27 Top-Rated Johor Bahru Attractions (5,15 & 27 Editor’s Pick!)

Before you know it, it’s the weekend!

Make the most of those two days and take the family somewhere new!

Now, Johor is the obvious choice for many Singaporeans and you’ve probably already been there.

But, there are actually tons more things to do in JB than just visiting Legoland!

Here’s a list of the best 27 Johor Bahru Attractions!

So if you’re lost for some trip ideas, you will definitely find something to pique your interest in Johor again!

Top 27 Johor Bahru Attractions

Waterpark & Theme Park In Johor

Theme parks are a fantastic way to spend time with loved ones!

Be it the famous Legoland or a cartoon-oriented Johor theme park!

1. Legoland Sea Life Malaysia

Its reputation as Malaysia’s first international theme park aside:

Legoland Malaysia has been delighting hundreds of foreign and local visitors with their 8 zones with different rides, shows and other attractions!

Furthermore, the latest addition to their list is an ocean aquarium with interactive displays, a touch pool and a viewing tunnel!

Image credits: legoland.com.my

Highlights:

• There are 11 aquarium zones inside Legoland Sea Life Malaysia

2. Desaru Waterpark

There are more water parks around Johor but we’ll just touch on the biggest one!

Desaru Waterpark is right along the Desaru coastline and with 4000 acres, it’s pretty huge and one of the top Johor attractions you must visit!

Also read: How To Go Desaru Waterpark From Singapore

A plethora of slides and rides await you!

You won’t have trouble finding a hotel in this area either!

Highlights:

• Largest wave pool in Asia with an artificial beach
• Giant kids play area
• Riptide and the Kraken’s Revenge roller coaster are two of their most exhilarating rides!
• Practice or learn surfing in their surf simulator environment

3. Angry Birds Activity Park (Closed)

Angry Birds Theme Park is inside Komtar JBCC mall.

This indoor theme park is a children’s playground and parents may not be so impressed.

But children can bounce to their heart’s content here on the trampolines, scramble through the obstacle course or jump into the foam pit!

Besides this, there are games and activities like go-karts!

Highlights:

• Close to JB immigration checkpoint
• Cinemine – where you can watch or play Angry Birds related videos and games!

4. Fanpekka

Yet another JB attractions and mall-based theme park but in Aeon Tebrau.

Other than the kid-friendly gym, there’s an area where they can build houses, or pretend that they are a fireman or a doctor!

And there are numerous toys all over too so kids will have an amazing time here while learning new things!

Clean and well-kept facilities and the wonderfully friendly staff will probably entice you back too!

Highlights:

• Attached cafe serving all sorts of food

Eco Farm & Park In Johor

It’s so refreshing to be out among greenery and away from the city once in a while!

Plus, the kids get to experience something new!

5. Kluang UK Farm

When one thinks of Johor eco parks, the first one that comes to mind is the Kluang UK farm!

Part of UK Agro Resort and the largest goat and sheep farm in Malaysia and popular Johor attraction too.

Their 4000 sheep have close to 100 acres of grazing land!

Take a tour around the farm and try some recreational activities!

Highlights:

• Wide range of facilities (e.g. farm mart, accommodation, karaoke, restaurant, etc)

6. Desaru Fruit Farm

Back to nature with an educational tour around Desaru Fruit Farm is suitable for both adults and children.

This farm has been accredited by Tourism Malaysia for its conservation efforts and has won awards such as “Best Agro-Tourism” and “Innovative Tourism Attraction – Agro Tourism Conservation”.

Apart from exploring the agro-cultural part of this 180 acres farm, you can enjoy the other activities provided.

Highlights:

• More than 100 types of fruit trees and plants.
• Small petting zoo with educational talks on bee keeping
• ATV Riding
• Paintball
• Go-kart track
• All-You-Can Eat Fruit Buffet (enjoy the local seasonal fruits all year round)

7. Zenxin Organic Farm

Growing organic vegetables is a lot more complex than what you see on the surface:

Zenxin Organic Farm is open for visits from the public.

You can either take a tour by yourself either on foot or by cycling around the 100-acre farm.

Learn what it takes to produce organic fruits and vegetables, all without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides!

Highlights:

• Restaurant on-site that prepares meals using vegetables straight from the farm!
• Market to buy their fresh produce
• Flower nursery – you can buy gardening supplies here!

8. Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm

Home to some 1000 crocodiles of a certain saltwater species, this crocodile farm is the largest one in Peninsula Malaysia and also one of the top attraction in Johor!

Crocodile keepers are happy to take visitors around and introduce them to some of the scaly residents without the need to provoke them!

Highlights:

• See a 155-year-old crocodile!
• With supervision (and a fee), you can hold and touch a baby crocodile
• You may get to witness feeding time!
• There are crocodiles up to 15 feet long!

9. Kukup Fishing Village

A Pontian trip would be incomplete without paying a visit to the 150-year-old Kukup Fishing Village fringed by mangroves at the southern tip of Johor!

There are a few ways to see the village:

1. Walking
2. Cycling
3. Renting a motorcycle

You can even have a go at fishing at kelong (fish farm platforms) in this area!

Sample their seafood and take back some fishy goods like cincalok, belacan, keropok lekor and dried seafood!

Highlights:

• Visit one of the last remaining jellyfish-processing houses in Malaysia!
• Learn how they make cincalok and keropok lekor

10. Kota Tinggi Firefly Park

There’s a place in Kota Tinggi where you can see a swarm of fireflies light up mangroves at night!

Boat tours (each lasting 45 minutes) take visitors up close to see the daily phenomenon that occurs when fireflies are ready to find mates!

Fireflies are sadly, not as common as they once were and that tragedy is likely not going to reverse!

11. Rider Lodge

Fancy going horse riding in Johor?

There are a total of 8 stables in Johor where you can do this! One of them is Riders Lodge.

At Riders Lodge, you can have the pleasure of riding a horse regardless of your former riding background (or lack thereof) and experience!

The stables offer a few packages complete with lodging and many activities such as:

• Riding lessons and programs
• Riding camps of different duration
• Riding trails

Highlights:

• The stables are open any day of the year!
• Family bonding activity
• Children can try riding here too!

12. Desaru Beach

Making a Desaru trip?

It only takes one and a half hour’s drive from Singapore!

Stop by Desaru beach to catch the sea breeze and relax a little!

Also read: What Should You Do In Desaru: (Top 13 Things To Do In Desaru, Schedule Now)

The sand on this 6 kilometre stretch of beach is fairly white and clean!

It can be very windy here but when it’s not, you can go for a swim or try out some water sports like parasailing in the warm water!

Otherwise, watch the sunset or just lounge on the beach!

13. Kota Tinggi Waterfall

Right along with other Johor outdoor activities:

Is spending some time being one with nature at Kota Tinggi Waterfalls!

There are two waterfalls here:

Both are good for swimming and you can even rent a tube to float leisurely on the water too!

A resort is nearby with a couple of slides close to one of the waterfalls.

Highlights:

• Hiking trails and camping areas are available
• There are grassy areas in case you want to have a picnic

14. Tanjung Piai

Nature lovers must take note of the national park at Tanjung Piai!

The park is right at the most southern tip of Peninsula Malaysia and encompasses almost 1000 hectares of mangrove swamps and mudflats!

There is a vast diversity of plant life and animal life that you can find here!

An elevated boardwalk 1200 meters in length makes it incredibly easy for visitors to explore the national park!

Highlights:

• 2 observation towers with views of the mangroves below
• You can stay at the campsites if you want
• They have a mangrove education program

Best Island Near Johor Bahru

Did you know that there are a series of islands close to Johor?

The most famous of them is Tioman Island but there are others just like it that are less commercialized and just as beautiful!

Just be sure to avoid going towards the end of the year as monsoon season approaches! Unless you’re going for surfing!

15. Tioman Island

Pulau Tioman is one of the islands accessible from Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty (Teluk Gading Jetty).

The infrastructure is more sophisticated which is great if you plan to see more of the island than just around your resort!

You have more dining options, snorkeling area and more things to do in Tioman island!

There are resorts for budget travellers and those who can afford pure luxury at the more exclusive corners of the island!

Highlights:

• Plenty of hiking trails
• This island has a clinic and duty-free shop
• The most popular attraction in Johor

16. Rawa Island

With noticeably fewer tourists here on Pulau Rawa, You can appreciate its natural beauty more!

The best part is you don’t have to take a boat trip out for snorkeling as the waters close to Rawa Island are already teeming with fish!

Also read: Stulang Laut

There are only 2 resorts on the island and both charge equally high for at least 2 nights on the island!

Highlights:

• There is a PADI certified dive center on the island

17. Sibu Island

Pulau Sibu (or Sibu Island) is another island paradise on this list!

You can only get here from Tanjung Leman Jetty (south of Mersing).

Like Tioman Island and Rawa Island, Sibu Island is part of the Johor Marine Park.

But unlike the other two islands, sea caves and old shipwrecks are common around this island.

Activities that you can do on Sibu Island include:

• Windsurfing
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Snorkelling
• Angling

Highlights:

• The boat trip is very short – just 20 minutes’ from the jetty
• Closest Johor island to Singapore (3 hours total)
• True island-feel (no roads!)

Must-Visit Shopping Mall In Johor Bahru

Sometimes you just can’t ignore the call of the shops!

Especially with the attractive exchange rates between Singapore and Malaysia!

18. Johor Premium Outlets (JPO)

Boasting a total of 150 branded stores:

Johor Premium Outlets is your one-stop destination for famous designer brands like Armani, DKNY, Tory Burch, Versace and more!

It’s fun to explore the open-air arcades and dip in and out of your favorite stores!

And there are daily deals of up to 65% here!

When you need a breather from all the shopping, you can plop down next to the fountain with an ice-cream from Godiva!

19. MidValley Southkey

Johor is brimming with shopping malls and one of the newest ones is Midvalley JB.

The main anchors here are the Village Grocer and SOGO department store!

Also read: JB New Shopping Mall

Much like its counterpart in Kuala Lumpur:

Midvalley Southkey has a North, Center and South court!

And joining these are a myriad of other shops that will satisfy any shopaholic!

You can find Michael Kors, Coach, Daiso, Uniqlo, Harvey Norman, L’Occitane, Adidas Original and Family Mart here!

Foodies will be eager to try the tantalizing selection of restaurants on the higher floors of the mall!

Culture & Historical Places In Johor Bahru

Go beyond the glossy exterior of shopping malls and wallet-friendly seafood and discover more about Johor’s past at any of these historical places!

20. Glass Temple Johor Bahru

You’ll not want to miss the first contender in this Johor attraction list!

This stunning Hindu temple, Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is one of the oldest in Johor!

It is made of an incredible number of colored glass pieces – around 300,000!

Large enough to fit 1500 devotees at a time and open to visitors.

Admire the glass on the pillars, walls, floors, and the beautiful reflection of the crystal chandeliers in the floors too!

There is a wall mural in this temple that begs for a closer look:

It depicts a heartwarming message harmony among humans and animals!

21. Tiong Hua Chinese Heritage Museum

Tiong Hua Chinese Heritage Museum is a historical place in Johor you can visit to gain insight into the history of Chinese immigrants in Johor.

The museum has four storeys in total with English signage to explain the unique skills between different Chinese dialects that chose to make Johor their home.

There is a specific historical period on each floor of the museum.

Collections of once-personal artifacts like musical instruments, photos, coins and porcelain ornaments are on display for viewing.

22. Istana Besar JB

Once the home of the Sultan of Johor: Istana Besar is the impressive Royal Palace during Sultan Abu Bakar’s rule.

The mostly white exterior of the palace is a perfect blend of both Malay and European influence!

Complete with a dome roof at the top of the building!

A striking blue roof complements the overall design!

Visitors are welcome to see the royal collection of antiques and other heirlooms on display at the Royal Abu Bakar Museum too!

23. Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple

In the midst of modern buildings is the Old Chinese Temple in Johor Bahru.

It represents unity among five Chinese clans – “Teochew”, “Hokkien”, “Hakka”, Cantonese” and “Hainan” for over 140 years now.

At one point, these different clans were at odds with one another.

The temple served to bring them together in a commonplace of worship.

Highlights:

• Bronze bell that dates back to 1875
• See the ornate chariots used in former chingays for when the deities are carried out to bless the city in a grand procession
• The annual chingay (柔佛古庙出游 or 古庙游神) occurs during the 18th to 22nd day of the first lunar month and lasts for 5 days

24. Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque

Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque sits along Jalan Skudai in Johor Bahru at the top of a hill, overlooking the Straits of Johor.

Dating back to 1892 and 1900, this is Johor’s official state mosque with a capacity to accommodate up to 2,000 devotees.

The architect, Tuan Haji Mohamed Arif bin Punak’s intentions are apparent in the design of the mosque:

It features both English Victorian and Malay/Moorish elements and the minarets even look like old British clock towers!

Highlights:

• Other local Johor Bahru attractions close by that have connections to the mosque – Like the Abu Bakar Monument and Royal Abu Bakar Museum.

25. Jalan Tan Hiok Nee (Heritage Street)

Jalan Tan Hiok Nee together with two other streets, Jalan Trus and Jalan Dhoby make up Johor’s heritage quarter!

Also read: Jalan Wong Ah Fook Johor Bahru Most Famous Tourist Spot In JB!

Jalan Tan Hiok Nee has an array of cafes and restaurants that bring life back to the post-World War II shophouses that line the street!

You can still find old gems here like the herbal drink stall that has been in business for many generations!

Try the delicious chicken chop by IT Roo Cafe!

26. Yong Peng Temple

The large and colorful Fortune Dragon Statue (total length of ~100 meters) at Yong Peng Temple is clearly what sets this temple apart from the rest!

Also read: One Day Trip In Yong Peng Johor (Include Yong Peng 1-Day Itinerary)

You can go through the dragon from its mouth and exit through the tail!

Inside the dragon:

There are many Chinese paintings that tell Buddhist stories and lore – don’t fret!

There are captions in 3 languages – English, Malay and Chinese!

27. Laman Mahkota Istana Bukit Serene

The eye-catching crown arch in front of Istana Bukit Serene is one of the most noticeable landmarks and attractions in Johor.

It was a present from the Sultan of Johor to the people!

As the official residence for the Sultan of Johor, Istana Bukit Serene is not open to the public.

But even though you cannot enter the grounds, you can still marvel from a distance and of course, snap a photo or two!

Highlights:

• Good view of the impressive palace and grounds
• Beautiful 35m tall tower can be seen