The Best Markets in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Get cheap stuff while tucking into crispy shrimp cake and sea coconut drinks. Electronics, clothes, perfumes, costume jewelry, household items, and children’s toys are all part of the fare here.

The only morning market on this list, Taman Pelangi is also the wettest, and for good reason; this is where you’ll find pink-raw meat, freshly caught seafood, and vegetables still dewy from the farms. Potted plants are also a thing.

You won’t have completed your tour of Johor Bahru without a trip to this night market. Bargain items, pre-loved goods, scarves, handbags, decorative artifacts, and even vintage plaques are all displayed under blue canopies with fluorescent lights — all the better to see and buy. A live band is sometimes featured.

This market is open every night, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on your wantan mee (wanton noodles). Seafood is scrumptious (try the ikan bakar, grilled marinated fish), and the chicken wings are always a favorite.

The usual round of bargain-worthy items are for sale here, and Johor Jaya is particularly known for its pastry stalls and roast duck. Food doesn’t cost more than a happy RM5 note ($1.25).

If you like your cendol (iced sweet dessert), this is the place to find it. You’ll also find a great variety of fresh fruits, nasi padang (steamed rice with assorted dishes), and apam balik (fluffy pancake). Parking can be a pain, so you might want to GrabCar it over there (Uber has left Malaysia).

The food variety here is wild; you’ll find everything from muah chee (sweet rice flour balls) to marinated crabs, as well as local favorites like char koay teow (fried flat noodles) and char koay kak (fried rice flour cubes). The biggest paos (steamed buns with filling) can also be found here.

With over 100 stalls selling — well — everything, this is a place for the whole family. Bond with your kids over classic night market foods like fried squid, grilled corn on the cob, and steamed peanuts.

Drop by for all the C’s — clothes, ceramics, children’s toys, and lots of chicken. This is the most popular night market on Saturday, and it’s where all who have been tired and weary from the week come to recharge.