If you are looking for an interesting place to hang out during your weekend but do not want to travel far…
Wondering where to go?
There are plenty of places waiting for you to explore in JB and most importantly its just near to JB Sentral!
We have concluded a few TOP PICKS from the locals, that is the MUST visit place for travelers.
1. Skyscape Johor Bahru
34th floor height of stunning sky view located at Jalan Wong Ah Fook. It is just 5 minutes walking distance from JB Sentral where it attracts a lot of tourists and locals.
Skyscape is located at the top of Menara JLand building, so do not be surprised if you meet white collars entering this building.
Credit: Skyscape JB
The ticket included 2 hours of viewing tour and their LED Tunnel and VR games. Great spot for photographer for scenery shooting and KOL for their Instagram posting.
For professional photographer, there are 2 pro telescopes that can be use up to 75x magnification to satisfy your close-up viewing
Notes:
Sky bridge has several time entries per day to avoid overwhelming capacity
Last Entry on 4pm
Each visitor required to purchase shoe cover for RM1/pair
2. Cafe Hunting At Jalan Dhoby & Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Various types of cuisine and design of café for you to enjoy your daily posting feed and café craving!
Strongly recommend for café hopping tour if you are coming in a group of youngsters!
There are a lot of cafés near JB Sentral where social media KOL can get amazing photos for their posting and feed!
3. Flowers In The Window
Looking for a place to chill and rest? Check out this cafe, stylish vibe and reasonable pricing!
Wide types of food to choose, from main course to dessert, from western cuisine to chinese cuisine
4. Jimylicious Cheesecake & Cafe
Cheese lover would highly recommend to visit here! Enjoy your hightea or take some KOL pictures at their photo spot
5. Ah Ma Teochew Kuih
Kuih lover would definitely know about this shop! Various of traditional kuih you can get from here!
6. Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory
Singaporean must be very familiar with this bakery, long queue but worth the waiting time!
Credit: Sunway Hotel
7. Pasar Karat
Night market that operates until late night as late as 2am. Best spot for a night cat to hangout!
Cafés street operate in the daytime, but the street will be TRANSFORM into full of street stalls when the night falls.
The whole street is closed for this night market, you can look for good steals and a lot of types of clothes, antiques, jewellery, accessories, shoes from price RM5-RM50.
Do train your bargain skill here at Pasar Karat, as most of the stalls are open for bargain to a lower pricing.
There are also food stalls here but most of them are small bites and snacks. Visit Pasar Karat after your dinner and leave some space for bites.
8. Zoo Johor
Oldest zoo in Malaysia that was built back in 1928, where you can find more than 100 species of animals here.
Great spot for your family along with children to have a short weekend vacation here.
Introduce your children with different animals which include tiger, lion, elephants, hippo. camels, giraffes, more and more.
Perfect real-time experience for their learning.
There are also other activities here such as animal close-up photo shooting and also a mini lake for boating.
9. Istana Besar Tour
Istana Besar is now operating as a museum named Royal Abu Bakar Museum.
It mainly showcases the collection of antiques and historical items of the Royal Family.
Fit yourself into the atmosphere of the Malay and Western agriculture styles, and enjoy the historical building which was once the home of the Sultan of Johor.
10. Heritage Tour at Dhoby Street and Tan Hiok Nee Street
Historical lovers may know these streets as the centre of The Old Town in JB.
Streets are filled with many heritage designs of buildings and unique design structures.
Visitors can spend their day by enjoying the mixture of cultural buildings, vintage vibe or photo shooting of the arts of JB Old Town.
Recommend to visit at weekends as there will be less vehicles on the street. Remember to bring along your umbrella to prepare for the unpredictable weather.
Remarks: Recommended to visit at daytime as the street will be blocked and transform into PASAR KARAT at night.
11. Shopping Mall Craving
People that love indoor activities would lose themselves at the nearest shopping right after JB Sentral.
City Square Mall and Komtar JBCC are just 2 minutes away from JB Sentral.
Visitors can basically find everything in the malls from food, beverage, daily essential stuff, clothes, boutique or any needs that you are looking for.
You can even have a short relaxing massage treatment in the mall before you start your day trip.
Who says that you cannot gain happiness from shopping!
12. Istana Bukit Serene
If you are looking for any landmark in JB, you shall visit to JB Landamrk Istana Bukit Serene.
People usually come at evening to take pic along with the sunset view.
Have a short walking here also romantic for couples
13. Johor Bahru Ancient Chinese Temple
One of the oldest chinese temple you can visit in JB.
Big potted plants and big tubs are positioned around the walls as you go along the exterior gardens.
This is a popular location for tourists to stop and snap pictures.
But.. What If You Don’t Want To Take Train?
Not everyone want to take train and sometimes you just want to sit back, relax and enjoy your trip and have someone else do all the stressful navigating.
Image credit: ShutterstockMalaysia is one of the most famous spots for travellers who love the sand and the sea. While it’s best known for the pearl-white sand beaches of Langkawi and the majestic peak of Mount Kinabalu, the nation is also home to another exciting landscape feature that draws adventure seekers and nature lovers alike — its caves. From the world-renowned Batu Caves to the Sarawak Chamber of Gunung Mulu National Park (the largest cave chamber in the world), get in touch with your inner spelunker while exploring the magnificent caves in Malaysia.
These massive networks of interconnected systems enthral tourists with stunning arrangements of limestone stalagmites and stalactites sculpted over millennia. Caves in Malaysia are also home to the most unique flora and fauna, and some are even archaeological sites. Remnants of the prehistoric era have been discovered in Malaysian caves, like the ‘Perak Man’ (Southeast Asia’s oldest, most complete human skeleton) in Gua Gunung Runtuh of Lenggong Valley, and they have managed to preserve centuries of ancient history, local culture and native wildlife within their walls. They are truly fascinating sights as the caves manage to entwine the beauty of natural marvels and the cultural heritage of their surroundings.
Here are some of the best caves to explore in Malaysia:
Batu Caves
Image credit: ShutterstockThese world-famous caves are located in Gombak, in the State of Selangor. One of the most iconic tourist attractions in Malaysia, Batu Caves showcases mogote topography, which is a limestone outcrop and includes a series of caves and cave temples.
With over 20 caves forming part of the Batu Caves, the biggest cave, the Temple Cave or Cathedral Cave, is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is a famous pilgrimage site for Tamil Hindus. You need to be dressed appropriately to visit this cave temple.
Besides it, the Dark Cave, Ramayana Cave and Cave Villa are significant sites, with tourists flocking here to see the beautiful paintings of the Ramayana Cave and Cave Villa, as well as the unique flora and fauna of the Dark Cave. The Dark Cave has two areas — one that houses rare plant species (around 269 types) and the other part of the cave that is engulfed in pitch darkness.
However, the most iconic aspect of the Batu Caves is a steep flight of 272 steps that leads to the entrance of Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple, from where you get a breathtaking view of the grand, golden statue of Lord Murugan, towering at 140 feet (around 42.6 metres), and the surrounding areas. Learn more with our detailed guide to Batu Caves.
Tickets: Entry to the Cave Temple is free, but other caves, like the Ramayana Cave (RM 4.4/USD 0.95) and the Dark Cave (RM 35/USD 7), have an entrance fee.
How to reachBy air: Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport is 25 km away.
Byroad: The caves are 6 km from Gombok and 17 km from Kuala Lumpur city centre.
Image credit: ShutterstockOne of the four UNESCO Heritage Sites of Malaysia, Gunung Mulu National Park is home to some of the most stunning caves in the country. Located in Borneo Island’s Sarawak, the national park stands out for a 2,376 metre-tall sandstone structure called Gunung Mulu and other karst features sprawling across the Malaysian state. For the uninitiated, karst is a special type of landform that is created when bedrock dissolves. It is associated with soluble rock types, including limestone, gypsum and marble.
Tickets: The park has curated tour packages that take people on a guided journey. These packages require you to stay for at least a night or even longer. The price of the tour packages starts from RM 500 (USD 107).
How to reach: The only way to reach Gunung Mulu National Park is by flying directly to Mulu Airport, situated within the park. Miri Airport, Kuching International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport have daily direct flights to Mulu Airport.
The Sarawak Chamber
Named the largest single cave chamber in the world by the Guinness World Records, the Sarawak Chamber is part of 295 km of explored caves in Gunung Mulu National Park. This cave stretches 600 metres in length, 415 metres in width and 80 metres in height. The only way to visit the Sarawak Chamber is through one-night camps organised by the park. However, this is an extreme adventure activity open only to people who are certified cave explorers and experienced swimmers. The cave has a volume of 12 million cubic metres and an unsupported roof of 300 metres.
Clearwater Cave
The park’s official website states that Gunung Mulu National Park is also home to the longest cave in Asia. Also known as Gua Air Jernih, the 107-km-long cave stands as a testament to Malaysia’s natural beauty. After navigating 200 steps through dense forest, trekkers reach the entrance of the cave, encompassing an underground river, plank walks, pathways and floating bridges.
The Wind Cave is also part of the Clearwater Cave System and has beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, flow rocks, helictites and rock corals. Travellers can explore these caves through guided tours.
Deer Cave
Past plank walks, peat swamps, alluvial flats, an ancient burial site and limestone formations lie the Deer Cave. One of the largest cave chambers in the world, it serves as a place for deer to shelter in. This is how it got its name — the local Penan and Berawan people call it Gua Payau or Gua Rasu (which translates into Deer Cave). Several bat species can be found inside the cave, with over a million of these animals residing here.
The main chamber is 174 metres wide and 122 metres high. A formation at its entrance shares a distinct similarity to the silhouette of the late US President Abraham Lincoln’s face, which can be easily spotted on guided tours. Another interesting feature of the cave is the Garden of Eden, a hole in the roof of the cave where green vegetation thrives.
Image credit: ShutterstockAnother cave to visit in Malaysia is found on Borneo Island, but this one is in Sabah’’s Kunak region. The Madai Cave is situated in the Madai-Baturong Forest Reserve. This limestone cave has archaeological and cultural significance and is home to swiftlets whose nests are considered an expensive delicacy. The local Ida’an community are the guardians of the cave and live right outside it, often going back and forth to the cave to harvest the nests. Traces of human inhabitation and ancient coffins can be found inside the cave, making it necessary for visitors to be accompanied by a guide. Travellers can find a guide through either the locals or a travel agent before planning a visit.
How to reachBy air: Tawau Airport is 65 km away.
By road: Kunak is 16 km away.
Gua Gunung Runtuh
Image credit: ShutterstockOne of the important archaeological sites of Malaysia, Gua Gunung Runtuh makes the Lenggong Valley in Perak a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While this cave is not as big as the others on this list, it holds great historical significance. It is the excavation site of the ‘Perak Man’, the oldest and most complete human skeleton found in Southeast Asia. However, visiting the Gua Gunung Runtuh caves is not easy, as it is not a proper tourist destination. Visitors need to get a permit and a guide from the Lenggong Archeological Museum.
How to reachBy air: Penang International Airport is 140 km from the Lenggong Valley.
By road: Ipoh is 75 km away.
Image credit: ShutterstockPart of UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ tentative list, the Niah Caves are an important archaeological site in the country. Located in Miri, Sarawak, these caves have been credited for preserving vital historical relics, such as wall paintings, boat-shaped wooden coffins and a 40,000-year-old Palaeolithic human skull. Besides these discoveries, the cave complex is also known for its intricate cave networks, limestone hills and lowland dipterocarp forests. Visitors won’t need a guide for these caves; the authorities have created routes they can follow.
Tickets: Starting from RM 10 (USD 2) for adults and RM 3 (USD 0.64) for children.
How to reachBy air: Miri Airport is 87 km away.
By road: Miri is 95 km away.
Perak Tong Cave Temple
Image credit: ShutterstockA popular pilgrimage site and tourist attraction around the city of Ipoh, Perak Tong Cave Temple has a grand 40-ft-tall Buddha statue sitting at its centre. The limestone cave has a high dome that branches off into hidden recesses and grottoes. The temple cave’s wall is adorned with beautiful murals depicting scenes from Chinese mythology and Buddhist scriptures. This cave is easy to visit, and people of all ages can come here. However, one must be dressed appropriately as it is a religious site.
Ticket: Entry to the temple is free.
How to reachBy air: Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is 13 km away.
By road: The cave is 6 km from Ipoh city centre.
Image credit: ShutterstockThe Gua Tempurung in Perak is one of the longest limestone caves in Peninsular Malaysia. Tucked away in the Kinta Valley Geopark, the cave has five grand domes that resemble coconut shells and showcase a diverse collection of stalagmites and stalactites as well as a 1.6-km-long river. This cave is great for beginners as they have guided tours that allow for easy exploration of this cave.
How to reachBy air: Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is 26 km away.
By road: Ipoh is 38 km away.
Image credit: ShutterstockA tin mine under British rule, this limestone cave in Perlis has transformed into a popular tourist site near Kaki Bukit. It is fairly easy to explore as walkways have been built within the cave, giving easy access to everyone. Visitors can spot the Sungai Perlis River flowing under the walkway. Gua Kelam has surreal rock formations throughout the cave, and the end opens into the Wang Tangga Valley.
Tickets: RM 1 (USD 0.21) is the entrance fee for adults and RM 0.50 (USD 0.11) for children.
How to reachBy air: Sultan Abdul Halim Airport is 80 km away.
By road: The cave is 700 m from the city centre of Kaki Bukit.
Hero and feature image credit: Shutterstock
Related: 12 Stunning Island Resorts In Malaysia To Add To Your Bucket ListFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)– How many caves are there in Malaysia?
Malaysia has more than 100 caves, with Gunung Mulu National Park being home to some of the most beautiful and iconic ones. Thus, it is one of Malaysia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
– Are the caves in Malaysia open to the public?
Several caves are open to the public. They are usually part of protected areas such as Kinta Valley Geopark, Niah National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park, or pilgrimage sites, like Batu Caves and Perak Tong Cave Temple.
– What are the most popular caves to visit in Malaysia?
The Sarawak Chamber, Clearwater Cave, Niah Caves and Batu Caves are among the most popular ones to visit.
– Are there any special cave activities in Malaysia?
You can explore the caves, swim in them and even camp overnight in some.
– What should I bring when visiting caves in Malaysia?
Although each cave has different requirements, it is best to have sturdy shoes that enable you to comfortably hike and explore.
– Are the caves suitable for children and elderly visitors?
Not all caves are suitable for children and the elderly.
– Can I take photographs inside the caves?
Yes, you can take photographs inside the caves. However, some of them are dark and have low light, which may hinder the taking of clear photographs.
Pasar Karat, affectionately called Bazar Karat, is a must-visit destination in Johor Bahru that’s just a stone’s throw away from the JB Checkpoint.
This charming night flea market (or pasar malam as locals call it!) on Jalan Segget offers a wide array of products, from clothes and electronics to yummy treats for the foodies.
Read on to discover all this market has to offer – what to buy and what to eat – for a memorable offbeat shopping experience in JB!
Originally known for antiques and used items, Pasar Karat or Bazar Karat, which translates to “rust” in Malay, is now a walking street filled with shoes, gadgets, and local street food vendors.
With approximately 500 meters of bustling stalls, this lively market spans across Jalan Segget and Jalan Tan Hiok and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
What You’ll Like:
Great ‘pasar malam’ vibe
Variety of street food and local delights
Shop for various knock-off goods, electronics, clothes, etc
Open til late night – great for an after dinner stroll or shopping
Very affordable prices
Good place for bargain shopping
Good To Know
Many vendors at Pasar Karat JB night market accept both cash and TnG (Touch ‘n Go) payments
Pasar Karat JB can get crowded especially on weekends, so be aware of your belongings and keep an eye on your purse or wallet
While haggling is a common practice in night markets, food items generally have a fixed price
Parking could be a hassle, so consider ride sharing options
Pasar Karat Night Market is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 6:00pm til midnight.
While most shops open by about 6:00pm, head to the market a little later for a better night market vibe as the it only truly comes alive around 8:00pm!
If you’re a fan of vintage treasures, don’t miss the antique stall selling treasures like old cameras, brassware, enamel pots, and street vendors selling vintage t-shirts.
4.2 Clothes
Numerous stalls offer a range of clothing items, including jeans, tourist-themed t-shirts, and the always-popular crowd favorite, batik shirts!
4.3 Fashion Accessories
Pasar Karat is also famous for a wide selection of affordable knockoff handbags and shoes resembling popular high-end brands in malls.
Shopping Tips For Pasar Karat
Exploring the stalls can be an exciting adventure, with the potential to discover one-of-a-kind gems
Goods can be similar from stall to stall, so don’t buy from the first shop you come upon as you might find a better deal elsewhere!
Feel free to haggle down the prices, but keep in mind that these vendors are also trying to make a living!
A definite must-eat at the market is their ‘lokching’ or skewered fish satays and sausages that are grilled then dunked and smothered into the most delectable homemade Thai chilli sauce!
5.2 Mee Siput
While the name suggests that you’ll be eating a bowl of noodles, mee siput is actually a deep fried flour dough that spirals like a shell of a ‘siput’ or snail and served with tasty sambal!
Cap off your visit to Pasar Karat with their yummy Kunafa, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert of shredded dough soaked in sugar syrup layered on top of a delicious cream cheese base!
6. How To Reach Pasar Karat JB?
Pasar Karat JB is a quick 10 minute drive away from the JB Checkpoint.
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Pasar Karat from the JB Checkpoint is to hail a taxi or use a ride-sharing app like Grab.
If you’re driving to Pasar Karat yourself, parking can be a bit of a challenge due to the busy area and lack of designated parking facilities.
Most shoppers choose street parking, but be sure to avoid double lines, yellow lines, and hydrants – it may be risky, but it does add to the excitement of shopping at a pasar malam!
8. Pasar Karat FAQs
Q1. What time does Pasar Karat JB open?
Most stalls in Pasar Karat JB are set up and open by around 6:00pm.
Q2. Are there any differences between Singapore’s and Pasar Karat JB’s night market?
Singapore’s night markets are more food-centric offering more ‘hot food’ options, while Pasar Karat sells clothes, vintage ware and street snacks that are super budget friendly!
Q3. Is Pasar Karat JB worth visiting?
Yes! Pasar Karat JB is definitely worth a visit for its unique ‘pasar malam’ atmosphere, great bargains, and delicious street food!
