Johor Bahru

By Joyce Ira

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Central Johor Bahru

Causeway

Johor Bahru is the capital of Johor in southern Malaysia, across the causeway from Singapore.

Places to visit:

1. Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque - this state mosque was finished in 1900 and opened by the then Sultan Ibrahim. A combination of Moorish and Victorian architecture, visiting hours are between 10am and 6pm from Saturday to Thursday except during congregational prayers.

2. Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum - located on Jalan Skudai and one of Johor Bahru's top attraction, this is the opulent former residence (Istana Besar or Grand Palace) of the Sultan of Johor, which is still used on special occasions but is open to the public as a museum the rest of the time. Dating back to 1866 but extended and refurbished many times since, the scale of the palace is suitably grand and the furnishings inside veer from French rococo to dining chairs built from crystal glass via Japanese pottery and oil paintings of the Sultan on his favorite motorbike. Open Sat-Thu 9 AM-4 PM. Entry US$7 for foreigners, RM5 for Malaysians.

3. Sultan Ibrahim Building - is located on Bukit Timbalan and houses the State Secretariat and the offices of the state government. The building blends the cosmopolitan architecture of Renaissance style, with an overlay of Anglo-Malay influence.

4. Johor Zoo - located across from the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque. A run down zoo that provides a dismal diversion to western tourists.

5. Saleng Zoo - located on Kulai (along the way from Jalan Skudai all the way past Senai town). A private zoo which surprisingly has been reasonably well maintained.

6. Orchid Valley - located in the Pulai area along Jalan Johor-Pontian road.

7. Haji Ali House - located in Jalan Lurah 16, Kg Kempas

8. Istana Garden - perfect place for jogging, leisure walk or a game of badminton at an open area in the park.

Aside from exploring the city, you can also play golf in four of the tops resorts in Johor Bahru.

1. Royal Johor Country Club - probably the most expensive club in Johor Bahru. It is also the first course in this city.

2. Tanjung Puteri Resort - one of the largest courses in Johor Bahru and boasts of many awards. Very well designed courses and attracts a fair amount of visitors.

3. Leisure Farm - easily accessible by Singaporeans via the second link.

4. Pulai Spring Resort Partly - owned by a Singapore company and hence a popular joint among the Singaporeans.

You can also do water sports, watch movies in big cinemas and enjoy the performing arts.


Getting in Johor Bahru is easy. You can use the causeway in Singapore or take the plane.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Johor_Bahru




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