Johor Bahru(Malaysia) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Johor Bahru, consider staying at Grand Plaza Hotel Johor Bahru, located in the heart of the city near Central Station and Iskandar Puteri. The hotel offers spacious family rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and a dedicated children’s play area. Nearby attractions include Zoo Johor Bahru and Royal Garden, perfect for kids. The hotel also features a local Malay restaurant serving authentic dishes like nasi lemak and satay, offering a complete family experience with convenience and culture all in one place.

Iskandar Puteri is the top district for accommodations in Johor Bahru, combining luxury living, commercial hubs, and recreational facilities. Located close to both the city center and the Singapore border, it offers excellent connectivity. Iconic spots like Johor Premium Outlets and Eco Resort Iskandar are situated here, ideal for travelers seeking comfort and accessibility. With good security, lush greenery, and modern amenities, this area is perfect for business travelers and tourists alike—especially those planning cross-border trips to Singapore.

Stay at a traditional guesthouse in Kampung Batu, such as a homestay offering Malay-Chinese fusion culture. Join locals for morning tea house breakfasts, savoring nyonya kuih and white coffee. In the evening, visit Johor Bahru Temple to witness lantern festivals and lion dances. Some homestays even offer workshops on batik weaving and basic Malay language lessons, allowing guests to create cultural souvenirs and truly immerse themselves in the unique spirit of southern Malaysia.

Visit Tropical Rainforest Eco Lodge, nestled near the Sijangkang Forest Reserve. This sustainable eco-lodge uses bamboo and timber construction with green rooftops, blending seamlessly into nature. Guests can join nighttime jungle treks to spot fireflies and nocturnal wildlife or attend indigenous cultural talks about the Semang people. The lodge serves farm-to-table meals including curry fish head and Penang char kway teow, offering a genuine connection between food, environment, and heritage.

Banyan Tree Johor Bahru is a top choice for couples, situated along the Johor River with private balconies and infinity pools overlooking the city skyline. Enjoy customized candlelit dinners with Malay spice wine and durian desserts. Opt for a river-view suite to wake up to birdsong and relax with a couple’s massage at the spa. The hotel also organizes sunset river cruises, offering breathtaking views and intimate moments perfect for honeymoons or romantic getaways.

Most hotels in Johor Bahru provide seamless access to Singapore. For example, Royal Hotel Johor Bahru is just a 5-minute walk from Johor Bahru Central Station, where you can take a rapid bus or light rail to Woodlands Checkpoint—only 10 minutes away. High-end hotels like Marriott Johor Bahru offer cross-border shuttle services and assistance with e-Entry forms. HopeGoo packages that include transit options saves time and money, making it easy to explore Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay and Sentosa Island.

Stay at Old State Assembly Building Hotel, a century-old building once housing the state government. Now transformed into a boutique hotel, it preserves colonial-era arches and red-brick facades, with interiors blending Malay-Euro styles. Each room features vintage fireplaces and hand-carved furniture. The hotel hosts a Johor History Exhibition showcasing royal artifacts and regional evolution. Sip coconut rice coffee on the courtyard terrace and enjoy live traditional Malay guitar performances in the evening, immersing yourself in the soul of southern Malaysia.

Many hotels in Johor Bahru run authentic culinary workshops. At Culinary House JB, guests learn to cook Nyonya dishes like laksa, yam bean tofu, and gulai ayam from expert chefs using local ingredients such as coconut milk, shrimp paste, and lemongrass. The hotel also organizes night market tours through Arlington Street Night Market, where you can taste grilled squid, durian smoothies, and Hainanese chicken rice, plus interact with vendors for real street-food immersion.

JB Youth Hostel, located near Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, is a favorite among backpackers. It offers affordable dorm beds, a shared kitchen, and 24/7 security. Regular activities include walking tours of old town, river bike rides, and night market explorations, fostering social connections. Nearby attractions like Larkin Park and Johor Bahru City Council are within walking distance. Some rooms offer views of the Johor River, where you can hear frogs and wind at night—a peaceful and authentic base for budget travelers.

InterContinental Johor Bahru is the premier choice for business travelers, located in the Iskandar Puteri Business District near the International Convention Centre and multinational headquarters. The hotel features high-speed meeting rooms, a business center, and a 24-hour executive lounge with personalized concierge service. Rooms boast smart climate control and floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic city views. The Harbour Restaurant serves international buffet dinners ideal for client meetings. Plus, regular shuttle buses connect to Changi Airport, enhancing travel efficiency.