Culture Day Trip in Downtown Johor Bahru

1. JOHOR BAHRU CHINESE HERITAGE MUSUEM

The Chinese Heritage Museum documents the settlement and history of the Chinese community in Johor. It mainly preserves the historical materials and cultural relics of the development of the Chinese in Johor and reproduces the life, work and belief of the Chinese ancestors in Johor. The collections preserved in the museum include Musical Instruments, ancient coins, porcelain, photographs, documents and other cultural relics. The museum is known for its rich elements and collections. It is very popular with travelers and tourists who come to this part of Malaysia. The first floor exhibits important historical relics of the activities of the New Mountain Society, the second and third floors show the past and present of the new mountain with audio-visual and physical objects, and the fourth floor is the theme of Sun Yat-sen's revolutionary history in Nanyang.

Address：42, Jalan Ibrahim, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/PeSsJFEwu9x9Ubs79 

Operation time：9:00 am – 5:00 pm（Monday Closed）

Phone：07-224 9633

Ticket：Adult RM5 / Group RM3 / Child，Student，Senior Citizens RM2

2. SENSO ART GALLERY CAFE

Senso Art Gallery Cafe in Jalan Tan Hiok Nee is a style shop combining elements of art gallery, art workshop and cafe. The shop is full of exquisite hand-made ornaments and artworks, art magazines and books, so people are in an artistic atmosphere. The most important thing is that the air is also mixed with the aroma of the coffee, people can order a cup of coffee, and sit in the shop to enjoy their leisurely time. The two-story storefront houses an art studio and cafe downstairs and an art gallery upstairs. Currently, they only serve cake, pizza, pie, coffee and other simple dishes, but they are very delicious.

Address：25, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor.

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/EHW9PLnGCRYSS6VC7 

Phone：016-733 1972

Operation time: 10am to 6pm (Tuesday Closed)

3. ART 52 GALLERY

Yee Siang, the founder and proprietor of Art 52 Coffee, is a young man of 21 years old with a wonderful vision for what a great café should be. He made the decision to build a small, straightforward, sincere, and low-profile café tucked at a small corner, positioned at the back and second level of a two-story gallery, rather than opening another luxurious or elaborately furnished café like others. He used recycled wood and resources to build the table, chair, and even the door. With the assistance of Eric, the gallery's co-owner, he completed the majority of the refurbishment on his own to save on setup costs.

Address: No. 52, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/GVbqigGREWqpfJsJ7 

Phone: 018-777 2420
Operation time: 

9am - 6pm (Monday to Friday)

9am - 5pm (Saturday)

Sunday Closed

4. MASJID INDIA

Remarkable mosque along Coronation Avenue is Masjid India located on Jalan Duke, Johor Bahru, and built in the 1950s. This piece of land was bought from a bread making factory for RM20,000 by Dato’ Hj Abdul Majid and Haji Mohamed Ibrahim. They built a surau India (a small mosque) on the land. Dato’ Haji Abdul Majid was elected to become the first president of the surau by 300 Indian Muslims upon the approval of Sultan Ibrahim. Under his management, the mosque advanced and progressed to modern times with renovations approved by the Sultan of Johor in the 1970s.

Address: Jalan Duke, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/GmCRn3Kout96HKbU7

5. SULTAN IBRAHIM BUILDING

The former state secretariat building in Johor is called Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim, also referred to as the Sultan Ibrahim Building. It was constructed between 1936 and 1939 and is the ideal synthesis of western and Malaysian architecture. One of the tallest structures in Johor Bahru before to independence, the Sultan Ibrahim Building is still considered as a significant historical site.The government intends to transform the imposing Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim structure, which spans 60,000 square feet, into a regal museum. This location, which is well-known for its stunning scenery, magnificent architecture, and photography, is still a government asset, therefore visitors must approach the guards for permission before exploring.

Address: Jalan Bukit Timbalan, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/XgCgJEjuc2ZBwckH6 

Operation time: 

8am - 5pm (Monday to Friday)

Saturday and Sunday Closed

6. INDIAN FLOWER STALLS

This place has many Indians selling their fresh flowers to customers. It is often used to make wreaths for prayer and other activities.

Address: 4G, Jalan Ungku Puan, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/3R4oEnHojqwrpMof7

7. ARULMIGU RAJAMARIAMMAN DEVASTHANAM TEMPLE

An iconic landmark in the city centre, this temple built in 1911 stands out as an extraordinary heritage with more than 120 statues and 26 wall paintings in the temple. In the early 20th century, there was a large community of Indian labourers working for Sultan Ibrahim at some areas such as Mount Austin, Castlewood and Pasir Pelangi.

Their leader, Kootha Perumal Vandayar requested permission from the Sultan to build a Hindu temple for their community to hold religious ceremonies. Sultan Ibrahim agreed. His Majesty donated a piece of land and $500 for construction purposes. Once completed, it was called Mariamman Temple.

In 1985, it was changed to Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam, the word “Raja” in the middle of the name was added as appreciation for the kindness of Sultan Ibrahim. “Arulmigu” in Tamil stands for “holy” or “glory”, “Devasthanam” means temple and “Raja” means king.

Amazing in design, the Rajagopuram opposite the shrine of Arulmigu Rajamariamman is five-tiered with five gold-plated kalasams. It is built according to the agamic tenets. There are sculptured dolls, which enhance the artistic beauty of the Rajagopuram. The pillars are made of stone and the doors are made of hardwood. The towering, magnificent 75-feet (highest in Johor) Rajagopuram welcomes you into the temple.

Address: 1a, Jalan Ungku Puan, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor 

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/ATPBPP6Pa2829siR9 

Phone: 07-223 3989

8. MASJID AN-NUR KOTARAYA

The An-Nur Kota Raya Mosque is a mosque located in Galleria Kotaraya. It’s the only fully air-conditioned mosque in Malaysia sited in a shopping Complex and is owned by Johor Corporation (J-Corp), a subsidiary of the Johor state government.

Address: 65, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/2naSUyApiC49yRHV8 

Operation time: 5:45am - 9pm

9. KWONG SIEW HERITAGE GALLERY JOHOR BAHRU

The Johor Bahru Kwong Siew Heritage Gallery is the building used to be the headquarters for the Kwong Siew Clan Association which was established in 1878 by a prominent character in Johor Bahru called Wong Ah Fook. It is two units of adjoining double storey shoplots donated by Wong Ah Fook. This building is home to priceless artifacts that record the transition process of Chinese immigrants to labour and settlers in Johor Bahru which they call “Sin Sua” or “New Hill” in Teo Chew, a new place for them to work hard to earn their fortune for a better future. Working tools, Chinese opera costumes, jewellery, opium pipes, the ancestry photos and items belonging to the Wong family and so on are all well kept within this building. This very building safeguards the story of the Teo Chew immigrant settlers in Malaysia and holds a special meaning to many.

Address: 24, Jalan Siu Nam, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Google Map: https://g.page/JBKwongSiewHeritageGallery?share 

Phone: 07-223 3682

Operation time: 9am - 5pm

Entrance Fees : RM5 for adults, RM2 for children and students.

10. GURDWARA SAHIB SIKH TEMPLE

"There are six Sikh temples in the Johor state, with the Sikh Temple Johor Bahru built in the city in 1916. In the late 19th century, the Sikh community settled in Johor and many joined the police force whilst some served as the Johor Sultan’s Guard.

There was an incident that a fire broke out in the rubber store of Sultan Ibrahim in Pasir Pelangi and the estate workers could not put it out. As the fire continued burning, the police were sent for. The Sikh came and helped. They carried carts of water and some of them used green branches to put out the fire. After the fire was put out, Sultan Ibrahim granted them a piece of land for the temple.

In 1916, the Sikh requested for a piece of land from the Johor Police Commissioner to build a Gudwara Sahib. In 1921, the present site was gazetted as a temple reserve. This land was very muddy and swampy. The Sikhs filled up the land with sand and stones and upon this they constructed their first Sikh Temple in late 1921.

Address: Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/AGmRjiepNikCRmSb9

11. JOHOR ANCIENT TEMPLE

As the first Chinese temple in Malaysia to be named after a state, the Johor Ancient Temple has a rich history that dates back over 140 years. Built in the 19th century by the former leader of Ngee Heng Kongsi led by Tan Hiok Nee and Chinese community leaders, the temple stands resplendent with heritage between city skyscrapers and office towers. In 1996, this temple was renovated at the cost of RM1.5 million.

Address: Lot 653, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/4C4i2UxkdGd7dZCy5 

Phone: 07-276 2550

Operation time: 7am - 5pm

12. GYAN HENG JOSS PAPER

This is a shop that sells things about God, or funerals

Address: No. 98, Jalan Terus 1, Johor, 81000 Johor Bahru

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/xeCr3etHsFSQacR47 

Phone: 07-223 8964

13. PERSADA JOHOR INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

Persada Johor International Convention Centre is the principal Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) venue in the State of Johor, positioned to create a market and to cater to the demand for such services in the south of Peninsular Malaysia.

Persada Johor thus enables the hosting of Domestic, Regional and International Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions. Offering a variety of value-added facilities and services which include The Puteri Pacific Johor Bahru hotel located adjacent to it, Persada Johor adds a new dimension to Johor’s dynamic pace of economic development, showcasing to its visitors what Malaysia can offer as a destination.

Address: Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/GUgj1uY4MnE8uEAx7 

Phone: 07-219 8888

Operation time: 

8am - 4pm (Monday to Friday)

Saturday and Sunday Closed

14. JOHOR BAHRU CITY SQUARE

Johor Bahru City Square stands out as a significant landmark in JB due to its advantageous location in the middle of the city and close proximity to the customs and immigration checkpoint. It provides a wide variety of fashion, entertainment, and eateries with its more than 300 retailers. All were designed to delight the senses and meet necessities. Rush in as the doors open at 10 am for breakfast, then leave to begin your clothing, footwear, bag, trinket, toiletry, and electronic toy shopping excursion. Unique to Johor Bahru City Square is the Inner City, an eclectic mix of smallish fashion and accessory shops plus restaurants housed in a tight, quaint setting. Always a firm favorite of the “NOW” generation.

Address: 106 - 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/SAeHV3ZXbyDiv9HC8 

Phone: +607-226 3668

Operation time: 10am - 10pm

15. KOMTAR JBCC

KOMTAR JBCC is located in the main shopping, entertainment and tourist districts of Johor Bahru city centre. Downtown Johor Bahru has been developed as the state's lifestyle hub, attracting Singaporeans seeking an unparalleled shopping experience. Based on this energy, KOMTAR has established itself as the ultimate urban shopping destination.

KOMTAR JBCC is a flagship project approved by the federal government as the core of the city's revitalization plan. Around it will come attractive public spaces, commercial developments, office, hotel, pedestrian zones and transportation links to enhance a vibrant retail environment.

Address: KOMTAR JBCC, City Centre, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Google Map: https://g.page/komtar-jbcc-johor-bahru?share 

Phone: 07-267 9900

Operation time: 10am - 10pm

16. AL-ATTAS MOSQUE

"Distinguished as the first mosque in Johor during the reign of Sultan Abu Bakar, the Al-Attas Mosque built in 1869 by Habib Hassan Bin Ahmad Al-Attas, a Malay priest (ulama) and businessman of Arabian origin was also known as “First Mile Mosque” (Masjid Batu Satu). As the main assembly point for Johor Muslims during that era, the mosque was later renovated in 2003 to become a spacious, modern double-storey place of worship.

Address: Jalan Gertak Merah, Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/LiNiGRNcePkAhKiv9 

17. CATHOLIC CHURCH OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

"Over a century of history and heritage has shaped the Catholic Church of Immaculate Conception. Originating as a chapel built in the year 1883 by the late Rev. Fr. C. Saleilles, M.A.P., it was named “Our Lady of Lourdes”. Rev Fr. Saleilles who travelled by boat from Singapore contributed to the establishment of Johor in 1881 by administering to the needs of Catholic families. He was generous to the poor and his acts of kindness were noticed by His Highness Sultan Abu Bakar who graciously granted a piece of land for a church. In 1883, the chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes was inaugurated. The building was later used as a funeral parlour.

The present Church of the Immaculate Conception (CIC) was built by Rev. Fr. M Duvelle, and blessed by Bishop Barillon at the end of 1921, when there was only a wooden bridge linking Johor and Singapore. Today, it is the oldest church in this city."

Address: Alternate Entrance, Jalan Abdul Rahman Andak, 80010, 9, Jalan Gereja, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/KsUivToM6mHuCn7H8 

Phone: 07-224 3034

18. HOLY LIGHT CHURCH

"The Holy Light Church in Johor Bahru is one of the oldest churches in the state capital. It was founded by Rev John Angus Bethune Cook, a missionary of the Presbyterian Church in England in 1886. The English missionary came to Johor Bahru and stayed until 1924, when he returned to England upon retirement. He spent most of his life in service to the Lord. 

During his time in Johor Bahru, Cook completed the construction of Holy Light Church with the approval of Sultan Abu Bakar. It was a favour given by James Meldrum, who was the son-in-law of Reverend Benjamin Keasberrym (the tutor of Sultan Abu Bakar). The church stands prominently along Jalan Gertak Merah. It used to run 2 services on Sundays, one in English and other in Chinese, due to the large Chinese community of TeoChew dialect attending church."

Address: 11, Jalan Gertak Merah, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/vXa56bXDZi5yKEjh9