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Johor

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Johor

Johor, located at the very southern end of Peninsular Malaysia, is a state full of life and energy. Its strategic position right next to Pahang, Malacca, Singapore, and Indonesia makes it a cultural and economic crossroads. Johor’s rich history is beautifully reflected in its architecture, with stunning buildings and fascinating museums scattered throughout the region. With so many diverse attractions, it’s no wonder Johor is a favorite spot for both local and international visitors. As the second most populous state in Malaysia, right after Selangor, Johor is not just lively but also plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. Even through all these years of development, John is still able to maintain its rich culture, ethnicity, and language which offers a rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and festivals. The region is known as a melting pot of cultures from the Malay Culture whereas one of the Malay states, Johor has a strong Malay heritage that can be seen from their customs, language, and Islamic traditions. Not only that but there is also a significant Chinese community that has enriched Johor’s culture with traditions, cuisines, and festivals, the same goes with Indian Heritage where Johor also houses a high number of Indian population that contributes to the state’s cultural diversity with its unique customs and celebration. Some of the worth to mentioned cultural sites that you should list down to visit during your stay in Johor are Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque which is one of the stunning examples of Islamic architecture and a symbol of Johor’s Malay heritage, Various unique Chinese temples like Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple and Fortune Dragon Temple to appreciate the Chinese culture brought to the region and Indian temples where visitors are able to discover the rich heritage of the Indian community through its temple and festivals like Deepavali and Thaipussam.

Get to Know Johor

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Johor

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Johor

A guide to Johor's local transportation

Buses

Taxi

Car Rental

Buses are one affordable way to get around in Johor. Johor has a relatively well-developed bus network, especially in and around Johor Bahru. There are several types of bus services from Local buses, Intercity Buses, and Express Buses that operate within major bus terminals in Johor including Johor Bahru Sentral which is the main hub for intercity bus services, and Larkin Sentral which is another major bus terminal serving both local and intercity routes. The Fares of the buses would all differ based on several factors such as distances, types of the bus, bus operators, and time of travel. But in general, the fares would take you around RM 2 to RM 3 per trip with local buses within Johor Bahru, while Intercity buses can range from RM 20 to RM100 or more depending on the factors mentioned above.

Practical Tips for Johor

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What is the difference between Johor and Johor Bahru?

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.

What is the language spoken in Johor?

The primary language spoken in Johor is Bahasa Melayu, also known as Malay, which is Malaysia's national language. however, because Malaysia is a multicultural nation, Johor also speaks several other languages including Chinese or Mandarin which is widely spoken by the Malaysian Chinese community, Tamil which is spoken by the Malaysian Indian community and English which is usually used in business, education, and some government sectors.

What is the Origin of Johor?

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.

When is the best time to visit Johor?

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.

What is the currency used in Johor?

Johor used the currency of Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). it is the official currency throughout Malaysia, including Johor. You will need MYR for most transactions in Johor, from paying for accommodation and meals to buying souvenirs or entrance fees for various attractions nestled in the region.