Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
Built in the 19th century, Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple is said to be the only surviving place of worship that was brutally bombed during World War II. Old statues, signage and antiques add more historical value to the facade.
The temple hosts 5 deities namely Hong Xian Da Di, Gan Tian Da Di, Zhao Da Yuan Shuai, Xuan Tian Shang Di and Hua Guang Da Di.
Each person is worshipped separately by five different Chinese dialect groups, such as Hokkien, Cantonese, Hainanese, Teochew and Hakka. It also symbolizes the unity of these dialect groups.
The temple holds an annual 4-day event called Chingay(procession of the gods). The third night, a procession with the Gods in downtown JB, was the high point and highlight of the procession. The event has successfully attracted more than 300,000 people in the past few years.
Address: Lot 653, Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:00am – 5:00pm
Entrance Fee: Free
Sri Raja Mariamman Temple Johor Bahru
The more than 100-year-old Indian temple stands in stark contrast to the nearby hotels and shopping malls.
The Hindu temple pays homage to the goddess Mariamman, the goddess of fertility and rain, who is believed to cure the maladies of her followers.
There are many gatekeepers guarding and protecting the temple at the entrance of the building. Visitors must remove their shoes before entering.
Outside, the sidewalk was lined with vendors selling Hindu handicrafts, spices and flowers. The flowers on sale are dedicated to Hindu deities. The area is packed with devotees and tourists during Hindu festivals, especially Deepavali.
Address: Between Jalan Trus & Jalan Ungku Puan, 8000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 6:00am – 5:00pm
Entrance Fee: Free
The Red House Johor Bahru
Owned mainly by an Indian family, the Red House is a centuries-old pre-war shophouse.
Later, when the street was nominated for Heritage Street, its facade was repainted in bright red and white to become a prominent heritage building along the street.
Thanks to its eye-catching furnishings, it eventually became a landmark in the area and hosted many cultural events.
The nostalgic atmosphere in every corner is the real highlight of the red house. This attracts tourists most, and many suggest that the elegant environment is also suitable for filming films.
Address: No.56, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Tel: +607 – 224 9633
Tiong Hua Chinese Heritage Museum
Tiong Hua Chinese Heritage Museum is a newly renovated four-storey museum in the middle of the shophouse. It used to be the base of the JB Chinese Federation before being converted into a museum.
The first, second and third floors show the lives of Chinese immigrants in Johor in the 17th century, while the fourth floor shows the life of Dr Sun Yat Sen, the founding father and first president of the Republic of China. Basically, it shows artifacts, records, pictures and cash from the past. The exhibition is complemented by the audio tour to help in the understanding of the history.
Address: 42, Jalan Ibrahim, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Operation Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Entrance fee: RM6 per adult & RM3 per child
Sultan Ibrahim Building Johor Bahru
Sultan Ibrahim Building was one of the most majestic buildings in JB that blend well with Malay and colonial architecture.
Construction began in 1936 and was completed in 1940 at a total cost of 2 million ringgit. At the time, it was the tallest building in JB.
During World War II, when Johor was under Japanese imperialist rule, the Japanese Army used the building as a fortress to monitor the movements of the British Army.
Until 2009, the building was officially used as the State Secretariat building, the National Assembly Hall, and the Chief Minister’s office. Recently, it became a historic landmark, and visitors must obtain permission from security guards before entering the compound.
Address: Jalan Bukit Timbalan, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Tel: +607 – 222 3591
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Closed on: Weekends & Public Holidays.
Johor Bahru Old Railway Station
Johor Bahru Old Railway Station used to be an intercity railway station with Western architecture in a very unique way. The building was built in 1932 but closed in 2010. This is partly due to the replacement of existing services by the new railway station in JB.
However, it will be transformed into Malaysia’s first train museum to bring pride and excitement to Johoreans.
Address: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Holy Light Church Johor Bahru
Founded in 1886 by the Rev John Angus Bethune Cook, a missionary from England, Holy Light is one of the oldest churches in JB.
In ancient times, workers used wood to build churches, but they didn’t expect that the building would be attacked by termites year after year.
So church leaders decided to renovate the building and build a new sanctuary. Renovation and construction were completed in 2012, and the old building was recently used as a youth pavilion.
Address: Lot 156608, Persiaran Pondersoa Utama, Taman Ponderosa, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Tel: +607 – 224 3285
Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple Johor Bahru
The most unique and exotic heritage of Sikh in Johor is treasured at the Sikh Gurdwara Sahib. In ancient times, most Sikhs were appointed as police officers and bodyguards to the royal family. They built the temple after getting approval from the government.
The renovated temple is two stories high, topped with hollowed-out walls and numerous yellow window frames. It is also a complex temple with kitchens, halls, dining rooms, and offices. On the second floor, there is a prayer room for Sikh visitors.
