22 Best Things To Do In Johor Bahru 2022: Top Eats, Sights & Activities In JB!

Jacey Hen

Last updated 12 Apr 2024

Photo Credit: @itsmisskei, @magiciandarren, @owenchia_lifediary

Plan A Memorable Trip To Johor Bahru!

Head down to Malaysia's Southern jewel, the beautiful city of Johor Bahru for an exciting getaway. With a vibrant local food scene, theme parks, and many places to shop till you drop, JB is filled with many fun things to do and is the perfect city to visit for a weekend trip. If you're not sure of what to add into your schedule, scroll down for a list we've compiled of the best things to do in JB, including top activities, sights and food!

Check Out The Best Deals In Johor Bahru Here!

Top 22 Best Things To Eat, See & Do In JB [2022 Edition]

1. Visit LEGOLAND Malaysia

Can you really say you've been to JB without a visit to LEGOLAND Malaysia? With seven themed areas to conquer, you're guaranteed a 'brick-tastic' adventure at one of Malaysia's best theme parks. Brave through twisting water slides, hop on thrilling rides, and discover marine life at the SEA LIFE aquarium, then end your day with a memorable stay in a fun themed room at LEGOLAND Hotel!

Address: No. 7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor

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2. Explore The Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street

The Old Town in JB is home to plenty of colourful murals and heritage buildings - you can easily spend the day roaming about neighbourhood and snapping lots of photographs, but our favourite spot to explore is the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street! This is a historical street named after one of the founding fathers of the city and is dotted with antique shops, boutique cafes and restaurants ready to welcome you if you're hungry and looking for a place to escape the heat!

Address: Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor

3. Enjoy The City View From Skyscape, Menara Jland

Visit Skycape, JB city's first ever aerial entertainment space that opened its doors in 2019. Perched 149 metres above ground, step onto the curved observation deck with glass flooring that will offer you stunning panoramic views of both Johor and Singapore from up high! Situated in Menara Jland, the space also offers a multitude of VR and interactive games for you to try out, as well as photo spots for you to take an IG-worthy shot.

Address: Level 34, Menara JLand, Johor Bahru City Centre, 80000 Johor

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4. Feast On Street Food At Medan Selera Meldrum Walk

We believe that the best way to get to know a city is by indulging in its local street food! Head to Medan Selera Meldrum Walk, a paradise for foodies that comes to life at night. Feast on local favourites like BBQ chicken wings, fried kway teow, fried carrot cake, satay, and seafood. Our personal favourite here is the oyster omelette that draws a stream of orders till late at night!

Address: No. 23, Jalan Meldrum, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor

5. Go Shopping At Johor Premium Outlets

Shop to your heart's content at the Johor Premium Outlets (JPO), a shopaholic's paradise where you can get luxury branded goods at discounted prices! JPO has a great selection of over 150 outlets including Coach, Bally, DKNY, Fossil, Michael Kors, Nike, Adidas, Armani Exchange, Timberland, and more. In case you get hungry, there's also a food court as well as cafes, dessert shops, and many restaurants in the premise.

#KlookTip: Get your free JPO Savings Passport on Klook and enjoy a complimentary F&B meal voucher while you shop!

Address: Jalan Premium Outlets, Bandar Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor

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6. Take Pictures At Istana Bukit Serene

Royal palaces in Malaysia have an undeniable charm and Istana Bukit Serene in JB is just one of the many. Built in 1933, it features Art Deco style architecture, intricate carvings and manicured lawns. The building is currently the official residence of the Sultan of Johor, therefore, is not open to the public. However, many visitors still come by to check out the beautiful exterior and take pictures here - the highlight would be the unique large arch topped with a model of the Sultan's crown.

Address: Jalan Straits View, Bukit Serene, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor

7. Cafe Hop Around Mount Austin

JB's cafe scene is filled with many cool spots to explore, so if you're planning to go on a cafe-hopping adventure, we'd suggest heading to Taman Mount Austin! Grab a cup of coffee or enjoy a hearty brunch at any one of the city’s many must-try cafes here. The neighbourhood is also Johor's mini Taiwanese town, home to over 30 bubble tea shops, so you can rest assured that your bubble tea cravings will be fixed.

Address: Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor

Grab these Mount Austin food deals on Klook:

Bloom by Mokmok - 30% off
Creamery Boutique Ice Creams - 33% off
The Cheese Lab - 50% off
Chun Yang Tea - 30% off
Boba Wang - 17% off
Sevenbus - 23% off
Cha Wan Jia - 15% off

Check out more dining discounts here.

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Eat & Drink

Top 12 Best Cafes In JB You Must Visit For Delicious Brunch, Yummy Desserts And Great Coffee

The 12 Best Cafes In JB for all cafe hopping foodies in 2020! Enjoy brunch, desserts and coffee in these must-visit hipster and Instagrammable Johor Baru cafes - including halal cafes in JB.

8. Bargain Hunt At Pasar Karat

Pasar Karat is a large, popular flea market where you can hunt for good steals and find a wide selection of secondhand treasures like clothes, antiques, and cool knick-knacks. The market opens only in the evenings and usually gets bustling with energy after 8pm! Head over after dinner for a casual stroll, you might even catch some live performances by talented street buskers here.

Address: No. 20 - 26, Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor

9. Meet Animals At The Johor Zoo

Built in 1928, the Johor Zoo is the oldest zoo in Malaysia! Spend some time with your loved ones here as you meet over 100 different species of animals, which include Indo-Chinese tigers, elephants, hippos, and our favourite one of all, the friendly camels. For some extra fun, go boat paddling on the zoo's mini lake or take some up-close pictures with the furry friends here.

Address: Jalan Gertak Merah, Taman Istana, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Top 10 Best Zoos & Wildlife Parks In Malaysia

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10 Best Zoos & Wildlife Parks In Malaysia That All Animal Lovers Should Visit!

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10. Ice Skate At Blue Ice Skating Rink

Skate off the heat at the Blue Ice Skating Rink located in Paradigm Mall JB! Opened in 2017, this rink was actually the first Blue Ice rink instalment in Malaysia and is currently the only ice skating rink in Johor itself. If you're in the area, why not drop by for some chilly fun or sign up for their ice skating classes - they even offer ice hockey lessons here!

Address: 3F-30, Paradigm Mall, Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Johor Bahru, 81200 Johor

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8 Best Ice Skating Rinks In Malaysia: Visit These Indoor Ice Rinks & Skate Off The Heat!

Plan your next ice skating activity with your loved ones at these top ice skating rinks in Malaysia, located in KL, Selangor and JB.

11. Enjoy A Tour Of The Istana Besar

Constructed in 1866, the opulent Istana Besar is the Grand Palace of the state and was once the home of the Sultan of Johor. The structure incorporates a beautiful blend of both Malay and Western architectural styles, and stands out majestically with its stark white walls and signature blue roof. Today, it is mainly used for official functions only and part of it converted into the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, showcasing a collection of antiques and heirlooms of the Royal Family.

Address: 107, Jalan Tun Dr Ismail, Taman Istana, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

12. Snack On Pastries At Salahuddin Bakery

Get yourself a satisfying light snack with fresh pastries from Salahuddin Bakery. This humble, no-frills family-run bakery is one of the oldest ones in Johor Bahru - it opened its doors in 1937 and has been serving some of the yummiest pastries in town for the past 80 years. You'll find a delicious selection of baked treats here, but most people flock over for their flaky curry puffs - so be sure to grab a few when you're here!

Address: No. 26, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor

13. Visit The Forest City

Spend a day at the newly-built Forest City, a green futuristic paradise nestled along Johor Bahru's coastline. Made up of four manmade islands, Forest City combines the natural environment and cutting edge technology to create a dynamic space with smart infrastructure encapsulated with stunning sea views and lush greenery. Soak in the sun as you take a stroll at their many serene parks or visit the beach. Pssst... you can also enjoy duty free shopping while you're here as well!

Address: Forest City, Pulau Satu, 81500 Johor Bahru, Johor

14. Have Brunch At Flowers In The Window

Nestled on historical Jalan Dhoby, Flowers In The Window is a lovely garden-themed cafe that’s perfect for brunching. Step inside their whimsical garden setup, decked with greenery and vintage furniture, creating this ‘beautiful mess’ that looks undeniably cosy and IG-worthy. They cook up a vibrant brunch menu, fresh artisan breads, as well as yummy main dishes - we recommend trying out their Flowers Breakfast, Eggs on Toast, Chicken Schnitzel and Pan Fried Salmon!

Address: 9, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

15. Play Time At Fanpekka Indoor Playground

Just a stone’s throw away from LEGOLAND Malaysia, the Fanpekka indoor playground that is located in AEON is a literal wonderland for the young ones. More of an educational theme park, this indoor playground features fantasy-themed zones and is designed with a focus on gameplay that encourages problem-solving and learning. Now your kids can learn and play at the same time!

Address: Persiaran Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor

Save 16% Off Admission Rates To Fanpekka By Booking Here!

Top 8 Best Indoor Playgrounds & Kids Activities In JB

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9 Best Indoor Playgrounds and Exciting Kids Activities In Johor Bahru

Plan a fun family day out with this complete list of the best indoor playgrounds in JB and family-friendly activities you should try while in Johor.

16. Go On A Nighttime Stroll At Danga Bay

Enjoy a fun, laidback stroll along Danga Bay, JB's scenic waterfront and recreational park that has lots to offer from scenic sunset views and restaurants that serve great seafood. The area lights up upon nightfall, especially at the Danga World Theme Park, a retro fun fair with an old-school charm. Hop on the carousel or have a bumper car battle with your friends or family!

Address: Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor

17. Visit The Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple

Dating back from the 19th century, the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple was built in honour of five revered Chinese deities and is a must-visit in JB if you're into exploring cultural landmarks and religious sites. The Chinese temple is also known as the Old Temple by the locals and stands out with its vibrant red and white colours amidst modern grey skyscrapers.

Address: Lot 653, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

18. Go Rock Climbing At Camp5 Climbing Gym

Camp5 has become one of the most popular climbing gyms in Malaysia. Fitted with spacious layouts, high ceilings, and a good range of rock climbing and bouldering walls, the climbing gym offers great fun and a good sweat for people of all ages and stamina levels. Book your guided bouldering session at Camp5 Paradigm Mall JB from just RM32 on Klook and get ready for some adrenaline rush!

Address: 7F-08, Level 7, Skudai Paradigm Mall, Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor

19. Try The Banana Cake From Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory

Hiap Joo Bakery has been serving "the best banana cake in Johor" since 1919 and you'll almost always be greeted by a queue when you're here, but trust us - the wait will be worth it! The bakery offers freshly-baked goods such as buns, cakes, and biscuits baked with a traditional wood-fired charcoal oven. Make sure to try their signature banana cake - buy some extras home as souvenirs or a teatime treat to relive the memories of your getaway.

Address: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor

20. Laser Tag Challenge At Laser Battle

Bring your friends and jump straight into action at Laser Battle Johor, the largest laser tag centre in Southeast Asia. Spanning over 5000 square feet, your whole squad can enjoy over 55 choices of state-of-the-art tactical and interactive game modes in this large arena. No matter your age, you'll surely enjoy each thrilling session here as you immerse yourself in an action movie-like atmosphere with top-notch equipment and special effects.

Address: Lot MS-11, Johor Bahru City Square, 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

You can now save 10% off your games at Laser Battle when you book your game session on Klook!

Laser Battle Johor Tickets Here!

21. Go For An Evening Walk At Taman Merdeka

Get some fresh air in the evening (or any time, really) at Taman Merdeka, the largest public park in Johor Bahru. The city is home to a lot of greenery but this park is probably our favourite to spend a chill evening at, equipped with an open air theatre, a monument dedicated to Malaysia's independence, rock sculptures, a clock tower and more! You can even drop by for a jog or plan a picnic session here with your loved ones.

Address: Jalan Datin Halimah, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor

22. Watch Fireflies At Kota Tinggi Firefly Park

Although a little further out from JB city, we couldn't leave this out of the list! Hop on a boat for a nighttime viewing of enchanting fireflies lighting up the night sky at the Kota Tinggi Firefly Park. Nature lovers will especially enjoy this unique firefly river cruise experience amidst the protected habitat of the glowing creatures, while learning about the history of the Johor River from your guide.