Located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Johor Bahru connects to Singapore via a causeway. It’s the perfect place to start your exploration of the diverse country of Malaysia.
With a warm climate throughout the year, the city is a great destination to immerse yourself in the Malaysian culture while enjoying the sites on offer.
With fun attractions for kids, interesting cultural sites, and fantastic shopping, there’s something for everyone in this city.
Here’s a list of my favorite top things to do during your visit to Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
See also: Best Time to Visit Malaysia
Visit Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
This area is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, with many great places to eat. I loved browsing the antique shops here, which offer some unique souvenirs. However, my favorite thing about this area is the architecture of houses and buildings.
Legoland Malaysia
Rated as the top attraction in the area, this is one of the most fun JB attractions on offer. If you’ve never been to a Legoland park, you are in for a fun day out. For anyone travelling with kids, this is a must-visit place, as they’ll love the rides and models on show.
Visit Johor Zoo
Johor Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the region and was one of the most fun things to do in JB. I found their collection of animals to be impressive, which includes gorillas, lions and elephants. This is one of the best Johor attractions for families visiting the area.
Johor Bahru City Square
If you love to shop, look no further than Johor Bahru City Square. Located in the middle of the city with more than 200 stores, it also has a great selection of restaurants.
This was also a great place to enjoy a cheap meal. If you are wondering what to do in JB City Square, there are also many massage parlors and entertainment venues.
Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamma Glass Temple
This Hindu temple is one of the oldest in Malaysia. I absolutely loved the architecture of the temple. Make sure you head inside to see the glass mosaics. Located in the north of the city, it’s one of the top places of interest in Johor Bahru.
Firefly Tour
This is a unique experience that not many visitors get to enjoy. Here you travel under the stars into the Tinggi river, which is a natural habitat for fireflies. By night, you will see thousands of fireflies, and it’s an incredible sight to see!
It is located in Kota Tinggi, about 40 km away from Johor Bahru. Kota Tinggi is very famous for its amazing waterfalls, Kota Tinggi Air Terjun.
Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
With architecture unlike what you may expect to see here, this was one of my favorite buildings in the city. It’s one of the most interesting places in Johor, and I loved the mixture of design elements it showcases. The mosque is massive and can hold 2000 people at a time!
Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
This traditional Chinese temple was built in the 19th Century and is easy to spot on the streets with its red and white coloring. This is one of the most famous places to visit in JB, and there is also a fascinating display here about the Chinese community in the city.
Visit the Istana Besar
If you are wondering where to go in JB to learn about the city’s history, Istana Besar is a noteworthy historical site. It’s the Royal Palace that was previously home to the Sultan of Johor. I particularly loved the blue roof and dome on the top of the building.
Angry Birds Theme Park
Another fun family attraction in JB Malaysia is the Angry Birds Theme Park. Based on the classic game, the park showcases the characters in interactive games and rides. You will also get the chance to meet the birds and see them in various shows.
Istana Bukit Serene
After visiting the Sultan’s previous residence, you’ll want to see the current Sultan of Johor’s home. Sadly it’s not open to the public, but I really enjoyed seeing the stunning exterior and the arch at the entrance.
Danga Bay
This area is located near the water and has a great selection of entertainment and dining options. It’s the perfect place to visit at night-time, and there are many choices of great Johor Bahru attractions here. There’s even a Petting Zoo and Theme Park here.
Johor Premium Outlets
When traveling anywhere in the world, I always like to try and get a bargain when shopping. Outlets are the perfect place to enjoy great savings on designer clothing.
Many visitors return to the city purely for the great shopping at the Johor Premium Outlets. There are also some great dining options here for when you need to refuel after a busy day of bargain hunting.
Taman Merdeka
If you enjoy spending time outside, visit Taman Merdeka, which is the city’s largest park. For fresh air and relaxation, it was one of my top places to go in Johor Bahru.
I particularly liked the rock sculptures dotted throughout the park. Grab a picnic lunch and enjoy a few hours relaxing on the grass here.
Relax at Desaru Beach
As the city’s location is on the water, you can find some great beaches to relax on in the area. It’s a nice escape from city life, and if you prefer to stay away from the city center, there are plenty of beach resorts here to choose from.
As you can see, there are a wide variety of things to do in JB. The city has something to appeal to every age and type of traveler.
With fun family attractions and cultural festivals, you can spend a few days here without any shortage of places to visit.
Where to go next? We recommend the beautiful island of Pulau Tioman
Like it? Pin it
