There’s something magnetic about Johor… a state where city lights meet unspoiled shores, and every turn reveals a new facet of Malaysian hospitality.
Let me bring you on a little “tour” through nine distinctive stays that you can consider for your own future stay from cosmopolitan chic to barefoot island bliss…..
Sunway Big Box Hotel — Where Urban Rhythm Meets Adventure
Tucked within the buzzing lifestyle precinct of Sunway Big Box Retail Park, this vibrant hotel embodies the energy of Iskandar Puteri. Mornings begin with sunlight filtering through sleek, modern windows; afternoons unfold between coffee runs, shopping strolls, and perhaps a little adrenaline at the nearby X Park.
At Sunway Big Box Hotel, adventure sits right outside your door, yet serenity awaits the moment you step back inside.
St. Giles Southkey — A Modern Haven Above the City
Perched above the lively Mid Valley Southkey complex, St. Giles Southkey brings contemporary sophistication to Johor Bahru’s cityscape. The lobby hums with quiet confidence, its interiors minimalist yet warm. Days slip easily from elegant breakfasts to infinity-pool afternoons overlooking JB’s skyline.
Here, modern travellers find not just convenience, but a polished urban sanctuary.
Rawa Island Resort — A Whisper of Paradise
Few places capture the heart like Rawa Island Resort. Accessible only by boat, the island greets you with powder-white sands and impossibly clear waters.
Days melt into a rhythm of sunrise hikes, coral gardens, and barefoot strolls beneath swaying palms.
Rawa is not just a destination… it’s a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and let the ocean do the healing.
Batu Batu Resort — Nature, Nurtured
Across shimmering waters lies Batu Batu Island Resort, a sustainable sanctuary on Pulau Tengah.
Built by local carpenters using traditional techniques, the resort blends effortlessly into its natural surroundings.
Here, conservation isn’t a concept, it’s a way of life. Guests are invited to explore mangroves, snorkel vibrant reefs, and even visit the turtle hatchery that anchors Batu Batu’s ecological mission. It’s a stay that awakens both wonder and responsibility.
Bayu Lestari Resort — The Quiet Heart of Pulau Besar
If Rawa is radiant and Batu Batu soulful, then Bayu Lestari Resort is serenity incarnate. Tucked along Pulau Besar’s tranquil coast, it’s a retreat for dreamer, where hammocks sway, waves murmur, and time seems to stand still.
Lunch by the water here is a simple pleasure elevated to art, framed by coconut trees and endless sea blues.
The Westin Desaru Coast Resort — Coastal Refinement
Back on the mainland, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort redefines seaside luxury.
Soft-spoken elegance flows through every detail… from the sweeping oceanfront vistas to the restorative spa rituals and the crisp white linens of the Heavenly Bed.
As twilight falls, guests gather for sunset views that paint the horizon gold, a scene so perfect it feels almost cinematic.
Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast — The Rhythm of Fun
Just a short stroll away, the pulse quickens at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast.
With music as its muse, the property bursts with personality… from its memorabilia-lined corridors to the upbeat energy of its poolside bar.
It’s vibrant, playful, and unapologetically bold… the kind of place that invites you to let go and live out loud.
Bayu Balau Resort – Coastal Calm at Tanjung Balau
At Bayu Balau Resort, life moves with the tides.
Overlooking the rugged beauty of Tanjung Balau, this understated resort offers a glimpse into Johor’s quieter coastal charm.
Early mornings bring fishermen casting nets into the dawn, while evenings unfold in soft amber hues over the sea.
For those seeking peace rather than polish, this is your haven.
Kampungstay @ Teluk Buih — Where Heritage Meets the Sea
The journey ends at Kampungstay @ Teluk Buih, near Air Papan… a rustic, heartwarming escape that feels like stepping back into simpler times.
Pretty white chalets sit nestled between palm groves and the open sea, while the scent of salt and grilled fish fills the air.
It’s a stay that celebrates connection.. to culture, to nature, and to the warmth of Johor’s coastal communities.
The Johor Tapestry
Nine stays, nine stories — each weaving a different strand of Johor’s identity. From cosmopolitan towers to quiet island sanctuaries, Johor invites travellers to experience not just its landscapes, but its soul.
Whether you seek indulgence, authenticity, or simply a place to exhale, the southern gateway of Malaysia is ready to welcome you — one sunrise, one smile, one unforgettable stay at a time.….
Live Life Lah....... 