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Johor Darul Takzim
Southern Gateway of Malaysia
Johor, strategically situated at the south of Malaysia, has much to offer travelers with its rich history, colourful culture, shopping and entertainment attractions. The state capital of Johor, Johor Bahru city, which is connected to Singapore by road and rail, has a wide range of shopping attractions. Its proximity to Singapore makes Johor Bahru an ideal place for Singaporeans to shop. All of which will make ones' holiday in Johor an exhilarating and pleasurable adventure. Johor Bahru also has a broad variety of interesting sites such as the Sultan Ibrahim Building (historical building), the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, the Bukit Serene Palace, the Royal Mausoleum, the Sultan Abu Bakar Monument, the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque and many more.
The city of Johor Bahru is located on the southern tip of Peninsula Malaysia and has many fascinating and amazing things to offer visitors. Built in 1855 by the late Sultan Abu Bakar, the city also serves as a link to Singapore by road and rail. Because of its proximity to Singapore, the city is a popular destination for Singaporeans as well as international visitors visiting the island republic.
Shopping in Johor Bahru
Shopping in Johor can be a great experience for visitors as Johor offers the best in shopping needs. Shopping Complexes are located all around the city, such as the Holiday Plaza, Lien Hoe Complex, Carrefour, Makro, Plaza Pelangi, Plaza Kotaraya, Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, the new Kompleks Pusat Bandar, commonly known as City Square and many more. Here, visitors will be able to purchase everything from handicrafts to electronic goods. They should also visit the Duty Free Trade Zone located in the city for the best prices on alcohol and tobacco.
Golfing
The state of Johor also offers an excellent range of golf clubs throughout the state with nearly 30 courses for golfers to choose from. Some of these golf courses have 54 holes while a few others offer night golfing.
Islands
Pulau Tengah, Pulau Tinggi, Pulau Pemanggil, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Besar, Pulau Sibu and Pulau Aur offer visitors natural activities such as diving, snorkeling, jungle trekking, or just laying in the sun. These magical islands are mostly uninhabited and visitors have the chance to see rich marine life, white sandy beaches, and best of all, exotic coral reefs. Visitors who wish to visit these islands may do so by going to the town of Mersing, located 135 kilometres from Johor Bahru. The town serves as a staging point to the islands where visitors can catch the ferry service.
Forest Parks
Forest parks are also available to nature lovers. The Endau Rompin National Park is the largest among the parks of Johor. Here, visitors will be able to see the tropical flora and fauna the large park has to offer. Other forest parks within the state include the Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest, Gunung Ledang Recreational Forest, Gunung Arong Recreational Forest, Gunung Lambak Recreational Forest, Gunung Belumut Recreational Forest and Gunung Panti Recreational Forest. These forests offer visitors lush greenery and ravishing wilderness to meet the expectations of even the most experienced of ecotourist.
Accomodation
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Places of interest
State Secretariat Building
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The building was built in 1940 and is located on a hill called Bukit Timbalan. Its columns and pillars are designs of Saracenic architecture. The building, which is a symbol of progressive and modern Johor, commands a magnificent view of the Straits of Johor. Visitors may find the Grand Hall particularly interesting. The whole building covers 11 floors above the ground and it houses 46 government offices and departments. During World War II, the Japanese occupied the building as a fortress and a store dump when planning attacks on neighbouring Singapore.
To get there: Make your way up to Jalan Duke and you will not miss the building on the top of the hill.
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Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
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A famed landmark, this century-old mosque is said to be one of the most beautiful in Malaysia. It was completed in 1900, a few years after the death of the Sultan it is named after. It look eight years to build and can accommodate 2,000 worshippers. It is located on spacious grounds overlooking the Straits of Johor and Singapore. Locals put up stalls selling souvenirs and handicrafts.
To get there: Make your way to Jalan Abu Bakar/Jalan Dato Ismail along the Straits of Johor, you'll not miss it.
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The Grand Palace and Royal Abu Bakar Museum
The beautiful palace was commissioned by Sultan Abu Bakar, who laid the foundation stone in 1864. One of the oldest buildings in Johor, it has a cosmopolitan architecture with clear Anglo-Malay influence. Today the palace assumes an additional role as the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, displaying treasures of the royal collection. It is in the Renaissance style and was built by local workmen under the supervision of an European architect. Much of the original furniture was ordered in England by His Majesty Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866 and he personally directed the laying out of the Palace gardens.
The building has been enlarged and renovated several times. In 1912 the east wing was pulled down and the present Banquet Hall was erected in its place. Today the Palace is mainly used for State ceremonies and official functions, although since 23 February 1982, it has filled an additional role as the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, displaying the art treasures of the Royal collection and historical relics of the Sultanate of Johor.
Open: 9.00am - 5.00pm daily except Friday.
Enquiries: Tel: 07-223 0555, 223 0222
To get there: Travel from Jalan Ibrahim then to Jalan Blukar
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Dataran Bandaraya
Dataran Bandaraya or City Square, was officially opened on 31 December 1993 by the Sultan of Johor. A much sought after venue for public events like parades and stage shows, this popular tourist attraction comprises a large stage, a minaret, a fountain and a clock tower reputed to be the biggest in the region. It also boasts of the tallest flag staff in the state. A mega video screen has been installed for visitors to view live transmissions.
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The Causeway
Entering Johor Bahru from Singapore involves travelling across the Causeway which links the two cities. Completed in 1924 after four years work, the Causeway is 1,056 metres long and extends to a depth of 23 metres below the water level. In January 1924, The British Army demolished part of it as invading Japanese forces prepared to attack Singapore from the north. The Japanese soon effected repairs and the Causeway resumed its role as an important road, railway and general communication link. The good deal of water supply from large water pipes which have been laid across the Causeway from Johor.
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Johor Art Gallery
Founded in 1910, the Johor Art Gallery houses all the discovered and historical items such as documents and cultural artifacts traditionally used by Malays, particularly from the State of Johor. Among the exhibits are clothings, weapons, currency, manuscripts and examples of calligraphy, ceramic objects and fine art.
Yayasan Wawasan Johor
JKR 304, Jalan Maryammah, 80100 Johor Bahru.
Tel: 07-224 5488
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The Royal Mausoleum
The Royal Mausoleum has been the final place for Royalty of Johor. The mausoleum is situated along Jalan Mahmoodiah. An area where one can¹t help but appreciate the serene and tranquil atmosphere befitting a resting place for eternity. The mausoleum¹s architecture is one of a fine, unique and aesthetic design of yesterday.
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Lido Beach
This sundrenched beach of Johor Bahru, stretching over 7 km provides
city tourists a variety of water adventures from canoeing, sailing to cruising.
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Danga Bay
As an oasis along the coast of Johor Bahru, Danga Bay is one of the must visit sites in the South.
The name Danga Bay is synonymous with luxury, high standards and exclusivity. This prime waterfront city offers an integrated and futuristic lifestyle for the whole family with a wide range of attractions.
Spread over 350 acres of land with 25km of waterfront shoreline, this development is set to be a self contained city within a city.
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Desaru
Desaru, located 8 km northeast of Johor Bahru is one of the most popular beaches in Johor, offering visitors all kinds of activities such as swimming, boating, canoeing fishing, snorkeling, golfing and jungle tracking.
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Kota Tinggi
Another interesting destination for travelers in Johor is the popular Kota Tinggi, located 56 kilometres from Johor Bahru. This place offers some very interesting tourist attractions in terms of beauty and history such as the renowned Kota Tinggi waterfalls and its continuous rush of cascading cool water and tropical surroundings.
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How to get here?
Johor Bahru is connected to the rest of Peninsular Malaysia by a good network of highways, trunk roads and railways. A road and rail link causeway used to be the only link to Singapore but there is now a second Link by bridge at Tanjung Kupang, 30 km from the town. The state's airport is located at Senai, 24 km from town. Taxis, stage buses and express coaches are available for travel within the city, as well as to the outlying areas and to other states. A regular express bus service as well as commuter trains ply between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
By air
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International visitor can fly in via Kuala Lumpur, or Kota Kinabalu and Kuching in East Malaysia, to Sultan Ismail International Airport Johor Bahru. The airport also links Johor Bahru to Bayan Lepas International Airport in Penang.
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By Road and Rail
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Johor Bahru is accessible via the North-South Expressway from the north passing through major
town including the capital city Kuala Lumpur.
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