MALAYSIA > PENINSULAR MALAYSIA > Johor Bahru
Welcome to Johor
Johor Bahru
http://wikitravel.org/en/Johor_Bahru
Places of interest in Johor Bahru
The Three important transport terminals in Johor Bahru:
1 JB SENTRAL the new Johor Bahru railway station
2 LARKIN SENTRAL formerly Larkin Bus Terminal
Senai International Airport (formerly Sultan Ismail International Airport) is an international airport in the town of Senai, Kulai District, Johor, Malaysia.
The airport is 32 km north-west of the Johor Bahru city centre.
2019-04-29 MON 12:02
JB SENTRAL
Johor Bahru Sentral is a transport hub at Johor Bahru.
The hub is located at Bukit Chagar between Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Jim
Quee in the heart of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Inaugurated on 21 October 2010, it
replaced the closed Johor Bahru railway station located 200m south of it.
3 March 2015 Larkin Sentral received RM 10 million to upgrade their facilities which was completed in 2016
2019-04-05 FRI 14:31
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Image above : The old Larkin bus terminal in year 2000 before the Rm10million upgrade
to Larkin Sentral
The Larkin Sentral
(formerly Larkin Bus Terminal)
Larkin Transport Terminal Complex - the largest public transportation
terminal in JB located in the Larkin Town. Facilities such as a bank, food
stalls etc. are available inside terminal building.
The transportation hub — which has commercial lots, an intercity bus terminal and taxi services — was upgraded in 2016 to provide comfort and convenience for about 30,000 daily commuters. The new changes include an air-conditioned waiting lounge for 1,000 people.
The newly completed modern Larkin Sentral is as comfortable as Bandar Tasik Selatan Integrated Terminal in Kuala Lumpur.
Larkin Sentral has :
700 commercial lots,
120 parking bays for buses,
2 taxi terminals — one for the city services and the other serving the Johor
Bharu-Singapore route,
An air-conditioned waiting lounge for 1,000 people.
To travel from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur you need to change trains at Gemas. From Singapore’s Woodlands Railway Station there is a shuttle train to Johor Bharu Sentral Station. For onward travel by train to Kuala Lumpur you need buy a ticket to travel to Gemas and then another train ticket for the third and final stage of the journey by train from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur.
TRAIN FROM JOHORE BAHRU
Locals and tourists usually take KTM train from Johor Bahru (JB) to Gemas to
connect to the ETS services going to the north of Malaysia. In fact, Gemas is
not a tourist attraction. However, the train station in Gemas is the interchange
station between KTM service and ETS service in Malaysia.
Shuttle train from Singapore will stop in JB Sentral and passengers will have to
take KTM service to Gemas. After the stop in Gemas, KTM service will then
proceed to go to the eastern part of Peninsular Malaysia. Meanwhile, for those
who change train from KTM service to ETS service will go to the west and
northern part of Peninsular Malaysia.
KTM - Keretapi Tanah Melayu
JB to Gemas is 2 hours by KTM Train at RM21
Train no: ERT26 ETD JB SENTRAL 20:15 ETA TUMPAT 14:26
Train no: ERT27 ETD TUMPAT 18:15 ETA JB SENTRAL 11:47
Culture
Zapin Dance
A dance form, believed to have been brought in by the Muslim missionaries from
the Middle East in the 14th century.
KndaKepang
A dance or game usually performed by Javanese descended Johoreans. Performers
straddle on Kuda Kepang, a legless horse puppet, during performance.
Gambus
A musical instrument of the string family, originated from Arab.
Gunung Ledang
Home of the legendary Princess 'Puteri Gunung Ledang' once wooed by the Sultan
of Melaka. The Sultan had heard of her beauty and wanted to marry her but she
set seven impossible conditions for him. The Sultan was not able to fulfill all
of her request.
Legend of Badang
Badang was a man who gained super human strength by eating the vomit of a river
spirit.
Hamdolok
A blend of both the Middle East and local Malay culture, it is a traditional
theatre performed during weddings and festivals.
Ayer Itam
Ayer Itam is a small town famous for its ceramic, pottery and porcelain crafts.
Ceramic vases, crockery and the delicate porcelain here make attractive and
inexpensive gifts. The bazaar-like atmosphere appeals to visitors.
Tanjung Prai-Johor National Park
Dubbed the southernmost tip of mainland Asia, Tanjung Prai is a haven for a
diverse species of flora and fauna and a hot spot for birdwatchers to visit
during the migratory season, which falls around September and March.
Puteri Waterfall
Gunung Ledang's breathtaking Puteri Waterfall, is a popular picnic spot,
especially on weekends and public holidays. The view from the summit of the
mountain lures thrill seekers to scale its peak.
Mount Lambak Recreational Forest
Located at the foothill of Mount Lambak, this recreational forest is perfect for
picnics, swimming and mountain-climbing.
PulauAur
Pulau Aur (Aur Island) is located 65km east of Mersing on the east coast of
Johor. This island is rated by divers as one of the best scuba diving
destinations within the Johor Marine Park area.
Desaru Beach
Twenty-five kilometers of white, sandy beach and lush tropical greenery makes up
Desaru - the most popular beach in Johor. Desaru is also known as the 'Village
of Casuarinas'.
Pulau Pemanggil
Pemanggil Island is a fisherman's best-kept secret. It is well known for
deep-sea fishing and angling for marlins - black ones if you're fortunate, and
mackerels.
Kukup
Kukup, is a well-known fishing village with most of its houses built on stilts.
With a farming and fishing population mainly of Bugis descent, it is famous for
its fish farms and seafood restaurants.
Dataran Bandaraya
Since its official opening, many state events and cultural performances have
taken place here. The clock tower overlooks a beautiful fountain, and a wide
open green lawn, making it a great venue for outdoor performances, events, and
gatherings.
Endau-Rompin Johor National Park
This National Park, encompasses the rivers Endau and Rompin, from which it
derives its name. With its abundant range of flora and fauna, the park is haven
to nature lovers.
Teluk Ramunia
Teluk Ramunia has several beach resorts that cater to the needs of budget
travelers as well as those who seek a bit more comfort at a reasonable price. A
sea sports centre here rents out various water sports equipment.
Danga Bay
Danga Bay stretches for about 3km, and is actually the waterfront of Johor Bahru.
To view the causeway that links Johor to Singapore, try out a dinner cruise that
is available here.
Pulau Tinggi
Pulau Tinggi or Tinggi Island is one of the many captivating tropical islands on
the east coast of Johor. Its white, sandy beach surrounded by alluring blue
waters makes it a perfect haven.
Air Papan Beach
Air Papan is synonymous with Pesta Air Papan (Air Papan Festival), which is held
annually on 1st of May. Each year, the water event draws a huge number of local
tourists to join in the fun and games.
Orchid Valley
Orchid Valley is reputedly the largest tropical orchid farm in the world. It has
beautiful and exotic orchids from over 80 varieties. It is also internationally
recognized, with some hybrids registered with the World Orchid Society in
London.
Pulau Rawa
Renowned for its spotless stretch of white coral sand beach, and offshore coral
reefs, Rawa Island is unmatched by other islands off Mersing.
Pulau Sibu
The island's calm and quiet ambience is the perfect choice for those who dream
of a relaxing and laid back vacation. The coral reef encircling the island is
home to many colorful and exotic fish and marine life, making it haven for scuba
divers.
Penyabong Beach
The beach has many attractions and activities for visitors, which includes
boating, canoeing, fishing, camping and jungle trekking at a nearby forest. You
can also visit the Malay villages here, take an island excursion or visit a
kelong (fish farm) on the way back.
Tangkak
The town of Tangkak is known as the "Textile Town" of Malaysia, offering prices
that are lower than those in the cities. The range of fabrics and upholstery are
endless, with some produced locally and others, imported from Asian countries
and Europe.
Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Museum
The museum occupies the Istana Besar (Grand Palace) which was specially
commissioned in 1864 by the father of modern Johor Sultan Abu Bakar.
Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
The mosque on a hill top combines neo-classical western and Islamic
architecture.
Johor Baru Duty Freezone
Johor Bahru Duty Free Zone is the largest duty-free complex in Malaysia
strategically sited on a 17 acre of prime land at the end of Jalan Ibrahim
Sultan in Stulang, Johor Bahru. The zone comprises of shopping area and a 503
room international class hotel above the shopping complex.
The Mawar House Handicraft Centre
The centre offers hand-drawn and dyed batik cloths, batik paintings, straw mats
and other goods for sale, making it a one - stop handicraft centre destined to
be one of Johor's leading tourist attractions. There are also demonstration of
traditional songket weaving, batik silk painting and the art of fine pottery.
Tropical Village
This is a 33-acre theme park that features replicas of the world's famous
structures within its grounds.
Gunung Ledang
Surrounded by mythical stories, Gunung Ledang is located near Tangkak and is
surrounded by lush protected rainforests.
Hutan Bandar
Equipped with a children's adventure park, an orchid garden, seven lakes,
campsite, chalets and a food court, this park, located in the heart of the city,
is an ideal haunt for urbanites.
Kota Tinggi Waterfall
One of Johor's noted natural attraction, the Kota Tinggi Waterfall is a favorite
among the locals and visitors. Originating from Gunung Panti, the waterfall
cascades down a rock face some 34m into a small pool below.
Johor is Peninsular Malaysia's southernmost state and is linked to Singapore
by a causeway and a bridge. The state capital Johor Bahru, is home to
world-renowned golf courses and shopping establishments. JB, as it is more
popularly known is famous for its historical buildings and impressive
architecture.
Johor's vast landscape is characterized by plantations of pineapple, rubber,
coconut and oil palm on the fringes of which nestle tranquil kampungs and quaint
fishing villages. Retaining much of its natural splendors, the state has miles
of golden sandy beaches and beautiful offshore islands as well as lush
dipterocarp forests.
There is accommodation here to suit all budgets. For a different experience join
a home stay programme and live in a traditional village. There are many street
stalls, food courts, fast food outlets and fine dining restaurants to choose
from in Johor offering both local and international style cuisine.
Places of Interest
The Grand Palace and Royal Sultan Abu Bakar Museum In 1866, Sultan Abu Bakar the
father of modern Johor built the magnificent Istana Besar (Grand Palace) as his
official residence. The North Wing today houses the Royal Sultan Abu Bakar
Museum, showcasing rare and beautiful treasures from all over the world.
Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque On top of the hill overlooking the Straits of Johor not
far from the Istana Besar, stands the magnificent Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, one
of the most beautiful old mosques in Malaysia.
Sultan Ibrahim Building Dominating the Johor Bahru skyline, the building houses
the state secretariat and the offices of the state government. The building
reflects both local and colonial architecture.
Gunung Ledang In the north, Gunung Ledang or Mount Ophir at 1,276m provides a
challenging two-day return trek passing through waterfalls and forests. At the
relatively flat summit, a panoramic view of the Straits of Malacca and Sumatra
coastline can be seen on a clear day. Also, a popular picnic spot is the Gunung
Ledang Waterfall, at the base of the mountain.
Endau-Rompin National Park Explore the vast wilderness rainforest in this park,
one of the peninsula's largest virgin lowland forests. It is a major
conservation area to the diversity of flora and fauna found within. There are
some 26km of jungle trails within the park, the most well-trodden path being the
grueling 16km trail from Kuala Jasin to Batu Hampar and Buaya Sangkut, with
numerous rapids crossings. At Buaya Sangkut, be enchanted by the beautiful sight
of a waterfall.
Desaru Near the peninsula's southeastern tip is a 25km beach resort destination
for Johor folk and neighboring Singapore. The waters here are often conducive
for swimming, water-skiing, canoeing and catamaran sailing. Enjoy recreational
activities such as go-karting, golfing and ultra-light aircraft flying. The
Desaru Fruit Farm is also located here and offers interesting agro-tours. Nearby
is Lebam River where visitors have the opportunity to see fireflies at night.
About 8km north of Desaru is the Fishermen's Museum at Tanjung Balau which
displays fish traps and equipment used by the local fishermen and various
artifacts of the trade.
Kota Tinggi Waterfalls The water cascades from a height of 36m down a steep
precipice into a pool deep enough for swimming. At the base of the fall, there
are changing rooms, camping grounds and restaurants.
Danga Bay Situated along the popular Lido Beach, Danga Bay is a great place
to unwind, relax and just watch the city go by. Sample the delicious fare
available from the number of restaurants serving both local and international
cuisine.
Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (JARO) The Johor Area Rehabilitation
Organisation or JARO is located along Jalan Sungai Chat where visitors can
purchase baskets, bedspreads, furniture, soft toys and various other products
made by the disabled community.
Tanjung Piai This environmental sanctuary is also the southernmost tip of
mainland Asia. It is made up of coastal mangroves and is home to many species of
birds. There is a park and visitors' complex where one can learn more about this
wetland.
Islands off Mersing The state's beautiful offshore islands, Sibu Besar, Sibu
Hujung, Sibu Tengah, Sibu Kukus, Rawa, Aur, Pemanggil and Tinggi are accessible
from both the Mersing and Tanjung Leman jetties. Aur Island, along with Dayang
Island, Lang Island and Pinang Island, are rated among the best diving
destinations within the Johor Marine Park Area. The deeper waters around the
area ensure good visibility and variety of marine life. Dive trips can be booked
at most dive shops on any of the islands. Simple resorts are the order of the
day on these idyllic secluded getaways, all boasting beautiful beaches with
shady cool trees and clear waters.
Nasoha Spices and Herbs Paradise A few kilometres from Pagoh town in the
district of Muar, lies the Nasoha Spices and Herbs Paradise. This 1,000ha spice
and herb farm is home to hundreds of medicinal plants. There is also
accommodation and a restaurant at the farm.
Shopping Johor is a delightful place to shop. There is an immense variety of
goods and the state is noted for ceramics and handicrafts as well. Bazaars and
open-air night markets are found throughout the city. The Johor Bahru Duty Free
Zone is located at Johor Bahru's eastern waterfront area and is the largest duty
free complex in Malaysia. It has a hotel and convention centre; and a five-level
shopping podium. There are also ferry links to Singapore and Indonesia from
here; and immigration and customs facilities.
Souvenir and handicraft stores and modern shopping complexes all offer a
multitude of items at reasonable prices.
Getting There
Via the North-South Expressway, Johor Bahru is 220km or a 4-hour drive from
Kuala Lumpur. It is also accessible from Kuala Lumpur and several other states
such as Sabah and Sarawak by air. Bus services from major cities and towns in
the peninsula run several times a day to Johor Bahru. The 1,038m Singapore-Johor
Causeway, is the most frequently-used mode for commuting between the two cities
besides ferry, rail and an alternative bridge.
Useful Contacts
Immigration Office (Senai Airport) City Lounge (Senai Airport)
Tel: 607-599 1055 Tel: 607-227 1454/223 1032
Johor Bahru Railway Station Ferry Service (from Johor Bahru to Batam,
Tel: 607-223 4727 Tg. Pinang & Tg. Belungkor)
Syarikat Tenggara Senandung Sdn. Bhd.
Sultan Ismail Airport Tel: 607-221 1677
(also known as Senai Airport)
Tel: 607-599 4500
Danga River Cruise
Tel: 607-235 2333
Seafood In Johor Bahru
SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS
There are a few Singaporean centric seafood restaurants in Johor Bahru
1) New Lucky Restaurant
2) Kong Inn
3) King Crab
SEAFOOD VILLAGES
There are several seafood villages popular among visitors from Singapore :
1) Kukup seafood village
2) Gelang Patah seafood
3) Perling/Danga Orang Asli
4) Permas Jaya Seafood
5) Teluk Jawa Seafood
6) Kong Kong seafood village
7) Sedili seafood
Jalan Wong Ah Fook - Downtown Johor Bahru
Plenty of hotels are located along or within walking distance of Jalan Wong Ah
Fook. Most conveniences concentrate around here, including banks,
money-changers, convenience stores and City Square--the newest and arguably the
best shopping complex in Johor Bahru. The Puteri Pan Pacific, the only deluxe
property downtown, stands about 500 meters away from City Square. About a decade
old, it operates well-maintained rooms, complemented by commendable service.
Compact Hotel Johor Bahru (Formerly known as Mercure Ace Hotel JB)
Down a notch, the newly-opened Mercure Ace Hotel, at the southern end of Jalan
Wong Ah Fook, packs 109 rooms into a compact tower and scores on locality.
More affordable properties within the neighborhood include the two- and one-star
Merlin Tower Hotel, Triumph Star Hotel and Hotel Gateway, and the budget-class
Hotel J.B.
The historic Tropical Inn lies at the northern edge of downtown, its tall
grayish facade being a highly visible landmark along the busy thoroughfare
leading to the Causeway.
Where to shop in Johor Bahru :
* Jusco Tebrau City - The largest mall in Johor Bahru. Find clothing brands here
like MNG, Esprit and Giordano. Up market shopping with a great food court,
karaoke and entertainment joint.
* City Square, Jalan Wong Ah Fook - Your typical shopping mall with plenty of
teenagers and loud music piped through. The best part about this shopping mall
is it is an easy walk from the Malaysian Customs. One km from the Johor
immigration checkpoint. From Johor Bahru Immigration complex, look out for the
railway station and walk towards it. City Square is just opposite the railway
station.
* Holiday Plaza, Jalan Dato Sulaiman - The place to buy your electronics, DVDs,
VCDs, CDs and PS2 games. Prices are very reasonable as well.
* Komtar, Jalan Wong Ah Fook - A very old shopping mall with a small supermarket
and some shops.
The main bus station in Kuala Lumpur is Puduraya on Jalan Pudu (near China
Town). It's normally bustling and stifling. The host of amenities includes a
post office, ATMs, luggage storage opens from 7:00am to 10:00pm, food court and
tourist info.
Puduraya is the main hub from where buses spider outwards to the other cities.
There are quite a few companies running different routes. To the uninitiated, it
will appear confusing. Scout around till you find one suitable.
KL to Johor Bahru, 368km (221 miles)
JOHOR is the southern gateway into Peninsular Malaysia and is linked to
Singapore by road and rail. Its Proximity to Singapore has made it a popular
destination among Singaporeans as well as other international tourists visiting
the island republic. It is the only state in the country that boast of a
coastline stretching along the Straits of Malacca to the South China Sea. The
state is endowed with an abundance of natural attractions that provide numerous
opportunities for a wide range of outdoor recreational and leisure activities.
When in Johor Bahru, the capital of the state, take time off to tour the city or
shop around.
Interesting spots are the Royal Museum,
1) the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque,
2) the Grand Palace,
3) the Johor Art Gallery,
3) the Mawar Handicraft Centre and
4) Dataran Bandaraya build in 1994 to commemorate Johor Bahru's declaration as a
city .
The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques
in Malaysia, with its amazing combination of Western neo-classical and Islamic
architecture.
This mosque can accommodate about 2,000 worshippers at any one time. The mosque
is strategically located on top of a hill on Jalan Abu Bakar, overlooking the
Straits of Tebrau.
Sultan Abu Bakar mosque was named after the late Sultan Abu Bakar, the "Father
of Modern Johor", who laid the foundation stone in 1892. Construction of the
mosque was completed in 1900, a few years after his death. Today, the Sultan Abu
Bakar Mosque is listed as a protected heritage monument by the Department of
Museums and Antiquities.
The Johor Art Gallery houses various art collections, artifacts and many
items closely related to Johor's Malay heritage since its establishment in 1993.
In 1999 however, the YAB Menteri Besar Johor announced that the Johor Art
Gallery would also be the Arts and Cultural Centre for the State of Johor.
Restoration efforts were undertaken to create an art gallery worthy to be known
as one of the best in Malaysia.
A walk into the building proves to be an experience by itself. Strong colonial
influences scream out in the design and architectural details of this 2-storey
building. True to Malay customs, shoes are prohibited in the main display area
downstairs; therefore one is required to peruse the displays and paintings
barefooted. The main display area greets the visitor with beautiful works of art
by various talented Johor-born artists. From paintings to sculptures and many
other mediums of artworks are displayed here. The undeniable shared pride among
the artists here is their apparent love for Johor's rich, cultural heritage that
is still very much alive today. Favorite topics of interest includes the kuda
kepang, the ghazal, beautiful calligraphy pieces. Fishing scenes is also
prevalent. Tranquil pictures of small fishing boats tied to poles along coastal
areas, fisher-folks coming home from the sea with their daily bounties, and many
other eye pleasing, soul soothing works of art.
The upper level also showcases many beautiful art pieces, such as two ancient
wooden doors with ornate carvings hung on the walls as you are walking up to the
second floor. One can't help but stop to gaze at the fine craftsmanship
eternally embedded on these two doors. Walking along the upper floor, you can
also take a glimpse of the lower floor from the middle section, as there is an
open space area from upstairs where a beautiful low hanging chandelier casting a
soft yellow hues throughout the entire room.
Accommodation costs in Johor Bahru are generally cheaper than Kuala Lumpur,
and a downright steal versus those in Singapore (whose Changi Airport lies no
more than 45 minutes away by private transport on a congestion-free day).
Nearly every hotel falls within a five-kilometer radius of Jalan Wong Ah Fook,
which makes getting around a painless affair, more so with the abundant number
of taxis in service and a surprisingly efficient radio-booking network.
The most expensive standard double rooms find themselves within the Hyatt
Regency and come with sweeping views of the Johor Straits and the Istana
grounds. At the opposite end of the scale, numerous budget properties have
sprung up in the singsong entertainment enclaves of Taman Pelangi and Taman
Sentosa, where a basic air-conditioned room with shower costs MYR30 for a
two-hour slot round the clock.
Johor Bahru embraces no less than half a dozen luxury-class hotels and numerous
other inexpensive options for weekenders, vacationers on group tours, transit
travelers and businesspersons. Seldom are hotel rooms in short supply, even
during the peak of public holidays.
Northern Precincts around Istana Grounds
Traffic and bustle thin out along the narrow costal trunk road leading
north-west, past the best of Johor Bahru's sights and spots, such as the Istana
Garden, Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Lido Beach and Dataran Bandaraya. Amidst the
serenity and greenery stands the elegant Hyatt Regency, which remains a popular
choice amongst holidaymakers, golfers and business types alike. Less privileged
but no less romantic, the double-storey Straits View Hotel, though deserving of
a major upgrade, sits on a small hill with commanding waterfront views. The
two-star Hotel Rasa Sayang, another inexpensive and secluded contender in the
vicinity, sits a stone's throw away from the Landmark Mall.
Along Jalan Stulang Laut
East of downtown, a popular eating area boasts a diverse array of food options
and scenic views of landmarks in northern Singapore, such as the smoking Senoko
Power Station. Two luxury-class accommodations reside at the beginning and end
of the straits-front Jalan Stulang Laut--part-service apartment Grand BlueWave
Hotel and the well-appointed Eden Garden Hotel, both comparatively new and
pleasing in their own ways. Less expensive alternatives in this area include the
Lion Hotel, the Merlin Inn and the basic lodge Malaya Hotel.
Suburban Options
A good variety of accommodation dots the suburban entertainment and shopping
enclaves of Taman Century, Taman Sentosa and Taman Pelangi, all easily
accessible via the Jalan Tebrau six-lane trunk road.
The Crowne Plaza and Crystal Crown Hotel top the range here, while Hotel Grand
Continental, an older establishment, proves popular with sightseers on package
tours. A myriad of cheaper lodgings proliferates down the scale--Hotel Surf
Pacific, Cosy Inn and Tebrau Hotel, to name just three. For proximity to the
Larkin central bus terminal, Seri Malaysia Hotel, a member of a local budget
chain, stands out.
It took only 5 minutes from Singapore's Woodlands Train Station (Woodlands Train Checkpoint) to Johor Bahru Sentral train terminal.
Travel from Changi Airport MRT Station to Woodlands MRT Station without a
car:
The best way to get from Changi Airport MRT Station to Woodlands MRT Station
without a car is to line 858 bus which takes 1h 16m and costs RM 5 - RM 18.
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