Johor Bahru is the place to go for escapades (even though short-lived, it is extremely satisfying). We know that you have missed Johor Bahru as much as we do since the lockdown. However, this article is for you to reminisce about those beautiful moments in Johor Bahru or gather ideas for the next trip there.
Nasi Kerabu is an interesting dish consisting of blue rice which was cooked with butterfly pea flower. This dish not just tastes great but it also has a mouth-watering aroma that is just too irresistible. This dish comes with spicy sambal, fried chicken, and crunchy keropok (chips).
This dish is best paired with the Iced Honey Teh Tarik (Teh Tarik Madu Kaw on their menu).
Image Credit: Rin J
Address: No 44, Jalan Kebun Teh 1, Pusat Perdagangan Kebun Teh 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Operating hours: 10AM to 7PM
*Quickest way to get there is via Grab/Uber.
Image Credit: Johor Kaki
Over at Salahuddin Bakery, you will experience what the true meaning of the saying ‘old is gold’. From the vintage decor to the traditional method of baking savory goods, you will instantly be transported back to the good old carefree days called childhood.
The large triangular puff (frequently referred to as karipap) is filled with awesome potatoes, meat cooked with spices, and even vegetables. Talk about spoilt for choices. The puff’s skin is soft yet crunchy and will make you float as you savor it. There are different types of pastries to try while you are at this homey shop.
Address: 26 Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Operating hours: 8AM to 12PM (closed on Fridays)
Getting there: A stroll of about 10 minutes from City Square Mall (follow the Jalan Wong Ah Fook Road)
Apart from food, Johor Bahru is a place that is good for outings with family members and friends. The variety of fun activities over there cater to a wide range of age groups.
Image Credit: Happycow85, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque was built over a period of about eight years. The construction started in the year 1892. The architecture has a mix of British colonial architecture and traditional Islamic motifs.
The interior of the mosque is mostly covered in white marble with a blend of picturesque Victorian design mixed with Moorish motifs.
The mosque can accommodate up to 2000 Jemaah at one time.
Address: Jalan Gertak Merah, Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Getting there: via Muafakat Bus Route
Image Credit: Aimanabdulharis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Istana Bukit Serene is now the official residence of the Sultan of Johor. This beautiful place is not open to the public. However, the exterior of this place is definitely instagrammable as the lawn is well manicured and there is a huge model of the Sultan’s crown sitting atop carved pillars. At night, this area will be lighted up and looks even more exquisite.
Address: Jalan Straits View, Bukit Serene, Johor Bahru
There are two roads that pass around the palace ground. They are Jalan Kolam Air and Jalan Straits View. We suggest hopping on a Grab/Uber as you make the tour around this area.
Apart from the scenic waterfront view, Danga Bay also has Danga World Theme Park. This charming theme park is very suitable for family outings as the theme park resembles a funfair where you pay only for the rides you choose to take.
The best part is you can easily go on fun rides like the carousel at a price of about RM2, bumper car for roughly RM8, balloon Ferris wheel for about RM4. There’s also a pirate ship for those who like a bigger thrill.
Address: Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Operating hours: 3pm to 12am
Image Credit: Johor Now
Virtual reality has become an increasingly common experience in this dynamic world. Thus, a trip to Johor Bahru with friends (and even family) requires a visit to VR Zone over at Mount Austin. VR Zone offers virtual reality games that will definitely get your heart pumping. There are 9 complex games in total, and you can choose between fighting your way through a mutant monster apocalypse in Dead Prison or defend the LEGO city at Guardian Prison.
Address: 27, Jalan Austin Heights 8/4, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Operating hours: Mon-Thurs 2PM-11PM, Fri-Sun 12PM-12AM
For the adventurous souls, you could hop over to islands like Rawa Island, Pulau Besar, and Pulau Harimau from the Mersing Jetty. To get to the Mersing Jetty, you would need to head over to Larkin Bus Terminal first by taking buses like 170 from Singapore to JB Sentral to Larkin Bus Terminal. From Larkin Bus Terminal, you would need to get on a private coach (buy a ticket from any of the coach companies over there) to Mersing Jetty. Mersing Jetty has got ferry services to the different islands mentioned earlier.
Image Credit: Some rights reserved by Phalinn Ooi on flickr
Rawa Island is perfect for those who want to get away from the busy city life and plunge into a quiet and serene stay (with clear blue waters). Rawa Island is a private island that has very limited ferry services. Once you reach the island, you are required to stay for one night as the ferry service does not go back and forth easily due to some restrictions. However, this island is a great getaway as it does not have a lot of amenities, thus, not crowded. There are only two accommodations, namely,Rawa Island Resort and Alang's Rawa Resort.
There is a huge slide over at Rawa Island Resort that will make your heartbeat wildly as you would plunge straight into the clear blue water at the end of the slide.
Image Credit: relaxpenang
For a more rustic experience, head over to Alangs Rawa Resort which offers cozy accommodation along the beautiful sandy beach. Do keep in mind that the accommodations over at this resort do not have bolts or locks. However, this small and gorgeous island is a very safe place to be at.
Image Credit: Alang's Rawa
Image Credit: libur
The coast of Pulau Besar is covered with palm trees. Its waters are known to contain one of the most vibrant ecosystems. This island has been deemed as a marine park. So this island is definitely attractive to those who love to do underwater activities. The water activities defer based on the resort you choose over at this island.
On top of that, there are rugged paths to follow for some trekking activities. Or you could just busk in the sun by sitting in one of the hammocks and simply enjoy the relaxing life this island will provide you with.
Image Credit: Lolitafinola
Pulau Harimau is not a well-known island but it is definitely an island worth seeing. This island is special due to its intriguing shape that looks similar to a tiger, hence the name, Pulau Harimau (harimau means tiger).
This island is rather rugged and definitely not for the faint-hearted as to see some beautiful views, you need to go for a climb atop hills with some having very rough surfaces.
This island also hides a gem. This gem is an emerald-green natural pool surrounded by breathtaking rock formations.
This island has no accommodation, thus, we recommend that you hop over to this beauty from Rawa Island.
We hope that this article has helped you to release some pent up emotions as you continue to miss Johor Bahru and all the awesomeness it offers. On a positive note, you could plan for a more fulfilling trip to Johor Bahru when the lockdown is lifted and when it is safer to travel.
