Joanna James
Johor Bahru lies just one-kilometre away from its famous neighbours such as Singapore, making it an easily accessible destination. Apart from its scenic forest-draped landscapes, this southern-most state in Malaysian Peninsular also offers fun activities to its many visitors each year.
If you get a sudden craving to experience Paris while you're in Johor Bahru, all you need to do is head over to Little Paris, which greets you with a row of shophouses that has exteriors mimicking the likes of Parisian style. At night, this place gets enveloped in that sophisticated Parisian ambience with pretty light décors that would really make you forget that you're actually in Johor Bahru. Just like real Paris, this doppelganger also boasts of high-end fashion stores and elegant cafés that call out to your sweet tooth. Occasionally, Little Paris gets all dressed up and hold enormous events where people from the near and far crowd together to revel in its unique festivities.
The royal palace and official residence of the Sultan of Johor, Istana Bukit Serene, faces Singapore over Straits of Johor. At the entrance of this magnificent palace complex, one can notice a massive structure that holds an enormous replica of the Johor royal crown. It is a unique architectural wonder that is adorned with authentic jewels. This structure holds sheer attraction over crowds that gather here at night by posing as a four-legged and shiny-headed creature from outer space. Istana Bukit Centre also houses a beautiful fountain that is illuminated by pretty light at night, making it an alluring place for a romantic stroll.
Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory is one of the oldest bakeries one can find in Malaysia. It can be located at Tan Hiok Nee Street, which is a declared heritage site featuring old shophouses that still emanate its ancient charm. Located right opposite Hua Mui, you just have to cross the street to taste its array of cakes and other baked goodies straight out from wood fire ovens that are possibly operating since the 1919s. The most recommended product by many travellers that visit this quaint bakery is the banana cake, which is really soft, fluffy, and textured at the same time.
Also known as JB Old Town, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, or the Tan Hiok Nee Street is one of the most famous Desaru Malaysia attractions. Located within a driving distance from properties such as Anantara Desaru Coast Residences, it is a great place to capture perfect insta-worthy pictures that would keep those likes flowing in. You can pose in front of its walls that are decorated with colourful, fun paintings. Apart from fresh coats of painting and new buildings that stand side by side with the old shophouses, this ancient street remains pretty much the same, just how it looked when it was first built during the ancient times.
As the sun disappears behind the horizon in Johor Bahru, you'd be able to notice a change in its relaxed lifestyle as it's replaced with a bustling ambience once the makeshift night markets come out. At Pasar Karat, which is translated as the "rusty market," you can find some pretty trinkets apart from the usual market knick-knacks. The vendors at this place are friendly and care-free; hence bargaining is worth a try to grab some fantastic discounts.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
