2025 Johor Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#summervacay Our weekday escape to Johor Bahru was short and sweet, but packed with good eats, cosy vibes, and a mid-afternoon movie. From flaky croissants to chewy mochi and everything in between, it was the kind of easy, fuss-free day out that left us full and recharged—all within the window of 9am to 4pm. We started the morning just across the border at Dona Bakehouse, a two-storey café with warm European vintage charm tucked just minutes from the checkpoint. The pistachio rose croissant was beautifully layered with a delicate floral note, while the pain au chocolat was buttery and rich. Paired with a hazelnut latte, it was the kind of breakfast that felt like a little luxury to start the day. Our next stop was Alley & Daisy, a beautifully styled café hidden in a three-storey shophouse nearby. The interior had a vintage, almost old-Europe elegance, with quiet seating upstairs and soft ambient lighting that made it feel like a tucked-away retreat. We shared the green curry with crispy fried chicken, and a savoury fried chicken toast topped with a perfectly poached egg. The drinks here were also a highlight—creamy matcha for something comforting, and the refreshing “Midsummer,” a pear and ume plum blend that was light and cooling. Craving something sweet, we made our way to Siblings Gelato, a cheerful space decked out in vibrant pastels. The artisanal gelato was smooth and flavourful—we chose dragonfruit and chocolate, served with their signature mochi waffle. Crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and made to pair perfectly with the cold, creamy scoops. After all the food and exploring, we headed to City Square Mall for a little browsing, then popped over to KSL City Mall to catch a movie. Weekdays are perfect for this—no crowds, no queues, just a chill air-conditioned break to unwind before heading back. Before calling it a day, we made one last stop at Nuo Yuan Mochi at Holiday Villa. This cute little shop is known for making each mochi fresh to order, and it shows. We tried the strawberry daifuku and peanut taro—both soft, pillowy, and packed with filling. The space itself was lovely too, with bright yellow interiors that made the whole place feel sunny and sweet. From flaky bakes to handmade mochi, this 9am to 4pm JB day trip gave us just the right dose of flavour, fun, and comfort—all without needing to stay overnight. #afternoonteatime #travel #couplestrip #thingstodo #myitinerary #citydaytours #localfood

#summervacay Baliban Braised Duck is a beloved spot nestled in the kampung area of Skudai, Johor Bahru, offering a nostalgic dining experience under the shade of a large tree. The eatery is spacious, neat, and well-organized, with a clean setup that feels inviting despite its humble surroundings. To keep diners comfortable in the tropical heat, the café is equipped with plenty of fans, creating a pleasant environment for enjoying a meal outdoors. Known for its traditional Teochew-style braised duck, Baliban has been serving the community since the 1970s. Their braised duck is tender and infused with rich, herbal flavors that have earned it a loyal following. Alongside the duck, you’ll find other delicacies like pig trotters, fried beancurd skin (tau kee), and duck blood, all slow-cooked to perfection with a savory, aromatic blend of herbs and spices. Some diners mention they would like the duck slices to be a bit thicker for even more flavor, but the overall taste remains deeply satisfying. A highlight of the menu is the herbal duck soup, which is both comforting and flavorful — a perfect complement to the braised meats. The kway teow (flat rice noodles) served in the herbal broth is also a popular choice, offering a hearty and warming dish that’s perfect for any time of day. The kampung setting adds to the charm of Baliban Braised Duck, giving it a laid-back, authentic vibe that draws locals and visitors alike. Despite its simple exterior, the eatery has built a strong reputation for quality and traditional flavors. It’s a place where you can enjoy genuine Johor Bahru culinary heritage in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. If you’re in Skudai and craving a taste of authentic Teochew braised duck and comforting herbal soups, Baliban Braised Duck is definitely worth a visit.

#summervacay We kicked off day 1 of our easy summer vacation in Johor with a slow, relaxing morning at Little Bun Cafe around 10am. Tucked away in a quiet part of town, the Korean style café had a cosy charm that made us feel instantly at ease. Their steamed brioche was incredibly soft and fluffy, slightly sweet with just the right texture — perfect with a savoury breakfast set and a warm cup of coffee. It was a peaceful start, and we didn’t feel rushed at all. By 12pm, we made our way to Eco Galleria — a beautifully designed mall with wide open corridors and a slightly European feel. It was a weekday, so the whole place was calm and quiet, perfect for window shopping and enjoying the aesthetic surroundings without the usual crowds. Lunch was at Chi Bao Zi at 1pm, a casual retro Hong Kong themed spot focused on handmade Chinese buns. The buns were pillowy soft, freshly steamed, and generously packed with flavourful fillings. We ordered a few different ones to try, and each bite was satisfying. It was a light but comforting meal, just enough to keep us going. At 3pm, we checked into Hotel Granada for a mid-day rest. The location was super convenient — close to the malls and eateries in Bukit Indah — and the room was clean and spacious, great for a short break to recharge. We headed to AEON Bukit Indah at 5pm for a bit of shopping. It’s a familiar stop, but always a fun one, whether it’s browsing skincare, picking up snacks, or just people-watching. The mall was nicely air-conditioned and not too crowded, which made it even more enjoyable. By 7pm, we were ready for dinner at Treasure Thai - a nature hidden farmhouse cafe straight out of a Ghibli film. The tomyum mama had that fiery kick we were craving — spicy, tangy, and full of flavour. The green curry was rich and creamy, perfectly balanced with tender chicken and vegetables. Every dish hit the spot. To end the night, we made one last stop at a cozy panda themed cafe called Tangii Dessert at 9pm. Their taro mochi milk ice was everything we hoped for — silky smooth shaved ice topped with rich taro purée, chewy mochi balls, and a generous drizzle of condensed milk. It was sweet, comforting, and a dreamy way to wrap up our first day in Johor. #localfood #thingstodo #couplestrip #poolhotel #afternoonteatime #staycation

#summervacay Deep in the heart of Skudai, surrounded by kampung roads and quiet homes, you’ll find a surprise that feels worlds away from the usual café scene — Layer Bakehouse. Minimalist, calm, and quietly charming, this little spot has become a local favourite despite being in a pretty ulu area. And once you try their desserts, you’ll understand why people are willing to make the detour. Their pistachio basque cheesecake is the real star. It’s insanely rich, smooth, and loaded with pure pistachio flavour — not the artificial kind, but the deep, roasted nuttiness that lingers on your palate. It’s so creamy it almost melts into the fork, and every bite is like pistachio heaven. No exaggeration — if you’re a pistachio lover, this might just ruin other cheesecakes for you. We also had their peanut butter latte, which pairs perfectly with the richness of the cake. Nutty, aromatic, and just slightly sweet, it’s a fun twist that still keeps the coffee comforting. The café itself is minimalist and thoughtfully designed — clean lines, soft lighting, and a warm, relaxing space that makes you want to stay a while. Their display counter is filled with an ever-changing selection of in-house baked cakes and desserts. You’ll find everything from delicate tarts to modern bakes that show a lot of heart and creativity. Considering how tucked away it is, it’s impressive how many people make the trip — mostly locals who know where the good stuff is. Whether you’re here for a quiet afternoon or just passing through Skudai, Layer Bakehouse is one of those rare spots that feels like a true find.

#summervacay We recently dropped by Tangji Dessert 糖记甜铺 in Bukit Indah, and if you're a taro lover like us, it’s basically taro heaven. The space is simple and clean, with light wooden furniture and a few adorable panda-themed touches that make it feel cozy without trying too hard. Their taro series was the main reason we visited, and it didn’t disappoint. We went for the taro purée with mochi milk ice — a bowl of soft shaved milk ice topped generously with smooth, creamy taro purée and chewy handmade mochi. The taro flavor was rich and earthy, not overly sweet, and the texture of the purée was velvety — like eating mashed yam clouds. The mochi added a fun chewiness that made the whole bowl more satisfying. The menu also has other variations of their taro desserts, like taro with Oreo, mango taro, and taro pandan jelly, so there’s definitely something for everyone, especially if you’re looking to mix flavors. But honestly, we’d go back for the purée version again. The vibe inside is relaxed — nothing too flashy, which we liked. It feels like the kind of place you can sit and chill with friends or wind down after dinner. It’s also conveniently open late (till 11pm on weekdays and even later on weekends), making it a nice dessert stop for night owls. One thing to note — portions are just right. Not too overwhelming, but definitely satisfying if you're craving something cold, creamy, and comforting. It’s a great stop if you’re exploring Bukit Indah or looking for a chill place to satisfy your taro cravings. We’re already eyeing the other taro combos for our next visit.

#summervacay Chi Bao Zi in Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru, offers a delightful fusion of traditional Hong Kong-style dim sum and a nostalgic, retro ambiance. This charming eatery transports diners to the vibrant streets of Hong Kong through its thoughtfully curated interior and diverse menu. A Taste of Hong Kong in Bukit Indah Chi Bao Zi’s menu is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Hong Kong. Signature dishes include the emerald salted egg lava bun, which combines the classic liu sha bao with a rich kaya filling, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. Another standout is the black truffle char siew bun, where the traditional char siew bao is infused with the earthy aroma of black truffle, elevating the taste experience. Other offerings like har gow, siumai, and Hong Kong plate noodles further showcase the authenticity and variety of Hong Kong’s dim sum culture. Stepping into a Retro Hong Kong Cha Chaan Teng The interior of Chi Bao Zi is a nostalgic homage to the classic Hong Kong cha chaan tengs of the 70s and 80s. Walls adorned with vintage posters of Bruce Lee and other cinematic icons set the tone, while checkered floors and neon signage evoke the bustling streets of Kowloon. The atmosphere is further enriched by the warm glow of retro light fixtures and the familiar hum of Cantonese pop songs in the background, making diners feel as though they’ve stepped into a time capsule of Hong Kong’s golden era. An Oasis in Bukit Indah Situated in the heart of Bukit Indah, Chi Bao Zi offers more than just a meal; it provides an experience. The restaurant’s design seamlessly blends modern comfort with nostalgic elements, creating an inviting space for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re savouring a plate of Hong Kong-style noodles or sipping on a cup of traditional milk tea, the ambiance enhances the dining experience, making it a memorable outing. They also sell frozen baos, which many locals purchase to enjoy at home — a convenient way to bring a taste of Chi Bao Zi’s signature flavors into your own kitchen. For those seeking an authentic taste of Hong Kong amidst the vibrant streets of Bukit Indah, Chi Bao Zi stands out as a must-visit destination. Its dedication to culinary excellence and nostalgic charm ensures that every visit is both satisfying and heartwarming.

Bayu Lestari Island Resort is a private island resort located on Johor Besar Island, just a 30-minute boat ride from Mersing. The island is incredibly peaceful, offering a variety of activities such as kayaking, cycling, jungle trekking, and volleyball. In the evening, gazing at the endless glassy sea is simply the best choice. The luxurious accommodations here are the perfect place to recharge, with spacious and comfortable rooms and stunning sea views that will leave you in awe. Bayu Lestari Island Resort Lot 4, Pulau Babi Besar, 86800 Mersing, Johor

Dubbed 'the closest paradise to home,' this resort is actually tucked away within Johor's borders, a mere 20-minute journey from Mersing Jetty to Pulau Tengah. Batu Batu, the most famous and the only five-star resort on the island, is so renowned that some visitors even mistake Batu Batu for the name of the island itself. Besides having eight hidden sandy beaches, you can also enjoy an open-air pavilion-style bar, local gourmet cuisine, and a round-the-island tour on a glass-bottom boat. Surprisingly, the island also boasts facilities like a library, swimming pool, hilltop hot springs, beach bar, and a diving center.

📍 Location: SmokD JB 1, Jln Padi Emas 1/5, UDA Business Centre, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 💫 Atmosphere/Vibe: Step into SmokD, and you're welcomed by a spotlessly clean and inviting environment. The vibes? Absolutely fantastic! 🎉 The staff here are more than just friendly; they're your guides to a top-notch dining experience. They'll happily walk you through the menu, adding a personal touch to your visit. 🤗 🍖 Highlights: SmokD is a true Texan BBQ gem with a menu that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance! The smoked brisket, pulled lamb, and beef ribs are simply extraordinary. But hold onto your hat, because the menu is a treasure trove, featuring burgers, grilled steak, tapas, drinks, and a plethora of delectable sides. The beef ribs? 🍖🔥 Oh, they're in a league of their own, falling-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor. The real surprise? Those sweet potato fries – they're the crispiest, freshest, and piping hot fries you'll ever taste. 😋 The smoky goodness comes from the firewood you can spot right in the restaurant. 🔥🪵 💰 Average Price Range: SmokD leans towards the higher end, but it's worth every penny. For reference, the SmokD Classic Set for 2-3 people comes in at around 180+ MYR. If you're ordering beef brisket, you're looking at roughly 31 MYR for 100g. ⭐ Rating: 4/5 #wheretogo #jbfood #smokedribs #foodie

Sea Horizon Resort, located in Kota Tinggi, Johor, was formerly known as Tanjung Sutera Resort. It offers unparalleled sea views, star-studded views at night, and a Balinese-style swimming pool for you to swim in. Sea Horizon Resort Address: Lot 901, Kuala Sedili Besar, 81910 Kota Tinggi, Johor. #Resort

I visited nimmies pastry cafe when I was in Johor Bahru over the weekends. Went and reached at around 9am and there was already a long queue but waiting time was not too long as the cafe is quite large. I ordered a salted egg pasta which was average and an aglio olio pasta which was not too bad but portion is a bit small. The pistachio croissant was actually quite tasty! Their drinks matcha latte was not too bad as well. Food is quite reasonably priced and will recommend visiting. Ambience is really pretty and nice. Quite relaxing.

Off day trip to Malaysia, Johor Bahru for lunch and dinner with friends of mine. Had forest mushroom soup , peranakan pasta but abit salty for my taste as well as a nice small rose chocolate drink. The ambience is very calm and relaxing. As for dinner a splendid huge range of Chinese food that is so tasty overall is only Ringgit 135 which is super cheap for so many dishes, I thought will be even more but am so surprise how cheap it was, every single dishes are so tasty that I able to eat all finish by myself but have to limit myself not to eat much else will grow fat easily. #malaysia #makan #foodie #jb #offday

I recently visited RUD go kart and it was an exhilarating and fun experience. The place is very aesthetically pleasing and it has many photo opportunities. Price for a go kart from 55rm for a 10 minutes session. You can buy more sessions for a cheaper price. Note: you have to buy a Balaclava for hygiene and safety purposes but don’t worry it only cost a few bucks. Overall, it was a really fun experience. You won’t regret it. Tip: I went once at night and another time in the day. I would advice to go at night because JBs temperature is super hot and humid. The vibes at night feel so chill and cool which i prefer! #adrenaline #jb #gokart

Dior has created a stunning Diorviera pop-up store on the beautiful beach of Desaru, allowing you to immerse yourself in the dreamy atmosphere of a luxurious island! Desaru Johor is the most dazzling beach in Johor, and this time Dior perfectly presented the design concept of Dioriviera in the decoration style of the pop-up store. From pillows to parasols, from yoga mats to surfboards, every detail exudes the magic of Dior's summer theme. You can’t miss this unique opportunity to check in at Desaru and experience Dior’s beautiful tropical style! This pop-up store is fully immersed in Dior's summer atmosphere, allowing you to bathe in the sea breeze of fashionable beaches and fully express your personal fashion taste. Whether you choose to stroll on the beach, bask in the sun, or challenge yourself to surf, you can feel the infinite charm of the tropical atmosphere. #Dior

One of the nearest huge theme parks that may not be as fun as USS but offers more than our local uncle ringo park would be the Euro Fun Park in JB, Malaysia! Situated usually nearby to malls, they often switch locations from time to time depending on schedules. The rides were affordable and waiting time wasn’t long as well. Highly recommended for those who like to have a fun and exciting day with your friends through thrilling rides in JB! #tripblazers #themepark #wecreate

There are many ways to travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru. This time I took the train - Shuttle Tebrau. Book in advance and arrive at the train station at least 30mins early. Different from taking the bus to JB, this train has their separate custom, you can skip the long queue at the custom and I think it's the most efficient way of traveling from SG to JB. Once you cross the border, there you go the shopping paradise! I love visiting City Square, there are lots of food varieties and shops. You can spend a few hours eating and shopping there. #johor #malaysia

#美食 🇲🇾 JB Seafood Restaurant! Everything is delicious and fresh👍 Each portion is sufficient👍 Lala, steamed fish with preserved radish is really good with rice👍 All are very fresh~ The fried pork with shredded ginger is also very tasty and chewy~ The signature fried shrimp is also very tasty and not too spicy~ The dry-fried green eye is also very delicious and very elastic The most considerate thing is that there is a person in charge to help find the car park and lead the way~ No need to pay parking fees and employees help to look after the car❤️ The service staff are very👍 The most important price is fair👍 Beautiful environment👍 The taste is excellent👍 Store name: Shan Ming Seafood Restaurant Impian Emas Sdn Bhd You can waze or Google maps to get there easily. Business hours: Every day 3:00pm-1:00am

First of all, I did not give the last star because this place is not 'solo-friendly'. You can solo but you will have to be as early as me, literally be there when they open. They do not have a menu for you to choose from and only a bill chit to record your orders upon collection. Yes, you heard right, "collection". You have to queue to collect your food and can only choose from whatever they offer. I didnt get to try more dimsum cuz I had to finish them all and they're pretty filling. Highly recommend the prawn banana fritters. This is also what killed me, the 3 pieces is so filling I couldn't stomach anything else. So remember to come in groups to try more variety haha. #johor #malaysia #dimsum

went to dragon I restaurant at jb city square. the food is slightly more expensive than outside tze char stores but quality is still not too bad. the vegetables were fresh and comes in sufficient serving. the noodles were really good too and I love the sauce. for the tofu it was so crispy and soft on the inside. and lastly the prawns were average. will recommend visiting if you can.

Finally, reach here. From house(Muar) to Dapur Cipuk will takes around 45-50 minute. Depends on condition. Love the food, Specialize on Vietnam food, My husband order Mee pho Vietnam, Me try their spaghetti daging salai & spring roll vietnam. For drink teh o & kopi Vietnam. Overall, love the food, very big space, so many parking lot, fast service, reasonable price & the restaurant itself very wide. Price for 2 pax around rm30. Very reasonable price & portion per plate just nice. #foodie ##dapurcipuk #foodreview

Located at Lok Lok House Jalan Keris Taman Sri Tebrau Johor Bahru 81100 Just less than 10 mins drive from custom to lok lok house 🏠 The variety offered is pretty extensive and one thing I liked is the ingredients are pretty fresh ! From veg to meat and to seafood. The chilli 🌶 sauces offered from green to red are key ingredients to go with Lok Lok. Rating 3.7 out of 5

Helding our department gathering at this tranquil place with lovely delicious chinese cuisine. The food here is amazing. We enjoyed everything we ordered. They do not have a menu so you just gotta try your luck ordering the usual zichar menu items. We had the Chilli crab, black pepper crab, hotplate tofu, cereal prawn, Hong Kong steam Red snapper, Thai style chicken... The only down sides to this place are that it's a little hard to find and a little smelly because the restaurant is built beside the ocean. But overall we are very enjoying there and highly recommended. #foodie #departmentgathering #tripblazers

Christmas is one of my favorite festivals to celebrate ❣️ Located at Eco Botanic Johor, Eco Galleria Mall The shopping mall was just in front of the international school, it was new and still so empty now. The Christmas tree and decoration here was nice, can spot a lot of Teddy's here🤭 There are some small stalls here for the Teddy's playground event. and a camping style BBQ restaurant. we came after dinner, next time we should try the barbeque with a camping style #mytripvlog #本地遊

Hey guys, i have visited a restaurant owned by Japanese people. The cook was a elders Japanese person, and we tasted the original taste of Japan 👌🏼 The restaurant located at Eco Botanic Johor Restaurant - Miseya Address - 2A JALAN EKO BOTANI 3/6 ISKANDAR PUTERI, 79100 JOHOR BAHRU, Johor, Malaysia Closed on Monday, the other day will be open from 5.30PM to 10PM. Try it out if you have a drop by #awesomepic #foodie #本地遊 #mytripvlog

Eco Galleria's Christmas event is so lovely Address - EKO GALLERIA, 3, Jalan Eko Botani 3/2, TAMAN EKO BOTANI, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor There are a few playgrounds here. Sand playground ticket RM 10 per hour Teddy's playground ticket RM15 per hour Boat playground ticket RM20 per 30 minutes the playground is clean, with safety guards guided. Kids are having fun here. Bring your child here to create a precious moment ❣️#本地遊 #awesomepic #mytripvlog

Restaurant : Din Tang Fung Location : City Square Johor Bahru Avg. Price per Person - 50rm What we order for 3 pax - Oriental Salad - Vegetarian Mushroom Dumpling - Braised Beef Noodle Soup - Hot & Sour Soup w Shrimp - Pu Er Milk Tea For 3 pax 150rm include gst and service charge the price almost the same as Singapore. Food not to bad 8/10 #awesomepic #passionpassport #tripblazers

Cafe name : Dusk By Mok Mok Location: 49, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia What we order - Mushroom Risotto - Beef Burger - Little Mermaid smoothie bowl ( for sweet tooth ) - Mystic Magic ( Can refill the tea ) - Pink Paradise - Yellow Fellow For 3 pax we spend around 150rm it is more or less this price for a cafe! Can give it a try and this restaurant is halal too 👍🏻 #foodie #cafe #jb #awesomepic

One of my favourite pastimes is cafe hopping and there's no better place than JB to do that! Singapore has a lot of good cafes too but it is considerably pricey to indulge in a cup of latte here than at our neighbour's 🙂 Also, most cafes in JB are spacious and intricately decorated (good for the gram) - Dusk by Mok Mok is one of them. We chanced upon this cafe and were charmed by its exterior decoration. The hammock hung by the entrance is definitely a selling point. Though we were quite full from breakfast, we couldn't resist going in for a drink. The interior of the cafe exudes warmth through its soft pink and brown. The bohemian-styled eclectic decorations and furnishings, with an emphasis on natural materials and a mix of vintage and modern elements, lift the ambience of the cafe, making us feel very welcome. I love the vibe! The menu features an extensive range of food and beverages. From rice donburi to pastas to eye-catching desserts, there's something for everyone. The star in the dessert menu is Kumo Ultimo Souffle Pancake. It is topped with a mermaid's tail which is really good for photos. We didn't get to try it as it is not available but we did try the next best - Monkey Business (chocolate pufflet with caramelised banana and ice cream at the side). They also have artisanal tea, coffee and juices to choose from. Price wise, it is affordable but may be considered as pricey in Malaysia. But if you have time only for one cafe, visit this! Address - 49, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia Ambiance/Facilities - Beautiful interior and cosy Highlights - Desserts and drinks! Avg. Price per Person - from 11RM (SGD3.50) for drinks to 40RM (SGD12) for food Rating - 4/5