Johor Bahru – Top 10 things to do in Johor Bahru

Planning for a short trip with your family over the weekend? You’re never going to be running out of things to do in Johor Bahru. The city provides a fun and interesting mix of partying, history, shopping and family-friendly activities waiting to be enjoyed by all in the family. Immerse yourself in the beautiful architecture of religious buildings, go bonkers with hours of retail therapy or have an incredible time with your kids at the many theme or activities parks available. There’s a charming and alluring amalgam of attractions waiting for you. Feeling undecided on where to devote your time? Check out our list of top 10 things to do in Johor Bahru. Don’t forget to contact us for transport arrangements for a comfortable trip at the cheapest rates in town. Get there with us today!

10. Chinese Heritage Museum

Housed in a four storey shop house, this remarkably laid out museum is dedicated to the Chinese immigrants who brought their skills and passions to Malaysia, during the days of our forefathers. Set over three floors, it contains exhibits including historic documents, instruments and antiques. If you’re trying to decide what to do in Johor Bahru, this attraction gives you a captivating insight into the lives of the Chinese people who have settled in Malaysia in the past.

Chinese from different dialect groups brought with them different skills and introduced them to Malaysia. The Cantonese were renowned for their expertise in carpentry, the Hakkas for their profound knowledge in Chinese medicines and the Hainanese for introducing coffee shops. As a result, coffee shops have been sprouting all over the country, and becoming a definite go-to for breakfast for the locals. Furthermore, the exhibits are interesting and it’s easy to find your way around. Also, with a plethora of signage in English littered around the museum, finding your way around the museum is a walk in the park.

You’ll find an array of insightful documents on the first floor of the museum that helps open your world to the history of the Chinese people in the area. The second and third floors are packed with exhibits, leaving the top floor playing host to a myriad of different temporary exhibits that change from time to time.

Address: 42, Jalan Ibrahim, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: 9AM to 5PM daily except for Mondays

Contact: +60 7-224 9633

9. Angry Birds Activity Park

With the Angry Birds phenomenon that swept the entire planet in an epidemic fashion, it is no doubt a visit to this Angry Birds inspired theme park is a must. Kids and adults alike get to soak in a fun-filled atmosphere created with popular characters and based on the popular franchise. If you’re visiting Johor Bahru with kids, the Angry Birds Activity Park is a must-go in your list of things to do in Johor Bahru. Set over an area of 26,000 square feet, it is located inside Kmotar JBCC (which will be coming up closely in Number 8).

With several zones in the activity park providing different types of activities, finding something for everyone to enjoy will not be an issue. Furthermore, in the Danger Zone, you can test your skills in the Laser Bird Scoot and Space Drop Air Bag. Move on to Utopia Zone and you can enjoy the well liked Anti-Gravity Trampoline, the Giant Leap Foam Pit and the Piggy Shooting Gallery. Certainly, if all that isn’t enough to satiate your kids’ adrenaline, you can spend some time the South Beach Zone where the whole family can play the Angry Birds Video Game or visit Captain Black Birds Ship.

Address: Level 3 KOMTAR JBCC, Centre, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: 10AM to 10PM daily

Contact: +60 7-300 5090

Website: www.angrybirdsactivitypark.my

Komtar JBCC

Komtar JBCC is one of the latest additions to the world of shopping and entertainment in the city of Johor Bahru. Opened in 2014 as an extension to the existing Komtar Building, it is located in downtown Johor Bahru, which is the core of retail, entertainment and tourism in Johor Bahru. The area is being developed as a hub for fashion with the aim of attracting people from Singapore by tempting them to try a different shopping experience.

The project to build this impressive mall was endorsed by the federal government as a critical part in plans for revitalization for the entire city. It is not just about shopping but a unique experience to enjoy. You can spend time going around the huge array of stores featuring world-renowned brands and home-grown brands, relax with some refreshment or have some have at the Angry Birds Activity Park (Strongly recommended in Number 9). If you’re looking for things to do in Johor Bahru, visit Komtar JBCC for a one-stop location for a fun-filled time for the entire family.

Address: KOMTAR JBCC, City Centre, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: 10AM to 10PM daily

Website: www.komtarjbcc.com.my

7. Johor Old Chinese Temple

Many of the attractions in Johor Bahru are modern. The federal government has worked hard to make the city a cool and up to date place to visit. Nestled amidst this concrete jungle of Johor Bahru is the Johor Old Chinese Temple. Creating an interesting contrast with the modern skyscrapers as backdrop, this temple is an embodiment of unity for the five main Chinese dialect groups that made their homes in Johor Bahru.

The temple was originally built in the 19th century and was renovated in the 1990s. The renovation process did not disrupt the historic feel of the building. Impressively well-preserved historic artifacts such as the bronze bell and the joss stick cauldron are still present in the temple today. Whether you are visiting for a religious pilgrimage, or to take in the beautiful sights of modern and Chinese architectural collage, the Johor Old Chinese Temple is certainly a fascinating place to visit.

Address: Lot 653, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Contact: +60 7-277 7858

6. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple

The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is one of the most popular attractions in Johor Bahru. It is the only glass temple to exist in Malaysia. The origin of the temple was as a simple structure back in 1922. This makes it one of the oldest Hindu temples in the city. The temple was re-built in the 1990s and re-opened in 1996. The idea to conduct the re-building in glass was born from Guru Bhagawan Sittar, who was influenced by the temples he saw during a trip to Bangkok. He saw the glasswork in the temples there and believed that using the same type of design in a temple in Johor Bahru would attract more devotees and more visitors. As a result, the fitting of the glass in the temple began in 2008 and was completed in 2009.

Today, the temple is an impressive place to visit. Around 90% of the building is covered with pieces of glass in a splendid multitude of colors, creating an awesome mosaic that has around 300,000 pieces. While having been around for almost a century, the temple is not short of modern amenities which you will find useful if you visit.

Address: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak 1/1, Wadi Hana, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Contact: +60 7-224 5152

5. Sanrio Hello Kitty Town

There can be few people in the world who are not familiar with Hello Kitty. Sanrio Hello Kitty Town is the perfect place to visit for all those who love the character. This family orientated theme park is in the same complex as The Little Big Club (Coming right up next in Number 4). Both attractions focus on immersing visitors into the world of the characters. They are also located only ten minutes away from the most well-known theme park in the city; Legoland Malaysia. Hence, make Sanrio Hello Kitty Town part of a fun-filled family trip today!

It is the first Sanrio Hello Kitty Town theme park outside of Japan. Visitors can enjoy Hello Kitty themed rides as well as abundant interactive activities to do.

Address: Persiaran Puteri Selatan, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: 10AM to 6PM daily

Contact: +60 7-291 3535

Website: www.puteriharbour.com

4. Little Big Club

The Little Big Club is a must-go if you have a family and you are looking for things to do in Johor Bahru. It is located in the same complex as Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and it features other world famous characters Angelina Ballerina and Pingu. Jam-packed with fun and laughter, the entire complex is called Puteri Harbour Indoor Theme Park. Most noteworthy, for young visitors who love Angelina Ballerina, there is the opportunity to attend a dance class conducted by the character, all done while dressed up like their favorite character.

Not a fan of Angelina Ballerina? In contrast, there are options available at the Little Big Club. In the Bob the Builder Zone, children can play a part to help Bob build a house. Once you have completed your visit in this zone, you can visit the Pingu zone where children can take pictures with the famous penguin and to visit Barney the Dinosaur in his corner.

Address: Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya, 79000, Negeri Sembilan, 79000 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: 10AM to 6PM daily

Contact: +60 1-300-88-3264

Website: www.puteriharbour.com

3. Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

The state mosque of Johor, Malaysia, the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque was built between 1892 and 1900. It is named after the father of the sultan of that period. The architecture of the mosque is heavily influenced by English Victorian architecture style. If you visit the mosque, you will also notice some Moorish influence in its design.

Perched atop a prominent hill in the city of Johor Bahru, the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque looks out over the Straits of Johor. It is a huge building which can hold as many as 2,000 workshippers at one time.

Address: Jalan Gertak Merah, Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Contact: +60 7-223 4935

2. Johor Bahru City Square

If you visit Johor Bahru, you won’t fail to notice Johor Bahru City Square. It is located right in the center of the city and is close to CIQ complex, the Malaysian customs and Immigrations checkpoint. The mall consists of not only retail space, but is also home to many offices in the multi-story office building. Take the opportunity to explore more than 200 different retailers when you visit the retail section of Johor Bahru City Square. There is definitely something for everyone as they sell a wide range of products including fahion goods and entertainment items. If you are looking for local brands or quirky shopping experience, head to Inner City, where you can find local designers displaying their products or smaller accessory shops.

Taking a break after your shopping onslaught? You can relax and enjoy some refreshment at one of the many cafes within the mall. Furthermore, you can even enjoy a relaxing foot massage, or may prefer to catch the latest blockbuster in the multi-screen cinema. Johor Bahru City Square is definitely one of the locations not to be missed when you are there.

Address: J3-12A, 106 – 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: 10AM to 10PM daily

Website: www.citysqjb.co

1. LEGOLAND Malaysia

And our Number 1 place to visit in Johor Bahru, LEGOLAND Malaysia. Opening its doors in 2012, LEGOLAND Malaysia theme park is the first international theme park to be built in the country. If you are wondering what to do in Johor Bahru, then you will not want to give this fun and creative theme park a miss. You won’t fail to be impressed by the abundance of choices of entertainment it has to offer. The park is located within the Nusa Cermelang industrial park which is also a site housing office, residential space and hotels.

Seems like too little for you? Fancy some wet, wild and water-soaked fun? Then you have the choice of being able to spend time at LEGOLAND water theme park, which opened in 2013. You can even choose to stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel which opened in 2014. If you and your family enjoy LEGO, this is the place to visit when you are in Johor Bahru, with the myriad of activities available for all in the family. These activities include Joker Soaker, where children can get soaked while they fire giant water cannons at each other. Fancy a test of wits? Another popular activity if Build a Raft, which involves creating an individual raft our of LEGO bricks. Bring the awesome day to an end with a relaxing time at the LEGO wave pool.

Address: 7, Jalan Legoland, Medini, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia

Website: www.LEGOLAND.com.my