Johor Bahru: The Southern Jewel of Malaysia

• HelloSelamat sejahtera
  [suh-lah-maht say-jah-teh-rah]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [suh-lah-maht ting-gahl]
• YesYa
  [yah]
• NoTidak
  [tee-dahk]
• Please/You're welcomeSila
  [see-lah]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [teh-ree-mah kah-see]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-ahf]
• How are you?Apa khabar?
  [ah-pah kah-bahr]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awak?
  [bah-ee. dahn ah-wahk]
• Do you speak English?Boleh cakap Bahasa Inggeris?
  [boh-leh chah-kahp bah-hah-sah eeng-geh-rees]
• I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [sah-yah tee-dahk fah-hahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin lihat menu, sila
  [sah-yah een-geen lee-haht meh-noo, see-lah]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-yehng]
• Cheers!Sihat!
  [see-haht]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin bayar, sila
  [sah-yah een-geen bah-yahr, see-lah]

• Help!Tolong!
  [toh-lohng]
• Go away!Pergi jauh-jauh!
  [pehr-ghee jah-oo-jah-oo]
• Call the Police!Panggil Polis!
  [pahng-geel poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [pahng-geel dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostSaya sesat
  [sah-yah suh-saht]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sah-yah sah-keet]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sah-yah een-geen mehm-buh-lee]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya tengok-tengok
  [sah-yah hahn-yah tehn-gohk-tehn-gohk]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [beh-rah-pah hahr-gahn-yah]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ee-too teh-rah-lah mah-hahl]
• Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [boh-leh koo-rahn-gahn hahr-gah]

• What time is it?Berapa pukul sekarang?
  [beh-rah-pah poo-kool suh-kah-rahng]
• It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [poo-kool sah-too]
• Half past (10)Pukul setengah (sepuluh)
  [poo-kool suh-tehn-gah (suh-poo-loo)]
• MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
• AfternoonPetang
  [puh-tahng]
• EveningMalam
  [mah-lahm]
• YesterdaySemalam
  [suh-mah-lahm]
• TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ee-nee]
• TomorrowEsok
  [eh-sohk]
• 1Satu
  [sah-too]
• 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
• 4Empat
  [em-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Enam
  [eh-nahm]
• 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
• 8Lapan
  [lah-pahn]
• 9Sembilan
  [suhm-bee-lahn]
• 10Sepuluh
  [suh-poo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Di mana...
  [dee mah-nah...]
• What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [ah-pah ah-lah-maht-nyah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [boh-leh toon-jook-kahn sah-yah (dee peh-tah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [bee-lah bahs suh-tuh-roos-nyah]
• A ticket (to ....)Sebuah tiket (ke ....)
  [suh-boo-ah tee-keht (keh ....)]

Johor Bahru, originally known as Tanjung Puteri, was founded in 1855 by Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim, the father of Sultan Abu Bakar. It was established as a strategic administrative center for the Johor Sultanate. The city was later renamed Johor Bahru, meaning 'New Johor,' as it became the new capital following the fall of the old Johor capital, Telok Blangah, to British forces.

Sultan Abu Bakar, who ruled from 1862 to 1895, is often referred to as the 'Father of Modern Johor.' He implemented major administrative reforms and modernized the state by introducing Western concepts of governance, education, and infrastructure. Under his reign, Johor Bahru saw the construction of significant landmarks such as the Istana Besar (Grand Palace) and the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Johor Bahru came under increasing British influence. Treaties and agreements, such as the 1885 Treaty of Friendship and Alliance, ensured British advisors were involved in the administration. This period saw the development of rubber and gambier plantations, contributing to Johor's economic growth.

During World War II, Johor Bahru played a pivotal role as the Japanese launched their invasion of Singapore from the city in February 1942. The British had established a defense line at the Johor-Singapore Causeway, but it was quickly overrun. Johor Bahru was occupied by Japanese forces until the end of the war in 1945, during which time it suffered significant hardships and destruction.

After Malaysia gained independence in 1957, Johor Bahru rapidly developed as a major urban center. The construction of infrastructure, such as the Johor-Singapore Causeway and the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link, facilitated cross-border trade and travel. Today, Johor Bahru is a bustling metropolis and a key economic hub in Malaysia, known for its vibrant culture and rich history.

Johor Bahru's cultural landscape is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences. The annual Chingay Parade, a traditional Chinese celebration, and the Johor Bahru Arts Festival are among the city's key cultural events. Historic sites like the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple and the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple showcase the city's diverse religious and cultural heritage.

In recent years, Johor Bahru has seen a surge in modern developments, including shopping malls like Johor Bahru City Square and theme parks such as Legoland Malaysia. The city is also home to the Iskandar Malaysia development corridor, aimed at transforming Johor Bahru into an international metropolis with world-class facilities and infrastructure.

Johor Bahru is accessible via several means of transportation. The nearest international airport is Senai International Airport, located approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach Johor Bahru. Additionally, Johor Bahru is well-connected by road and rail. If you are traveling from Singapore, you can use the Causeway or the Second Link bridge. There are also regular bus and train services between Johor Bahru and major Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur.

Getting around Johor Bahru is convenient with several transportation options available. You can use public buses, which are operated by several companies and cover most parts of the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are also readily available. For a more local experience, you can try using trishaws for short distances. Renting a car is another option, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas.

The official currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in places where card payments are not accepted. ATMs are plentiful in Johor Bahru, and you can withdraw cash using international cards. Currency exchange services are also available at banks, hotels, and dedicated exchange centers.

Johor Bahru is generally safe for tourists, but it's essential to exercise standard precautions. Be cautious in areas like the city center and the CIQ Complex, where pickpocketing can occur. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like markets and public transportation hubs. While violent crime is rare, it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical emergency services. Hospitals and clinics are available throughout the city for medical emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues. The local police station is located at Jalan Meldrum, and they can assist you in case of any legal or safety concerns.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering mosques and temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is also common, but be mindful that some may prefer not to touch. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Johor Bahru like a local, visit the local markets such as Pasar Karat, where you can find unique souvenirs and street food. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting attractions like the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque and the Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Johor Bahru City Square and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.