Hotels near Johor Zoo

Johor Zoo was built in the year of 1928 and is one of the oldest zoos in Malaysia. There are more than 100 species of animals living in Johor Zoo including gorillas, elephants, flamingos, horses, lions and many more. This zoo is located at Gertak Merah road and is reputed to be the first zoo in Asia. Established and launched by the late Johor King, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar, Johor Zoo is originally called an “animal garden” and later the zoo was handed over to the state government to manage in the 1960s. Johor Zoo is open daily from 8am to 6pm and the entrance fee is RM2 for adults and RM 1 for children (prices subject to change) and this place offers activities such as paddling and horse riding. This is definitely a favourite spot for families especially the children. There are animal shows for the entertainment and visitors can catch a glimpse of elephant, tiger and many other animals.

How to Get There

The Johor Zoo is located at Gertak Merah road at the heart of Johor Bahru and is situated near to the Royal Museum and the Johor Bahru Palace Grounds. If you are from Singapore, the most convenient way to get to Johor Bahru is by Bus No. 170. It will take you passing the Johor Bahru Immigration, then finally to the Larkin Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru. Next, take a cab from the city to the Johor Zoo. From Kuala Lumpur, it will take around 3 hours and 15 minutes to reach Johor Zoo by using North and South Highway. Visitors from Senai International Airport can rent a car and take a cab from airport to Johor Zoo which will take around 30 minutes.

Tourist Attractions

Grand Palace Park (Istana Besar)

Istana Besar is a museum showcasing and potrays a wide range of royal heirlooms. The building is a large, white with blue roof construction. The royal palace of the Sultan of Johor.is also known as the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum and this grand palace was once Johor royal family’s main residence. It was built in 1866 by Sultan Abu Bakar and Istana Besar Johor was opened as public museum in 1990. This region played an important role in the colonial push of European nations. England colonized Singapore and parts of Malaysia using it as a major seaport, so you can see the European architectural styling throughout Johor Bahru.

Old Chinese Temple

The Old Chinese Temple is beautiful with its red and white trimmed building and topped with an emerald green roof. The temple was built during the 19th Century by then Head of Ngee Heng Company led by Tan Hiok Nee and various Chinese community leaders. The plaque and the century- old bronze bell located in the temple shows that the temple is around 130 years old and in 1995 - 1996, it underwent a major renovation at a cost around 1.5 million. The cultural aura was preserved, and important relics such as the century-old bronze bell, joss stick pot and wooden tablet remain.

Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

The mosque stands out for its traditional arches and still takes the art of a colonial English construction style. This marriage of Victorian English construction and Islamic designs is a unique architectural appearance and has attracted many local and international tourists. If you go inside the mosque, it is a place of worship and prayer is held so visitors are advised to be respectful and wear scarves and full attire according to its ethical instructions.

Hotels 

Thistle Johor Bahru

This unique hotel is located in the heart of Johor Bahru, one of Malaysia’s most important business and tourist centres. This luxury 5-star hotel has all the facilities such as access to free Wi-Fi in guestrooms and public areas, swimming pools and gymnasium and restaurants and bars. The hotel is also an ideal base from which to explore this fascinating part of South East Asia, with Singapore just a few minutes drive away. It has 382 fully refurbished bedrooms, including 125 executive luxury rooms with spectacular sea views over the Straits of Johor. It also has great meetings and events facilities making the hotel a prime destination for business.

Swiss Inn Johor Bahru

The Swiss-Inn Johor Bahru is an ideal and strategic venue for leisure and business travellers. Strategically located 10 minutes to the Customs Complex, Immigration & Quarantine (CIQ) checkpoint, Swiss-Inn Johor Bahru is also surrounded by key government offices such as KWSP, TJB, Wisma Persekutuan Johor Bahru and the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) Headquarters. Swiss-Inn Johor Bahru's in-house food and beverage outlets serve up a range of local Asian cuisine and international delights. Each floor of the hotel is defined by its artistic characteristic, in bold accents and vibrant tones. This hotel also offers a promotion at RM149nett per room / per night for Cosy Queen or Twin. The Cosy 2 Bedroom, which can accommodate up to 5 persons and Tatami 6 which can accommodate up to 6 persons. Breakfast is available at RM28nett per adult and kids below 5 years old eat for free. Its unique features and layout is ideal for a group getaway, college outings or staycation with friends and there are also a fitness centre and free WiFi facilities available in the rooms.