Johor Bahru

The southern gateway to Malaysia

Johor Bahru, the southern gateway to Malaysia and a rising economic powerhouse, is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic urban centres. It is a prime investment destination, attracting multinational corporations, real estate developers, and cross-border commuters in unparalleled numbers, and features the busiest land border crossing in the world.

Johor Bahru is home to a growing collection of cultural and historical landmarks, including the majestic Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, the grand Istana Besar (Grand Palace), the heritage-rich Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, and the royal mausoleum. Other notable landmarks include Danga Bay, the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, Legoland Malaysia, and the iconic Tanjung Puteri waterfront.

The city’s cultural landscape is enriched by many museums, galleries, parks, and institutions, including the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, the Johor Art Gallery, the Kota Iskandar Cultural Centre, the Sultan Ibrahim Planetarium, and lively street art scenes around downtown.

As the terminus of the oldest railway line connecting Singapore to the Malay Peninsula, the Johor Bahru Sentral station offers a glimpse into the city’s storied past as a trading post. Johor Bahru’s position as a leading food and shopping destination attracts visitors far and wide. From bustling night markets (pasar malam) and local kopitiams to modern megamalls like Komtar JBCC and Paradigm Mall, the city caters to every taste and budget.

Johor Bahru presents more authentic street food variety than most Malaysian cities, from nasi lemak to laksa Johor, and has the largest concentration of purpose-built data centres and industrial parks in the region. For those seeking an unforgettable cultural and culinary experience, Johor Bahru offers a wealth of options to explore. Discover more travel tips and uncover the hidden gems of Johor Bahru here.