Johor Bahru Malaysia Travel Guide

Johor Bahru is not really a tourist town more an entry place into Malaysia from Singapore though there are still a fair few things to do in Johor Bahru.

There are plenty of modern shopping centres in Johor Bahru including City Square, Plaza Angasa, Danga Bay and Tebrau City shopping mall. There is also a good choice of restaurants, many of them specialising in fresh seafood. There are many restaurants along Danga Bay as well as a petting zoo with a choice of animals children can get up close to.

Also in Johor Bahru are the Royal Museum with displays from the various Sultans and close by is the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque built in the 19th century.

Permas Go-Kart track in one of the longest go-kart tracks in Malaysia at 1.6km.

There are many shops selling pirated DVDs in Johor Bahru. Beware there are hefty fines for bringing pirated DVDs into Singapore, up to S$2000 per DVD.

Getting to Johor Bahru Malaysia

By Ferry

There are ferries that go from Johor Bahru to Tioman Island and also to Batam and Bintan Islands, part of the Riau Islands of Sumatra Indonesia.

There are ferries that run every hour between ZON Ferry Terminal in Johor Baru and Batam Island Indonesia. Prices are RM69 one way or RM110 return for adults and children's prices are RM46 one way or RM69 return plus RM8 per person in taxes. For a time table of departure times check out www.zon.com.my/ferry.html

By Plane

Johor Bahru's airport is called Sultan Ismail International Airport. Taxi from the airport take around 30 minutes to reach the centre of Johor Bahru.

Air Asia have direct flights from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri, Penang and Sibu in Malaysia. They also fly to Bali, Jakarta and Surbaya in Indonesia as well as to Bangkok in Thailand. www.airasia.com

Firefly Air have direct flights from Johor Bahru to Penang and Subang airport in Kuala Lumpur as well as to Koh Samui in Thailand. www.fireflyz.com.my

Last updated 29th July 2009

Hotels in Johor Bahru Malaysia

Here is a list of hotels in Johor Bahru including current 2009 prices and direct contact details.

ZON Regency Hotel is located right on the sea in Johor Bahru. Room rates from RM114 (US$33) www.zonhotel.com.my

Good Hope Hotel is located 25 minutes out of Johor Bahru, 10 minutes from Sultan Ismail Airport and 10 minutes from Plaza Angasa Shopping mall. The hotel has modern rooms, wireless internet access and a gymnasium. Room rates from RM121+ (US$35) www.goodhopehotel.com.my

Austin Hills Gold Resort is located on the outskirts of Johor Bahru. A luxury resort with a 27 hole (3 nine hole courses) golf course. Also offer paintball activities. Accommodation prices start from RM150+ for non members. (US$43) www.austinhillsgolf.com

Naza Hotel is in the heard of Johor Bahru close to shopping areas like Danga bay, City Square, Giant Leisure Mall, Plaza Angasa and Holiday Plaza. Room prices are from RM158 (US$45) www.nazahotel.com.my

Selesa Hotel a high rise hotel with 228 rooms with Karaoke bar. Room rates from RM160+ including breakfast. (US$46) www.johorhotels.com

Crystal Crown Hotel located in the centre of Johor Bahru, half an hour from the airport. Room rates are from RM166.75 NETT (US$48) www.johorbahruhotels.net

M Suites Hotel located on the sea at Johor Bahru with views across to Singapore. All rooms have broadband internet connections. Room prices start from RM (US$) www.m-suites.com

Puteri Pacific Hotel a modern high rise hotel for business or pleasure. With swimming pool and spa facilities for massage therapy. All rooms have broadband internet connections. Room prices from RM270 (US$77) www.puteripacific.com

Grand Bluewave Hotel a modern hotel with large rooms and swimming pool. Room prices start from RM183+

www.grandbluewave-johorbahru.com

Dorsett Johor Hotel www.dorsettjohor.com

Mutiara Hotel Johor Bahru a high rise hotel 15 minutes away from the causeway to cross over to Singapore. Room prices from RM420 (US$120) www.mutiarahotels.com

Pulai Springs Resort is a 5 star resort located north of Johor Bahru. Room rates from RM500+ (US$143) www.pulaisprings.com

Pulai Desaru Resort is located 1.5 hours north of Johor Bahru, on a 22km stretch of white sandy beach. www.pulaisprings.com