But if you’ve already done Kuala Lumpur and you want to see a different side of Malaysia, you should consider a trip to Johor Bahru. This incredibly unique city is often a stop-off point for people traveling between Malaysia and Singapore, but there is plenty to keep you entertained if you want to stay for longer. You’ll find an incredibly diverse city with some incredible palaces and temples, beautiful national parks, and even theme parks nearby. 

If you are planning a return trip to Malaysia and you want to stop off in Johor along the way, here’s everything you need to know to plan your itinerary. 

When To Go

If you’re looking for hot temperatures, Malaysia is good pretty much any time of the year. It will be at least 25 degrees throughout the year, so you don’t need to worry about getting cold. You do, however, need to worry about the rain. When you are planning your trip, make sure that you avoid the two monsoon seasons that affect Malaysia. The Southwest monsoon hits between late May and September and the Northeast monsoon hits between October and March. Ideally, you should plan your trip in the late Spring between April and June for the best weather. 

How To Get There 

If you are flying straight to Johor, you can get a flight from London to Senai International Airport. The airport is about 35km outside of Johor Bahru, the capital city of the region where you are most likely to stay while visiting. 

Alternatively, you may decide that you want to travel to Johor on the way to or from Singapore. The good news is, traveling between Singapore and Johor by road or train is simple. The central railway station has lots of great links to Singapore and other Malaysian cities, so it is easily accessible from most places in the region. You can also drive from Singapore to Johor through the Second Link entrance or the Causeway. There is also a short bus route that takes around half an hour. 

Where To Stay 

When visiting Johor, it’s best to stay in the capital city and there are a few main regions that most tourists tend to stay in. You have a great choice of hotels and apartments for rent in the city, so whatever your price range, you should be able to find something that suits you. If you are moving between Singapore and Johor throughout your trip, it’s best to stay in Gelang Patah, which is close to the Second Link route to Singapore. The area has a buzzing nightlife with lots of bars and restaurants to visit and there are some great local markets too. 

If you want to be at the centre of the action and close to all of the main tourist attractions, City Square Downtown is the best region to stay in. The area is filled with lots of great places of worship, some of which you can visit, and many other cultural attractions. It’s also the area with the highest concentration of hotels, so if you are looking for conveniently placed accommodation that is near to all of the popular sites, this is the ideal place to stay. You will also find lots of bars and restaurants and some huge open air markets too. 

Danga Bay is an up and coming region that isn’t typically visited by that many tourists, but it’s worth considering. Although it’s still in the early stages of its development, there are already some great theme parks and a zoo in the area, so it’s a good option for families. 

What To See 

There are plenty of great things to see and do in Johor, both in the capital and the surrounding area. The Taman Rekreasi Hutan Bandar National Park is a must see if you really want to get a sense of how amazing Malaysia is as a country. Right in the middle of Johor Bahru, you will find a 13 hectare rainforest to explore, with 7 picturesque lakes dotted around. It’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of the city when you get lost in this incredible park, and there are some great activities, like fishing and swimming too. If you are going with the family, there’s even a play park to keep young kids entertained. 

The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Hindu Temple is another popular tourist attraction that should definitely be on your itinerary. It is the world’s first glass Hindu temple and seeing it is an experience like no other. The incredible mix of colors and the reflection of the light from the glass creates a magical effect that really has an impact on everybody that sets foot inside. 

If you want to delve deeper into the history of Johor, make sure to visit the Istana Besar, a royal palace that was once home to the Sultan of Johor. The building is a great example of how western and Malay architecture has been blended together in the region and you will find a great museum that tells you all about the history of the place. 

Once you are done with all of the cultural stuff and you just want to have a bit of fun, why not visit Legoland Malaysia? This is the perfect place for families but it’s still enjoyable even if you don’t have kids. It’s just the same as the Legoland attractions that you see in other places, with plenty of rides based on the world’s most famous toy.

These are just some of the incredible things that you can discover on your trip to Johor, so why not head there instead of Kuala Lumpur next time you are in Malaysia?