Johor Bahru Things to Do

Activities around Johor Bahru are in very good supply. Early nights and early mornings will ensure you make the most of your time here.

City Walks and Parks

The MPJBT Mutiara Rini Recreational Park is home to a huge forest with over 500 tropical trees and a big lake with the most beautiful floating wooden Malay houses. There is a jetty that allows access to these houses that make for the most wonderful photo opportunity. There is also a fantastic path to go for a jog around the lake, should you have taken things one-step too far at your dinner the night before, as one does on holiday.

The Johor Bahru Heritage walk is a well marked and really enjoyable way to take in some of the history and culture of the tremendous city, once just a small fishing village. The tour often starts at the High Court, with stops that include the Post Office, the Old Railway Station, and the fascinating Broadway Cinema. Prices vary between operators, so be sure to get a few quotes before you commit to one.

Activities for Families with Kids

Parents, we feel that a trip to Legoland may not really be negotiable. That is, if you want to enjoy your holiday and the current state of your hearing. But, that is not to say that you won’t enjoy it. The park is packed with over 40 rides, a water park, and thousands of things that will steal your children’s attention and send their imagination racing. The park has many great restaurants, cafés and has an impressive hotel for those looking to make a weekend of it.

The park is not cheap, at all. If bought on the day, tickets for adults go for MYR 245 and at MYR 195 for children. As such, it is best to try and plan this adventure in advance and make the most of the discounts on their website. The park is open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays, and until one hour later on the weekends and is located at Iskandar Puteri, very central to town.

If this is beyond your budget, a trip to Danga World Theme Park is far less expensive with rates that are set per ride. However, it remains undoubtedly glamorous with high end retail outlets and fine dining restaurants. This park is open from 3pm until midnight, daily.

Sports

The more sporty and adventurous kind of traveller is well catered for in Johor Bahru. Stand Up Paddle boarding tours take you down the Kim Kim River and along the coast for three hours of calming immersion in the natural landscape. Tours cost around MYR 90 per person and are conducted three times a day.

Motocross tracks winding through the jungle and you on the top of a 150cc, holding on as your roar around the bends - what a rush! It isnt cheap though, priced at around MYR 300 for the entire day, but it is well worth the money. Head on over to Tristan Park to get in on the fun.

A moderately strenuous, but very stimulating ride around the city with Downtown Ride is a great way to see the city. Bikes are charged at MYR15 for the first hour, and MYR 10 for every hour after that. Grab a map, hit the spots like a treasure hunt and stop at some great local restaurants to fuel up.

Waterfalls

Pulai Falls is a classic looking waterfall for these parts of the world with a final tier that is rather majestic and imposing. An expedition through the dilapidated infrastructure of the Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest will take you to the series of waterfalls. The last tier makes for a fantastic photo opportunity as well as a great place for a picnic with a few of your favourite people.

Fishing Tours

A real treat for all anglers and lovers of the simple life is a two to three day fishing trip on a modest wooden structure off the coast of Pantai Penyabong Mersing. The trip is an incredible escape from the thoughts and conversations that permeate our day to day existence. It is an opportunity to truly kick back, to soak in the atmosphere and the astounding views, and to relish the simple moments of your days on the Kelong. Trips always include transport both ways, food, bait, and anything else you may need. Prices are incredibly reasonable at around MYR 180 for a two-day, one-night trip.

Spas and relaxation

Sabye Sabye offer extremely well conducted massages at a very modest price, around MYR 25. A real impact is felt from the use of their trade-secret balm during your massage, but don't ask them to buy it, they'll just say no - or, they just didn't like us.

A slightly more fancy affair is available at No.4 Thai Imperial with decor that is very Bali-ish. However, prices are still very reasonable, and the spa is open until the early hours of the morning for those times when you need a massage after a night out, we guess.