Luxury Hotels in Johor Bahru - City Center, Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru is the state capital of Johor, Malaysia, being the southernmost city of the Peninsular Malaysia. It was founded in 1855 as Iskandar Puteri, however by then, it was not even the administration center and instead Temenggong Ibrahim conducted all the administration works from Telok Blangah in Singapore. Only in 1862, after the passing of Temenggong Ibrahim, his son Sultan Abu Bakar made the place as the capital and renamed it as Johor Bahru. As a district, it is pretty massive, with the city center area being administered under the Johor Bahru City Council while the central area is administered under the Johor Bahru Tengah Municipal Council. The area was an undeveloped jungle in its early days, hence Chinese and Javanese settlers are requested to clear off the land to make way for agricultural produce. Later, the modernization efforts were exercised actively by Sultan Abu Bakar, which incorporated British style of governance and working closely with Wong Ah Fook as the main contractor which oversees the major development works ongoing in the state. After independence, Johor Bahru continues to receive development and gained city status in 1994, being one of the fastest-growing cities in the country after Kuala Lumpur.

How to Get There

By Car

People driving from Kuala Lumpur may drive through the North-South Expressway (PLUS) exiting at Pandan exit before continuing the journey towards the city center of Johor Bahru. The journey could take up around three hours and thirty minutes depending on the current traffic situation.

By Train

From Kuala Lumpur International Airport, visitors can catch the Express Rail Link (ERL) train which goes to KL Sentral/Bandar Tasik Putrajaya/Cyberjaya/Salak Tinggi/KLIA route. There, one can board the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) southbound coach and stop by the Gemas station before opting for shuttle intercity train to go to Johor Bahru Sentral.

By Bus

The nearest express bus terminal is the Larkin Sentral which is located at BT 5, Jalan Garuda. Take the trip directly to Johor Bahru from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) terminal using express bus services such as Maju Express, Billion Stars and Transnasional Express. From here, hop on a local route bus, taxi or ride-sharing services to go around the city center.

Tourist Attractions

Danga Bay

Danga Bay is a premier waterfront and the largest recreational park available in the city. Developed by Tan Sri Datuk Lim Kang Hoo via Ekovest Berhad, it is located nearby the royal palace and seven kilometers away from the city center. Here, one can find a lot of high end retail outlets and fine dining restaurants. There are also street food available while families are taking a walk around the area to enjoy their quality time.

Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple

Located at Jalan Trus, the temple is one of the oldest and well-maintained religious structures here, being built in the 19th century. While being a place of worship, it is also a representative of unity between the Five Chinese Dialect Groups, having a unique annual Chingay known as Parade of the Deities.

Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque

It feels incomplete to talk about Johor Bahru without mentioning this place. Located along Jalan Skudai, it is built between 1892 and 1900 under Sultan Abu Bakar’s orders. The architecture is majorly English Victorian with an infusion of Moorish and minor Malay influence. During festive seasons such as Eid Fitri and Eid Adha as well as the usual Friday prayers, the mosque is able to accommodate two thousand congregants at its maximum capacity.

Hotels

KSL Hotel & Resort Johor Bahru

An astonishing four-star hotel situated in Jalan Seladang with a mall, KSL City Mall being incorporated in the same building. It comes with a wide range of facilities and services such as television, shower, hairdryer, in-room safe, outdoor pool, fitness centers, sauna, restaurants, meeting rooms and WiFi.

Grand Bluewave Hotel

An outstanding hotel situated in Jalan Bukit Meldrium with ample facilities and services such as television, coffee maker, shower, minibar, in-room safe, bar, coffee shop, salons, concierge, laundry service, meeting facilities and WiFi.