Shopping options in Johor Bahru are excellent. Although it's easy to negatively compare it with the allure of Singapore, you will find that many Singaporeans actually come here to shop. While not as glitzy, things are generally cheaper, especially for local Malay handicrafts.
There are many quality shopping malls in town that offer electronics, souvenirs, the latest trends and food courts. Also apparent are street markets and pre-war shop houses, along with duty free stores. Shopping malls and markets typically open till late at night.
When to Shop and Where
Johor Bahru's many malls are the main attraction for shoppers. They are almost as impressive as their Singapore counterparts, although you can find better bargains here.
One of the most popular shopping malls is the Plaza Pelangi. It is loaded with stores, from trendy fashion and footwear to handicrafts and souvenirs, and also has a selection of fast-food outlets, coffee shops and food courts. The Holiday Plaza is another modern favourite. Along with a very decent array of stores, it also comes with a hawker centre, a children's playground and cinema, and opens to a pedestrian mall.
The Kompleks Lien Hoe is just out of town and has department stores and restaurants. The ground floor bazaar offers well-priced clothing and handicrafts, while upstairs are dozens of food stalls.
The best shopping deal in Johor Bahru is Malay handicrafts. There are many centres offering a variety of local items that are perfect for souvenirs. Rustic-style ceramics from Aw Pottery are a popular buy, with a factory located in nearby Air Hitam.
