Johor Travel Guide (Malaysia/Southeast Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Johor

Located in the southern part of the Malay Peninsula, Johor is the third-largest state in Malaysia. Known for its diverse landscapes that range from pristine beaches and islands to dense rainforests and towering mountains, Johor is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It’s also home to a rich history and culture, with a vibrant food scene and impressive architectural landmarks.

List of Places to Visit in Johor

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum: Once the official residence of the Johor Royal Family, this iconic palace is now a museum showcasing the state’s rich heritage and culture.
Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple: A stunning fusion of Chinese and Malay architecture, this historic temple dates back to the late 19th century.
Kota Tinggi Museum and Cultural Centre: Learn about the local history and traditions of Johor at this museum located in a renovated heritage building.
Sultan Ibrahim Building: This majestic landmark was the former administrative center of Johor and now functions as the state museum.

Natural Attractions of Johor: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Gunung Pulai: This scenic mountain offers spectacular views of Johor and is a popular spot for hiking and camping.
Desaru Beach: With its golden sand and crystal-clear waters, Desaru Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Johor.
Endau-Rompin National Park: Spanning across two states, this protected area is home to some of Malaysia’s endangered wildlife and is a great place for trekking and birdwatching.
Tanah Lot Waterfall: Located in Kota Tinggi, this enchanting waterfall is a must-see attraction in Johor.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Johor

Gunung Pulai: This mountain offers various trekking trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
Kota Tinggi Waterfall: Enjoy a scenic hike along the river and encounter the majestic waterfall.
Pulau Kukup: Take a boat ride to this mangrove island and explore the lush vegetation on foot or by bicycle.

Best Things to Do in Johor: Activities and Tours

Legoland Malaysia: Surrounded by palm trees and stunning views, Legoland Malaysia offers a fun-filled day out for all ages.
Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park: With thrilling water slides and other exciting rides, this park is a perfect family attraction.
Johor Bahru City Tour: Discover the heritage sites, cultural landmarks, and the bustling city center on a guided tour.
Island Hopping: Explore the nearby islands of Johor Bahru, including Pulau Dayang and Pulau Aur, and soak up the sun on their pristine beaches.

Week-Long Itinerary for Johor

Day	Activities
Day 1	Arrive in Johor Bahru and explore the city center
Day 2	Visit the Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum and Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
Day 3	Go hiking at Gunung Pulai and visit Kota Tinggi Museum and Cultural Centre
Day 4	Spend the day at Desaru Beach and explore the nearby attractions
Day 5	Discover the Endau-Rompin National Park and Tanah Lot Waterfall
Day 6	Visit Legoland Malaysia or Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park
Day 7	Enjoy a day of island hopping and relax on the beaches

Food and Drink Scene of Johor

Must-Try Dishes

Nasi Lemak: Malaysia’s national dish made with coconut rice, sambal, peanuts, anchovies, and a boiled egg.
Kacang Pool: A hearty bean stew served with bread, eggs, and sausage.
Mee Bandung: A spicy seafood noodle soup dish that originates from Johor.
Otak-Otak: Grilled spicy fish cake wrapped in banana leaves.

Local Beverages

Teh Tarik: A popular local tea made with condensed milk and hot water, then pulled to get a thick froth.
Kopi: A traditional Malaysian coffee with roasted beans and sweetened condensed milk.
Sirap Bandung: A refreshing pink drink made with rose syrup and evaporated milk.

Where to Stay in Johor: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour: A modern hotel offering stunning views of the Puteri Harbour marina.
DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru: A luxury hotel located in the city center with fantastic facilities.
Amerin Hotel Johor Bahru: A contemporary hotel with cozy rooms and lively ambiance.
Tune Hotel Danga Bay: An affordable and comfortable option with a beautiful view of the Johor Strait.

What to Buy in Johor: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Batik Clothes: Traditional Indonesian/Malaysian textiles with vibrant colors and patterns.
Kueh Lapis: Delicious layer cake made with flour, egg, and sugar.
Pewter Products: Handcrafted home decor and tableware items made with tin and copper.
Pineapple Tarts: Buttery cookies filled with pineapple jam, a popular snack in Malaysia.

Local Culture and Customs of Johor

Johor is a multi-ethnic state with Malays, Chinese, and Indians living together harmoniously. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious sites and remove their shoes before entering mosques and temples. Tipping in Johor is not a common practice, and it’s not expected in most places.

Best Time to Visit Johor

The peak season to visit Johor is from May to September, when the weather is relatively dry and pleasant, although it can be crowded during this time. The monsoon season runs from November to January, bringing heavy rainfall and high humidity, so it’s best to avoid traveling during this period.

Do’s and Don’ts of Johor

Do:

Greet Malaysians with a smile and a “salam” or “hello’’
Try the local food and street food scene for authentic cuisine
Bargain at the local markets and shops

Don’t:

Touch anyone’s head or touch anyone with your feet as it’s considered impolite
Wear revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites
Take photographs of sensitive areas such as military installations or police stations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Johor

Johor is generally a safe destination for travelers, but it’s important to remain cautious and vigilant, particularly in crowded public areas. Petty theft and scams can occur in popular tourist spots, so it’s best to keep valuables safe and be aware of one’s surroundings.

Health in Johor

Johor is a relatively healthy destination, but travelers should still take precautionary measures when it comes to food and water hygiene. Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid street food that may pose a risk for food-borne illnesses. It’s also recommended to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B before visiting Johor.

Getting to Johor: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Johor

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is the primary airport and is located 44 km from Johor Bahru.
Senai International Airport (JHB) is the nearest airport to Johor Bahru, located 32 km away.

Bus Stations Near Johor

Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal is the main bus station in Johor Bahru.
TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) in Kuala Lumpur offers buses to Johor Bahru and other destinations in Johor.

Other Options

Johor Bahru is accessible by train from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Grab are widely available in Johor Bahru.

How to Get Around in Johor

Public transport options in Johor include buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps. It’s also possible to rent a car or a scooter to explore the state independently. Walking and cycling are great options for short distances and exploring smaller areas.

Where to Go Next from Johor: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Singapore: Just across the causeway is the city-state of Singapore, a vibrant metropolis with excellent attractions and shopping.
Melaka: A UNESCO World Heritage city, Melaka offers a rich history and culture.
Tioman Island: This gorgeous island is only a short ferry ride from Mersing, and it’s a paradise for diving and snorkeling.

Conclusion

Johor is a fascinating and diverse destination with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, food, or relaxation, Johor has it all. Follow our comprehensive travel guide to explore and experience Johor to the fullest.