Johor Bahru is a city consisting of a diverse ethnic mix of races, JB offers the visitor heritage attractions, colourful culture, delectable local cuisine, shopping excitement, pulsing nightlife and exhilarating recreational activities.
Popular with local and foreign tourists alike, JB boasts a myriad of landmarks, such as The Grand Palace or Royal Abu Bakar Museum with its distinct Anglo-Malay architecture. Recognised as one of the finest in the world, it was built by the late Sultan Abu Bakar and houses a splendid array of priceless treasures, antiques and heirlooms of the Royal Collection.
The "Ghazal" music, which is unique to Johor, is usually performed during cultural shows and weddings. Another famous performance distinctly Johorean is the "Kuda Kepang" dance, which is spun from tales of Islamic heroes. Dancers imitate the movement of horses to the music of a traditional orchestra.
The infrastructures linking the city of Johor Bahru are modern and varied and many Singaporeans make a bee-line for the southern city on a daily basis either for business or for leisure.
There are many things to do … |
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| Just around the corner of Persada Johor, there are many avenues for shoppers such as the City Square, Kota Raya as well as the individual shops that dot the Jalan Wong Ah Fook and Jalan Trus which is located parallel to the road on which The Puteri Pacific and Persada Johor is situated. |
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| Johor Bahru is well-known for its seafood, being fronted by the Straits, across which floats the island republic of Singapore. Along Lido Beach on one end and Jalan Stulang on another, one would be spoilt for choice – at reasonable rates too. Opt for alfresco dining or within the cool comfort of air-conditioned restaurants. |
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If you are one who is into ancient architecture then the cultural diversity of Johor’s Royal buildings will surely be worth a visit. The Grand Palace and its grounds, more commonly known as “Istana Gardens” are more than 100 years old and houses prized collections such as cutlery, jewellery, trophies and artifacts belonging to the Johor Royal Family.
The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is a breath-taking building which sits lofty on a hill overlooking the Straits of Johor. Built in 1893, this beautiful mosque is able to accommodate up to 2,000 worshippers.
The Sultan Ibrahim building survived the World Wars and sits impressive on a hill with walls ravaged with bullets, which are still evident today. It is presently the seat of the Johor Government.
All these at only 5 minutes’ drive from Persada Johor and The Puteri Pacific Hotel. |
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| Just a stroll around The Puteri Pacific Hotel and you will find ancient places of worship in the Old Chinese Temple, the religious anchor point of early Chinese settlers in Johor Bahru and the Sri Mariamman Temple, an awe-inspiring architecture devoted to religious Indians. |
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| A night market (or “Pasar Malam” as commonly known in the local Malay language) is a must-visit while you are in Malaysia and in particular Johor. One will find a fascinating array of household bric and brac, see and taste all of the popular local hawker dishes (many not found in hotels and restaurants), clothes, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, local beverages, toiletries, medicinal products, etc., all at bargain prices. There is even further room for bargaining. One would deem to have seen the best of Malaysian life within a pasar malam where common sights and sounds abound. |
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| Johor is one of the states in Malaysia with the most number of golf courses; close to 30 golf courses, large and small – from complete resorts to single 18-hole club courses. Rates are also reasonable from as low as RM50 upon walk-in. Golf green fee promotions abound all-year round. The climate is sunny and ideal for the outdoor game and the landscaping at most of the courses are breath-taking as well as challenging. |
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The Endau-Rompin National Park encompasses the watershed of the rivers Endau in Johor and Rompin in Pahang. It covers some 488 sq. kms of forest and is gazetted as the country’s second national park. It is one of the world’s oldest tropical rain forests and offers nature-loving adventure-seekers a great respite from the hustle and bustle of city–life.
Get entry permits to visit the park from National Parks (Johor) Corporation, JKR 475 Bukit Timbalan, 8000 Johor Bahru, Johor – the office of which is just a stone’s throw away from The Puteri Pacific hotel. |
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Johor has over 30 outlying islands in the South China Sea, many untouched and rich in marine life, to pander to the needs of avid scuba-divers and marine lovers. One notable island must surely be the Sibu Island Resort which is easily accessed through Mersing, a town located on the eastern coast of the state and about 2 and a half hours’ drive from the city centre. Mersing is also the common platform from where to embark onto boats leading to other islands off the state’s shores such as Pulau Tengah, Pulau Tinggi, Pulau Aur, Pulau Rawa, Pulai Babi Besar and Pulau Kukup.
If you love the sights of simply sand, sea and sun and do not wish to make a boat-trip to cross the sea to the islands, then Desaru Beach located at the south-eastern part of the State will be the perfect getaway at only 1 and three-quarter hours’ drive from Johor Bahru’s City Centre. The 17 km shoreline is breath-taking with many sea-sport activities in the offing; also golf, fruit farm and ostrich farm visits, fishing villages and resort hotels for accommodation for a truly memorable break.
Not too far from Desaru is the Kota Tinggi Waterfall, where its height of 34km offers an awesome sight. Climb the steps to the top level where the waters are cool and the depth is satisfying for keen swimmers. It is a popular picnic spot with basic recreational facilities. |
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Travel north for about 1 and a half hours and you will reach Kluang, the country’s largest pineapple plantation. Travel westwards for about the same length of time and you will find a treasure trove of seafood in Kukup, which is abundant with kelongs, fishing villages and fresh, fresh seafood prepared a’la minute.
From Kukup you can get to Land’s End at Tanjung Piai, a mangrove sanctuary with sightings of glow worms by night. It is named Land’s End as it is the southernmost tip in Asia.
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