[2025 Johor Bahru Attraction] Travel Guide for Tan Hiok Nee Street (Updated May)

#2023travelwish I was attracted by this Café. It says "Plants Make People Happy", couldn't agree more. So nice to have found this hidden gem at Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street. Beautiful environment plus cozy ambiance. They are the first hydroponics houseplant store in Malaysia. I love coffees and I love plants, this place is perfect for me. Next year I wish to travel to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. Address: 50A, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm Ambiance/Facilities: 8.5/10 Avg Price Per Person: RM8-17 Rating: 4/5

#2023travelwish It was a super long queue in the morning. We decided to join the queue because of the good weather. Their homemade Wanton Mee is springy and flavorful, no alkaline taste at all, so tasty. I ordered a medium one (RM8.50), it came with 4 big Wantons, meaty and yummy. The lady boss was friendly, polite and welcoming. She always has a smile despite the busyness. My favourite Iced Barli was sold out, she recommended Iced Sour Plum, pretty good too. Next year I wish to travel to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. Location: JB Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street Address: 54, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Ambiance/Facilities: 7.5/10 Avg Price Per Person: RM10 Rating: 4/5

We went on a day trip to Johor Bahru from Singapore and here’s a list of cafes on the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street (near customs) worth checking out: 1. The Replacement A Melbourne-inspired cafe that has a minimalist design. Everything we ordered was so delicious, but prices are higher than the average cafe in JB (still super affordable). If you’re lucky, you might even see a cute tabby hanging out around outside. 2. Sunday Morning Coffee Shop An upstairs cafe/ film lab with vintage Japanese vibes. We were attracted by the sign downstairs but too full to try anything. 3. Flowers in the Window Right opposite The Replacement, you won’t miss the window display overflowing with greens. Their Mediterranean menu includes hummus and superfoods. Other worthy mentions: - Offee Cafe - The Ice Cream Project #馬來西亞景點 #foodie #cafehopping #malaysia

#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides #postandearn Location: 📍 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia Johor Bahru (often called JB) is more than just a border city near Singapore—it’s a vibrant cultural mix of tradition, innovation, and warmth. My recent visit to Johor Bahru left me amazed at how much the city offers, from historical landmarks to bustling street food scenes, all woven together with Malaysian hospitality. I began my journey at Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Straits of Johor. Its Victorian-Moorish architecture is stunning, and the serene vibe gave me time to reflect and admire the craftsmanship. Just nearby, the Royal Abu Bakar Museum—a former palace—gave me a glimpse into Johor’s royal legacy with artifacts and royal memorabilia. What truly brought Johor Bahru to life was the people and food. I wandered into Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street, a charming blend of restored colonial buildings, hipster cafes, and traditional bakeries. I tried the famous banana cake at Hiap Joo Bakery—baked in a century-old oven—and it absolutely lived up to the hype. For dinner, I explored the lively Medan Selera Meldrum Walk, where sizzling satay, spicy laksa, and grilled seafood ruled the night. One of my favorite moments was strolling through Johor Bahru City Square, blending shopping, dining, and entertainment into one modern complex. And if you're traveling with kids, don’t miss Legoland Malaysia Resort, just 30 minutes away—fun for adults too! Best Time to Visit: December to February: Cooler weather and great for outdoor exploration. Avoid weekends if you’re coming from Singapore—crowds and traffic peak at the border. Bonus Tips: Use Grab (ride-hailing app) for easy city travel. Try local coffee at IT Roo Café, known as the “best chicken chop in town.” #JohorBahru #VisitMalaysia #HiddenGemsJB #HeritageStreetJB #HiapJooBakery #LegolandMalaysia #JBFoodie #MalaysiaTravel #JohorAdventures #WanderMalaysia

#johorbahrutrip Tapu Tart Tan Hiok Nee is a delightful culinary gem that captures the essence of traditional flavors with a modern twist. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it an ideal spot for both casual dining and special occasions. The menu offers a diverse selection of dishes, each crafted with fresh ingredients and attention to detail. Standout items include their signature tart, which perfectly balances sweetness and texture, and a variety of savory options that showcase local influences. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Tapu Tart Tan Hiok Nee is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in delicious food and a welcoming ambiance.

JB is small town and not far from Singapore. You can wall around old town, Chain town and India town around 1-2 hours because it small but very nice. Week day every quiet shop open normally. Weekend crowed. This town lots of food. Legoland few people,toy is shot queue. Big box xcess not far from Legoland is you want to bye book and take photo you can go.#johorbaru

Great taste & portioning of the food. Good place to meet people. I expected the place to be bigger. It was a saturday and the place was very crowded. Would come back again on less busy days to try other menu items. The mango berry was quite sour and tasted primarily orange with a hint of mango. The big breakfast bash was fantastic too, super big portion and everything was really nice. I usually don’t like baked beans but I love theirs, it tasted almost like a chilli con carne slightly. Service was great and the atmosphere was very nice. The staff are nice and friendly. #johorbahrutrip#afternoonteatime #familytravel

#malaysiatrip My visit to Marrybrown in the iconic Red House, Johor Bahru, was a delightful dive into nostalgia. Housed in a vibrant heritage building along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, the aroma of their signature fried chicken greeted me warmly. I indulged in the spicy MB Crispy Chicken with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes—crisp, juicy, and unforgettable for RM 15. The colorful mural outside added charm, though the crowded space felt chaotic at times. A perfect blend of history and fast-food comfort, it’s a must-visit for locals and tourists alike! #MarrybrownJB #RedHouseEats #JohorBahruFood #HeritageBites #MBCrispyChicken #JalanTanHiokNee #JBFoodScene #MalaysianFastFood #RedHouseVibes #TasteOfJB

#favouriteitinerary Marrybrown Peranakan Heritage Restaurant is a charming dining destination located on Jalan Tan Hiok Nee in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Set in a beautifully restored colonial-style building painted in vibrant red, the restaurant offers a blend of traditional Peranakan cuisine and a cultural experience. The location is within a heritage area renowned for its traditional shophouses and local eateries, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Johor Bahru. When visiting, guests can enjoy a variety of dishes that showcase the unique flavors of Peranakan cooking, which combines Chinese and Malay culinary influences. The restaurant's colorful decor and warm ambiance make it an inviting spot for both locals and tourists seeking a taste of authentic local heritage. If you're exploring the heritage street, don’t miss the opportunity to savor the delightful offerings at Marrybrown Peranakan Heritage Restaurant!

In October 24, I wanted to try the domestic flight in Malaysia. I heard that Johor Bahru is a tourist attraction that many Singaporeans go to when they have time, so I decided to go there for a day trip. I didn’t expect that there are not many places to go. 🗓️Itinerary: First! Legoland is indeed a good place for family fun. In Kota Tinggi, there are boat rides in the afternoon and evening to enjoy the natural scenery. In addition, we also went to two places that day: Chen Xu Nian Cultural Street The cultural street is not large and can be visited in less than half a day. It is mainly for food and sightseeing. You can appreciate the murals and the profound cultural elements of Malaysia. There is a strong Chinese cultural atmosphere there, and there are also some cultural and creative shops to visit. Nearby, you will also see an Indian bazaar, where they sell wreaths, snacks and clothes, and even portraits of gods, etc., with exotic fragrances. Desaru The other best place to go is Desaru Beach, but most of the beach areas are taken over by hotels, and only a small number of areas are open to people for free access. It takes about an hour and a half to take Grab from Desaru to Johor Bahru Airport. There is no good scenery in the 90-minute journey, only palm fields and roads. The only good thing is that the scenery in Desaru is really good. If you just want to stay in the hotel and enjoy the sun and the beach, you can stay there for a few days, but as a tourist attraction, it is just an ordinary beach. But! Danga Bay Park (the park next to Danga Bay) has closed down! When we got there, there were only a pile of ruins, and there was only one seafood restaurant nearby, and no attractions. I heard from a local Grab driver that the Angry Bird amusement park and other large and small tourist facilities from a few years ago have actually closed down. The most fun attraction in the whole Johor Bahru is probably Legoland - the locals don't know what's fun and interesting to visit. (I laughed when I heard that. The driver was really honest.) Delicious food! The driver was very nice. He took us to a Bak Kut Teh restaurant in the suburbs. He said it served the best Bak Kut Teh in Johor Bahru. It was indeed good, but a little remote. It takes about an hour to get there by car from Danga Bay. There are only mountain roads nearby and only one road for cars. There are also some good food in Chen Xuonian Cultural Street. Local delicacies such as banana cake, tiger bites lion and Yangduo are not to be missed! Of course there are also cafes etc.; we arrived at around 10 o'clock that day and it was already crowded, so we quickly lined up to eat! Summary Overall, I really didn’t find anything fun in Johor Bahru, except Legoland. I actually did some research before going, but I couldn’t find too many attractions. After arriving in person, even the locals laughed and said they didn’t know what to visit and have fun. It was indeed funny. There are ostrich and crocodile parks near Desaru. If you stay there with your kids for a few days, you can go there to play. However, if you start from the city, you can only take Grab and it takes 1 hour. Whether it is worth the time depends on your opinion. Note⚠️ If you want to experience the scenery, you can still take a boat at Kota Tinggi Pier (if it is still open), but the road is remote and it takes more than an hour to return to the city. People without cars can only take Grab, and they will return to the ground after dark. Be careful if you go alone! If you are a family, you can go to Legoland or Desaru Beach to enjoy the hotel facilities and scenery!

Good Environment

#myhiddengems A different eating experience at a fast-food restaurant in a heritage house and never lost its hot n crispiness chicken. Great food. Great price. Looks amazing! Stop step on the door bump, that's disrespectful to Chinese, especially since the restaurant was modelled after a Traditional Chinese House. This branch is probably the oldest. And beautiful colorful old buildings. It is the most beautiful photo spot. I wish to come again here when visit Johor Bharu next time.

#新山 #hiapjoobakery #bread #Bananacake #Coconutbread

#malaysia Jalan Tan Hiok Nee in JB offers a variety of activities and experiences to enjoy: Culinary Delights: Explore the street's numerous cafes and eateries offering a wide range of local and international cuisine. For example, Hua Hin Coffeeshop, and Kin Hua Coffeeshop. Try traditional Malaysian dishes, street food, or international fare. Cafe Hopping: Enjoy a relaxing day by hopping from one cozy cafe to another, sipping on coffee or tea, and indulging in delicious desserts. I like Naug Cafe, their coffee is really good. Hiap Joo Bakery: Known for its delectable banana cakes and coconut buns. They've been delighting locals and visitors for generations. A must-visit for a taste of timeless Malaysian culinary tradition using charcoal in baking. Cultural Heritage: The street is known for its well-preserved historical architecture. Take a leisurely walk to admire the old-world charm of the buildings and learn about the history of the area. Street Art: Discover the colorful street art and murals that adorn the walls, telling stories and adding a vibrant touch to the area. Photography: The picturesque streetscape provides plenty of opportunities for photography, capturing the essence of this historic area.

#2023travelwish This is the most popular street in JB, always full of tourists especially in the morning. There are a lot of delicious food here, such as Hua Mui Restaurant serving the best Hainanese Chicken Chop, Hiap Joo Bakery well-known for its fluffy banana cakes, Kin Hua Restaurant local breakfast half boiled eggs and Kaya butter toast, Xuu Yao Wanton Mee, Ah Ma House Nyonya Kuih and many more. It's relaxing to walk around the heritage street. The architectures are well kept. Wish to have more wall paintings like Penang. Next year I wish to travel to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. #johorbahru #malaysia #johor