The Vibrant Heart of Johor Bahru: City Centre

• HelloSelamat sejahtera
  [suh-lah-muht suh-jah-tuh-rah]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [suh-lah-muht 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-k dahn ah-wahk]
• Do you speak English?Boleh bercakap dalam Bahasa Inggeris?
  [boh-leh buhr-chah-kahp dah-lahm bah-hah-sah ing-guh-rees]
• I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [sah-yah tee-dahk fah-hahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBoleh saya tengok menu, sila?
  [boh-leh sah-yah tung-gohk meh-noo, see-lah]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-yihng]
• Cheers!Sihat!
  [see-haht]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya mahu bayar, sila
  [sah-yah mah-hoo bah-yahr, see-lah]

• Help!Tolong!
  [toh-long]
• Go away!Pergi jauh-jauh!
  [pehr-gee jah-oo-jah-oo]
• Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [pahng-geel poh-liss]
• 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 nak beli...
  [sah-yah nahk beh-lee]
• I'm just lookingSaya cuma tengok-tengok
  [sah-yah choo-mah tung-gohk-tung-gohk]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [beh-rah-pah har-gahn-yah]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ee-too tuhr-lah-loo mah-hahl]
• Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [boh-leh koor-ahn-gahn hahr-gah]

• What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?
  [poo-kool beh-rah-pah suh-kah-rahng]
• It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [poo-kool sah-too]
• Half past (10)Pukul setengah (10)
  [poo-kool suh-tuhng-gah (10)]
• 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
  [uhm-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-n-yah]
• 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 ....)Satu tiket (ke ....)
  [sah-too tee-keht (keh ....)]

Johor Bahru was officially established in 1855 by Sultan Abu Bakar, who sought to create a new capital for the Sultanate of Johor. The city's founding marked a significant shift from the previous capital, Johor Lama, and was part of Sultan Abu Bakar's modernization efforts to strengthen the Johor Sultanate amidst growing colonial influences in Southeast Asia.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Johor Bahru experienced rapid development due to its strategic location close to Singapore. The establishment of trade routes and the influx of immigrants contributed to the city's growth, leading to the construction of colonial buildings that still stand today, including the iconic Sultan Ibrahim Building, which served as the administrative center.

The Japanese occupation of Malaya from 1942 to 1945 had a profound impact on Johor Bahru. The city became a base for Japanese forces, and many local residents faced hardships during this tumultuous period. The occupation ended with Japan's surrender in 1945, leading to the return of British control and a reevaluation of the region's governance.

After Malaysia gained independence in 1957, Johor Bahru continued to evolve, becoming an important economic hub in the region. The city saw significant urban development, with infrastructure projects aimed at supporting its growing population and economy. This period marked the emergence of Johor Bahru City Centre as a commercial and cultural focal point.

In the 21st century, Johor Bahru City Centre has undergone extensive modernization, transforming into a vibrant urban area characterized by shopping malls, cultural venues, and recreational spaces. The ongoing development reflects Malaysia's broader goals of economic growth and urbanization, with the city becoming a popular destination for both local and international visitors.

Johor Bahru City Centre is easily accessible from various neighbourhoods in Johor Bahru. If you're coming from Senai International Airport, you can take a taxi or a ride-sharing service, which takes about 30 minutes. From other neighbourhoods, public buses operate frequently, and the Johor Bahru Sentral train station offers services to and from Singapore via the KTM Intercity rail. Additionally, taxis and Grab cars are widely available throughout the city.

In Johor Bahru City Centre, the easiest way to navigate is through public transport, including buses and taxis. The Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal serves as a major hub for intercity travel. For short distances, you can use local buses or rent a bicycle from one of the bike-sharing services available. Walking is also a viable option as many attractions are within walking distance.

Johor Bahru City Centre is generally safe for tourists; however, it is advisable to exercise caution, especially at night. Areas around the night markets and some less populated streets may have a higher incidence of petty crimes such as pickpocketing. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded spaces.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police assistance or 112 for medical emergencies. The local hospitals, such as KPJ Johor Specialist Medical Centre, are well-equipped to handle emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical needs. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Don't wear overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting religious sites, ensure to cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a polite smile and handshake. Don't use overly casual greetings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept offers graciously. Don't waste food or engage in public displays of eating habits that may be considered rude.

To experience Johor Bahru City Centre like a local, explore the bustling markets and hawker stalls for authentic Malaysian cuisine. Engage with local vendors, as they often share stories about their products. Visit the Johor Bahru Heritage Walk for a glimpse of the city's history, and don't forget to check out the murals and street art scattered throughout the area for some great photo opportunities.