JOhor Bahru Travel Information

The city is connected to Singapore by road and rail via a modern and scenic Causeway as well as the Second Link; JB is also the Peninsula's southern gateway. Consisting of a diverse ethnic mix of races, JB offers the visitor heritage attractions, colourful culture, delectable local cuisine, shopping excitement, pulsing nightlife and exhilarating recreational activities.

Popular with local and foreign tourists alike, JB boasts a myriad of landmarks, such as The Grand Palace or Royal Abu Bakar Museum with its distinct Anglo-Malay architecture. Recognised as one of the finest in the world, it was built by the late Sultan Abu Bakar and houses a splendid array of priceless treasures, antiques and heirlooms of the Royal Collection.

The "Ghazal" music, which is unique to Johor, is usually performed during cultural shows and weddings. Another famous performance distinctly Johorean is the "Kuda Kepang" dance, which is spun from tales of Islamic heroes. Dancers imitate the movement of horses to the music of a traditional orchestra.

Shopping opportunities abound in JB. Modern malls, arcades, handicraft centres, bazaars and flea markets offering international and local products all vie for attention. Local craftwork is sure to catch the eye and they do make lovely souvenirs of a trip to the South.

Another interesting side of JB can be experienced when night falls over the city. A sumptuous array of food stalls and vendors appear (as if by magic) and the adventurous tourist should delight in trying out the taste of popular local dishes such as the famous Laksa Johor or flaked fish and gravy cooked with coconut milk and served with noodles and vegetables.


History
Johor Bahru or JB in short, is the vibrant state capital of Johor Darul Takzim, located at the southern tip of Peninsula Malaysia. JB, about 220km from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Expressway, was established in 1855 by the late Sultan Abu Bakar (the Father of Modern Johor) and now serves as the administrative and commercial centre of the state. The word "Johor" itself is derived from the Arabic word “Jauhar”, which literally means "Precious Stones", illustrating the influence of Arab traders who traded spice in the State in the early days.