Johor Bahru tourist guide

The southern Malaysian city of Johor Bahru has acquired quite a bad reputation in recent years as a crime-ridden bordertown over the water from affluent Singapore. There is certainly a little truth in this pronouncement and tourists rarely stop here but travel straight to the more hospitable tourist resorts in the surrounds. But if you find yourself stuck in Johor Bahru for a short time, there’s more than enough to keep one’s interest plus great opportunities for shopping.

Johor Bahru (or JB as it is affectionately known) is joined to Singapore by a causeway one kilometre long that is used by more than 50,000 commuters each day. Many people work in Malaysia’s rich neighbour to the south but save on living expenses by living north of the border in JB. There are superb transport links from the city to Melaka, Kuala Lumpur or up the east coast for ferry access to the resort islands of Pulau Sibu, Kapas, Tioman and Redang.

One of the main reasons why Malaysians flock to Johor Bahru is for shopping. The city is a major manufacturing base and so electronics and textiles are great buys. A recent clean-up program made it more accessible to foreign visitors by establishing green areas and covering the open sewers which previously ran through the centre of town. But those stopping in Johor Bahru should take special care over their belongings, look like you know where you are going and avoid wearing flashy jewellery, especially at night.

Attractions and activities
Although Johor Bahru is certainly not on the tourist trail, there are enough sights, activities and shopping to keep visitors entertained for the length of their stay… more

Hotels
You will not find any of the backpacker hostels of Singapore or KL but there is a good range of mid and high-end hotels catering for the business traveller… more

Restaurants and bars
Johor Bharu has a diverse dining scene with all kinds of exotic influences which explains why many Singaporeans come over the border in the evening for delicious meals… more

Transportation
As a major transport hub for the peninsular’s south, Johor Bahru has superb connections to all Malaysian cities, its own airport plus a constant stream of shuttles over the causeway… more