Hotels in Johor Bahru

Unveiling Johor Bahru: A Tapestry of Temples, Thrills, and Timeless Charm

Discover Johor Bahru, a vibrant Malaysian city just a stone's throw from downtown Singapore. This dynamic destination boasts thrilling attractions like Legoland Malaysia and the expansive Johor Zoo. Explore the majestic Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque and the whimsical Istana Bukit Serene, a royal castle that offers stunning views. With its mix of cultural heritage, lush parks, and bustling markets, Johor Bahru invites travelers to savor local cuisine and experience the warmth of Malaysian hospitality. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, this city is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. For the best hotel rates in Johor Bahru, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Johor Bahru

Some of the best places to stay in Johor Bahru are Nusajaya, Bukit Indah and Austin Heights. Nusajaya, Bukit Indah, and Austin Heights are fantastic destinations in Johor Bahru. Nusajaya offers modern attractions and theme parks, making it ideal for families. Bukit Indah features shopping and dining options, perfect for couples seeking a lively atmosphere. Austin Heights is known for its recreational activities and water parks, great for adventure seekers. Generally, accommodations range from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts, catering to various preferences. For first-time visitors, Nusajaya is the best choice, as it provides a blend of attractions and convenience. These are some of the hotels preferred by our travelers in Johor Bahru:

1. NusajayaOpens in a new window: Nusajaya is a fantastic destination for families and entertainment seekers, featuring attractions like LEGOLAND® Malaysia and shopping at Johor Bahru City Square and KSL City Mall. The area offers a mix of business and leisure experiences, making it suitable for various travelers. For accommodations, consider Forest City Marina HotelOpens in a new window, a 5.0-star hotel that features beach access and amenities for kids, including a playground and a children’s pool. Another option is LEGOLAND Malaysia ResortOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star resort with business facilities and a water park for family fun. If you’re looking for adventure and relaxation, Fraser Place Puteri HarbourOpens in a new window is a 4.0-star hotel that offers adventure sports and a full spa service, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
2. Bukit IndahOpens in a new window: Bukit Indah is an exciting area for families, close to LEGOLAND® Malaysia and shopping hubs like Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru. This neighborhood provides a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of dining and entertainment options. Options for accommodations include Millesime HotelOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel focused on business travelers, featuring multiple meeting rooms and a business center. Amerin Hotel Johor BahruOpens in a new window is another great choice, offering various dining options and fitness facilities for guests. For a more relaxing stay, consider Hotel Granada Johor BahruOpens in a new window, a 3.5-star hotel with a full-service spa to help you unwind after exploring the area.
3. Austin HeightsOpens in a new window: Austin Heights is a family-friendly locale known for its proximity to major shopping centers like Johor Bahru City Square and KSL City Mall. It’s a great base for exploring the city while enjoying local attractions. For accommodations, check out Alheri Austin JohorOpens in a new window, a 3.5-star guesthouse that welcomes pets, making it perfect for animal lovers. Midori Concept HotelOpens in a new window is a solid choice for business travelers, offering 24-hour business center facilities. Lastly, Havona Boutique Hotel at Mount AustinOpens in a new window is a 3.5-star hotel with various dining options and entertainment amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.

Things to do in Johor Bahru for first time

Johor Bahru is a vibrant destination perfect for a three-day getaway, offering a mix of stunning beaches, lush parks, and scenic lakes. Travelers can enjoy shopping at bustling centers, relax by the water, or explore the natural beauty through activities like hiking and boating, making it an impressive spot for adventure and leisure. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Johor Bahru:

• Day 1: Start your adventure at LEGOLAND® Malaysia, where creativity and fun come together in a vibrant theme park filled with thrilling rides and interactive attractions perfect for all ages. After a day of excitement, head to Sungai Tempayan, a beautiful river offering a chance to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Conclude your day visiting the Jamek Bandar Pontian Mosque, an architectural gem where you can appreciate the serene atmosphere and stunning design, making it a perfect spot for reflection.
• Day 2: Kick off the day at Puteri Harbour, a picturesque marina where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront and indulge in delicious breakfast options at nearby cafes. Next, visit the Nusajaya Centre, a hub of activity offering various attractions, shops, and dining options. Wrap up your day at Sungai Niyor Mati, a tranquil spot ideal for unwinding as you take in the peaceful views and perhaps engage in some local storytelling or folklore.
• Day 3: Begin your exploration at Mount Pulai, where a hike to the summit rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. After your hike, head to Mural Street, where vibrant street art adorns the walls, showcasing local culture and creativity—ideal for some memorable photos. Finish your day at Putuo Village, a serene Buddhist enclave that offers a glimpse into local spirituality and culture, allowing you to reflect on your journey amidst its tranquil surroundings.

5 tips to find a great Johor Bahru hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly time to visit Johor Bahru is during January, October, and November when hotel rates are more affordable. For international travelers, it’s advisable to book flights at least one month in advance to secure great value for money. A stay of at least 2-3 days is recommended to fully enjoy the city’s main attractions, such as theme parks and temples. This way, you can make the most of your trip while keeping costs low.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're on the lookout for last-minute deals to Johor Bahru, you could find some great hotel options at reduced rates. To explore these offers, visit the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section on Hotels.com, where you're more likely to come across discounts close to your travel dates. Additionally, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com to keep informed about flash sales and exclusive last-minute promotions, helping you compare room rates and snag the latest prices without missing out on potential savings.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to factors like the property's location, star rating, and the time of year. As a result, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Johor Bahru.
4. Consider your location: Staying close to the city center and local attractions in Johor Bahru is usually more expensive. However, if you opt for accommodations further away from the center, you can take advantage of transportation options like buses, taxis, trains, or rental cars to explore the area while potentially saving money.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Join Hotels.com's free One Key program and book your next stay in Johor Bahru. As a member, you can earn and use rewards points for hotel bookings. Progress through Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers to unlock various benefits like room upgrades when available, special discounts, and exclusive deals for members. Sign up today.

What to eat in Johor Bahru

Here are a few popular dishes in Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia:

• Nasi Lemak: Considered Malaysia's national dish, nasi lemak features fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal (spicy chili paste), fried crispy anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, and cucumber. It’s commonly enjoyed for breakfast but is versatile enough to be eaten at any time of day. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a beloved choice among locals.
• Mee Goreng: This stir-fried noodle dish is a popular street food in Johor Bahru. Mee goreng is typically made with yellow noodles, vegetables, eggs, and a choice of proteins like chicken or shrimp, all tossed in a savory sauce. It's often garnished with lime and served hot, making it a quick and satisfying meal perfect for a spontaneous lunch or dinner.
• Satay: Skewered and grilled over an open flame, satay is a must-try dish in Johor Bahru. These marinated meat skewers, usually chicken or beef, are served with a rich peanut sauce, rice cakes, and cucumber. Satay is often enjoyed during gatherings, making it a social dish that brings people together over delicious flavors.

Best time to go to Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 78.8°F (26.0°C), while May is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 82.4°F (28.0°C). November tends to be the wettest month. The peak travel months to visit Johor Bahru are March, June, and December, which see a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny to mostly cloudy, accompanied by light to frequent rainfall. In contrast, April, May, and August are ideal if you're looking for a calmer vacation, marked by light to moderate rainfall and mostly sunny to mostly cloudy conditions.

Johor Bahru Travel Information