Hotels in Johor Bahru - City Center

Johor Bahru formerly known as Tanjung Puteri or Iskandar Puteri, is the capital of the state of Johor, Malaysia, just across the causeway from Singapore. Johor Bahru was founded in 1855 as Iskandar Puteri when the Sultanate of Johor came under the influence of Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim. Johor Bahru has a population of 497,097, while its metropolitan area, with a population of 1,638,219, is the second largest city in the country. Johor Bahru is one of the fastest growing cities in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur. It is the main commercial center for Johor and is located in the Indonesia–Malaysia–Singapore Growth Triangle. The local ethnic Malays speak the Malay language, while the language primarily spoken by the local Chinese is Mandarin Chinese. The Indian community mainly speaks Tamil. The English language is used considerably also among the older generation, who have attended school during the British rule.

How to Get There

By Plane

Johor Bahru is accessible from Kuala Lumpur, Sabah and Sarawak and other parts of the peninsula. The nearest airport to Johor Bahru is Senai International Airport located in Senai, 30 km drives from Johor Bahru. Travellers may take Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Malindo Air and Firefly flight to reach Senai International Airport. From airport you may take bus, taxi, uber or grab car to reach Johor Bahru. Between Johor Bahru and Senai International Airport, Causeway Link operates airport express shuttle buses between the airport and JB Sentral.

By Car

You may drive to Johor Bahru where it is 330 km or a four-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Expressway. If you travel from Singapore you may use Singapore Causeway or Second Link Expressway that connect Singapore to Johor as well as the rest of the peninsula.

By Train

You may take ETS train from Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station (KL Sentral) to reach Johor Bahru. The ETS will stop at Gemas and from there you may take KTM to JB Sentral. You can buy joined ticket that it takes 10 minutes to wait at Gemas for between trains. If you travel from Singapore you may take KTM at Woodlands Station to JB Sentral.

By Sea

You can get to Tanjung Belungkor, which is near Desaru, by ferry from Changi Point in Singapore. Ferry services are also available from Batam and Tanjung Pinang in Indonesia to the Johor Bahru International Terminal.

Tourist Attractions

Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque

The Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque is located along a street name Jalan Skudai near to the Royal Abu Bakar Museum (The Grand Palace).The architecture of the mosque is a mix of two distinguishable styles. They are Victorian and Moorish styles with a little influence of Malay style. Non-Muslims are allowed to enter the mosque. However, decent and modest clothing must be worn as a sign of respect.

Sultan Ibrahim Building

Sultan Ibrahim Building is one of the historical landmarks in Johor Bahru that you will not miss. Located at Bukit Timbalan, this building was the tallest building in Johor Bahru in the 1970's before taller buildings began to emerge. The design is a combination of western and eastern architecture. Today, this building is still one of the tourist attractions in Johor due to its unique design and architecture.

Royal Abu Bakar Museum

This museum was once the Istana Besar or main palace, the official residence of Sultan Abu Bakar, the father of modern Johor. Built in 1866, it faces the Straits of Johor and is surrounded by an extensive landscaped garden. The museum features the Sultan of Johor’s impressive collection of rare treasures as well as historical artifacts belonging to the Johor Royal Family.

Danga Bay

During your stay in Johor Bahru you may visit Danga Bay of Johor. The Danga Bay acts as the premier waterfront city in Malaysia. It is situated along the popular Lido Beach and near to the Istana Bukit Serene, the official residence for the Sultan of Johor. Danga Bay offers a lot of activities with luxury and glam, high end retail outlets and fine dines restaurants. It is considered as the biggest recreation park in Johor Bahru as there are many activities that are suitable for all ages especially for children as it offers interesting activities exclusively for them.

Johor Bahru City Square

Visitor may spend time and enjoy shopping at Johor Bahru City Square while staying in Johor Bahru. Strategically located in the heart of the city and only a stone's throw from the customs and immigration checkpoint, Johor Bahru City Square stands out as a central landmark in JB. After many hours of shopping, rest the feet in one of the numerous restaurants and cafes or indulge in a soothing foot massage, then go on to treat the rest of the body at a salon.

Hotels

KSL Hotel & Resort Johor Bahru

KSL Hotel & Resort Johor Bahru is a resort conveniently located at Johor Bahru City Center, inside KSL Shopping Mall, Taman Century. This 4 star hotel offers great facilities, comfort and excellent service. For guests travelling with children may have a good time at the free Dinosaur Water Theme Park. With its convenient location, this property offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.

Thistle Johor Bahru

Staying at Thistle Johor Bahru is a perfect choice when you are visiting Johor Bahru City Center. This hotel is very easy to find since it is strategically positioned close to public facilities and in the heart of Johor Bahru. As a luxury 5-star property, Thistle Johor Bahru Hotel provides exclusive services and facilities, including access to Wi-Fi in guestrooms and public areas, swimming pools, restaurants, and bars. This hotel is 5 km from Danga Bay and Singapore’s Changi International Airport is 30 km away.