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Hotels in Iskandar Puteri

Family theme parks and hotels on the Malaysian side of Singapore

Iskandar Puteri

LanguageMalay
CurrencyMYR
TimezoneAsia/Kuala_Lumpur
Temperature27-33 °C
Dial Code+60
Population33.9M
Area330,803 km²
SocketsType G
Tap waterBottled advised

Discover Iskandar Puteri

Iskandar Puteri is a developing city in the Malaysian state of Johor, just across the border from Singapore on the shore of the Johor Strait. It was formerly called Nusajaya and Gelang Patah and is today one of the zones of the large Iskandar Malaysia development project. Here you find Legoland Malaysia Resort, the first Legoland in Asia, the Sea Life aquarium, a water park and hotels overlooking Puteri Harbour. Within sight are Forest City, a giant residential project, and Johor Bahru, with shopping centres, mosques and the royal palace. Iskandar Puteri is a good choice for families with children who want theme parks without Singapore's high prices, and for travellers who combine Singapore with cheaper accommodation. The border with Singapore is crossed on foot, by bus or by train and takes an hour or two. Citizens of the EU can enter both Malaysia and Singapore without a visa, but must complete digital arrival cards.

What to see

The places worth your time in Iskandar Puteri, and what to expect at each

Legoland Malaysia Resort

Legoland Malaysia Resort

Nusajaya

The first Legoland in Asia, opened in 2012, with eight themed zones, rides, the Miniland miniature cities and a water park. The park is aimed at children from two to twelve and lies right in Iskandar Puteri. The resort also has a Legoland hotel and Sea Life.

Tip: Arrive at the ten o'clock opening, when queues for the biggest rides are shortest. Buy tickets online, as they are cheaper than on the spot, and on weekdays it is calmer than at weekends.

Admission:
from MYR 200
Time needed:
full day
Legoland Water Park

Legoland Water Park

Nusajaya

A water park in the Legoland grounds with slides, a wave pool and a children's river, designed for families. It is open all year, but in wet weather some attractions may close. The Legoland ticket often covers only one of the parks.

Tip: Ask whether the ticket is a combined one; a morning visit is calmer than the afternoon. Bring towels and sun protection.

Admission:
from MYR 100
Time needed:
half a day
Sea Life Malaysia

Sea Life Malaysia

Nusajaya

An aquarium in the Legoland grounds with an underwater tunnel, sharks, rays and a seahorse area. It is air-conditioned and suits two hours in the midday heat. Children learn about the sea and ocean conservation.

Tip: Set aside two hours and combine the visit with the park. Animal feeding takes place at fixed times, posted at the entrance.

Admission:
from MYR 90
Time needed:
2 hrs
Puteri Harbour

Puteri Harbour

Puteri Harbour

A developing harbour with yachts, restaurants, a promenade and hotels, from which boats run to Desaru. In the evening it lights up and offers a view of Singapore. It is the calmest part of Iskandar Puteri.

Tip: Stop by the waterfront for dinner; prices are higher than in town. In the evening lights come on over the yachts and the promenade is pleasant.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
1–2 hrs
Forest City

Forest City

south of Iskandar Puteri

A giant residential and tourist project on artificial islands that a Chinese developer planned for hundreds of thousands of residents. Today it is largely empty, but it has golf, a beach, restaurants and futuristic buildings. It is a curious look at ambition and reality.

Tip: Check current operation of restaurants and shops, as many are closed. You go by car or Grab, with a check before the entrance.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
1–2 hrs
Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque

Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque

Johor Bahru

The state mosque in Johor Bahru from 1900, built in Victorian-Malay style on a hill above the strait. It has white minarets and green-covered domes and a view of Singapore. Visitors can see the grounds free of charge.

Tip: The visit is free, but modest dress is needed: robes are lent. It is best to come in the morning, outside prayer times.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
45 min
Istana Besar

Istana Besar

Johor Bahru

The Grand Palace of the Sultan of Johor from 1866, now housing the Royal Abu Bakar Museum with collections of gifts and historic objects. The building stands in gardens overlooking the strait. The museum shows the wealth of the sultan's court.

Tip: Check opening hours, as it is often closed on Friday; the entry is low. It is good to combine the visit with the mosque, as they are close together.

Admission:
about MYR 15
Time needed:
1 hr
Old Chinese Temple in Johor Bahru

Old Chinese Temple in Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru

A nineteenth-century temple, one of the oldest in Johor, with a richly decorated roof, lanterns and five Chinese deities. It is still used for prayer and at festival times is full of incense smoke. It lies in the town centre near Jalan Trus.

Tip: Entry is free, but the temple is not a tourist monument: do not walk through ceremonies and do not wear shorts. It is liveliest at Chinese festivals.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
45 min
Danga Bay

Danga Bay

Johor Bahru

A promenade on the Johor Bahru shore with cafés, food stalls and a view of Singapore, where locals come to relax. In the evening it is lively and on Saturdays markets are held. It is the best place for sunset.

Tip: Come around five, when the heat eases and food stalls open. You pay in cash and prices are low.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
1–2 hrs

Photos: Legoland Malaysia Resort — milst1 (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Legoland Water Park — Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (CC BY 2.0) · Sea Life Malaysia — Chongkian (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Puteri Harbour — Chongkian (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Forest City — Jonashtand (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque — Chongkian (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Istana Besar — Irwan Shah Bin Abdullah (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Old Chinese Temple in Johor Bahru — Chainwit. (CC BY 4.0) · Danga Bay — cattan2011 (CC BY 2.0)

Where to stay

Areas and districts, matched to the kind of trip you are taking

Puteri Harbour and Medini

Best for: Legoland and harbour hotels

The zone around Legoland with hotels, restaurants and the harbour. It is nearest to the parks and the setting is clean and modern. Suits families with children.

Gelang Patah and central Iskandar Puteri

Best for: shops and cheap accommodation

The urban district with shopping centres, eateries and cheap hotels. Prices are lower, but you go to the parks by car or Grab. A good choice for a budget.

Johor Bahru

Best for: the city, food and monuments

The state capital with shopping centres, mosques, a palace and hawker stalls. It has the most food and services, but also noise and traffic. Suits travellers who want to get to know Malaysia.

Danga Bay

Best for: promenade and view

The coastal district with hotels by the sea and a view of Singapore. It is calm and has restaurants by the water. Suits rest and evening strolls.

Search hotels →

Getting around

From the airport

The nearest airport is Senai (JHB), about thirty-five kilometres from Iskandar Puteri, with flights from Kuala Lumpur and other cities. Most travellers, though, fly into Singapore (SIN), about fifty kilometres away, and cross the border by bus or taxi. The journey from Changi to Legoland takes around two hours with border formalities. From the end of 2026 the RTS Link rail connection between Singapore and Johor Bahru is planned to start.

Johor Bahru – Senai Airport (JHB) · 35 km

  • Taxi to Legoland· 40 min· MYR 60
  • Grab· 40 min· MYR 50

Singapore – Changi Airport (SIN) · 50 km

  • Bus across the border· 2 hrs· SGD 10
  • Taxi from Changi· 1 hr 30 min· SGD 100

Around town

In Iskandar Puteri you travel by car or Grab; public transport is sparse. Buses run to Johor Bahru and the border, but services are less frequent. To cross the border CW buses, green and yellow, are used, and from the end of 2026 the RTS Link train. Car rental is cheap, but border queues are often long.

GrabA taxi with a fixed price in advance. · MYR 15
Bus to Johor BahruLines between the city and the border. · MYR 3
Border bus to SingaporeAcross the Causeway or Second Link. · SGD 3
Car rentalFor trips, mind the border queues. · MYR 120

Useful apps: Grab, Google Maps, Moovit, Maps.me

When to go

Iskandar Puteri has an equatorial climate with temperatures around thirty-one degrees all year. It rains often, especially from October to January, with short heavy storms in the afternoon. The best time is February to September, when it is drier. The sea is warm and murky.

Best time

February to September

What to avoid

November to January (most rain)

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day30°31°32°32°32°31°31°31°31°31°30°30°
Night23°23°24°24°24°24°24°24°24°24°23°23°
Rainy days141114161614141415171918
Sea29°29°30°30°30°30°29°29°29°29°29°29°

Food & drink

Iskandar Puteri and Johor Bahru offer Malay, Chinese and Indian cooking at lower prices than in Singapore. A main dish costs twelve to thirty ringgit and in hawker centres you eat for eight. It is best to eat where locals eat.

What to try

Nasi lemak

Rice cooked in coconut milk with anchovies, peanuts, egg and spicy sambal. The national dish of Malaysia, eaten morning and evening.

Laksa Johor

A Johor speciality: spaghetti instead of noodles with fish sauce, coconut and vegetables. It is traditionally eaten with the hands.

Mee rebus

Yellow noodles in a thick sweet-and-sour sauce of sweet potato, peanuts and spices. A typical Johor dish.

Roti canai

A layered flatbread fried on a griddle and served with curry sauce. The basis of breakfast in mamak cafés.

Satay

Skewers of grilled meat with peanut sauce, rice cakes and cucumber. An evening snack.

Char kway teow

Stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, egg and bean sprouts. A staple street dish.

Teh tarik

Tea with condensed milk, poured from a height to make foam. A cheap refresher for two ringgit.

What it costs

Hawker lunch

MYR 8–15

Teh tarik

MYR 2–4

Main course in a restaurant

MYR 20–40

Legoland (entry)

MYR 200

Legoland Water Park

MYR 100

Grab around town

MYR 15–30

3★ hotel (night)

MYR 150–350

Bus to Singapore

SGD 3

Indicative prices that change over time — treat them as a guide, not a price list.

Practical information

SocketsGBritish, three rectangular pins
Voltage240V / 50Hz
Tap waterTap water is treated, bottled is common — Tap water in Malaysia is treated, but most people drink bottled. Ice cubes in restaurants are usually made from clean water.
TippingTipping is not usual; restaurants often add a ten per cent service charge to the bill. For taxis and Grab rounding up is enough.
Driving on theleft
SafetyIskandar Puteri is safe, but near the border and in Johor Bahru watch for pickpockets and motorcyclists. When crossing the border keep your passport and arrival card at hand. The emergency number is 999.
Opening hoursShopping centres are open from ten to ten, hawker stalls from morning to midnight. On Friday Muslims pray and some businesses are closed in the morning. Legoland runs from ten to six.
Customs & etiquetteIn mosques dress modestly and remove shoes. The right hand is used for eating and passing things. Do not touch anyone's head. Set off for the border in good time, as queues are often long.
A few local wordsGood day — Selamat pagi / tengah hariThank you — Terima kasihYou are welcome — Sama-samaHow much is it? — Berapa harganya?Not spicy — Tak pedasThe bill, please — Bil, tolongWhere is the toilet? — Di mana tandas?

How to plan your days

1 day

A day at Legoland

  1. 1Morning Legoland at opening.
  2. 2Lunch in the park.
  3. 3Afternoon the water park or Sea Life.
  4. 4Evening a stroll around Puteri Harbour.

2 days

Two days: parks and Johor Bahru

  1. 1Day one as above.
  2. 2Day two morning the mosque and palace in Johor Bahru.
  3. 3Afternoon the old Chinese temple and a hawker lunch.
  4. 4Evening Danga Bay at sunset.

3 days

Three days: Iskandar Puteri and Singapore

  1. 1Days one and two as above.
  2. 2Day three a full-day trip to Singapore across the border.
  3. 3Return in the evening to Iskandar Puteri.

Day trips

Singapore

40 km · 1–2 hrs across the border

A city state with Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and hawker centres. You cross the border by bus or train and the trip takes a full day.

Malacca

200 km · 2 hrs 30 min by car

A UNESCO city with Portuguese and Dutch monuments, Jonker Street and varied cooking. It suits a full-day trip.

Desaru Coast

90 km · 1 hr 15 min by car

A beach resort with luxury hotels, golf and a water park. It suits a trip to the sea.

Frequently asked questions

Is Iskandar Puteri suitable for families?+

Yes, it is the main destination for families: Legoland, a water park and Sea Life in one place. Hotels have kids' corners and prices are lower than in Singapore. The theme parks are best for children from two to twelve.

How do I get from Changi Airport to Legoland?+

By bus across the border, either the Causeway or the Second Link, in about two hours for ten Singapore dollars. A taxi from Changi costs around a hundred dollars. For comfort it is worth booking a transfer.

Do I need a visa for Malaysia and Singapore?+

Citizens of the EU do not need a visa for Malaysia (ninety days) or for Singapore (ninety days). You must complete the MDAC and SG Arrival Card digital arrival cards. The passport must be valid for at least six months.

When is the best time to visit?+

February to September, when it rains less and is drier. From October to January storms are frequent, but the parks are open all year. The most people come in holidays and on festivals.

How do I cross the border to Singapore?+

By bus, taxi or on foot over the Causeway or the Second Link; border control takes half an hour to two hours depending on the queue. From the end of 2026 the RTS Link train is planned. Complete the arrival card in advance.

What does a Legoland ticket cost?+

Roughly two hundred ringgit a day, the water park around a hundred. Prices are lower when bought online and on weekdays. A combined ticket is better value.

Is it better to stay in Iskandar Puteri or Johor Bahru?+

Iskandar Puteri is more convenient and cleaner for families, Johor Bahru offers more food and lower prices. They are linked by a drive of half an hour. For children and theme parks Iskandar Puteri is better.

Is Forest City worth visiting?+

It is a curious place with modern architecture and few people. It suits the curious more than families, as services are limited. Check the current operation before you go.

Arrival Card

Fill in the required arrival card before your trip to avoid delays at immigration.

Complete Arrival Card

Visa Requirements

Check the latest visa requirements for entering this country. Some nationalities may need to apply for a visa or e-visa before travel.

Check visa requirements

Emergency Numbers

Police999Ambulance999Fire994

Language

Malay

Currency

MYR

Timezone

Asia/Kuala_Lumpur

Dial Code

+60

Population

33.9M

Area

330,803 km²

Voltage

240V / 50Hz

Driving Side

Left

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