Introduction to Johor Bahru, Malaysia

The southernmost Malaysian city of any size, JOHOR BAHRU – or simply JB – is the gateway into Singapore, linked to the city-state by a 1056-metre causeway, which is crossed by around 50,000 people a day. It also has good links to KL and Melaka, so there's little to detain you whichever direction you're travelling in. JB's one interesting attraction is the Istana Besar, the former residence of Johor's royal family. Surrounded by extensive gardens, it is a magnificent building set on a hillock overlooking the Johor Straits. To the right of the building is the ticket booth of the Museum Di Raja Abu Bakar (daily except Fri 9am–5pm; RM18), which displays gifts from foreign dignitaries, including stuffed tigers and daggers.

Larkin bus station is 3km away from the centre of JB on Jalan Geruda. Plenty of buses run from here to the causeway or you can catch a taxi for around RM5. The train station is slightly east of the city centre, off Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. Flights to JB land at Senai airport, 25km north of the city, from where a regular bus service (RM1.40) runs to the bus station. Heading out to the airport, MAS passengers can take the RM4 shuttle bus from outside the Tourist Information Centre. Alternatively, you can get a taxi to the airport for about RM25. The MAS office is at Level 1, Menara Pelangi, Jalan Kuning Taman Pelangi (tel 07/334 1001). To rent a car (cheaper than in Singapore) contact either Avis, at the Tropical Inn (tel 07/223 7971), or Hertz, JOTIC building (tel 07/223 7520).

The main Tourist Information Centre (JOTIC) (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–1pm; tel 07/222 3590) is on Jalan Air Molek, and there is also an office on the causeway (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat & Sun 9am–4pm; tel 07/224 9485). There are moneychangers in the main shopping centres, or try Maybank, 11 Jl Selat Tebrau; Bank Bumiputra, 51 Jl Segget; or OCBC, Jalan Ibrahim. There is also a brace of cashpoints on the south side of the Merlin Tower. Internet cafés are plentiful around City Square and the Komtar building.

JB attracts more businesspeople than tourists, but the best of the budget accommodation is Footloose Homestay, 4h Jl Ismail (tel 07/224 2881; under $5), where you'll find a basic dorm (RM14). If you can't get a bed here, try the grim but reasonably clean Hawaii, 21 Jl Meldrum (tel 07/224 0633; $10–15). In the mid-range the Rasa Sayang, Jalan Datok Dalam (tel 07/224 8600; $15–20), is comfortable enough, while the plushest place by far is the luxury Puteri Pan Pacific, Kotaraya, Jalan Trus (tel 07/223 3333; $60–80) – ask about their promotions. The liveliest of the places to eat in JB is the large night market across the footbridge from the train station beside the Indian Temple.

Information by Rough Guides

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