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FireFlyz | 29
Istana Bukit Serene
You aren’t quite allowed to go inside the
palace on this hill as it’s the residence of
the royal family but it can be a fun drive
around! The first thing you’ll notice as
you enter the premise is the looming
crown serving as the epicentre of the
palace’s main gate. At night, it lights up to
a glorious spectacle of dazzling lights, il-
luminating the palace in the background.
I was lucky enough that the sky was clear
and it was a sunny day to enjoy the cruise
through the hill. The greenery made the
ride even better.
In my quest to uncover Johor Bahru’s
major historical sites, I learnt that you
can’t shake off the past. Whether we
realise it or not, the past is everywhere
and the future is built from the strong
building blocks of the past.
Where to stay in JB
Bliss Boutique Hotel
50, Jalan Jaya, TamanMaju Jaya,
80400 Johor Bahru
Grand Sentosa Hotel
Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, Johor
Bahru
KSL Resort
32, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad,
80250 Johor Bahru
Thistle Hotel
Jalan Sungai Chat, 80100 Johor
Bahru
Book your stay at:
www.fireflyholiday.com/hotels
Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque and
Museum
Much to my dismay, the museum was
closed when I visited – renovations were
ongoing then. However, I was cheered
up by driving through the compound,
snapping away furiously at the sprawling,
manicured gardens before being stopped
by security and being politely chased out.
The mosque certainly didn’t disappoint.
Named after the late Sultan Abu Bakar,
or, the ‘Father of Modern Johor’, this
building was constructed in 1892. Unlike
other modern mosques, British colonial
architecture features uninhibitedly and
splendidly. Today, this mosque is highly
frequented by Muslims observing their
prayers here as well as visitors keen to
appreciate this fine remnant of the past.
Kota Iskandar
Out of all the sites I visited in Johor
Bahru, I was most astounded by this vast
complex. Home to the Sultan Ismail Build-
ing, it represents the face of 21st century
Johor with throwbacks to its bygone eras
as it was inspired by aforementioned
Sultan IbrahimBuilding. The Sultan Ismail
Building houses the State Legislative
Assembly Hall, although it is more than
just a governmental compound. There are
two courtyards, 202 arches, 180 screens,
173 windows against the backdrop of
manicured lawns and verandas – a veri-
table architectural marvel. Additionally,
there is amuseum inside which chronicles
Johor’s history and safeguards the state’s
important artefacts such as enactments
and the State Constitution (1895).
Fly into Johor Bahru
from Subang, Ipoh
and Kota Bahru.
For hotel and tour
bookings, visit www.
fireflyholiday.com