Mid-Range Travel Guide: Johorbahru

Accommodation

$35-85 per night

Private rooms in mid-range hotels, boutique guesthouses, business hotels with amenities

Food & Dining

$25-50 per day

Mix of local restaurants, casual dining establishments, food courts, occasional upscale meals

Transportation

$12-35 per day

Combination of Grab rides, taxis, public transport, occasional car rentals for day trips

Activities

$30-75 per day

Paid attractions, guided tours, theme parks, cultural experiences, shopping

Eat at local kopitiams and hawker centers instead of tourist restaurants - typically 60-80% cheaper

Use public buses for city transport instead of Grab rides - usually 70-85% savings

Stay in areas like Taman Sentosa or City Square vicinity rather than premium districts - generally 40-60% lower accommodation costs

Visit free attractions like Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque and Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum on free days

Shop at local markets like Pasar Karat for souvenirs instead of shopping malls - typically 50-70% less expensive

Take advantage of Singapore dollar acceptance at favorable rates in many establishments

Book accommodation well in advance during school holidays for 25-45% better rates

Relying solely on Grab/taxis for transportation instead of learning the bus system - typically costs 4-6x more

Eating exclusively in shopping malls and tourist areas - usually 100-200% markup compared to local establishments

Not factoring in Singapore day trip costs if planning to cross the border - can easily double daily spending

Booking last-minute accommodation during Malaysian school holidays - often 150-300% price increases