Johor, Malaysia’s southernmost and second-most populous state with a population of around 4 million people, is conveniently linked to Singapore by two bridges. Because of the links, the capital Johor Bahru is also popular with expats working in Singapore as well as Singaporeans. The rents are also much lower – and the exchange rate helps too! If you’re wondering which places in Johor Bahru, or the areas around it like Iskandar Puteri, are good to live in, read on!
About Johor Bahru, Iskandar Malaysia and Iskandar Puteri
Established in 2006, Iskandar Malaysia is a large region (about three times the size of Singapore) that has been developed as a special economic corridor within the state of Johor. The region’s aim is to encourage people to live and play there, with a quality lifestyle that includes easy access to recreational facilities, schools, hospitals, services, industrial estates and more.
There are various subzones within Iskandar Malaysia; these include the state capital Johor Bahru, and, to the west of the city, Iskandar Puteri (known as Nusajaya until 2016).
5 places to live in Iskandar Puteri, Johor
Many of the popular expat enclaves in Johor are found in Iskandar Puteri, which offers a wide range of accommodation options, from large houses on big blocks of land to oceanfront condo apartments. It’s one of the places in Johor Bahru that’s well positioned for quick access to Singapore via the Tuas Second Link.
#1 East Ledang
East Ledang is an upscale 275-acre residential space within Iskandar Puteri, with apartments, duplexes, semi-detached homes and bungalows available to buy and rent. The residents are mostly foreigners – and they come from all over the world. East Ledang is particularly popular with families, given the space available for kids to run around and have fun. It’s also a self-sufficient area, with grocery stores, cafés and recreational facilities within its bounds.
#2 Puteri Harbour
If you love living by the water, Puteri Harbour could be an ideal choice as a place in Johor Bahru to set up home, with its residential backdrop of marinas and yachts. While Leisure Farm (see #5, below) is popular for its large landed residential properties and more rural vibe, Puteri Harbour is all about modern oceanfront living. There are plenty of condominiums to choose from, and restaurants, bars and cafés within the neighbourhood.
Puteri Harbour is home to Marlborough College Malaysia and other schools.
#3 Eco Botanic
Eco Botanic is a township development with accommodation options including cluster and link houses, bungalows and high-rise condominiums. As the name suggests, the infrastructure here has sustainability as a focus. Energy-saving, water-efficient designs and green landscaping abound.
Like the other townships of Iskandar Puteri, Eco Botanic is home to its own set of restaurants, cafés and shops. Many of these are located in the key commercial centre of Eco Botanic City.
#4 Horizon Hills
This low-density residential project in Iskandar Puteri has a private 18-hole award-winning designer golf course, Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club. There’s a luxury gated-community vibe here, with a range of upscale living options including bungalows and terrace houses. You’ll also find cafés, eateries, parks and playgrounds, and access to more premium facilities at the Country Club.
With its greenery, landscaping and peaceful surroundings, Horizon Hills offers one of the best living experiences in the Iskandar Puteri area.
#5 Leisure Farm
Leisure Farm is a gated residential area which, due to its strategic location, tranquillity and promise of resort-style living, has been popular expats for many years. It’s a safe and secure estate that offers a well-established, quality lifestyle. Activities on offer include golf, horse riding and tennis, all literally right on the doorstep.
Other top places in Johor Bahru and the region to live
Danga Bay
Danga Bay – or to give it’s full name, Danga Bay Integrated Waterfront City – is a developing recreational area spanning 450 acres, with a scenic view across the Straits of Johor. It’s located just a few kilometres west of the centre of Johor Bahru city. There are plenty of high-rise condominiums to choose from here, along with a stretch of beach for morning runs or evening walks. Medical facilities are a stone’s throw away and shopping areas within easy reach.
Bandar Seri Alam
Bandar Seri Alam is a township in the Mukim Plentong district, on the east side of Johor Bahru. It spans around 3,800 acres with parks and recreational areas, and with all your basic needs met through a variety of shops, restaurants, cafés and more. There’s also a well-known hiking route here (starting at Seri Alam Jungle Park) that brings you to a picturesque blue lake, a favourite haunt for nature lovers.
In addition, Bandar Seri Alam is home to the Regency Specialist Hospital for medical care and needs, while Invictus International School and the Japanese International School are among the education options. Residential areas here include landed homes and condominiums.
Bandar Seri Alam is also strategically located near key highways, and is handy for anyone working in the Pasir Gudang industrial area.
Senibong Cove
Also east of JB (around a 10-minute drive from the city) is Senibong Cove in Masai. This area of approximately 200 acres is located on and around the waters of Sungei Lunchu. It’s a modern living community that embraces its natural surroundings, offering housing options such as free-standing villas, terrace houses, bungalows and apartments.
There’s also an integrated 50-berth marina at the centre of the cove. Families can enjoy activities like sailing, water-skiing, fishing and paddle-boarding here. Several waterside eateries provide the perfect spot for watching the sun set over the Straits of Johor.
For a larger hub for dining, shopping and essential services, Permas Jaya is about five minutes’ drive away. Senibong Cove is also close to the international schools mentioned above in the Bandar Seri Alam section.
Liked this article about places in Johor Bahru to live? Read on to find out what these expats enjoy about their home in Senibong Cove.
