Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru (Jawi: جوهر بهرو, Chinese:新山) (also Johor Baru or Johore Baharu, informally called JB) is a city and the state capital of Johor in Malaysia. It is located in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia.

Johor Bahru's metropolitan area can be easily divided into four parts - North, South, East and West.

• North - Its main centers are Taman Daya, Taman Mount Austin, Taman Desa Tebrau and Ulu Tiram, which can be accessed via the trunk road, Jalan Tebrau. There can be a relatively frequent peak hour jam along this road. The area has been a hive for construction activities with the latest AEON Tebrau and IKEA Tebrau in its vicinity.
• South - The main city centre (IIBD) and Larkin is located on the southern part of the city, in which many of the old town areas are located, including its Chinatown and Little India areas. It is an area with housing estates which have been around for more than three decades. Important estates include Taman Pelangi, Taman Century and Taman Sentosa.
• East - The main suburbs here are Plentong and Permas Jaya, a housing suburb; other parts remain undeveloped and house Sultan Iskandar Reservoir.
• West - The main suburbs here are Bandar Baru UDA, Tampoi and Kempas.

North - Its main centers are Taman Daya, Taman Mount Austin, Taman Desa Tebrau and Ulu Tiram, which can be accessed via the trunk road, Jalan Tebrau. There can be a relatively frequent peak hour jam along this road. The area has been a hive for construction activities with the latest AEON Tebrau and IKEA Tebrau in its vicinity.

South - The main city centre (IIBD) and Larkin is located on the southern part of the city, in which many of the old town areas are located, including its Chinatown and Little India areas. It is an area with housing estates which have been around for more than three decades. Important estates include Taman Pelangi, Taman Century and Taman Sentosa.

East - The main suburbs here are Plentong and Permas Jaya, a housing suburb; other parts remain undeveloped and house Sultan Iskandar Reservoir.

West - The main suburbs here are Bandar Baru UDA, Tampoi and Kempas.

Johor Bahru was declared a city in 1994 and is growing fast. The city has about 500,000 inhabitants, and its metropolitan area has about 1.4 million. Johor Bahru is for the most part suburban and lacks a metropolitan feel. It is the third largest city in Malaysia. Given its relatively large land space, the city is not as dense as many other Malaysian cities. Many of the world's top electronics manufacturers have at least one plant in Johor Bahru and its harbour is one of the busiest in the region.

Due to its proximity to Singapore, it unavoidably suffers from comparison with its neighbour. Clean-up initiatives like greening the city and covering the open sewers that until a few years ago ran through the centre of the city have made it a more pleasant place to live. However, there has been little effort in maintaining buildings and public facilities, and the city centre may seem run-down to some. Shopping and eating in the city can be a real adventure, with many shopping complexes and a wide variety of food establishments offering from street food to fine dining. There are also plenty of spas and resort hotels in the city.

Johor Bahru has a good mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures, with racial harmony actively promoted by the Sultan of Johor. The city has been receiving lots of investments, particular from Chinese property developers, as part of the Iskandar Malaysia project. As result, there is massive construction all over the city. While mostly residential properties are being built, some are aiming to create man-made tourist attractions such as Danga Bay, although few are in a finished state. Johor Bahru is a sprawling city; its city center is rather small for a metropolis of its size, and many of the city's best shopping areas and restaurants are in the suburbs rather than in the city centre. While the public transportation leaves much to be desired, local e-hailing app Grab makes the task of exploring the city much easier.

• Bukit Serene Palace (Istana Bukit Serene), sandwiched between Jl Kolam Air and Jl Straits View. This green-roof, stone building is the official residence of the Sultan of Johor. The palace has a huge sprawling garden which is a common site for many royal gatherings and celebrations. It was built in 1933 in the Art Deco style. Part of the palace building can be seen afar from Jalan Skudai. The palace walls have fantastic and exquisite carvings. The main tower is 35 m tall. The Istana is guarded by the personal military force of the Sultan of Johor. Neither the building nor its gardens are open to the general public, with the exception of special occasions such as Hari Raya (Eid). In front of the palace gate, there is the Laman Serene public square.
• War Memorial (Tugu Peperangan), Jl Abu Bakar, (across the road from Johor State Syariah Court and Iskandar Johor Islamic Center). The twin obelisks commemorate martyred servicemen of the First and Second World Wars, and the Emergency (the confrontation with Indonesia in 1962). It was completed in 1962 and unveiled by Colonel H.H. Sir Ismail, Sultan of Johor, on 1 Jul 1962. It was erected by the ex-servicemen association of Malaya Johor Branch. The erection was funded from donations by the government of Johor, ex-servicemen association of Malaya and members of the public. Seldom visited by more than a few persons at any one time, it is a clean, quiet spot with vantage views of the Straits of Johor.
• Grand Palace, Jalan Belukar, 80000. Sa-Th 09:00-17:00. The palace consists of the Royal Abu Bakar Museum. The official entrance to the palace museum grounds is through a gateway facing the High Court building on Jalan Air Molek. You can also exit/enter the palace museum grounds by walking down/up the grassy slope to/from the main road - Jalan Tun Doktor Ismail. The museum is closed when there are official functions and ceremonies. Entry US$7/3 (payable in ringgit at a poor exchange rate) for foreign adults/children, RM5 for Malaysian and Singaporeans, and only RM1 for Malaysian children. Last ticket sale is at 16:00. Definitely Johor Bahru's top attraction, this is the opulent former residence (Istana Besar or Grand Palace) of the Sultan of Johor. It is still used for royal and state ceremonies and functions. 53-hectare garden (free admission). The adjoining Zaharah Botanical Garden lies about 300 m northwest of the palace museum complex centred about a roundabout. The palace complex was first completed in 1866 but has been extended and refurbished many times since. It was built in the neoclassical style by local artisans under the supervision of a European architect. The original furniture of the palace was made in England and ordered by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866. The museum is housed in two of the three white buildings (all with blue-tile pitched roofs) in the complex and consists of 4 parts: the Dewan (in the west building); the Throne Room, the Treasure Rooms and the Hunting Room (in the central building). The east building is not open to the public. The scale of the palace is suitably grandiose. Photography inside the museum is forbidden.
• Johor Bahru City Square, Jalan Datuk, Sri Gelam. Johor Bahru City Square is a public square that was constructed in conjunction with Johor Bahru being granted city status on January 1994. A yellow coloured building with a gigantic, yellow clock tower built stands on the north edge of the square. The square is surrounded by two sports fields on the south side and three sports fields on the west side. Many outdoor events are held here. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (one-way fare RM1) that go to Bukit Indah/Kulai/Selesa Jaya from opposite City Square (starting point) at Jalan Wong Ah Fook or from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. Free.
• Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum, Jl Mahmoodiah. This is a royal mausoleum of Johor state. It is a white colored building with two domes. The first sultan of Johor laid to rest here was Sultan Abu Bakar in 1895, as are the three sultans that reigned after him - Ibrahim, Ismail and Iskandar. Other persons interred here include: sultanahs (wives of the sultans) - Sultanah Fatimah, Sultanah Ungku Maimunah Ungku Abdul Aziz, Sultanah Rogaiyah, Sultanah Tun Aminah; other royal family members; notable politicians like Dato' Jaafar Muhammad, Dato' Onn Jaafar, Tan Sri Othman Saat and Dato' Muhamad Salleh bin Perang. The mausoleum is not open to the public.
• Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, +6072198888. Convention center.
• Serene Square, Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar. 24 hours. This is a public square in front of Serene Palace. Built on a 433 m² of land, it costed RM6.8 million to built. It features a 12-meter high of star and crescent statue. The ground features a double 5-corner star, which makes it in total of 10, representing the total numbers of districts in Johor. Free.
• Sultan Ibrahim Building, Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim. Built in 1940, this grey-bricked building is located on top of Bukit Timbalan. It used to house the State Secretariat, the Menteri Besar's (Chief Minister) office, State Assembly Hall and the offices of the state government. The building is an architectural blend of British colonial, Malay and Saracenic elements. It has a distinctive, 64m-high Mughal-style tower. During World War II, Japanese general Tomoyuki Yamashita occupied the tower in order to have a bird's eye view of Singapore to plan his invasion, which eventually resulted in the defeat of the British in Singapore.
• Tanjung Kupang Tragedy Memorial, Jalan Kebun Teh. This memorial was erected by the Johor state government in memory of the 100 passengers and crew members killed when Malaysia Airlines Flight 653 (MH653) Boeing 737 crashed at Tanjung Kupang (about 20 km west of Johor Bahru) on the evening of 4 December 1977. The names and nationalities of all the 100 victims are inscribed on a less-than-two-meter high wall clad with shiny, black stone. Free.
• Austin International Convention Centre, 71, Jln Austin Heights 8/2, Taman Mount Austin. Convention center.

Bukit Serene Palace (Istana Bukit Serene), sandwiched between Jl Kolam Air and Jl Straits View. This green-roof, stone building is the official residence of the Sultan of Johor. The palace has a huge sprawling garden which is a common site for many royal gatherings and celebrations. It was built in 1933 in the Art Deco style. Part of the palace building can be seen afar from Jalan Skudai. The palace walls have fantastic and exquisite carvings. The main tower is 35 m tall. The Istana is guarded by the personal military force of the Sultan of Johor. Neither the building nor its gardens are open to the general public, with the exception of special occasions such as Hari Raya (Eid). In front of the palace gate, there is the Laman Serene public square.

War Memorial (Tugu Peperangan), Jl Abu Bakar, (across the road from Johor State Syariah Court and Iskandar Johor Islamic Center). The twin obelisks commemorate martyred servicemen of the First and Second World Wars, and the Emergency (the confrontation with Indonesia in 1962). It was completed in 1962 and unveiled by Colonel H.H. Sir Ismail, Sultan of Johor, on 1 Jul 1962. It was erected by the ex-servicemen association of Malaya Johor Branch. The erection was funded from donations by the government of Johor, ex-servicemen association of Malaya and members of the public. Seldom visited by more than a few persons at any one time, it is a clean, quiet spot with vantage views of the Straits of Johor.

Grand Palace, Jalan Belukar, 80000. Sa-Th 09:00-17:00. The palace consists of the Royal Abu Bakar Museum. The official entrance to the palace museum grounds is through a gateway facing the High Court building on Jalan Air Molek. You can also exit/enter the palace museum grounds by walking down/up the grassy slope to/from the main road - Jalan Tun Doktor Ismail. The museum is closed when there are official functions and ceremonies. Entry US$7/3 (payable in ringgit at a poor exchange rate) for foreign adults/children, RM5 for Malaysian and Singaporeans, and only RM1 for Malaysian children. Last ticket sale is at 16:00. Definitely Johor Bahru's top attraction, this is the opulent former residence (Istana Besar or Grand Palace) of the Sultan of Johor. It is still used for royal and state ceremonies and functions. 53-hectare garden (free admission). The adjoining Zaharah Botanical Garden lies about 300 m northwest of the palace museum complex centred about a roundabout. The palace complex was first completed in 1866 but has been extended and refurbished many times since. It was built in the neoclassical style by local artisans under the supervision of a European architect. The original furniture of the palace was made in England and ordered by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866. The museum is housed in two of the three white buildings (all with blue-tile pitched roofs) in the complex and consists of 4 parts: the Dewan (in the west building); the Throne Room, the Treasure Rooms and the Hunting Room (in the central building). The east building is not open to the public. The scale of the palace is suitably grandiose. Photography inside the museum is forbidden.

Johor Bahru City Square, Jalan Datuk, Sri Gelam. Johor Bahru City Square is a public square that was constructed in conjunction with Johor Bahru being granted city status on January 1994. A yellow coloured building with a gigantic, yellow clock tower built stands on the north edge of the square. The square is surrounded by two sports fields on the south side and three sports fields on the west side. Many outdoor events are held here. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (one-way fare RM1) that go to Bukit Indah/Kulai/Selesa Jaya from opposite City Square (starting point) at Jalan Wong Ah Fook or from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. Free.

Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum, Jl Mahmoodiah. This is a royal mausoleum of Johor state. It is a white colored building with two domes. The first sultan of Johor laid to rest here was Sultan Abu Bakar in 1895, as are the three sultans that reigned after him - Ibrahim, Ismail and Iskandar. Other persons interred here include: sultanahs (wives of the sultans) - Sultanah Fatimah, Sultanah Ungku Maimunah Ungku Abdul Aziz, Sultanah Rogaiyah, Sultanah Tun Aminah; other royal family members; notable politicians like Dato' Jaafar Muhammad, Dato' Onn Jaafar, Tan Sri Othman Saat and Dato' Muhamad Salleh bin Perang. The mausoleum is not open to the public.

Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, +6072198888. Convention center.

Serene Square, Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar. 24 hours. This is a public square in front of Serene Palace. Built on a 433 m² of land, it costed RM6.8 million to built. It features a 12-meter high of star and crescent statue. The ground features a double 5-corner star, which makes it in total of 10, representing the total numbers of districts in Johor. Free.

Sultan Ibrahim Building, Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim. Built in 1940, this grey-bricked building is located on top of Bukit Timbalan. It used to house the State Secretariat, the Menteri Besar's (Chief Minister) office, State Assembly Hall and the offices of the state government. The building is an architectural blend of British colonial, Malay and Saracenic elements. It has a distinctive, 64m-high Mughal-style tower. During World War II, Japanese general Tomoyuki Yamashita occupied the tower in order to have a bird's eye view of Singapore to plan his invasion, which eventually resulted in the defeat of the British in Singapore.

Tanjung Kupang Tragedy Memorial, Jalan Kebun Teh. This memorial was erected by the Johor state government in memory of the 100 passengers and crew members killed when Malaysia Airlines Flight 653 (MH653) Boeing 737 crashed at Tanjung Kupang (about 20 km west of Johor Bahru) on the evening of 4 December 1977. The names and nationalities of all the 100 victims are inscribed on a less-than-two-meter high wall clad with shiny, black stone. Free.

Austin International Convention Centre, 71, Jln Austin Heights 8/2, Taman Mount Austin. Convention center.

• Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple, No. 4, Jalan Ungku Puan. Free admission for visitors. Everyone has their shoes in the racks beside the gate entrance.
• Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, No. 22, Susur 1, Jalan Tebrau (less than 50 m west of Tebrau Highway and 400 m north of Tropical Inn/Landmark Shopping Centre and beside the railway track. Inaugurated in 1996 and touted as "The First Glass Temple in the World". The inner surface of the walls and the columns inside the temple are clad with imported glass, hence the name. The floor is paved with granite. There's a canteen at the back of the temple building and sells only Indian vegetarian food. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims coming here everyday. There are food and drink stalls lining both sides of the driveway in the front of the temple. Temple prayer hours 07:30-12:00 daily; Temple closure Tu-Su 12:00-13:00 & M 12:00-19:00; Temple visiting hours daily except Mon (closed to visitors) 13:00-18:00. Chitra Pournami Paal Kudam Festival held every Wed and Glass Chariot Procession held every Thurs at the temple. RM10/5 for adults/children (5-12 years old), still photography/video fee RM3/5, leaving shoes with the guardian RM0.50.
• Church of the Immaculate Conception, No. 198, Jalan Abdul Rahman Andak, 80000. Beige building with a single steeple (with spire) is one of the main Roman Catholic churches in Johor Bahru. Built in 1883 in the British colonial style, it is one of the oldest structures still standing in Johor Bahru. Try to get here for the Tamil feast of Pongal in mid-January, when an intriguingly colorful harvest festival service is held within the church.
• Gurdwara Sahib Johor Bahru, No. 1B, Jalan Trus. Sikh temple built on the site of the smaller and older Sikh temple and was inaugurated on the 28 Aug 1992. 2-storey white building with yellow window frames and an all-round, crenellated roof parapet. The Darbar Sahib is located on the second level. The Granthi quarters and two rooms for Sikh visitors are located at an annex on the second level. The Guru Ka Langgar hall, kitchen and office are located on the first level. There are about 250 Sikh families who participate in the religious activities in this Gurdwara Sahib. The normal weekly prayers are held Su 09:30-11:30.
• India Mosque, Jalan Duke, 80000. This mosque with two different minarets located in the heart of the city was founded by the city's Indian Muslim community. It is a modern-looking mosque with white walls, blue-tinted glass cladding on both its minarets and a blue and silver dome.
• Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, Jalan Trus. 07:30-17:30. It is a Chinese temple believed to be built in 1870 by a group of Chinese community leaders led by Tan Hiok Nee, a famous, local Teochew businessman. This is where five different Chinese dialect groups - Cantonese, Hainanese, Hakka, Hokkien and Teochew - worshipped their respective deities and their effigies are all found inside the prayer hall. The Goddess of Mercy and the Weather God are also worshipped here; their effigies are found outside the prayer hall. The prayer hall is straight ahead as you enter the wooden gate entrance from Jalan Trus. There is a small museum behind the prayer hall which have illustrated descriptions of the five deities and the history of the temple, as well as giant photos showing the Parade of Deities (see below). Photography is forbidden in the museum and captions are mostly in Chinese only. The temple organizes an annual 4-day Chingay parade known as the Parade of Deities. The climax of the parade occurs on the night of the 3rd day when the deities are paraded around the city centre. Free.
• Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, Jalan Masjid Abu Bakar. Located on top of a small hill and overlooking the Straits of Johor, this state mosque took eight years to construct (1892-1900). It has four minarets that resemble British clock towers. It was inaugurated by Sultan Ibrahim. It is made of white marble and is a combination of Moorish and Victorian architecture. It can accommodate 2,000 worshippers. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (1-way fare RM1) that go to Bukit Indah/Kulai/Selesa Jaya from opposite City Square (starting point) at Jl Wong Ah Fook or from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak.
• Sultan Iskandar Mosque, No. 2, Jalan Dato' Onn 2, Bandar Dato Onn, 81100. Mosque.

Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple, No. 4, Jalan Ungku Puan. Free admission for visitors. Everyone has their shoes in the racks beside the gate entrance.

Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, No. 22, Susur 1, Jalan Tebrau (less than 50 m west of Tebrau Highway and 400 m north of Tropical Inn/Landmark Shopping Centre and beside the railway track. Inaugurated in 1996 and touted as "The First Glass Temple in the World". The inner surface of the walls and the columns inside the temple are clad with imported glass, hence the name. The floor is paved with granite. There's a canteen at the back of the temple building and sells only Indian vegetarian food. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims coming here everyday. There are food and drink stalls lining both sides of the driveway in the front of the temple. Temple prayer hours 07:30-12:00 daily; Temple closure Tu-Su 12:00-13:00 & M 12:00-19:00; Temple visiting hours daily except Mon (closed to visitors) 13:00-18:00. Chitra Pournami Paal Kudam Festival held every Wed and Glass Chariot Procession held every Thurs at the temple. RM10/5 for adults/children (5-12 years old), still photography/video fee RM3/5, leaving shoes with the guardian RM0.50.

Church of the Immaculate Conception, No. 198, Jalan Abdul Rahman Andak, 80000. Beige building with a single steeple (with spire) is one of the main Roman Catholic churches in Johor Bahru. Built in 1883 in the British colonial style, it is one of the oldest structures still standing in Johor Bahru. Try to get here for the Tamil feast of Pongal in mid-January, when an intriguingly colorful harvest festival service is held within the church.

Gurdwara Sahib Johor Bahru, No. 1B, Jalan Trus. Sikh temple built on the site of the smaller and older Sikh temple and was inaugurated on the 28 Aug 1992. 2-storey white building with yellow window frames and an all-round, crenellated roof parapet. The Darbar Sahib is located on the second level. The Granthi quarters and two rooms for Sikh visitors are located at an annex on the second level. The Guru Ka Langgar hall, kitchen and office are located on the first level. There are about 250 Sikh families who participate in the religious activities in this Gurdwara Sahib. The normal weekly prayers are held Su 09:30-11:30.

India Mosque, Jalan Duke, 80000. This mosque with two different minarets located in the heart of the city was founded by the city's Indian Muslim community. It is a modern-looking mosque with white walls, blue-tinted glass cladding on both its minarets and a blue and silver dome.

Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, Jalan Trus. 07:30-17:30. It is a Chinese temple believed to be built in 1870 by a group of Chinese community leaders led by Tan Hiok Nee, a famous, local Teochew businessman. This is where five different Chinese dialect groups - Cantonese, Hainanese, Hakka, Hokkien and Teochew - worshipped their respective deities and their effigies are all found inside the prayer hall. The Goddess of Mercy and the Weather God are also worshipped here; their effigies are found outside the prayer hall. The prayer hall is straight ahead as you enter the wooden gate entrance from Jalan Trus. There is a small museum behind the prayer hall which have illustrated descriptions of the five deities and the history of the temple, as well as giant photos showing the Parade of Deities (see below). Photography is forbidden in the museum and captions are mostly in Chinese only. The temple organizes an annual 4-day Chingay parade known as the Parade of Deities. The climax of the parade occurs on the night of the 3rd day when the deities are paraded around the city centre. Free.

Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, Jalan Masjid Abu Bakar. Located on top of a small hill and overlooking the Straits of Johor, this state mosque took eight years to construct (1892-1900). It has four minarets that resemble British clock towers. It was inaugurated by Sultan Ibrahim. It is made of white marble and is a combination of Moorish and Victorian architecture. It can accommodate 2,000 worshippers. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (1-way fare RM1) that go to Bukit Indah/Kulai/Selesa Jaya from opposite City Square (starting point) at Jl Wong Ah Fook or from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak.

Sultan Iskandar Mosque, No. 2, Jalan Dato' Onn 2, Bandar Dato Onn, 81100. Mosque.

• Art 52 Gallery, No. 52, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000. Gallery.
• Figure Museum. The museum is housed in a building constructed in 1893 which was once used as the official residence of the first Chief Minister of Johor.
• Glulam Gallery, Jalan Tampoi, Kawasan Perindustrian Tampoi, 81200, +6072329048. It is a gallery which was opened on 22 May 2012.
• Johor Art Gallery, 144 Jalan Petrie. 09:00-16:30. Housed in a 2-storey white building built in 1910, it displays mostly Malaysian modern paintings. Other exhibits include Islamic calligraphy, ceramics, ornate wooden window frames, traditional clothing, weapons, currency, etc. There is a cart with a thatched roof and a giant drum displayed outside the building. Free.
• Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum, 42, Jalan Ibrahim, 80000, +6072249633. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. Housed in a restored 4-storey building. Learn about the history and culture of the Chinese community in Johor Bahru. The displays are spread out over four storeys. There are numerous captioned photos on display, several TV screens showing video clips, objects/artefacts on display, mannequins dressed in traditional Chinese wedding clothes, a replica of the entrance door and sedan chair of the Roufo Chinese Taoist Temple in Jalan Trus, etc RM3 adult; RM1 children, students, senior citizens.
• Johor Bahru Kwong Siew Heritage Gallery, 24, Jalan Siu Nam, +6072233682. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. Museum occupies 2 units of adjoining 2-storey shop houses that were completed in 1907. They used to be the headquarters of the Kwong Siew Clan Association established in 1878 by Wong Ah Fook, a China-born, successful and influential entrepreneur who developed close links with the Johor Sultanate. The exhibits are all the second level (A/C). Here you can find the illustrated biographies of the 13 past and present presidents of the Kwong Siew Wai Kuan (Clan Association), other prominent Kwong Siew Wai Kuan figures, Wong Ah Fook and three of his sons. The history of Kampung Ah Fook, which was established by Wong Ah Fook and corresponds to the very heart of the city, is described here. Some of the exhibits in this museum are: Cantonese opera costumes, weapons used in Chinese martial arts, lion dance troupe equipment and costumes, old Chinese musical instruments, jewellery, opium pipes, and Cantonese opera scripts. Photography is forbidden. RM5 adults, RM2 children.
• Johor Craft Complex, Lot. PTB 2002, Jl Cenderasari, Larkin 80350, +072350433. 09:00-18:00. Contains a so-called Treasured Possession Gallery exhibits batik, embroidery and beads. It also hosts a handicrafts fair on its premises once a year.
• Johor Japan Football Gallery, Tan Sri Dato' Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium, Larkin. Gallery.
• KTM Museum, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. The museum used to be the main railway station of Johor Bahru.
• Malay Cultural Village, 33A Jalan Petaling, Kawasan Perindustrian Larkin, 80350. Cultural center.
• Mawar Gallery, No. 888, Jalan Sungai Chat, 80100 (50 m west of the Thistle Hotel on the same side of the road, +6072214100. M-F 10:00-16:00. Complex consists of several buildings, among them a handicrafts workshop (closed to the public) and 'Rumah Mawar' (also known as 'Galeri Mawar'). The latter is housed in a pretty 2-storey white building. It has photos of members (especially female) of the Johor royal family and various famous women of Johor. There are also displays of clothes worn by Sultanah Zanariah on the first level and mannequins wearing wedding clothes and traditional Malay clothes on the second level. The admission of RM5 includes a mandatory guided tour of the 'Rumah Mawar'. You have to get one of the staff from the administration building to open the door to the 'Rumah Mawar'. He or she will act as a guide. Photography is forbidden except for the mannequin display on the second level. There is a small canteen selling Malay food at the entrance to the complex. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (one-way fare RM1) that go to Bukit Indah/Kulai/Selesa Jaya from opposite City Square (starting point) at Jl Wong Ah Fook or from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. Alight at the bus stop in front of the red-colored Sultanah Aminah Hospital on Jalan Abu Bakar. It is about 5 min walk from here.
• Mini Kuso Trick Art, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/2, Taman Austin Perdana, 81100. Gallery.

Art 52 Gallery, No. 52, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000. Gallery.

Figure Museum. The museum is housed in a building constructed in 1893 which was once used as the official residence of the first Chief Minister of Johor.

Glulam Gallery, Jalan Tampoi, Kawasan Perindustrian Tampoi, 81200, +6072329048. It is a gallery which was opened on 22 May 2012.

Johor Art Gallery, 144 Jalan Petrie. 09:00-16:30. Housed in a 2-storey white building built in 1910, it displays mostly Malaysian modern paintings. Other exhibits include Islamic calligraphy, ceramics, ornate wooden window frames, traditional clothing, weapons, currency, etc. There is a cart with a thatched roof and a giant drum displayed outside the building. Free.

Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum, 42, Jalan Ibrahim, 80000, +6072249633. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. Housed in a restored 4-storey building. Learn about the history and culture of the Chinese community in Johor Bahru. The displays are spread out over four storeys. There are numerous captioned photos on display, several TV screens showing video clips, objects/artefacts on display, mannequins dressed in traditional Chinese wedding clothes, a replica of the entrance door and sedan chair of the Roufo Chinese Taoist Temple in Jalan Trus, etc RM3 adult; RM1 children, students, senior citizens.

Johor Bahru Kwong Siew Heritage Gallery, 24, Jalan Siu Nam, +6072233682. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. Museum occupies 2 units of adjoining 2-storey shop houses that were completed in 1907. They used to be the headquarters of the Kwong Siew Clan Association established in 1878 by Wong Ah Fook, a China-born, successful and influential entrepreneur who developed close links with the Johor Sultanate. The exhibits are all the second level (A/C). Here you can find the illustrated biographies of the 13 past and present presidents of the Kwong Siew Wai Kuan (Clan Association), other prominent Kwong Siew Wai Kuan figures, Wong Ah Fook and three of his sons. The history of Kampung Ah Fook, which was established by Wong Ah Fook and corresponds to the very heart of the city, is described here. Some of the exhibits in this museum are: Cantonese opera costumes, weapons used in Chinese martial arts, lion dance troupe equipment and costumes, old Chinese musical instruments, jewellery, opium pipes, and Cantonese opera scripts. Photography is forbidden. RM5 adults, RM2 children.

Johor Craft Complex, Lot. PTB 2002, Jl Cenderasari, Larkin 80350, +072350433. 09:00-18:00. Contains a so-called Treasured Possession Gallery exhibits batik, embroidery and beads. It also hosts a handicrafts fair on its premises once a year.

Johor Japan Football Gallery, Tan Sri Dato' Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium, Larkin. Gallery.

KTM Museum, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. The museum used to be the main railway station of Johor Bahru.

Malay Cultural Village, 33A Jalan Petaling, Kawasan Perindustrian Larkin, 80350. Cultural center.

Mawar Gallery, No. 888, Jalan Sungai Chat, 80100 (50 m west of the Thistle Hotel on the same side of the road, +6072214100. M-F 10:00-16:00. Complex consists of several buildings, among them a handicrafts workshop (closed to the public) and 'Rumah Mawar' (also known as 'Galeri Mawar'). The latter is housed in a pretty 2-storey white building. It has photos of members (especially female) of the Johor royal family and various famous women of Johor. There are also displays of clothes worn by Sultanah Zanariah on the first level and mannequins wearing wedding clothes and traditional Malay clothes on the second level. The admission of RM5 includes a mandatory guided tour of the 'Rumah Mawar'. You have to get one of the staff from the administration building to open the door to the 'Rumah Mawar'. He or she will act as a guide. Photography is forbidden except for the mannequin display on the second level. There is a small canteen selling Malay food at the entrance to the complex. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (one-way fare RM1) that go to Bukit Indah/Kulai/Selesa Jaya from opposite City Square (starting point) at Jl Wong Ah Fook or from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. Alight at the bus stop in front of the red-colored Sultanah Aminah Hospital on Jalan Abu Bakar. It is about 5 min walk from here.

Mini Kuso Trick Art, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/2, Taman Austin Perdana, 81100. Gallery.

• Adda Heights Park, Jalan Adda 2/4, Adda Heights, 81100. Park.
• Caryota Square, Jalan Setia Tropika 4, Setia Tropika, 81200. Park.
• Country Garden Central Park, Persiaran Aliff Harmoni Utama, Taman Damansara Aliff, 81200. Park.
• Danga Bay, Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar. It is a waterfront development with residential properties, commercial buildings and recreational facilities. The area features the Danga World Theme Park and Danga Bay Convention Centre. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (one-way fare RM1.60 or 1.70) that go to Bukit Indah/Kulai/Selesa Jaya from JB Sentral Terminal. You can take a tourist tram along the coastline area (RM5 per person, free for children below 3 years old).
• Dato Onn Village Recreational Area, Jalan Datin Halimah, Larkin Jaya. Park.
• Johor Zoo, Jalan Gertak Merah. 09:00-18:00. This is one of the oldest zoos in Malaysia. The zoo was built by Sultan Ibrahim in 1928 and became the private menagerie of the royal family. It was opened to the public in 1962. 5-hectare, run-down zoo that provides a dismal diversion to locals and Western tourists. It only has birds and mammals on display. There is a pond inside the zoo where you can rent boats as well as a children's playground. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (one-way fare RM1) that go to Bukit Indah/Kulai/Selesa Jaya from opposite City Square (starting point) at Jalan Wong Ah Fook or from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. RM2 adults, RM1 3-12 years old children, free 0-3 years old children.
• MBJB City Forest, Jalan Tasek Utara. 13 hectare recreational park. Maintained by the municipality and lying within easy reach of the city centre (the CIQ is only 3 km away), this gem of a public recreational park contains seven lakes surrounded by tropical rain forest. There is a big fountain at the north end of the southernmost lake. Within the park are jogging/hiking tracks, wooden bridges and platforms, a children's playground and an open-air swimming pool (open Fridays to Sundays only). There is also an orchid park with many different species of orchids. Anglers can fish by the lakes. There is a car park just beyond the park's entrance on Jalan Tasek Utara. There are food and beverage outlets beside the car park.
• Merdeka Park, Jalan Datin Halimah, 80200. Public park surrounding a large lake with pavilions, an open-air theatre, rock sculptures, an independence monument, 2 bridges, two twin 2-storey white buildings, cannons and a clock tower. Free.
• Pandan Lake Park, Jalan Harmoni Utama, Taman Desa Harmoni, 81100. Park.
• Riverside Park, Jalan Dato' Onn Utama. Park.
• Setia Indah Park, 10, Jalan Setia 3/1, Taman Setia Indah, 81100. Park.
• Taman Pelangi Indah Recreation Park, 12-20, Jalan Pesona 1, Taman Pelangi Indah, 81800 Ulu Tiram. Park.

Adda Heights Park, Jalan Adda 2/4, Adda Heights, 81100. Park.

Caryota Square, Jalan Setia Tropika 4, Setia Tropika, 81200. Park.

Country Garden Central Park, Persiaran Aliff Harmoni Utama, Taman Damansara Aliff, 81200. Park.

Danga Bay, Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar. It is a waterfront development with residential properties, commercial buildings and recreational facilities. The area features the Danga World Theme Park and Danga Bay Convention Centre. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (one-way fare RM1.60 or 1.70) that go to Bukit Indah/Kulai/Selesa Jaya from JB Sentral Terminal. You can take a tourist tram along the coastline area (RM5 per person, free for children below 3 years old).

Dato Onn Village Recreational Area, Jalan Datin Halimah, Larkin Jaya. Park.

Johor Zoo, Jalan Gertak Merah. 09:00-18:00. This is one of the oldest zoos in Malaysia. The zoo was built by Sultan Ibrahim in 1928 and became the private menagerie of the royal family. It was opened to the public in 1962. 5-hectare, run-down zoo that provides a dismal diversion to locals and Western tourists. It only has birds and mammals on display. There is a pond inside the zoo where you can rent boats as well as a children's playground. To get there from the city centre, take any of the very frequent buses (one-way fare RM1) that go to Bukit Indah/Kulai/Selesa Jaya from opposite City Square (starting point) at Jalan Wong Ah Fook or from the bus stop in front of the old railway station at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. RM2 adults, RM1 3-12 years old children, free 0-3 years old children.

MBJB City Forest, Jalan Tasek Utara. 13 hectare recreational park. Maintained by the municipality and lying within easy reach of the city centre (the CIQ is only 3 km away), this gem of a public recreational park contains seven lakes surrounded by tropical rain forest. There is a big fountain at the north end of the southernmost lake. Within the park are jogging/hiking tracks, wooden bridges and platforms, a children's playground and an open-air swimming pool (open Fridays to Sundays only). There is also an orchid park with many different species of orchids. Anglers can fish by the lakes. There is a car park just beyond the park's entrance on Jalan Tasek Utara. There are food and beverage outlets beside the car park.

Merdeka Park, Jalan Datin Halimah, 80200. Public park surrounding a large lake with pavilions, an open-air theatre, rock sculptures, an independence monument, 2 bridges, two twin 2-storey white buildings, cannons and a clock tower. Free.

Pandan Lake Park, Jalan Harmoni Utama, Taman Desa Harmoni, 81100. Park.

Riverside Park, Jalan Dato' Onn Utama. Park.

Setia Indah Park, 10, Jalan Setia 3/1, Taman Setia Indah, 81100. Park.

Taman Pelangi Indah Recreation Park, 12-20, Jalan Pesona 1, Taman Pelangi Indah, 81800 Ulu Tiram. Park.

• Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park, 71, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 (Take BET6 bus from JB Sentral towards Taman Setia Indah and alight at Taman Mount Austin., +60197163183. Water park 10:00-19:00, adventure park 10:00-18:00, sports & leisure park 10:00-22:00. Water Park Big Splash, Adventure Park, Jump Street Austin Heights, Drift in Austin, Skating Rink Austin Heights. Water park RM88, adventure park RM88, jump street RM28, skating rink RM28, drift RM28.
• Danga World Theme Park, Danga Bay, Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar. 3PM-12AM. An amusement park suitable for adult and children. Among the 20 rides are (price per person per ride, minimum RM4): Zamperla pirate ship (RM10), tea cups (RM4), 2-level merry-go-round (RM4), balloon ferris wheel (RM4), flying elephant, bumper car.
• Dinosaur Alive Water Theme Park, KSL Hotel & Resort, 33 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 (Take S1 bus from JB Sentral and alight at KSL City.. Water park.
• La Stella Water Theme Park, Starhill Golf and Country Club, 6.5KM, Jalan Kampung Maju Jaya, Kempas Lama, 81330 Skudai. 09:00-18:00. Water park. Adult RM10.60-25.00, children RM8.50-12.00.
• Tiram Indoor Water Park, Today's Mall, Jalan Kota Tinggi, 81800 Ulu Tiram, +6078640694. 10:30-22:00. Indoor water park. Adult RM14.70, children RM20.00.

Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park, 71, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 (Take BET6 bus from JB Sentral towards Taman Setia Indah and alight at Taman Mount Austin., +60197163183. Water park 10:00-19:00, adventure park 10:00-18:00, sports & leisure park 10:00-22:00. Water Park Big Splash, Adventure Park, Jump Street Austin Heights, Drift in Austin, Skating Rink Austin Heights. Water park RM88, adventure park RM88, jump street RM28, skating rink RM28, drift RM28.

Danga World Theme Park, Danga Bay, Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar. 3PM-12AM. An amusement park suitable for adult and children. Among the 20 rides are (price per person per ride, minimum RM4): Zamperla pirate ship (RM10), tea cups (RM4), 2-level merry-go-round (RM4), balloon ferris wheel (RM4), flying elephant, bumper car.

Dinosaur Alive Water Theme Park, KSL Hotel & Resort, 33 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 (Take S1 bus from JB Sentral and alight at KSL City.. Water park.

La Stella Water Theme Park, Starhill Golf and Country Club, 6.5KM, Jalan Kampung Maju Jaya, Kempas Lama, 81330 Skudai. 09:00-18:00. Water park. Adult RM10.60-25.00, children RM8.50-12.00.

Tiram Indoor Water Park, Today's Mall, Jalan Kota Tinggi, 81800 Ulu Tiram, +6078640694. 10:30-22:00. Indoor water park. Adult RM14.70, children RM20.00.

• Drift Culture Enterprise, 2nd floor, No. 20A, Jalan Gaya 2, Taman Gaya, 81800 Ulu Tiram. Mini 4WD and radio-controlled drifting.
• Lost in JB - The Haunted House, No.2 Jalan Austin Heights Utama, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, +6073645043. 12:30-23:30. Haunted house.
• Permas Go-Kart Club, Lot 1195, Jalan Bunga Matahari, Taman Plentong Baru, +60197111733. Go-kart track.
• Petit Climbing Center, Lot 432,Jalan Saujana Utama, Taman Saujana, 81750 Plentong, +60197166222. Wall climbing center.
• Rockworld, No. 6, Jalan Perniagaan Setia 4, Setia Business Park 2. Tu-F 17:00-23:00, Sa Su 10:00-23:00. Indoor wall climbing.

Drift Culture Enterprise, 2nd floor, No. 20A, Jalan Gaya 2, Taman Gaya, 81800 Ulu Tiram. Mini 4WD and radio-controlled drifting.

Lost in JB - The Haunted House, No.2 Jalan Austin Heights Utama, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, +6073645043. 12:30-23:30. Haunted house.

Permas Go-Kart Club, Lot 1195, Jalan Bunga Matahari, Taman Plentong Baru, +60197111733. Go-kart track.

Petit Climbing Center, Lot 432,Jalan Saujana Utama, Taman Saujana, 81750 Plentong, +60197166222. Wall climbing center.

Rockworld, No. 6, Jalan Perniagaan Setia 4, Setia Business Park 2. Tu-F 17:00-23:00, Sa Su 10:00-23:00. Indoor wall climbing.

• Austin Heights Golf and Hotel Resort, Lot Ptd 58061, Jalan Mutiara Emas 8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, +6073524300. Nestled amidst the lush greens of the 27-hole golf course, the resort clubhouse boasts 66 exclusive suites, free-form swimming pool, tennis courts, 8-lane bowling alley, sauna, jacuzzi, karaoke and banqueting facilities all under one roof.
• Daiman 18 Golf Club, No.18, Jalan Pesona, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100, +6073649770. Golf course.
• Daiman Bowl, No. 2, Jalan Dedap 3, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100, +6073513399. Su-Th 10:00-01:00, F Sa 10:00-02:00. Bowling center.
• Daiman Johor Jaya Sports Complex, No. 1, Jalan Dedap 3, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100, +6073551888. Sports complex with facilities such as swimming pool, badminton court, gymnasium, table tennis and sauna.
• Danga Futsal Centre, Lot 19120, Kampong Sungei Danga, 81200, +60197275912. Daily 08:00-02:00. Indoor futsal court.
• Johor Bahru City Council Swimming Pool Complex, Larkin Jaya 80350. Swimming pool. RM10.
• Johor Golf and Country Club, 3211 Jalan Larkin, 80200, +6072233322. Golf.
• Ponderosa Golf and Country Club, No. 3, Jalan Ponderosa 1, Taman Ponderosa, 81100, +6073549999. 08:30-20:00. Golf course.
• Permas Jaya Golf Club, 6 Bandar Baru, Jalan Permas Selatan, Permas Jaya,, 81750. Golf course.
• Sports Prima, PTD 64858, Jalan Sri Purnama 4, Perindustrian Sri Purnama, 81100, +6073349181. Sports center.
• Starhill Golf and Country Club, 6.5KM, Jalan Kampung Maju Jaya, Kempas Lama, 81330 Skudai, +6075588111. Golf.
• Tan Sri Dato' Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium, Jalan Dato Jaafar, Larkin, 80350. Football stadium. It also consists of the Johor Japan Football Gallery.

Austin Heights Golf and Hotel Resort, Lot Ptd 58061, Jalan Mutiara Emas 8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, +6073524300. Nestled amidst the lush greens of the 27-hole golf course, the resort clubhouse boasts 66 exclusive suites, free-form swimming pool, tennis courts, 8-lane bowling alley, sauna, jacuzzi, karaoke and banqueting facilities all under one roof.

Daiman 18 Golf Club, No.18, Jalan Pesona, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100, +6073649770. Golf course.

Daiman Bowl, No. 2, Jalan Dedap 3, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100, +6073513399. Su-Th 10:00-01:00, F Sa 10:00-02:00. Bowling center.

Daiman Johor Jaya Sports Complex, No. 1, Jalan Dedap 3, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100, +6073551888. Sports complex with facilities such as swimming pool, badminton court, gymnasium, table tennis and sauna.

Danga Futsal Centre, Lot 19120, Kampong Sungei Danga, 81200, +60197275912. Daily 08:00-02:00. Indoor futsal court.

Johor Bahru City Council Swimming Pool Complex, Larkin Jaya 80350. Swimming pool. RM10.

Johor Golf and Country Club, 3211 Jalan Larkin, 80200, +6072233322. Golf.

Ponderosa Golf and Country Club, No. 3, Jalan Ponderosa 1, Taman Ponderosa, 81100, +6073549999. 08:30-20:00. Golf course.

Permas Jaya Golf Club, 6 Bandar Baru, Jalan Permas Selatan, Permas Jaya,, 81750. Golf course.

Sports Prima, PTD 64858, Jalan Sri Purnama 4, Perindustrian Sri Purnama, 81100, +6073349181. Sports center.

Starhill Golf and Country Club, 6.5KM, Jalan Kampung Maju Jaya, Kempas Lama, 81330 Skudai, +6075588111. Golf.

Tan Sri Dato' Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium, Jalan Dato Jaafar, Larkin, 80350. Football stadium. It also consists of the Johor Japan Football Gallery.

There are four major cineplexes in Johor Bahru - Tanjung Golden Village, Golden Screen Cinemas, MBO Cinemas and Cathay Cinemas. Minimum/maximum adult ticket prices for 2D movies (minimum prices on one or more weekdays, in particular Wednesdays; maximum prices during weekends and public holidays) - Tanjung Golden Village RM8/13, Golden Screen RM6/9, MBO RM10/11 and Cathay RM6/12. 3D movies command higher ticket prices.

• Broadway Theater, No. 41, Jalan Segget, 80000. This is an old movie theater in the city centre, about 100 m southeast of the Sri Raja Mariamman Hindu temple, that shows only Tamil-language movies.

Broadway Theater, No. 41, Jalan Segget, 80000. This is an old movie theater in the city centre, about 100 m southeast of the Sri Raja Mariamman Hindu temple, that shows only Tamil-language movies.

Organized by The Johor Society for the Performing Arts, Johor Bahru (and Iskandar Puteri) holds various annual entertainment and cultural festivals, such as Johor Bahru Arts Festival, Johor Bahru Film Festival, Johor Bahru Classical Music Festival, Johor Bahru Indigenous Festival and Johor Bahru Writers and Readers Festival since 2004, making it Malaysia's longest-running arts festival that covers all disciplines of performing arts.

• Petrosains PlaySmart Johor Bahru, Jalan Yahya Awal. Sa-W 09:00-17:30, The 09:00-16:00. Science center. Free.
• Johor Strait Boat Ride, Danga Bay, Johor Bahru City Square. Thursday-Sunday & public holiday. Explore the Johor Strait from a boat departing from Danga Bay to Johor Bahru City Square. The boat carries maximum 15 people per ride with minimum departure of 13 people. RM10.

Petrosains PlaySmart Johor Bahru, Jalan Yahya Awal. Sa-W 09:00-17:30, The 09:00-16:00. Science center. Free.

Johor Strait Boat Ride, Danga Bay, Johor Bahru City Square. Thursday-Sunday & public holiday. Explore the Johor Strait from a boat departing from Danga Bay to Johor Bahru City Square. The boat carries maximum 15 people per ride with minimum departure of 13 people. RM10.

• AEON Mall Bandar Dato' Onn, No. 3, Jalan Dato' Onn 3, Bandar Dato Onn 81100. Su-Th 10:00-22:00, F Sa 10:00-23:00. Shopping mall.
• AEON Permas Jaya, No. 1, Jalan Permas Jaya Utara, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 (Take 23, 123, S&S2 bus towards Permas Jaya or BET4, BET5, bus towards Kota Masai from JB Sentral Terminal and alight at AEON Permas Jaya. Su-Th 10:00-22:00, F Sa 10:00-23:00. Shopping mall.
• AEON Tebrau City, No. 1, Jalan Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100, +6073522220. Su-Th 10:00-22:00, F Sa 10:00-23:00. Almost half of the mall's three-level floor area is occupied by the JUSCO hypermarket (on all the 3 levels). There are numerous international fashion shops like Giordano, MNG, Esprit, Dorothy Perkins. It is at the junction of Tebrau Highway (also known as Jalan Pandan) and Jalan Desa Tebrau. There are many buses going there from the bus stop opposite City Square at Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Take any bus that goes to Kota Tinggi or Ulu Tiram, e.g Maju 227, Causeway Link 6B. The one-way bus fare is RM2.40 or RM2.50. A metered taxi fare will cost you about RM16.
• Angsana Johor Bahru Mall, No. 52, Jalan Tampoi, Pusat Bandar Tampoi, Bandar Baru Uda, 82100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, +6072351420. 10:00-22:00. Shopping mall.
• Capital City Mall, 83 Jalan Tampoi Bandar Baru Uda, Jalan Tampoi, Bandar Baru Uda, 81200, +6072448322. Shopping mall with MCM Studio indoor theme park, which consists of Dinocore Extreme Activity Park, Garfield Family Escape Playland, Larva Underground Adventure World and Harry Bunnie Magic Wonderland.
• Holiday Plaza, Jalan Dato' Sulaiman, Taman Century (Take S1 bus from JB Sentral and alight at Holiday Plaza. A very long shopping mall. The Parkson department store here occupies 4 levels. It has food outlets.
• Johor Bahru City Square, No. 106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook (across Jl Tun Abdul Razak from the JB Sentral train station, +6072263668. 10:00-22:00. A pedestrian bridge connects the mall to JB Sentral, which is connected to the CIQ by a pedestrian bridge. It has 270 sales outlets, including 50 food and beverage outlets. There is a Cathay Cineplex on levels 5 and 7, and beside it (on level 5) is a food court run by Food Junction. There is free Wi-Fi in all public areas.
• Galleria @ Kotaraya, Jalan Trus, 80000. Shopping mall.
• IKEA Tebrau, No. 33, Jalan Harmonium 23/13, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 (Take IKEA free shuttle bus from JB Sentral, +60379527575. Su-Th 10:00-22:00, F Sa 10:00-23:00. Furniture supermarket.
• Komtar JBCC, Johor Bahru City Centre, 80000, +6072679900. Komtar JBCC is a three-level shopping mall in Johor Bahru. It s next to the popular Johor Bahru City Square. It is located next to the original Komtar building, being an extension of the original building. The Angry Birds Activity Park is located at the 3rd level of the shopping mall.
• KSL City, No. 33, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250, +6072882888. daily 10:00-22:00. The 4-storey shopping mall that is part of a shopping-residential-hotel complex. It has 350 sales outlets, including 70 food and beverage outlets and a eight-screen cineplex. A metered taxi from City Square at Jl Wong Ah Fook to here costs about RM4 (excluding waiting time), and there are many buses (one-way fare from City Square RM1.20 or RM1.30) that go past the Jalan Datok Sulaiman/Tebrau Highway junction. Maju bus number IM17 (one-way fare RM1.50) travels between Holiday Plaza (final stop) and City Square, passing by KSL City. Causeway Link S1 bus (one-way fare RM1.50) travels between City Square and KSL City every 20 min in both directions 08:30-23:00, with decreasing frequencies 08:30-10:00 and 20:00-23:00.
• Mid Valley SouthKey The Mall, Jalan Bakar Batu, Southkey, 81100, +6073369288. Shopping mall
• Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, Jalan Skudai, 81200, +6072313888. 10:00-22:00. The largest shopping mall in Johor.
• Plaza Larkin, Jalan Garuda, Larkin Jaya, 80350. This is a place for those interested in the latest fashions, with its number of clothing boutiques. There is an Internet cafe, a computer shop and a money changer on the first level. Also in the same building on the first level is food court (Selera Johor 'Johore delights'; see 'Eat, budget, hawker centres' section) that serves mostly Johorian cuisine.
• Plaza Pelangi, No. 2, Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. 10AM-10PM. Shopping mall
• Plaza Sentosa, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. The main tenant here is The Store department store, which occupies 4 levels. Causeway Link's CT1 bus (runs between Kotaraya bus terminal and Bayu Puteri, via City Square) passes by Plaza Sentosa.
• R&F Mall, Jalan Tanjung Puteri, 80300 (Walk from Johor Bahru Sentral Railway Station, +6072772777. 10AM-10PM. Shopping mall.
• Stellar Walk, Jalan Persiaran Senibong, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750. Shopping mall.
• The Zone Duty Free, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan (Take P-102 bus from JB Sentral Terminal and alight at Stulang Inbound. The Zone Duty Free is a shopping mall which has several duty-free (chocolate, alcohol and tobacco) specialty outlets among its 60 sales outlets. It also has a supermarket and food court in the basement. The Berjaya Waterfront Hotel is also housed in the same building. You have to declare all dutiable goods purchased in the complex and which you intend to bring out of the complex at the customs checkpoint upon leaving the complex.

AEON Mall Bandar Dato' Onn, No. 3, Jalan Dato' Onn 3, Bandar Dato Onn 81100. Su-Th 10:00-22:00, F Sa 10:00-23:00. Shopping mall.

AEON Permas Jaya, No. 1, Jalan Permas Jaya Utara, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 (Take 23, 123, S&S2 bus towards Permas Jaya or BET4, BET5, bus towards Kota Masai from JB Sentral Terminal and alight at AEON Permas Jaya. Su-Th 10:00-22:00, F Sa 10:00-23:00. Shopping mall.

AEON Tebrau City, No. 1, Jalan Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100, +6073522220. Su-Th 10:00-22:00, F Sa 10:00-23:00. Almost half of the mall's three-level floor area is occupied by the JUSCO hypermarket (on all the 3 levels). There are numerous international fashion shops like Giordano, MNG, Esprit, Dorothy Perkins. It is at the junction of Tebrau Highway (also known as Jalan Pandan) and Jalan Desa Tebrau. There are many buses going there from the bus stop opposite City Square at Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Take any bus that goes to Kota Tinggi or Ulu Tiram, e.g Maju 227, Causeway Link 6B. The one-way bus fare is RM2.40 or RM2.50. A metered taxi fare will cost you about RM16.

Angsana Johor Bahru Mall, No. 52, Jalan Tampoi, Pusat Bandar Tampoi, Bandar Baru Uda, 82100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, +6072351420. 10:00-22:00. Shopping mall.

Capital City Mall, 83 Jalan Tampoi Bandar Baru Uda, Jalan Tampoi, Bandar Baru Uda, 81200, +6072448322. Shopping mall with MCM Studio indoor theme park, which consists of Dinocore Extreme Activity Park, Garfield Family Escape Playland, Larva Underground Adventure World and Harry Bunnie Magic Wonderland.

Holiday Plaza, Jalan Dato' Sulaiman, Taman Century (Take S1 bus from JB Sentral and alight at Holiday Plaza. A very long shopping mall. The Parkson department store here occupies 4 levels. It has food outlets.

Johor Bahru City Square, No. 106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook (across Jl Tun Abdul Razak from the JB Sentral train station, +6072263668. 10:00-22:00. A pedestrian bridge connects the mall to JB Sentral, which is connected to the CIQ by a pedestrian bridge. It has 270 sales outlets, including 50 food and beverage outlets. There is a Cathay Cineplex on levels 5 and 7, and beside it (on level 5) is a food court run by Food Junction. There is free Wi-Fi in all public areas.

Galleria @ Kotaraya, Jalan Trus, 80000. Shopping mall.

IKEA Tebrau, No. 33, Jalan Harmonium 23/13, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 (Take IKEA free shuttle bus from JB Sentral, +60379527575. Su-Th 10:00-22:00, F Sa 10:00-23:00. Furniture supermarket.

Komtar JBCC, Johor Bahru City Centre, 80000, +6072679900. Komtar JBCC is a three-level shopping mall in Johor Bahru. It s next to the popular Johor Bahru City Square. It is located next to the original Komtar building, being an extension of the original building. The Angry Birds Activity Park is located at the 3rd level of the shopping mall.

KSL City, No. 33, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250, +6072882888. daily 10:00-22:00. The 4-storey shopping mall that is part of a shopping-residential-hotel complex. It has 350 sales outlets, including 70 food and beverage outlets and a eight-screen cineplex. A metered taxi from City Square at Jl Wong Ah Fook to here costs about RM4 (excluding waiting time), and there are many buses (one-way fare from City Square RM1.20 or RM1.30) that go past the Jalan Datok Sulaiman/Tebrau Highway junction. Maju bus number IM17 (one-way fare RM1.50) travels between Holiday Plaza (final stop) and City Square, passing by KSL City. Causeway Link S1 bus (one-way fare RM1.50) travels between City Square and KSL City every 20 min in both directions 08:30-23:00, with decreasing frequencies 08:30-10:00 and 20:00-23:00.

Mid Valley SouthKey The Mall, Jalan Bakar Batu, Southkey, 81100, +6073369288. Shopping mall

Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, Jalan Skudai, 81200, +6072313888. 10:00-22:00. The largest shopping mall in Johor.

Plaza Larkin, Jalan Garuda, Larkin Jaya, 80350. This is a place for those interested in the latest fashions, with its number of clothing boutiques. There is an Internet cafe, a computer shop and a money changer on the first level. Also in the same building on the first level is food court (Selera Johor 'Johore delights'; see 'Eat, budget, hawker centres' section) that serves mostly Johorian cuisine.

Plaza Pelangi, No. 2, Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. 10AM-10PM. Shopping mall

Plaza Sentosa, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. The main tenant here is The Store department store, which occupies 4 levels. Causeway Link's CT1 bus (runs between Kotaraya bus terminal and Bayu Puteri, via City Square) passes by Plaza Sentosa.

R&F Mall, Jalan Tanjung Puteri, 80300 (Walk from Johor Bahru Sentral Railway Station, +6072772777. 10AM-10PM. Shopping mall.

Stellar Walk, Jalan Persiaran Senibong, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750. Shopping mall.

The Zone Duty Free, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan (Take P-102 bus from JB Sentral Terminal and alight at Stulang Inbound. The Zone Duty Free is a shopping mall which has several duty-free (chocolate, alcohol and tobacco) specialty outlets among its 60 sales outlets. It also has a supermarket and food court in the basement. The Berjaya Waterfront Hotel is also housed in the same building. You have to declare all dutiable goods purchased in the complex and which you intend to bring out of the complex at the customs checkpoint upon leaving the complex.

• @mart Kempas, Lot No AT05 & AT06, Jalan Persiaran Tanjung, Taman Dahlia, 81200, +6072340950. Supermarket.
• EconSave Cash & Carry, Jalan Nipah 17, Taman Daya, 81100. Supermarket.
• Econsave Permas Jaya. Supermarket.
• Giant Plentong, No. 3, Jalan Masai Lama, Plentong, 81750 Masai, +6073581402. Supermarket.
• Giant Tampoi, Lot 54, Jalan Skudai, Tampoi. M-F 09:00-23:00, Sa Su 08:00-00:00. Supermarket.
• KiP Mart Tampoi, 01-03, Jalan Titiwangsa 1, KIP Villa Indah, Taman Tampoi Indah, 81200. Supermarket and wet market.
• Maslee Setia Indah, BZZ-6, Kompleks Pasar Setia Indah, Jalan Setia Indah 3/7, Taman Setia Indah, 81100, +6073572188. M-Th 10:00-22:00, F-Su 09:30-22:00. Supermarket.
• Midas Mart, Kawasan Perindustrian Pandan, 81100. Supermarket.
• Mydin Mall Pelangi Indah, Taman Pelangi Indah, Ulu Tiram 81800, +6096276786. 07:00-00:00. Supermarket.
• Southern City, No. 3, Jalan Suria 19, Taman Suria, 81100. Supermarket with Giant as the main anchor.
• Tesco Desa Tebrau, No. 1, Jalan Persiaran Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100, +6073540770. Su-Th 08:00-23:00, F Sa 08:00-01:00. Supermarket.
• Tesco Extra Plentong, Lot 34, Jalan Masai, Batu 10, Masai, 81750, +6073553259. Su-Th 08:00-23:00, F Sa 08:00-00:00. Supermarket.

@mart Kempas, Lot No AT05 & AT06, Jalan Persiaran Tanjung, Taman Dahlia, 81200, +6072340950. Supermarket.

EconSave Cash & Carry, Jalan Nipah 17, Taman Daya, 81100. Supermarket.

Econsave Permas Jaya. Supermarket.

Giant Plentong, No. 3, Jalan Masai Lama, Plentong, 81750 Masai, +6073581402. Supermarket.

Giant Tampoi, Lot 54, Jalan Skudai, Tampoi. M-F 09:00-23:00, Sa Su 08:00-00:00. Supermarket.

KiP Mart Tampoi, 01-03, Jalan Titiwangsa 1, KIP Villa Indah, Taman Tampoi Indah, 81200. Supermarket and wet market.

Maslee Setia Indah, BZZ-6, Kompleks Pasar Setia Indah, Jalan Setia Indah 3/7, Taman Setia Indah, 81100, +6073572188. M-Th 10:00-22:00, F-Su 09:30-22:00. Supermarket.

Midas Mart, Kawasan Perindustrian Pandan, 81100. Supermarket.

Mydin Mall Pelangi Indah, Taman Pelangi Indah, Ulu Tiram 81800, +6096276786. 07:00-00:00. Supermarket.

Southern City, No. 3, Jalan Suria 19, Taman Suria, 81100. Supermarket with Giant as the main anchor.

Tesco Desa Tebrau, No. 1, Jalan Persiaran Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100, +6073540770. Su-Th 08:00-23:00, F Sa 08:00-01:00. Supermarket.

Tesco Extra Plentong, Lot 34, Jalan Masai, Batu 10, Masai, 81750, +6073553259. Su-Th 08:00-23:00, F Sa 08:00-00:00. Supermarket.

• Johor Jaya Wet Market, Taman Johor Jaya. Wet market.
• Larkin Public Market, Jalan Kenyalang, Kampung Dato Onn Jaafar, 80350. Market.
• Majidee Malay Village Market, Jalan Masjid, Kampung Melayu Majidee. Market.
• Suria Market, Jalan Suria 18, Taman Suria. Market and food court.

Johor Jaya Wet Market, Taman Johor Jaya. Wet market.

Larkin Public Market, Jalan Kenyalang, Kampung Dato Onn Jaafar, 80350. Market.

Majidee Malay Village Market, Jalan Masjid, Kampung Melayu Majidee. Market.

Suria Market, Jalan Suria 18, Taman Suria. Market and food court.

• Pandan City Mall, Jalan Seri Purnama, Kawasan Perindustrian Seri Pernama, 81100.
• Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation Handicrafts Centre, 18 Jalan Sungai Chat, Sri Gelam. The JARO Handicrafts Centre sells hand-made products such as rattan baskets, customised book-binds, batik handbags, denim shopping bags, patchwork bed linen, soft toys, etc. all produced by the physically-disabled people. JARO is a charitable organisation that provides vocational training and paid jobs for the physically-disabled.
• Landmark IT Mall, 12 Jl Ngee Heng, (600 m northwest of the CIQ). 6-level shopping mall is housed within the 10-storey podium of the twin-tower 35-storey Menara Landmark building. It only deals in IT products - computers and accessories, and mobile phones and accessories. There is a small food court at the basement.
• Jalan Segget Bazaar, Jl Segget, a street that runs between Jl Ibrahim and Jl Wong Ah Fook. Daily open-air bazaar in the heart of JB with business from 18:00-02:00. This is a bazaar that sells mostly clothes, and also a wide range of other products - bags, belts, electric fans, food and drinks, footwear, handphone (mobile phone) accessories, perfumes, sunglasses, toys, wallets and watches.

Pandan City Mall, Jalan Seri Purnama, Kawasan Perindustrian Seri Pernama, 81100.

Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation Handicrafts Centre, 18 Jalan Sungai Chat, Sri Gelam. The JARO Handicrafts Centre sells hand-made products such as rattan baskets, customised book-binds, batik handbags, denim shopping bags, patchwork bed linen, soft toys, etc. all produced by the physically-disabled people. JARO is a charitable organisation that provides vocational training and paid jobs for the physically-disabled.

Landmark IT Mall, 12 Jl Ngee Heng, (600 m northwest of the CIQ). 6-level shopping mall is housed within the 10-storey podium of the twin-tower 35-storey Menara Landmark building. It only deals in IT products - computers and accessories, and mobile phones and accessories. There is a small food court at the basement.

Jalan Segget Bazaar, Jl Segget, a street that runs between Jl Ibrahim and Jl Wong Ah Fook. Daily open-air bazaar in the heart of JB with business from 18:00-02:00. This is a bazaar that sells mostly clothes, and also a wide range of other products - bags, belts, electric fans, food and drinks, footwear, handphone (mobile phone) accessories, perfumes, sunglasses, toys, wallets and watches.

Most of the food stalls and dining spots in the city come alive when night falls over the city. Common dishes include seafood and some Johor specialities like laksa and mee rebus. The adventurous can head for the stalls at Lido Beach and Stulang Laut to try the local favourites and hawker fare.

Do beware of menus without prices, especially when ordering seafood, or you may be in for an unpleasant surprise.

There are many pusat penjaja or hawker centres across Johor Bahru. Hawker centres are basically a collection of pushcart, van or fixed stall vendors selling food or drinks in one particular area. Food and drinks are sold cheaply in these areas. Among the more well-known hawker centres are as follow:

• Tepian Tebrau. Stalls open daily 12:00-17:00 - most of them open at or after 15:00 - and close 21:00-23:59.. 32 fixed stalls underneath a long and narrow open-air shed serving a catch-all of Malaysian food. It is famous for its seafood, especially ikan bakar (grilled fish).
• Selera Johor Johore delights Food Court, Jl Geruda (beside Plaza Larkin, across the road from the Larkin bus terminal. 22 fixed food and drink stalls serving, as the name suggests, mostly Johorian cuisine.
• Medan Steamboat Luton Van Dataran Bandaraya, Jalan Abdul Samad. It is located just beside the Dataran Bandaraya - the building with the distinctive yellow clock tower. This is an open-air hawker centre with almost 20 van stalls, with tables and chairs under plastic shelters. It specializes in 'steamboat', which is actually pieces of meat, seafood or vegetables on wooden skewers cooked in boiling water and then eaten with sauces. Daily typically 18:00-02:00.
• Medan Selera Sungai Chat, intersection of Jl Abu Bakar and Jl Sungai Chat (about 500 m southwest of the Thistle Hotel). 8 fixed stalls, some of them specialising in ikan bakar (grilled fish). Open-air seating underneath plastic shelters.
• Medan Selera Meldrum Walk, (along Meldrum Walk, a pedestrianised street between Jl Siu Koon and Jl Stesyen, runs parallel to Jl Meldrum and Jl Wong Ah Fook). 90 food and drinks pushcart stalls to choose from, all serving Malaysian (Chinese, Malay, Indian) cuisine. The disadvantage is that the tables and chairs are all in the open air. Stalls open from the late afternoon onwards.
• Pusat Penjaja Taman Sri Tebrau, (on the south side of Jalan Keris, 200-300 m east of the Tebrau Highway-Jl Keris junction and Crystal Crown Hotel respectively.). Hawker centre with 118 fixed stalls.
• Pusat Penjaja Jalan Perang Taman Pelangi, (at the junction of Jl Perang and Jl Sri Pelangi, just opposite a big mosque - Masjid Jamek Taqwa Taman Pelangi - with a golden, onion-shaped dome). Hawker centre with 20 pushcart stalls, 300-400 m southwest of the Pelangi Leisure Mall. One of the hawkers sells satay sticks for RM0.60 each, peanut sauce and cucumbers included. There is another stall serving clay pot chicken rice for RM6.50 each.

Tepian Tebrau. Stalls open daily 12:00-17:00 - most of them open at or after 15:00 - and close 21:00-23:59.. 32 fixed stalls underneath a long and narrow open-air shed serving a catch-all of Malaysian food. It is famous for its seafood, especially ikan bakar (grilled fish).

Selera Johor Johore delights Food Court, Jl Geruda (beside Plaza Larkin, across the road from the Larkin bus terminal. 22 fixed food and drink stalls serving, as the name suggests, mostly Johorian cuisine.

Medan Steamboat Luton Van Dataran Bandaraya, Jalan Abdul Samad. It is located just beside the Dataran Bandaraya - the building with the distinctive yellow clock tower. This is an open-air hawker centre with almost 20 van stalls, with tables and chairs under plastic shelters. It specializes in 'steamboat', which is actually pieces of meat, seafood or vegetables on wooden skewers cooked in boiling water and then eaten with sauces. Daily typically 18:00-02:00.

Medan Selera Sungai Chat, intersection of Jl Abu Bakar and Jl Sungai Chat (about 500 m southwest of the Thistle Hotel). 8 fixed stalls, some of them specialising in ikan bakar (grilled fish). Open-air seating underneath plastic shelters.

Medan Selera Meldrum Walk, (along Meldrum Walk, a pedestrianised street between Jl Siu Koon and Jl Stesyen, runs parallel to Jl Meldrum and Jl Wong Ah Fook). 90 food and drinks pushcart stalls to choose from, all serving Malaysian (Chinese, Malay, Indian) cuisine. The disadvantage is that the tables and chairs are all in the open air. Stalls open from the late afternoon onwards.

Pusat Penjaja Taman Sri Tebrau, (on the south side of Jalan Keris, 200-300 m east of the Tebrau Highway-Jl Keris junction and Crystal Crown Hotel respectively.). Hawker centre with 118 fixed stalls.

Pusat Penjaja Jalan Perang Taman Pelangi, (at the junction of Jl Perang and Jl Sri Pelangi, just opposite a big mosque - Masjid Jamek Taqwa Taman Pelangi - with a golden, onion-shaped dome). Hawker centre with 20 pushcart stalls, 300-400 m southwest of the Pelangi Leisure Mall. One of the hawkers sells satay sticks for RM0.60 each, peanut sauce and cucumbers included. There is another stall serving clay pot chicken rice for RM6.50 each.

• Bulat Bulat Corner, Jalan Dato Jaafar, Larkin Jaya, 80350 Larkin. Food courts serving Malay foods.
• Pandan City Mall, Jalan Seri Purnama, Kawasan Perindustrian Seri Pernama, 81100. Malay foods.
• Restoran ZZ, 20B Jalan Sungai Chat, +6072240417. It is at the end of this road, and just before the start of Jalan Mahmoodiah, behind the Sultanah Aminah Hospital, 200 m east of the Thistle Hotel. Popular low-key eatery serving Malay and Thai dishes, with a total of 60 items on its menu. Besides ordering full-plate or full-bowl dishes (different menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner), you can also get servings from the more than 20 dishes on the buffet counters (self-service) - you will be charged accordingly for each of these servings. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con, seating capacity for about 100 persons. M-F 06:30-23:00, Sa-Su 06:30-16:00.
• Mee Rebus Stulang. k21 Selera Johor Johore Delights Food Court, beside Plaza Larkin (since late 2010) and across the road from the Larkin bus terminal at Jalan Geruda. This Malay-operated mee rebus outlet used to operate out of a van, with tables and chairs underneath a large shade, at the car park behind the grey Open University (Universiti Terbuka Malaysia) building. It costs RM3.50 for the normal ('biasa') plate, RM4.00 for the large ('besar') plate and RM5.00 for the special plate which has toppings of boiled prawns and mushrooms. Daily 08:00-22:00.
• Nasi Lemak Senibong. Located in Kampung Senibong, it has been serving one of the best Nasi Lemak in Johor Bahru. Costing RM4 per plate, it consists of coconut-flavoured rice, chicken (comes in three flavours), an egg and sambal (traditional Malay chili sauce).
• Restoran Mustika Zamzam, Jalan Datuk Abdullah Tahir (between the Restoran Carabao and the New York Hotel). This restaurant serves mostly local cuisine such as mee goreng, chicken/beef/mutton murtabak, naan, capati, nasi beriani ayam/daging/ikan/kambing (chicken/beef/fish/mutton), nasi campur, nasi goreng, nasi kandar, nasi lemak, roti (23 types), chicken/beef/mutton soup, tandoori chicken, tosai (7 types), etc. The restaurant has 2 flat-screen cable TVs and a bigger white screen with cable TV projector. Open 24 hrs and no air-con.
• Restoran E & Y, 1 Jalan Maju, Taman Pelangi, +6073322786. This restaurant serves cheap Malay and Mamak food. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con. Free Wi-Fi Internet access. Open 24 hr. There is another outlet (also open 24 hr and no air-con) at the junction of Jalan Lingkaran Dalam and Jalan Ah Siang, right beside the Menara MSC Cyberport skycraper. This outlet has a more extensive menu than the one at Taman Pelangi, and some of its dishes have different prices compared to similar dishes at Taman Pelangi.
• Restoran Seri Madina, at the junction of Jalan Siu Nam and Jalan Meldrum. Mamak, halal restaurant in the heart of the city, serving Mamak and Malay cuisine such as biryani, murtabak, mee goreng, nasi goreng, and roti. There is no government tax or service tax. Open daily 24 hr and no air-con.
• Restoran Yasin, 4, Jalan Sungai Chat (Wisma M.T.P. Abdul Kadir, just opposite and east of the Thistle Hotel). This restaurant serves cheap Malay and Mamak food. There is no government tax or service charge. It has an air-con and a non air-con section. The air-con section is open 10:00-22:00 daily. There is a flat-screen cable TV in the non air-con section. The non air-con section is open 24 hrs daily.

Bulat Bulat Corner, Jalan Dato Jaafar, Larkin Jaya, 80350 Larkin. Food courts serving Malay foods.

Pandan City Mall, Jalan Seri Purnama, Kawasan Perindustrian Seri Pernama, 81100. Malay foods.

Restoran ZZ, 20B Jalan Sungai Chat, +6072240417. It is at the end of this road, and just before the start of Jalan Mahmoodiah, behind the Sultanah Aminah Hospital, 200 m east of the Thistle Hotel. Popular low-key eatery serving Malay and Thai dishes, with a total of 60 items on its menu. Besides ordering full-plate or full-bowl dishes (different menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner), you can also get servings from the more than 20 dishes on the buffet counters (self-service) - you will be charged accordingly for each of these servings. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con, seating capacity for about 100 persons. M-F 06:30-23:00, Sa-Su 06:30-16:00.

Mee Rebus Stulang. k21 Selera Johor Johore Delights Food Court, beside Plaza Larkin (since late 2010) and across the road from the Larkin bus terminal at Jalan Geruda. This Malay-operated mee rebus outlet used to operate out of a van, with tables and chairs underneath a large shade, at the car park behind the grey Open University (Universiti Terbuka Malaysia) building. It costs RM3.50 for the normal ('biasa') plate, RM4.00 for the large ('besar') plate and RM5.00 for the special plate which has toppings of boiled prawns and mushrooms. Daily 08:00-22:00.

Nasi Lemak Senibong. Located in Kampung Senibong, it has been serving one of the best Nasi Lemak in Johor Bahru. Costing RM4 per plate, it consists of coconut-flavoured rice, chicken (comes in three flavours), an egg and sambal (traditional Malay chili sauce).

Restoran Mustika Zamzam, Jalan Datuk Abdullah Tahir (between the Restoran Carabao and the New York Hotel). This restaurant serves mostly local cuisine such as mee goreng, chicken/beef/mutton murtabak, naan, capati, nasi beriani ayam/daging/ikan/kambing (chicken/beef/fish/mutton), nasi campur, nasi goreng, nasi kandar, nasi lemak, roti (23 types), chicken/beef/mutton soup, tandoori chicken, tosai (7 types), etc. The restaurant has 2 flat-screen cable TVs and a bigger white screen with cable TV projector. Open 24 hrs and no air-con.

Restoran E & Y, 1 Jalan Maju, Taman Pelangi, +6073322786. This restaurant serves cheap Malay and Mamak food. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con. Free Wi-Fi Internet access. Open 24 hr. There is another outlet (also open 24 hr and no air-con) at the junction of Jalan Lingkaran Dalam and Jalan Ah Siang, right beside the Menara MSC Cyberport skycraper. This outlet has a more extensive menu than the one at Taman Pelangi, and some of its dishes have different prices compared to similar dishes at Taman Pelangi.

Restoran Seri Madina, at the junction of Jalan Siu Nam and Jalan Meldrum. Mamak, halal restaurant in the heart of the city, serving Mamak and Malay cuisine such as biryani, murtabak, mee goreng, nasi goreng, and roti. There is no government tax or service tax. Open daily 24 hr and no air-con.

Restoran Yasin, 4, Jalan Sungai Chat (Wisma M.T.P. Abdul Kadir, just opposite and east of the Thistle Hotel). This restaurant serves cheap Malay and Mamak food. There is no government tax or service charge. It has an air-con and a non air-con section. The air-con section is open 10:00-22:00 daily. There is a flat-screen cable TV in the non air-con section. The non air-con section is open 24 hrs daily.

• Restoran Soon Mee, No. 166, Jalan Sri Pelangi, Taman Pelangi, 80400, +6073341229. Chinese and western restaurant.
• Kedai Makanan Mee Hoon Kueh, 56 JL Sutera (on the south side of this street), 600 m east of the Jl Sutera-Tebrau Highway junction. 4 different varieties of the mee hoon kueh dish. It also serves curry mee. There is no government tax or service charge. air-con. Tu-Su 12:30-22:00.
• Restoran Yi Bao, 5 Jl Maju, (across the street from Plaza Pelangi). 'Mee hoon kueh' is the only dish served here, it is a popular Chinese delicacy where pieces of flour cake, meatballs, mincemeat, vegetables, fragrantly deep-fried anchovies and eggs are cooked in a thick soup. A noodle version is also available. Expect large crowds of office-going workers during lunch hours and it can get very crowded on weekends. Non-halal. Open M-W, F-Su 09:30-22:00, closed Th.
• Restoran Shang Ji, JL Lumba Kuda. 4 main stalls, two of which (Cathay laksa and duck noodles). Cathay laksa (small/big serving RM4/5); beef noodles (RM7); duck noodles (small/big serving RM4/5); fish ball soup RM5/fish slice soup RM6-8. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con. Open Tu-Su 07:30-16:00. Any of the main stalls can close as early as 13:00 if all their food has been sold.
• Woon Kiang Restaurant, Jl Stulang Darat (150 m southwest of the T junction comprising this road, Jl Stulang Laut and Jl Pasir Pelangi). Johor Bahru style kuay teow kia, boiled in a herbal-like soup and served with pig offal, braised duck meat, preserved salted vegetables, braised half-boiled eggs and various types of beancurd. Closed Su.
• W.W. Laksa House, 36A and 36A1, Jalan Kolam Ayer (beside the 7-Eleven store and 300-400m north of the Kolam Ayer mosque, +60 12 799 0979, +60 12 727 3755. Open daily 07:00-16:00, closed on alternate Tuesdays. As the name suggests, it specializes in laksa. It also serves 'dry mee' and 'mee soup' for the same prices. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con.
• Restoran Yew Swee, 64, Jalan Harimau Tarum (in a very long row of shophouses on the west edge of the Tebrau Highway), opposite the vast, empty field (Taman Tebrau Jaya) that just abuts the north side of Plaza Pelangi. Laksa, mee hoon kuih, dry mee or mee soup. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con. Open M-Sa 08:00-17:00.

Restoran Soon Mee, No. 166, Jalan Sri Pelangi, Taman Pelangi, 80400, +6073341229. Chinese and western restaurant.

Kedai Makanan Mee Hoon Kueh, 56 JL Sutera (on the south side of this street), 600 m east of the Jl Sutera-Tebrau Highway junction. 4 different varieties of the mee hoon kueh dish. It also serves curry mee. There is no government tax or service charge. air-con. Tu-Su 12:30-22:00.

Restoran Yi Bao, 5 Jl Maju, (across the street from Plaza Pelangi). 'Mee hoon kueh' is the only dish served here, it is a popular Chinese delicacy where pieces of flour cake, meatballs, mincemeat, vegetables, fragrantly deep-fried anchovies and eggs are cooked in a thick soup. A noodle version is also available. Expect large crowds of office-going workers during lunch hours and it can get very crowded on weekends. Non-halal. Open M-W, F-Su 09:30-22:00, closed Th.

Restoran Shang Ji, JL Lumba Kuda. 4 main stalls, two of which (Cathay laksa and duck noodles). Cathay laksa (small/big serving RM4/5); beef noodles (RM7); duck noodles (small/big serving RM4/5); fish ball soup RM5/fish slice soup RM6-8. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con. Open Tu-Su 07:30-16:00. Any of the main stalls can close as early as 13:00 if all their food has been sold.

Woon Kiang Restaurant, Jl Stulang Darat (150 m southwest of the T junction comprising this road, Jl Stulang Laut and Jl Pasir Pelangi). Johor Bahru style kuay teow kia, boiled in a herbal-like soup and served with pig offal, braised duck meat, preserved salted vegetables, braised half-boiled eggs and various types of beancurd. Closed Su.

W.W. Laksa House, 36A and 36A1, Jalan Kolam Ayer (beside the 7-Eleven store and 300-400m north of the Kolam Ayer mosque, +60 12 799 0979, +60 12 727 3755. Open daily 07:00-16:00, closed on alternate Tuesdays. As the name suggests, it specializes in laksa. It also serves 'dry mee' and 'mee soup' for the same prices. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con.

Restoran Yew Swee, 64, Jalan Harimau Tarum (in a very long row of shophouses on the west edge of the Tebrau Highway), opposite the vast, empty field (Taman Tebrau Jaya) that just abuts the north side of Plaza Pelangi. Laksa, mee hoon kuih, dry mee or mee soup. There is no government tax or service charge. No air-con. Open M-Sa 08:00-17:00.

If you can get up early in the morning there are 2 different types of roti canai that you may try out in Johor that should not be available in other states. 'Roti canai' is a flat piece of fried dough that is served with different types of curries depending on your mood. One is located near the new CIQ building near Kim Teng Park. This version is very thick and extra crispy and the chili paste that comes with it is to die for. It is advisable to ask for directions first as it is only accessible by car. The other 'roti canai' is located at Century Garden near the Honda showroom in front of the MAA building. These are tiny, light and fluffy versions of the original 'roti canai' and it comes with a small bowl of savoury sardine-mixture to go with it. Both are reasonably priced and you should not miss them.

There are three relatively large chains of Mamak restaurants across Johor Bahru, namely Ayub, Sri Alam and Habib. They all serve similar food like roti canai, nasi lemak and mee goreng. In general they are located all across town. Just ask a local person, and they will gladly point you to the right direction.

• Restoran Nilla, No.3, Jalan Ungku Puan, +6072275722. main branch (no air-con) daily 24 hr, other branches daily 07:00-22:00. Restaurant with 5 branches (self-proclaimed as "the best banana-leaf food in town") offering South Indian meals. Excellent and friendly service. The menu (140 items) is displayed on one of the walls inside the restaurant. Indian sweets are also sold here, on a per piece basis. There is no government tax or service charge. There is another branch (no air-con) at 109 Jalan Trus just around the corner - it is 30 m southwest of the main branch at Jalan Ungku Puan.
• Restoran Hameed's, level 2 ZON Mall, at the end of Jalan Ibrahim Sultan. This is a Mamak restaurant serving local Malay/Indian dishes. There is no government tax or service charge. Open daily 08:00-20:00.

Restoran Nilla, No.3, Jalan Ungku Puan, +6072275722. main branch (no air-con) daily 24 hr, other branches daily 07:00-22:00. Restaurant with 5 branches (self-proclaimed as "the best banana-leaf food in town") offering South Indian meals. Excellent and friendly service. The menu (140 items) is displayed on one of the walls inside the restaurant. Indian sweets are also sold here, on a per piece basis. There is no government tax or service charge. There is another branch (no air-con) at 109 Jalan Trus just around the corner - it is 30 m southwest of the main branch at Jalan Ungku Puan.

Restoran Hameed's, level 2 ZON Mall, at the end of Jalan Ibrahim Sultan. This is a Mamak restaurant serving local Malay/Indian dishes. There is no government tax or service charge. Open daily 08:00-20:00.

• Dann's Café at Taman Daya. A popular place for good Johor laksa, Hyderabad biryani rice, mee siam Kuah.
• Dewi's Moghul Biryani and Penang Assam laksa. (located at Taman Molek near Standard Chartered Bank). It serves tasty biryani and asam laksa.
• Hiap Joo Bakery and Biscuit Factory, 13 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee (at the junction of Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Trus, +6072231703. This traditional bakery located in the heart of the city is more than 80 years old. The bread has been baked the same way since it was founded in 1928, in a firewood oven which dominates the little shop. The business is now run by the founder's children and grandchildren. Breads and cakes are ready piping-hot from the oven at around 12:30 and 14:30 respectively. There are no additives added to any of the breads and cakes. The products must be consumed within three days of purchase because no preservatives are used. Preparation of the breads and cakes for baking start at around 08:00. Open M-Sa 12:30 to 18:00.

Dann's Café at Taman Daya. A popular place for good Johor laksa, Hyderabad biryani rice, mee siam Kuah.

Dewi's Moghul Biryani and Penang Assam laksa. (located at Taman Molek near Standard Chartered Bank). It serves tasty biryani and asam laksa.

Hiap Joo Bakery and Biscuit Factory, 13 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee (at the junction of Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Trus, +6072231703. This traditional bakery located in the heart of the city is more than 80 years old. The bread has been baked the same way since it was founded in 1928, in a firewood oven which dominates the little shop. The business is now run by the founder's children and grandchildren. Breads and cakes are ready piping-hot from the oven at around 12:30 and 14:30 respectively. There are no additives added to any of the breads and cakes. The products must be consumed within three days of purchase because no preservatives are used. Preparation of the breads and cakes for baking start at around 08:00. Open M-Sa 12:30 to 18:00.

• Restoran Bamboo, 1 Jl Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, +60 7 331-3180. 2-storey, air-con, non-halal Chinese restaurant well-known for its "emperor's paper wrapped chicken"-a whole, spring chicken wrapped in both aluminium foil (outside) and paper (inside), baked in the oven for hours. Economical set lunch (daily 11:00-17:00). It has two other outlets in the city: 47 Jl Bayu Puteri 1/3, Taman Bayu Puteri; 70 Jl Sutera Tanjung 8/3 Taman Sutera Utama (Skudai). Prices at the Taman Sentosa outlet are not subject to government tax or service charge.
• Restaurant Teck Sing, 3 and 5, Jl Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, +60 7 334-7025. It has signature dishes: Teck sing paper baked chicken and curry fish head. There is no government tax or service charge. air-con. Daily 11:00-21:00
• Restoran Sing Kee, 124-126, Jl Cengai, Taman Melodies (at the junction of this road and Jl Meranti. Tu-Su 11:30-15:00, 17.30-21.30. Serving the local community for nearly 20 years. Its signature dish is the curry fish head. air-con-
• Master Yong Abalone, 39, Jl Molek 2/1, Taman Molek, +60 12 708-9069, +60 7 352-6448. Daily 10:00-22:00. The first and only restaurant in Malaysia to serve whole abalones with 'kuay teow' soup dishes. A unique dish specially prepared by chef 'Master Yong' chef is 'Abalone Cube Medley in Volcano Stone Pot'. Other Chinese dishes are available too. There is no government tax or service charge. air-con.
• San Low Seafood Restaurant, Jl Biru, Taman Pelangi (less than 200 m from the southeastern end of this street, +60 7 332-3869, +60 7 334-3623. Daily 16:30-01:00.. Its specialties are: assam fish and steamed fish, chili and black pepper crab, fried clams, dry fried mee hoon and a unique dessert called teow chew yam (RM16, medium only). There is no government tax or service charge. Tables and chairs underneath a giant shed, no air-con.
• Restoran Pekin, 38, Jalan Baldu 5, Taman Sentosa, +60 7-333 2928, +60 7-332 0902. Daily 11:00-23:00. This is a Chinese restaurant that has been around for more than 20 years. It still serves up piping hot Chinese food. It specializes in seafood, soups and desserts. Supreme abalone RM98 per person.
• AK Noodles House, Lot J2-12, Level 2 City Square, +60 7-221 1843. This a well-known fish ball noodle specialist established in Johor Bahru whose specially made pure fish balls contain no preservatives. There is no government tax or service charge at the City Square outlet. The main branch ('Ah Koong Restaurant') at 266, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa also serves steamboat. There is another outlet at 42 & 44, Jalan Jati 1, Tmn Nusa Bestari Jaya, Skudai. 10:00-21:00.
• Restoran Amma, 164-A/B Jalan Ngee Heng (opposite Tropical Inn and Landmark IT Mall, +60 7-2211909. Indian restaurant in the heart of the city. It serves biryani, tandoori, tosai, roti dishes, etc. There is no government tax or service charge. Halal and air-con. Daily 07:30 to 22:30.
• IT ROO Cafe, +60 7 222 7780. 17 Jalan Dhoby (at the junction of this street and Jalan Pahang, and occupies a 2-storey corner shophouse). Established in 1961. Rated as serving "the best chicken chop in town" in 2003 by Malaysia's The Star newspaper. Takeaway surcharge 0.50 RM per item. There is no government tax or service charge. Open daily noon to 22:00 (last order 21:30), including on some public holidays. Air-con inside and there is outdoor seating available.
• Teh Sarabat, Unit J3-05 and 05A, City Square Level 3, 106-108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Open 10:00-22:00 daily. It serves a large range of Malaysian (especially Malay and Mamak) dishes. There are 77 food items and 26 beverage items to choose from the partly illustrated cardboard menu. In addition, there are other special dishes written under 'today's special' on the white board at the restaurant's entrance. Its house specialties include Sarabat laksa, Sarabat rojak, Sarabat Nasi Lemak set and kari kepala ikan. Roti canai, tosai and murtabak are only available until 11:30 and from 15:09 onwards. All items are subject to a 5 percent service charge. Free Wi-Fi Internet access in the restaurant.
• D'Terrace BBQ Steamboat, 9 Jalan Kolam Ayer (at the junction of this road and Jalan Mohd Amin, +60 12-756 5693, +60 12-710 7251, +60 12-715 5223, +60 17-779 7251. Daily 17:00-24:00. This BBQ steamboat restaurant (next to the Restoran Malay Village) opened on 1 Jan, 2010 and is 1.1km or about 10 minutes' walk northwest of the Thistle Hotel, 100m south of the Kolam Ayer Mosque. It only serves all-you-can-eat BBQ steamboat buffet meals. Outdoor and indoor (air-con) seating are both available. The steamboat menu (about 60 items). Besides, you can help yourself to unlimited servings of cooked white rice, porridge, cold drinks and cut fruits. 1 free ice-cream stick per diner. Halal.
• Restoran Anjung Warisan, 296-A Jalan Petri (Kampung Tarum) (beside the Yayasan Warisan building, 200 m east of the Jalan Petri/Jalan Abdul Samad junction and 1.3 km north of the Thistle Hotel. A popular and unique restaurant serving Malay and Western cuisine. Diners can either remove their shoes and sit cross-legged on the floor for a traditional Malay style meal, or sit at Western-style tables with normal chairs. The Western-style tables are at ground level while cross-legged seating is found in the upper-level and ground-level wooden platforms surrounding bare tree trunks. There is even a nightly angklung (musical instruments consisting of bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame) performance by a solo performer every night, starting from 19:30. You should book in advance to get a seat in the upper-level platforms. There is a car park (free parking) beside the restaurant.
• Big Bites Cafe, 18, Jalan Ibrahim, 80000, +6072211475. 09:00-19:00. Cafe.
• Chakra Restaurant, No. 1, Jalan Yusof Taha, Kampung Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru. 11:00-15:30, 18:00-22:30. Housed in a converted 2-story, colonial bungalow built about 120 years ago, it has been in operation for more than 60 years. It serves cuisine from all parts of the Indian subcontinent. It also offers catering services.
• DreamLiner Airways Cafe, No. 7, Jalan Harmonium 35/1, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100, +6073647359. 11:00-23:00. Airplane-themed restaurant.
• Lemon Tree, No. 18, Jalan Bedara, Taman Melodies, +6073355688. 12:00-23:00. Restaurant.

Restoran Bamboo, 1 Jl Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, +60 7 331-3180. 2-storey, air-con, non-halal Chinese restaurant well-known for its "emperor's paper wrapped chicken"-a whole, spring chicken wrapped in both aluminium foil (outside) and paper (inside), baked in the oven for hours. Economical set lunch (daily 11:00-17:00). It has two other outlets in the city: 47 Jl Bayu Puteri 1/3, Taman Bayu Puteri; 70 Jl Sutera Tanjung 8/3 Taman Sutera Utama (Skudai). Prices at the Taman Sentosa outlet are not subject to government tax or service charge.

Restaurant Teck Sing, 3 and 5, Jl Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, +60 7 334-7025. It has signature dishes: Teck sing paper baked chicken and curry fish head. There is no government tax or service charge. air-con. Daily 11:00-21:00

Restoran Sing Kee, 124-126, Jl Cengai, Taman Melodies (at the junction of this road and Jl Meranti. Tu-Su 11:30-15:00, 17.30-21.30. Serving the local community for nearly 20 years. Its signature dish is the curry fish head. air-con-

Master Yong Abalone, 39, Jl Molek 2/1, Taman Molek, +60 12 708-9069, +60 7 352-6448. Daily 10:00-22:00. The first and only restaurant in Malaysia to serve whole abalones with 'kuay teow' soup dishes. A unique dish specially prepared by chef 'Master Yong' chef is 'Abalone Cube Medley in Volcano Stone Pot'. Other Chinese dishes are available too. There is no government tax or service charge. air-con.

San Low Seafood Restaurant, Jl Biru, Taman Pelangi (less than 200 m from the southeastern end of this street, +60 7 332-3869, +60 7 334-3623. Daily 16:30-01:00.. Its specialties are: assam fish and steamed fish, chili and black pepper crab, fried clams, dry fried mee hoon and a unique dessert called teow chew yam (RM16, medium only). There is no government tax or service charge. Tables and chairs underneath a giant shed, no air-con.

Restoran Pekin, 38, Jalan Baldu 5, Taman Sentosa, +60 7-333 2928, +60 7-332 0902. Daily 11:00-23:00. This is a Chinese restaurant that has been around for more than 20 years. It still serves up piping hot Chinese food. It specializes in seafood, soups and desserts. Supreme abalone RM98 per person.

AK Noodles House, Lot J2-12, Level 2 City Square, +60 7-221 1843. This a well-known fish ball noodle specialist established in Johor Bahru whose specially made pure fish balls contain no preservatives. There is no government tax or service charge at the City Square outlet. The main branch ('Ah Koong Restaurant') at 266, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa also serves steamboat. There is another outlet at 42 & 44, Jalan Jati 1, Tmn Nusa Bestari Jaya, Skudai. 10:00-21:00.

Restoran Amma, 164-A/B Jalan Ngee Heng (opposite Tropical Inn and Landmark IT Mall, +60 7-2211909. Indian restaurant in the heart of the city. It serves biryani, tandoori, tosai, roti dishes, etc. There is no government tax or service charge. Halal and air-con. Daily 07:30 to 22:30.

IT ROO Cafe, +60 7 222 7780. 17 Jalan Dhoby (at the junction of this street and Jalan Pahang, and occupies a 2-storey corner shophouse). Established in 1961. Rated as serving "the best chicken chop in town" in 2003 by Malaysia's The Star newspaper. Takeaway surcharge 0.50 RM per item. There is no government tax or service charge. Open daily noon to 22:00 (last order 21:30), including on some public holidays. Air-con inside and there is outdoor seating available.

Teh Sarabat, Unit J3-05 and 05A, City Square Level 3, 106-108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Open 10:00-22:00 daily. It serves a large range of Malaysian (especially Malay and Mamak) dishes. There are 77 food items and 26 beverage items to choose from the partly illustrated cardboard menu. In addition, there are other special dishes written under 'today's special' on the white board at the restaurant's entrance. Its house specialties include Sarabat laksa, Sarabat rojak, Sarabat Nasi Lemak set and kari kepala ikan. Roti canai, tosai and murtabak are only available until 11:30 and from 15:09 onwards. All items are subject to a 5 percent service charge. Free Wi-Fi Internet access in the restaurant.

D'Terrace BBQ Steamboat, 9 Jalan Kolam Ayer (at the junction of this road and Jalan Mohd Amin, +60 12-756 5693, +60 12-710 7251, +60 12-715 5223, +60 17-779 7251. Daily 17:00-24:00. This BBQ steamboat restaurant (next to the Restoran Malay Village) opened on 1 Jan, 2010 and is 1.1km or about 10 minutes' walk northwest of the Thistle Hotel, 100m south of the Kolam Ayer Mosque. It only serves all-you-can-eat BBQ steamboat buffet meals. Outdoor and indoor (air-con) seating are both available. The steamboat menu (about 60 items). Besides, you can help yourself to unlimited servings of cooked white rice, porridge, cold drinks and cut fruits. 1 free ice-cream stick per diner. Halal.

Restoran Anjung Warisan, 296-A Jalan Petri (Kampung Tarum) (beside the Yayasan Warisan building, 200 m east of the Jalan Petri/Jalan Abdul Samad junction and 1.3 km north of the Thistle Hotel. A popular and unique restaurant serving Malay and Western cuisine. Diners can either remove their shoes and sit cross-legged on the floor for a traditional Malay style meal, or sit at Western-style tables with normal chairs. The Western-style tables are at ground level while cross-legged seating is found in the upper-level and ground-level wooden platforms surrounding bare tree trunks. There is even a nightly angklung (musical instruments consisting of bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame) performance by a solo performer every night, starting from 19:30. You should book in advance to get a seat in the upper-level platforms. There is a car park (free parking) beside the restaurant.

Big Bites Cafe, 18, Jalan Ibrahim, 80000, +6072211475. 09:00-19:00. Cafe.

Chakra Restaurant, No. 1, Jalan Yusof Taha, Kampung Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru. 11:00-15:30, 18:00-22:30. Housed in a converted 2-story, colonial bungalow built about 120 years ago, it has been in operation for more than 60 years. It serves cuisine from all parts of the Indian subcontinent. It also offers catering services.

DreamLiner Airways Cafe, No. 7, Jalan Harmonium 35/1, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100, +6073647359. 11:00-23:00. Airplane-themed restaurant.

Lemon Tree, No. 18, Jalan Bedara, Taman Melodies, +6073355688. 12:00-23:00. Restaurant.

• Anna's Kitchen, No.18K Jalan Abdul Samad. It is right across the street from the Villa de la Rose service apartment building, about 500 m north of the Thistle Hotel and 350 m northwest of the Jalan Abdul Samad/Jalan Lingkaran Dalam junction. The entrance is inconspicuous (look to your right as you walk northwest along Jalan Abdul Samad from the Thistle Hotel) and the restaurant is about 2.5 m below street level at the basement of a row of shop houses. The restaurant serves a variety of Oriental delicacies and Western staples. It also offers fusion delights. Among the restaurant's best dish is the deep-fried Cordon Bleu squid (from RM29.90). Open M-Sa 13:30 to 24:00, closed on Sundays. Tel +60 7-2242168.
• Selasih Restaurant, Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, +60 7-219 8888. Daily 11:30-22:30. (ext 7389). Upmarket restaurant specializing in Johorean cuisine; it also serves specialties from other parts of Malaysia. Daily executive set lunch from RM35 per person. There is a steamboat buffet dinner Th-Sa 08:30-22:30 from RM45 per person.
• Chez Papa French Bistro And Wine Bar, No. 38 & 40, Jalan Jaya, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 (100 m north of Plaza Pelangi, +6073334988. M-Sa 17:30-00:00. Authentic French cuisine and a fine selection of wines. Established in 1999 by Dominique Muller. The restaurant also offers a cosy and intimate wine bar with music. Dinner from 18:00-22:30 (last order). Wine, cocktails and tapas from 17:30-24:00. The Wine Room has a wine list of more than 80 wines, over 20 different types of imported beer, serves cocktails and tapas.
• Gianni's Trattoria, 110 Jalan Serampang Taman Pelangi (mid-way between the Tebrau Highway and Pelangi Leisure Mall, +60 7 331 2230. daily 11:00-23:00. Fantastic Italian cuisine. Pizzas (each of these are of one size only), pastas, soups, meat and fish dishes, appetizers. Daily set lunch consisting of soup, main course and iced lemon tea from RM25 (weekends) and from RM22 (weekdays).
• Il Giardino, 65A Jalan Perang (200m south of Pelangi Leisure Mall. M, W-F 12:00-22:00; Sa Su 12:00-22:30; closed Tu. Italian cuisine, the cheapest of the five Italian restaurants in Johor Bahru. Free Wi-Fi Internet access. pasta RM13-18, pizza RM13-19, fish and meat dishes RM14-33. All prices are subject to 10% service charge.
• Rosmarino, 123 Jalan Damai, tel +60 7-222 7123 (located on the ground floor of a unit of a row of three-storey white-colored shophouses, approximately 400 m northeast of the junction of Jalan Lingkaran Dalam and Jalan Setulang Darat). Authentic Italian dishes like ossobuco. RM18-30. Open Tu-Fri and Su 12:00-14:30, 18:00-22:30; Sa 18:00-22:30; closed on Mon.
• Meisan Szechuan Restaurant, on the second level of the Mutiara Hotel, along Jalan Dato' Sulaiman. It has been in business for over 20 years. The restaurant is well known for its popular spicy Szechuan cuisine. This charming restaurant has a very unique setting. Its rich, dark wood-paneled wall and latticed screens are subtly detailed in gold to project the charm of old-world China. 5-course individual set meals from RM35, 45 or 55 per person. Open daily: lunch 11:30-14:30, dinner 18:30-22:30.
• Restoran New Hong Kong, 69-A Jalan Ibrahim Sultan (next to the orange-colored Heritage Hotel) and housed in a green two-storey building, about 20 m east of the T-junction consisting of Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Jalan Tanjung Puteri and Jalan Lingkaran Dalam. It was established in 1954. Probably one of the best Chinese restaurants in Johor Bahru. Their hot sweet yam paste dessert with pumpkin is highly recommended, albeit a little steep (from RM8 per bowl). Their appetizer (from RM 2.60), a cucumber dish in sauce, is also very good. There are lao po bing (wife cakes) available for takeaway here. The traditional flavour costs 90 sen and the red bean flavour costs RM1.10. The ; traditional flavour is recommended over the red bean flavour. M-Sa 11:00-14:45, Su 09:00-14:45, 18:00-21:45; Visa/MasterCard accepted.
• Grand Straits Garden Seafood Restaurant, No.3, Jalan Persiaran Danga, Danga Bay, +60 7-2388118. daily 11:30-24:00. Non-seafood dishes are also served here. The complete a la carte menu is listed in the restaurant website. 'Super value Menus' (for 8-10 persons) - set menu A RM400 and set menu B RM500 per table. Indoors and outdoors seating available.
• Kong Inn Seafood Restaurant, 155&155A/157&157A, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa (at the junction of this road and Jalan Songkit 5, +07 334 3232. Besides seafood, this 2-storey restaurant also serves noodle dishes, vegetables dishes, bean curd dishes, chicken dishes, pork dishes, etc. All prices are subject to a 6% service charge. Aircon and open daily 11:30-15:00 and 17:30-23:00. There are two other outlets.
• C.A.T.S Cafe (JB) - Cats At Their Sanctuary, 31A, Lorong 2C, Kampung Bahru. Cat-themed cafe

Anna's Kitchen, No.18K Jalan Abdul Samad. It is right across the street from the Villa de la Rose service apartment building, about 500 m north of the Thistle Hotel and 350 m northwest of the Jalan Abdul Samad/Jalan Lingkaran Dalam junction. The entrance is inconspicuous (look to your right as you walk northwest along Jalan Abdul Samad from the Thistle Hotel) and the restaurant is about 2.5 m below street level at the basement of a row of shop houses. The restaurant serves a variety of Oriental delicacies and Western staples. It also offers fusion delights. Among the restaurant's best dish is the deep-fried Cordon Bleu squid (from RM29.90). Open M-Sa 13:30 to 24:00, closed on Sundays. Tel +60 7-2242168.

Selasih Restaurant, Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, +60 7-219 8888. Daily 11:30-22:30. (ext 7389). Upmarket restaurant specializing in Johorean cuisine; it also serves specialties from other parts of Malaysia. Daily executive set lunch from RM35 per person. There is a steamboat buffet dinner Th-Sa 08:30-22:30 from RM45 per person.

Chez Papa French Bistro And Wine Bar, No. 38 & 40, Jalan Jaya, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 (100 m north of Plaza Pelangi, +6073334988. M-Sa 17:30-00:00. Authentic French cuisine and a fine selection of wines. Established in 1999 by Dominique Muller. The restaurant also offers a cosy and intimate wine bar with music. Dinner from 18:00-22:30 (last order). Wine, cocktails and tapas from 17:30-24:00. The Wine Room has a wine list of more than 80 wines, over 20 different types of imported beer, serves cocktails and tapas.

Gianni's Trattoria, 110 Jalan Serampang Taman Pelangi (mid-way between the Tebrau Highway and Pelangi Leisure Mall, +60 7 331 2230. daily 11:00-23:00. Fantastic Italian cuisine. Pizzas (each of these are of one size only), pastas, soups, meat and fish dishes, appetizers. Daily set lunch consisting of soup, main course and iced lemon tea from RM25 (weekends) and from RM22 (weekdays).

Il Giardino, 65A Jalan Perang (200m south of Pelangi Leisure Mall. M, W-F 12:00-22:00; Sa Su 12:00-22:30; closed Tu. Italian cuisine, the cheapest of the five Italian restaurants in Johor Bahru. Free Wi-Fi Internet access. pasta RM13-18, pizza RM13-19, fish and meat dishes RM14-33. All prices are subject to 10% service charge.

Rosmarino, 123 Jalan Damai, tel +60 7-222 7123 (located on the ground floor of a unit of a row of three-storey white-colored shophouses, approximately 400 m northeast of the junction of Jalan Lingkaran Dalam and Jalan Setulang Darat). Authentic Italian dishes like ossobuco. RM18-30. Open Tu-Fri and Su 12:00-14:30, 18:00-22:30; Sa 18:00-22:30; closed on Mon.

Meisan Szechuan Restaurant, on the second level of the Mutiara Hotel, along Jalan Dato' Sulaiman. It has been in business for over 20 years. The restaurant is well known for its popular spicy Szechuan cuisine. This charming restaurant has a very unique setting. Its rich, dark wood-paneled wall and latticed screens are subtly detailed in gold to project the charm of old-world China. 5-course individual set meals from RM35, 45 or 55 per person. Open daily: lunch 11:30-14:30, dinner 18:30-22:30.

Restoran New Hong Kong, 69-A Jalan Ibrahim Sultan (next to the orange-colored Heritage Hotel) and housed in a green two-storey building, about 20 m east of the T-junction consisting of Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Jalan Tanjung Puteri and Jalan Lingkaran Dalam. It was established in 1954. Probably one of the best Chinese restaurants in Johor Bahru. Their hot sweet yam paste dessert with pumpkin is highly recommended, albeit a little steep (from RM8 per bowl). Their appetizer (from RM 2.60), a cucumber dish in sauce, is also very good. There are lao po bing (wife cakes) available for takeaway here. The traditional flavour costs 90 sen and the red bean flavour costs RM1.10. The ; traditional flavour is recommended over the red bean flavour. M-Sa 11:00-14:45, Su 09:00-14:45, 18:00-21:45; Visa/MasterCard accepted.

Grand Straits Garden Seafood Restaurant, No.3, Jalan Persiaran Danga, Danga Bay, +60 7-2388118. daily 11:30-24:00. Non-seafood dishes are also served here. The complete a la carte menu is listed in the restaurant website. 'Super value Menus' (for 8-10 persons) - set menu A RM400 and set menu B RM500 per table. Indoors and outdoors seating available.

Kong Inn Seafood Restaurant, 155&155A/157&157A, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa (at the junction of this road and Jalan Songkit 5, +07 334 3232. Besides seafood, this 2-storey restaurant also serves noodle dishes, vegetables dishes, bean curd dishes, chicken dishes, pork dishes, etc. All prices are subject to a 6% service charge. Aircon and open daily 11:30-15:00 and 17:30-23:00. There are two other outlets.

C.A.T.S Cafe (JB) - Cats At Their Sanctuary, 31A, Lorong 2C, Kampung Bahru. Cat-themed cafe

The most famous and concentrated drinking area is The ZON at Stulang Laut. It features The ZON Duty Free shopping mall selling alcoholic beverages without tax but must pay upon exiting the area through the custom. It also features many pubs and nightclubs within the area. Second most popular nightlife area is Mount Austin for the more younger crowds, where it features pubs, restaurants as well as shops and occasional night market.

• Chill Pub, The ZON, Stulang Laut. Pub.
• Freedom Ultimate Club, The ZON, Stulang. Night club.
• The Geoventure, The ZON, Stulang Laut. Night club.
• Pagoni, Ground Floor, Block D, Lot 5, Plaza Sentosa, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa 80150, +6073311118.
• SJ Sport Club, The ZON, Stulang Laut. Pub.
• Sunset Boulevard, The ZON, Stulang Laut. Night club.
• Texas Pub, The ZON, Stulang Laut. Night club.
• Bert's Keller, 23 Jalan Pelanduk, Taman Century, +60 7 335-8788. daily 16:00-01:00. A cosy and intimate, no-nonsense pub. Bert’s Keller has a small menu that is big on quality and portions, serving chicken chop, lamb chop, oxtail stew, stir-fried noodles, etc. Its signature oxtail stew comes with a side of toast. This special stew is served a day after the meat has been steeped in its sauces and is so tender that it is ready to fall off the bones. Live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• T.G.I. Friday's, Wisma JOTIC, Jalan Ayer Molek, +60 7 221-3380. American restaurant chain focusing on casual dining. It is in the same building as the tourist office and 400 m east of the Abu Bakar Museum. It serves various alcoholic drinks, and various American, Italian and Mexican dishes in cheerful, air-con surroundings.

Chill Pub, The ZON, Stulang Laut. Pub.

Freedom Ultimate Club, The ZON, Stulang. Night club.

The Geoventure, The ZON, Stulang Laut. Night club.

Pagoni, Ground Floor, Block D, Lot 5, Plaza Sentosa, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa 80150, +6073311118.

SJ Sport Club, The ZON, Stulang Laut. Pub.

Sunset Boulevard, The ZON, Stulang Laut. Night club.

Texas Pub, The ZON, Stulang Laut. Night club.

Bert's Keller, 23 Jalan Pelanduk, Taman Century, +60 7 335-8788. daily 16:00-01:00. A cosy and intimate, no-nonsense pub. Bert’s Keller has a small menu that is big on quality and portions, serving chicken chop, lamb chop, oxtail stew, stir-fried noodles, etc. Its signature oxtail stew comes with a side of toast. This special stew is served a day after the meat has been steeped in its sauces and is so tender that it is ready to fall off the bones. Live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

T.G.I. Friday's, Wisma JOTIC, Jalan Ayer Molek, +60 7 221-3380. American restaurant chain focusing on casual dining. It is in the same building as the tourist office and 400 m east of the Abu Bakar Museum. It serves various alcoholic drinks, and various American, Italian and Mexican dishes in cheerful, air-con surroundings.

Johor Bahru has somewhat developed a reputation for crime, due in part to sensationalised reports by the Singapore media of crimes committed against their citizens. Although Johor Bahru's crime rate is indeed higher than Singapore and elsewhere in Malaysia, by taking appropriate safety precautions, you can ensure your stay, like those of the vast majority of visitors, will be an incident-free one.

• Do not carry a handbag when walking around town. Snatch thieves have been known to snatch handbags away while their victims are walking on the street, using a motorcycle. If they do manage to grab your handbag, let them have it as some snatch thieves are known to drag their victims along the road with their motorbikes until they release their grip, almost certainly resulting in a painful and unpleasant death.
• Keep your passport safe and close to you because it is a highly prized valuable to robbers.
• Lock the car door immediately or as soon as you get into the car.
• Avoid walking around the city alone. You should walk around the city in groups of preferably 3 or more for safety.
• Stay home at night or only go to areas with good security such as malls and private clubs.
• Using restrooms in petrol kiosks after sunset is not advised. There are cases of armed robbers hiding within the restroom waiting for victims.

If you are robbed, it is likely that the robber would be armed with a parang, a long Malay sword. You are advised to give up most, if not all, of your valuables to avoid putting your personal safety in jeopardy.

Tap water should be boiled before drinking. As a rule of thumb, the general hawker food scene in Johor Bahru is hygienic though certain areas are less so. So keep an eye out for those dirty hawkers who pay very little attention to hygiene.

• Indonesia Indonesia, No.46, Jalan Taat, 80100, +6072274188.
• Singapore Singapore, Suite 35.02, Level 35, Johor Bahru City Square Office Tower, No. 106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000, +6072265012.

Indonesia Indonesia, No.46, Jalan Taat, 80100, +6072274188.

Singapore Singapore, Suite 35.02, Level 35, Johor Bahru City Square Office Tower, No. 106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000, +6072265012.

• The official Johor Tourist Information Centre at Jalan Ayer Molek (opposite the High Court building and about 1 km southwest of JB Sentral) is a tiny office on the 3rd level in a sprawling yellow building of the same name, a 10-min walk from City Square; M-F 08:00-17:00. There are three other tourist offices located at:
• Johor Bahru CIQ ('Tourist Information Centre' open daily 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00). 50 m from Sultan Iskandar Building.
• South end of Jalan Wong Ah Fook (M-F 08:00-19:00; Sa-Su and public holidays M-F 08:00-22:30)
• JB Sentral ('Tourist Information Centre', next to the passenger waiting area on level 2 daily 09:00-18:00). You can get free brochures and maps on various destinations in West Malaysia, including free maps of JB.

The official Johor Tourist Information Centre at Jalan Ayer Molek (opposite the High Court building and about 1 km southwest of JB Sentral) is a tiny office on the 3rd level in a sprawling yellow building of the same name, a 10-min walk from City Square; M-F 08:00-17:00. There are three other tourist offices located at:

• WAVES Lifestyle Magazine is a free monthly lifestyle magazine for young adults and tourists in Johor Bahru who are on the look out for fresh and trendy stuff covering topics ranging from health, fashion, food reviews, ‘Things to do in JB’, entertainment, technology, finance, community. WAVES Lifestyle Magazine can be picked up at most Information Counters at shopping malls across Johor Bahru, selected office towers, Tourism Malaysia Information Counters at JOTIC, JB Sentral, CIQ, Senai Airport.

WAVES Lifestyle Magazine is a free monthly lifestyle magazine for young adults and tourists in Johor Bahru who are on the look out for fresh and trendy stuff covering topics ranging from health, fashion, food reviews, ‘Things to do in JB’, entertainment, technology, finance, community. WAVES Lifestyle Magazine can be picked up at most Information Counters at shopping malls across Johor Bahru, selected office towers, Tourism Malaysia Information Counters at JOTIC, JB Sentral, CIQ, Senai Airport.

Internet cafés in Johor Bahru are thin on the ground.

• East Point (IT products and accessories shop), 04-06A (4th level), City Square, 106-108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Open daily 10:30-21:30. There are 16 PC terminals. RM3.50 per hour.
• Internet café on the first level of the Hanyasatu Hotel, 29 Jalan Meldrum. Located just beside the hotel lobby, it is open 24 hrs. 33 PC terminals, 3 RM per hour.
• Meeting Point Internet Café, No. 59 Jalan Meldrum (beside Gateway Hotel). Open daily 10:00-21:00. There are 10 PC terminals. RM3 per hour. There is a minimum charge of RM2 if the usage is 40 min or less; after 40 min, it is 50 sen for every 10 min.
• Pusat Komputer Surflink, 31A Jalan Wong Ah Fook (beside the overhead bridge to City Square). It is open 24 hrs and there are 14 PC terminals. RM3 per hour. There is a minimum charge of RM2 if the usage is 40 min or less; after 40 min, it is 10 sen for every 2 min.
• Obizcom, on the ground level of Plaza Larkin, opposite the Larkin Bus Terminal on Jalan Geruda. RM2 per hour. Open daily 10:00-22:00.

East Point (IT products and accessories shop), 04-06A (4th level), City Square, 106-108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Open daily 10:30-21:30. There are 16 PC terminals. RM3.50 per hour.

Internet café on the first level of the Hanyasatu Hotel, 29 Jalan Meldrum. Located just beside the hotel lobby, it is open 24 hrs. 33 PC terminals, 3 RM per hour.

Meeting Point Internet Café, No. 59 Jalan Meldrum (beside Gateway Hotel). Open daily 10:00-21:00. There are 10 PC terminals. RM3 per hour. There is a minimum charge of RM2 if the usage is 40 min or less; after 40 min, it is 50 sen for every 10 min.

Pusat Komputer Surflink, 31A Jalan Wong Ah Fook (beside the overhead bridge to City Square). It is open 24 hrs and there are 14 PC terminals. RM3 per hour. There is a minimum charge of RM2 if the usage is 40 min or less; after 40 min, it is 10 sen for every 2 min.

Obizcom, on the ground level of Plaza Larkin, opposite the Larkin Bus Terminal on Jalan Geruda. RM2 per hour. Open daily 10:00-22:00.

• Main post office. Jalan Datuk Onn, 800 m south-west of the CIQ or about 10 minutes walk from it. Open M-Sa 08:30-17:00, closed on Sundays and the first Saturday of the month. Besides the usual postal services, it sells first day covers and sets of stamps for collection ('Presentation Packs').

Main post office. Jalan Datuk Onn, 800 m south-west of the CIQ or about 10 minutes walk from it. Open M-Sa 08:30-17:00, closed on Sundays and the first Saturday of the month. Besides the usual postal services, it sells first day covers and sets of stamps for collection ('Presentation Packs').

• Desaru - sleepy seaside resort town located on the eastern part of Johor, about 2 hours away by car
• Iskandar Puteri - the administrative capital of the Johor, containing the Legoland Malaysia and Sanrio Hello Kitty Town theme parks, and the Kota Iskandar complex of administrative buildings
• Endau Rompin National Park
• Gunung Ledang - 1276m high mountain near the border of Johor and Malacca states, popular with trekkers, campers and students on field trips
• Gunung Pulai
• Kota Tinggi - Waterfall Park
• Kukup - a seaside town along the western part of Johor, well known for its water village which can be rented relatively cheap, and its good and reasonably priced seafood
• Mersing - in the north eastern part of Johor, about 2½ hours drive from Johor Bahru, and the gateway to the beautiful island of Tioman
• Sibu Island - dive resort about two hours away
• Singapore - right across the Causeway you will have to cross the border

[[Mersing]] - in the north eastern part of Johor, about 2½ hours drive from Johor Bahru, and the gateway to the beautiful island of [[Tioman]]