Culture of Johor Bahru. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Sultan Ibrahim Building in Johor Bahru, Malaysia In Bahru, there are many beautiful palaces and mosques, interesting museums and cultural centers. Many excursion routes in Bahru start from the same place - Istana Besar . The gorgeous palace is also the residence of Sultan Abu Bakar. Istana Besar was constructed in 1866 under the guidance of famous European architects. Nowadays, the palace is open for visitors. The Devan hall exhibits a rich collection of antique weapons and artworks. Most of these items were gifted to the sultan. In the Hunting Hall, visitors will see taxidermied animals. Even the Throne Hall is open for everyone. Don’t forget to visit the hall of the council as that’s a remarkably luxurious place. Once the excursion in the palace is over, many tourists head to Zaharah Botanical Garden that is open nearby. It’s a fabulous place for nature lovers.
The local cuisine has been replenished for centuries with dishes from Chinese, Indian, Thai, and even Portuguese culinary traditions. It is surprisingly syncretic and original today. You can … Open
There are many notable temples that are worth a visit in Bahru, and the magnificent Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Hindu Temple is definitely one of them. This spectacular landmark was constructed in 1922. Nowadays, it’s a unique architectural landmark of the international importance. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman is the first Hindu temple that is completely made of glass. The latest extensive restoration of the temple finished in 2009. More than 90% of the building is covered with the beautiful mosaics made of colorful glass. Such an unusual design has made Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman a globally renowned landmark, and in 2010 it was mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records.
Johor Old Chinese Temple is a no less interesting landmark that is also recommended for a visit. The temple was constructed in the second half of the 19th century by immigrants from China. For more than a hundred years, the gorgeous temple has been the venue for various important events and celebrations. Fans of event tourism will find it particularly interesting to visit Johor Old Chinese Temple during the days of the Chinese New Year celebration. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Several dozen different festivals and exhibitions are held in Johor Bahru every year. As a rule, they are quite small. The local Johor Society for Performing Arts organizes almost all of … Open
Simply no excursion route in Bahru is possible without a visit to Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque . This is an ancient and unbelievably beautiful mosque, the building of which started in 1892. It took eight years to complete the building. The mosque is located on a high hill, so it’s visible from different parts of the city. It’s a unique architectural landmark that features a harmonious combination of the British and Mauritian traditions. Only Muslim people are allowed to enter the mosque. Foreign guests can freely walk in the territory of the complex and admire the panoramic view of the city and its suburbs from the hill.
Danga Bay JB Sultan Ibrahim Building is one more important architectural landmark that belongs to the later period. The construction works started in 1936 and ended only four years later. At that time, it was the highest building in whole Malaysia. Currently, Sultan Ibrahim Building is an administrative building, but tourists are allowed to enter it and go up to the observation deck. The skyscraper offers a truly remarkable panoramic view of the city.
In Bahru, absolutely everyone can easily find a suitable pastime – fans of outdoor activities, shopaholics, tourists with children, and amusement park devotees. For many locals and guests … Open
The majority of travelers like Jalan Wong Ah Fook Street as it’s a popular place for walking. The street is named after a prominent Chinese entrepreneur. The concentration of interesting shops and restaurants is particularly high on Jalan Wong Ah Fook. There are also many charming cafes and massage salons – one of the main distinguishing features of Bahru. Many restaurants and shops are open in beautiful old buildings, and that makes a walk on this street even more exciting and unforgettable.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Johor Bahru and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Johor Bahru and surroundings

Johor Bahru - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Iconic cultural sights of Malaysia

St. Mary's Cathedral is one of the oldest Anglican churches in Malaysia. It was built on the site of a former wooden church during the British colonial administration. The Cathedral was built in the late Gothic style. It looks like a typical English church. Suffolk House is another building reminiscent of British rule. It is also called the first "Great House" of Penang. It is one of the most important monuments of Penang's colonial heritage. The mansion is more than 200 years old. It is located in the suburb of George Town. It was built in the Georgian style by Francis Light, the founder of George Town. The house has served as the residence of several governors over the years. It was also the house of the government. The house was in disrepair by the middle of the XX century. However, it has acquired its original appearance after major repairs. The Stadthuys recalls the times of Dutch rule. This is the city hall, which is located in the city of Malacca. The building of the XVII century is perfectly preserved. It is used for the collection of the Historical and Ethnography Museum today. … Open
Reference information
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Johor Bahru
♥   Palace 'Istana Besar' , 1.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Istana Bukit Serene' , 3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Istana Pasir Pelangi' , 4.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Istana Tyersall' , 18.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Istana Singapore' , 20.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Johor Bahru and around
♥   Art museum 'NUS Museum' Singapore, 18.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'National Museum of Singapore' Singapore, 21.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Singapore Art Museum' Singapore, 21.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum '8Q SAM' Singapore, 22 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'National Gallery Singapore' Singapore, 22.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Unique spots in Johor Bahru and near

Toilet in Singapore Zoo

From the series “Public Toilets, Who Makes it Extravagant”
Each poster is accompanied by the corresponding information note. All the animals on earth make 'it' in a peculiar way. In the toilet are more than ten cabins available to the visitors. Each cabin is uniquely decorated. It must be noted that the toilet on the zoo territorium is so to say usually environmentally friendly in the world. For this important feature, she has been awarded several prizes several times and is considered to be one of Singapore's most remarkable and unusual attractions. … Read further

Heavenly pool-bridge Sky Habitat

From the series “Most Scary Swiiming Pools”
Another huge pool is available on the territory of the complex for those who are afraid to swim in such a high pool. It is located on earth. Small green oases with live plants were set up right in the middle of this huge pool. The Sky Habitat complex has become one of the most luxurious and expensive built in recent years in Singapore. Only the wealthiest people in the world can afford to buy apartments here. Ordinary tourists can rent apartments for a few days. But it will be expensive. … Read further

Jurong Bird Park

From the series “Top 16 Most Unusual and Original Parks and Gardens”
Jurong Bird Park area is more than 20 hectares. All in all, its territory is inhabited by about 5 000 birds belonging to 380 different species. The opening of the park took place in January 1971. About $ 3.5 million were spent on the creation. Guests can stroll around the territory or ride the cozy air-conditioned tram, whose route goes around the park. Here, visitors have an opportunity to observe the birds in real time, i.e. watch them swimming, building their nests, and raising offspring. The only thing you can not do in the park is to feed the birds. … Read further

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Johor Bahru

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