Johor Bahru Temples: 7 Temples, Mosques and Churches
Johor Bahru temples, mosques and churches show how the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities of Johor Bahru (JB) built the city from the 19th century. This guide covers 7 places of worship checked for October 2026: 3 mosques, the oldest Chinese temple in the city, the Glass Temple and 2 Catholic churches, including the oldest church in Johor Bahru.
All are active places of worship. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, take off your shoes where asked, stay quiet during prayers and Mass, and ask before photographing people. We could not confirm set visiting hours for most of them, so go in the morning and check on arrival. Museums, the zoo and other sights are in the Johor Bahru attractions guide.
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At a glance
Mosques in Johor Bahru
Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
The state mosque of Johor was built between 1892 and 1900 on the orders of Sultan Abu Bakar. Its architect mixed Victorian, Moorish and Malay styles, and the four minarets are shaped like British clock towers. It holds about 2,000 worshippers.
The mosque stands on a hill above the Strait of Johor, a few minutes from Johor Zoo and the city square. The evening view is covered in the Johor Bahru night view guide.
Mosque of Kota Iskandar
Opened on 16 June 2015, this is the second state mosque of Johor, at the state administrative centre in Iskandar Puteri. It is named after the late Sultan Iskandar and was designed as a garden mosque, with six minarets and a latticed dome set among gardens and water features.
It is about 10 minutes by car from LEGOLAND Malaysia, so it fits into a day in Iskandar Puteri.
Sultan Iskandar Mosque
Built between 2012 and 2015 and officially opened on 8 April 2016, this mosque in the Bandar Dato' Onn township is also named after Sultan Iskandar. It is built in an Ottoman style, with a large turquoise dome and four tall white minarets.
It is mainly a neighbourhood mosque, so visit outside prayer times and ask at the entrance before going in.
Chinese and Hindu Temples in Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
Founded between 1870 and 1880 under Tan Hiok Nee, head of the Ngee Heng Kongsi, the Old Temple is one of the oldest structures in Johor Bahru. It honours five deities, each worshipped by one of the main Chinese dialect groups, which is why it is seen as a symbol of unity for the city's Chinese community. A restoration in 1994 โ 95 kept its century-old bronze bell, incense burner and wooden plaque.
Every year from the 20th to the 23rd day of the first lunar month, the temple leads the Chingay parade of deities through the city. It is a short walk from the Tan Hiok Nee heritage street.
Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
This Hindu temple began in 1922 as a simple shelter on land given by the Sultan of Johor. Between 2008 and 2009 its chief priest had the interior covered in glass mosaic, and about 90 per cent of the temple is now decorated with some 300,000 pieces of coloured glass that reflect the light of crystal chandeliers. The Malaysian Book of Records listed it as the first glass temple in the country in 2010.
It is an active temple, so keep to the visitor areas during prayers. We could not confirm current hours or the visitor fee from an official source.
Churches in Johor Bahru
Church of the Immaculate Conception
The oldest church in Johor Bahru, built in 1927 to replace an earlier church of Our Lady of Lourdes that had opened in 1883 on land given by Sultan Abu Bakar. Its tall white bell tower stands on a slope above the city centre.
Masses are held in four languages. Visitors are welcome outside service times; check the parish website for the full schedule before you go.
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Completed in 1982 and dedicated on 19 February that year, this is the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Melaka-Johor. Its modern design has sharply angled roofs and a glass spire, very different from the older city churches.
It serves the busy housing estates around Taman Pelangi and Taman Sri Tebrau. Check the cathedral website for Sunday Mass times and special services.
How to Visit Johor Bahru Temples in One Morning
Start at the Old Chinese Temple on Jalan Trus, then walk through the heritage quarter to the Glass Temple, about 15 minutes away, or take a short ride. Continue by car to the Church of the Immaculate Conception and finish at the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, which is close to Johor Zoo.
The Mosque of Kota Iskandar fits a day at LEGOLAND, and the Sultan Iskandar Mosque and the Sacred Heart Cathedral are in the northern suburbs, so add them only if you are passing.
Avoid mosques at Friday midday prayers and churches during Sunday Mass if you only want to look around. Carry a scarf or shawl and wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
Johor Bahru Temples: FAQ
What is the most famous mosque in Johor Bahru?
The Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, built between 1892 and 1900 on a hill overlooking the Strait of Johor. It mixes Victorian, Moorish and Malay architecture.
Can non-Muslims visit the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque?
Non-Muslim visitors can usually visit outside prayer times if they dress modestly. We could not confirm set visiting hours, so ask at the entrance and avoid Friday midday prayers.
What is the Glass Temple in Johor Bahru?
The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, a Hindu temple on Jalan Mohd Taib whose interior was covered between 2008 and 2009 with about 300,000 pieces of coloured glass.
What is the oldest Chinese temple in Johor Bahru?
The Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple on Jalan Trus, founded between 1870 and 1880. It honours five deities of the main Chinese dialect groups and leads the annual Chingay parade.
What should I wear to visit temples and mosques in Johor Bahru?
Cover your shoulders and knees, remove shoes where asked and keep your voice down. Some mosques lend robes and headscarves to visitors.