Budget Hotel in Johor Bahru & Explore the City

By [email protected] - Dec 11, 2018 (Last Updated Jun 17, 2022)

Welcome to Johor Bahru (referred to as JB)!

The capital of Johor, with a causeway across the straits of Johor connecting to Singapore. Thus, many inhabitants of Singapore will come to JB to shop affordably in any shopping malls.

Top 10 malls are:

1. City Square Mall

2. AEON Tebrau City

3. Sutera Mall

4. ZON Mall

5. Landmark IT Mall

6. Plaza Larkin

7. Plaza Pelangi

8. KSL City

9. Danga City Mall

10. AEON Bukit Indah

Besides shopping, there are loads of fun things to do in JB that not many people know about. But beforehand, we have to first settle where we stay. Here are some top 5 budget hotels that I pre-picked as the best in town!

eRYAbySURIA Johor Bahru

ēRYAbySURIA Johor Bharu is a city hotel located directly at the edge of Johor Bharu city. With such an ideal location, transportation is never a problem. Focusing on their professional guests, this hotel is one of the most economically strategic choices for those who wish to organize short business trips and events. Moreover, a swimming pool is available for those with families and children to enjoy and relax.

In addition, ēRYAbySURIA Johor Bharu is also in conjunction with the Suria City College which offers one of the best culinary courses in Johor. That being said, the food is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and is of the highest quality.

Address: 10, Jalan Bukit Meldrum, Tanjung Puteri 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Malaysia.

Room rate: From RM90/ night

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Hotel Seri Malaysia Johor Bahru

This hotel is located in Larkin, which is around 10 minutes drive from Johor Bahru City and 32km from Changi International Airport, Singapore. Known for its cheap shopping centre and bustling night markets especially to Singaporeans, Johor Bahru is a vibrant and fast developing city with a blend of heritage and new buildings.

There are several attractions around it, Johor Bahru Kwong Siew Warisan, Johor Premium Outlets (JPO), Johor Art Gallery, Grand Palace, Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque and Danga Bay.

Address: Lot PTB 17648, Langkasuka Street, 80350 Larkin, Johor Bahru.

Room rate: From RM140/ night

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Citrus Hotel Johor Bahru

For the best of travelers, Citrus Hotel Johor Bahru is a good choice which is just a few minutes' walks from JB Central Station, CIQ (Customs Immigration Quarantine) and City Square Shopping Mall. In addition, travelers can easily access famous landmarks such as LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, Angry Bird Activity Park, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, and Senai International Airport and Woodland Checkpoint to Singapore. The hotel is also close to many of Johor Bahru's famous shopping malls, JBCC Komtar, Galleria @ Kotaraya, Johor Premium Outlets, and famous pedestrian walkway, Meldrum Walk, traditional and Malaysian boutique shops selling accessories and shoes .

So if you are looking for a perfect location in Johor Bahru, Citrus Hotel Johor Bahru is the perfect choice for you!

Address: 16, Jalan Stesen, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor.

Room rate: From RM 111 / night

Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre

Other options suitable for people with business activities and leisure are Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Center, but with slightly higher room rates. The hotel is designed to provide guests with comfortable accommodation, amenities and high standards of service.

Just like the above, the hotel has a prominent location adjacent to CIQ and within a minute walk to major shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Most important, the hotel has a good reputation for its extremely high standards of service.

Address: 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor

Room rate: From RM 305 / night

The Puteri Pacific Johor Bahru

The Puteri Pacific Johor Bahru is proud to be the only Convention Hotel in Johor, strategically located in the Central Business District, with only a sky bridge away from Persada Johor International Convention Center.

Not only suitable for business traveler, The Puteri Pacific Johor Bahru which is located on the heritage row of Jalan Trus, offers easy access to many attractive places for those on leisure, where amazing shopping, dining and landmark attractions are just a few minutes walk away.

Address: Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Room rates: From RM 140 / night

Treat your loved ones with a memorable trip.

Treat yourself with an exclusive DISCOUNT!

***Below, I'm not going to tell you the typical site-seeing attractions like other blogs do, NO MUSEUM, NO MOSQUE, NO TEMPLE, NOT THIS KIND.

So, here's a list of amazing activities you can do. (Bonus: suitable for all ages)

1. Explore the lego world - LEGOLAND

(Photo Credit: KKday)

If you look into this world carefully, you will notice that the whole park is built out of LEGOs! They have got both a dry and wet theme park for kids to enjoy while for adults, you will surely be fascinated with their astonishing design.

Hours:

10am to 6pm (Monday-Thursday)

10am to 7pm (Fridays, weekends, public or school holidays)

For more theme parks in Johor Bahru, click here: 5 Theme Parks For Kids In Johor Bahru

2. Little Paris

(Photo Credit: World of Buzz)

Yesss, in Little Paris, you can have a taste of like you are being in France (which is many people's dream place). For girls, it's your chance to boost your Instagram likes and followers by taking awesome photos along the shophouses decorated with lights and colors, where the exterior decoration mimics the style of Parisian streets. Girls favorite again, you can find loads of high fashion clothing stores, classic cafes, and bakeries which offer mouthwatering cookies that are too pretty to eat.

Cafe hopers? Check out Top 10 Must Visit Themed Cafe In Johor Bahru to tempt your tastebud!

3. Senibong Cove

(Photo Credit: World of Buzz)

Feeling sick of eating hawker food? Senibong Cove is a hidden gem that allows you to feel atas by dining in it. Great view, great food, great people, even feeling atas by just imagining it. Staring into the sunset with plenty of yachts parked at the harbour while having your meal with your loved ones, and grab your lover's hand for a romantic stroll along the pathway by the coast while enjoying the scenery. The best way to treat your sweetheart...

Address:

N-01, Blok N, Pinggiran Senibong, No. 1 Persiaran Senibong, Teluk Senibong, 81750, Masai, Johor

4. Traditional Kopitiam - Restaurant Hua Mui

(Photo credit: FoodieJC)

What's special for Hua Mui? They offer traditional breakfast with kaya butter toast, soft boiled eggs and nevertheless their specialty kopi.

Bonus on bonus: they use frozen butter for their toast, so you get a chunk of cold butter on the second you bite into the hot toast, and immediately melt on your tongue.

Address:

131, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000, Johor

Hours:

8.30am to 6pm (Monday to Saturday). Closed on Sundays.

5. Century-old bakery - Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory

Heritage lovers? Then this place is meant for you, one of the oldest bakeries in Malaysia, operated since 1919 and located right opposite Hua Mui. How traditional are they? They still use wood fire ovens to bake cakes and cookies, and they are incredibly yummy.

Do try out their banana cake, soft and fluffy yet dense at the same time! I bet you are gonna miss it after all.

Address:

13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000, Johor Bahru.

Operating hours:

7am to 6pm (Monday to Saturday), 9am to 1pm (Sunday)

6. Shop cheap branded items - Johor Premium Outlets

(Photo Credit: Lipstiq)

Here, you can find all sorts of branded and luxurious labels selling at way lower prices than you would find at any retail outlets. Brands such as Burberry, Coach, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo etc. Treat yourself with a branded handbag or shoes with very VERY LOW prices, SHOP TILL YOU DROP!

Address:

Jalan Premium Outlets Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia

Operating hours:

10am to 10pm daily.