Johor

StateMalaysia, Asia

Johor is a STATE in Malaysia, Asia.

Johor, Malaysia's southern gateway, offers a captivating blend of modern attractions, rich history, and lush natural escapes. Connected to Singapore via two causeways, it serves as a vibrant cultural and economic bridge. Travelers are drawn to its crown jewel, Desaru Coast, featuring world-class resorts, championship golf courses, and the thrilling Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark. History buffs can explore the royal legacy at the Istana Besar (Grand Palace) and the Abu Bakar Royal Museum in Johor Bahru, the state capital. For nature enthusiasts, Endau-Rompin National Park, one of the world's oldest rainforests, promises incredible biodiversity and adventure. The charming heritage town of Muar and the picturesque islands of the Seribuat Archipelago, like Pulau Rawa and Pulau Sibu, offer serene beaches and excellent snorkeling. Johor's culinary scene is legendary, from the iconic Laksa Johor to fresh seafood feasts. With Legoland Malaysia Resort and Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, it's also a premier family destination, making Johor a uniquely diverse state where urban excitement, royal heritage, and tropical tranquility seamlessly converge.

Best time to visit Johor

March to October is the best period, with less rainfall and more sunshine, ideal for beach and outdoor activities. The monsoon season from November to February brings heavier rains, particularly on the east coast. Festivals like Hari Raya Aidilfitri (dates vary) and Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) offer vibrant cultural experiences but involve travel crowds.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Hot 28-34°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Moderate
Prices
Moderate

End of dry season

Know before you go

Getting there

JHB

Senai International Airport

International

25 km away

SIN

Singapore Changi Airport

International

40 km away

MKZ

Malacca International Airport

Domestic

150 km away

KUL

Kuala Lumpur International Airport

International

300 km away

Getting around

"Ride-hailing apps (Grab) are the most convenient and affordable way to get around cities. Public buses connect major towns but can be infrequent. Taxis are available but insist on using the meter or agree on a fare beforehand. For exploring widely, renting a car is recommended (international license required). Johor Bahru has a central bus terminal (Larkin Sentral) for intercity travel. The JB Sentral transportation hub connects to Singapore via train and bus."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

+60

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Petty crime is the main concern; violent crime is rare.

Night safety

7/10

Petty crime is the main concern; violent crime is rare.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Johor is generally safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions: be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night. Petty crime like bag-snatching can occur, particularly in Johor Bahru city center; keep valuables secure. Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps. Avoid isolated areas after dark. Scams are rare but be cautious with overly friendly strangers offering deals. Road safety requires attention; drive defensively. The Johor-Singapore border areas are busy but safe."

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities in Johor Bahru are good, with private hospitals like KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital and Regency Specialist Hospital offering high standards. Government hospitals are also available. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations are recommended. Dengue fever is endemic; use mosquito repellent. Tap water is not recommended for drinking; stick to bottled or boiled water. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly advised. Pharmacies are widely available."

Culture

Local customs

"Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering homes and some shops. Use your right hand for giving and receiving items, including money. Tipping is not customary but appreciated for excellent service in hotels and restaurants (5-10%). Respect the Sultan and royal family; do not disrespect royal symbols. Greet people with a smile and a slight nod. During Ramadan, be discreet about eating and drinking in public during daylight hours in predominantly Muslim areas."
Malay (Bahasa Malaysia)EnglishChinese (Mandarin and dialects)Tamil

Costs and practicals

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) · RM

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal costs around $5

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Johor is generally affordable; luxury options exist in resorts and JB city center.

Timezone

Asia/Kuala_Lumpur +08:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

4,000,000

Area

19,210 km²

Government

Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. Head of state is the Sultan of Johor.

ISO code

MY-01

Type

State

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: 조호르, جوھر, Ĝohoro, ジョホール, Johor, Johor suyu, Johore, جوهر دار التعظيم;جوهور, جوهور, รัฐยะโฮร์, ג'והור, சொகூர், Johori osariik, 柔佛州, ჯოჰორი, Negeri dan Jajahan Takluk Johor Darul Ta'zim, जोहोर, Џохор, Cohor, Джохор, MY-01, Džohoras, جوهر, Baru, Bharu, Dzhokhor Bakhru, Dzhokhor-Baru, Dzohor Baru, Dzokhor Bakhru, Džohor Baru, JB, JHB, Jahore Bahru, Johor Baharu, Johor Bahru, Johore Bahru, Johore Baru, Johore Bharu, Sin-san-su, Sîn-sân-sṳ, johara baharu, joholeubalu, johora baharu, johora baru, johori bahiru, johorubaru, jokur paru, jwhr bhrw, jwhwr bhrw, xin shan, ya hor bah ru, Џохор Бахру, Джохор Бахру, Джохор-Бару, גוהור באהרו, جوهر بهرو, جوهور بهرو, جوھر بھرو, जोहोर बहरु, जोहोर बारू, জোহর বাহরু, ਜੋਹੋਰ ਬਾਹਰੂ, ஜொகூர் பாரு, ยะโฮร์บาห์รู, ဂျဟိုးဘာရူးမြို့, ጆሆር ባህሩ, ジョホールバル, 新山, 조호르바루

Capital CityMajor HubBeachHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingShoppingIslandRainforestCultural