150 and up for the privilege). Walking across is also not allowed, not that there would be any practical means to continue the journey from either end if you did. It is very far away from the city center, however, compared to the Causeway.
Driving a car from Singapore to Malaysia is relatively uncomplicated, although small tolls are charged for both crossing and (for the Second Link) the adjoining expressway. Do be sure to change your dollars into some ringgit before crossing, as Singapore dollars are accepted only at the unfavorable rate of 1:1.
Entering Singapore with a foreign-registered car is more complicated and expensive. See Singapore | Get In for details.
In both directions, note that rental cars will frequently ban or charge extra for crossing the border.
From other parts of Malaysia
JB is at the southern end of the North South Expressway, the toll highway which runs the length of Peninsular Malaysia. Those accessing the city can exit at Skudai, Kempas, Jalan Pasir Gudang or Johor Bahru exits.
JB is also at the southern extremity of the Federal Route One, the main trunk roads which runs the length of Peninsular Malaysia's West Coast states. Federal Route Three or the East Coast Road also links JB with the East Coast towns of Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu via Kota Tinggi and Mersing. The West Coast's coastal road can be accessed from Pontian..
By bus
From and to Singapore
The following are options to cross to/from Singapore by bus:
|Stops in Singapore
|Stops in Johor Bahru
|Causeway Link CW1
|Kranji MRT only
|Larkin via Kotaraya
|S$1.30 from Kranji MRT to Larkin/$0.90 from Kranji MRT to Woodlands Checkpoint or Johor CIQ/RM1.30 from Larkin to Kranji MRT/RM 0.90 from Johor CIQ to Woodlands Checkpoint or Kranji MRT/$0.80, $1.00 and $1.30 from Woodlands Checkpoint to Johor CIQ, Kotaraya and Larkin respectively
|Causeway Link CW2
|Queen Street only
|Larkin only
|S$2.40 from Queen Street to Woodlands Checkpoint or Johor CIQ or Larkin/2.50 RM from Larkin or Johor CIQ to Queen Street
|Causeway Link CW3
|Jurong East MRT only
|Gelang Patah, Taman Bukit Indah (via Second Link)
|S$4 from Singapore & RM5 from Taman Bukit Indah
|SBS 170 (red plate)
|Queen St via Kranji MRT
|Larkin only
| S$1.88 (Ez-link card)/$2.10(cash) from Queen Street to Larkin
RM 2.10/1.80/1.60(cash) from Larkin to Queen Street/Kranji MRT station/Woodlands Checkpoint respectively
|SBS 170 (blue plate)
|Kranji MRT
|Kotaraya only
|S$1.01 (Ez-link card) from Kranji MRT to Johor CIQ or viceversa
|Jurong East Interchange via Kranji MRT
|Kotaraya only
|S$1.61 (Ez-link card) from Jurong East Interchange to Johor CIQ or vice versa
|Woodlands MRT via Marsiling MRT
|Kotaraya only
|1.20RM and 1.40RM from Johor CIQ to Marsiling MRT and Woodlands Interchange respectively. S$0.91 (Ez-link card) and S$1.09 (Ez-link card) from Marsiling MRT and Woodlands Interchange to Johor CIQ respectively
|Singapore-Johore Express
|Queen St only
|Larkin only
|S$2.40 from Queen Street to Woodlands checkpoint or Johor CIQ or Larkin/3.30RM from Larkin to Queen Street/2.50 RM from Johor CIQ to Queen Street/$2.40 from Woodlands checkpoint to Queen Street/$1 or 2RM from Woodlands checkpoint to Johor CIQ/1 RM from Johor CIQ to Woodlands checkpoint
Note: It is possible but much more expensive (compared to paying in cash in Malaysian ringgit) to use the EZ-link card when boarding SBS 160, SBS 170 or SMRT 950 at Larkin bus terminal/Kotaraya bus terminal/Johor CIQ to go anywhere in Singapore. For example, it costs S$1.88 using the Ez-link card to go from Larkin bus terminal to Queen Street terminal by SBS 170. This is slightly more than 100% more expensive than by paying in cash (2.10RM), based on current exchange rates (S$1 = 2.30RM). It is also cheaper to pay in ringgit, based on current exchange rates (S$1 = 2.30RM), (1 RM versus S$1) when traveling from the Woodlands Checkpoint to the Johor CIQ by the Singapore-Johore Express bus.
Operating hours of the abovementioned buses are as follow:
- Johor Bahru to Singapore
- Singapore-Johor Express - first bus and last bus departs Larkin bus terminal at 6.15am and 11pm respectively.
- Causeway Link CW1 - first bus and last bus departs Larkin bus terminal at 8.30am and 9pm respectively. Note that the bus does not stop at Kotaraya bus terminal. Average frequency every 20 minutes.
- Causeway Link CW1 - first bus and last bus departs Johor CIQ at 4.15am and 11pm respectively.
- Causeway Link CW2 - first bus and last bus departs Larkin bus terminal at 8.30am and 9pm respectively. Average frequency every 20 minutes.
- Causeway Link CW2 - first bus and last bus departs Johor CIQ at 4.15am and 10.20 pm respectively.
- Causeway Link CW3 - first bus and last bus departs Bukit Indah at 5.15-5.25am and 10pm respectively. Average frequency every 20 minutes.
- SBS 160 - first bus and last bus departs Kotaraya bus terminal at 6.20am and 12.30am respectively. Average frequency every 13 minutes
- SBS 170 (red plate) - first bus and last bus departs Larkin bus terminal at 5.30am and 12.30am respectively. Average frequency every 13 minutes
- SBS 170 (blue plate) - first bus and last bus departs Kotaraya bus terminal at 5.15am and 12am respectively. Average frequency every 6 minutes
- SMRT 950 - first bus and last bus departs Kotaraya bus terminal at 5.30am and 12am respectively. Average frequency every 11 minutes
- Singapore to Johor Bahru
- SBS 160 - first bus and last bus departs Jurong East bus interchange at 5.30am and 12am respectively. Average frequency every 13 minutes
- SBS 170 (red plate) - first bus and last bus departs Queen Street bus terminal at 5.20am and 12.10am respectively. Average frequency every 12 minutes
- SBS 170 (blue plate) - first bus and last bus departs Kranji MRT station at 5.40am and 11.10pm respectively. Average frequency every 7 minutes
- SMRT 950 - first bus and last bus departs Woodlands bus interchange at 5.30am and 11.30pm respectively. Average frequency every 11 minutes
All buses except CW-3 use the Causeway. There's a pattern to the madness: Singaporean-operated buses (SBS, SMRT, SJE) can only stop at one destination in Malaysia, while the Malaysian-operated Causeway Link [10] buses can only stop at one destination in Singapore. Terminals aside, all buses make two stops at Singapore immigration and at Malaysian immigration, which gives you the opportunity to hop on (esp. on those line buses where you can pay with an ez-link card). At both immigration points, you must disembark with all your luggage and pass through passport control and customs, then board the next bus by showing your ticket. Figure on 45 mins for the whole rigmarole from entering one border control point to exiting the other; more during rush hour.
Coming from Singapore and if you are planning to go on immediately to Larkin bus terminal, you may take any of the frequent, non-stop buses that terminate at Larkin. After clearing Malaysian immigration, walk about 50 meters past the tourist office (open daily 9am to 1230pm, 2pm to 6pm) and go down the escalator. The buses are all waiting at the bus bays (part of the CIQ) downstairs. Fares from Johor CIQ to Larkin: CW1 and CW2 1.20 RM, SBS 170 1.40 RM, Singapore-Johore Express 1.00 RM. The trip takes 8 to 10 minutes. However, you may also consider taking the dedicated Maju white bus or the orange 'City Bus' (no bus number, 'Larkin Bandaraya' displayed on the front window; Maju bus fare 1.70RM) to Larkin bus terminal from Jalan Wong Ah Fook or Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, on either side of the City Square complex. City Square is less than 5 minutes walk from the JB passport control booths - just follow the signs. You need to cross two overhead bridges - one linking the CIQ to JB Sentral and the other linking JB Sentral to City Square. Note that you can also walk to the CIQ bus bays from City Square to take any of the abovementioned four buses to Larkin.
In the other direction, upon entering the Johor Bahru CIQ, follow the signs for "Woodlands" to get to the immigration booths and then to the Singapore-bound buses one floor below.
The restriction of Malaysian operated buses not stopping anywhere within Singapore and conversely, Singapore ones in Johor Bahru could be used to your benefit. 30 mins to an hour and quarter could be shaved off the journey time within Singapore alone by using a Malaysian registered bus when leaving Singapore from or returning to a bus station such as Queen Street. Some more time could be saved on the Johor Bahru side by hopping on to a Singapore registered bus once you clear Malaysian border control but you will have to pay the fare again (as you did not start your journey on a Singapore registered bus).
If you intend to go to Malaysia from Singapore, spending an entire day in Singapore and then crossing over to JB in the evening by bus and spending the night (in higher category hotel for the smae price than you would pay for a similar hotel in Singapore) is a feasible option.
Note that public buses are not suited for travel with large suitcases and Singapore registered buses only accept EZ-Link cards or 'correct money' on-board; i.e. you will not get any change back from the driver.
From/to other parts of Malaysia
Long-distance buses from JB to other points in West Malaysia depart from Larkin Bus Terminal, located some 5 km north of the Causeway. This bus terminal has three levels and about 50 bus platforms. Level 1 contains coach and bus ticket booths, shops, food and beverage outlets (including McDonald's open 24 hrs, Dunkin Donuts, etc.), a fish/meat/fruit/vegetable market, ATM machines, money changers, a left luggage office (2 RM per bag per day, 7AM-10PM), a travel agency that sells airline tickets, a mosque, 3 barber shops (8 RM for adults, 9am to 9pm), a pharmacy, a police post, an information counter, etc.; level 2 contains a giant bazaar; level 3 contains a food court. Several bus companies run buses to Kuala Lumpur and other destinations at all hours during the daytime and nighttime; except in peak seasons, you can usually get your ticket from some company and get moving right away. Purchase all bus tickets at counter windows and do not pay attention to loitering individuals claiming to sell (fake) bus tickets. You can also purchase the bus tickets for some destinations for some of the bus companies at the bus company ticket kiosks - there are about half of a dozen of them (including Konsortium, Transtar, Super Nice and Grassland) - located on the ground floor of Merlin Tower facing Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and even arrange for a shuttle van to send you to Larkin terminal. You have to pay the bus company an extra 4 RM for the shuttle van. You can also purchase Causeway Link and Plusliner intercity coach tickets from the ticketing counters in City Lounge on the north edge of Kotaraya bus terminal. You can connect to or from the city center with local buses (some of which continue all the way across the Causeway to Singapore) or taxis from Larkin. Only some Singapore-bound buses (CW1, 160, 170 and 950) and the Senai Airport express bus use the Kotaraya 2 Bus Terminal on Jalan Trus in the city centre.
By taxi
Only specially licensed taxis are allowed to operate across the border. The rules seem baffling at first, but boil down to this: Malaysian taxis are only allowed to go to the designated terminal in Singapore, and Singaporean taxis are only allowed to go to their terminal in JB.
The "basic" direct taxi service from the Singapore Taxi Terminal at Queen Street (in Bugis) to the Johor Bahru Taxi Terminal at Pasar Bakti Kotaraya II costs S$10 per person or S$40 per car departing from Singapore, and RM 15/60 (the fare was increased by 50% in 2010) from Johor Bahru. The main advantage of doing this, as opposed to just taking the bus, is that you don't need to lug your stuff (or yourself) through Customs at both ends; you can just sit in the car. This service is also available 24 hours a day, unlike the bus.
If you want to take a taxi from Queen Street to somewhere other than the terminal in Johor Bahru, you have to use a Malaysian (yellow) taxi, and the price will be at least S$45 (depending on distance). Likewise, if you want to take a taxi from Kotaraya II to anywhere in Singapore, you need to use a Singaporean taxi and pay at least RM70 for the service.
Taxis can also be booked to bring you from anywhere in Singapore to Kotaraya, or from anywhere in JB to Queen St. Call +65-62967054 (Singapore) or +60-7-2246986 (Johor Bahru), and be sure to get the taxi's number, driver's name and his phone number.
If you need to get directly from point A in Singapore to point B in JB or vica versa, you have two options. The more expensive option is to take a limousine taxi licensed to take passengers from any point to any destination, but only a few are available and they charge a steep RM150 per trip. However, unlike normal cabs, they can also use the Second Link, which makes them by far the fastest way of getting to western parts of Johor. Advance booking is highly recommended, tel. +60-7-5991622. Alternatively, you can arrange a two-taxi ride through the call centre, where you pay once, cross the Causeway, and swap cabs halfway through.
By train
Johor Bahru has a spanking new JB Sentral railway station along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Jim Quee. It is connected to both the CIQ and City Square by pedestrian overhead bridges. Retail outlets (including a 24-hr 7-Eleven store), food and beverage outlets (including a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet open daily 8am to midnight and Old Malaya Kopitiam serving local cuisine) and five money exchange offices (the one at street level is open 24hr) in the new station have opened. There are coin-operated (2 x 50 sen), small left luggage lockers, a Muslim prayer room, male/female toilets (both free of charge), a police post and a tourist information booth in here as well. As of Aug 28 2010, train services to and from here have still not started. So for the time being, trains still use the old train station along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak across the road from Merlin Tower, just two hundred meters down from JB Sentral.
KTM trains from Singapore into Malaysia also cross the Causeway, but on separate right of way, and are thus immune from the traffic jams. On the flip side, while Malaysian immigration is conducted at the Tanjong Pagar station in Singapore, you will be required to disembark with all your luggage and pass through the Singaporean checkpoint at Woodlands. Trains are also very slow (the trip takes an hour) and infrequent with only five services daily, but at RM 3.00-5.00 one way to central Tanjong Pagar the price can't be beat. The first train from JB to Singapore leaves at 0540 - this service starts in JB and ends in Singapore. The other four services originate from elsewhere in Malaysia. In the other direction, the fare is charged in dollars, so you pay more than double the amount! Prices (6/2010): S$3 (for Lambian Timur, Ekspres Timuran), S$5 (for Ekspres Sinaran Petang) or S$3 (for Ekspres Rakyat, Ekspres Senandung Malam, both with seat reservation) for Singapore - Johor Bahru. The KTM train station in Tanjong Pagar will be permanently closed by July 1 2011 because of redevelopment of the land parcel around it. All KTM train services in Singapore will start and end at the KTM Woodlands train station by then.
You can also take a MRT train from any MRT station in Singapore to Marsiling MRT station (North-South line). This is the nearest MRT station (1.5km or 15 min walk) to the Woodlands Checkpoint. Note that there is a taxi rank in front of the pedestrian exit/entrance to the Woodlands Checkpoint. Once you walk past the taxi rank, you will need to go to level 3 to reach the immigration counters by using the escalators or elevators. You can also head to the taxi rank or go to the Marsiling MRT station on foot once your clear Singapore immigration and customs. Note that the last southbound train leaves Marsiling MRT station for Marina Bay MRT station (the last stop on the North-South line) at 2310. Instead of going down the staircase/escalator after clearing customs, walk along the passageway to the left of the staircase/elevator, turn left and then walk straight until you see the escalators or elevators at the end. Use them to go to the ground level.
By boat
The ZON Ferry Terminal [11] (tel: +60-7-2211677) is located in "The ZON" duty free complex (locally referred to as "Duty Free") in Setulang Laut, 1.8 km northeast of the Causeway. Ferries go to Batam and Bintan in the Riau Islands of Indonesia, as well as Tanjung Belungkor near Desaru, Malaysia. To reach the ferry terminal, you will have to go to the second level of the ZON shopping and hotel complex building and then follow the signs to the terminal.
Getting there/away: Causeway Link bus No. 22 or the orange-colored City Bus no. 123, from the bus stop at Jalan Wong Ah Fook opposite City Square in the center of the city.
To Batam: Ferries depart hourly on the half hour (7:30-6:30PM) plus 9AM, 11AM, 3PM, 5PM to Batam Centre. RM69/110 one-way/return for adults, RM46/69 one-way/return for children, plus international departure tax of 8RM for all passengers. Journey takes 90 mins.
To Bintan: 5 ferries (9:15AM, 11AM, 1:30PM, 3PM, 5:30PM) daily to Tanjung Pinang. RM86/144 one-way/return for adults, RM54/86 one-way/return for children, plus international departure tax of 8RM for all passengers. Journey takes 150 mins.
To Tanjung Belungkor: Two ferries daily (leaving ZON at 9:45AM and 7:45PM, leaving Tanjung Belungkor at 8:30AM and 6:40PM). RM 34/44 one-way/return for adults, RM24/34 one-way/return for children.
All children under 3 travel free.
On foot
Immediately after the opening of the new Johor Bahru CIQ complex in Dec 2008, crossing the Causeway from Singapore to Johor Bahru on foot was officially forbidden by the Singapore authorities. Once you have cleared Singapore immigration at the Woodlands Checkpoint, you have to take any of the public or private buses waiting at the bus bays downstairs to cross the Causeway. There is always a Singapore police officer stationed at the staircase entrance to the Causeway to prevent anyone from crossing the Causeway on foot. However, the Malaysian authorities are planning to build a new immigration and customs checkpoint right at the Malaysian end of the Causeway to be used exclusively for people wishing to cross the Causeway (Singapore to Johor Bahru only) on foot.
Once you have reached the Malaysian side of the Causeway, you can disembark from your vehicle and walk the remaining 1.5 km to the Johor Bahru CIQ. You will have to walk on a narrow pedestrian lane on the side of the flyover (it is fenced up on both sides throughout to prevent illegal entry into Malaysia) leading to the Johor Bahru CIQ. Note that it is has always been forbidden to walk from the Johor Bahru CIQ to the Woodlands Checkpoint.
Get around
JB's public transport is limited to a sparse bus network. Various proposals for relieving the chronically congested town's traffic remain on the drawing board.
By taxi
Travelling by taxi is a fairly cheap alternative, although the drivers sometimes refuse to use the meter so you will have to negotiate the price with them. Since Jan 2010, taxi drivers have been required by law to use their meters and issue a receipt on request. The starting rate is 3 RM for the first 2km and the fare increases by 10 sen every 150m. You will also be charged for any waiting by the taxi during the journey. If the driver has a meter and does not switch it on, remind them. If you get into one of the handful of taxis without a meter, it's best to ask the driver to stop and get off to avoid being ripped off or arguments later.
Travelers need to be vigilant when dealing with taxi drivers, especially if the driver refuses to use their meter and you negotiate a fare. It has been widely reported taxi drivers can raise their fares after agreeing with the passengers on the fares to be paid during initial negotiation. They will tend to get aggressive and may even threaten passengers when passengers try to reason with them. Ride at your own risk.
There is a taxi rank at Jalan Jim Quee - it is right next to the Johor Bahru CIQ. You can see it below as you cross the overhead bridge from the CIQ to JB Sentral. The taxis operate on a prepaid coupon system - buy your coupon from the booth on the edge of the road. Official fixed rates for prepaid taxi coupons: CIQ to Senai International Airport 45RM, CIQ to Larkin bus station 11 RM.
By bus
You can opt for a bus to move around the city. e.g. to Holiday Plaza or Plaza Pelangi shopping mall. However, there are no clear signs of the bus stops. Just follow the crowds and wait alongside the locals for the buses. Look at the direction sign on the bus and don't hesitate to ask the bus driver directly. There are major bus stops on either side of City Square on Jalan Wong Ah Fook and Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. This is where buses to many parts of the city and its suburbs, and also as far as Kota Tinggi (41 km away) and Kulai, start and end. Fares (for the onward journey and return journey respectively) for selected destinations from/to the bus stop opposite City Square at Jalan Wong Ah Fook or Jalan Tun Abdul Razak: Danga Bay 1.60 or 1.70/1.60 or 1.70RM, Larkin Bus Terminal 1.70RM, Plaza Pelangi or Plaza Sentosa 1.20 or 1.30/1.20 or 1.30 RM, Hospital Sultanah Aminah (5 minutes walk from or to Mawar Complex) 1.20 or 1.30RM/1.00 RM, Johor Bahru Zoo 1.20 or 1.30RM/1.00 RM
However, if you are coming from Singapore and want to go to Larkin terminal straight away, you can board any of the buses (bound for Larkin) waiting downstairs in the Johor Bahru CIQ after clearing customs and immigration. The bus bays are about 50m beyond the tourist office.
The frequency of the buses is not consistent, especially for the buses that do not leave from the Bus Terminals. There are generally more buses in the morning and there are fewer buses as it gets later into the day. A word of caution while waiting at a bus stop. Keep a look out for suspicious characters/groups who wait at the bus stop and pay more attention to the people waiting at the bus stop rather than the buses on the road. Walk into a nearby shop if you feel that something is amiss.
By car
There's little point to renting a car for touring JB alone, but it can make more sense to rent a car here to explore the rest of Malaysia as car rentals and fuel costs are at least 30% less than that of neighboring Singapore.
- Hawk Rent A Car, No. 50C, Bangunan KPMNJ, Jalan Segget (two blocks west of the Causeway), dial 07-2242849 /54 [12] / [13]. A basic manual Proton Wira starts from RM140.00/day, offices throughout the country for easy dropoff (extra charges apply).
- Pacific Rent-A-Car, Lot PTB No.20708, Sultan Ismail Airport City Lounge, Terminal Bas Central Kotaraya, Jalan Trus, 80000, Tel: 607-224 3951 / 607-224 3952, Fax: 607-224 3953 [14]
- Mayflower , (Singapore – Johor Bahru Taxi Terminal), Level 2A, Plaza Seni, Jalan Trus, 80100, [15]
- ORIX Car Rentals, [16]
On foot
JB is a remarkably pedestrian-hostile city, although the city core is now mostly navigable via underpasses and walkways and the recent beautification effort has seen the canal turned into a pleasant, if still somewhat whiffy, park for pedestrians.
If you planning to go from City Square to any of the hotels just southeast of the Johor Bahru CIQ (e.h. Naza Hotel, Grand Blue Wave Hotel, Suria City Hotel) or beyond, you will have to walk down Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (Jalan TAR) as far as the police station (it has white walls with blue columns). Just underneath the newly constructed flyover on the left side of the road, you will see a blue sign in English and Malay (Lorong Pejalan Kaki/Pedestrian Walkway) indicating the start of a pedestrian walkway. Walk along this narrow walkway - it is sandwiched between the flyover and a metal fence that encloses a construction site - for about 50 meters until you see a staircase on your right. Climb up this staircase to the edge of the flyover. Without crossing the road, walk along the edge of this flyover towards the Johor Bahru CIQ (it is a massive structure and is clearly visible) or away from the Causeway for about two hundred meters until you see another staircase. Descend this staircase and you will find yourself at the intersection of Jalan Tanjung Puteri and Jalan Lumba Kuda, about 300m from the modern Grand BlueWave Hotel.
Historical and modern landmarks
- Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, sandwiched between Jalan Abu Bakar/Jalan Masjid Abu Bakar/Jalan Gertak Merah, 1.8km west of the Causeway. Located on top of a small hill and overlooking the Straits of Johor, this state mosque took eight years to construct (1892-1900). It has four minarets that resemble British clock towers. It was inaugurated by the then Sultan Ibrahim. It is made of white marble and is a combination of Moorish and Victorian architecture, it can accommodate 2000 worshipers. Visiting hours are between 10am and 6pm from Saturday to Thursday except during congregational prayers. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque building.
- Masjid India, at the junction of Jalan Dhoby and Jalan Duke. This twin-minaret mosque located in the heart of the city was founded by the city's Indian Muslim community. It is a modern-looking mosque with white walls, blue-tinted glass cladding on both its minarets and a blue and silver dome.
- Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum, along Jalan Tun Doktor Ismail, 1.3km west of the Causeway. The official entrance to the palace museum grounds is through a gateway facing the High Court building on Jalan Air Molek. After passing through this gateway, you have to drive or walk along a paved asphalt road for about 400m before reaching the main (central) building (the one with a grand staircase) of the palace museum complex. You can also exit/enter the palace museum grounds by walking down/up the grassy slope to/from the main road - Jalan Tun Doktor Ismail. Definitely Johor Bahru's top attraction, this is the opulent former residence (Istana Besar or Grand Palace) of the Sultan of Johor. It is still used for royal and state ceremonies and functions. It is surrounded by a 53-hectare, beautifully tended garden (free admission); the Zaharah Botanical Garden (Kebun Bunga Zaharah in Malay) lies about 300m northwest of the palace museum complex centered about a roundabout. The palace complex was first completed in 1866 but has been extended and refurbished many times since. It was built in the neoclassical style by local artisans under the supervision of an European architect. The original furniture of the palace was made in England and ordered by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866. Sultan Iskandar officially declared the museum open to the public on May 11, 1990. The museum is housed in two of the three white buildings (all with blue-tile pitched roofs) in the complex and consists of 4 parts: the Dewan (in the west building); the Throne Room, the Treasure Rooms and the Hunting Room (in the central building). The east building is not open to the public. The scale of the palace is suitably grandiose. In the Dewan, are displayed an array of items presented to Sultan Abu Bakar and his successors by dignitaries, such as swords, medals, glassware, etc. You can also find in this building detailed biographies of Sultan Abu Bakar and his successors, Sultan Abu Bakar's stone bust, the sultans' personal memorabilia, photographs of the sultans and their families, etc. In the Hunting Room, you can find exhibits like stuffed animals (tigers, crocodiles, rhinoceros, elephants),elephant ivory tusks, elephant's foot umbrella stands, antelope leg ashtrays, etc. In the central building on the second level (you have to remove your shoes), you can find the reception rooms, the royal bedrooms (note the four-poster teak beds), the royal dining room, the chamber of the Royal Council, the throne room (it has a pair of gilt thrones), the library, etc. The banqueting hall on the first level can be seen only from the second level. The furnishings inside these Rococo-style rooms include exquisite wooden furniture from various countries, crystal glass chairs and tables from France, Japanese ceramics, oil paintings of the royals, chandeliers, etc. On the first level of the central building, you can find exhibits such as gold/silverware, crystal ware, gold and silver jewelery, royal regalia, Malay hand weapons, a numismatic collection, etc. Open Sat-Thu 9 AM - 5 PM, closed when there are official functions and ceremonies. Entry US$7/3 (payable in ringgit at a poor exchange rate) for foreign adults/children, RM5 for Malaysian and Singaporeans , and only RM1 for Malaysian children. Last ticket sale is at 4 pm. Photography inside the museum is forbidden.
- Istana Bukit Serene, sandwiched between Jalan Kolam Air and Jalan Straits View, 7km northwest of the Causeway. This green-roof, stone building is the official residence of the Sultan of Johor. The palace has a huge sprawling garden which is a common site for many royal gatherings and celebrations. It was built in 1933 in the Art Deco style. It can be seen from Jalan Skudai next to Danga Bay. The palace walls have fantastic and exquisite carvings. The main tower is 35 meters tall. The Istana is guarded by the personal military force of the Sultan of Johor. Neither the building nor its gardens are open to the general public.
- Sultan Ibrahim Building. Built in 1940, this grey-bricked building is located on top of Bukit Timbalan. It houses the State Secretariat, the Menteri Besar's (Chief Minister) office, State Assembly Hall and the offices of the state government. The building is an architectural blend of British colonial, Malay and Saracenic elements. It has a distinctive, 64m-high Mughal-style tower. Opening hours: 8am-4:30pm Mon-Sat, (except first and third Saturday of each month)
- Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru, Jalan Datuk, 3 km west of the Causeway. Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru is the city square (not to be confused with the City Square shopping mall in the heart of downtown) that was constructed in conjunction with Johor Bahru being granted city status on January 1994. A yellow-colored building with a gigantic, yellow clock tower built stands on the north edge of the square. It is surrounded by a spacious lawn on the south and a sports field on the west. Many outdoor events are held here.
- Johor Bahru Art Gallery (known as Galeri Seni Johor in Malay) official website in Malay only - [17], 144 Jalan Petrie (about 700m northeast of the Thistle Hotel, on the north edge of a major highway - the Inner Ring Road, also called Jalan Lingkaran Dalam). Housed in a 2-storey white building built in 1910, it displays mostly Malaysian modern paintings. Other exhibits include Islamic calligraphy, ceramics, ornate wooden window frames, traditional clothing, weapons, currency, etc. There is a cart with a thatched roof and a giant drum displayed outside the building. Free admission. Open daily except on public holidays 0900-1630.
- Roman Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, 9 Jln Gereja (700m northwest of the CIQ). This beige building with a single steeple (with spire) is one of the main Roman Catholic churches in Johor Bahru. Built in 1883 in the British colonial style, it is one of the oldest structures still standing in Johor Bahru. Try to get here for the Tamil feast of Pongal in mid-January, when an intriguingly colorful harvest festival service is held within the church
- Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum, 42 Jalan Ibrahim (200m south east of the main post office in downtown JB). Housed in a restored 4-storey building. Learn about the history and culture of the Chinese community in Johor Bahru. The displays are spread out over four storeys. There are numerous captioned photos on display, several TV screens showing video clips, objects/artifacts on display, mannequins dressed in traditional Chinese wedding clothes, a replica of the entrance door and sedan chair of the Roufo Chinese Taoist Temple in Jalan Trus, etc. Open Tue-Sun 0900-1700, closed Mondays 0900-1700. Admission for adults 3 RM
- Roufo Old Chinese Taoist Temple (Roufo Gumiao in Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin), Jalan Trus, is a temple dedicated to the deities Hongxian Dadi, Yuantian Shangdi and Weitian Dadi. The effigies of these Taoist deities are found inside the prayer hall.
- Gurdwara Sahib Johor Bahru (Johor Bahru Sikh temple), 1B Jalan Trus 80000 Located across the road from Plaza Kotaraya in the heart of the city, this Sikh temple was built on the site of the smaller and older Sikh temple and was inaugurated on the 28th August 1992. This is a 2-storey white building with yellow window frames and a all-round, crenellated roof parapet. The Darbar Sahib is located on the second level. The Granthi quarters and two rooms for Sikh visitors are located at an annex on the second level. The Guru Ka Langgar hall, kitchen and office are located on the first level. There are about 250 Sikh families who participate in the religious activities in this Gurdwara Sahib. The normal weekly prayers are held on Sundays from 9.30a.m. to 11.30a.m.
- Sri Raja Mariamman Hindu Temple, Jalan Ungku Puan, right in the heart of downtown JB. It is currently closed to worshipers and visitors as it is undergoing renovation for the temple's 100th anniversary in 2011. Free admission for visitors. Everyone has to leave his or her shoes at the bottom of the staircase (no guardian).
- Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Hindu Temple [18] less than 50m west of Tebrau Highway and 400m north of Tropical Inn/Landmark Shopping Centre and beside the railway track. Touted as "The First Glass Temple in the World". The inner surface of the walls and the columns inside the temple are cladded with imported glass, hence the name. The temple also has some special features like air-conditioning, canteen (it is at the back of the temple building and sells only Indian vegetarian food) and is very clean. This place has become one of the top tourist and pilgrimage attractions in this city and there are thousands of tourists and pilgrims coming here everyday. There are food and drink stalls lining both sides of the driveway in the front of the temple.Temple prayer hours 0730-1200 daily; Temple closure 1200-1300 Tue-Sun, 1200-1900 Mon; Temple visiting hours 1300-1800 daily except Mondays (closed to visitors). Admission 10/5 RM for adults/children (5-12 years old), still photography/video fee 3/5 RM, leaving shoes with the guardian 0.50 RM. Chitra Pournami Paal Kudam Festival held every Wednesday and Glass Chariot Procession held every Thursday at the temple.
- War Memorial (Tugu Peperangan in Malay), Jalan Abu Bakar, about 2km west of the causeway. Located across the road from the brown-colored Jabatan Kehakiman Syariah Negeri Johor (Islamic court building of Johor state) and the white-colored Pusat Islam Iskandar Johor (Iskandar Islamic Center), these twin obelisks commemorate martyred servicemen of the First and Second World Wars, and the Emergency (the confrontation with Indonesia in 1962). It was completed in 1962 and unveiled by Colonel H.H. Sir Ismail, the then Sultan of Johor on July 1, 1962 the same year. It was erected by the the ex-servicemen association of Malaya Johor Branch, from donations by the government of Johor, ex-servicemen association of Malaya and members of the public. Seldom visited by more than a few persons at any one time, it is a clean, quiet spot with vantage views of the Straits of Johor.
- Makam Diraja (Royal Mausoleum), located in a large Muslim cemetery enclosed by three roads - Jalan Mahmoodiah, Jalan Petri and Jalan Mariamah, about 2km northwest of the CIQ. This is a royal mausoleum of Johor state. It is a gray-colored building with two domes. The first sultan of Johor laid to rest here was Sultan Abu Bakar in 1895, as are the three sultans that reigned after him - Ibrahim, Ismail and Iskandar. Other persons interred here include: sultanahs (wives of the sultans) - Sultanah Fatimah, Sultanah Ungku Maimunah Ungku Abdul Aziz, Sultanah Rogaiyah, Sultanah Tun Aminah, Tunku Abdul Rahman, some other royal family members (e.g. Tunku Abdul Rahman), as well as notable politicians like Dato' Jaafar Muhammad, Dato' Onn Jaafar, Tan Sri Othman Saat and Dato' Muhamad Salleh bin Perang. The mausoleum is not open to the public.
- Tanjung Kupang Memorial, Jalan Kebun Teh (4km north of the CIQ and at the junction of this road and Jalan Serunai opposite Foon Yew 1 School). This memorial was erected by the Johor state government in memory of the 100 passengers and crew members killed when the Malaysia Airlines Flight 653 (MH653) Boeing 737 crashed at Tanjung Kupang (about 20km west of Johor Bahru) on the evening of 4 December 1977.
- Danga Bay (Teluk Danga in Malay), [19] 7km northwest of the Causeway. It is set to be the premier waterfront development in Johor Bahru, with residential properties, commercial buildings and recreational facilities. Among the attractions that have opened so far are: Danga World Theme Park, Danga World Petting Zoo and Rumah Limas. To get to any of these three attractions, take any of the very frequent buses (RM 1.60 or 1.70) that goes to Skudai and beyond from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. You can take a tourist tram from the Danga Convention Centre to the Festive Street Mall and back (5 RM per person, free for children below 3 years old).
- Rumah Limas Here, Johor State's eight districts are represented by uniquely-designed traditional wooden Malay houses named as Rumah Kluang, Rumah Mersing, Rumah Segamat, Rumah Johor Bahru, Rumah Pontian, Rumah Kota Tinggi, Rumah Muar and Rumah Batu Pahat. In additon, there are two other traditional wooden Malay houses - Rumah Utama and Rumah Spa. All of these buildings surround a lawn, situated right at the edge of the Skudai Highway. Cultural shows unique to each district are performed in the Rumah Utama. Johor cuisine is served inside and outside some of the houses. There is an orchid garden beside the Rumah Segamat. Massage and spa therapy are offered in the Rumah Spa. Rumah Mersing offers wedding planning services. Rumah Johor Bahru has a gift shop. Rumah Kota Tinggi has a Malay arts and crafts exhibition whereas Rumah Kluang has traditional Malay games and cash crops exhibitions.
- Danga World Petting Zoo is open daily from 3pm to midnight. There is an animal show at 8.30 and 10 pm. The admission price of 10 RM (5 RM for children) is very steep considering that this zoo is substantially smaller than the Johor Bahru Zoo at Jalan Gertak Merah. No video filming is allowed.
- Danga World Theme Park is open daily from 3pm to midnight. This is actually an amusement park more suitable for children. Among the 20 rides are (price per person, minimum 4RM): Zamperla pirate ship (10 RM), tea cups (4 RM), two-level merry-go-round (4 RM), balloon ferris wheel (4 RM), flying elephant, bumper car, etc.
- Taman Merdeka, 2km south of the Larkin Bus Station and 1.5km east of the Istana Bukit Serene at Jalan Kolam Ayer. This is a public park that surrounds a big lake. Here, you can find pavilions, an open-air theater,rock sculptures, an independence monument, two bridges, two twin 2-storey white buildings, cannons and a clock tower. There is a cheap Malay buffet restaurant (Restoran JB Catering, see the 'Eat, budget' section) on the north side of the park. Free admission.
- Taman Rekreasi Hutan Bandar (Recreational Park City Forest in English), Jalan Tasek Utara (Ulu Air Molek) 1.5km southeast of the Larkin bus terminal. This is a 13-hectare recreational park. Maintained by the municipality and lying within easy reach of the city center (the CIQ is only 3km away), this gem of a public recreational park contains seven lakes surrounded by tropical rain forest. There is a big fountain at the north end of the southernmost lake. Within the park are jogging/hiking tracks, wooden bridges and platforms, a children's playground and an open-air swimming pool (open Fridays to Sundays only). There is also an orchid park with many different species of orchids. Anglers can fish by the lakes. There is a car park just beyond the park's entrance on Jalan Tasek Utara. There are food and beverage outlets beside the car park.
- Johor Bahru Zoo, across the street (Jalan Gertak Merah) from the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque. This is one of the oldest zoos in Malaysia. The zoo was built by Sultan Ibrahim in 1928 and became the private menagerie of the royal family. It was was opened to the public in 1962. A 5-hectare, run-down zoo that provides a dismal diversion to local and Western tourists. It only has birds and mammals on display. There is a pond inside the zoo where you can rent boats as well as a children's playground. Admission 2 RM for adults, 1 RM (for 3-12 year olds), free for under 3 year olds. Open daily 0900-1800. To get there from the city center, take any of the very frequent buses(RM 1.20 or 1.30; however the fare for the return leg of the journey is only 1RM) that go to Skudai and beyond from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak
- Saleng Zoo, Kulai (along the way from Jalan Skudai all the way past Senai town). A private zoo which surprisingly has been reasonably well maintained.
- Orchid Valley Located in the Pulai area along Jalan Johor-Pontian road. Relatively run down.
- Haji Ali House Located in Jalan Lurah 16, Kg Kempas
- Istana Garden For jogging, leisure walk or a game of badminton at an open area in the park. Johor Bahru Hunts
- Mawar Complex (Kompleks Mawar; Mawar is the Malay acronym for Majlis Wanita Johor), 888 Jalan Sungai Chat (tel 07-2214100)(50m west of the Thistle Hotel on the same side of the road). The complex consists of several buildings, among them a handicrafts workshop (closed to the public) and 'Rumah Mawar (also known as 'Galeri Mawar'). The latter is housed in a pretty 2-storey white building. It has photos of members (especially female) of the Johor royal family and various famous women of Johor. There are also displays of clothing worn by Sultanah Zanariah on the first level and mannequins wearing wedding clothes and traditional Malay clothes on the second level. Open only on Mon, Tue, Wed Thu and Fri 10am - 4pm, admission 5 RM for a mandatory guided tour of the 'Galeri Mawar'. You have to get one of the staff from the administration building to open the door to the 'Rumah Mawar'. He or she will act as a guide. Photography is forbidden except for the mannequin display on the second level. There is a small canteen selling Malay food at the entrance to the complex. To get there from the city center, take any of the very frequent buses(RM 1.20 or 1.30; however the fare for the return leg of the journey is only 1RM) that go to Skudai and beyond from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, and alight at the bus stop in front of the red-colored Sultanah Aminah Hospital on Jalan Abu Bakar. It is about five minutes walk from here.
- Kraftangan Malaysia Cawangan Negeri Johor (Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation of Johore State), Lot. PBT 20002, Jalan Cenderasari, Off Jalan Datin Halimah, 80350 Larkin. Tel : 07-2350433, 07-2350431 (T/T) Fax : 607-2350432. Located 1.5km northwest of Larkin bus terminal and opposite Foon Yew 4 school, this government body has a so-called Treasured Possession Gallery (open Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm) that exhibits batik, embroidery and beads. It also hosts a handicrafts fair on its premises once a year (the last fair was held from 6 to 8 Aug 2010).
Golf courses
Johor Bahru is reasonably well known for its golf courses. During the height of the country's boom, there is almost a golf course planned every 3 months. Here are some of the best in Johor Bahru.
- Royal Johor Country Club probably the most expensive club in Johor Bahru. It is also the first course in this city.
- Tanjung Puteri Resort one of the largest courses in Johor Bahru and boasts of many awards. Very well designed courses and attracts a fair amount of visitors.
- Leisure Farm easily accessible by Singaporeans via the second link.
- Pulai Spring Resort Partly owned by a Singapore company and hence a popular joint among the Singaporeans.
- Austin Hills Golf Resort[20] within the Tebrau Corridor and nearby Tesco hypermarket and Aeon Jusco shopping mall. Nestled amidst the lush greens of 27 hole golf course, the resort clubhouse boasts 66 exclusive suites, free-form swimming pool, tennis courts, 8-lane bowling alley, sauna, jacuzzi, karaoke and banqueting facilities all under one roof.
Water sports
- Danga Bay There have been some addition recently to Danga Bay. You can rent a paddle boat to explore the area.
- Stulang Laut You can find some windsurfing activities around this area.
- Pulau Sibu PADI Dive Centre, [21]. The nearest PADI dive centre to JB located on the small island of Pulau Sibu within the Cabanas Resort; an excellent weekend island break for Scuba Divers. PADI Scuba Diving courses are also available.
- Dan's Nasty Frogmen Dive Base at Sea Gypsy Village on Pulau Sibu There are boat dives & Try Scuba Dives daily, morning & afternoon. Scuba diving is taught from the age of 8 years starting with Scuba Rangers. There are also morning & afternoon snorkeling excursions to uninhabited islands. Sailing is availble using Solsa sail boats plus paddle skis, kayaks & boogie boards for hire. Taxis to Tanjong Leman are easily available, depart at 7AM for the 9AM boat. You can depart Pulau Sibu at 5:30PM or 8:30PM, the resort will order a taxi to Johor Bahru for your return trip. Sea Gypsy Village operate a bus service from Johor Bahru daily at midday to connect with their 2PM boat, guests are on the island by 2:30PM.
There are three major cinemas in Johor Bahru, Tanjung Golden Village located in Jusco Tebrau City, Golden Screen Cinemas in Pelangi Leisure Mall and Cathay Cinemas located in City Square, Johor Bahru. Although Pelangi Leisure Mall's cinematic technology isn't the best it is still considered acceptable. Most of all, it offers the cheaper tickets among the three. Cathay is the state of the art cinema in the city but experiencing that technology in the center of the city will set you back at least 40% more than other movie theaters. There is also a Tamil movie theatre in the city centre, close to the Hindu temple.
- The Johor Society for the Performing Arts (JSPA), T: +60-12-7179388, [22]. A non-commercial Society dedicated to the advancement,promotion and development of the performing arts in JB.
- Massage Gallery Home Spa, Taman Perling (T: 07-2352369 or 016-7609779) [23]. A transformed single storey terrace house with two small but clean and comfortable massage rooms and a semi-open body scrubbing area. Male masseurs only.
- Cruise from and to Danga Bay. There are two types of cruises available. The speedboat cruise (daily every hour; adult - 10RM, child under 12 years old - 5RM; duration of cruise 20 to 25 min) goes from the pier beside the Marina Club building (this is where you will find the International Restaurants) to the Causeway and back. The Danga Cruise 8 (a triple-deck cruise ship) also sails the Straits of Johor (from Danga Bay to the Causeway and back). The pier for this ship is located off Danga Beach. The Danga Cruise 8 starts at 8pm every Fri, Sat and Sun and costs 50 RM net, inclusive of buffet dinner on board the ship.
JB is full of shopping malls catering mostly to local and Singaporean shoppers. Selections are somewhat limited when compared to the island state's offerings, but prices for Malaysian-produced goods can be half price or less.
- Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (JARO) Handicrafts Centre[24]. The JARO Handicrafts Centre, formerly located along Jalan Sungai Chat, sells hand-made cane furniture, soft toys, rattan baskets and customised book-binds, among others, all produced by the physically disabled charges of the state government. As of June 2009, it had shifted to new premises. Check with the tourist office at JOTIC or at the new Immigration, Customs and Quarantine checkpoint. JARO is a state sponsored organisation that focuses on the needs of the disabled through its rehabilitative shelter and workshop programme. T: 07-224 5632.
- AEON Tebrau City, No 1, Jalan Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau. Tel: 07-3522220. Open daily 9:30am to 11:00pm. Website:[25] The largest (3-level) mall in Johor Bahru (opened in Jan 2006) and the second largest in Malaysia. Almost half of the floor area is occupied by the JUSCO hypermarket (situated on all the 3 levels). There are numerous international fashion franchises like Giordano, MNG, Esprit, Dorothy Perkins, etc. A full range of dining options is available, from fine dining to international fast-food joints (A & W, KFC and Pizza Hut). There is also a Golden Village cinema, Harris bookstore, Toys 'R' Us, Yamaha Music School, handphone shops, etc. There are frequent several town buses to AEON Tebrau City. It is at the junction of Tebrau Highway (also known as Jalan Pandan) and Jalan Desa Tebrau, about 12.5 km north of the CIQ. There are many buses going there from the bus stop beside the Public Bank building in Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Take any bus that goes to Kota Tinggi or Ulu Tiram, e.g Maju 227, Causeway Link 6B etc. The bus fare is about 2.50 RM. The metered taxi fare from City Square in Jalan Wong Ah Fook should not be more than RM10, excluding waiting time.
- Carrefour, 138 Jalan Pandan (also called Tebrau highway), tel: 07 3542126. It is located just 300m south of the Pasir Gudang Highway-Tebrau Highway(Jalan Pandan) intersection. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:30am-10:30pm, Saturday 8:00am–11:00pm, Sunday 8:00am–10:30 pm. Besides the flagship Carrefour hypermarket and several shopping outlets, it has a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet, a Japanese restaurant, a food court and a post office that is open Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM. To get there, take any bus that goes to Kota Tinggi or Ulu Tiram, e.g Maju 227, Causeway Link 6B etc, from the bus stop beside the Public Bank building in Jalan Wong Ah Fook
- City Square, 106-108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook (across Jalan Tun Abdul Razak from the JB Sentral train station); Tel : 607-221 9989 Fax : 607-2269989; website: [26]. JB's most accessible shopping mall, a 5-minute walk from the CIQ. A pedestrian bridge connects the mall to JB Sentral, which is itself connected to the CIQ by a pedestrian bridge. It has a good range of shops and food and beverage outlets. There is a Singapore-run Cathay Cineplex on level 5, and beside it is a food court run by Singapore-based Food Junction. The 'Innercity' area is full of small (especially those selling handphones) stalls and is worth a visit. Some of the food and beverage outlets are: Kenny Rogers Roasters(level 3), Kinsahi Japanese Restaurant(basement), Marrybrown(level 2), McDonald's(levels 1 and 2), Sedap Corner(level 2), Seoul Garden(level 3). Other tenants include: Kapitan mini supermarket(basement), MPH bookstore(level 3), Popular bookstore(Level 4), Watsons(level 2).
- Holiday Plaza, Jalan Datok Sulaiman, Taman Centuri (600m west of the Jalan Datok Sulaiman/Tebrau Highway junction). A three-storey shopping mall with a lot of empty stores. A metered taxi from City Square at Jalan Wong Ah Fook to here should cost not more than 4 RM, and there are many buses that go past the Jalan Datok Sulaiman/Tebrau Highway junction. This is the place to buy mainly pirated, DVDs, VCDs, CDs, PS2 games, Xbox games, Nintendo games and PC games at slightly cheaper prices than those shops nearer the Causeway, although the price difference is practically non-existent. It has Pizza Hut, McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets.
- Plaza Kotaraya, Jalan Trus, only 5 minutes walk from the CIQ. It is a relatively old shopping center compared to the nearby City Square. Visit the UO Superstore (4 levels) to find a wide range of groceries, household appliances, clothes, toys, luggage, etc. at competitive prices. It has a Pizza Hut and a Sedap Corner restaurant on the ground floor, and a food court on the top floor. Open daily 10am to 10pm.
- Plaza Pelangi, 2 Jalan Kuning, 2km north of the CIQ. An upmarket shopping mall. Open daily 10am to 10pm. Among the tenants are: Metrojaya department store (levels 2 to 4), Cold Storage supermarket, Popular bookstore, and several food and beverage outlets such as the Coffee Bean, Kinsahi Japanese Restaurant,McDonald's, Nando's, Season's, Secret Recipe, Sedap Corner, Sushi King and Vivo.
- Pelangi Leisure Mall, 148 Jalan Serampang. This is a 2-storey mall located in Taman Pelangi. The main tenants are: Giant hypermarket, Golden Screen cinema, Superbowl bowling alley and McDonald's. Open daily 1030 am to 10pm
- Plaza Larkin, opposite the Larkin Bus Terminal on Jalan Geruda. For those who are wish to be in a fashion planet, this is a place to be in, with a number of clothing boutiques to shop in. There is a business center (fax services, photocopying, Internet/Wi-Fi at 2RM per hr), a computer shop and a money changer on the first level. Also in the same building on the first level is food court (Selera Johor 'Johore delights'; see 'Eat, budget, hawker centers' section) that serves mostly Johorian cuisine.
- Plaza Sentosa (formerly Kompleks Lien Hoe), Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa 80150. Shopping center 3km north of the CIQ. The main tenant here is The Store department store, which occupies 4 levels. Other tenants include: the Spa Hotel (level 4, see 'Sleep, budget' section), a food court (level 2), Guardian pharmacy (level 1), XPlus pharmacy (level 1), Watsons (level 1), Old Town White Coffee (restaurant, level 1; see 'Eat, budget, others'), Platinum night club (level 3), etc.
- Festive Street Mall, Danga Bay. This one-storey mall consists of 280 retail outlets, including about a dozen food and beverage outlets. Parking is ample and free. Open daily from 11am to 10pm.
- Landmark IT Mall, 12 Jalan Ngee Heng (600m northwest of the CIQ). This six-level shopping mall is housed within the 10-storey podium of the twin-tower 35-storey Menara Landmark building. It, as its name suggest, specializes in computer hardware, software and accessories. It also deals in electrical & electronics and communications products.
- Danga City Mall (formerly known as Best World), Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Susur 1, just north of the intersection of Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Lingkaran Dalam, abutting both of these highways. Tel: +607–221 5008 Fax: +607–2217008 Website: [27]. This gigantic shopping mall was completely refurbished at a cost of RM100 million, and reopened as Danga City Mall on 31 August 2008. Open daily 10am to 10pm. Free parking in the huge open-air car park south of the mall. Level 3 specializes in computers and related accessories, hand phones and cameras. Here, you can even find original operating system and Microsoft Office software for cheaper prices than, for example, City Square Mall. The giant Metrojaya department store is the main tenant, occupying levels 1 to 4. There is a supermarket (Pasaraya Songmart) in the basement and a Guardian pharmacy on the first level. There is a fitness center and spa on level 5 and a bowling center (20 lanes; open daily, 10am to 1am weekdays, 10am to 2am weekends; adult rates - 3.80RM per game 10am to 6pm, 4.80RM per game 6pm to 1am on weekdays; 4.80RM per game during weekends) on level 6. There are about 20 food and beverage outlets (most of them are on the basement level and the rest of them are on the first level) among which are Hokka Hokka! (see 'Eat, mid-range'), Penang Corner (see 'Eat, mid-range) and Danga Palace (Chinese restaurant, open daily 12pm to 3pm, 5pm to 9.30pm). 2 daily KTM trains each from the north (originating in Gemas) and south (originating in Singapore) stop at the mall.
- ZON Mall and Department Store, [28], at the end of Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, 1.8km north east of the Causeway. The 5-level Mall has several duty-free (chocolate, alcohol and tobacco) specialty outlets among its 180 retail shops. The Department Store occupies 150,000 square feet of retail space over 5 levels, offering a wide variety of merchandise. It also has a supermarket and food court in the basement. The ZON Mall, the ZON Department Store and the ZON Regency Hotel by the Sea are all housed in the same building. You can take any bus (the orange-colored City Bus no. 123, Causeway Link no. 22, etc) that goes to Permas Jaya from Jalan Wong Ah Fook opposite City Square.
- AEON Bukit Indah, located in Bukit Indah by AEON, currently is the newest shopping mall in Johor Bahru. AEON Bukit Indah is a 3-level shopping mall with JUSCO being the flagship tenant - a hypermarket offering everything from food to baby diapers to perfumes. CW3 bus (From Jurong East MRT station,Singapore) stops at AEON Bukit Indah. Located a 40 minutes drive from the new Johor Bahru CIQ (and 20 minutes from the 2nd Link).
- Sutera Mall, No.1, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai. Website: [29]. A 3-level shopping mall. It takes about 15 minutes to drive to here from SenaiInternational Airport, the Second Link or the city center. There is a Carrefour hypermarket on Level 2 and a food court on Level 1. It has a open-air playground and an open-air amphitheater. There is a newly-constructed bus interchange adjacent to the mall (bus numbers: IM03 from/to Jalan Tampoi and CW4S from/to Jurong East Interchange in Singapore).
- Jalan Segget Bazaar, daily open-air bazaar in the heart of JB with business from 6pm to 2am. Jalan Segget is a street that runs between Jalan Ibrahim and Jalan Wong Ah Fook. This is a bazaar that sells mostly clothes. But a wide range of other products are also sold - bags, belts, electric fans, food and drinks, footwear, handphone accessories, perfumes, sunglasses, toys, wallets, watches, etc.
JB is a popular destination for budget-conscious gourmands from Singapore, as most dishes are half price at this side of the border. Most of the food stalls and dining spots come alive when night falls over the city. Common dishes include seafood and some Johor specialities like laksa and mee rebus. The adventurous can head for the stalls at Lido Beach and Stulang Laut to try the local favourites and hawker fare.
Do beware of menus without prices, especially when ordering seafood, or you may be in for an unpleasant surprise.
Hawker Centers ('Pusat Penjaja' in Malay)
There are quite a number of hawker centers across Johor Bahru. Hawker centers are basically a collection of pushcart, van or fixed stall vendors selling food or drinks in one particular area. Food and drinks are sold cheaply in these areas. Among the more well-known hawker centers are as follow:
- Tepian Tebrau, intersection of Jalan Mohammad Amin and Jalan Sungai Chat (about 500m southwest of the Thistle Hotel and 3.5km west of the Causeway). It has 32 fixed stalls underneath a long and narrow open-air shed serving a catch-all of Malaysian Malay, Mamak and Chinese food. Some stalls are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, on Sundays, most of the stalls are open only for dinner.
- Selera Johor 'Johore delights', Plaza Larkin (across the road from the Larkin bus terminal), Jalan Geruda. 22 fixed food and drink stalls serving, as the name suggests, mostly Johorian cuisine.
- Medan Steamboat Luton Van Dataran Bandaraya, located just beside the Dataran Bandaraya (3km west of the Causeway) - the building with the distinctive yellow clock tower. This is an open-air hawker center with almost 20 van stalls. It specializes in 'steamboat', which is actually pieces of meat, seafood or vegetables on wooden skewers cooked in boiling water and then eaten with sauces.
- Medan Selera Sungai Chat, intersection of Jalan Abu Bakar and Jalan Sungai Chat (about 500m southwest of the Thistle Hotel and and 3.5km west of the Causeway). It has 10 stalls, some of them specializing in ikan bakar.
- Medan Selera Meldrum Walk, along Meldrum Walk - this pedestrianized street stretches between Jalan Siu Koon and Jalan Stesyen and runs parallel to Jalan Meldrum and Jalan Wong Ah Fook, right in downtown JB. 90 food and drinks pushcart stalls to choose from, all serving Malaysian (Chinese, Malay, Indian) cuisine. The disadvantage is that the tables and chairs are all in the open air. Stalls open from the late afternoon onwards,
- Pusat Penjaja Taman Sri Tebrau, on the south side of Jalan Keris, 200m and 300m east of the Tebrau Highway-Jalan Keris junction and Crystal Crown Hotel respectively. 3km north of the CIQ. This is a hawker center with 118 fixed stalls.
- Pusat Penjaja Jalan Perang Taman Pelangi, at the junction of Jalan Perang and Jalan Sri Pelangi, just opposite a big mosque (Masjid Jamek at-Taqwa Taman Pelangi) with a golden, onion-shaped dome. This is a hawker center with 20 pushcart stalls, 300 to 400m southwest of the Pelangi Leisure Mall. One of the hawkers sells satay sticks for RM0.50 each, peanut sauce and cucumbers included. There is also a good stall serving clay pot chicken rice for RM5.80.
- Johor Jaya Hawker Center located across the road from Daiman Bowling mall.
Mamak Food
There are three relatively large chains of Mamak restaurants across Johor Bahru, namely Ayub, Sri Alam and Habib. They serve similar food, in particular their roti canai, which is made of flour. Other dishes like Nasi Lemak, Mee Goreng can be found in these restaurants. In general they are located all across town. Just ask a local person, and they will gladly point you to the right direction.
Malay Food
If you can get up early in the morning there are 2 different types of 'roti canai' that you may try out in Johor that should not be available in other states. 'Roti canai' is a flat piece of fried dough that is served with different types of curries depending on your mood. One is located near the new Complex Immigration and Quarantine building near Kim Teng Park. This version is very thick and extra crispy and the chili paste that comes with it is to die for. It is advisable to ask for directions first as it is only accessible by car. The other 'roti canai' is located at Century Garden near the Honda showroom in front of the MAA building. These are tiny, light and fluffy versions of the original 'roti canai' and it comes with a small bowl of savory sardine-mixture to go with it. Both are reasonably priced and you should not miss it.
- Restoran Banafee. Jalan Datuk Abdullah Tahir (across the street from the New York Hotel, beside a car wash outlet). It is housed in an open-air shed and serves Malay food such as nasi ayam or daging penyek (7 RM net), nasi goreng, nasi campur, murtabak, roti, etc, and burgers. Open 24 hrs.
- Restoran ZZ. 20B Jalan Sungai Chat (tel: 07 224 0417.) It is at the end of this road, and just before the start of Jalan Mahmoodiah, behind the Sultanah Aminah Hospital, only 200m east of the Thistle Hotel). Popular low-key eatery serving Malay and Thai dishes, particularly known for their Johor-style laksa (3.50 RM, breakfast and lunch only), nasi ayam (chicken rice, 3.50 RM, lunch only) and ikan bakar(Malay grilled fish, 4 to 8 RM, lunch only) and ayam penyet (6.50 RM, lunch only). Besides ordering full-plate or full-bowl dishes (different menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner), you can also get servings from the more than 20 dishes on the buffet counters (self-service) - you will be charged accordingly for each of these servings. For dinner, most dishes cost between 3.50 to 4.50 RM (mee tomyam cost 4RM). Coffee or tea with sugar only - 1 RM. No air-con, seating capacity for about 100 persons. Open daily (0630 to 2300 Mon-Fri, 0630 to 1600 Sat-Sun).
- W.W. Laksa House, Jalan Kolam Ayer (beside the 7-Eleven store and 300-400m north of the Kolam Ayer mosque). It specializes in laksa (4.50/5.50/6.50 RM for small/medium/large bowl). It also serves 'dry mee' and 'mee soup' for the same prices for small/medium/large bowls. Soft drink can 1.70 RM. Open daily 7am-4pm.
- Restoran Yew Swee, 64, Jalan Harimau Tarum (found in a very long row of shophouses on the west edge of the Tebrau Highway), opposite the vast, empty field (Taman Tebrau Jaya) that just abuts (north of) Plaza Pelangi. Specializes in laksa. Open daily Mon to Sat (closes earlier on Sat), closed on Sundays.
- Mee Rebus Stulang Laut, Stulang Laut. The original mee rebus is located at the now Open University facing the straits. It has an alfresco type dining as well.
- Nasi Lemak Senibong Located in Kampung Senibong, it has been serving one of the best Nasi Lemak in Johor Bahru. Costing RM4 per plate, it costs of coconut flavoured rice, chicken (comes in three flavours), an egg and sambal (traditional malay chili sauce).
- Dann's Cafe at Taman Daya. A popular place for good Johor Laksa, Hyderabad Beryani Rice, Mee Siam Kuah, they also serve wacky mock tails. Ask for what special there and a guarantee of a good time.
Chinese Food
- Restoran Bamboo. It is located at no. 1 Jalan Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, 3km north of the CIQ or City Square. Tel: 607-3313180. This is is a 2-storey, air-con, non-halal Chinese restaurant well-known for its "emperor's paper wrapped chicken". It is a dish whereby a whole, spring chicken wrapped in both aluminum foil (outside) and paper (inside) and filled with Chinese herbs is baked in the oven for hours. It costs RM15 (only RM14 at the Taman Sentosa branch) per chicken. Prices of selected main dishes - chicken dishes 12 to 15RM, beef with vegetables 12RM, deer meat with curry sauce or spring onions 14RM, sweet and sour pork 12RM, shark fins soup (small/medium/large) 15/30/60 RM, soup of the day (small/large) 6/8RM, duck soup with salted vegetables 9RM, hot-plate bean curd 8RM, pineapple fried rice 5RM, Hokkien mee 5RM. Prawn dishes, fish dishes, crab dishes, bean curd dishes(from 6RM), vegetable dishes (from 8RM), egg dishes (from 8 RM) and soups are also served. Economical set lunch (daily 11am to 5pm) - main dish + soup + drink for 7.90RM. A small bowl of plain rice costs 1 RM. Compulsory towel 0.40RM. Prices of selected desserts and drinks - mango pudding 2.50RM, yam paste 3.50RM, Chinese tea 0.50RM, home-made soya bean milk 1.80RM. It has two other outlets in the city: 47 Jalan Bayu Puteri 1/3, Taman Bayu Puteri; 70 Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3 Taman Sutera Utama (Skudai). Prices at the Taman Sentosa outlet are net. However, prices at the other two outlets are subject to a 5% government tax. The outlet at Taman Sentosa is open daily 11am to 10pm.
- Restaurant Teck Sing, 3 and 5, Jalan Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, 80150; tel: 07-334 7025. website: [30]. It has three signature dishes: Teck Sing Paper Baked Chicken 14RM, curry fish head 25RM, shark fins with crab meat soup 25/50RM. It also serves the following dishes - chicken, pork, fish, prawn, crab, cuttlefish, squid, bean curd, eggs, vegetables, etc. and soups. There is no government tax or service charge for all items. Air-con. Open 11:00 am to 10:00 pm daily
- Huizu Hot Wok, Taman Mutiara Rini, Skudai (off Skudai Highway, Goodhope Hotel junction), [31]. Halal Chinese. Oat prawns, ice-blended dragon fruit.
- On Kee Restaurant, Permas Jaya (Opposite New Bus Stand at Permas Jaya). They have various kind of Chinese Foods that serve at a reasonable price. The Chef won prizes for two competition at China. The enviroment are good and the waiteress and waiters are friendly.
- Kedai Makanan Mee Hoon Kueh, 56 Jalan Sutera (on the south side of this street), 600m east of the Jalan Sutera-Tebrau Highway junction. Probably one of the earliest vendors selling the Mee Hoon Kueh dish. It has been the subject of many Singapore-based food shows which came into Johor Bahru for a review of local delicacies. It offers four different varieties of the Mee Hoon Kueh dish: soup version without prawns and squids (small/big bowl) 4/4.50RM, soup version with prawns and squids 6.50/7RM, 'dry' version 4/4.50RM, curry version 4.50/5.50RM. It also serves curry mee (small/big bowl) 4.50/5.50RM. 'Lemon honey jelly ice' cold drink 3RM. There is no government tax or service charge for all items. Air-con. Open 1230pm to 10pm Tue-Sun, closed on Mondays.
- Sing Kee Restaurant. Jalan Cengai (at the junction of this road and Jalan Meranti), Taman Melodies, 3.5km north of the CIQ. It has been serving the local community for nearly 20 years. It has a few signature dishes such as claypot lamb and curry fish head. Air-conditioned, opening hours 1130am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm (closed on Sundays).
- Tapai Tang Restaurant. Located at the north end Jalan Meranti, Taman Melodies, 3.5km north of the CIQ. It is a well-known air-conditioned eatery serving Chinese dishes only. The menu is in Chinese only. Open daily.
- Restoran Yi Bao, 5 Jalan Maju (across the street from Plaza Pelangi). This humble eatery offers one of the best 'mee hoon kueh' in town. In fact, this is the only dish served in the restaurant. 'Mee hoon kueh' is a popular Chinese delicacy where pieces of flour are cooked in a thick, tantalising soup consisting of meatballs, mincemeat, vegetables, fragrantly deep-fried anchovies and egg, all cooked to perfection. Noodle version is also available. Expect large crowds of office-going workers during lunch hours and it can get very crowded on weekends. Small bowl 4 RM, big bowl 5 RM. Drinks 1 to 1.80 RM. Non-halal. Open Mon to Wed, Fri to Sun 0930 to 2000, closed on Thu.
- San Lou Restaurant. Located in Taman Pelangi. Famous for its fried bee hoon. Also serves seafood.
- Woon Kiang Restaurant. Located at Stulang Darat, behind Foon Yew High School. The famous Johor Bahru Kuay Teow Kia is here, a MUST TRY. Kuay Teow Kia is this dish where Kuay-teow boiled in a herbal-like soup is served with pig offal, braised duck meat, preserved salted vegetables, braised half-boiled eggs and various types of beancurd, depending on what you order.
- Dewi's Moghul Biryani n Penang Assam laksa. (located at Taman Molek near standard chatered bank). Tasty biryani and assam laksa.
Indian Food
- Restoran Nilla No.3, Jalan Ungku Puan +607 227 5722 Restaurant with 5 branches (self-proclaimed as the "the best banana-leaf food in town")offering South Indian meals. Excellent and friendly service. The menu is displayed on one of the walls inside the restaurant. Prices of selected dishes - nasi briyani ayam(chicken) 6.50 RM per set, mee goreng with chicken 6 RM per plate, nasi goreng with chicken 6 RM per plate, plain roti 0.80 RM, roti murtabak 6 or 6.50 RM per plate, plain tosai 1.40 RM, masala tosai with chicken 3.50 RM, sotong(squid) 4 RM, daging kambing(mutton) 4.50 RM per plate. Fruit juice 2.50 RM, black coffee or tea 1 RM, coffee or tea with milk 1.20 RM. Indian sweets are also sold here, on a per piece basis. There is another branch at 109 Jalan Trus just around the corner - it is about 20 to 30m southwest of the main branch at Jalan Ungku Puan. Only the main branch is open daily 24 hrs, the other branches open daily from 0700 to 2200.
- Madam Chang's Nyonya Cafe No.10G Jalan Bestari 6/2, Taman Nusa Bestari right opposite of Tesco Bukit Indah 0127587932 Tu-F 11AM-3PM, 5PM-9PM; Sa Su 9AM-3PM, 5PM-10PM Nyonya food.
- TasteBetter frozen yogurt, located in Bukit Indah Jusco, Taman Bukit Indah 1st floor. This cafe chain provides local unique flavored yogurt and icecream, as well as common beverages and bakery items. Combine with fresh fruits and freshly made yogurt. The durian flavored yogurt and ice cream is one of the popular choices on its menu, very popular among Singapore visitors and foreigners. The One of its kind Durian Puff is freshly made daily and is something you should not miss when you visit Bukit Indah Jusco.
- Restoran Mustika Zamzam, Jalan Datuk Abdullah Tahir (between the Restoran Carabao and the New York Hotel). This restaurant serves mostly local cuisine such as mee goreng, murtabak, naan, nasi beriani ayam/daging/ikan/kambing, nasi campur, nasi goreng, nasi kandar, nasi lemak, roti, sup kambing, tandori chicken, tosai, etc. Besides, Thai seafood and tomyam, burgers, chicken chop, lamb chop and fish & chips are also served here. The restaurant has 2 flat-screen cable TVs. Open 24 hrs and no air-con.
- Mr Kebab, Jalan Datuk Abdullah Tahir, located in the same premises as the Restoran Banafee. Specializes in Turkish cuisine. Kebabs 8 to 15RM, köfte 12.50RM, pide 12RM, chicken or lamb chop 12RM, fish and chips 14RM. No government tax or service charge.
- Restoran Singgah Selalu Located at Jalan Kolam Air and right across the Skudai Highway (Jalan Skudai) from the unmistakable red and white, multi-storey Tune Hotel in Danga Bay. Seafood, Malay, Chinese, Thai and Western cuisine are served here. Indoor and outdoor dining available, open 24 hrs.
- Restoran JB Catering, on the north edge of Taman Merdeka at Jalan Kolam Ayer, 1.8km south of the Larkin Bus Terminal. Tel: 07-221 4775. This restaurant only serves buffet meals - no a la carte orders. The tables and chairs are all under a huge, open shed with fans. Daily lunch buffet [12 main dishes - all Malay food, plus rojak, curry puffs, cold and hot desserts (such as cakes, kuih, agar-agar, custard), cut fruits, cold and hot drinks] 11AM-4:30PM, 12.90/7 RM net (adult/child 4 to 11 years). Barbecue dinner buffet [24 main dishes, mostly Malay food - curry meat/ fish/vegetable dishes, fried vegetables, barbecue meat/fish/mussels, mee rebus, roti jala, curry puffs, mutton soup, tom yam soup, cream of mushroom soup, corn on the cob, mashed potato, etc; cold and hot desserts (such as cakes, kuih, agar-agar, custard), cut fruits, cold and hot drinks] Fri and Sat only, 7PM-midnight, 18/12 RM net (adult/child 4 to 11 years). This restaurant is usually closed whenever there is a large-scale banquet (especially for weddings) held in the restaurant. Telephone in advance before you come to be sure that it is open.
- Restoran Anjung Warisan, Taman Seni Budaya Negeri Johor (beside the Yayasan Warisan building), 296-A Jalan Petri (Kampung Tarum), 200m east of the Jalan Petri/Jalan Abdul Samad junction and 1.3km north of the Thistle Hotel. E-mail firstname.lastname@example.com. A popular and unique restaurant serving Malay and Western cuisine. Diners can either remove their shoes and sit cross-legged for a traditional Malay style meal, or they can sit at Western-style tables with normal chairs. The normal tables are at ground level while cross-legged seating is found in the upper-level and ground-level wooden platforms surrounding bare tree trunks. There is even a nightly angklung (musical instruments consisting of bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame) performance by a solo performer every night, starting from 7.30pm. You should book in advance to get a seat in the upper-level platforms. Prices (no service charge, no government tax) of selected dishes (order a la carte only, except during Ramadan) - Malay rice or noodle dishes 5 to 8 RM, claypot rice or mee hoon or kway teow 6 RM, chicken wings 8 RM, French fries 4 RM, chicken chop 10 RM, fish and chips 10 RM, beef steak 18 RM. In addition, other Western dishes, hot plate dishes, ikan (fish), sayur (vegetables), sotong (squid), sup (soup) and telur (egg) dishes are served. Soft drinks 2 RM, chilled fruit juice 3 RM, fresh fruit juice 3.5 or 4 RM, hot black coffee or tea 1.20 RM, hot coffee or tea with milk 1.40 RM. Dinner buffet (Malay food only, free flow hot and cold drinks provided; adult/children 20/10 RM net) is served daily during Ramadan from 6.45pm to 8.30pm. A la carte orders are not available during Ramadan. Open daily 4pm to 1am. There is a car park (free parking) beside the restaurant.
- Restoran Yasin. 4, Jalan Sungai Chat (Wisma M.T.P. Abdul Kadir, just opposite and east of the Thistle Hotel). This restaurant serves cheap Malay and mamak food. It has an air-con and a non air-con section. The air-con section is open from 10am to 10pm daily. The non air-con section is open 24 hrs daily.
- Restoran Hameed, level 2 ZON Mall, at the end of Jalan Ibrahim Sultan. This is a Mamak restaurant serving local Malay/Indian dishes. Prices of selected items - nasi kandar 5.50 RM, mee goreng 3.80 RM, roti canai 1 RM, teh tarik 1.20 RM.
- Lite n Ezy Corner, level 2 ZON Mall, at the end of Jalan Ibrahim Sultan. Cafe serving buns, pizzas, hot dogs, burgers, nasi lemak, laksa, hot and cold drinks etc. Daily high tea buffet (3:30PM-6:30PM) for only 9.99RM net.
- Hikage (formerly Sosaku),12 Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi 80400 (150m west of the Tebrau Highway), tel. +60-7-333-6368. Opening hours 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10.30pm (Mon-Fri); 12pm to 4pm, 6pm to 10.30pm (sat, sun and public holidays). This restaurant is among the various food and beverage outlets along this road popular among JB food connosieurs. It only serves all-you-can-eat buffet Japanese meals. For the main dishes (166 items for dinner, 155 items for lunch), choose from the following categories: agemono, nimono, otsumani, ramen & rice, sashimi, sushi, yakimono), you have to order from the illustrated menu. You help yourself to the miso soup, salad, fruits, ice-cream and cold drinks from the buffet table. Buffet pricing - 50 RM plus 10% service charge (lunch and dinner on weekends and dinner on weekdays); 35 RM plus 10% service charge (lunch on weekdays). Carlsberg beer 12RM, Asahi beer 14RM.
- Shogun, 80, Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi 80400 (at the junction of Jalan Kuning and Jalan Serampang, beside the Pelangi Leisure Mall), tel 07-3333076. It only serves all-you-can-eat buffet Japanese meals. Lunch (Mon-Fri: 12-3pm; Sat-Sun, public holidays: 12-4pm) 25RM net (adults) and dinner (all days: 6-10.30pm) 55RM/19.90RM net (adults/children). For the lunch buffet, each customer is given 5 chips - exchange the chips with any of the waiters (last order is at 3.15pm) for any of the approximately 200 dishes available (only sashimi requires 2 chips, the others require only 1 chip) - karaage, maki, mini steamboat, okonomiyaki, ramen, sashimi, somen, sukiyaki, temaki, tempura, teppanyaki, teriyaki, udon, etc. All of these dishes are illustrated with color photographs (captioned in English and Chinese only) to help you make a choice. Besides you can help yourself to unlimited servings of sushi (6 types), baby crabs, French fries, fried cuttlefish balls, fried potato wedges, miso soup, Japanese shark's fin soup, chawanmushi, salads, kimchi, fruits, ice-cream (8 tubs, all different flavors), cold drinks (3 types), hot Japanese green tea from the buffet tables.
- Don Sushi, 299-A, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa 80150 (100m west of the junction of Jalan Sutera and Jalan Pasir Pelangi), tel 07-3352313. It serves both a la carte and buffet Japanese meals. Rates for buffet meals - weekday lunch (11.30am to 2.30pm) 33.90/19.90RM++ (adults/children); weekend and public holiday lunch, week-end and public holiday high-tea, and dinner on all days (11.30am to 2.30pm, 3-6pm, 6.30-9.30pm) 39.90/23.90RM++ (adults/children)
- Furusato, Straits View Hotel. Good value for money Japanese fare. Friendly Japanese-speaking staff.Open 365 days a year. Serve authentic Japanese cuisine. Mon-Fri 1200-1430, 1800 to 2230; Sat 1200-1430, 1800-2200; Sun 1800-2200; Tel. +60-7-223-8322 HP:019-7732086.
- Hokka Hokka!, Danga City Mall basement, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Susur 1 80000, tel 07-228 8333. Japanese restaurant. It serves agemono (e.g. tori katsu 7.90RM), bento (from 12.90RM), don, otsumani, ramen (from 9.90RM), sashimi, soba, sushi, temaki, udon, yakimono. There is no government tax or service charge for all dishes. Open daily from 11am to 9pm.
- Kura, Jalan Harimau Tarum, at the Jalan Serampang/Tebrau Highway junction. Japanese restaurant. Set lunch from 9.90 RM++. Air-con and non-halal. Open daily 12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30 pm
- Tera Thai, 31 Jalan Abdul Samad, 1km or about 10 minutes' walk north of the Thistle Hotel. Housed in a restored bungalow on the right side of the road (at the junction of Jalan Abdul Samad and Lorong 2)as you walk north from the Thistle Hotel. Open daily 1130 to 2300. Thai cuisine, main course dishes mostly cost between 12 and 18RM. Set meals (only Mon-Fri from 1130 to 1730) - meal with 2 dishes without iced lemon tea 9.90 RM, meal with 3 dishes and iced lemon tea 15.90 RM, meal with 4 dishes and iced lemon tea 19.90 RM. All prices are subject to a 5% service charge.
- Restoran Carabao, 16 Jalan Datuk Abdullah Tahir 80300, tel 607-335 9333, website: [32]. This is a restaurant that specializes in Thai (especially seafood) cuisine. It is entirely made of wood with interesting pieces of teak wood furniture. It can accommodate up to 200 diners, and you can choose to dine on regular tables and chairs at the main dining hall or sit on mats in a Chiangmai "Kantoke" cubicle style seating. The extensive Thai menu includes fish dishes, prawn dishes, squid dishes, crab dishes, beef dishes, chicken dishes, vegetable dishes, noodle dishes, rice dishes, salads and soups. Western food such as beef steaks, salmon, chicken chop or cutlet, spaghetti, fish & chips are also served. All prices are subject to a 5% government tax and a 5% service charge. No air-con. Car park in front of the restaurant. Open daily including on public holidays 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 1am.
- Restoran Taro J1, 17 Jalan Maju (across the street from Plaza Pelangi), Taman Maju Jaya. Tel: 07-332 2570. This is Korean restaurant that was opened by a South Korean. Open daily 10am to 10pm. Prices of selected dishes (subject to a 10% service charge): Korean spicy ramen 10RM, Korean non-spicy ramen 12.90RM, kimbap 12.90RM, bibimbap 15.90RM, kimchi jjigae 16.90RM, set meals for 2-3 persons 60RM, set meals for 4-5 persons 120RM. There are lunch promotions (order before 3pm) available, such as the chicken or beef bulgogi (9.90RM plus 10% service charge) that is served with rice, seaweed soup, kimchi and cold Korean tea.
- Restoran Pekin , 38, Jalan Baldu 5, Taman Sentosa. Tel: 607-333 2928, 607-332 0902. This is a Chinese restaurant that has been around for more than 20 years. It still serves up piping hot Chinese food which has been favored by both local and Singaporeans. It specializes in seafood, but also serves chicken, duck, pork, egg, bean curd, vegetables, rice and noodles dishes, as well as soups and desserts. Supreme abalone 98RM per person, shark fins (small/medium/large/extra large) 45/68/90/120RM. All prices are subject to 5% tax. Open daiy 11am to 11pm. It has another branch at: Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Sutera Utamabiz Centre, Taman Sutera Utama 81300 Skudai
- Penang Corner, Danga City Mall basement, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Susur 1 80000, tel 07-223 5333. It serves mostly local cuisine: rice dishes 6.90RM, noodle dishes 5.90RM, bean curd dishes, beef dishes, fish dishes, prawn dishes, vegetable dishes, soups. Western food is also available: chicken chop 10.90RM, fish and chips 10.90RM, salads 5.90 to 10.90RM, French fries 4.90RM. All prices are subject to a 5% government tax and a 10% service charge. Daily Ramadan buffet dinner (6.30 to 9pm) 16.90RM net for adults. Open daily from 11am to 9pm.
- Restoran Malay Village, 9A Jalan Kolam Ayer 80100 (at the junction of this road and Jalan Mohd Amin), tel/fax 07-2211221. This restaurant opened in 1 Feb, 2010. It is 1.1km or about 10 minutes' walk northwest of the Thistle Hotel, 100m south of the Kolam Ayer Mosque. It serves Chinese, Malay, Nonya, Thai and Western cuisine at moderate prices. Outdoor (tables and chairs under small open sheds) and indoor (air-con) dining available. Prices (no service charge, no government tax) of selected dishes - sirloin steak 18.90 RM, chicken chop 14.50 RM, spaghetti 10.90 RM, Asian fried rice or noodles 5.50 to 6.50 RM. Fruit juice 4.90 RM. Open daily 0800-midnight
- Banafee Village [33], Lot 9022, Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir (just beside the Embassy Hotel and Service Apartment), Tel 07 3333 377. A new, 2-storey restaurant (the 1st level has no air-con; the 2nd level has air-con and is only opened to groups who have pre-ordered catered buffet meals from the restaurant) that opened in 2009. It serves a la carte Chinese, Malay and Western dishes at moderate prices. There are about 300 items on the menu. All main course dishes start from 6RM. Prices of selected dishes: Malay - Nasi Ayam Penyet (traditional Javanese meal serving steam cooked white rice with a quarter of crushed fried chicken and some green fresh vegetables) 8RM, asam pedas ayam 8RM, mee goreng 6.50RM, nasi goreng 6 to 8RM, Malay soups 6 to 15RM; Chinese - fried kway teow 6RM, fried hokkien mee 6RM, Chinese fried rice (small/medium/large) 6/9/12RM, sweet and sour chicken, and most other chicken dishes 12/15/18RM, squid dishes 18/25/30RM, prawn dishes 22/28/40RM, beef dishes 15/25/30RM, sizzling plate bean curd 14/20/26RM, stirred fried mixed vegetables 6/8/12RM; Western - pasta 9.90 to 19RM, chicken chop 14.90 to 16.90RM, beef steak 22.90 to 32.90RM. Single-scoop ice-cream 2.50RM, orange juice 4RM, hot coffee or tea without milk 1.20RM. All prices are subject to a 5% service charge. The first level has 2 flat-screen cabled TV sets and a live band performance every night from 9pm to 3am. Open 24 hrs. Daily Ramadan buffet (6.30pm to 10pm) 38RM/17RM net (adults/children) - consists of 65 dishes encompassing Chinese, Malay, Western and Arab cuisine.
- Old Town White Coffee, Located at City Square, Jusco Tebrau City, Giant Plentong, Jusco Bukit Indah, Jusco Taman University Shopping Centre, Plaza Sentosa, Jusco Permas Jaya. This is a nation-wide restaurant chain. Offers light snacks (toasts, buns and sticky rice), traditional Malaysian dishes such as Ipoh chicken hor fun, curry mee, asam laksa (6.80 RM++ each), nasi lemak, rendang chicken rice, etc, and hot (specializing in white coffee; black coffee 2.50RM++) and cold beverages. There are occasional set meal promotions.
- Anna's Kitchen, located at No.18K Jalan Abdul Samad. It is right across the street from the Villa de la Rose service apartment building, about 500m north of the Thistle (formerly Hyatt Regency) Hotel and 350m northwest of the Jalan Abdul Samad/Jalan Lingkaran Dalam junction. The entrance is inconspicuous (look to your right as you walk northwest along Jalan Abdul Samad from the Thistle Hotel) and the restaurant is actually about 2.5m below street level at the basement of a row of shop houses. Established in 2005. The restaurant serves a variety of oriental delicacies and western staples. It also offers fusion delights. Among the restaurant's best-sellers is the cordon blue squid(RM29.90++) stuffed with chicken and cheese in a batter and deep fried, giving it an overgrown look. Australian sirloin steak RM35.90RM++, grilled salmon 35.90++, Penang prawn mee/Penang fried kway teow/Penang asam laksa each RM6.90++, soft drink RM2.90++. Open Mon to Sat 1330 to midnite, closed on Sundays. Tel +607-2242168.
- Chez Papa [34], 38 and 40 Jalan Jaya, Taman Maju Jaya, 100 m north of Plaza Pelangi. French cuisine and a fine selection of wines and cheese. Established in 1999 by Dominique Muller. The restaurant also offers a cosy and intimate wine bar with music. Open Mon to Sat 6-10.30pm, closed on Sundays. Hors d'oeuvres 15-28 RM++, salads 16-20 RM++, soups 9-10 RM++, sides 8 RM++, main courses 32-45RM++, pastas 18-26RM++, cheese plate 18-26 RM++, wine list of more than 80 wines.
- Coffeetrap Restaurant & 'Juicytrap Restaurant, located at 7,11 & 15 ,Jln Permas Jaya. A sidewalk alfresco dining with live music featuring famous Billy Lee probably the best guitarist in johor bahru together with local artists and a filipino band from early as 7:30PM. Best signature dish, lamb shank, grill salmon, chicken chop with real gravy. Popular with local and expatriates from early as 12PM from F-M and weekdays Tu-Th at 3PM with happy hour promotions till 9PM. open daily since year 2000. Free ample parking space and expect RM 40 onwards per person for dinner & a drink. Fresh juices and vegetarian dishes available. Location information tel 07-3861991.
- The Orient Express Coffee House, on the first level of the Grand BlueWave Hotel has a "Malaysia Hawker Stalls" buffet lunch (Mon-Fri, 1200-1430; 20RM++) consisting of Malaysian cuisine (the menu is changed daily and each day the dishes come from one particular Malaysian state like Johor, Melaka, Kelantan, Sarawak etc) and a weekend/public holiday (1200-1600; adult/child 28/17RM++) high-tea buffet (international cuisine). You can also order a la carte (0600-1030 breakfast, 1030 to midnite lunch, dinner and supper; prices of selected dishes - Johor or Penang laksa/char kway teow/Hokkien mee 18RM++ each, Italian pasta 15-22RM++, Australian beef steak served with vegetables 40-55RM++, grilled salmon steak with spinach cream, grilled vegetables and potatoes 35RM++).
- Palm Garden Restaurant on the first level of the New York Hotel. It serves buffet and a la carte local and western meals. It has several television screens and provides newspapers. Local noodle dishes (laksa, prawn mee soup, wanton mee, char kway teow, etc.) 16 RM++, local rice dishes 18-26 RM++, Italian and Western dishes 21 to 48 RM++, soups 12-15 RM++. Weekend (Sat-Sun) high-tea buffet (12-4 pm) 25/12 RM++ for adults/children under 12, weekday (Mon-Fri) buffet lunch (12-2.30pm) 26/12 RM++, buffet dinner(Sat only 6.30 to 10.30pm) 38/15 RM++, daily buffet breakfast (6.30-10.30 am) 23/14 RM++.
- Lotus Garden Chinese Restaurant on level 5 of the ZON Regency Hotel by the Sea. Voted as one of Malaysia's Best Restaurants in 2001, it offers a fine selection of cuisine from across the Chinese provinces. Medium size shark fins soup 80RM per bowl per person, whole Peking duck 60RM, whole roasted crispy chicken 40RM; small bowl of soup, small vegetable, noodles or rice dish mostly from 12RM onwards. All prices subject to only 10% service charge.
- Gianni's Trattoria, 110 Jalan Serampang Taman Pelangi 80400 (mid-way between the Tebrau Highway and Pelangi Leisure Mall. Tel 607 331 2230 Fax 607 331 7230 Email email@example.com. Fantastic Italian Cuisine. Pizzas (each of these are of one size only) 19-38 RM++, pastas 19-38 RM++, soups 12-18 RM++, meat and fish dishes 28-85 RM++, appetizers 12-26 RM++. Daily set lunch consisting of soup, main course and iced lemon tea at 25RM++ (weekends) and 22RM++ (weekdays). Open daily 11am to 11pm.
- Il Giardino, [35], 65A Jalan Perang, 200m south of Pelangi Leisure Mall; Italian cuisine, the cheapest of the four Italian restaurants in Johor Bahru; pasta 12.90-17.90 RM, pizza 12.90-18.90 RM, fish and meat dishes 13.90-32.90 RM. All prices are subject to 10% service charge. Open 12pm to 10pm Mon and Wed-Fri, 12pm to 10.30pm Sat-Sun, closed Tue. Free Wi-Fi
- International Restaurants Danga Bay [36]. A collection of three restaurants - Kong Inn Seafood Restaurant, Lazio Italian Restaurant & Cafe and Asiana Penang & Western Cuisine - can be found housed on the first level of the same building ('Marina Centre'). Free parking are readily available here. Lazio (open daily 1100-1500, 1800-midnite; main course 33 to 45 RM++, pasta 16.50 to 26 RM++, pizza 15 to 28 RM++, salad 11.50 to 14.50 RM++, soup 10.50 to 14.50 RM++, appetizer 8.50 to 20 RM++); Kong Inn (open daily 12:30PM-3PM, 6PM-11PM; classic business set meal per person 48/68/98 RM++, min. two persons); Asiana (open daily 11AM-midnight). The buffet that used to be served every Sunday 11AM-3PM for 29RM++ per person, when you can try out the fare served by all the three restaurants, has been discontinued.
- Meisan Szechuan Restaurant, Located on the second level of the Mutiara Hotel, along Jalan Dato' Sulaiman. It has been in business for over 20 years. The restaurant is well-known for its popular spicy Szechuan cuisine. This charming restaurant has a very unique setting. Its rich, dark wood-paneled wall and latticed screens are subtly detailed in gold to project the charm of old-world China. 5-course individual set meals at 35, 45 per 55 RM++ per person. Menus for groups of 5 to 10 persons: 438 RM++ (5 to 7 persons), 698 RM++ (8 to 10 persons), 998 RM++ (8 to 10 persons). Open daily: lunch from 11.30am to 2.30pm, dinner from 6.30pm to 10.30pm
- Restoran New Hong Kong, Located at 69-A Jalan Ibrahim Sultan (next to the orange-colored Heritage Hotel) and housed in a green two-storey building, about 20m east of the T-junction consisting of Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Jalan Tanjung Puteri and Jalan Lingkaran Dalam. It was established in 1954. Probably one of the best Chinese restaurants in Johor Bahru. Their hot sweet yam paste dessert with pumpkin is highly recommended, albeit a little steep (RM8++ per bowl). Their appetizer (RM 2.60++), a cucumber dish in sauce, is also very good. Eating there starts off with the appetizer, RM2++ for peanuts, RM 1.50++/pax for tea and RM 1++/pax for towels. Prices for selected dishes - Hongkong noodle 15/23/30 RM++ (small/medium/large), Szechuan hot and spicy soup 18/27/36 RM++, sauteed ginger chicken 18/27/36 RM++, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall 288 RM++ per bowl (minimun 6 bowls), superior braised shark fin soup 980RM++ (recommended to be shared among 10 persons). There are lao po bing (wife cakes) available for takeaway here. The traditional flavour costs 90 sen and the red bean flavour costs RM 1.10. Open daily 11am-2.45pm (Sun 9am-2.45pm), 6pm-9.45pm; Visa/Mastercard accepted.
- Ros Marino, 123 Jalan Damai, tel 607-222 7123 (located on the ground floor of a unit of a row of three-storey white-colored shophouses, approximately 400m northeast of the junction of Jalan Lingkaran Dalam and Jalan Setulang Darat). Authentic Italian dishes like osso bucco. Breads and bruschettas 4-18 RM++, starters and salads 8-28 RM++, pizzas (each of these are of one size only) 18-30 RM++, pastas and risottos 16-32 RM++, soups 6-18 RM++, meat dishes 28-75 RM++, fish dishes 32-42 RM++, house wine per glass 16 RM++, soft drinks and fruit juices 4-5.80 RM++. Open Tue to Fri and Sun 1200-1430, 1800-2230; Sat 1800-2230; closed on Mon
Note that some pubs, discotheques and karaoke lounges around Johor Bahru are owned or frequented by Chinese gangs, and may not take kindly to foreign visitors. Exercise caution, and if you don't feel welcome, take the hint.
- Coffeetrap Restaurant & 'Juicytrap Restaurant , see "Eat" section.
- Bert's Keller, Century Garden, Jalan Pelandok. A cosy and intimate, no-nonsense pub with great food, serving the best ox-tail stew in the city and live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Duty Free Zone, Stulang Laut at the end of Jalan Ibrahim Sultan. Kill two birds with one stone by having cheap local food (wan ton mee, laksa, mee rebus for 4 RM or less) at several coffee shops along Jalan Ibrahim Sultan (less than 200m from the Duty Free Complex) and a drink on the other end at the Duty Free Complex. Foreigners are allowed to buy as much as they want provided they have their passports with them (subject to scrutiny at times). You may come at night to savor alcohol at the various pubs in the area and the Palm Lounge hotel bar (level 5) at the ZON Regency Hotel by the Sea (formerly Eden Garden Hotel) as they are both located within the Duty Free Zone itself.
- TGI Fridays, JOTIC, Jalan Skudai. The American pub chain's sole outlet in southern Malaysia, conveniently located in the same building as the tourist office and right opposite the Abu Bakar Museum. Serves up beer, nachos and similar pub grub in cheezy, air-con surroundings. Draft Tiger RM13.
There is plenty of accommodation in JB, just look for signs that say Hotel, Chalets, Budget Accommodations or Rumah Tumpangan. The cost of a room in a budget hotel in the city center starts from around RM50 per room per night. In general, the budget hotels outside the city center are cheaper. However, you will not find any of the backpacker hostels that are commonly found in Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown. There are currently eleven hotels clustered around Jalan Meldrum - this street runs parallel between Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Wong Ah Fook between the police station (it is a white building with blue columns) and City Square. All of them [Hotel Dragon Inn (formerly known as Top Hotel), Gateway, Grand Paradise (formerly known as Causeway Inn), Hanyasatu (formerly known as Fortuna Hotel), Hawaii, Hong Kong, JB, Meldrum, A Vista Melati], except for the high-rise J.A. Residence Hotel (formerly known as Compact Hotel) and the Central Hotel (inside Merlin Tower), have rooms that cost less than 100RM per double room per night.
- A Vista Melati Hotel No. 16, Jalan Station +607 2222 888 http://www.avistamelatihotel-johorbahru.com firstname.lastname@example.com Single or double room 99 RM++, triple room 139 RM++ +607 2216 412Centrally located 119-room, two star hotel. Karaoke, spa, business center, conference room, function rooms, health center, cafe. Each room fully air-con room is fitted with a private toilet and bath, cable television, telephone, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. The rates include breakfast. The hotel is quite dirty with stained carpets, bad smells, and dirty room toilets.
- Aspen Summer Hotel No 16-01, Jalan Molek 1/13, Taman Molek +607-3518161 firstname.lastname@example.com +607-3517161 http://aspensummerhotel.googlepages.com Single/superior double/deluxe double room 68/98/108 RMA nice budget hotel. All rooms with attached bathroom, aircon and TV.
- Grand Dragon Hotel 27,29,31,33 & 35 Jalan Permas 10/5 Bandar Bahru Permas Jaya 7 km from the Causeway +607-3882323 firstname.lastname@example.com, email@example.com +607-3882323 http://www.granddragonhotel.com/portal Double room 58-70 RM net, triple room 89-98 RM netAll rooms with attached shower, air-con and color TV.
- Green Homestay, Jalan Dedap 26, Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Near Daiman Bowl Taman Johor Jaya+016-2565521 rm9 per person dorm
- Hong Kong Hotel , 31A Jalan Meldrum (opposite Merlin Tower), 2246407, offers the cheapest double rooms in the Jalan Meldrum area, starting from 48 RM net per night per double room (This rate is likely seasonal. On 4 July, 2010 it was even cheaper. 42 RM double). All 22 rooms with air-con, attached bath/shower and toilet, but no TV. You have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the reception. Bring a can of disinfectant and your own sheets if you care about cleanliness, because THEY don't. But, that said, it does have a safe/private atmosphere, and it's by no means the worst place. At least it has drain traps and doesn't stink of sewerage!
- Hotel Indah, 4, Wisma M.T.P. Abdul Kadir, Jalan Sungai Chat (just opposite and east of the Thistle Hotel) tel: 07-2226768 fax: 07-2230100. Double room with attached bathroom, television and air-con - 70 RM net per room per night.
- Hotel Kelana, Jalan Skudai, Tel: +60-7556-2050 Fax:07-5581488 Address: 22, Jln Besi 1, Skudai. One of the popular budget hotels near the Malaysian University of Technology (UTM). Rooms start from RM 45, with hot water shower, AC and in-room TV. Some 15km from the Johor Bahru city center but buses to/from the city are aplenty.
- Hotel Lucky, Jalan Sri Pelangi (100m northwest of the Jalan Sri Pelangi and Jalan Kuning junction, 400m south of the Pelangi Leisure Mall). Double/triple room - 30/35 RM net per room per night. This hotel is housed in a 3-storey building. All rooms with air-con and attached shower and toilet. Only triple rooms have TV. The reception is on the second level, and the rooms are all on the second and third levels.
- Hotel Sentosa, 17A-19A-21A Jalan Sutera (across the road from the gigantic Plaza Sentosa), Taman Sentosa 80150. Tel: 07-333 6161. Double/triple/quadruple room - 70/80/90 RM net per room per night. All 19 rooms with air-con, attached bathrooms and TV.
- Hotel Time 15 Jalan Permas 10/8, Bandar Permas Jaya, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 6-07-3885580 http://www.hoteltimejohorbahru.com/ Rates on official hotel website - superior double/deluxe double/triple/quadruple room RM 73/78/92/102 net per night per roomHotel Time is located 30 minutes from the Senai International Airport at Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It offers 38 air-conditioned rooms, all of which have cable TV, Internet connection, a coffee/tea maker,telephone and attached bathroom. Some of its amenities include laundry service, wake-up call, and Internet access. While staying here, you can visit some nearby interesting places like Local Hawker, Jusco Shopping Mall, and Bank Street.
- Indah Inn, 47 Jalan Titiwangsa 2, Taman Tampoi Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru +60-7-241-1133. Located nearby KIP Mart. Room rates - RM70 w/o window, RM80 with window, no surcharge applied on weekends/public holidays. Room with hot water shower, Air Con, TV and free wifi (a little slow). Quite cosy and clean place, definitely worth it's price. Nearby indian and chinese rest for only 4-6 RM.
- Kozi Hotel, 03, Block 6, Danga Bay,Jalan Skudai, 80200 (200m southeast of the red & white colored Tune Hotel). Tel:+607-238 9001 Fax:+607-238 9006 Email:email@example.com. website: [37]. Single/double/triple room - 88/98-128/138 RM net per room per night. All the 40 rooms with attached bathroom, LCD TV and air-con. Wi-fi Internet access available. Credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) are accepted.
- Le Tian Hotel , 2A-D Jalan Siu Nam 07-2248151, 66RM per night per double room. All rooms have attached bathrooms, air-con and TV.
- Lion Hotel , No. 49-M, Jalan Lumba Kuda 80300 (300m northeast of the CIQ), tel 07-2232211, fax 07-2236651. Housed in a 3-storey building. Standard double room with 1 king-sized bed/standard double room with 2 twin beds/superior double room with 1 king-sized bed/deluxe triple room with 1 king-sized bed and 1 single bed 57.50/63.25/74.75/86.25 RM net. All rooms have air-con, attached bathroom, television and telephone. There are two restaurants, one spa, one laundry shop and one bar in the same building.
- Meldrum Hotel, 1 Jalan Siu Nam (at the junction of Jalan Siu Nam & Jalan Meldrum), tel: 607-227-8988, email: firstname.lastname@example.com, website: [38]. 107-room, 3-orchid hotel.Single room 66 RM net, double room 77/88/99 RM net, triple room 143 RM net, quadruple room 176 RM net. All private rooms with air-con, attached shower/toilet (except cheapest double room - only attached shower), telephone and color TV. After the closure of the Footloose Homestay, this is currently the only hotel in downtown JB with a dorm (8 double-decked beds, 37 RM net per night). Facilities: luggage storage, money changer, newstand, hair saloon, handphone shop, laundry service
- Meyah Hotel, 22 Jalan Jaya, Taman Maju Jaya (only 100m north of Plaza Pelangi); tel: 07-3328789. Single/Double/Quadruple room - 40/50/80 RM net per room per night. All rooms with air-con, telephone, television and attached shower room or bathroom.
- OKID Hotel Johor Bahru, 41, Jalan Permas 10/7, Permas Jaya. website: [39]. 3-orchid budget hotel. 48 rooms, all with attached bathrooms, air-con and color TV. It is only 7 km from the Causeway. Free Wi-Fi available. Mega shopping malls nearby, online instant reservation, airport transfer upon request. Double room 44 to 61 RM ++ per room per night. Triple room 70 RM ++ per room per night.
- Pavilion Hotel, 3A-B Jalan Perang (at the junction of Jalan Perang and Jalan Sri Pelangi, about 300-400 metres southwest of Pelangi Leisure Mall). Tel 07-3325990. Double room - 49 RM net per room per night. All rooms with air-con, telephone, television and attached bathroom.
- Spa Hotel, 4th floor, Blk G, Plaza Sentosa, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa 80150. Tel: 07-278 4871 Fax: 07-278 8972 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com. website: http://www.spahoteljb.com. Double/triple/quadruple room - 55 (no TV) or 75 (with TV)/105 (with TV)/120 (with TV) RM net per room per night. All rooms with air-con and attached bathroom. Hotel facilities: spa, sauna, steam bath, gymnasium.
- Timor Hotel 92 Jalan Permas 10, Bandar Permas Jaya, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 6-7-3862223 http://www.timorhoteljohorbahru.com Rates on official hotel website - standard double/superior double/triple room RM 45/50/60 net per room per night Timor Hotel is located at Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It offers 48 air-conditioned rooms, all of which have a cable TV, telephone and attached bathroom. Some of its facilities include laundry service, parking, and wake-up call . While staying here, you can visit some nearby interesting places like Local Hawker, Jusco Shopping Mall, and Bank Street.
- Zen Zeng Hotel, No. 2, 4, 6 & 8, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Susur 1/1, (300m southeast of Danga City Mall) Tel : 607-221 2333 Fax : 607-226 5233. [40]. Single/standard double/superior double/deluxe double/triple ('family') published room rate 60/80/100/120/130 RM (it is usually possible to get the promotional rate of 42.80/62/76/82/90RM all the time, even without reservations) per room per night. Rates are subject to 5% service charge and 5% government tax. Breakfast (0730-1100) is included in the rates. All rooms with air-con, color TV and attached bathrooms. Internet access (2 computers available and Wi-Fi in the lobby) and laundry service.
Mid Range
- JB Central Hotel, Merlin Tower, Jalan Meldrum, Phone Number: 6 07 222 2833, Fax Number: 6 07 223 3139, Email Address: firstname.lastname@example.com, website: [41]. Double room (6 different types) rates, reserved through hotel's website - 120 to 170RM++ per room per night, buffet breakfast included. Facilities: restaurant, bar, ballroom, two conference rooms, spa, sauna, massage services
- JA Residence Hotel, (formerly known as Compact Hotel), 18, Jalan Wong Ah Fook. 3-star, 19-storey hotel offering 109 rooms (average floor space 30 sq m) and 2 suites. Facilities: business center, restaurant, 4 meeting/conference rooms. Double/triple room - 118/162 RM net per night per room (online reservation rate, [42]), breakfast included
- Tropical Inn,15 Jalan Gereja, Tel: 607 224 7888, Fax.: 607 224 1544, email: email@example.com, website: [43] 3-star hotel with 160 rooms located within the high-rise Johor Tower. Double/Triple/Quadruple room 130/150/200 RM++ per room per night, reserved through the hotel's website. Single/Double/Triple/Quadruple room 145/155/160/218 RM net per room per night, walk-in published rates. Buffet breakfast included for double and triple rooms, but 15 RM extra for the 3rd and 4th persons for quadruple rooms. Facilities: bar, restaurant, 5 conference rooms, ballroom for 550 persons, spa, sauna, beauty parlor, shops. Free Wi-Fi for guests, available only in the lobby, restaurant and conference rooms. High-tea buffet 12-4 pm Sat-Sun 22 RM net for adults, 16 RM for children under 12; it is only 300m north of the Kotaraya II bus terminal and next to the twin tower Landmark shopping centre.
- Straits View Hotel, 1-D Jalan Skudai 80200, 3.5km west of the Causeway tel 7224 1400, fax 7224 2698 , e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com [44]. Superior room (for 2 persons, garden view and and two twin beds) at 138RM net, deluxe room (for 2 persons, sea view and 1 king-sized bed) at 158RM net per room per night. Walk-in rate and rate with reservation are similar. Non-buffet continental breakfast included. All rooms have cable TV and free Wi-Fi Internet access. This hotel has two restaurants - Furusato Japanese Restaurant and Marina Seafood Restaurant - both on the first level.
- Hotel Seri Malaysia, Jalan Langkasuka 80350, Larkin, +60-7221-1002, [45] only 500 meters east of the Larkin bus terminal. Double/triple rooms 140/160 RM (walk-in rates and rates with reservation are similar) per room per night, net, inclusive of buffet breakfast. All rooms with air-con, attached bathroom and cable TV. It has a restaurant that serves a la carte meals, and sometimes buffet lunch (12pm to 1.30pm) when there is sufficient demand for 20RM net. There are occasional promotions at 120/140 RM net. Free Wi-Fi in rooms and lobby.
- Naza Talyya Hotel [46], 17, Jalan Tenteram (behind the Grand BlueWave Hotel) Tel: 07-2227788, Fax: 07-2237788, Email: firstname.lastname@example.com. 3-star hotel with 140 rooms. Facilities: 1 ballroom, 3 conference rooms, swimming pool, restaurant. Double room rate, reserved through the hotel's website - 138RM net per night per room, buffet breakfast included. Published rates - 200/240 RM net per night for single/double occupancy.
- Crystal Crown Hotel, 117 Jalan Tebrau, Tel 07-333 4422, Fax 07-334 5505, email: email@example.com, website: [47]. This hotel opened in 1993 has pretty decent largish rooms. Facilities: business center, health club, 24-hour coffee house, cocktail lounge, Japanese restaurant, meeting room, banquet hall, swimming pool. Single/Double/Triple room start from 145/155/195 RM++ per night(extra bed 45 RM net), buffet breakfast included. The rates quoted for walk-in and with prior reservation are the same. Internet access 10 RM net for 1 hr or 30 RM net for 24 hr.
- 11@ Century Hotel, formerly known as the Surf Pacific Hotel, 94 Jalan Pelanduk (off Jalan Harimau, 250 metres south of Holiday Plaza), tel: +607 333 3300 fax 607 335 5878. [48]. 11-storey, 233- room modern boutique hotel. Double rooms promotional rate (walk-in or with reservation same rate)/normal rack rate - from 160RM net/200RM net per room per night. Buffet breakfast and unlimited free Wi-Fi are included in the rates. It has a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
- Hotel Selesa Pasir Gudang, Jalan Bandar 81700 Pasir Gudang, Johor Darul Takzim, Tel +607 251 8899 Fax +607 251 1901 E-mail: email@example.comfirstname.lastname@example.com website: [49]. A four-star business hotel in Pasir Gudang, near the Pasir Gudang Industrial Area. Facilities: swimming pool, banquet and convention hall, meeting rooms, restaurant. 185 rooms. Single/double/triple rooms 250/280/310 RM (normal rate) 172.50/184/224 RM (promotional rate) net per room per night.
- The Embassy Hotel and Service Apartment, 14 Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Tel 607-338 9999, Fax 607-335 3081, E-mail email@example.com. A range of rooms, suites and apartments are available. Standard double/suite RM 128/488 net per room/suite per night, buffet breakfast is included. Facilities: swimming pool, gymnasium, meeting room, convenience store, clubhouse, games room, cafe , spa, money changer, internet and wi-fi.
- New York Hotel, 22 Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Telephone: (607) 331 1588 Fax: (607) 331 8588 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com website: [50]. One of the relativey-newer hotels in Johor Bahru, located conveniently away from the bustling city yet still within commercial area limits. A favorite among organizations for official functions and events for its location, facilities and service. A business-class hotel with 413 rooms, ideal for those who opt for tranquil surroundings without being too far from the city. Walking distance from major banks and Plaza Pelangi. Facilities: indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, two ballrooms, two meeting rooms, Palm Garden restaurant (see 'Eat, splurge' section), karaoke lounge, bistro and pub, hair salon, spa, reflexology center. Rates, reserved through the hotel's website: standard room - RM155/175 (single/double occupancy) net per room per night, deluxe room - RM170/185 (single/double occupancy) net per room per night, triple room - RM 230 net per room per night. Buffet breakfast is included in the rates. Wi-Fi internet - RM10 net for 2 hrs or RM20 net for 24 hrs
- Suria City Hotel Johor Bahru, 10 Jalan Bukit Meldrum (beside the Grand BlueWave Hotel), tel: 6072231791 fax: 6072231792, website: [51]. Three-star, 162-room hotel only 500m northeast of the Causeway. Double room, reserved through the hotel's website - 138RM net per night per room, buffet breakfast included. Published rate for double room - 150RM++ per night. There are occasional promotional rates at 98RM ++ per night per room for double rooms. Wireless Internet access at 5 RM per hr. Facilities: swimming pool, function hall, seminar rooms and restaurant. Weekend buffet lunch (1-2 pm) 30RM net
- Dorsett Johor Hotel +607 360 1000 http://www.dorsett.com.my/johor Room rate starts from RM 145.00 net per room per night (reserved through the hotel's website) Dorsett Johor Hotel is located in between Johor Bahru City Centre and Eastern Gate Development Zone of Iskandar Malaysia. It is just 10 minutes to the North-South Highway,5 minutes to the E22 Expressway, less than 20 minutes to Johor Bahru City Centre and a 2 minute drive to Giant Hypermarket Plentong. The hotel offers 252 air-conditioned rooms. Facilities: banquet hall, meeting rooms, business center, 2 restaurants, bar. Address:
Lot 101375, Jalan Masai Lama, Mukim Plentong, Johor Bahru, Johor 81750, Malaysia. Telephone: +607 360 1000 Fax: +607 360 5000
- Grand BlueWave Hotel 9R, Jalan Bukit Meldrum, Tel. no. 607 221 6666, Fax no.: 607 222 9473, Email: firstname.lastname@example.com, website: http://www.grandbluewave-johorbahru.com] A grand and stately 20-storey (184 rooms and suites) 5-star hotel in the center of Johor Bahru, the Grand BlueWave Hotel is close to some of Malaysia's famous spots, including the shopping centers of City Square, Kotaraya and ZON. Free, twice-daily bus service to and from Senai International Airport only for guests. It completed renovation in the middle of 2010. Guests and non-guests can have a panoramic view of Johor Bahru (towards the east and west only) and the Causeway from the conference room on the 20th floor. Normal rates start at RM158++ per room per night, reserved through the hotel's website, and buffet breakfast included. Free and unlimited high-speed broadband Internet access in all rooms. The hotel has the usual 5-star hotel amenities, including swimming pool, ballroom, conference rooms, business center, fitness center/gymnasium, spa/sauna, convenience store, hair salon, a bar (Trevi Fountain Lounge) and two restaurants (Orient Express Coffee House - see 'Eat, splurge' section - on the first level and the a la carte Agehan Japanese Restaurant on the 7th level).
- M Suites Hotel, 16 Jalan Skudai 80200 Johor Bahru (1.5km south of Danga Bay), Tel : +607 22 11 000 Fax : +607 22 60 380, E-mail : email@example.com, website: [52]. This is an all-suites, 5-star hotel, with 128 comfortable and spacious suites (for 2, 4 or 5 persons) ranging from 513 to 1117 square feet. The hotel is equipped with the usual 5-star facilities: nine function rooms, outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, business center, karaoke room, a spa and two restaurants. Fixed-line, broadband Internet connection is available in the suites, and wireless Internet connection is available in the public areas on the ground floor. The cheapest suites (for 1 or 2 persons) start from RM 310++/255 net (published/Internet rate) per suite per night, inclusive of buffet breakfast. However, there are occasional discounts on the hotel's website offering suites that cost only RM 200 net per suite per night for the cheapest suites.
- Grand Paragon Hotel[53], 18 Jalan Harimau. This is a 4-star hotel with 325 rooms and suites. Grand Paragon Johor Bahru is located only 500m from the Tebrau Highway, it is in walking distance with the Plaza Pelangi Shopping Centre. Grand Paragon is approximately 5 minutes' drive to the heart of the city or the new checkpoint of Johor Bahru (CIQ) and it is estimated 45 minutes' drive to Changi and Senai airports. Tel: +607-268 5222, Fax : +607-268 5333, email : firstname.lastname@example.com, reservation Hotline : 607-268 5331 / 607-268 5332. Facilities: convention rooms, 2 lounges, swimming pool, gymnasium, spa and sauna, massage center, salon, hair studio, reflexology center. This hotel has two restaurants: Cafe Para Para (international and local cuisine) and Kishin-Tei (Japanese cuisine). Standard/deluxe rooms cost 260/300 RM++ (normal rates) per room per night inclusive of buffet breakfast. There are 15-30% discounts available on the hotel's website, with the cheapest room starting from 230RM net. Cafe Para Para: Weekend(Sat-Sun) high tea (12-4pm) buffet and weekday (Mon-Fri) buffet lunch (12-230 pm) - adults 38 RM++, daily buffet breakfast (630-1030 am) - adults 30 RM++, buffet dinner (Fri and Sat only, 630-1030 pm) - adults 45 RM++
- Hotel Selesa Johor Bahru Jalan Datok Abdullah Tahir, formerly known as the Grand Continental Hotel [54]. 4-star business hotel with 288 guestrooms. Amenities include business center, convention rooms, ballrooms, sauna, outdoor swimming pool (on top), two restaurants, and cocktail/karaoke lounge. Superior/deluxe rooms cost 190/210 RM++ (normal rates, double occupancy) per room per night or 180/200 RM++ (normal rates, single occupancy) per person per night inclusive of buffet breakfast, reserved through the hotel's website. There are occasional promotions for 150/175 RM net for single or double superior/deluxe rooms. Wi-Fi Internet: 10.50RM net for 1 hr or 21RM net for 24 hrs. Daily buffet dinner (subject to sufficient demand) at the 11th storey Coffee Garden restaurant (6pm-9pm) for 28 RM++
- Mutiara Hotel, Jalan Datok Sulaiman, Taman Centuri KB No. 779 80990 Johor Bahru Tel: +60.7.330.0300 Fax: +60.7.331.8884 E-mail: email@example.com website: [55] 5-star hotel formerly known as Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza. Located next to Holiday Plaza. Though the hotel is probably the first luxury hotel in this city, it has stood the test of time and is reasonably well maintained. The cheapest (superior) rooms start from 228/450 RM++ (walk-in promotional single or double/published single rate) per room per night. Extra bed 70RM++ per night per room. Buffet breakfast is included in these rates. There are occasional special promotions on the hotel website for only 170 RM++ per night per (Superior) room without breakfast. Facilities: business center, hair salon, souvenir shop, boutique, ballroom, function rooms, bistro, lounge, bar and three restaurants: Capri the Continental Restaurant, Seri Mutiara Restaurant (local and international cuisine, a la carte and buffet meals) and Meisan Szechuan Restaurant (see 'Eat, splurge' section). Seri Mutiara Restaurant: weekend high-tea buffet (Sat-Sun 12-4pm) 38RM++, weekday (Mon-Fri 12-230pm) lunch buffet 42RM++, dinner buffet (Fri-Sat) 55RM++
- Puteri Pacific, Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, The Kotaraya PO Box 293 80730 Johor Bahru. Telephone: 607 219 9999 Fax: 607 219 9998 E-mail: email@example.com website: [56]. 5-star hotel with 500 rooms and suites. Well-equipped rooms typical of a 5-star hotel. Facilities: ballroom, 8 function rooms, business center, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, gymnasium, sauna, jacuzzi, steam baths, dance studio & 4 restaurants (Newsroom Cafe, Paolo, Kai Xuan Chinese Restaurant & Hadramawt Restaurant). Cheapest rooms start from 230/430RM++ (rate for advanced booking through the hotel's website/published rate) per room per night. Buffet breakfast is included in the rates. Newsroom Cafe on the first level: a la carte and buffet meals serving local and international cuisine. Weekday lunch 39RM++, weekend buffet high-tea 35RM++, weekend buffet dinner 40RM++
- Hotel Sofitel Palm Resort, Jalan Persiaran Golf, Senai, tel. +60-7-5996000, [57]. Located way out to the northwest of the city, there are only two reasons to stay here: it's a part of the Palm Resort golf club, and it's three minutes away from Senai International Airport. Double room starts from US$68++ per room per night (breakfast not included), reserved through the hotel's website
- Thistle Johor Bahru, Jalan Sungai Chat, tel. +60-7-222-1234, [58]. 380-room,5-star hotel. Previously known as the Hyatt Regency, the hotel was given a long-overdue renovation in 2009/2010 and is now one of JB's best again, although the location is awkward if using public transport, with very limited selection of shops or restaurants nearby. Its rooms are large and very well maintained and it has one of the best views for hotel chains in Johor Bahru. It has three restaurants (Glass, Steps and Oasis), two bars, one outdoor swimming pool and two tennis courts. Other facilities: ballroom, meeting and function rooms, banquet hall, massage parlor, sauna, spa. Room rates start from RM190++ per room per night (walk-in rates and rates with reservation are similar; buffet breakfast extra 20RM net per person). Non Wi-Fi Internet surfing is available in all the rooms, at 57RM net per 24 hrs (min. charge of 57RM net, use your own laptop). Glass Restaurant (opposite the lobby reception and with glass walls) offers: buffet lunch Mon-Sat for 45RM++, buffet dinner Sun-Tue 49RM++ Wed-Sat 68-75RM++, Sunday trunch 12-5pm 68RM++. Oasis Restaurant offers Italian/Japanese fusion cuisine and overlooks the lush tropical paradise of the pool and palm trees. Hive Nightclub has live bands every night.
- ZON Regency Hotel by the Sea, located at the end of Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, tel. +60-7-221-9999, [59]. Formerly known as Eden Garden Hotel and previously poorly maintained, but with a recent facelift, renovation and a new image, it is making a comeback. Its greatest advantage is that it is located within a duty free zone and shares the same building as the ZON Mall and ZON Shopping Centre. The hotel has the usual 5-star hotel amenities: swimming pools, spa, gymnasium, business center, grand ballroom, convention and exhibition center, 6 function rooms, 2 auditoriums, shops, bar, four restaurants (Salt 'N' Pepper Cafe Restaurant, Lotus Garden Chinese Restaurant - see 'Eat, splurge' section, Poolside BBQ and Ayukawa Japanese Restaurant). Normal rate for the cheapest room is 240RM net per room per night (buffet breakfast included), if reserved through the hotel's website. The published rate for the cheapest room is 440RM per room per night. Weekend (Sat-Sun) buffet high tea at Salt 'N' Pepper Cafe Restaurant (Level 5)(1200-1430) 38.50 RM net.
Stay safe
Safety precautions
Tourists should practise some common sense when walking around. A guideline would be as followed:
Singaporeans like to tell horror stories of crimes in the "wild, wild North" and its former Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew once claimed that Johor Bahru is crime-ridden. As a result of the high crime rate, the number of tourists from Singapore has dropped drastically over the past few years. This could partly be due to the high profile that the Singaporean press gives to crime committed in Johor Bahru against its citizens. Even Johor Bahru citizens took to the streets in September 2007, asking for the city to take action against crime. Although the crime rate in Johor Bahru is still higher than in Singapore and elsewhere in Malaysia, things have become better since the Johor Bahru administration took action to increase the police presence and initiate several anti-crime measures - including the creation of a hotline for tourists to call should they require urgent police assistance. The number is +6072212999.
However for safety reasons, these tips are advisable to be taken:
- Do not carry a handbag when walking around town. Snatch thieves have been known to snatch handbags away while their victims are walking on the street, using a motorcycle. If they do manage to grab your handbag, let them have it as some snatch thieves are known to drag their victims along the road with their motorbikes until they release their grip; almost certainly a very painful and unpleasant death.
- Keep your passport safe and close to you because it is a highly prized valuable to robbers.
- Lock the car door immediately or as soon as you get into the car.
- Avoid walking around the city alone. You should walk around the city in groups of preferably 3 or more for safety.
- Stay home at night or only go to areas with good security such as malls and private clubs.
- Using restrooms in petrol kiosks after sunset is not advised. There are cases of armed robbers hiding within the restroom waiting for victims.
In the event that you DO get robbed, it is likely that the robber would be armed with a parang, a long Malay sword. You are advised to give up most, if not all, of your valuables to avoid putting your personal safety in jeopardy.
Tap water should be boiled before drinking. As a rule of thumb, the general hawker food scene in Johor Bahru is hygienic though certain areas are less so. So keep an eye out for those dirty hawkers who pay very little attention to hygiene.
- Tourist offices. Jalan Ayer Molek, tel. +60-7225-1387. The official Johor Tourism Information Centre (JOTIC) is a tiny office on the 3rd level in a sprawling yellow building of the same name, a 10-min walk from City Square; open Mon to Fri 8am to 5pm. There are three other tourist offices located at: a. the Johor Bahru CIQ ('Tourist Information Centre' - open daily 9am to 1230pm and 2pm to 6pm, closed 1230pm to 2pm for lunch) - you walk about 50m after clearing the Malaysian immigration counters (coming from Singapore) b. right at the south end of Jalan Wong Ah Fook. c. JB Sentral (the new train station's 'Tourist Information Centre', just next to the waiting area on level 2). You can get free brochures and maps on various destinations in Malaysia, including a free map of JB.
- Johor National Parks Corporation. JKR 475, Jalan Bukit Timbalan, tel +60-72237471.
- Main post office. Jalan Datuk Onn, 800m south-west of the CIQ or about 10 minutes walk from it. Open Mon to Sat 0830-1700, closed on Sundays and the first Saturday of the month. Besides the usual postal services, it sells first day covers and sets of stamps for collection ('Presentation Packs').
- Consulate General of Indonesia No. 723, Jalan Ayer Molek, Johor Bahru +607 2212000/3229301 http://www.kjri-johor.org/
- Japanese Consulate Suite 15B, Level 15, Menara Ansar, Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim / Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru +607 2217621 http://www.my.emb-japan.go.jp/index.htm
Get out
- Desaru - sleepy seaside resort town located on the eastern part of Johor, about 2 hours away by car
- Gunung Ledang - 1276m high mountain near the border of Johor and Malacca states, popular with trekkers, campers and students on field trips
- Gunung Pulai
- Kota Tinggi - Waterfall Park
- Kukup - a seaside town along the western part of Johor, well known for its water village which can be rented relatively cheap, and its good and reasonably priced seafood
- Mersing - in the north eastern part of Johor, about 2.5 hours drive from Johor Bahru, and the gateway to the beautiful island of Tioman
- Sibu Island - dive resort about two hours away
- Singapore - right across the Causeway
Related Information
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