Ah, JB, we finally meet again. The Johor Bahru land VTL has been open since December 2021, but now that KTM train services between Johor Bahru Sentral and Woodlands stations are resuming, there’s even more reason to plan a long-awaited trip across the border.
Welcoming us back with open arms are new hotels in Johor Bahru. Whether you prefer to stay in the city itself, or on the outskirts of town, here’s a rundown of the latest hotels to consider for your next trip:
While here, check out:
Image credit: Holiday Inn
Nestled within the city is Holiday Inn Johor Bahru which opened in 2020. You won’t have to deal with back pains from a long drive as this hotel is located only 5 minutes away from the Johor Checkpoint.
Image credit: Holiday Inn
You can catch the sunset while chilling at their rooftop pool, or admire the city’s skyline while clocking in some exercise at the fitness centre.
Popular shopping mall JB City Square is also right next door, and the Bazar Karat Night Marketa is a 10-minute walk away.
Rates: From RM227.95 (~S$73) per night
Address: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 8000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Telephone: +60 7-207 8888
Holiday Inn Johor Bahru website | Book a stay at Holiday Inn Johor Bahru.
Rooms here are modern and homey
Image credit: Booking.com
To maximise your time in JB, consider hotels like the Fives Hotel Johor Bahru that’s within walking distance to multiple malls and attractions. This includes Skyscape Johor Bahru for an aerial view of JB, and The Old Temple which is considered one of the oldest structures in the city.
The hotel’s in-house restaurant
Image credit: Fives Hotel
For those who are up for non-stop shopping sprees, the hotel is just a two-minute walk from JB City Square, and a minute from Zenith Lifestyle Centre that houses the beloved Haidilao if you need to refuel.
Rates: From MYR150 (~S$48) per night
Address: 45 Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 7-219 7777
Book a stay at Fives Hotel Johor Bahru.
Image credit: Agoda
You don’t have to set aside a big budget to stay at the Hashtag.Capsule.Hostel as it only costs $13 per night, inclusive of a free breakfast buffet for all guests. What’s more, you can get a novel experience that’s similar to a backpacking trip – although this is probably more comfortable than the actual one.
Image credit: Agoda
Don’t stereotype the low price tag and assume the place has little to offer – a cosy game room housing five gaming computers and a PS4 awaits those who prefer to stay in and chill.
Image credit: Agoda
There’s also a 24-hour communal area filled with snacks for guests to kope, so you can head over whenever you’re craving something to munch.
Rates: From RM39 (~S$13) per night
Address: 63-01 Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, 81100, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 10-448 0168 (Whatsapp only)
Hashtag.Capsule.Hostel Instagram | Book a stay at Hashtag.Capsule.Hostel.
Image credit: @mhoteljb
With rates from just S$28 per /night, M Hotel suits those who are travelling on a budget and don’t wish to splurge too much on accommodation. The place has also proven to be a popular choice for solo travellers who aren’t fussy about their lodging.
Image credit: Booking.com
Besides the basic hotel amenities such as free Wi-Fi internet access, transport to and from the airport and free parking spaces for guests, the hotel also has their own laundromat and laundry services so you can travel light without stressing about your wardrobe.
Rates: From RM75 (~S$24) per night
Address: 196,196a,198a, 200a, Jalan Layang 16 Taman Perling, 81200 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 07-232 0559
Image credit: @oodesarucoast
There’s no need to hop onto a flight for a quiet beach vacay. Just a 2-hour drive from Singapore is Desaru, and those celebrating a special occasion will find One&Only Desaru Coast a luxe haven that’s honeymoon-worthy.
Not only does it have a sandy white private beach, but its grounds are covered in lush greenery, easily making you feel like you’re in a tropical sanctuary.
Image adapted from: @oodesarucoast & @oodesarucoast
All rooms come with a private pool and both indoor and outdoor lounging areas that boast an uber-modern design, perfect for those ‘Gram snaps. Activities provided include tennis, padel, beach biking and relaxing spa treatments.
Image adapted from: @oodesarucoast & @oodesarucoast
Rates: From RM3,162 (~S$1,020) per night
Address: Darul Ta’zim, Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast Bandar Penawar, 90, 81930, Johor, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 7-878 3400
One&Only Desaru Coast website| Book a stay at One&Only Desaru.
This resort’s interior is inspired by traditional Malaysian kampung houses
Image credit: @anantaradesaru
Bali vibes are always welcome, and Anantara Desaru Coast gives you just that with its quiet and luxe compound. Best yet, a stay here won’t set you back too much, as rates start from about S$321 per night.
Image adapted from: @anantaradesaru & @anantaradesaru
The place also offers romantic beachside dining where you can personalise your menu. If this is not the perfect place to get down on one knee and pop the ever-important question, I don’t know what is.
Image credit: Anantara
Rates: From RM1,000 (~S$321) per night
Address: Persiaran Pantai, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 7-828 0888
Anantara Desaru Coast website | Book a stay at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.
Image credit: Accor Live Limitless
No family trip to JB is complete without a visit to Legoland, especially if you have kids in tow. The next time you’re headed over for some theme park fun, check out ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri serves as an ideal location as it is only 10-minutes away from Legoland. Rest assured, the theme park, so you won’t have to hear the constant “Are we there yet?” gripe from the young ones.
Image credit: Accor Live Limitless
You’ll get a dose of positivity before you even head out for the day, because the hotel is punctuated with bold and bright decor, making for fun Instagram-worthy backdrops.
Rates: From RM117(~S$37) per night
Address: 1 Nusa Sentrum Complex Jalan Silc 2:9 Silc Industrial, Park Iskandar Puteri, 79200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 7-533 0533
ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri website| Book a stay at ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri.
Image credit: Sunway Hotel Big Box
Stay at Sunway Hotel Big Box and you’ll barely need to leave the area to keep yourself entertained throughout your stay. Surrounding the hotel are cycling paths that circle the surrounding mangrove forests, as well as hiking trails worth exploring.
Image credit: @azian_yusof
You can also walk over to X-Park, one of Malaysia’s biggest extreme adventure theme parks, or clock in that retail and food therapy at Sunway Big Box Retail Park, an open-air shopping mall.
Rates: From RM210 (~S$67) per night
Address: Persiaran Medini 5, Sunway City Iskandar Puteri, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 7-533 6688
Sunway Hotel Big Box website | Book a stay at Sunway Hotel Big Box.
You can scratch your travel itch with a quick getaway to JB and check out these hotels in Johor Bahru for a new experience. From hotels with close proximity to malls and theme parks, to an opulent resort with a private beach, these places have their own unique perks and amenities you can enjoy.
Other places in Malaysia to check out:
Cover image adapted from: Booking.com & @hashtag.capsule.hostel
Originally published on 3rd March 2022. Last updated by Dewi Nurjuwita on 13th June 2022.
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. Our opinions remain our own.
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