Money, reputation, but also the cost of living and the cramped conditions of the Singapore. It's a cocktail that the city of Paris wants to make the most of. Johor Bahru. Just over a kilometre from the financial capital of South-East Asia, this city is the largest in the world. gateway to southern Malaysia. And dreams of playing in the big leagues.
For the most part, it already is. Johor Bahru has a population of over one million.It has a population of 1.7 million if its suburbs are included. In the shadow of its buildings, which face Singapore like a challenge, it now wants to create strong synergies with its prosperous neighbour...
Until Singapore's withdrawal in 1965 from the Federation of the MalaysiaAt the time, the two cities were accessible unchecked via an elevated causeway over the waters of the Straits of Johor. Although there is a border between the two cities, close links have endured.
Johor Bahru-Singapore: one of the world's busiest frontiers
The Johor-Singapore Causeway remains one of the busiest border crossings in the world. : 350,000 people on average every day, with peaks of over 500,000 travellers. In 2024, according to statistics from the Singapore Immigration and Borders Authority, 75% of arrivals in Singapore were by land. This means that some 172 million people travelling between Johor Bahru and Singapore !
The vast majority are Malaysians working in Singapore, whose salaries are almost eight times higher than the average in Malaysia. On the other side, there are many Singaporeans who come to buy products that are often half the price. And regulars - often paunchy old Chinese who have come to take advantage of the many "distractions" Johor Bahru has to offer.
But until recently, and surprisingly, there was little sense of the officials in Singapore or Johor Bahru a desire for economic integration. The rivalry between Malaysia and Singapore - exacerbated in his time by the former prime minister of Malaysia, Mohamad Mahathir, for political ends - weighed on any desire to create a Singapore-Johor Bahru megalopolis. Similar to what has existed for several decades between Hong Kong and Shenzhen in China.
But the era of change has come. Mahathir is definitely part of modern Malaysian history. And the country is finally realising what intensive cooperation with Singapore can bring to Johor Bahru and the entire nation.
Johor Bahru aims to be little more than the capital of Johor, one of the 13 States and Federal Territories that make up Malaysia. The state of Johor is a major economic force in its own right. It is the country's second most populous with 4.5 million inhabitants, and it's also thehe third richest federated state on the Malaysian peninsula (excluding Borneo) after Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, the state surrounding Kuala Lumpur.
In 2023, GDP per capita in the State of Johor was more than €8,700 per year according to Malaysia's statistics office. Each year, a household in Johor Bahru has an income of more than 20,000 euros. This is far from negligible, even if it is still 45% less than that of a Singaporean household.
With an excellent road network comprising several motorways, a railway line currently being upgraded between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, a busy port at Tanjung Pelepas and an airport offering a dozen national and international routes, Johor Bahru is emerging as an attractive alternative to Singapore. Particularly for the manufacturing industry, which the City-State is now finding it hard to attract, or even retain, due to very high set-up and wage costs.
Special Economic Zone
Also, 60 years after Singapore separated from Malaysia, Johor Bahru will finally become a global metropoliscombining its role as regional capital for the state of Johor and the economic antechamber of Singapore. At least that's what the new "Special Economic Zone Johor-Singapore (SEZ). First mooted in 2023 by the two governments on either side of the Strait, the SEZ officially came to fruition with the signing of the agreement for its creation in January 2025.
Stretching over 3,571 km², more than four times the size of SingaporeThe SEZ will reshuffle the deck. The ambition is to make it one of the most powerful economic hubs in South-East Asia, on the model of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen binomial in China. " We want to be a driving force for the whole of ASEANAssociation of South East Asian Nations" said at the inauguration of the ASEAN Tourism Fair last January. Prime Minister of Johor, Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi.
In the bride's basket, Singapore will contribute its expertise in finance and innovation. This is a pragmatic choice for the City-State. Singapore has watched with some trepidation as the economic potential of its northern neighbour has asserted itself. The port of Tanjung Pelepas, for example, is a direct competitor of Singapore's and has become the 16th largest port in the world.e the busiest container port in the world. Taking part in the development of the future Singapore-Johor megalopolis is therefore the lesser evil and gives the City-State a say.
A metro in 2027, a symbol of rapprochement
Singapore is home to corporate headquarters, finance and prestigious educational institutions. The State of Johor with its assets in terms of production, human resources, logistics and, above all, open spaces. These could also accommodate less wealthy Singaporeans such as retirees in the future. The future conurbation would benefit from this, the SEZ could, according to experts, generate up to 5% of Malaysia's GDP by 2030. That's over 35 billion dollars a year!
You already have an idea of what the future might look like when you enter Johor Bahru. The city resembles a huge construction site, forcing visitors to weave between palisades and barriers restricting traffic. The symbol of this integration is the new aerial metro line, whose pilasters and tracks cast their shadows on the buildings of the city centre.
However, this gaping scar will finally make it easier to cross between the two towns. The 4 km line will have two stations. The first is at Woodlands, at the foot of the border complex north of Singapore. The second, at Bukit Changar, will be adjacent to the two huge buildings housing customs, immigration, trains, buses and the inevitable shopping mall in the heart of Johor Bahru.
This line will be revolutionary for travellers, as it will integrate the immigration services of Malaysia and Singapore in a single location. Residents of both Johor and Singapore will be able to pass from one city to the other without needing a passport, thanks to a QR code control system.
" This metro is scheduled for 2027 and will be able to carry up to 10,000 people an hour.. It will totally change the perception of Johor Bahru, as the city will de facto become a practical alternative to Singapore. Particularly for conferences and exhibitions, where our hotel capacity will complement that of our neighbour." describes Wan Suziana Wan Othman, Vice-President Economics & Investment at Iskandarthe development authority for part of the state of Johor.
The acceleration generated by the SEZ should particularly benefit Iskandar Puteria new satellite city that includes the entire state administration. Launched nearly 20 years ago, it is the largest infrastructure project in Johor. It is made up of industrial estates and an infrastructure that is still under construction, but includes schools, hospitals, high-end apartment blocks and a large number of hotels.
Urban centres and luxury resorts for MICE
Iskandar Puteri dreams of becoming the new centre of business tourism in Johor. Admittedly, the development is still in its infancy. A few attractive buildings stand on either side of green spaces, interspersed with a few shops, including one or two supermarkets. A promenade along the Strait gives the city a marina-like feel, with Singapore dominated by the tall silhouette of a few hotels. But this is just the beginning.
" Iskandar Puteri is nevertheless perfect for MICE organisers. There are several four-star hotels like our property, Fraser Place, as well as numerous restaurants. The district is safe, quiet and close to the international ferry terminal with its direct links to Indonesia. But it's also only 30 minutes from Johor Bahru and 20 minutes from Singapore by car. What's still missing is a truly international conference centre. But it's a project that already exists, and one that could quickly become a reality with the momentum created by the new SEZ." says Winston Heng, Sales and Marketing Manager, Fraser Place Puteri Harbour Hotel.
On the other side of the world from Iskandar Puteri, 70 km east of Johor Bahru, the city of Puteri has been developed. the seaside resort of Desaru Coast. This is a integrated luxury resort comprising several five-star hotels such as the Westin, Anantara and Hard Rock, as well as the only One&Only establishment in South-East Asia. Two golf courses, a marina, several spas and conference centres in each hotel, all set along almost deserted beaches, make it a prime location for top-of-the-range incentives or conferences. With the added bonus of being able to direct ferry service to Singapore airport.
It's a fact, Johor aims to welcome 12 million foreign tourists over the long term. Against just over 6.5 million by 2024. The report lists 550 hotels with over 35,000 roomsThis is the highest concentration of establishments after Kuala Lumpur.
Johor Bahru and its suburbs alone have 18,000 rooms.These include hotels from chains such as Capri by Fraser, Doubletree by Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt Place, Ibis Styles, Renaissance and Thistle. A Sheraton is also due to open this year with over 200 rooms..
These hotels are grouped around the historic centre, whose few streets lined with Chinese-Malay style houses are still dominated by a few grandiose structures from the British era. Beyond the chaos that Johor Bahru can generate at first glance, visitors will discover a city whose history is now facing a future that the authorities predict is radiant.
Johor Bahru Guide
Practical information
Johor Bahru lies at the tip of the Malaysian peninsula, 330 km south of Kuala Lumpur and 1 km north of the shores of Singapore, in the district of Woodlands.
Currency: 1 euro = 4.80 Ringgit (31/03/2025)
There is a time difference of +6 hours between France and Malaysia in summer, and +7 hours in winter.
How to get there
Senai airport, 28 km north of Johor Bahru, is directly accessible by motorway. There is an hourly bus service to JB Sentral in the heart of the city. Senai is accessible from Paris CDG via Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Batik Air) but also via Bangkok (AirAsia or Batik Air) and Ho Chi Minh City (AirAsia). Alternatively, Singapore-Changi International Airport is an hour's drive from Johor Bahru with non-stop flights from Paris CDG with Air France or Singapore Airlines.
Stay
Hyatt Place Johor Bahru It is one of the newest luxury establishments, having opened in 2023. The hotel has 202 rooms and suites, two restaurants, 3 meeting rooms for 52 people each and is integrated into the Paradigm Mall shopping centre.
Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru. Situated on the heights of the historic city, this contemporary-style hotel residence offers 316 flats, a restaurant, bar, fitness room and swimming pool, as well as 4 meeting rooms for up to 100 people.
Ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri. Located in the administrative capital of Iskandar Puteri, the 156-room, three-star hotel offers contemporary design in vibrant colours. There is also a cafe/bar, a restaurant and 4 meeting rooms.
Fraser Place Puteri Harbour. An elegant four-star hotel overlooking the new marina facing Singapore. The hotel offers 297 elegant flats, a restaurant, fitness room, spa and swimming pool. Its conference centre can accommodate up to 400 people, one of Iskandar Puteri's largest capacities.
One&Only Desaru Coast. This luxurious five-star hotel with its private sandy beach was designed by Australian architect Kerry Hill, who created a hotel with pure, timeless lines where wood and stone meet. Absolute luxury with 42 suites, 2 grand luxury suites and a villa, all with a private pool. There is also a Japanese restaurant, another serving Malaysian cuisine with Mediterranean accents, a bar, a spa and a pavilion dedicated to yoga...
Eat
Dulang Lima Cafe. Just 15 minutes from the city centre, this small restaurant serves traditional Malay cuisine, including nasi padang (rice served with meat, fish and vegetables in a curry/coconut sauce), reputed to be one of the best in Johor Bahru.
Hua Mui. In the old town of Johor Bahru, a restaurant renowned for its Hainanese-style chicken and southern Chinese specialities.
Don't miss the famous brioches from the bakery Hiap JooA must-try in Johor Bahru. Baked in a traditional oven, people even come from Singapore to buy them!
To meet
Persada Johor International Convention Centre is Johor Bahru's "historic" convention centre. Inaugurated in 2006, it offers 16 meeting and conference rooms as well as halls reserved for trade fairs. It can accommodate several hundred delegates and participants. Like the ASEAN Travel Forum in January 2025, which included more than 300 international buyers.
Find out more
The city of Johor Bahru has its fair share of historical attractions, which are easy to spot. devote half a day before ending your stroll in one of the city centre malls! Along the strait, facing Singapore, are the most emblematic structures: the Sultan's palace, the former Sultan Abu Bakar mosque, the old post office, all dominated by the neo-Moorish tower of the Sultan Ibrahim Building, completed in 1940 and now closed pending its conversion. It was once the tallest structure in Johor Bahru.
The historic town spreads out over two or three nearby streets, with its characteristic brightly-coloured old houses now home to cafés, trendy restaurants and artists' boutiques.
Outside Johor Bahru, fans may want to discover the miniature Malaysia of Legoland Park in Iskandar Puteri. Or they may prefer to explore the surrounding area, including Endau Rompin National Park, which features one of Malaysia's oldest primeval forests, and the sandy beaches along the Desaru coast.
Find out more
- Malaysian Tourist Board, https://www.tourism.gov.my/
29 rue des Pyramides - 75001 Paris- Tel : 01 42 97 41 71
- Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCeb), https://www.myceb.com.my/about-us/contact-us
- Tourism Johor, https://tourismjohor.my/
- Iskandar Regional Development Authority and SEZ Johor-Singapore : https://www.irda.com.my/johor-singapore-special-economic-zone-js-sez/
- French Economic Service in Malaysia : https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/Pays/MY
- French Embassy in Malaysia : https://my.ambafrance.org/Contacter-les-services-aux-Francais
