Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru is the state capital of Johor in southern peninsular Malaysia, just across the causeway from Singapore. A bustling city but one with little of interest for the casual tourist, it is a significant regional transport and manufacturing hub.

Johor Bahru is probably more well known as an industrial city rather than a tourist-friendly town. Many of the world's top electronics manufacturers have at least one plant in Johor Bahru, and after the tough times after the 1997 economic crisis the town is stirring to life again.

Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum, Jalan Skudai. Definitely Johor Bahru's top attraction, this is the opulent former residence (Istana Besar or Grand Palace) of the Sultan of Johor, which is still used on special occasions but is open to the public as a museum the rest of the time. Dating back to 1866 but extended and refurbished many times since, the scale of the palace is suitably grand and the furnishings inside veer from French rococo to dining chairs built from crystal glass via Japanese pottery and oil paintings of the Sultan on his favorite motorbike. Open Sat-Thu 9 AM-4 PM. Entry US$7 for foreigners, RM5 for Malaysians.