Johor Bahru Things to Do Tips by zuyao

Chingay Procession

The biggest cultural & religious procession in JB is the Chingay Procession, otherwise known as youshen (deities procession). The procession is held annually on the 21st day of the Chinese New Year (which is usually in Feb or Mar). The five deities representing the five major Chinese communities would be paraded around JB city with much fan fare. The 130-year old tradition features numerous cultural performances, lion/dragon/tiger dances, Chinese clowns, beautifully decorated floats, martial arts troupes, huge Chingay flags etc. The best place to catch the action would be in front of the City Square shopping mall, along Jalan Wong Ah Fook. The procession starts a shrine at Jln Ulu Ayer Molek at around 7 pm and would arrive at City Square by 9.30pm to shouts of "Huat" and "Heng" which roughly means good fortune.

Thousands of devotees with joss stick in their hands will be walking past together with the parade. The 5 deities coming in at different points of time would be welcomed with eagerness. You have to catch the sight of the deities sitting on the carriage being swing in earnest as a sign of good fortune and prosperity.By the time the last deity passes by it would be past midnight. This is definitely an event not to be missed in JB.

Directions: The procession starts from Jalan Ngee Heng, proceeding through Jalan Yahya Awal to the JB waterfront, coming into the main thoroughfare of Jalan Wong Ah Fook before heading back to Jalan Ngee Heng.

Chinese Heritage Museum

Get to know more about the origins of the Chinese community in Johor Bahru. There are a number of exhibits of traditional Chinese wares, photos of olden days Johor, old documents etc.

The Chinese community came about through the "kangchu" system of plantations. Learn the contribution of Ngee Heng society its relation to the royal family. Get to know also the economic, social and cultural heritage of the Chinese. Not to mention, how the Chinese fared through the colonial period, Japanese occupation, communist insurgency and finally to the birth of an independent Malaya/ Malaysia.

The museum itself is founded by the JB Tionghua Society (formerly Ngee Heng Society) which is made up of the 5 major groups of Chinese in JB, namely the Hokkiens, Teochews, Cantonese, Hakka and Hainanese.

Truly a very educational and interesting visit for those who wants to know more about the history of Johor Bahru.

Entrance fee: RM3 for adults
Opening hours: 9AM - 5PM (Tues - Sun); Closed on Mon

Address: Jalan Tan Hiok Nee

Other Contact: heritage_museumjb@jb-tionghua.or

Phone: +60(7)2249633

Reading time

The Johor State Library has newly-opened in Johor Bahru. The book collection is new though modest. The library itself is a quaint, comfortable place to spend a few hours of reading. Unlike most other libraries in Malaysia, the atmosphere is relaxed without too much rules on food/drinks, dressing etc. The ambience if good.

Address: Jalan Yahya Awal

Phone: +60 (7) 227 9261

Website: http://ppaj.johordt.gov.my/

Jalan Wong Ah Fook Jalan Wong Ah Fook Review

Jalan Wong Ah Fook is the main thoroughfare of Johor Bahru city and is one of the busiest streets in town. As the central business district of JB, it is the center of trade and commerce with banks, shops and restaurants lining this street.

The City Square shopping mall is located here and is one the premier shopping malls in this city. Many money changers are also located along Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Opposite City Square is Plaza Seni, the place to take the taxi to Singapore.

Address: Jalan Wong Ah Fook

Meldrum Walk

Meldrum Walk is a pedesterian walkway in the middle of Johor Bahru city center. Along this stretch of road, are shops selling DVDs, bags, clothes as well as restaurants serving typical local fare. Also found here are money changers with some of the best rates in town.

However, the area is frequented more by foreign workers than locals. Beware of pickpockets and do not wander off into quiet and dark lanes.

Sultan Ibrahim Building Sultan Ibrahim Building Review

The Sultan Ibrahim Building is a majestic building located atop Bukit Timbalan. It overlooks the city center of JB as well as the Straits of Johore. The building is a combination of Malay and colonial architecture and is over 100 years old. Presently it is the state secretariat building.

Address: Bukit Timbalan

Hutan Bandar

Hutan Bandar (City Forest) is a patch of greenery in the city of Johor Bahru. This is a popular haunt for city dwellers to jog, date, and spend evening playing with their kids. It's somewhat like the Central Park of JB.

Address: Along Jalan Yahya Awal

Royal Museum

The Royal Museum in Johor Bahru is worth a visit. Contains many personal treasures of the Sultans of Johore. There is also an exhibit on the history of the Sultanate, which is quite interesting. The Sultans also enjoyed hunting and there is an exhibit displaying their catches!

The musem was actually the old palace for the Sultan of Johore. So you can actually see actual rooms, dining area etc. that were used by the royal family. The most impressive part is the throne room. Very majestic and elegant. I think the throne room is still used from time-to-time for official ceremonies.

The museum is manned by the royal army of the Johore Sultanate, the only remaining army owned by a royal family in Malaysia. These guys are strict, stern and no-nonsense people. But you can always ask them for directions if you are at lost within the complex.

The royal gardens behind the palace is open to the public. This is a good place for a walk or jog in the mornings or evenings. Do note though that the garden is closed after certain hours in the late evening.

Directions: It is in the city center opposite the Waterfront shopping complex.