JOHOR BAHRU
JOHOR
THE 'Boss' of JOHOR
Johor Bahru, formerly known as Tanjung Puteri or Iskandar Puteri, is the capital of the state of Johor, Malaysia. It is situated along the Straits of Johor at the southern end of Peninsular Malaysia. Johor Bahru has a population of 497,097, while its metropolitan area, with a population of 1,638,219, is the third largest in the country.
KEY FACTS
CURRENCY : MYR
LOCAL CUISINE : CHINESE, MALAY, INDIAN
SPECIALITIES : LEGOLAND
PEAK HOURS : 1p.m.
COMMUNICATION MEDIUM : HOKKIEN
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Features
Most travellers skip southern Malaysia's largest city, but for intrepid souls there's a handful of worthwhile museums, temples and mosques, shopping and party zones. If that ain't your thing, JB also has a Legoland, where 'everything is awesome'.
As one of the five ‘economic zones’ of the Iskandar development project, which will radically change southern Malaysia over the next decade, JB is in for one hell of a makeover yet. The 720-hectare Danga Bay area, 5km from the Causeway, is poised to be a financial and commercial centre. Work on the development began in 2006 and is expected to be completed in 2025. For now, Danga Bay is a sprawl of construction.
Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Dhoby area in Johor Bahru city for the latest cafes and restaurants that’s worth a visit.
Here’s the complete list and be sure to read on to find out what they’re buzzing about.
1. IT Roo Café JB
2. Salahuddin Bakery
3. The Replacement- Lodge & Kitchen Johor Bahru
4. Flowers in the Window Café JB
5. Bev Café
6. Hiap Joo Bakery
7. Chaiwalla & Co. Container Café Johor Bahru
8. Amphawa Boat Noodle
9. Shakespeare Milkshakes JB
10. Red House At Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
Located in Johor Bahru town city centre along Jalan Trus, the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple is one of the oldest standing religious structures in Johor Bahru, and the most visited till today by devotees and visitors alike.
Although there are no official records stating when the temple was built, the historical plaques in the temple stated the temple was functional in 1870. That’s over 140 years!
The local Chinese community has said that the temple was built by religious Chinese leaders at the time, headed by a man named Mr Tan Hiok Nee who was the founder of Ngee Heng Co.
Legoland Malaysia
Trek northward into Malaysian domain for a fun day out at Legoland! Hunt for lost treasure and plunge down a boat slide in the Land of Adventure. Go on the Dragon Roller Coaster or try Merlin's carousel challenge in the Lego Kingdoms. Shoot water bombs at Lego Technic, or spin as crazily as you want on the Technic Twister. Then pilot your own plane or learn to drive at Lego City, before shopping at the largest Lego store in Asia, the Big Shop! You'll also get to build your own Lego Robots at the Mindstorms, and explore Lego Replicas of Asian landmarks in Miniland.
Medan Selera Meldrum Walk
Late afternoon, the little food stalls crammed along this alley (parallel to Jln Meldrum) start frying up everything from Comebakar(grilled fish) to laksa. Wash down your meal with fresh sugar-cane juice or a Chinese herbal jelly drink. Nothing here is excellent, but it's all good.
Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory
For over 80 years this little bakery has prepared delicious buns, cakes and biscuits in a charcoal oven just as the founder had done in his native Hainan, China. Join the queue spilling out the bright blue door for the famous spongy banana cake – not too sweet and slightly smoky – sold in lots of five or 10 (RM5/10).
Johor Zoo
Johor Zoo is considered as one of the oldest zoos in Malaysia as it was built in the year of 1928. There are more than 100 species of animals living in Zoo Johor including some endangered species animals. They are gorillas, elephants, flamingos, horses, lions and much more. The entrance fee is just RM3. The zoo is clean and well organized with clean food selling around the stalls. This is definitely one favourite spot for families especially the children. There are animal shows for the entertainment of you folks too.
Salahuddin Bakery
Let’s start with one of the more historical shops on Jalan Dhoby. Salahuddin Bakery has stayed in the same lot for 79 years, and is one of the oldest bakeries in Johor! The family who runs the bakery moved here from New Delhi and haven’t looked back since, opening their shop as early as 6a.m., with most of the delicious charcoal oven-baked goods running out by 11a.m.