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Hotels near Istana Besar

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Check prices for these dates

Tonight
19 Aug - 20 Aug
Tomorrow
20 Aug - 21 Aug
This weekend
21 Aug - 23 Aug
Next weekend
28 Aug - 30 Aug

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Our top choices for Istana Besar hotels

1. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru
Central District, 1.2 km from Istana Besar
Singapore
Natasha
S$112
includes taxes & fees
15 Sept - 16 Sept
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru

2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johor Bahru by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johor Bahru by IHG
Central District, 0.7 km from Istana Besar
Singapore
Abdul Ghani
S$86
includes taxes & fees
3 Sept - 4 Sept
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johor Bahru by IHG

3. Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru

Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru
Central District, 1.6 km from Istana Besar
Singapore
Jeammie
S$124
includes taxes & fees
24 Aug - 25 Aug
Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru

4. Z Hotel Johor

Z Hotel Johor
Central District, 1.1 km from Istana Besar
United States
Mona
S$63
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Z Hotel Johor

5. R&F Princess Cove by FUJU & 5mins to ClQ

R&F Princess Cove by FUJU & 5mins to ClQ
Central District, 1.7 km from Istana Besar
Singapore
Arnel
S$62
includes taxes & fees
20 Aug - 21 Aug
R&F Princess Cove by FUJU & 5mins to ClQ

6. Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre by IHG
Central District, 1.1 km from Istana Besar
Singapore
Poomahdevi
S$128
includes taxes & fees
15 Sept - 16 Sept
Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre by IHG

7. Amari Johor Bahru

Amari Johor Bahru
Central District, 1.1 km from Istana Besar
Singapore
Noelle Jin Ci
S$129
includes taxes & fees
25 Aug - 26 Aug
Amari Johor Bahru

8. Shama Suasana Johor Bahru

Shama Suasana Johor Bahru
Central District, 1 km from Istana Besar
Australia
Faye
S$88
includes taxes & fees
20 Aug - 21 Aug
Shama Suasana Johor Bahru

9. Sheraton Johor Bahru

Sheraton Johor Bahru
Central District, 1.9 km from Istana Besar
Singapore
Jonathan Choon Loong
S$224
includes taxes & fees
20 Aug - 21 Aug
Sheraton Johor Bahru

10. Havona Hotel @ CIQ Johor Bahru - Self Check-In

Havona Hotel @ CIQ Johor Bahru - Self Check-In
Central District, 1.8 km from Istana Besar
Singapore
Kevin
S$32
includes taxes & fees
20 Aug - 21 Aug
Havona Hotel @ CIQ Johor Bahru - Self Check-In

11. Belllo Hotel JB Central

Belllo Hotel JB Central
Central District, 1.1 km from Istana Besar
Malaysia
Norridzuan
S$63
includes taxes & fees
24 Aug - 25 Aug
Belllo Hotel JB Central

12. R&F Princess Cove JB By SaffronCasa JB

R&F Princess Cove JB By SaffronCasa JB
Central District, 1.3 km from Istana Besar
Singapore
Tiong Ghee
S$74
includes taxes & fees
25 Aug - 26 Aug
R&F Princess Cove JB By SaffronCasa JB

13. Twin Tower Residence by Stayrene

Twin Tower Residence by Stayrene
Central District, 1.8 km from Istana Besar
Singapore
Mohamad Dali
S$60
includes taxes & fees
20 Aug - 21 Aug
Twin Tower Residence by Stayrene

14. CIQ HOTEL at Jalan Trus

CIQ HOTEL at Jalan Trus
Central District, 1 km from Istana Besar
Singapore
Hui Hui
S$38
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
CIQ HOTEL at Jalan Trus

15. R&F TrexHomestay

R&F TrexHomestay
Central District, 1.5 km from Istana Besar
Singapore
KAI JIN
S$121
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
R&F TrexHomestay

16. Citrus Hotel Johor Bahru by Compass Hospitality

Citrus Hotel Johor Bahru by Compass Hospitality
Central District, 1.1 km from Istana Besar
Malaysia
Chin Sung
S$48
includes taxes & fees
20 Aug - 21 Aug
Citrus Hotel Johor Bahru by Compass Hospitality

17. R&F Princess Cove at ANJU

R&F Princess Cove at ANJU
Central District, 1.9 km from Istana Besar
Singapore
Simon
S$71
includes taxes & fees
16 Sept - 17 Sept
R&F Princess Cove at ANJU

18. Attrus By LSE - Hostel

Attrus By LSE - Hostel
Central District, 1.1 km from Istana Besar
United Kingdom
Ken
S$37
includes taxes & fees
20 Aug - 21 Aug
Attrus By LSE - Hostel

19. Shobi Hotel Johor Bahru Near CIQ JB

Shobi Hotel Johor Bahru Near CIQ JB
Central District, 1.6 km from Istana Besar
Canada
Daryl
S$24
includes taxes & fees
26 Aug - 27 Aug
Shobi Hotel Johor Bahru Near CIQ JB

20. Paragon Suite By Antlerzone

Paragon Suite By Antlerzone
Central District, 2.1 km from Istana Besar
Singapore
Mohammad Ridzuwan
S$81
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Paragon Suite By Antlerzone
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Compare popular hotels close to Istana Besar

Property
Property class
Guest rating
Breakfast included
Pool
Spa
Pet-friendly
WiFi included
Outdoor pool, pool loungers
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru
9.0
Wonderful
1,003 reviews
View
Exterior
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johor Bahru by IHG
8.6
Excellent
330 reviews
View
Daily buffet breakfast for a fee
Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru
9.0
Wonderful
1,002 reviews
View
Smart TV
Z Hotel Johor
8.8
Excellent
147 reviews
View
Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets
R&F Princess Cove by FUJU & 5mins to ClQ
9.4
Exceptional
171 reviews
View

Top Istana Besar Hotel Reviews

Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru

Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru

10/10 Excellent
"Quiet and private location with a modern twist. Great place to stay."
Arnel 1-night trip
Posted 18 hours ago
Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru

8/10 Good
"Free parking, staff service excellent. Surrounding hotel under construction so location messy not so nice"
Catherine 1-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru
Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre by IHG

10/10 Excellent
"Just next to CIQ. Will be glad that you are so close to the customs and can just dump the bag before going to shop in KSL or Southkey. In July 2026 the City Square is undergoing renovations so there is not much to shop so take note of that. Everything should be back to normal when the new MRT station opens that links to Singapore. The hotel is modern, new and very welcoming. Did not have breakfast at the hotel but went to the old town to have my nasi lemak and hainanese coffee."
Uei 1-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre by IHG
R&F Princess Cove by FUJU & 5mins to ClQ

R&F Princess Cove by FUJU & 5mins to ClQ

10/10 Excellent
"Clean rooms! Customer Service is very helpful with fast replies. No complains. Will come back in the future."
Shannon 1-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
R&F Princess Cove by FUJU & 5mins to ClQ
Suasana JB Central by TPL

Suasana JB Central by TPL

10/10 Excellent
"Breakfast at level 34 was nice. highest cafe in all of JB"
Farooq 1-night trip
Posted 3 weeks ago
Suasana JB Central by TPL
Sheraton Johor Bahru

Sheraton Johor Bahru

8/10 Good
"Overall stay was good. Just minor issues like having only 2 towels when 3 checked in, so I had to share towel with my son even after asking. Common toilet has no trash bin. Main toilet tissue box was empty. Overall still ok la."
Aaron 3-night trip
Posted 3 weeks ago
Sheraton Johor Bahru
Amari Johor Bahru

Amari Johor Bahru

8/10 Good
"Great location, easy to walk to shops, cafes, restaurants, hawkers and a bar with live music near by is needed. Very close the causeway. Staff are very friendly and super helpful. Hotel is modern, clean and comfortable. Perfect for a weekend stay."
Fleur 1-night trip
Posted 3 weeks ago
Amari Johor Bahru
Citrus Hotel Johor Bahru by Compass Hospitality

Citrus Hotel Johor Bahru by Compass Hospitality

10/10 Excellent
"Comfortable stay."
Nicholas 1-night trip
Posted 2 months ago
Citrus Hotel Johor Bahru by Compass Hospitality
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johor Bahru by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johor Bahru by IHG

8/10 Good
"The hotel is about 10 to 15min walk from City Square and easy to get to. Initially, we did not know how to get there, so took a bus from JB Sentral, #J10 and drop about 350 meters from it. Staff guided us to go to the 3rd floor carpark and turn right towards Public Bank, City Square is just after it."
Sung Meng 1-night trip
Posted 2 months ago
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johor Bahru by IHG

Other attractions near Istana Besar

A pelican standing on a railing by a green body of water with trees and buildings in the background.

Johor Zoo

7.0/10 (15 reviews)
Hang out with the animal kingdom to encounter a rich variety of wildlife at one of the oldest zoos in Malaysia.
See properties
A long corridor with a blue floor, white walls, and yellow doors.

Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque

6.4/10 (8 reviews)
Visit the state mosque of Johor, a beautiful old building that was commissioned by a sultan and boasts a mix of architectural styles.
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A red colonial-style building with white trim, ornate balconies, and traditional lanterns.
Photo by Jim Teo

Tan Hiok Nee

Find out about the history of Bandar Johor Bahru when you spend time at Tan Hiok Nee. While in this family-friendly area, find time to visit its shops.
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Royal Abu Bakar Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Royal Abu Bakar Museum in Johor Bahru. Wander the area's picturesque gardens or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
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Masjid Negeri Sultan Abu Bakar

Learn about the local history of Johor Bahru when you spend time at Masjid Negeri Sultan Abu Bakar. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.
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Sultan Ibrahim Building

7.4/10 (3 reviews)
After visiting Sultan Ibrahim Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Bandar Johor Bahru. Wander the area's picturesque gardens or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
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Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum during your trip to Bandar Johor Bahru. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
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Sri Raja Mariamman Temple

After visiting Sri Raja Mariamman Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Bandar Johor Bahru. Visit the area's shops or amble around its picturesque gardens.
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Find out more about Istana Besar

Top reasons to visit Istana Besar

  • Majestic Royal Palace: The grand Istana Besar showcases stunning architecture and opulent decorations, offering a glimpse into Malaysia's royal heritage.
  • Rich Cultural Experience: Guided tours highlight the vibrant local culture and history, making for an immersive visit.
  • Beautiful Surroundings: Expansive gardens and impressive structures enhance the picturesque atmosphere around the palace.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The neighbourhood is welcoming, perfect for families and budget travellers exploring local markets and parks.
  • Historic Sites: Nearby attractions, including the historic Istana Lama, provide additional cultural insights and exploration opportunities.

Find great hotels near Istana Besar

Experience the grandeur of Istana Besar, where opulent palace buildings and luxurious decorations create a majestic backdrop for your stay. Choose from an array of accommodations, including hotels and guesthouses, tailored for business travellers, families, and those seeking a lavish getaway. Enjoy the expansive gardens and immerse yourself in the rich history of this royal residence, making it the perfect base for your Johor Bahru adventure.

  • KSL Hotel & Resort: Embracing a vibrant family-friendly theme, KSL Hotel & Resort is an ideal choice for those travelling with children. Located 3.2km from Istana Besar, this 4-star resort is designed to provide a fun-filled experience for families. Guests can enjoy a plethora of amenities including an exciting Arcade Game Room, a dedicated children's pool, and a water park, ensuring the little ones have endless entertainment. The resort also offers essential services such as cribs (for a fee) and window guards for added safety, making it a welcoming haven for families seeking a memorable vacation.
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru: Situated a mere 1.1km from Istana Besar, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru fuses business efficiency with leisure, making it perfect for both corporate and family travels. This 4-star hotel features comprehensive business amenities including a 24-hour business centre and multiple meeting rooms. For relaxation, guests can unwind at the full-service spa or enjoy the hot tub and sports massage. Families will appreciate the free crib provision and the first aid kit, ensuring a safe and comfortable stay. The hotel’s inviting atmosphere and extensive facilities create a perfect blend of work and play.
  • Amari Johor Bahru: A step above with its 4.5-star rating, Amari Johor Bahru harmonises business and wellness for an exceptional stay. Located just 1.1km from Istana Besar, this hotel offers modern business amenities including a conference centre and meeting rooms. Guests seeking relaxation can indulge in a variety of spa treatments such as deep tissue massages and manicures. Family-friendly facilities are also available, including a children’s pool and free cribs. With its emphasis on comfort and convenience, Amari Johor Bahru is a prime choice for travellers looking to balance work and leisure.

Where to stay near Istana Besar

Exploring the area around Istana Besar, you'll be captivated by its grand structures and stunning architecture. The surrounding neighbourhoods offer a friendly atmosphere, perfect for families and budget travellers alike. Don't miss the majestic staircases and the vibrant local culture, which provide a delightful excursion experience. With friendly locals and a rich heritage, this destination is sure to leave a lasting impression on your journey in Johor Bahru.

  • Johor Bahru: As the capital city of Johor, Johor Bahru is a vibrant hub that boasts a rich blend of cultures and experiences. Nestled close to the Singapore-Malaysia border, it welcomes visitors year-round, with peak travel periods in March, August, and December. The city offers a plethora of activities, from bustling shopping malls to relaxing resorts. Notable attractions include beautiful beaches and exciting theme parks, making it an ideal destination for families and business travellers alike. Johor Bahru is a city that never fails to impress with its lively atmosphere and diverse offerings.
  • Bandar Johor Bahru: Located just 805m from Istana Besar, Bandar Johor Bahru is a quaint village that provides a charming contrast to the bustling city nearby. This area enjoys a steady influx of visitors throughout the year, particularly during peak months. Bandar Johor Bahru is perfect for those seeking family-friendly activities and business facilities. With its proximity to theme parks, event venues, and shopping destinations, it offers an engaging experience for all. The village’s laid-back vibe, combined with local attractions, makes it a delightful spot to explore.
  • Jalan Wong Ah Fook: Approximately 966m from Istana Besar, Jalan Wong Ah Fook is another village that captures the essence of Johor Bahru. This area, like its neighbours, sees consistent visitor numbers, peaking during March, August, and December. Jalan Wong Ah Fook is renowned for its accessibility to shopping centres and resorts, catering to families and business visitors alike. Nearby, you can find event venues and convention centres, enhancing its appeal as a dynamic location. The village atmosphere paired with its convenient attractions makes Jalan Wong Ah Fook a must-visit.

Things to do near Istana Besar

When visiting Istana Besar in Johor Bahru, immerse yourself in a variety of activities, including shopping at local markets, birdwatching in nearby parks, and exploring the region's wildlife. The main attraction, the grand Istana Besar itself, offers a glimpse into royal history and architecture. Don't miss out on guided tours that showcase Malaysia's rich culture and heritage, making for a memorable experience in this vibrant city.

Shopping

Experience vibrant shopping at Johor Bahru City Square, just 1.1km from Istana Besar, offering entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Nearby, Bazaar Karat (Rusty Market) is 966m away, perfect for unique finds. If you're up for a drive, visit Komtar JBCC, also 1.1km away, for more shopping delights.

Recreation

Angry Birds Activity Park Johor Bahru offers a fun-filled family playground with outdoor activities, perfect for all ages. For golf enthusiasts, the Johor Golf and Country Club provides a lush green course set in a tranquil environment. Meanwhile, Tan Sri Hassan Yunus Stadium caters to sports lovers with its vibrant atmosphere.

Adventure

Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, located 11.3km from Istana Besar, offers thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions for a day of excitement. La Stella Water Theme Park, 12.9km away, features fun-filled water rides and activities, perfect for families seeking adventure in a vibrant environment.

Nightlife

In Johor Bahru, the vibrant nightlife around Istana Besar features chic bars and lively clubs. The nearby Jalan Dhoby is renowned for its trendy cafés and street art, while the bustling night markets offer local delicacies and a lively atmosphere perfect for evening strolls.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Istana Besar

To save on your visit to Istana Besar, consider travelling between September and November, when accommodation prices drop. Aim to book your stay on a Wednesday for the best rates, avoiding pricier Sundays. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and hotel category, such as Eco-certified options. Additionally, bundling your hotel with flights and activities can lead to significant savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities around the area to maximise your budget while enjoying your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Istana Besar are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Istana Besar is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Istana Besar is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your Istana Besar hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in and around Istana Besar

Visitors to Istana Besar in Johor Bahru can immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience, exploring the stunning Royal Palace and the historic Istana Lama. The area features various attractions, including modern civic buildings, temples, and mosques, perfect for those seeking both outdoor adventures and cultural insights. Whether you're interested in architecture or local heritage, the grand palace of Johor offers a captivating glimpse into Malaysia's royal history.

  • Johor Bahru Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex: This modern civic government building, located 1.3km from Istana Besar, showcases impressive architecture and operates with a business-like atmosphere, making it an interesting stop for those intrigued by contemporary design and governmental functions.
  • Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum: Nestled within Istana Besar, this historic building offers a glimpse into Johor's royal heritage. With its rich cultural vibes, visitors can explore exquisite artefacts and learn about the state's history and traditions.
  • Persada Convention Center: Situated 966m from Istana Besar, this event conference venue exudes a professional ambience, often hosting various events and exhibitions, making it a hub for business and networking in Johor Bahru.

The nearest major airports for your trip to Istana Besar

Visiting Istana Besar in Johor Bahru can be conveniently accessed via three major airports. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is situated 27.4km away, with nearby hotels such as the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, just 483m from the airport. Johor Bahru Senai International Airport (JHB) is 22.5km from Istana Besar, with options like Le Grandeur Palm Resort, located merely 1.6km away. Lastly, Singapore Seletar Airport (XSP) is 12.9km away, offering hotels like Swissotel The Stamford, 14.5km from the airport. Each hotel provides various transportation services to their respective airports for a hassle-free journey.

Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Istana Besar?
Istana Besar is located in a welcoming area of Johor Bahru known for its array of dining options and bird watching. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, take a look at the 128 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.
What's the best hotel to stay close to Istana Besar?
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this hotel offers a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. It's located just a short 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Istana Besar. Other good options close by include Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johor Bahru by IHG and Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre by IHG.
How many hotels are there close to Istana Besar?
Expedia has 128 hotels and other accommodation options within a mile from Istana Besar.
If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Istana Besar, will I receive a refund?
Yes! You'll find that most room reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which in most cases is within 24 or 48 hours of your check-in date. If you have a non-refundable reservation, you might be able to still cancel and get a refund within a 24-hour period of booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then use the "fully refundable" filter to review the best deals available near Istana Besar.
What can I see and do near Istana Besar?
You'll want to browse the exhibits at Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum and Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum. Sights like Tan Hiok Nee and Sri Raja Mariamman Temple highlight some of the local culture. Spend some time wandering around Danga Bay Park, Woodlands Waterfront Park and Taman Merdeka.
How can I get to Istana Besar?
To see more of the larger area, hop aboard a train at JB Sentral. There might not be many public transport options to choose from near to Istana Besar so consider renting a car to see more of the area.

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