Johor Bahru

Planning a trip to Johor Bahru means setting off for the southern gateway of Malaysia — a dynamic metropolis situated right on the border with Singapore. This lively city attracts tourists with its combination of modern entertainment, historical heritage, and its status as a vital regional transport hub. You can get here in various ways: fly by plane, take a train, arrive by bus, or drive a personal car, choosing the route that suits you best.

The main air hub for travellers is the international airport Senai (JHB), which serves both domestic and international flights. The airport is conveniently located relative to the city, allowing you to quickly reach the centre and begin exploring the region immediately after landing.

Many tourists also choose to fly into neighbouring Singapore, whose major international airport is located just 15 kilometres from the border with Johor Bahru. This opens up access to a greater number of flights from around the world, after which only a short journey by land across the strait remains.

Rail transport plays an important role in the city's transport system, with the main hub being JB Sentral station. The Tebrau Shuttle train is particularly popular, transporting passengers from the neighbouring city of Singapore (Woodlands station) in just 5 minutes, allowing you to avoid traffic jams on the bridge.

You can also reach Johor Bahru on the national KTM network trains from the north of the country (often with a transfer at Gemas station). This is an excellent option for those who wish to enjoy the views of Malaysia and prefer a measured pace of travel.

The bus remains one of the most budget-friendly and popular ways to get to the city, especially if you are travelling from the neighbouring state of Singapore. The distance between the cities is about 34 km, and the travel time usually takes from 1 to 3 hours depending on the situation at the border and traffic.

Additionally, there are regular services from other major cities in peninsular Malaysia arriving at the main terminal, Larkin Sentral. Modern buses ensure a comfortable journey, allowing tourists to easily reach the country's southern capital without unnecessary transfers.

Travelling by car offers flexibility in route planning, and the shortest path lies from the city of Singapore via the Causeway or the Second Link bridge. The distance of 21 km can be covered in just 35–40 minutes (0.6 h) if you are lucky enough to avoid queues at passport control.

For travellers driving from the north of Malaysia, the main artery is the North-South Expressway. The roads in this region are of excellent quality, and a trip by taxi or rental car will allow you to independently regulate your travel time and make stops in picturesque places.

To ensure your trip to Johor Bahru is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth noting a few local features in advance. The city is characterised by a hot climate and a unique blend of cultures, so here is a list of useful recommendations for tourists:

1. Clothing and Essentials: Choose loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen), as it is hot and humid here all year round. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and a light cardigan, as air conditioning in shopping malls can be quite strong.
2. Transport: To move around the city, it is most convenient and safe to use taxi apps (such as Grab). This saves you from having to figure out public transport routes and bargaining with drivers.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Major stores accept cards, but always keep cash handy for markets, street food, and small expenses.
4. Health and Safety: Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in street beverages if you are unsure about hygiene. It is also useful to have travel insurance and a basic first aid kit.
5. Communication: The official language is Malay, but English is very widely spoken. Most locals and service industry workers speak it fluently.
6. Local Etiquette: Always remove your shoes when entering homes and places of worship. It is customary to pass food and items only with the right hand, as the left is considered "unclean".
7. What to Avoid: Do not loudly discuss politics or religion, and avoid public displays of affection. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded places.
8. Extra Tip: Be sure to try the signature dish Laksa Johor. Unlike other versions, this uses pasta (spaghetti) instead of rice noodles — a unique culinary feature of the city.

Observing these simple rules will help you easily adapt to the rhythm of the city and enjoy the hospitality of the locals without any unnecessary worries.