Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru, the capital of Johor state, is Malaysia's second-largest city, with nearly 2 million residents. Sitting at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, it is separated from Singapore only by the 1 km Johor–Singapore Causeway. That proximity to the city-state has made JB a favourite for shopping, dining and weekend getaways.

Once a simple transit town, Johor Bahru has grown into a destination in its own right: colossal shopping malls, world-class theme parks such as Legoland Malaysia and a one-of-a-kind food scene blending Malay, Chinese and Indian influences. JB offers far more than a border crossing, at prices that feel remarkably gentle next to Singapore's.

Johor Bahru's identity is inseparable from its monarchy. The city grew up as the capital of the Johor sultanate, and much of its finest architecture is owed to Sultan Abu Bakar, the ruler remembered as the father of modern Johor — starting with the mosque that bears his name.

JB is also a melting-pot city shaped by the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities settled on both sides of the border: places of worship standing just streets apart and celebrations that run from Chinese New Year to Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Deepavali.

Johor Bahru is one of the easiest destinations to reach from Singapore: the Johor–Singapore Causeway links the two cities by road, and buses run back and forth all day long. Travellers coming from Kuala Lumpur are just as well served, with regular express buses and comfortable KTM ETS trains.

The real key is the border itself: try to cross early on weekday mornings to avoid the long queues that build up at weekends, when Singaporeans flood across to enjoy Malaysian prices.

Johor Bahru offers accommodation for every budget, from hotels integrated into the mega-malls to simple guesthouses near the bus terminals. Expect to pay RM150–300 a night for a mid-range hotel — a fraction of Singapore prices.

Choosing an area comes down to your itinerary: stay near the border for quick Singapore round trips, in Iskandar Puteri for Legoland and the theme parks, or downtown for shopping and street food. The city is compact, so you are never far from the action.

Johor Bahru has grown into a full-blown leisure destination. Families come for internationally renowned theme parks, bargain hunters for some of Malaysia's largest shopping malls, and nature lovers for beaches and parks less than 90 minutes away by road.

Shopping here is almost a national sport: Singaporeans and visitors cross the border to buy international brands at Malaysian prices, from outlet villages to giant malls. There is truly something for everyone in JB — boredom is simply not an option.

Johor's cuisine is unlike anywhere else in Malaysia, mirroring the history of this border state — turned towards the sea and shaped by Malay, Chinese and Indian influences. Street food starts at RM5–10 a plate, and the malls are packed with restaurants for every craving.

First surprise: Laksa Johor, the state's signature dish, shares little with Penang's famous laksa. It is made with spaghetti noodles in a rich fish-and-coconut gravy — a true local signature, followed by many more specialities.