2-Day Johor Bahru Itinerary | Popular Shopping Spots & Top Things to Do

Johor Bahru is a fantastic place to spend some time with the family or just escape for a weekend. The city is a popular shopping spot for locals and visitors from Singapore, and a 2-day Johor Bahru itinerary allows enough time to see some of the city’s best attractions. Travelers with children may want to spend a day at one of Johor Bahru’s quality theme parks, and group travelers may opt for a sightseeing tour couples with a day-long shopping spree.

Getting Around Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru provides plenty of transportation options for getting around the city. Public buses are the cheapest options, and even foreigners will catch on quickly to traveling by bus because routes are laid out clearly. Visitors can hop on a bus at Larkin Sentral bus terminal or Johor Bahru City Square shopping mall. Local taxis and rideshare services also are available in Johor Bahru. Local taxis can be hired from any main street, and Grab and Uber drivers can be booked through their respective apps.

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Day 1 Johor Bahru Itinerary | Sightseeing in the City

Johor Bahru contains several hotspots that allow visitors to view top attractions and enjoy popular activities all in the same area. Some of these popular places to visit in Johor Bahru feature activities suitable for all ages, as well as places to eat, hotels and entertainment.

• Danga Bay – located on the western outskirts of the city, Danga Bay is a waterfront area loved for fine dining, upscale shopping and outdoor activities. Danga Bay Park features amusement rides, and Danga Bay cruises offer scenic views of the bay area from the water.
• Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple – while this temple is known as one of the most important Hindu temples in Johor, it also contains statues of Jesus Christ and Buddha. The main attraction, however, is that each monument and almost every element inside the temple is covered in sparkling pieces of glass. In fact, Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is considered the first Hindu building in the world to be made of glass.
• Sultan Abu Baker Mosque – looking over the Straits of Johor, Sultan Abu Baker Mosque provides a gorgeous example of European architecture and serves as a working mosque to Johor Bahru locals. The mosque can hold 3,000 worshipers at one time. Foreigners are not allowed inside Sultan Abu Baker Mosque, but photos of the outer buildings and scenic grounds are welcome.
• Bukit Serene Palace (Istana Bukit Serene) – a palace that offers a view of Singapore, Istana Bukit Serene (sometimes called Bukit Serene Palace) serves as the official residence of the Sultan of Johor. Nighttime is a great time to view the illuminated palace entrance, lush gardens and water fountains.
• Puteri Harbour – romance prevails in Puteri Harbour, but that doesn’t mean families and solo travelers can’t enjoy the harbor, too! The long promenade along the waterfront helps make this Johor Bahru attraction appealing to everyone as it is loaded with restaurants, arcades and family-friendly theme parks.

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Day 2 Johor Bahru Itinerary | Family Friendly Activities & Shopping

Johor Bahru is best known for theme parks and shopping, so travelers may want to try to squeeze in both or choose between one or the other. This list of theme parks, including Johor Zoo, and hot shopping spots can be modified to fit any itinerary and will give travelers a good idea about what to expect during an excursion to Johor Bahru.

Discover Johor Bahru’s Top Family-Friendly Parks

• LEGOLAND Malaysia – with eight themed lands, more than 70 rides and an adjoining water park, LEGOLAND Malaysia was made for all-day fun. Even adults love the rides and games in this legendary park.
• Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park – families can team up at this theme park to complete obstacle courses and ropes courses then finish the day cooling down on water rides and slides. The adjoining Jump Street trampoline park is a hit with kids and adults as well.
• Johor Zoo – one of the oldest zoos in Malaysia, Johor Zoo sits in the heart of the city and offers a glimpse of more than 100 animal species, some of which are endangered. Guests can watch gorillas, elephants, flamingos and more in a natural habitat and enjoy occasional animal shows. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Tickets are 30 MYR (6.93 USD).

Explore Johor Bahru Shopping Malls

• The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey – this upscale mall can be found in the Southkey area along the eastern edge of the city. On top of brand-name fashion stores, guests will find a cinema, Kiddytopia Mid Valley Southkey indoor playground, an exhibition center and even a grocery store. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
• KSL CITY Mall – more than 500 retail outlets puts this mega mall on the map for top places to shop in Johor Bahru. The upscale facility also contains a host of accommodations, from a hotel to swanky condominiums. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
• Johor Bahru City Square – located in the heart of the city and containing more than 300 fashion stores, Johor Bahru City Square is one of the city’s most beloved shopping centers. Numerous restaurants and a foot massage salon make it easy for visitors to spend an entire day at the mall. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

DISCOVER HOTELS & RESORTS IN JOHOR BAHRU 

Discover hotels & places to stay in Johor Bahru

Pulai Springs Resort

Ghazrin’s Classic Hotel

Berjaya Waterfront Hotel