Johor Bahru

View of Johor Bahru from Puteri Pacific Johor Bahru. (15 September, 2016)

Johor Bahru is the capital city of the Malaysian state of Johor, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, separated from the island nation of Singapore by the Johor Strait. As one of Malaysia’s fastest-growing urban centres, the city blends historic heritage with modern urban development, serving as both a cultural melting pot and a strategic economic hub in Southeast Asia.¹

Quick Facts

Official Name: City of Johor Bahru
Founded: 10 March 1855
Population: Over 850,000 in the city proper (2020)
Location: Southern Malaysia, near Singapore
Language: Malay, English, Chinese dialects
Key Attractions: Istana Besar, Abu Bakar Mosque, Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
Famous Food: Laksa Johor, Mee Rebus, Otak-Otak

Name and Origins

The city was originally founded as Tanjung Puteri in 1855 by Temenggong Tun Daeng Ibrahim. Later in 1866, under the leadership of Temenggong Abu Bakar, the settlement was renamed “Johor Bahru,” which translates to “New Johor,” marking its growing importance as the administrative centre replacing Johore Lama (“Old Johore”).¹

History

Johor Bahru’s history traces back to the mid-19th century when it was established as a small settlement by local Malay rulers. As the region’s political and economic activity shifted, it became the capital of Johor and a centre for trade between the Malay Peninsula and Singapore. Under Sultan Abu Bakar’s rule in the late 19th century, Johor Bahru underwent significant modernization, including the construction of civic buildings, schools, and infrastructure. From its humble beginnings as a trading post, the city expanded rapidly throughout the 20th century amid colonial influence, the challenges of World War II, and post-independence development.¹

Geography and Climate

Located at the southern edge of Peninsular Malaysia, Johor Bahru’s landscape is largely flat to gently rolling, with coastal access along the Straits of Johor. The city experiences an equatorial tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures year-round and significant rainfall, typical of the region’s monsoon-influenced weather patterns. Its strategic position on the mainland has made it a key gateway for land travel between Malaysia and Singapore.¹

Demographics

As of the latest official count in 2020, Johor Bahru houses over 850,000 residents, making it the largest state capital by population in Malaysia. When considering the greater metropolitan area, the population expands to more than 2 million people, reflecting rapid urban growth and economic expansion.²

Languages and Dialects

Malay serves as the national language and is widely spoken throughout Johor Bahru. The local Malay dialect, influenced by Johor’s historic linguistic traditions, is considered a standard form in Malaysia. English is commonly spoken, especially in business and tourism sectors. Additionally, the city’s multi-ethnic population includes significant Chinese and Indian communities, contributing numerous Chinese dialects (such as Teochew, Hokkien, Cantonese) and Tamil to the city’s linguistic landscape.¹⁷

Major Roads and Transportation

Johor Bahru is well-connected by a network of major highways and roads, facilitating travel within the city and across the region. The city’s transport infrastructure includes extensive road systems linking it to interior Johor and to Singapore via the Johor-Singapore Causeway, one of the world’s busiest land border crossings. In addition to roads, the city is served by the Senai International Airport, providing domestic and regional flights. Rail services, including intercity connections to Singapore, play a role in passenger and freight movement, and plans are advancing for enhanced rapid transit between Malaysia and Singapore.²⁴

Public Transport and Connectivity

Beyond roads, public transport in Johor Bahru includes buses and taxis serving urban and suburban routes. Traditional buses connect major neighbourhoods, while ongoing improvements are making bus services more organized and integrated. Additionally, the Rapid Transit System (RTS) link between Johor Bahru and Singapore is expected to further enhance cross-border commuter travel, easing congestion at border checkpoints and fostering economic cooperation.⁷

Main Attractions

Johor Bahru offers a diverse range of attractions that reflect its historical and cultural heritage alongside modern urban life:

Istana Besar – The “Big Palace” and former royal residence with historical and architectural significance.¹
Abu Bakar Mosque – A picturesque mosque blending Victorian and Moorish architectural styles.¹
Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple – A symbolic temple for the city’s Chinese community and host of annual Chingay parades.³
Johor Bahru City Square – A central public square featuring a clock tower and venue for civic events.⁵
Danga Bay – A mixed recreational and residential waterfront destination with scenic views and development projects.⁴
The Astaka – One of the tallest residential complexes in Southeast Asia, shaping the modern skyline.⁶

Culinary Scene and Famous Foods

Johor Bahru’s food culture reflects its multicultural community, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences. Local specialties include:

Laksa Johor – A creamy noodle dish served with spaghetti instead of typical rice noodles, rich in local flavour.⁸
Mee Rebus – A savoury boiled noodle dish in thick gravy typical of regional tastes.⁸
Otak-Otak – Grilled fish cake wrapped in banana leaves, infused with aromatic spices.⁸
Banana Cake – A historic favourite from Hiap Joo Bakery, baked traditionally since the early 20th century.⁸

Culture and Fun Facts

Johor Bahru is one of Malaysia’s fastest urbanising cities, often ranked second only to Kuala Lumpur in terms of economic competitiveness and growth. Its strategic location near Singapore has fostered strong economic ties, including collaborative initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, designed to enhance cross-border trade and investment. The city’s diverse ethnic communities contribute to a rich tapestry of festivals, languages, and culinary traditions celebrated year-round.²⁹

Map of Johor Bahru

List of Streets in Johor Bahru

Places of Interest in Johor Bahru

Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple Main Hindu temple in downtown Johor Bahru. (GPS: 1.45924, 103.76399)
Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim One of the main historical landmarks of Johor Bahru. (GPS: 1.45782, 103.76114)
Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Temple The famous Glass Temple of Johor Bahru. (GPS: 1.46862, 103.75968)
Church of the Immaculate Conception The main Roman Catholic church, located in downtown Johor Bahru. (GPS: 1.4652, 103.75885)
Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple The oldest Chinese temple in Johor Bahru. (GPS: 1.46055, 103.76313)

Sights in Johor Bahru

AEON Big Johor Bahru (GPS: 1.53686, 103.78434)
AEON Big Sutera Mall (GPS: 1.51734, 103.67145)
AEON Bukit Indah (GPS: 1.48218, 103.65619)
AEON Tebrau City (GPS: 1.54921, 103.79608)
Country Garden Danga Bay (GPS: 1.46327, 103.73073)
Danga City Mall (GPS: 1.47437, 103.75538)
Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru (GPS: 1.4603, 103.74122)
Galleria at Kotaraya (GPS: 1.45932, 103.76314)
Giant Hypermarket Leisure Mall (GPS: 1.45932, 103.76314)
Giant Hypermarket Plentong (GPS: 1.52858, 103.81524)
Giant Hypermarket Pulai Utama & U-Mall (GPS: 1.54635, 103.62235)
Giant Hypermarket Southern City (GPS: 1.50408, 103.76089)
Giant Hypermarket Tampoi (GPS: 1.50025, 103.70007)
Grand Paragon Hotel (GPS: 1.45811, 103.76432)
Gurdwara Sahib Johor Bahru (GPS: 1.45964, 103.7638)
Holiday Plaza (GPS: 1.50025, 103.70007)
Holy Light Church (GPS: 1.46508, 103.75744)
Hospital Sultan Aminah (GPS: 1.45812, 103.74577)
Hospital Sultan Ismail (GPS: 1.54918, 103.7901)
Hutan Bandar Municipal Park (GPS: 1.51151, 103.63262)
IKEA Tebrau (GPS: 1.55447, 103.79864)
Istana Besar/Royal Abu Bakar Museum (GPS: 1.455, 103.75635)
Istana Bukit Serene (GPS: 1.47981, 103.72624)
Istana Pasir Pelangi (GPS: 1.48353, 103.78612)
J.A. Residence Hotel (GPS: 1.45788, 103.76566)
Jay Hotel (GPS: 1.45894, 103.7658)
JB Sentral (GPS: 1.4631, 103.76464)
Johor Bahru City Square (GPS: 1.46163, 103.7638)
Johor Bahru Post Office (GPS: 1.45612, 103.76196)
Johor Bahru Syariah Court (GPS: 1.45777, 103.74843)
Johor Jaya Chinese Cemetery (GPS: 1.53953, 103.78957)
Johor Tourist Information Centre (GPS: 1.45671, 103.75969)
Komtar (GPS: 1.46385, 103.76302)
Konsulat Republik Indonesia (GPS: 1.47012, 103.75582), 46, Jalan Taat, 80100 Johor Bahru; phone: 07-227 4188
Kota Iskandar (GPS: 1.42224, 103.64825)
KSL Resort, KSL City Mall & Tesco KSL City (GPS: 1.48469, 103.76282)
Legoland Malaysia (GPS: 1.45714, 103.76336)
Lido Beach (GPS: 1.45696, 103.747)
Lot 1 JB Waterfront City (GPS: 1.45366, 103.75856)
Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (GPS: 1.45588, 103.76153)
Masjid India (GPS: 1.45714, 103.76336)
Masjid Jamek Batu 10 (GPS: 1.54089, 103.65802)
Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar (GPS: 1.4569, 103.75118)
Masjid Tunku Laksamana Abdul Jalil (GPS: 1.47474, 103.76485)
Meldrum Hotel (GPS: 1.45907, 103.76543)
Menara Ansar (GPS: 1.46029, 103.76283)
Menara Landmark (GPS: 1.46531, 103.75975)
Merlin Tower (GPS: 1.46038, 103.76514)
Midas Mart (GPS: 1.53607, 103.78316)
Muzium KTMB (GPS: 1.46107, 103.76533)
Muzium Tokoh Johor (GPS: 1.47235, 103.76548)
Pasar Borong Tebrau (GPS: 1.52419, 103.76647)
Pelangi Leisure Mall (GPS: 1.48403, 103.77454)
Perling Mall (GPS: 1.49658, 103.68107)
Plaza Angsana (GPS: 1.49611, 103.70633)
Port of Tanjung Pelepas (GPS: 1.36349, 103.5526)
Pulau Danga Bayu (GPS: 1.47762, 103.70958)
Pusat Islam Iskandar (GPS: 1.45806, 103.75008)
Red House (GPS: 1.45653, 103.76375)
Renaissance Johor Bahru (GPS: 1.49573, 103.81261)
Senai International Airport (GPS: 1.6357, 103.66565)
seventh-Day Adventist Church (GPS: 1.46281, 103.75022)
SK Infant Jesus Convent (GPS: 1.46503, 103.75494)
Skudai Parade (GPS: 1.54171, 103.66001)
Sky Habitat @ Meldrum Hills (GPS: 1.46206, 103.76936)
Skysuites @ Meldrum Hills (GPS: 1.46223, 103.77106)
St Christopher's Anglican Church (GPS: 1.4633, 103.75151)
Stulang Laut Beach (GPS: 1.46951, 103.78163)
Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex (GPS: 1.46537, 103.76666)
Tadika Holy Light (GPS: 1.46545, 103.758)
Tesco Bukit Indah (GPS: 1.48233, 103.66297)
Tesco Extra Desa Tebrau (GPS: 1.54789, 103.79355)
Tesco Extra Plentong (GPS: 1.52212, 103.81483)
Tesco Sri Alam (GPS: 1.49708, 103.86906)
The Astaka @ One Bukit Senyum (GPS: 1.47357, 103.76443)
The Store Pandan (GPS: 1.53109, 103.78247)
Tian Hou Gong Skudai (GPS: 1.53706, 103.66024)
Tropicana Danga Bay (GPS: 1.47904, 103.72332)
UTM (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia) (GPS: 1.55746, 103.63746)
V@Summerplace (GPS: 1.4625, 103.77014)
Wisma Daiman (GPS: 1.53686, 103.78434)
Wisma Tiong-Hua (GPS: 1.48683, 103.76969)
Zoo Johor (GPS: 1.4572, 103.75288)

Places in Johor Bahru

Danga Bay

Category of sights in Johor Bahru

Suburbs of Johor Bahru

Transportation Infrastructure in Johor Bahru

Hospitals in Johor Bahru

Hospital Permai: tel: 07 237 3333 ext 333
Hospital Sultanah Aminah: Jalan Abu Bakar, 80100 Johor Bahru, tel: 07 225 7000

Utilities in Johor Bahru

Syarikat Air Johor Jalan Garuda, 80350 Johor Bahru, tel: 07 224 4040

Johor Bahru Travel Information

Going to Johor Bahru

By Road
Johor Bahru is linked to Singapore via the Causeway as well as the Second Link. The city is located at the southern end of the North-South Expressway (E2), which links it to most of the major towns and cities in Peninsular Malaysia.

By Bus You can take long-distance buses to Johor Bahru. Buses go to Larkin Sentral, the long-distance bus terminal and taxi stand. If you are coming from Singapore, you can take express buses from the bus stop near the Kranji MRT Station, or from the Queen Street Bus Terminal or at Jurong Point (next to Boon Lay MRT Station).

By Plane
Johor Bahru's Senai Airport (JHB), also known as the Sultan Ismail Airport, is located 28 km to the northwest of the city. The airport is served by Malaysia Airlines, which connects it to Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. AirAsia also flies to Senai, providing air links with Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Kota Kinabalu, Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya and Bangkok. Firefly provides connection between Senai and Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur.

References

Page Details

This page was created on 4 February 2026. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.

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