Malaysia's second-largest city has a lively cultural scene, with modern shopping centers and traditional markets. The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is a prominent landmark.
Johor Bahru, the capital of Malaysia's southernmost state, sits at the doorstep of Singapore. In JB, you can admire the intricate architecture of the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, build and play at LEGOLAND Malaysia, or hunt for bargains at the Pasar Karat night market. The city's location also makes it a convenient starting point for trips to Endau Rompin National Park, where you can hike through ancient rainforests.
Family Activities at Theme Parks
Johor Bahru has become a center for family entertainment with its large theme parks. At LEGOLAND Malaysia in Iskandar Puteri, you'll find rides and activities based on the popular building blocks. You can participate in building challenges and explore themed areas like Miniland, where you'll see miniature versions of Asian landmarks made from over 30 million LEGO bricks.
If you're a fan of mobile gaming, visit the Angry Birds Activity Park. This indoor arena contains games and activities inspired by the famous app. You can launch yourself onto a giant airbag, climb walls, or race go-karts. These parks are particularly active during school holidays, so plan accordingly.
Shopping Experiences
Johor Bahru caters to various shopping preferences. At Johor Premium Outlets, you can find discounted items from international designers. For a more local experience, visit Pasar Karat, a night flea market in Jalan Segget. Here, you might find vintage items, electronic gadgets, and local snacks. Remember to negotiate prices at the flea market.
Exploring Johor Bahru's Cultural Landmarks
Johor Bahru has several significant cultural sites that reflect its history. The Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, built in the late 19th century, combines Victorian and Moorish architectural elements. Its four minarets resemble British clock towers, creating a recognizable shape on the city's skyline. Inside, you can observe intricate marble work and join up to 2,000 worshippers during prayer times.
The Istana Besar, or Grand Palace, now houses the Royal Abu Bakar Museum. Here, you can examine a collection of royal artifacts and learn about the Johor Sultanate's history. For insight into Chinese migration to Johor, visit the Chinese Heritage Museum on Ibrahim Road, which displays historical documents and photographs.
Natural Areas in and around Johor Bahru
Despite its urban character, Johor Bahru provides access to several natural areas. At the Johor Zoo, one of Malaysia's oldest, you can observe around 100 species of animals including wild cats, primates, and tropical birds. While it's not the largest or most modern zoo, it's suitable for families with young children.
If you're willing to travel further, visit Endau Rompin National Park, about a three-hour drive from the city. This tropical rainforest dates back 248 million years. You can hike through the jungle, swim in waterfalls, and potentially spot wildlife like the Malayan tiger.
Getting Around Johor Bahru
You can use the city's extensive bus network to reach major sites and neighborhoods. Larkin Sentral serves as the main bus terminal, with routes covering the city center and outlying areas. If you're planning to explore beyond the city, Senai International Airport connects Johor Bahru to other Malaysian cities and international destinations.
Johor Bahru's proximity to Singapore makes it a popular cross-border destination. You can travel between the two cities by bus or taxi via the Johor-Singapore Causeway or the Second Link bridge.
Climate and When to Visit
Johor Bahru has an equatorial climate with consistent temperatures and high humidity year-round. The city receives considerable rainfall, with slightly drier periods from June to August. If you're focusing on indoor activities like museums and shopping malls, any time is suitable for a visit. For outdoor activities, you might find the drier months more comfortable.
![Kuala Lumpur is the national capital and most populous city in Malaysia. The city covers an area of 243 km2 and has an estimated population of 1.6 million as of 2010. Greater Kuala Lumpur, covering similar area as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.5 million people as of 2012. It is among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in South-East Asia, in terms of population and economy.
Kuala Lumpur is the seat of the Parliament of Malaysia. The city was once home to the executive and judicial branches of the federal government, but they were moved to Putrajaya in early 1999. Some sections of the judiciary still remain in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The official residence of the Malaysian King, the Istana Negara, is also situated in Kuala Lumpur. Rated as an alpha world city, Kuala Lumpur is the cultural, financial and economic centre of Malaysia due to its position as the capital as well as being a key city. Kuala Lumpur was ranked 48th among global cities by Foreign Policy's 2010 Global Cities Index and was ranked 67th among global cities for economic and social innovation by the 2thinknow Innovation Cities Index in 2010.
Since the 1990s, the city has played host to many international sporting, political and cultural events including the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the Formula One Grand Prix. In addition, Kuala Lumpur is home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers, which have become an iconic symbol of Malaysia's futuristic development [Wikipedia.org] | Johor Bahru in Malaysia](https://humbo.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/place-photo/5ffa2ff19ed1ddb22d235d13/6xc_BMxB-z_thumb.jpeg)
