Singapore has quite a number of aesthetically pleasing nature spots and studios to take the perfect shot. But if you ever want some new inspo for your IG gallery, why not venture beyond the causeway? Johor Bahru has some photogenic locations for a variety of themes you can play with.
Put your SO or friend group to werk by practicing their photography skills to get your best Insta-model angles at these 10 super chio locations around JB that will make your stories rake in the views.
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Puteri Harbour is such a great place for photo ops because of the multiple features found around the marina. Fitting for either romantic strolls or group outings, the marina full of boats and luxury yachts make an impressive backdrop for couple photos or wefies.
You don’t have to worry about finding a dining spot here as the marina’s boardwalk has multiple food and drink vendors to keep your tummies happy as you fill up your photo gallery. And the fun doesn’t end after the sun sets. After you get your perfect sunset shot, move on to the fountain as it gets dark to enjoy the special light show for more pics.
You could easily spend a whole day here with so many photographable features such as the giant metal hornbill art installation and a serene bamboo grove for your best Kung Fu Panda poses.
Address: Puteri Harbour, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Eco Spring Labs is such a cute little ‘container town’ that’s part of the residential area of the Taman Eko Flora development open to the public. The colourful containers are all operable, being turned into F&B businesses like 7-Eleven, cafes, and restaurants. They kind of remind me of those colourful beach cabanas at Muizenberg Beach in South Africa.
The entire place has that “overseas” aesthetic and you’ll be spoilt for choice for Insta-perfect photos such as the mini ferris wheel with teddy bears secured in each cabin that are just too cute.
Address: Jalan Ekoflora 1, Taman Eko Flora, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 9am to 6pm (Monday to Friday) | 10am to 6pm (Saturday and Sunday)
A very big reason why JB Old Town is still a hotspot for photography is because of its last century feel with its pre-war buildings and creative wall murals along the streets. Jalan Tan Hiok Nee is the town’s central focal point having several old world heritage sites such as the famous Red House that’s the first thing to pop up on your google search of the area.
If you love Wong Kar Wai’s In The Mood For Love, this is the place to dress up in your best 60’s style cultural fits for some vintage-looking photos.
Even the fast food joints here stand out, such as the Marrybrown outlet at Tan Hiok Nee’s Red Building that still has classic Peranakan style tiles that would make an eye-catching backdrop.
Address: 24 Jalan Dhoby, 8000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Similar to Puteri Harbour, Senibong Cove is another option for marina-themed photos. It’s a pretty popular dating spot for couples and the marina has a variety of restaurants for you to dine at before your romantic stroll.
Of the many different dining outlets, there’s a popular pork-free restaurant called Bora Bora Botanist that has a charming foliage wall just for photo ops, and a brunch menu that’s great for sharing.
Address: Pinggiran Senibong, No. 1 Persiaran Senibong, Teluk Senibong, 81750 Masai, Johor
Opening Hours: 8.30am to 5.30pm daily
If you love vintage aesthetics, you need to check out the world’s first Coca Cola Cafe that’s tucked in a TGV cinema for movie-goers at Toppen Shopping Centre in Tebrau. The Coke-themed cafe is designed as a 50’s style American diner complete with a jukebox and a variety of Coca-Cola novelty items.
The only modern-day feature here is the high-speed internet and charging station for mobile phones so you don’t run your battery dry as you edit your Riverdale-influenced TikTok. Channel your inner Archie, Betty, Veronica or Jughead as you enjoy Cold Stone Creamery ice cream, popcorn, chocolates, and sip on fizzy Coke.
Address: L.301, TGV Cinemas, Toppen Shopping Centre, No. 33, Jalan Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily
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Istana Bukit Serene is the former official residence of the Sultan of Johor, and it’s where you’ll find the intricately-designed royal blue crown arch that will invoke your inner monarch as you stand under it.
Surrounded by perfectly manicured lawns and gardens, wander around like Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte as you make your Farmer George capture your best angles under this impressive structure. If I may suggest, it’s also the perfect place to make TikToks about The Crown’s famous argument scene between Charles and Diana: “Why would I care about her? Because I care about her!”
Address: Jalan Straits View, Bukit Serene, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Kota Iskandar is a photographer’s dream, having different courtyards and gardens that enable the most dreamy snaps. The entire venue is quite expansive with multiple locations around the property perfect for engagement or wedding photos. But do note that doing a special shoot here takes some planning ahead.
There’s three prime locations to shoot here: Musk Garden, Johor Atrium Courtyard, and the Flower Garden, with each having its own unique aesthetic. It’s also a great place for gadget experts – the spacious grounds are perfect for drone shots and videos.
Address: Persisiran Pantai JB – Nusajaya Highway, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor
Opening hours: 7am to 6pm daily
Another world’s first on the list is the otherworldly Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple in JB. The temple is built with over 300,000 pieces of red, blue, yellow, green, purple, and white glass that results in the most magical-looking interior. It’s also listed in the Malaysian Book of Records as the first-of-its-kind found in the country, making it a must-visit attraction.
Apart from being a unique structure, the temple also holds religious artifacts from other faiths in its premises. With its ceilings, pillars, and walls covered in glass pieces, you literally won’t find a bad angle here. Definitely putting this on my list for my next JB trip.
Address: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak 1/1, Wadi Hana, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 7am to 10pm daily
The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is a protected heritage monument that was constructed in the late 1800s. The entire structure boasts detailed Victorian architecture that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time as you explore the grounds. The mosque also sits on a hilltop that overlooks Singapore and the straits of Johor.
What’s truly impressive is how the mosque and its surroundings are very well-maintained with a refined manicured look, and the building itself has been kept in pristine condition. It’ll make for ideal portrait photography or even if you just want to show off your OOTD.
Address: Jalan Gertak Merah, Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm daily
The Johor Old Chinese Temple in JB has a lot of historical value dating back over 100 years ago, which is why it’s also known as Johor Ancient Temple. The humble temple is flanked by JB’s much taller modern buildings, making the entrance pop in contrast to its surroundings.
The temple’s history consists of it being made neutral ground to appease past landlords who were fighting for territory, and it remains a beacon of peace welcoming worshipers from all the major Chinese clans in Johor.
You’ll not just get amazing pics here, you’ll also learn something new from its rich cultural history.
Address: Lot 653, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 7am to 5pm daily
If you’re looking for an activity to get your creative juices flowing, try flexing your best fits and poses at these extraordinary locations around JB with your BFFs or special someone. Since the locations are all open to the public, remember to be a little more mindful of your chosen attire at the places of worship out of respect.
Other than that, all you have to do is let out your inner model and enjoy being the centre of attention while you capture all the fun moments with your fave group of people.
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