Where to stay in Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru, or JB, is Malaysia's southernmost city, connected to Singapore by the busy causeway. Many travellers stay here for lower prices and cross into Singapore by bus or train, while others come for JB's own food, shopping malls, heritage temples and family attractions such as Legoland Malaysia.

The places we list range from a budget guesthouse and practical city hotels to serviced apartments with pools, close to the border checkpoint, JB Sentral station and the city's big malls.

To Singapore
Buses and the Shuttle Tebrau train cross the causeway; allow time for border queues
Airport
Senai International, about 30 to 40 minutes by road
Main malls
City Square, KSL City, Mid Valley Southkey, R&F Mall
Family days out
Legoland Malaysia, Desaru coast, Johor Zoo

Places to stay in Johor Bahru

7 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Johor Bahru, area by area

Central JB clusters around the causeway checkpoint and JB Sentral, with large malls and newer developments spreading north and east.

City centre and the causeway

Best for border crossings and old town

The centre is built around the Sultan Iskandar customs complex (CIQ) and JB Sentral station, where buses and trains cross to Singapore. City Square mall is connected, and R&F Mall and its apartment towers sit on the waterfront nearby.

A short walk away, the old town has the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, heritage shophouses on Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and good street food. The Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque overlooks the strait to the west.

Southkey and Taman Century

Best for malls and serviced apartments

North-east of the centre, Mid Valley Southkey is one of Malaysia's largest malls, surrounded by serviced apartment towers. Nearby Taman Century and KSL City have budget hotels, restaurants and a lively night market.

Questions about staying in Johor Bahru

Is it cheaper to stay in Johor Bahru than Singapore?

Usually, yes. Many visitors stay in JB and cross the border for day trips. Factor in the time it takes to clear immigration on both sides.

How do I get to Singapore from Johor Bahru?

Buses run from JB Sentral and the CIQ across the causeway to Woodlands and beyond, and the Shuttle Tebrau train runs between JB Sentral and Woodlands. Queues can be long at peak commuter times.

How far is Legoland Malaysia?

Legoland is in Iskandar Puteri, about 30 to 40 minutes' drive west of the city centre.

Where should I stay in Johor Bahru?

Near the CIQ and JB Sentral if you'll be crossing into Singapore often, or around Mid Valley Southkey and KSL City for malls and serviced apartments.

What should I eat in JB?

Try mee rebus, laksa Johor, otak-otak grilled fish cakes, and the seafood restaurants along the coast.

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