Last fact-checked: 21 November 2020

Thinking about having plastic surgery? Hopping on a plane to undergo treatment can save you thousands (even when factoring in travel costs) and one such destination that's well-equipped to receive medical tourists is the Malaysian city of Johor Bahru.

A short drive over the water from Singapore, our background-checked clinics, hospitals and surgeons here offer a range of plastic surgeries at a fraction of the cost you'd normally pay back home. Keep reading this Johor Bahru destination guide to find out more about the city, price comparisons for different procedures, the benefits of medical tourism in Asia, as well as some handy tips and advice for when you're there. 

Don't forget, you can book a free appointment at any of our partner clinics in Johor Bahru directly through Medical Departures. 

Johor Bahru in Brief

Johor Bahru is the capital of the state of Johor in Malaysia. It is the southernmost city in the Malay Peninsula and is the country's second-largest city. Johor Bahru was only granted city status in 1994 but is growing rapidly, although despite its large surface area the city is not as dense as other Malaysian cities.

Geographically close to Singapore, the city attracts a large number of visitors from its glamorous neighbour (as it's only a 30-minute train journey away, after all!) Johor is one of Malaysia's most rapidly developing cities, with options for quality medical and dental care. 

The city’s metropolitan area is divided into four regions: North, South, East and West (they've kept it simple!) The north area is home to Taman Johor Jaya and is mainly residential with some light industrial and commercial zones. The west is the largest region and contains many of the important housing estates of the city. To the east, you will find the manufacturing hub and port city of Pasir Gudang. The main city centre area is situated in the southern part of the city, where the causeway provides a direct link to Singapore.

Where Is Johor Bahru?

Johor Bahru is the state capital of Johor and is located across the causeway from Singapore on the southernmost tip of the Malay Peninsula, Malaysia, Southeast Asia.

Low Cost:

Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health plans and can be unaffordable for many, one reason why many people don't consider it. By having your surgery in Johor Bahru, you can save as much as 70% on most procedures compared to the prices being charged at home.

For example:

For breast augmentation in Australia, you would expect to pay around AUD $16,500 compared to AUD $6,000 in Johor Bahru.

A facelift costs about AUD $26,000 in Australia, but as little as AUD $5,700 in Johor Bahru.

Rhinoplasty (nose job) in Australia is priced at around AUD $12,600 compared to just AUD $3,700 in Johor Bahru.

Quality Medical Facilities:

The Malaysian government has been investing heavily in its healthcare infrastructure since the late Nineties. They worked alongside private hospitals to promote medical tourism throughout the country to help boost the national economy. The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) continues to develop facilities to ensure that the very latest equipment and technology are readily available, and the introduction of the investment tax allowance has enabled many private health care facilities to offer a level of service, recognised by international organisations, such as the Joint Commission International and the Malaysian Society for Quality in Healthcare.

Doctor Training and Qualifications:

Doctors in Johor Bahru's best facilities have completed their training abroad and have internationally recognised qualifications and experience. Our partner clinics and hospitals employ fluent English speakers who can offer you the same level of care and expertise that you would expect to receive from surgeons back home.

Tourist Locations for Pre and Post-op Recovery:

You will discover a robust array of activities and attractions to keep you entertained during your visit to Johor Bahru. You can visit temples, mosques, museums, palaces and art galleries and immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural heritage.

Danga Bay is a sprawling 16-mile recreational area along the waterfront containing numerous resorts. There are around 15 golf courses to choose from spread across the region; other attractions include the Johor Bahru Zoo, one of the oldest in Malaysia, and the Dataran Bandaraya with its clock tower and fountain.

Where to Stay in Johor Bahru?

You'll find a large range of accommodation in Johor Bahru to suit all pockets. You can book a double room in the city centre in one of the many luxury or budget hotels, and less expensive rooms are available outside the city centre.

There is a good selection of mid-range options available that will cost around AUD $55 per night for a double room which includes air-con, en-suite bathroom, phone, television, telephone, sofa and coffee table. For those who prefer a little more luxury, The Grand BlueWave Hotel and M Suites Hotel offer guests five-star service and a plethora of amenities including swimming pools, conference suites, ballrooms, spa and sauna, a fitness center and gymnasium, bars and restaurants. A suite in one of these hotels will cost a minimum of AUD $80-95 per night.

Is it Safe?

The Johor Bahru administration has been working tirelessly to make the city safer for foreign visitors. An increased police presence is evident on the streets and several anti-crime measures have been initiated, including a hotline that tourists can call should they need urgent police assistance.

However, there are a few things that you can do yourself to minimise any threats to your safety, most of which apply to visiting any new city:

-Ensure your passport is safe at all times as it is a valuable asset to thieves.

-Bag snatchers have been known to operate on motorcycles, so do not carry a handbag around town.

-If you go out at night, stick to areas that have security such as private clubs and malls.

-Be aware of "scratch-and-win" scams, commonplace all over Malaysia.

Otherwise, follow the rules of the travel road and you should encounter no problems.

By booking through Medical Departures, you are assured of receiving the best treatment available. We carry out thorough background checks on all the doctors and clinics included in our listings to validate professional associations, individual qualifications and previous experience. We also perform site visits to ensure that the equipment and facilities meet all safety and hygiene standards. All of this information is posted on our website for your convenience, along with patient reviews and photographs, to help you decide which clinic is right for you.

The huge investments made in the medical industry by the Malaysian government means that clinics are equipped with the most up-to-date technology currently available. Coupled with fully qualified, internationally trained doctors, you can rest assured that you will receive care and treatment that is every bit as good as you would expect to receive back home.

See for yourself now by checking out three of our most highly-rated partner clinics in Johor Bahru below:

• Dr. Shah Clinic - Johor Bahru Branch
• Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre - Johor Bahru
• Pinnacle Figure Aesthetic Center

What Happens if Something Goes Wrong? Do Plastic Surgeons in Johor Bahru Have Warranties or Guarantees?

All the doctors and clinics listed on our website have been rigorously vetted, which includes making sure that they all have suitable warranties and guarantees in place. Whilst the vast majority of all procedures are completed successfully, we understand that surgery of any kind carries a small element of risk, no matter where in the world it is carried out.

In the unlikely event of complications arising, we will be there with you to rectify the situation as quickly and painlessly as possible. For additional peace of mind, we can arrange extra medical complications insurance before you travel, which will cover any additional accommodation or travel expenses should you need to stay longer or have to return for care.

Do Plastic Surgeons in Johor Bahru Speak English?

As part of the former British Empire, English is widely spoken in Johor Bahru and throughout Malaysia. The national language is officially Malay, although the local Chinese community still communicates through Mandarin Chinese. You should not encounter any language problems during your visit as most doctors, professionals and service industry workers are fluent English speakers.

You'll find many historical and modern landmarks to visit around the city. The Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque sits atop a small hill overlooking the Straits of Johor. Originally constructed in the late nineteenth century from white marble, a stunning mixture of Victorian and Moorish architecture that contains four minarets in the style of British clock towers. Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru is the city square and is a more contemporary construction that was built to commemorate Johor Bahru’s city status in January 1994. The square is dominated on the north edge by a gigantic, yellow clock tower.

The Danga Bay waterfront development contains numerous residential properties, commercial buildings and recreational facilities, including the Danga World Theme Park, Danga World Petting Zoo and Rumah Limas. At Taman Merdeka, you can enjoy the relaxing surroundings of the public park and large lake with its pavilions, rock sculptures, independence monument, open-air theater, bridges, cannons and clock tower.

Championship-standard golf courses are available for the golfing enthusiast, as well as diving and snorkelling trips around the island for those of a nautical persuasion. Or for something a little different, LOST in JB is an exciting escape room game that has a variety of different themes to cater for every taste and age group.

Check out this list for more fun things to do while in Johor Bahru (but do bear in mind that you may well be restricted in terms of what you can and can't do following your surgery). 

The Senai International Airport is located about 22 miles north-northwest of the Causeway, but only runs domestic flights to and from East and West Malaysia. Therefore, if you are travelling by air, you would need to fly into Kuala Lumpur and then get a connecting flight.

Alternatively, you can fly to Singapore and then board Transtar Travel's "cross border" coach service between Singapore's Changi Airport and Johor Bahru's JB Sentral Bus Terminal, although you will be required to pass through immigration twice (once in Singapore, and again when crossing the border into Johor).

Tourist Visas

For nationals of New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States there are no visa requirements for staying in Johor Bahru, providing that your stay does not exceed 90 days.

Distances and Flight Times From Other Countries

• Auckland, 5425 miles, 11 hours
• London, 6590 miles, 13.75 hours
• Los Angeles, 8800 miles, 17.5 hours
• Montreal, 9100 miles, 28.75 hours
• New York, 9433 miles, 20 hours
• Sydney, 4090 miles, 8.25 hours

What Payment Methods Are Accepted in Johor Bahru?

The official currency in Johor Bahru is the Malaysian Ringgit. FOREX booths abound, so changing your currency into Ringgits once you arrive won't be a problem. You do not require ID to perform a currency exchange at the booths and you will generally get a better exchange rate than you would receive back home. However, try to ensure that your banknotes are in good condition as some exchangers may refuse to accept old or marked notes.

Most establishments accept debit and credit card payments. However, you may find they apply a handling fee of around 3-4% for electronic transactions. Similarly, you would be advised to check with your bank before you travel as to whether you will incur any charges for making cash withdrawals from ATM machines whilst abroad.

When Is the Best Time to Visit a Plastic Surgeon in Johor Bahru?

While you can book your treatment at any time of the year, many plan their surgery around the local weather conditions. JJohor Bahru has an equatorial climate with high humidity, rain and consistent temperatures throughout the whole year.

Johor has two monsoon seasons. The first, known as the "northeast monsoon," occurs between December and February and brings heavy rains and winds from the northeast. The second, or "southwest monsoon," takes place between June and August and is characterised by relative dryness and driving winds from the south and southwest. Outside of the monsoon seasons, the weather is much calmer with weaker winds and less rainfall.

Is Johor Bahru Handicapped Accessible?

The Malaysian government passed The Persons with Disabilities Act (PWDA) in 2008, making access to recreational facilities and the transport network easier for disabled people. There have also been amendments to building by-laws that have rendered disabled access and facilities compulsory for all businesses and buildings.

Unfortunately, the roads still leave much to be desired. The sidewalks can be strewn with cracks, drain covers and potholes that all impede wheelchair navigation. Our Customer Service team can help arrange transportation to and from your hotel or lodging.

First, take some time to browse through our listings to find your surgeon and clinic.

See below for ways to arrange a free appointment, or how to contact us through our Customer Care Team if you’d like to know more about plastic surgery in Johor Bahru.

Sources:

Nakano, Takashi. Singapore commuters fueling growth in Malaysia's Johor. Nikkei Asia. 18 October 2017. https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Singapore-commuters-fueling-growth-in-Malaysia-s-Johor

Financing Your Cosmetic Surgery. WebMD. 28 November 2017. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/financing-your-cosmetic-surgery

Malaysia's healthcare market to reach RM127.9b by 2027, says Fitch Research. The Star Online. 4 December 2018. https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/12/04/malaysias-healthcare-market-to-reach-rm127pt9b-by-2027-says-fitch-research

Johor Bahru. Wonderful Malaysia. Website accessed: 9 December 2019. http://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/johor-bahru-city-malaysia.htm

Monthly weather forecast and climate - Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Weather Atlas. Website accessed: 9 December 2019. https://www.weather-my.com/en/malaysia/johor-bahru-climate

Malaysian Bar calls for holistic review of Persons with Disabilities Act 2008. New Straits Times. 19 September 2019. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/522650/malaysian-bar-calls-holistic-review-persons-disabilities-act-2008

Thornber, Lorna. Kiwis targeted again by Malaysian travel scratchie scam. Stuff. 28 August 2018. https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/travel-troubles/106616823/kiwis-targeted-again-by-malaysian-travel-scratchie-scam

25 Best Things to Do in Johor Bahru (Malaysia). The Crazy Tourist. Website accessed: 9 December 2019. https://www.thecrazytourist.com/25-best-things-to-do-in-johor-bahru-malaysia/

(Main Image by Emran Kassim licensed by Creative Commons)