Johor Bahru, Border city in southern Peninsular Malaysia
Johor Bahru is a border city at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, connected to Singapore by a causeway. The city spreads along the coast of the Johor Strait and includes both modern high-rise districts and older residential areas with lower buildings.
The area developed from a fishing village called Tanjung Puteri after Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim expanded it into a settlement in 1855. Its location on the strait made it a trading port and later an important border crossing.
The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque combines Victorian and Moorish elements and stands as a visible sign of cultural connections between Europe and the Islamic world. Visitors notice the white minarets and domes rising above a green hill, drawing the eye toward the strait.
Most visitors reach the city via the causeway, which allows both road and rail traffic between Malaysia and Singapore. Waiting times at the border can be longer depending on the time of day and weekday, so arriving early is worth considering.
The climate remains nearly the same throughout the year, with temperatures between about 26 and 28 degrees Celsius (79 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). This consistency makes clothing and travel planning simpler, as there is no need to adjust for changing seasons.
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