Guide to Kotajail in Johor Bahru
In Johor Bahru’s Ayer Molek, there was once a 140-year-old former prison that locals knew as Kota Jail, or Ayer Molek Prison. The JB prison stood as one of the oldest prisons in the country until it was left abandoned.
More than five years on, the structure has been transformed into a unique creative hub known as KOTAJAIL, with pop-up markets, exhibitions, and a matcha cafe housed within the former prison.
The history of Kota Jail
Opened in 1883, Kota Jail stands as one of the oldest prisons in Malaysia after Melaka’s Banda Hilir Prison and Perak’s Taiping Prison, established in 1860 and 1879, respectively. It was used to incarcerate criminals and those who rebelled against the British administration, and later as a bunker for the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II.
Image credit: @johobaru via Instagram
When it operated as a prison for the state, it had a holding capacity of 1,500. However, the prison became overcrowded and all of its inmates had to be moved to Kluang’s Simpang Renggam Prison in 2005. The prison was briefly an exhibition space and a police lock-up before it was left abandoned in 2018.
Image credit: @johobaru via Instagram
The restoration of Kota Jail into a creative hub
The prison’s restoration was carried out by the creative youth group Joho in collaboration with the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) and the Prisons Department. It involved repair and renovation works on 10 buildings within the massive 5.2-hectare prison complex.
The project began in October 2024 and was carried out in three phases, due to the sheer size of the complex.
Image credit: @johobaru via Instagram
The ambitious restoration of Kota Jail aims to create a place where the past and present seamlessly blend, with local historians and the National Archives of Malaysia involved to help preserve the prison’s history for visitors.
Image credit: @johobaru via Instagram
What to expect on a visit to KOTAJAIL
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Today, visitors to Kota Jail can visit the actual prison building that has been left untouched for a small fee of RM5 for Malaysians and RM15 for tourists. The prison cells are now open to be explored, with graffiti left behind offering a glimpse into the lives of the inmates.
Image credit: @johobaru via Instagram
There’s also a gallery space, the Galeri Penjara Ayer Molek, which details the prison’s long history and displays artefacts from its past. Though viewer discretion is advised, a gallery and accompanying video presentation on how punishments were carried out let visitors understand the prison and its inhabitants even more.
Image credit: @johobaru via Instagram
KOTAJAIL weaves the old with the modern, with newer additions like a vibrant space for artists, creatives, and foodies to showcase their talents in pop-up markets hosted here.
You can check out the latest happenings on KOTAJAIL’s Instagram here.
Image credit: @johobaru via Instagram
More spaces are planned for KOTAJAIL in the future, including a co-working space, library, and community sports facilities.
Image adapted from: Teckngaen Wong via Facebook
A matcha cafe and kopitiam staples
Within the KOTAJAIL complex, visitors can also indulge in a meal at two cafes.
Image credit: @johobaru via Instagram
There’s Matcha Lalu, which is well-known for offering matcha-based beverages made with Niko Neko powder at pop-up events. They’ve since occupied a permanent cafe space at KOTAJAIL, which opens daily from 10am to 12am.
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There’s also Lé LA, offering LA-style signature pizzas topped with unique ingredients like smoked duck (RM52), lamb (RM63), and truffle (RM43).
For a more local flair, they have a kopitiam menu available from 10am to 6pm too, which features Nasi Lemak Lela (from RM11), Roti Bakar Shokupan (from RM8), and Mee Siam (RM19).
Image adapted from: @lilycious_yummm via Instagram
Visit the restored KOTAJAIL in JB
The restoration of the historic Kota Jail ensures that its heritage and historical value are preserved. With new spaces to host pop-up markets, cafes, and a gallery, it’ll be a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, culture, heritage, and food.
Address: Penjara, Jalan Ayer Molek, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: KOTAJAIL website | Facebook
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Cover image adapted from: @johobaru via Instagram