8 Tourist Must Visit In Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is often labeled as the transit point when travelling from Malaysia to Singapore or vice versa. In recent years, Johor Bahru has been seeing an increase in tourist arrival. Hence, we've decided to list down 8 attractions around Johor Bahru that might interest tourists or visitors out there.
1. Sultan Ibrahim Building
Sultan Ibrahim Building is one of the historical landmark in Johor Bahru that you will not miss. Located at Bukit Timbalan, this building was the tallest building in Johor Bahru in the 70s. During the Japanese occupation of the then Malaya in World War II, the building was used by the Japanese Imperial Army as its fortress and command centre to spy the activities of the British Army in Singapore.
This building was used as the state secretariat building, Chief Minister's office and the State Assembly Hall for 69 years until June 2009. Starting from 18 June 2009, most of these offices have been relocated to Kota Iskandar, the Johor State New Administrative Centre.
2. Legoland Malaysia
Legoland is the perfect place for families to spend their quality time together. The park offers visitors with more than 40 rides, along with its different varieties of shows, events, and attractions. Visitors get to experience hands-on experiences via the various rides and attractions which require visitors to push, pedal, steer, and even splash.
The interactive experience in the park will definitely leaves unforgettable memories for visitors. Legoland provides a total of seven types of theme parks for visitors to explore.
3. Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
The Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque was completed in the year of 1900 under the direction of Sultan Abu Bakar. 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.
4. Istana Bukit Serene
Istana Bukit Serene is the royal palace and official residence of the Sultan of Johor. Istana Bukit Serene was a gift from the Johor government to the late Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Abu Bakar in conjunction with the ruler’s 40th anniversary as the sultan of Johor.
Johor Military Force guards the palace and acts as a protective layer to the Sultan of Johor. This palace which acts as the residence of the Sultan has been the place of interest for tourists all around the world. They love taking great pictures of this historic building. However, the palace is not open to public.
5. Old Chinese Temple Johor Bahru
This temple is one of the oldest structures in Johor Bahru. The temple is a place of worship and a symbol of unity among Five Chinese Dialect Groups which are "Teochew", "Hoklo (Hokkien)", "Cantonese", "Hakka" and "Hainan". The temple was built during the 19th Century by then Head of Ngee Heng Company led by Tan Hiok Nee and various Chinese community leaders. Every year in the first lunar month of 20-23rd, the Temple organizes its annual Chingay known as the Parade of Deities.
Also read: Date & Location To Get Chingay 2016 T-Shirt
6. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
The temple, one of Johor Bahru’s oldest Hindu temples, is situated next to the railway tracks between Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Mohd Taib (or close to the Tebrau Highway). It started in 1922 as a simple shelter on land presented by the Sultan of Johor. Between 2008 and 2009, the temple was fitted with glass surfaces and ornaments. Some 90 percent of the temple's surfaces are covered in clear and colored glass.
7. Chinese Heritage Museum
The Chinese Heritage Museum tells the history of the Chinese community in Johor Bahru (formerly known as Tanjung Puteri). When the Chinese settled in Johor Bahru, they brought along their cultural practices. The Chinese Heritage Museum is thus dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Johor Bahru Chinese so as not to be lost or forgotten in the name of modernity.
8. Istana Besar
The marvellous Istana Besar, once the Johor royal family’s principal palace, was built in Victorian style by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866. It was opened as a museum to the public in 1990 and displays the incredible wealth of the sultans. It's now the finest museum of its kind in Malaysia, and the 53-hectare palace grounds (free entry) are beautifully manicured.
We wish all tourists in Johor Bahru a splendid time exploring our city 🙂
Images: Instagram