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The Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, Johor Bahru

No. 81 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Johor Bahru

Malaysia

Malaysia's southern gateway: theme parks, outlet shopping, mosques and food just across the causeway from Singapore.

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Photo: Chongkian, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Johor Bahru is No. 81 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. The capital of the state of Johor lies at the southern tip of mainland Asia, linked to Singapore by the Johor–Singapore Causeway and the Second Link bridge.

Many visitors come for a short break from Singapore, for the theme parks, malls and outlets of the Iskandar Puteri area, and for good-value food, from seafood to local noodles and kopitiam breakfasts.

Johor Bahru city centre
Johor Bahru city centre. Photo: ペウゲオト, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Best time to go

It is hot and humid all year, around 25 to 32 °C. The north-east monsoon brings heavier rain from November to January.

Weekends and Singapore school holidays are the busiest times at the causeway, attractions and malls.

Top sights

  • 1

    Legoland Malaysia

    A Lego theme park and water park in Iskandar Puteri, with a Lego hotel.

  • 2

    Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

    A white 19th-century mosque that blends Victorian and Moorish styles, overlooking the Straits of Johor.

  • 3

    Old Chinese Temple and heritage streets

    The small 19th-century temple and the old shophouses, cafés and murals of Jalan Tan Hiok Nee.

  • 4

    Danga Bay and the waterfront

    A seafront area of parks and restaurants on the Straits of Johor.

  • 5

    Outlet shopping

    Johor Premium Outlets and the big malls of the city centre and Iskandar Puteri.

  • 6

    Desaru Coast

    Beaches, resorts and a water park on the east coast, about an hour's drive away.

Getting there

Senai International Airport (JHB) is about 25 km north-west of the city. Many visitors fly into Singapore Changi and cross by bus or taxi.

Buses and the KTM shuttle train cross the causeway from Woodlands in Singapore. The Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link rail line is due to open by the end of 2026; check its status before you travel. KTM trains run north to Kuala Lumpur and beyond.

Getting around

Ride-hailing apps such as Grab are the easiest way to get around. City buses serve the centre and Iskandar Puteri.

Practical tips

Currency
Malaysian ringgit (MYR). Cards are widely accepted in malls and hotels; carry cash for food stalls and small shops.
Language
Malay. English, Mandarin and Tamil are widely spoken.
Border crossing
The causeway can be very busy at weekends and holidays, so allow plenty of time.
Safety
Johor Bahru is generally safe; keep bags away from the roadside. The emergency number is 999.
Visa & entry
Citizens of many countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and EU countries, can visit Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days. Most foreign visitors must submit the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days before arrival.
Power
240 V, 50 Hz; plug type G.

Official information: Tourism Malaysia (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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