WELCOME to 'GEMS of Johor Bahru CBD' Heritage Trail. Where the skyline is ever changing, and the business community ever growing it is here along one of the most important navigable channels of the old-world that we invite you to take a walk through history and architecture offering you comprehensive, quick and fascinating facts on the past and present where in the present day you can still come across clans and societies, traders and wholesalers eke out their modest living amidst towering banks, office blocks and shopping malls. 

The 'GEMS of Johor Bahru CBD' heritage trail describes the history of Johor, and in particular the growth of its capital city, Johor Bahru, from 1855 to the achievement of Malayan independence in 1957. It covers a time when the State of Johor was a separate and distinct political entity. During this period, Johor benefitted from the wisdom and foresight of three remarkable rulers: Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim, Sultan Abu Bakar and Sultan Ibrahim. 

Find out who are the individuals that the many roads and street were named after. Find out the connectivity of the town with the historical, cultural, social and moral elements that moulded and blended the Johor Bahru today and at the same time explore and experience the living cultural tradition with modernity such as the 'kopi tiam' or coffee shop or even a sneak a look into old photo studios displaying images of the yesterdays. 

Frozen in time and almost detached in its continual determination to survive the changing landscape are the various shophouses. These shops, seeped in the family tradition of passing from one generation to another, still have their surnames proudly advertising their wares or trades. Pop into the different shops along the roads and see for yourselves. 

You'll experience a contrast of colours, sounds and sights right in the heart of the city. In this truly inspiring enclave, you can find the spiritual interwoven with the material lifestyle of the people. Here just within the streets are mosques, Chinese temples, Hindu temples, gurdwara and churches. 

Revisit and discover the 'GEMS of Johor Bahru CBD'.