South East Asian Trips

Johor Bahru Malaysia is more of a stopover city then a real destination as many stay long enough to take the good and leave the bad. Though every city has its ups and downs Johor Bahru is more dated and is just recently showing signs of renewal. When looking for a hotel Johor Bahru has many for Malaysia vacations but do your research well as there are more than a handful of rundown accommodations.

Johor Bahru Malaysia is the capital of the state of Johor and acts much like a gateway to Singapore sitting at the southern tip of the country. Well known as the "half-price bazaar" Johor Bahru has very inexpensive shopping and entertainment which many Singaporeans enjoy on a regular basis by crossing the 1038m bridge which connects the two countries.

Located at the southern tip of the Peninsula, Johor Bahru is the state capital of Johor Darul Takzim. JB, in short, was established in 1855 by the late Sultan Abu Bakar (the Father of Modern Johor) and now serves as the administrative and commercial center of the state.

Connected to Singapore by road and rail via a modern causeway, JB is also the Peninsula's southern gateway. Consisting of a diverse ethnic mix of races, JB offers the visitor heritage attractions, colorful culture, delectable local cuisine, and exciting recreational activities.

Popular with Singaporeans, JB boasts of myriad landmarks, such as The Grand Palace with its distinct Anglo-Malay architecture, which houses the museum where priceless treasures of the Royal Collection are showcased.

The "Ghazal" music, which is unique to Johor, is usually performed during cultural shows and weddings. Another famous performance distinctly Johorean is the "Kuda Kepang" dance, which is spun from tales of Islamic heroes. Dancers imitate the movement of horses to the music of a traditional orchestra.

Shopping opportunities abound in JB. Modern malls, arcades, handicraft centers, bazaars and markets offering international and local products all vie for attention. Local craftwork is sure to catch the eye and they do make lovely souvenirs of a trip here. Furthermore, there is the JB Duty Free Complex located at the JB International Ferry Terminal. Known as "ZON", it is a large duty free department store and supermarket encompassing 163 retail outlets, a hypermarket, and 30,000 feet of shopping area. The complex offers a variety of goods such as branded designer wear from London, Paris, New York and the likes. Glassware, confectionery, and other items are also offered.

Another interesting side of JB can be experienced when night falls over the city. A sumptuous array of food stalls and vendors appear (as if by magic) and the adventurous tourist should delight in trying out the taste of popular local dishes such as the famous Laksa Johor, flake fish and gravy cooked with coconut milk and served with noodles and vegetables.

When visiting or just passing through on your way in or out of the country and looking for a hotel Johor Bahru offers where a few golf games can be enjoyed, head over to the Sofitel Palm Resort. When visiting Malaysia Johor Bahru hotel accommodations here are about 45 minutes from the heart of the city and perfect if you're not much into exploring downtown. Well-designed fairways flank the 54-hole Malaysia golf course and lush surroundings make time outdoors extremely enjoyable.

Three restaurants serve Japanese, Chinese and Malay fare and while tennis and squash courts, a bowling alley and two Olympic sized pools give guests a chance to work it all off at this Malaysia resorts location. Transportation to the airport is quick as it's only 3 miles away. Room amenities include air conditioning, mini bar, TV, DVD player, balcony, safe, refrigerator and more.

When visiting Malaysia Johor Bahru hotel accommodations are easily found in the heart of the city near many interesting attractions. Though the Tropical Inn hotel hasn't been updated in some time it remains clean and simple and competitive in price making it a popular choice among. Plenty of parking, a coffee house, lounge and restaurant can all be found on site.

The staff is multi-lingual and friendly helping many guests find their way around. Rooms include TV, telephone, refrigerator, safe and mini bar and a pool and jogging track are there to enjoy. Laundry service is also available. From his hotel Johor Bahru attractions such as museums, galleries and stunning mosques offer many things to do and see.

If you find yourself in Johor Bahru Malaysia seeking out the creature comforts of home the Hyatt is always a good bet if you're budget allows it. The Hyatt Regency Johor Bahru is up to par with Hyatt standards around the world. Beautiful, sculpted gardens and a stunning panoramic of the Johor Straits define this excellent location. Serving Japanese, Italian and local cuisine the Regency Club offers superior service as well as complimentary breakfast, tea, coffee, canapes and evening cocktails.

Rooms are well stocked with many amenities including TV, balcony, mini bar, in-room safe, DVD player, kitchenette and air conditioning. With a health club, outdoor pool, children's pool, hot tub, massage services and tennis courts you won't be disappointed. During your trip to Malaysia Johor Bahru hotel accommodations allow a respite from the heat and often dizzying experience of the sights, smells and pace of the cities and the Hyatt is the perfect retreat.

In Johor Bahru shopping and dining is best enjoyed around the city square of Dataran Bandaraya. Pasar Malam is the local flea market where you can search for one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts. The beautiful Pulai Waterfall is another great attraction to visit during Malaysia tours as is the Istana Besar which is the Grand palace and the most famous attraction in Johor Bahru which allows you to get a better idea of the history surrounding the area,

Getting There & Moving Around

By Air - Regulars flights from Johor Bahru's Senai Airport connects the state capital with Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Kuching, and Kuala Lumpur.

By Road - Taxis are a popular and cheap mode of transportation. All urban taxis are fitted with meters. An additional 50% is charged between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. It is also possible to hire an outstation taxi on a shared or individual basis to travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Kuantan, and Kota Bahru. Johor Bahru is also well served by express buses offering comfortable rides at reasonable fares from all major cities and towns in Peninsular Malaysia.

By Rail - Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) offers numerous train services connecting Singapore and other states through the Johor Bahru Railway Station.

By Sea - A ferry link provides a new way to travel between Singapore and Malaysia. It operates daily between Changi Point near the Singapore International Airport and Tanjung Belungkor in Johor.