A nineteenth-century temple
One of the city's oldest buildings.
Chainwit. — CC BY 4.0 · Chainwit. — CC BY 4.0 · Ralff Nestor Nacor — CC BY-SA 4.0
One of the oldest structures in Johor Bahru, a small Chinese temple dating from the 1870s that now stands among modern towers in the heart of the old town. It was built when Sultan Abu Bakar encouraged Chinese settlement in Johor and gave land for their temples and burial grounds, and was founded by Tan Hiok Nee, then leader of the Chinese community. The temple became a symbol of unity among the city's seven Chinese dialect groups, and a large traditional procession sets out from it each year. Around it lies a small heritage quarter, best known for Tan Hiok Nee Street with its old shophouses, cafes and galleries, and the Chinese Heritage Museum in a four-storey building telling the story of Chinese settlement in the city. Entry to the temple and wandering the quarter are free; the temple is a place of worship, so be respectful and dress modestly. The museum opens every day except Monday from nine to five. The quarter is small, an hour is enough, best in the morning or late afternoon. Note that many of its Chinese cafes are not halal; Malay restaurants with clear halal signs are close by.
One of the city's oldest buildings.
Old shophouses, cafes and galleries.
The story of Chinese settlement here.
Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru old town
Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage MuseumA small museum in an old multi-storey shophouse on Jalan Ibrahim, in the heart o6 minutes walk
KotaJail (Old Johor Bahru Prison)The old Johor Bahru Prison, built in 1883 and one of the oldest in Malaysia, has10 minutes walk
Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass TempleA Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, its walls, pillars and ceilings co12 minutes walk
Johor ZooOne of the oldest zoos in Malaysia, begun in 1928 as the Sultan of Johor's priva16 minutes walk
Sultan Abu Bakar State MosqueThe official mosque of the state of Johor, and one of the most beautiful and unu17 minutes walkAs a short walk through the heritage quarter, yes: it shows the city's history and diversity. If time is short, put the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque first.