6 reasons to visit Johor Bahru this year

One of the many reasons we love Singapore is the plethora of easy getaways on its doorstep – including, of course, Malaysia. It takes under two hours to travel between Singapore and the city of Johor Bahru by train and, next year, a new railway, the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), will make it even easier to make the hop from the Lion City to the Malay Peninsula’s southern tip. Here’s why a quick trip over to JB, as it’s referred to by the locals, should be on your radar.

1. A hot spot for a culture fix

As a city shaped by sultans and traders, Johor Bahru boasts a rich history, evidenced today in the many museums and landmarks offering intriguing insights to its past. The Chinese Heritage Museum is a great place to learn about the settlers who arrived here in the 1800s (don’t miss the collection of beautiful Chinese porcelain), while Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam is one of the city’s most spectacular religious sites – a Hindu temple adorned with 100 statues. For hands-on immersion, visit the Malay Cultural Village , where you can learn about local traditions and take part in a range of workshops – we recommend the roti canai masterclass, during which you’ll learn how to make this delicious Malaysian flatbread.

2. A destination in the throes of transformation

The forthcoming RTS railway connection with Singapore is rapidly putting Johor Bahru in the spotlight, while the imminent creation of a special economic zone to enable the free flow of people and goods between the two countries is set to spark a flow of major investment into the region. On top of this, the recent development of the new Senai Hi-Tech Park has created a hub for high-tech alternative energy and biotechnology firms just outside the city.

3. You’ll never go hungry

Johor Bahru’s dining scene is wonderfully diverse, so where should you start? Our favourite foodie neighbourhoods include Taman Mount Austin for Instagrammable cafés, Danga Bay for seafood and the city’s old town for wallet-friendly street food. As for the dish all visitors should try? It’s got to be laksa Johor. “Unlike other Malaysian laksas, it has a rich, thick gravy made from fresh mackerel and coconut milk, and it’s served over spaghetti instead of noodles,” says Hairi Rahman, executive chef at the Amari Johor Bahru . “This unique preparation reflects the region’s deep culinary heritage.”

4. Boundless family fun

Johor Bahru is a fantastic place for little ones. Danga Bay is a huge waterfront park where younger visitors can take a spin on the cute carousel before strolling along the palm-fringed beach. The city’s malls are also incredibly family-friendly – its largest, Paradigm Mall , features Utopia Jungle World , an indoor theme park offering everything from supersized ball pits to craft masterclasses. And then there’s Legoland Malaysia Resort , home to an ​​epic water park. New attractions set to be unveiled in 2025 include a garden filled with plastic plants and an area where visitors can build and race their own Lego vehicles.

5. A short hop to the stunning Desaru Coast

Just 75km from the city, Desaru Coast is where you’ll find some of Malaysia’s top coastal resorts. The destination may be famous for its golden beaches, but it’s also popular with water sports enthusiasts, particularly divers and surfers. Whichever camp you fall into, start at the popular Desaru Public Beach. “It’s not just great for surfing; you’ll also enjoy stunning views of the South China Sea,” says Simon Murphy, director of Dash Outdoors surf school. “Plus, the surrounding nature reserves and clear waters make it ideal for exploring the coral reefs and spotting sea turtles.”

6. A brilliant range of hotels

Whether you’re after a family-friendly crash pad at ​​Legoland Malaysia Resort, or a swanky retreat like the Amari Johor Bahru, JB is packed with appealing accommodations. Farther afield, the nearby Desaru Coast has some of Malaysia’s most luxurious hotels, including the Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas , where you can relax in lush gardens and enjoy the enormous spa. After you check in, try ikan bakar – roasted salmon drizzled with sambal and wrapped in a banana leaf – at the on-site Turmeric restaurant. Beyond the beach, the hotel also offers tours of the mangrove forests lining the nearby Lebam River. “You’ll gain a unique insight into the area’s wildlife, which includes white-collared kingfishers and white-bellied sea eagles,” says the property’s general manager Torsten Richter.