Taman Botani Diraja Johor is now open in JB
If you need a new spot to reset in nature in Johor Bahru, we have just the news for you: the serene Taman Botani Diraja Johor, or the Royal Johor Botanical Garden, has officially opened its doors with 12 themed zones, must-see historical monuments, and admission fees from just RM2 for Malaysians.
What is the history of Taman Botani Diraja Johor?
Image credit: Taman Botani Diraja Johor
Situated within the sacred grounds of the Istana Besar, or Johor Royal Palace, this botanical haven was once a secluded and serene retreat for the royal family. It was established in 1864, silently standing through generations of the royal family and the natural evolution of the region’s flora.
Image credit: Taman Botani Diraja Johor
As of 31st August 2025, the garden has been officially opened to the public, as reported by Bernama. It aims to be one of the state’s main tourist attractions.
What to do and see at Taman Botani Diraja Johor?
Image credit: Taman Botani Diraja Johor
Sprawling over 126 acres, Taman Botani Diraja Johor features an impressive collection of Malaysian plants along with rare, endangered tropical species. There are nearly 145,000 trees here, along with 583 species of flora.
The garden is divided into 12 smaller gardens that house the garden’s varied collection of botany, including orchids, palms, heliconia and ginger, bamboo, ferns, and herbs.
Image credit: Taman Botani Diraja Johor
Shutterbugs will be pleased to find historical structures in the garden for photos. These include the Japanese House, a gift from the Emperor of Japan in the 1880s that was built entirely in Japan and then reinstalled on the grounds of the Istana Besar, and the Istana Bukit Zaharah, built in 1858 and one of the earliest royal buildings in Johor with Western architecture.
There’s also the Bukit Bintang, which was once a site for the state’s official troops band to practice music and official ceremonies for the Kesultanan Johor Moden.
Image credit: Taman Botani Diraja Johor
There are plenty of benches in the park, but not a lot of shaded areas, so it’s best to come with sunscreen and an umbrella if needed. A whole loop of the garden stretches about 2km, or around 3,000 steps, and will take you around 40 minutes.
Admission fees & opening hours for the garden
Admission tickets for Malaysians are priced at RM2/pax, while standard admission is priced at RM30/pax. Entry is free for children aged five and below and persons with disabilities who have an OKU card. All tickets must be purchased online on the garden’s website here, as there are no ticket counters available on-site.
The garden opens every Wednesday to Sunday, from 8am to 6pm. It closes on Mondays and Tuesdays for maintenance purposes.
Visit the new Taman Botani Diraja Johor in JB
Consider Taman Botani Diraja Johor your next spot for tranquil walks through themed landscapes. It’s easily accessible too, just a short drive from other popular attractions such as Zoo Johor and Istana Besar. There are shuttle buses every 15 minutes from Kota Jail and Menara Tabung Haji to the garden, too.
Address: Taman Botani Diraja Johor, Istana Besar Johor, 80000 Johor Darul Ta’zim, Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 8am-6pm (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
Contact: Taman Botani Diraja Johor website
Cover image adapted from: Taman Botani Diraja Johor