Johor Bahru is a major industrial center of Malaysia. It’s difficult to call it an impressive city, but in terms of entertainment, it doesn’t fall behind the more glorified neighbors. Beautiful and original architecture of the city is impressive: there is the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque with a museum and luxurious palaces – Istana Besar and Istana Bukit Serene.
Travelers use Johor Bahru as a transit point for trips to local Legoland, the historic city of Malacca and the beaches of Tioman Island. Also, Johor Bahru is an ideal place for shopping.
Of course, such a list of attractions is ideal for travelers, although it can be a bit tiresome. But there are no reasons for concern, because the city offers several places to take a break from the city’s bustle and relax…
Recreational Park City Forest
With the area of more than 13 hectares, Recreational Park City Forest is one of the favorite places of locals and visitors of the city. The park is not only very large, but also fabulously beautiful: it has seven lakes, many interesting fountains and hundreds of tropical plants. A lot of beautiful paths for walks with wooden bridges and platforms are laid along the whole territory of the park. There are excellent specially equipped playgrounds for young visitors. On weekends, the swimming pool is open in the park. Different traditional Malay wooden houses from each state of Malaysia are the main attraction of this park, and one of the most interesting objects on its territory is the orchid garden.
Parking for cars is situated only near the entrance to the park on Jalan Tasek Utara Street.
Address: Recreation Park, 81310, Jalan Selatan Utama, 81300 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 24/7
Johor Zoo
One of the oldest zoos in Malaysia was founded by Sultan Ibrahim in 1928 as a private zoo of the royal family. In 1962, it was turned into a public zoo. In fact, it’s not very impressive in size, but at the same time, it’s very beautiful and well maintained. You need at least one hour to get around it and see all the animals. The zoo features a small lake for canoeing, as well as a children’s playground. It’s interesting to watch bird shows and feed camels, as well as enjoy pony riding.
There are several cafeterias on the territory. Of course, you can order professional photos there. Johor Zoo is definitely worth visiting and will be an excellent relaxation spot for a family weekend.
Address: Jalan Gertak Merah, Taman Istana, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 8.30am-6pm
Danga Bay
Danga Bay is the largest leisure park in Johor Bahru. It’s situated 7 km away from the city center. Originally it was conceived only as a huge park, but eventually, beautiful buildings of commercial centers, prestigious hotels and shopping complexes appeared there. The city government implemented a number of its great projects, including a new financial center, exhibition halls, hotels, a marina, recreational facilities, and elite residential houses. Danga Bay features a high concentration of trade objects and restaurants.
Among the interesting attractions of Danga Bay are Danga Children’s Zoo and Danga World Amusement Park. In Rumah Limas you can see traditional wooden Malay houses, which present different areas of Johor State.
Two kinds of cruises are offered to holidaymakers in Danga Bay:
- Cruise on a speedboat. Departure – every hour from the pier next to the Marina Club. Duration 20-25 minutes;
- Cruise on a three-deck cruise ship. It runs along the same route, but includes dinner on the board, live music, karaoke and a show. Departure – on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8pm till 12am. The pier is located a little further from Danga Beach.
Address: Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 24/7
Endau-Rompin National Park
This park lies on the border between the states of Johor and Pahang. The area of Endau-Rompin National Park covers 870 square kilometers of forests and rivers. This park is inhabited by Malay tigers, Asian elephants, wild boars and the largest population of Sumatran rhinos on Malacca Peninsula. Also, there are many representatives of other species of the animal world. For example, ‘lar gibbons’ is the only species of anthropoid apes on the peninsula. In addition, Endau-Rompin features a huge number of species of birds. Pheasants and white egrets are among them.
Generally, Endau-Rompin is excellent for those who like wildlife. From Johor Bahru you can reach the park by highway towards Kluang.
Address: Taman Negara Rompin Peta, Mersing, Endau, Joho
Opening Hours: Friday-Wednesday 8am-5pm, Thursday closed
Johor Bahru is a nice Malay destination with a plenty of opportunities for business, shopping and of course, great relaxation. Local natural sights provide perfect open-air leisure for the whole family, so don’t miss them on your next trip. Of course, use car rental in Johor Bahru, which will be the best way to reach any of the above-mentioned natural attractions.
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