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In conjunction with Visit Johor 2026, JB is rolling out a free shuttle bus service. Launched earlier this year, the service is designed to help visitors move easily between key attractions without the usual stress of planning routes or parking.
The shuttle buses operate daily from 8am to 8pm, with each vehicle accommodating up to 20 passengers.
The route covers 8 notable stops — from the Johor Tourist Information Centre and the city’s 0km Landmark to cultural icons like the Sultan Ibrahim Building, Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex, Johor Zoo, and Kota Jail, with Komtar JBCC and Galleria Kotaraya along the way. If some of these names sound unfamiliar, consider this your invitation to get acquainted, one stop at a time.
1. Johor Tourist Information Centre (JOTIC)
The Johor Tourist Information Centre, or JOTIC, is a practical starting point for visitors exploring JB — fitting as the first stop on the shuttle bus route. It provides information on key attractions across the state, from Johor Bahru’s shopping and food spots to Legoland and island destinations such as Rawa Island.
Located nearby is Woodfire Jotic, a Johor-grown eatery known for its woodfired burgers, brisket, and milkshakes. It makes for an easy and convenient stop before or after setting out to explore the city.
2. 0km Landmark
The 0km Landmark, officially known as the Zero Kilometre of Peninsular Malaysia, marks the southernmost point of not only Peninsular Malaysia but mainland Asia. It is also the reference point from which distances across the peninsula were historically measured.
The landmark traces back to British-era practices of calculating distances between towns, often based on post office routes. It is worth a quick visit and a photo, especially if you enjoy places with a sense of history.
3. KOMTAR JBCC
If KOMTAR JBCC is not yet on your radar, think of it as the calmer counterpart to the ever-busy Johor Bahru City Square. Sitting right next door, it offers a more relaxed option when the crowds next door feel overwhelming.
Inside, you will find a solid lineup of food and beverage options, including POULET, The Dim Sum Place, Tea Garden, Awagyu, and several other familiar names.
4. Galleria Kotaraya
Galleria Kotaraya, more commonly known to locals as UTC Kotaraya, is one of Johor Bahru’s older malls. While many of its retail lots have since closed, the building remains active for a very practical reason.
Its main draw is the UTC one-stop government service centre located on the upper floors, a convenient option for Malaysians travelling from Singapore to renew or replace passports and MyKad.
On the ground level, you will still find familiar, old-school food and beverage outlets such as Subway, KFC, 7-Eleven Cafe, Tealive, and MIXUE. The space also occasionally hosts events, with Bazar Raya 2026 among those expected to take place.
5. Sultan Ibrahim Building
The Sultan Ibrahim Building, fifth stop on the shuttle bus service, stands at Bukit Timbalan as one of JB’s most recognisable historic landmarks. Built between 1936 and 1939 and officially opened in 1940 by the late Sultan Ibrahim of Johor, it once served as the state secretariat during the British colonial period.
At the time, it was the tallest building in Malaya, a distinction it held through the pre-independence years and, locally, until the Merlin Tower rose in the 1970s. Its Saracenic design blends colonial, Malay, and Islamic influences, giving the tower a presence that still defines the city’s skyline.
The building also played a notable role during the Japanese occupation, functioning as a military command centre. Today, while state secretariat offices have moved to Kota Iskandar, the structure continues to house government offices, with plans in place to eventually convert it into a museum, preserving its place in Johor’s history.
6. Kompleks Warisan Sultan Abu Bakar
The Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex is a cultural landmark in Johor Bahru and home to Yayasan Warisan Johor, the state’s heritage foundation. Located along Jalan Sungai Chat, the complex serves as a gateway to Johor’s history through its galleries, library, and research facilities.
Inaugurated in November 2018, the complex goes beyond static displays. Visitors can explore spaces such as the Johor Art Gallery, Johor Weaving Gallery, Rumah Limas Johor, the Artifact Repository Centre, and the Johor Documentation Centre.
7. Johor Zoo
Not everyone is a zoo person, but for families, it is often a stop that earns its place on the itinerary. Johor Zoo offers a simple, accessible outing, especially for those travelling with children and looking to slow the pace of sightseeing.
Entry is reasonably priced, with tickets at RM10 for adult Malaysians and RM5 for children aged 5 to 12 as well as senior citizens. Admission is free for children below 5 and persons with disabilities. For non-Malaysians, tickets are priced at RM30 across all categories except children below 5.
8. Kota Jail
Opened in 1883, Kota Jail is one of Malaysia’s oldest prisons, following Melaka’s Banda Hilir Prison and Taiping Prison in Perak.
At its peak, the prison held up to 1,500 inmates, but overcrowding eventually led to its closure in 2005, with prisoners relocated to Simpang Renggam Prison in Kluang. After brief stints as an exhibition venue and police lock-up, the site was left vacant in 2018.
Today, Kota Jail is open to visitors, who can explore the preserved prison building and its cells for a modest entry fee. Graffiti left behind offers a raw glimpse into the lives of former inmates, while Galeri Penjara Ayer Molek documents the prison’s history through artefacts and exhibits.
Viewer discretion is advised for sections detailing historical punishments. In recent years, the site has also evolved into a creative space, hosting pop-up markets that bring together artists, creatives, and food vendors within its historic walls.
