Johor Bahru: A 5-Day Budget Adventure to Remember!

Exploring Johor Bahru on a shoestring - discover Malaysia's hidden gem without breaking the bank!

14 October 2023

A trip to Johor Bahru, Malaysia on a limited budget offers an abundance of options for budget-conscious travelers. Explore the vibrant street food scene, visit iconic landmarks such as Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, and indulge in inexpensive shopping at the famous Johor Premium Outlets. Additionally, take advantage of affordable transport options like local buses or rent a bike to explore the city's attractions without breaking the bank.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Let the Adventure Begin!

  • Check into Hotel Selesa, a cozy budget hotel with friendly staff and comfy beds.
  • Start your day with a visit to Pasar Karat, a bustling flea market that will ignite your love for quirky trinkets and vintage treasures.
  • Walk down Jalan Wong Ah Fook, a vibrant street where you can indulge in lip-smacking local street food like mee rebus and otak-otak.
  • Take a leisurely stroll by the stunning Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, an ornate place of worship that charms with its colorful tiles and intricate carvings.
  • As the sun sets, head to Danga Bay to enjoy a breezy waterfront dinner with panoramic views of the city skyline.
  • End your day by catching a movie at the retro-inspired Big Screen Cinemas, where classic films are given a new lease on life.
Day 2

Discover the Royal Side

  • Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Restoran Hua Mui, a legendary kopitiam known for its scrumptious roti babi and kaya toast.
  • Get your cultural fix at the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, housed in the grand Istana Besar. Immerse yourself in the regal history and opulent architecture.
  • Take a scenic walk in the stunning Sultan Ismail Building, an architectural masterpiece that showcases a fusion of Moorish and European styles.
  • Visit the vibrant Indian-Muslim neighborhood of Kampung Melayu Johor, where you can wander through bustling streets and sample delicious biryani.
  • Unwind at Kedai Makanan Ah Hua Kuey Teow Kia, a hidden gem serving up delectable char kuey teow, a local favorite.
  • End the day with a visit to the majestic Johor Bahru City Square, where you can shop till you drop and appreciate the sprawling cityscape.
Day 3

Nature's Oasis

  • Start your day with a quick breakfast at Restoran Kin Hua, a popular spot known for its silky smooth tau foo fa.
  • Embark on a thrilling adventure at Legoland Malaysia, where your inner child will find joy in the theme park's array of exciting rides and attractions.
  • Explore the natural beauty of Hutan Bandar Recreational Park, a lush oasis in the heart of the city perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
  • Indulge in delicious seafood at Todak Seafood Restaurant, a no-frills eatery where the aroma of freshly grilled fish fills the air.
  • Visit the street art enclave of Taman Pelangi, where vibrant murals and whimsical sculptures add a splash of color to the neighborhood.
  • End the day with a relaxing foot massage at a local reflexology center, soothing your tired feet after a day of adventure.
Day 4

Hidden Gems and Local Delights

  • Start your day with a visit to Kilang Bateri, a creative hub housed in a former battery factory, where you can discover unique art and design.
  • Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Roost Repurposed & Co., a trendy café serving up delicious dishes amidst a stylish industrial-chic setting.
  • Unleash your inner bookworm at BookXcess, a cavernous bookstore where you can get lost amidst shelves filled with discounted books.
  • Dive into the local food scene and savor the rich flavors of laksa Johor at Restoran Selera Johor.
  • Visit Danga Bay's Garden of Zen, a tranquil Japanese-inspired garden where you can find inner peace amidst lush greenery and serene ponds.
  • End the day with a thrilling karaoke session at The Ark Club, a popular spot where you can sing your heart out to your favorite tunes.
Day 5

Farewell, Johor Bahru!

  • Start your day with a breakfast feast at Restoran Haji Wahid, renowned for its sumptuous nasi lemak and velvety teh tarik.
  • Immerse yourself in history at the Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the Chinese community's contributions to the city.
  • Visit the adrenaline-pumping Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, a magnificent Hindu temple adorned with intricately designed glass panels.
  • Enjoy a leisurely afternoon walk around the stunning Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, marveling at its majestic Moorish-inspired architecture.
  • Savor your final meal in Johor Bahru at Restoran Sing Hwa, renowned for its tender and flavorful clay pot chicken rice.
  • Bid farewell to this delightful city, cherishing the memories and promising to return again someday.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Johor Bahru, Malaysia by plane is to fly to Senai International Airport (JHB) which is located approximately 32 kilometers northwestern of Johor Bahru city center. There are numerous international and domestic flights that operate to and from Senai International Airport, making it a convenient choice for air travel.

Car

To reach Johor Bahru, Malaysia by car, you can drive via the North-South Expressway. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, take the North-South Expressway (NSE) southbound and exit at Johor Bahru. The journey usually takes around 3-4 hours depending on traffic conditions.

Train

There is no direct train service to Johor Bahru, Malaysia. However, one can take a train to Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore which is located near the Johor-Singapore Causeway. From there, you can cross the Causeway by foot and take a bus or taxi to Johor Bahru city center.

Boat

There is no direct boat service to Johor Bahru, Malaysia. However, if you are coming from Indonesia, you can take a ferry from various ports such as Batam or Bintan to the Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal in Johor Bahru. From there, you can easily access the city center by taxi or local buses.

Bus

The best way to get to Johor Bahru, Malaysia by bus is to take a coach from various locations in Malaysia. Many bus operators provide services to Johor Bahru, with Larkin Terminal being the main bus terminal in the city. From Larkin, you can easily access different parts of Johor Bahru by local buses or taxis.

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