One Day Trip in Johor Bahru for First Time Visitors
Johor Bahru, which is located just across the Causeway from Singapore, offers a perfect blend of food, shopping, culture and entertainment. There are plenty of things you can do and see in Johor Bahru, even in a short period of time, which makes it the perfect weekend getaway. Visiting Johor Bahru for the first time and planning a one-day Johor trip? We have curated a list of itinerary of what you can do for a Johor one-day trip. Check it out.
1. Breakfast at a Local Kopitiam Near JB Sentral or Jalan Dhoby
Image Source: Pacific Kopi
Arrive early so you can start your morning with a traditional Malaysian breakfast at a local kopitiam near JB Sentral or Jalan Dhoby. These kopitiams in JB have been operating for decades and are the best way to experience the local culture.
Serving classics and favourites such as kaya butter toast, soft-boiled eggs and good coffee, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss! If toasts aren’t your thing, go for hearty breakfast dishes like pan mee, wan tan mee or nasi lemak. They’re not only delicious and satisfying but reasonably priced, too. One of the popular modern kopitiams is Pacific Kopi Jalan Dhoby, along this street, where you can try!
Address: Jalan Dhoby: Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
2. Heritage Walk Around Johor Old Town and Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Image Source: The Star
After breakfast, take a stroll and explore around Johor Old Town and Jalan Tan Hiok Nee. These streets are rich in history, featuring old shophouses and buildings that still look the same from olden days.
You can also expect to see hidden cafes, thrift shops, old kopitiams and temples in charming architecture. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop by the famous Hiap Joo Bakery for some freshly baked banana cakes. These streets are highly walkable and perfect for photography!
Address:Jalan Tan Hiok Nee: Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
3. Visit Johor Ancient Temple and the Nearby Street Art
Image Source: Wikipedia
While you’re exploring the heritage street, a visit to Johor Ancient Temple is a must. Located near the famous Jalan Tan Hiok Nee heritage street, this temple is one of the oldest structures in the city, built in the 19th century.
It is a common place of worship for all the Chinese dialect groups in Johor. Plus, the temple’s intricate carvings and colourful details are impressive. After visiting the temple, head over to the nearby alleys filled with street art murals between shophouses, blending culture with creativity. It’s the perfect place to capture instaworthy photos!
Address: Lot 653, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim
4. Shopping at Johor Bahru City Square
Image Source: Johor Bahru City Square
If you didn’t know, Johor Bahru is also home to several shopping malls. After walking around the city, head over to Johor Bahru City Square, located in the heart of JB. It’s one of the popular malls in Johor, featuring seven storeys with a wide variety of retail outlets from clothes to home goods. You can find many cafes and dessert spots in this mall for a quick break. Include this trip to the mall in your Johor one-day trip itinerary for a shopping experience!
5. Lunch with Local Johor Food
Image Source: Sup Tulang ZZ Setia JB
Johor is known for its delicious local cuisine, so no trip to JB is complete without indulging in some of the local delicacies. Many restaurants in Johor Bahru serve authentic nasi briyani and mee rebus that have been passed down through generations and have been a favourite among the locals.
Top spots include Restoran ZZ for mee rebus, Medan Selera 7 for nasi briyani, where portions are generous and prices remain reasonable. Other than nasi briyani and mee rebus, you may also want to try their famous Laksa Johor which is one of the must-try delicacies.
6. Relax at Johor Royal Botanical Gardens or Danga Bay Waterfront
Image Source: Taman Botani Diraja Johor
After a hearty meal, head to Johor Royal Botanical Gardens for a casual stroll. Featuring a 126-acre garden with rare species of plants and trees, split into 12 different themed zones. This garden, built in 1864, was once open only to the Johor royal family, but now, beautifully preserved and is open to the public with an admission fee.
If time permits, you can add Danga Bay Waterfront to your list for a slow and relaxing afternoon. Located close to the city centre, this spot offers scenic sea views and a calm ambience, perfect for a casual stroll.
Address: Jalan Ayer Molek, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim
7. Late Afternoon Cafe Hopping at Trendy JB Cafes
Image Source: Principle Cafe by T.A.M
Apart from Johor’s local delicacies, JB is also known for its trendy cafe scene. Spend your late afternoon visiting JB’s aesthetic cafes located around Mount Austin. Some of these famous cafe spots are known for their charming interiors, delicious desserts and unique drinks.
The area is dotted with charming establishments like Caffe Bene, known for its cosy Korean-inspired interiors and indulgent waffles, and Aftermath Coffee, a favourite among locals for its specialty brews and minimalist décor. Treat yourself to a cup of coffee and some desserts to relax after a long day of walking around the city!
8. Evening Visit to Skyscape Menara JLand for City Views
Image Source: Menara JLand
To experience stunning sunset views, visit Skyscape, located at Menara JLand, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city from the top. Check out the Skybridge with see-through glass flooring, where you can see the city right below your feet!
The best time to visit Skyscape is just before sunset and at night when the city is lit up. Plus, you can also enjoy other attractions available here including VR games. Add this activity to your day trip Johor itinerary for a unique experience!
9. Dinner and Enjoy a Cruise at Firefly River Cruise Tour Kota Tinggi
A perfect way to end your Johor trip is to have a scrumptious seafood dinner and enjoy a cruise at Kota Tinggi Firefly Park. This popular family-friendly attraction in Johor Bahru is a must-visit especially if it’s your first time visiting Johor.
During this boat tour, you can expect to see thousands of stunning fireflies near the riverbanks and mangrove trees, offering a unique experience like no other! Apart from this firefly boat tour, there are also paper lanterns you can light up and release into the sky, making it the perfect ending to your one-day trip in Johor!
Book Firefly River Cruise Tour Kota Tinggi ticket here.
Conclusion
Johor Bahru has plenty to offer, from shopping to cultural visits and nature. Perfect for a one-day trip in Johor Bahru, first-time visitors can experience a little bit of everything in a short period of time. Almost all the popular attractions are situated conveniently close to each other, making it easier to explore many places in one day.
If you’re planning to visit Johor Bahru, make your trip convenient and hassle-free by renting a car in Johor Bahru with Johorbook. This way, you can travel at your own pace without rushing and relying on public transport. With Johorbook, you can enjoy flexible pickup options or choose to pick up at the airport. Book today and plan a stress-free trip in Johor Bahru!
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