Is Johor Bahru expensive to visit?
Johor Bahru is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Johor Bahru can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $27 (RM121) per day, mid-range travelers spend $62 (RM277) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $119 (RM529) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Johor Bahru.
Within Asia, Johor Bahru is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Dali or Pune.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Johor Bahru Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Johor Bahru?
The average Johor Bahru trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Johor Bahru travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Johor Bahru cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Johor Bahru. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $27 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Johor Bahru, such as Hashtag Capsule Hostel. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Johor Bahru will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $62 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Johor Bahru. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru is a good kid-friendly option, and Legoland Malaysia Hotel is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Johor Bahru here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $119 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the destination will demand a higher price range. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Johor Bahru to Mersing jetty Private Transfer - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Johor Bahru
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Johor Bahru can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Johor Bahru in the off-season is $21, but in the peak travel season it will average around $39. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Johor Bahru to range from $12 to $86. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Johor Bahru for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $78 (RM344). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $39 (RM172) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Johor Bahru? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Johor Bahru include:
- Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru starting at $74
- Legoland Malaysia Hotel starting at $136
- Nex Hotel Johor Bahru starting at $13
- Dajie Avenue Hotel starting at $10
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid ), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Johor Bahru
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $12 (RM54) per person, per day, on local transportation in Johor Bahru. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Johor Bahru is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$12
RM54
The city is served by Senai International Airport (formerly known as Sultan Ismail International Airport), and is located about 32 kilometers northwest of the Johor Bahru's city center. Domestic and international flights are provided by Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Firefly, and Malindo Air. Visitors can reach Johor Bahru from the airport via the Causeway Link, which operates airport express shuttle buses. Many travelers also opt to fly into Singapore Changi Airport, just across the border in Singapore-using the Causeway to cross into Malaysia.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- ~Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore Van Transfer for $38 details
- ~Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore MPV Transfer for $98 details
- Private Transfer : Johor Bharu (JB) to Kuala Lumpur (KL) for $126 details
How much does it cost to go to Johor Bahru? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Johor Bahru will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Johor Bahru
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Johor Bahru can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Johor Bahru is $16 (RM69) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$16
RM69
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Johor Bahru is around $16 (RM69) per person, with previous travelers spending from $7 to $30. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Johor Bahru are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $5
- Lunch: $2 to $6
- Dinner: $5 to $11
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Malaysian cuisine typically results from a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, and ethnic Bornean cooking traditions. Due to its proximity to Singapore, the Johor Bahru area dishes are similar to those across the border. One such common dish is laksa-a spicy noodle soup based in curry coconut milk and made with chicken, shrimp, or fish. Hainanese chicken rice is another popular meal, adapted from a dish brought by Chinese immigrants. Rice is generally the central component to traditional Malay dishes, served with accompaniments or relishes like sambal, a relish-like sauce made from chili peppers. One of Malaysia's most popular foods is satay, which consists of marinated beef and chicken pieces skewered with wooden sticks and cooked on a charcoal grill. Street food culture is very popular in Johor Bahru with plenty of options available along Jalan Wong Ah Fook.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Opt for a water bottle instead of constantly buying drinks. It's not only convenient but also eco-friendly.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Johor Bahru
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Johor Bahru typically cost an average of $7.41 (RM33) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$7.41
RM33
While Johor Bahru is primarily an industrial city, the city is home to a few noteworthy landmarks. One such monument is the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, built between 1892 and 1900 under the direction of Sultan Abu Bakar. An important symbol for the city, the mosque is also located near the Royal Abu Bakar Museum (The Grand Palace Johor), also called Istana Besar. This Grand Palace is one of the oldest buildings in Johor (1866), and is now filled with information and rare artifacts related to the Royal Family.
Another unique architectural sight is the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, which was listed in 2010 in the Malaysian Book of Records as the first and only glass temple in the nation. Aside from this Hindu Temple, Johor Bahru is also home to a Chinese Temple that is one of the oldest structures in the city. In addition to architectural landmarks, visitors to Johor Bahru flock to the LEGOland Malaysia theme park where they can enjoy LEGO-themed rides and character meet and greets.
Between Johor Bahru City Square and the Jalan Wong Ah Fook main street, there is an area of the city that is home to the Johor Zoo and the Zaharah Botanic Gardens. The zoo is small but features a playground as well as pony and boat rides, and even camel feeding. In addition to the zoo, the gardens offer a nice place to take a break from the bustle of the city. These grounds are actually a part of the palace grounds, with the Great Palace of Johor located on the southern end near the shoreline that divides Malaysia from Singapore. Generally this area is known as Taman Istana and consists of about 53 hectare of beautifully tended green space and gardens.
For those looking to engage in some outdoor activities there are plenty of golf courses, the most premier of which include Royal Johor Country Club and Tanjung Puteri Resort. Other activities in the area include boat diving, snorkeling trips, and various excursions around the island.
Since Singapore is just across the Causeway, it is also common for travelers to take days trips across the way. Some of Singapore's best attractions include the Marina Bay Sands Hotel with its iconic rooftop pool, the Gardens by the Bay, and Universal Studios Singapore, amongst much more.
A nice way to explore destinations in Johor Bahru is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Lebam River Kayaking Adventure for $70 details
- Magical Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour for $22 details
- Singapore Madame Tussauds Admission E-Ticket for $28 details
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.