Located on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Johor Bahru is the capital of the state of Johor which is also the second-largest city in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur. Johor Bahru is well known as a multicultural city with a population of Malays, Chinese, and Indian influences that can be seen in the city’s food, music, and architecture throughout the city.
Johor Bahru is a popular tourist destination that houses numerous attractions and activities including free and affordable options to keep you entertained. From visiting various cultural and historical significance such as the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, and Chinese Heritage Museum which can be accessed for free, to relaxing at the beach, swimming, and sunbathing as well as doing various watersports including snorkeling, kayaking, and many other that can be experienced with your friend and family altogether.
Here are 15 cheap things that you might want to add to your list during your visit to Johor Bahru:
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Johor Bahru that you can access freely from 9 am to 5 pm daily, Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is a majestic mosque and one of the must-visit landmarks for any visitor who wants to learn more about the history, and architecture of Johor Bahru.
The mosque was established in 1900 on a hill overlooking the straits of Johor offering stunning views the most striking feature is the grand clock tower that is modeled after the iconic Jub Jubilee Clock Tower in London. The exterior is decorated with authentic domes, minarets, and Islamic geometric patterns while the inside features beautiful stained glass windows, marble floors, and majestic prayer halls.
Wander down the narrow streets lined with numerous colorful shophouses complete with their authentic architecture with a fascinating blend of Chinese, Malay, and European influences that can be throughout the bustling street of Johor Bahru Old Town.
At the end of the corner, find yourself inside a magnificent temple with a roof decorated with unique carvings shaped like dragons and phoenixes. After taking a step away, you will also be able to find a majestic mosque with its towering minarets standing tall above the clear blue sky. Johor Bahru Old Town is a place where visitors would be able to find themself amidst the blend of cultures, creating a vibrant paradise of traditions.
Housed in a beautifully restored shophouse, the Chinese Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the fascinating story of the Chinese community living in Johor Bahru. Once you take a step inside this historical museum, you will also begin your adventure through the early days of Chinese migration to Johor, highlighting the hardships and the perseverance of the community. Get a glimpse into their authentic artifacts like old tools and cookware which tell the stories of their struggle to establish a new life in Johor.
The Chinese Heritage Museum is more than just a static display where you only be able to memorize the iconic tools typical of the Chinese community. The museum often hosts cultural events, demonstrations of traditional crafting methods, and talks with local historians.
One popular ice cream located in Jalan Dhoby offers a wide variety of ice cream flavors where some of them are uniquely hand-made by the stores cater to different preferences. The Ice Cream Project which is also known as TIP is designed in a vibrant and inviting ambiance that is perfect for a sweet treat or spending time with your friends, family, and your loved ones.
Even though TIP is an ice cream shop specialist, the store also offers a wide variety of other frozen treats like sorbet or gelato, with various toppings, waffle cones, and refreshing drinks like coffee, tea, or milkshake to accompany your ice cream tasting experience.
TIP, The Ice Cream Project at Jalan Dhoby, Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru
See Price
Blue Ice Skating Rink is known for offering a genuine real ice skating experience where visitors would be able to glide freely and twirl on the same type of ice surface used in professional rinks. Bring your friends and family and learn to skate together by signing up for their academy where they will provide you with a professional guide that will patiently teach you about Figure Skating, olay Ice Hockey, and Speed Skating.
For those of you who just started to try ice skating, you don't need to worry about injuring yourself because the rink prioritized safety. They usually provide knee pads and helmets to ensure your safety. The staff are also available to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Blue Ice Skating Rink at Paradigm Johor Tickets
9.4/10
Tampoi
RM 40
RM 35
If you are looking for unique entertainment, Johor Bahru also offers something new that will surely give you an unforgettable time in this first aerial entertainment space in the city.
Skyscape is located on the 41st to 43rd floors of Menara JlLand which is one significant landmark in Johor Bahru, offers various activities including the Sky Bridge which is a glass-floor walkway that stands tall 149 meters above the ground, VR Experience which visitors would be transferred into different worlds, mesmerizing LED tunnel complete with the color changing lights which makes a perfect photo spot with breathtaking background of Johor Bahru skyline.
Skyscape Ticket at Menara Jland in Johor Bahru
10.0/10
Johor Bahru - City Cen...
See Price
One popular destination for a day hike near Johor Bahru is Gunung Panti Recreational Forest which offers a wide variety of trains catering to all levels including the Forest Trail which is the most popular and easiest trail that is suitable for beginners and families, Lukut Trail which is the harder trail with a steeper incline and more challenging terrain that is perfect for more experienced hikers and Panti Barat Trail which located on the opposite side of the mountain from the Forest Trail which is another option for those experienced hikers who are looking for challenge.
If you plan to visit Gunung Panti Recreational Forest, please be reminded to wear proper clothing and shoes that are comfortable for hiking such as long pants and a breathable shirt are especially recommended to protect yourself from mosquitos and the sun’s rays.
Take a glimpse at the most iconic glass temple, The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple which is well known for its colorful glass mosaics and mirrors as the sunlight dances off the exterior creating a truly dazzling spectacle.
The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kaliamman, who is a powerful deity that is believed to have a relation with Shakti or divine feminine energy. Throughout the year, the temple often hosts various Hindu festivals and ceremonies which attract devotees and tourists from all around the world.
Gather your personal and get the perfect spot for an afternoon or evening board game fun. Board Game Cafe by Hey Decoupe is not only ideal for solo gamers, but it is also a perfect place to gather your friends and family and spend your time challenging or working together with each other on a friendly competition.
You may ask the staff for the board game selection and recommendations based on your interests and the number of players in your group.
Board Games Cafe by Hey Decoupage
Tebrau
See Price
Are you looking for a place where you get to play with your friends and family in a fun and exciting game in Johor? Then consider visiting Laser Battle Johor Bahru where you get to choose from over 55 choices of game modes either standard, easy, or advanced level. Choose everything based on your preferences, Gear up with high-tech equipment such as a fat green laser beam, and 6 full vibration sensors with high-quality LED light for an enhanced experience, and have fun with the interactive gameplay when you go against the other team.
Laser Battle in Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru
See Price
Here are all the fun and exciting activities that you might want to add to your list during your visit to Johor Bahru. Starting from exploring various iconic landmarks and popular tourist destinations such as The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple and Gunung Panti Recreational Forest, to enjoying fitness activities such as hiking, and kayaking in the famous Teluk Ayer Tawar Beach.
If you plan to visit Johor Bahru soon, Traveloka is more than happy to help you book the flight tickets, accommodation, and various activities and attractions mentioned above. Besides giving the best price, Traveloka often gives discounts, and combos to enhance your travel experience. What are you waiting for? Grab your Fast while the promo lasts!
Wed, 21 May 2025
Malaysia Airlines
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Johor Bahru (JHB)
Start from RM 47.64
Fri, 9 May 2025
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Johor Bahru (JHB)
Start from RM 53.26
Wed, 14 May 2025
Batik Air Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Johor Bahru (JHB)
Start from RM 82.00