Johor is a state in Malaysia that is located in the southernmost part of the Malay Peninsula, while Johor Baru is the capital city of the state of Johor which is considered to be the major urban center and the economic heart of the state. To put it simply, Johor is implying the entire state, while Johor Bahru is the city located within the state of Johor.

Johor is a southern gem of Malaysia that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Johor is an exceptional region that is known as a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other creating a vibrant and harmonious society that can be seen from the number of festivals held throughout the year such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Thaipussam as well as Delicious cuisine that allow visitors to savor various unique flavors of Malay, Chinese and Indian delicacies as well as unique Johor specialties like Laksa Johor. Other than that, Johor is also known for its stunning natural beauty where visitors get to hop on a stunning beach and relax on those pristine beaches like the Desaru coast and do numerous water activities, Island hopping and explore the beautiful islands of Tioman and Perhentian is another things that are worth to experience during your visit in the region, as well as Wildlife encounters through the diverse flora and fauna in Johor’s national parks and reserves.

Johor’s history is deeply intertwined with the Malacca Sultanate. In the past, around the year 1511 when the Portuguese conquered Malacca, Sultan Mahmud Shah who was the ruler of Malacca fled southward with the family. His son, Alauddin Rihayar Shah II eventually established a new kingdom on the Johor River laying a new foundation for the Johor Sultanate in 1528. Since then, Joho’s journey as a kingdom has begun and over the centuries of facing hardships and challenges, Johor managed to maintain its independence which now become one of the most important states in Malaysia contributing to the rich tapestry of Malay history and economic growth of the nation.

Johor offers a diverse range of experiences for every type of traveler with some of the top destinations for families such as Legoland Malaysia which is a world-class theme park with exciting rides and attractions, Desaru coasts which has beautiful beaches, water parks, and golf courses and Johor Zoo where family get to takes their little ones to encounter a variety of animals in spacious and natural habitats. As for visitors who plan to experience the rich cultures and the long history of Johor, then it is recommended to visit Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple where you get to explore the cultural heritage of the Chinese community, and Sultan Ab Bakar Mosque where visitors are allowed to marvel at the stunning architecture of the iconic mosque. For nature lovers, you might want to consider Kota Tinggi Firefly Park where you get to witness the magical spectacle of thousands of fireflies under the starry skies, and Endau Rompin National Park to begin your exploration journey through the lush rainforest and encounter a diverse wildlife.

The best season to visit Johor would depend on what you are looking for, what weather you wish to experience, how crowded the area is a the moment, and what kind of tourist destination you plan on visiting. If you are looking for sunny weather that is ideal for beach activities, and outdoor adventures then it is recommended that you visit during the Dry Season which falls around March to October. For those of you who plan to explore the mainland, visit cultural attractions, and enjoy local cuisine, it is recommended that you visit during the Monsoon Season which falls around November to February.