MY · Johor · 1.46°N 103.76°E

johor bahru

Mall marathons, old-town temples and late-night makan by the Causeway.

Best time
Any time; it's hot, with frequent afternoon storms. Weekends and Singapore public holidays bring heavy traffic, so weekdays are easier.
How long
2 days, 1 night
Getting there
About 3.5–4 hours' drive from KL on the North–South Expressway, or about an hour's flight to Senai airport, around 30–40 minutes from the city. ETS trains also run from KL Sentral to JB Sentral.
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MY · Johorjohor bahru1.46°N 103.76°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Mall marathons, old-town temples and late-night makan by the Causeway.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingJohor BahruMY, Johor
KLjohor bahru
≈ 296 km from KL, as the crow flies
Empty Singapore-Malaysia Causeway during the Malaysia COVID-19 lockdown.

Photo: Lionel Lim · CC BY 2.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Johor's capital sits right across the Causeway from Singapore, which shapes much of it: big malls, theme parks and busy weekends. Beyond the shopping there's a compact old town with temples, heritage streets and plenty of good food.

Makan

  1. Laksa JohorJohor's own laksa, made with spaghetti in a thick fish gravy.Map ↗
  2. Mee rebusYellow noodles in a thick, sweet potato-based gravy, a Johor favourite.Map ↗
  3. Kacang poolA Johor breakfast of spiced mashed beans with a fried egg and toast.Map ↗
  4. Late-night makanHawker centres and mamaks stay busy long after the malls close.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The old townJalan Tan Hiok Nee's shophouse cafés and the Old Chinese Temple on Jalan Trus are a short walk apart.Map ↗
  2. The Glass TempleArulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman, a Hindu temple covered inside with millions of pieces of glass.Map ↗
  3. Sultan Abu Bakar State MosqueA grand old mosque on a hill above the Johor Strait, mixing Victorian and Moorish styles.Map ↗
  4. Legoland MalaysiaThe theme park and water park in Iskandar Puteri, good with kids.Map ↗
  5. Mall hoppingFrom the city-centre malls to the outlets, there's a mall for every mood.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Avoid the roads near the Causeway on Friday evenings and public holidays; the jams spread into the city.
  • Popping over to Singapore? Bring your passport and allow plenty of time at the checkpoints.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.