A day trip to Johor Bahru: The best things to see, do and eat

The Malaysian city offers both luxury shopping and authentic Malaysian marketplace experiences. 

Just a stone’s throw away from the immigration checkpoint, City Square JB houses an impressive collection of local and international brands. For those venturing further, KSL City Mall presents a more expansive retail experience. Its four levels accommodate everything from luxury fashion to electronics. 

Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru elevates the experience further with its architectural distinction and curated retail mix. The mall houses over 500 brands across seven floors. Within the mall, find Village Grocer, a supermarket that has become a destination in itself for gourmet food, Malaysian specialities and international imports. 

Johor Premium Outlets is another popular spot for shoppers. The sprawling open-air mall boasts over 130 designer boutiques, featuring international fashion powerhouses like Burberry, Coach, Kate Spade and more. 

Beyond these contemporary retail havens, you can find authentic marketplaces around the city. Bazaar Karat for one, is a vibrant night market along Jalan Segget. Explore the market and find a range of Malaysian street food vendors serving up local snacks such as satay, kuih and otak otak. While you’re here, check out various handcrafted goods from intricate batik textiles to handmade jewellery.

Johor Bahru’s culinary landscape offers a mouthwatering journey through Malaysian flavours. Those familiar with JB will understand the allure of Hiap Joo Bakery. Founded in 1919, this third-generation family business uses traditional baking techniques. The century-old brick oven is fuelled by coconut husks instead of gas. The result? Subtle charred aromas in its decadent bakes. Its fluffy banana cake and aromatic coconut buns are a crowd favourite and regularly sell out by mid-afternoon. 

For authentic Malaysian cuisine, Restoran Ya Wang serves exceptional herbal roasted duck while Kam Long Ah Zai Curry Fish Head draws crowds with its signature curry fish head featuring a perfectly balanced blend of spices. Seafood lovers can venture to Restoran Todak, where fresh catches are prepared with a local flair. 

Of course, no culinary tour is complete without exploring the city’s buzzy cafe-hopping scene. Flowers In The Window is worth stopping by for its Instagram-worthy plates alongside specialty coffee while The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen serves brunch favourites with a Malaysian twist.

Beyond eating and shopping, you can always educate yourself more about Malaysia’s royal heritage at the Grand Palace of Johor (Istana Besar). Its distinctive blue roof and neoclassical facade house the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, where personal collections of Johor’s royal family are displayed. The palace grounds also feature meticulously maintained gardens. 

For a different perspective on the region’s cultural tapestry, visit the Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum. Situated in a beautifully restored shophouse, the museum chronicles the Chinese community’s contributions to Johor Bahru’s development through interactive exhibits and rare artefacts. 

The city also boasts various family-friendly attractions. Legoland Malaysia and the adjacent SEA Life Malaysia provide a full day of entertainment for families, while Danga Bay’s waterfront offers scenic relaxation spots and recreational activities.

To end the trip on a truly unique note, catch a show at the Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House. Named after Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the opera house regularly hosts events, concerts and performances. 

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