Sandra L.Johor is a chill spot with awesome nature, cool culture, and relaxing vibes. It’s often overlooked by tourists – from across the border in Singapore or elsewhere – who just come for the cheap shopping and food. But trust us, Johor has a lot more to offer! On your next trip, we want you to experience it like a local. So, check out this easy 2D1N itinerary in Johor and let’s explore the beautiful state together!
Also read: Johor Bahru Sightseeing: 13 Cool Hidden Gems in & Near JB to Explore for the School Holidays
Day 1: Be an urban explorer in the city
Morning: Self-guided tour along the Johor Bahru Heritage Trail
Arrive in Johor bright and early! Drop your luggage at your hotel and it’s time to explore Johor Bahru’s beautiful history on this lazy Saturday. Spend your morning strolling along the Johor Bahru Heritage Trail, as seen on the map below.
This trail will bring you to classic colonial buildings, Chinese museums and Indian enclaves. The best part about the walking trail is that it doesn’t cost a single cent, unless you want to enter an attraction with entrance fees.
The tour starts off with two buildings built by foreigners in Johor. The first is the Mahkamah Tinggi High Court Johor Bahru, an imposing High Court constructed by the British Colonial administration, and the second is the Sultan Ibrahim Building built by the Japanese in 1940. Next, discover Johor’s Chinese roots at the Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum (RM 5 entrance fee) and at vibrantly red Jalan Tan Hiok Nee. We recommend taking your OOTD here against the beautiful white detailing on red walls.
After you are done marvelling at Chinese heritage, walk on and discover the 1914 Sentral Police Station (Balai Polis Sentral JB) and once-popular areas such as Kampung Ah Fook and Old Johor Bahru Railway Station. From here, go to Jalan Trus to visit a 130-year-old Chinese Temple juxtaposed with Gurdwara Sahib, a Sikh temple, and Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple. Lastly, check out the Broadway Cinema and perhaps you might even stay to watch the latest Bollywood blockbuster!
Afternoon: Eat Beggar Chicken for lunch
Image credit: Chee Hong | Flickr
By now, you are probably in the mood for food. But not just any food. Indulge in a classic dish to complete the morning of history and culture. Cab down to Ban Heong Seng which is 15 minutes down the road.
The chefs here take eight whopping hours to prepare their charcoal-baked Beggar Chicken and Duck. It is served encased in a clay shell which they then break open for you. The clay pieces fall apart to reveal a soft, plump whole chicken with amazing herbal soup. We promise that you will be positively salivating while you wait for the magic to unveil, and it tastes even more magical than it looks!
Address: 34B, Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: Call 016-757-1887 or 07-237-5194
Tip: Be sure to call them a day in advance to make reservations because their dishes need careful and long preparation.
Enjoy Johor’s modern side at Danga Bay
Image credit: Danga Bay Country Garden
Tada! You are actually next to Danga Bay, Johor’s waterfront recreational park. Here, choose from the seemingly endless variety of activities.
If you feel like working off the calories from your last epic meal, rent a cute bicycle and let your hair flow in the wind as you breeze past the water. You can also take a tram ride, ride a skateboard, or even race cars at their RC car racing circuit.
The really enchanting part, though, is the Danga World Mini Theme Park which is lit with soft, warm lights at night. Are you here with a loved one? Enjoy a romantic ride away from crowds while watching the lights spin and dance.
Night: Indulge in the freshest seafood
Image credit: Grand Bayview Seafood | Official Facebook Page
The perfect way to spend your night in Johor Bahru is by dining at Grand Bayview Seafood. The restaurant is renowned for its wide variety of fresh seafood sourced from Australia. Some tantalising array of options include crabs, prawns, lobster, and fish.
Yes, you can see them swimming and crawling in literal aquariums before you get to choose the preferred size of your soon-to-be meals. Whether you prefer your seafood grilled, steamed, fried, or cooked in a spicy sauce, you will surely find something to your taste.
Plus, you can choose to dine indoor or outdoor according to your mood. Cool!
Opening hours: 11.30am to 11.00pm (daily)
Contact: +607-226 1688
Day 2: Relax and destress
Morning: Take a trek in Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest
Image credit (L-R): Amani Hasan | Flickr; Nicolas Lannuzel | Flickr
The first stop is just one hour away from Johor Bahru city centre. We recommend either hiring a taxi or renting a car for the whole day (the prices are covered below in the “Getting Around” section). Head to Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest for the Pulai waterfalls where water cascades in several shimmering layers. Hop over the tree trunks if they are blocking the trails, and enjoy the lush greenery and cool waters.
Image credit: Rainforest Tree House Cafe | Official Instagram Page
You are bound to get hungry after the invigorating walk. So, treat yourself to a culinary delight at the Rainforest Tree House Cafe, a hidden gem near Gunung Pulai. The serene ambiance, with birds chirping and fresh air from the lush greenery, sets the perfect backdrop for your meal. We recommend indulging in their hand-poured coffee or rainforest hot tea, and pairing it with their delectable Truffle gnocchi with mushrooms. You will love it!
Address: Mount Pulai, Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest, 81000 Pekan Nanas, Johor, Malaysia
Afternoon: Pet sheep at UK Agro Resort
Image credit: UK Farm
After you’ve dried off and had lunch, it’s time to visit a farm! The UK Agro Resort is another hour away. If you’re a city-dweller, you will love this farm experience. In UK Agro Resort, you can learn about modern farming techniques, enjoy the company of thousands of fluffy sheep, and also visit a passion fruit farm.
More food awaits here too! Feast on fresh lamb chops, mutton soup and salt-baked chicken. Save room for dessert and satisfy your sweet tooth with goat milk butter cakes, ice creams and puddings. Of course, don’t forget to try a classic glass of fresh goat milk!
Address: Projek Pertanian Moden Kluang, KM13 Jalan Batu Pahat, Kluang, 8, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: Call +607-759 7555
Evening: Pamper yourself with treatments at Holiday Plaza
Next, return to the city centre of Johor Bahru. It’s time to head to Holiday Plaza to relax after a whole day out. Holiday Plaza used to be a haven for pirated CDs, but it’s now a quiet mall filled with massage parlours and nail and hair salons. The good news is the quietness means better and cheaper service!
Choose from the many types of massages ranging from a simple leg massage to a full-on spa experience. You can also get a makeover, have a facial, dye your hair, or get a gel nail manicure for only RM 40–55. The prices alone make you wish you had the time to do everything! After you’re done, check out the rest of the mall for tech gadgets and cheap, stylish phone cases. This mall is a real oldie but goldie!
Address: Holiday Plaza, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Also read: 10 Best Massage Places in Johor Bahru, From Thai Spas to Chinese Traditional
Night: Dinner at Soon Soon Heng Bak Kut Teh
Image credit: profernity | Flickr
Walk over to Soon Soon Heng Bak Kut Teh, which is opposite KSL City Mall. It is one of the most famous Bak Kut Teh restaurants in Johor. They prepare it Teochew-style, where the broth is both peppery and herbal. The pork is high quality, cooked perfectly and goes incredibly well with the side dishes. You can order fried beancurd skin, enoki mushrooms, you tiao (light fried pastries) and more. It will be hands-down the most delicious Bak Kut Teh you have ever tried! If you don’t feel like pork, you can order sesame oil chicken instead.
Opening Hours: 8am to 8pm
Address: 43, Jalan Serigala, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Optional: Savour durians at Ah Tong’s Durian stall
If it’s durian season, take the opportunity to sample mother nature’s king of fruits. The main season runs from June to August and there is a smaller second season from December to January.
Ah Tong’s durian stall, located next to KSL City Mall, stocks a variety or durians, each with a unique characteristic and taste. Unleash your inner durian connoisseur (or inner glutton) here! You can sample their famed Golden Phoenix D198, Red Prawn or Mao Shang Wang. Ask the shop owners for their recommendations! If you’re a seasoned durian expert, tell them your preference.
Address: 28 Jalan Serigala Taman Century, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Contact: +6019-747 3493
Getting Around
We recommend renting a car or taking a taxi in Johor. Public transport is often erratic, confusing, and unreliable. You can easily pick up a car in the Johor city centre for RM 160 onwards per day. You can find even cheaper rates if you book in advance. Make sure you have a photocopy of your passport and license, and also prepare money for a car deposit.
Otherwise, taxis cost about RM 5–15 for rides within the city. Taking a cab to Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest will cost approximately RM 30, while journeying from there to UK Agro Farm costs RM 60. The ride back to Holiday Plaza might cost RM 80 onwards. Make sure the taxi uncle is either using the meter or that you have an agreed-upon price before embarking.
For convenience, you can use Grab, which is quite popular in Malaysia and allows you book either a taxi or a Grab driver. Alternatively, try Uber.
Where to Stay
Luxury: Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru
Image credit: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru
Doubletree by Hilton is one of the most highly-rated hotels in Johor Bahru. It offers a spectacular view of the straits of Johor and the city skyline. Their suites and rooms are bathed in natural light and decked in soft rose gold walls and beautiful minimalist furniture. Large, spacious and airy, it’s definitely one of the most luxurious accommodations one could hope to experience!
Price: RM 500 onwards per room
Address: No. 12 Jalan Ngee Heng, Johor Bahru, 80000, Malaysia
Mid-Range: Hermess Hotel
Image credit: Hermess Hotel
There is no need to break the bank to get a luxury option. The Hermess Hotel is an affordable yet classy place. The rooms are panelled with wood, glass, and metal for a chic yet rustic vibe. It may almost be too temptingly comfortable when coupled with soft lights and a perfectly plump bed. Make sure you have the discipline to get out of bed and do things!
Price: RM 95 – RM110 per room
Address: 51, Jalan Bestari 1/4, Bandar Nusajaya, 81300 Sekudai
Also read: 15 Best Airbnbs in Johor for Your Next Weekend Getaway
See, Johor is more than just for shopping and feasting. On your weekend trip to Johor, discover its natural attractions, history and heritage too with this itinerary.
