Johor Bahru City Guide
The Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park which opened in late 2015 promises fun for the entire family.
Children will enjoy the Hola-Flora TOTs Play Area with its water-squirting flora-themed showers as well as Splash World. Thrill seekers can take advantage of more exhilarating rides such as the G-Force Alley and Uphill Battle. Laid back visitors may opt to just lie on a tube and let the subtle currents drift them down the Lazy River.
The Johor Bahru night bazaar or Bazaar Karat is located in the centre of Johor Bahru city and stretches across Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Segget. This bustling market brings throngs of crowds every night and attracts thousands of visitors all year round. It is a must- visit for visitors looking for bric-a-brac, pre-loved items and many more. Performances by street performers or buskers add to lively ambience of the venue.
Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is one of the world’s biggest waterparks. Set against the backdrop of a Malaysian fishing village, visitors can immerse themselves in the largest wave pool in Southeast Asia and experience the first water coaster in the region. Located within the premium integrated destination resort of Desaru Coast in Johor, the new waterpark features 17 different slides and a unique mix of wet and dry rides offering something for everyone.
She may frequently travel the world, but Hello Kitty and friends have their very own permanent home right here in Malaysia. Where company is always welcome! So drop by SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN to explore her home, watch her live on-stage, ride the fun, and get together with your friends and family for a one-of-a-kind Hello Kitty interactive themed experience.
Operating Hours:
Wednesday – Monday, 10am – 6pm
Website: http://www.puteriharbour.com/play/sanrio-hello-kitty/
The Istana Besar (Grand Palace) is the royal palace of the Sultan of Johor which is located in Johor Bahru. The palace was built in 1866 by Sultan Abu Bakar and overlooks the Straits of Johor. The Palace's most distinctive feature is its Anglo-Malay architecture, characterised by a dome of Malay design contrasted with a blue roof of Anglo influence.
The most interesting part of the palace is the Royal Abu Bakar Museum located within the palace. It was renovated to become a museum in 1982 and officially opened in 1990. The museum houses a good collection of royal heirloom, rare artifacts and a good record of the history of the state's royal family.
Istana Bukit Serene (also known as Laman Makhota) is the official residence of the Sultan of Johor and remains as one of the most famous landmarks in Johor.
This architectural wonder was built in the image of the Johor royal crown with real jewels built into it. The jewels are embedded in crown-like structure right at the entrance. When the sun goes down, pretty lights illuminate the place, bringing out the shine in the jewels.
The Istana Bukit Serene keeps its gates closed for safety precautions, but visitors can still snap photos and take in the majestic view of the palace. The high tower is 35 metres tall and features fully crafted traditional motives and carvings.
Johor Bahru Old Town is known for its beautiful olden buildings, which have a mix of Chinese and Indian heritage. The area is located along the famous Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and the neighbouring Jalan Dhoby. Visitors often come to Johor Bahru Old Town in search of food. Well known outlets include Hiap Joo Bakery for its coconut buns and banana cake, and Salahuddin Bakery – one of the oldest bakeries in Johor Bahru - which still uses the traditional wood fire oven to bake its pastries.
The Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple (Johor Gu Miao) is the oldest Chinese temple and one of the oldest structures in Johor Bahru. The temple is a place of worship and a symbol of unity among five Chinese dialect groups: Teochew, Hoklo (Hokkien), Cantonese, Hakka and Hainan. Johor Gu Miao is located in Jalan Trus, downtown Johor Bahru.
For those travelling with children, Kilang Bateri (Battery Factory) offers an educational and recreational experience for the young ones. The battery factory was once an actual operating factory for the Eveready battery company. These days, however, it is a funhouse for youngsters of all ages to explore and have a fun time.
This once bustling factory was modified to fit concept stores and a plethora of food brands. The unique factory attracts not only the locals, but also visitors from other states and big corporations. Kilang Bateri is the prime spot for events, concerts and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The 1st LEGOLAND park in Asia and the 6th in the world, you are free to enjoy the attractions at your leisure. Explore the 76-acre (31-hectare) park’s seven themed areas that are home to more than 40 rides, shows and other attractions where you can build, climb, fly and drive. Be entertained by a 4D movie, get your heart pumping on a roller coaster, use your hands at an interactive workshop, visit Miniland to see landmarks like the Taj Mahal built in a miniature scale of 1:20 with 30 million LEGO bricks, paddle a canoe through a prehistoric scene, and watch your kids drive a car or boat.
Don't forget to check out The Big Shop to browse the large selection of LEGO toys before the end of the day.
Visit: https://www.legoland.com.my/explore-legoland/about-legoland-malaysia-resort/
Little Paris features a row of shophouses with exterior decoration reminiscent of Parisian streets. The area is beautifully lit at night and has loads of high fashion clothing stores and an array of cafes and bakeries. The Little Paris Night Market is indeed worth a visit. Here, shoppers will enjoy this retro-themed bazaar filled with clothes, beauty products and all things retro.
The Muzium Layang-Layang (Kite Museum), located in Pasir Gudang, pays homage not only to the traditional ‘wau’ kites but also kites from around the world. Visitors will be exposed to a variety of Malaysian ‘wau’ kites as well as a massive international kite collection. They will get to learn more about the role these kites have played throughout history. In addition, there is also a demonstration on making ‘wau’ kites at fixed times every day.