Johor Bahru District

Hidden Gems

This collection highlights architectural landmarks and coastal sites around Johor Bahru and the Straits. The Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque and Istana Besar showcase late 19th-century royal heritage, blending Victorian and Malay styles. The Sultan Ibrahim Building stands as a prominent example of pre-war colonial architecture. Along the waterfront, Raffles Marina features a functional lighthouse overlooking the Second Link, while the wooden Lim Chu Kang Jetty provides access to traditional offshore fish farms.

Hidden Gems — Map

Lim Lik Wei / CC BY 2.0

A

Istana Besar

The Istana Besar or Grand Palace is the royal palace of the Sultan of Johor and is located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

B

Sultan Ibrahim Building

The Sultan Ibrahim Building is a former state secretariat building of Johor. It is located at Bukit Timbalan in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

C

Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque

Completed in 1900, this mosque features Victorian architectural elements like clock towers and minarets resembling British watchtowers, combined with Moorish details. It sits on a hill overlooking the Straits of Johor.

William Cho / CC BY-SA 2.0

D

Raffles Marina

A yacht club at the western end of Singapore featuring the 12-meter-high Johor Straits Lighthouse. It offers views of the Tuas Second Link and serves as a docking point for international cruisers.

E

Lim Chu Kang Jetty

One of the few remaining wooden piers in the region, this jetty serves local fish farmers and residents of nearby kelongs. It provides a view of the Johor coastline across the narrow strait.