Chinese New Year in Johor Bahru offers a festive escape just across the Causeway, combining familiar traditions with a laidback Malaysian charm. From lion dances in shopping malls to reunion feasts that stretch late into the night, the city comes alive with colour, sound, and flavour. Whether you are visiting for a day trip or staying over the holidays, here is how to spend Chinese New Year in Johor Bahru in a way that feels both celebratory and unhurried.
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Iconic activities and locations to kickstart the festivities
1. Celebrate at the Chingay Parade
Image credit: Thomas Yong, The Star
Step into one of Johor Bahru’s most iconic traditions at the Chingay Festival, a spectacular parade rooted in centuries of local culture. Organised by the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple on Jalan Trus, the festival features elaborately adorned palanquins carrying five revered deities through the streets. This is accompanied by lion and dragon dances, flag bearers, and traditional music. The highlight is the night procession, typically held on the 21st day of the Chinese New Year. It is a culmination of a multi-day event that draws tens of thousands of spectators from across Malaysia and Singapore.
This is a city-wide celebration of faith, community, and unity. Locals and visitors alike gather early along key streets such as Jalan Wong Ah Fook to secure a good vantage point. Expect joyful crowds, lively street energy, and plenty of photo opportunities.
2. Feast on cultural classics
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When hunger strikes between celebrations, Johor Bahru delivers some exemplary choices for lavish feasting.
At Canton-i Restaurant @ Johor Bahru City Square, the polished Cantonese menu, from dim sum to whole fish and roast classics, is ideal for a reunion lunch or dinner. The elegant atmosphere helps balance the bustling festival streets outside with a comforting, flavourful experience.
Just down the road, local favourite Restoran Ya Wang in 44 Jalan Segget offers homestyle Chinese dishes that hit the nostalgic spot. Think claypot rice, braised pork belly, and rich soups.
For a more casual yet deeply local flavour, D’Shanghai Dimsum at KSL City Mall offers dim sum favourites which are ideal for breakfast or brunch. Alternatively, Hong Kong Boy Restaurant in Johor Jaya is a beloved hawker-style spot for inexpensive local treats.
3. Explore Chinese New Year Markets and Bazaars
Image credit: Johor NOW
A big part of the Chinese New Year experience in Johor Bahru is shopping for treats, decorations, and goodies to bring luck into the new year. The Johor Jaya bazaar on Jalan Dedap 13 and 14 transforms the area into a carnival. This outdoor market fills with stalls selling everything from bak kwa and pineapple tarts to decorations, fresh fruit, and lucky red envelopes.
