Johor

Heritage and Thrills

Photo Credit :  Jason A Instagram

Start your exploration in Johor Bahru by visiting a historical place that will bring you to feel the old vibes of the colonial era. Standing proudly over Johor Bahru's city centre, the Sultan Ibrahim Building showcases a remarkable fusion of Malay and colonial architecture. Completed in 1940, it was the tallest building in Johor at the time. It was a strategic fortress for the Japanese Army during World War II. Formerly home to the state secretariat, assembly hall, and Chief Minister's office until 2009, it is now a treasured historical landmark. Visitors can explore its rich heritage, but it is just outside the building with prior approval from security, making it an essential stop for those intrigued by history and architecture.

Continue your vacation on a strong note at Legoland Malaysia; a top family entertainment destination located in Johor and known for its creative blend of education and play. Opened in September 2012 as Asia's first Legoland theme park, it sets a precedent for interactive, LEGO-themed attractions in the area. This huge resort spans 76 acres and includes the main theme park, a water park and a specialised hotel, all of which have been thoughtfully designed to create an immersive experience for its visitors.

At Legoland Malaysia, visitors are more than welcome to participate in a variety of activities for all ages. The park is separated into several zones, including Miniland, where prominent Asian sights are meticulously recreated with millions of LEGO bricks. Adventurers may also have a go at the exciting rides and attractions in the themed zones including LEGO Kingdoms and LEGO City.

For those looking for even more excitement, the nearby Water Park provides a refreshing retreat with its multitude of water slides and interactive play areas. The on-site Legoland Hotel adds to the experience with its vivid décor, themed accommodations and a variety of interesting activities geared towards a younger audience. Overall, Legoland Malaysia not only celebrates LEGO's timeless appeal but also offers engaging and educational encounters that continue to delight and inspire.

Please visit the official website for more information.

After an exciting day of fun and discovery at Legoland Malaysia, delight your senses with a delicious dinner at the renowned, The Muslim-friendly Ikan Bakar Tepian Tebrau Restaurant, which offers a delightful dining experience with the enticing aroma of freshly grilled seafood set against stunning waterfront views. This not-to-be-missed dining experience is only a 16-minute drive from Legoland Malaysia.

Adventure and Artistry

Kick off your next day with a delicious breakfast at the quaint, Muslim-owned Pondok Santapan Larkin Restaurant, where the rich aromas of traditional Malaysian cuisine will energise your senses and prepare you for the exciting activities ahead.

After fueling up, head over to X Park Iskandar Puteri to burn off some calories. As one of Malaysia's largest extreme and adventure parks, it encompasses 32 acres of thrilling, action-packed terrain. This thrilling park is designed for sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers in mind, offering a wide selection of activities set against breathtaking nature. Its various activities include go-karting, rock climbing, archery and paintball, as well as a range of water sports.

Photo Credit : X park

The park also has designated zones for various other experiences such as rope courses, as well as sports and aquatic activities. Aquawalk, ATV rides, bubble ball futsal, dodgeball and the exhilarating flying fox are among the most notable activities. For those looking for a mix of leisure and excitement, the park also offers convenient lodging options, including intimate chalets for couples and bigger family-friendly chalets that can accommodate up to eight people. With its broad range of high-energy activities and picturesque setting, X Park Iskandar Puteri is positioned to become one of the more exciting destinations for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the country and beyond.

Please visit the official website for more information.

Next, treat yourself to a delicious lunch at the well-known Nasi Ambeng Mat Corner (Muslim-friendly), which is only a 20-minute drive away. Savour the rich, classic tastes of this local meal before continuing your journey to the next location, which is only seven minutes away. Trust us, this gourmet stop is a necessity before your continued journey.

The next destination to explore is The Johor Craft Complex, popularly known as KKJ, which is a major local tourism site celebrating the best of southern Malaysia's art, culture and handicrafts. As a key hub for locally handmade items, KKJ provides visitors with an immersive ‘experience and savour’ approach via its different offerings. Visitors to the Karyaneka Sales Centre can purchase a variety of Malaysian crafts such as textiles, metalwork and souvenirs. The Craft Village shows live demonstrations of traditional crafts, while the Heritage Craft Gallery displays unique items and dioramas inspired by Johor's history. The Craftethno Park allows visitors to discover the range of flora used in crafts, while the Craft Bistro offers a place to savour local specialities. KKJ also provides interactive craft packages and group-guided excursions, allowing visitors to interact directly with unique crafting processes whilst learning about the region's creative heritage.

Please visit the official website for more information. 

Spiritual Serenity and City Vibes

Treat yourself to a delicious breakfast at the renowned Kacang Pool Haji Restaurant, located at Jalan Sabar, Taman Dato Onn. Enjoy the rich, original tastes of this culinary jewel of Johor before proceeding to your next fascinating excursion, which is conveniently located just 10 minutes from the restaurant.

Moving on, continue your journey to the Kompleks Warisan Sultan Abu Bakar, which is located on Jalan Sungai Chat in Johor Bahru, and formally inaugurated by DYMM Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar on November 18, 2018. This cultural centre houses a variety of attractions including the Johor Art Gallery, Johor Weaving Gallery, Rumah Limas Johor, Artefact Repository Centre and the Johor Documentation Centre. Visitors may participate in a variety of activities including learning the traditional Zapin dance and touring the Gastronomy Hotspot.

Photo Credit : Daily Johor

The Johor Art Gallery distinguishes itself by conducting creative activities like exhibits, contests and workshops, as well as by exhibiting nearly 200 artworks by diverse artists including paintings, drawings, ceramic sculptures and photography. Through its educational activities, the gallery promotes and recognises Johor's creative ability. Follow the latest happenings here by visiting Yayasan Warisan Johor’s official Facebook.

Photo Credit : naimhamid_

Photo Credit : Tourism Malaysia Southern Region

In addition, consider including the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple to your itinerary as well. Established in 1922, the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple in Johor Bahru is a magnificent Hindu shrine known for its outstanding design and sparkling splendour. As the world's first and only glass temple, it stands out for both its distinctive design as well as its spiritual importance. The temple's remarkable look is created by its significant use of glass, with over 300,000 pieces of vivid mosaics in red, blue, yellow, green, purple and white covering every surface. This landmark temple is not only one of Johor's oldest Hindu temples but also has a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records due to its groundbreaking use of glass in religious architecture. The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is a must-see, drawing people from all over the world to appreciate its dazzling magnificence and rich cultural history.

End your adventure with a stroll along Jalan Dhoby, a bustling and historically significant street known for its rich cultural legacy and modern attractions. Originally renowned as a hub for washing enterprises in the early twentieth century, the street has since grown into a thriving cultural and artistic quarter. Today, Jalan Dhoby is known for its vibrant street art, historical buildings as well as fashionable cafés and stores, making it a popular destination amongst locals and visitors.

The neighbourhood comprises various well-preserved historical landmarks including traditional shophouses that represent the architectural elegance of ancient Johor Bahru. Visitors may explore the street's bright murals, savour a variety of local and international cuisines and immerse themselves in the creative ambience. Jalan Dhoby also organises cultural events and markets on occasion, which add to its attractiveness as a lively and interesting Johor Bahru destination.