Beyond Borders: 48 Hours in Johor Bahru

It begins with a border crossing, but ends with something far richer—an immersion into a city where old-world soul meets contemporary cool. Welcome to Johor Bahru, Malaysia’s southern gem, where just 48 hours feels like a well-kept secret revealed.

Day One: Street Spirit & Flavors That Talk Back

Start with a stroll down Jalan Tan Hiok Nee—a street not just steeped in history, but splashed in murals, colonial shophouses, and the scent of kopi.

Grab brunch at IT Roo Café, home of the “best chicken chop in town” since the 1960s, then sip a slow latte at The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen—part café, part Instagram dreamscape.

Afternoons are for treasure hunting. Head to Komtar JBCC and Johor Premium Outlets for luxury shopping, or dive into Pasar Karat, JB’s night flea market where neon signs meet nostalgia.

Day Two: Serenity, Spas, and Duty-Free Discoveries

Kick off with sunrise prayers—or selfies—at the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, a Victorian-Moorish masterpiece perched above the straits.

Looking to unwind? Indulge in a traditional Malay spa treatment with coconut oil and lemongrass, or go modern with a facial at Thistle Hotel’s wellness sanctuary.

No trip to JB is complete without a stop at the ZON Duty-Free complex by the waterfront. From Hermès to Hennessy, it’s a haven of tax-free indulgence—no passport drama, just retail therapy.

Leaving, But Not Really

Crossing back feels like waking from a dream, but your suitcase now tells a different story: one filled with batik shirts, salted egg snacks, spa oils, and the quiet confidence of knowing you’ve found something others might miss.

Johor Bahru doesn’t shout. It invites. Answer it.

Come explore—and take a piece of it home, duty-free.