{"id":2423,"date":"2025-11-08T16:22:56","date_gmt":"2025-11-08T08:22:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/?p=2423"},"modified":"2025-12-15T09:31:52","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T01:31:52","slug":"drink-like-a-local-johor-bahru-with-joe-naik","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/inspiration\/trends\/drink-like-a-local-johor-bahru-with-joe-naik\/","title":{"rendered":"Drink Like A Local: Johor Bahru with Joe Naik"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Explore Johor Bahru with Joe, to uncover a city where coastal calm meets electric energy, where late-night food stalls glow beside modern bars, and every corner hums with the warmth of Malaysian hospitality. Discover the easy rhythm of local life, taste the flavors that define its streets, and experience the city\u2019s growing cocktail culture through the eyes of a proud local.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Malaysia\u2019s southern tip, just across the causeway from Singapore, lies <strong>Johor Bahru<\/strong> &#8211; a city defined by its balance of calm and chaos. Relaxed yet wild, JB moves to its own rhythm, blending laid-back coastal life with bursts of late-night energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Born and raised in the city, <strong>Joe<\/strong> <strong>Naik<\/strong>, head bartender and co-owner of <strong>Haiiro Usagi<\/strong>, has been at the forefront of shaping Johor Bahru\u2019s emerging cocktail scene. His goal is simple yet ambitious: to build a stronger drinking culture in a city long known for its food and nightlife, but only recently discovering its love for cocktails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"819\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, (max-width: 1024px) 90vw, (max-width: 1440px) 80vw, 700px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/IMG_9604-copy-1024x819.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/IMG_9604-copy-1024x819.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/IMG_9604-copy-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/IMG_9604-copy-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/IMG_9604-copy-1536x1229.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/IMG_9604-copy-2048x1638.jpg 2048w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Big Picture<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Johor Bahru\u2019s nightlife is as varied as its people. Livehouses and Thai clubs dominate the scene, alongside countless pubs serving beers to a loyal local crowd. Yet a quiet evolution is underway, with more cocktail bars appearing across the city and redefining what a night out can look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Different generations experience nightlife in their own way. Older residents prefer coffee shops and restaurants, the middle-aged gravitate toward pubs and livehouses, while younger crowds fill the city\u2019s clubs. Fridays and Saturdays remain the most popular nights to head out, as the city comes alive with lights, laughter, and music that spills into the humid night air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2434\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, (max-width: 1024px) 90vw, (max-width: 1440px) 80vw, 700px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406166-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406166-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406166-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406166-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406166-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406166-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406166-scaled.jpg 1707w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2435\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, (max-width: 1024px) 90vw, (max-width: 1440px) 80vw, 700px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406208-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406208-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406208-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406208-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406208-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406208-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406208-scaled.jpg 1707w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2433\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, (max-width: 1024px) 90vw, (max-width: 1440px) 80vw, 700px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406224-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406224-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406224-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406224-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406224-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406224-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406224-scaled.jpg 1707w\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting around is easy with <strong>Grab<\/strong>, Malaysia\u2019s ride-hailing app, as taxis and public transport are less reliable. Joe recommends <strong>Melodies Garden<\/strong> as his favorite neighborhood for going out, a hub of small, creative venues built by young locals. For visitors, staying around <strong>Pelangi or downtown JB<\/strong> keeps you close to the city\u2019s main attractions and hidden gems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Food<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Food is at the heart of life in Johor Bahru. \u201cYou can find food 24 hours without fail in JB,\u201d Joe explains. Whether after work, after drinks, or after midnight, there\u2019s always something delicious nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The city\u2019s must-try dishes include <strong>Lok Lok<\/strong>, a local street-side favorite where skewered meats, seafood, and vegetables are cooked in boiling broth or hot oil; <strong>Bak Kut Teh<\/strong>, a rich herbal pork soup; and <strong>Kueh Tiao Kia<\/strong>, flat noodles served with braised meats and eggs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2431\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, (max-width: 1024px) 90vw, (max-width: 1440px) 80vw, 700px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406747-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406747-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406747-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406747-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406747-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406747-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406747-scaled.jpg 1707w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2429\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, (max-width: 1024px) 90vw, (max-width: 1440px) 80vw, 700px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406493-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2429\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406493-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406493-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406493-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406493-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406493-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406493-scaled.jpg 1707w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2432\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, (max-width: 1024px) 90vw, (max-width: 1440px) 80vw, 700px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406503-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406503-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406503-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406503-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406503-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406503-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406503-scaled.jpg 1707w\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In JB, food isn\u2019t just a companion to drinking, it\u2019s an inseparable part of the social experience. Many locals finish their nights with a quick supper run, and it\u2019s this late-night eating culture that gives JB its signature warmth and character. Every gathering becomes a celebration of flavor, friendship, and shared stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Drinks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Johor Bahru\u2019s drinking scene is a reflection of its evolving identity, rooted in tradition, yet rapidly modernizing. While the city doesn\u2019t have a signature drink, it\u2019s home to one of Malaysia\u2019s oldest toddy shops, operating since 1920. The fermented coconut beverage remains a unique taste of heritage and is still made the same way generations later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For most locals, though, <strong>beer<\/strong> is the drink of choice. JB\u2019s residents are known for being enthusiastic beer drinkers, and ice-cold pints remain a fixture at nearly every pub and restaurant. This easygoing drinking culture mirrors the city\u2019s laid-back character, unpretentious, sociable, and built on togetherness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2427\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, (max-width: 1024px) 90vw, (max-width: 1440px) 80vw, 700px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406253-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406253-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406253-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406253-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406253-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406253-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406253-scaled.jpg 1707w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2426\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, (max-width: 1024px) 90vw, (max-width: 1440px) 80vw, 700px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406279-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2426\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406279-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406279-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406279-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406279-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406279-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406279-scaled.jpg 1707w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2428\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, (max-width: 1024px) 90vw, (max-width: 1440px) 80vw, 700px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406296-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406296-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406296-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406296-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406296-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406296-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/11\/Web-7406296-scaled.jpg 1707w\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>But the tides are changing. A new wave of cocktail bars, led by pioneers like <strong>Haiiro Usagi<\/strong>, is redefining how Johor Bahru drinks. These spaces introduce locals and travelers alike to crafted cocktails that balance creativity and approachability. For Joe and his peers, it\u2019s about building a culture, not just serving drinks, introducing mixology as both art and community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Across the city, new venues are slowly emerging, each reflecting JB\u2019s personality: friendly, curious, and proudly Malaysian. The city\u2019s young bartenders are experimenting with flavors and techniques, drawing inspiration from local produce and street food culture. Together, they\u2019re shaping what could soon become one of Malaysia\u2019s most exciting new bar destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The big list<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>BARS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Haiiro Usagi<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shui Bar<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cabinet 8 by JWC<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chaos Natural Wine Bar<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kami Wine Bar by Terroircode<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shoot Taproom (craft beer bar)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chill Oasis (restaurant &amp; bar)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RESTAURANTS\/CAFES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kedai Bak Kut Teh Hin Hock<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kedai Makanan dan Minuman Soon Kee<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kim Long Restaurant Sdn Bhd<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Restaurant Hainan Hojiak Corner<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dee Dynasty Dumplings &amp; Noodle House<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teck Sing Restaurant<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NooDuo by Kioku<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Project Smoked<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ah Meng Restaurant<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Restoran Kacang Pool Haji<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clod Coffee Bar &amp; Roaster (coffee)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>STREET FOOD &amp; LOCAL FAVORITES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hiap Joo Bakery &amp; Biscuit Factory (famous banana cake)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>JB Fried Oyster<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nasi Lemak CIQ<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Summer Lok Lok<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Best Lok Lok &#8211; Chng Shay Chin Enterprise<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Char Kuey Tiao from 777 Coffee Shop<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tampoi Ah B Wanton Noodles<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>UNIQUE DRINKING SPOTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Air Nira Toddy Shop Public (established in 1920, classic fermented coconut drink)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Duty-free islands and coastal towns around Johor, perfect for beach days and cheap booze<br><br><strong>MARKETS &amp; EXPERIENCES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore Melodies Garden &#8211; a creative neighborhood filled with niche hangouts and young entrepreneurs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit Johor Premium Outlets for a quick shopping stop<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a short island trip from the Johor coast (many islands are duty-free)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spend a night out at a Thai club for a truly local nightlife experience<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips &amp; phrases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Tipping<\/em><\/strong>: Tips are not mandatory but always appreciated for good service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Getting Around:<\/em><\/strong> Use Grab for convenience, as taxis and public transport are less reliable in JB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Drinking Age: <\/em><\/strong>The legal drinking age in Malaysia is 21 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Where to Stay:<\/em><\/strong> Stay near Pelangi or downtown JB for easy access to nightlife, restaurants, and coffee shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Cheers: <\/em><\/strong>YUM SENG! (Stretch the \u201cYUM\u201d as long as you can \u2014 the longer the call, the longer your life!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Thank You: <\/em><\/strong>Terima Kasih (Malay) \/ Xie Xie (Chinese) \/ Nandri (Tamil)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Hi \/ Hello:<\/em><\/strong> Simple \u201cHi\u201d or \u201cHello\u201d works everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Nice to Meet You:<\/em><\/strong> \u201cNice to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Goodbye: <\/em><\/strong>\u201cBye-bye!\u201d<br><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore Johor Bahru with Joe, to uncover a city where coastal calm meets electric energy, where late-night food stalls glow beside modern bars, and every corner hums with the warmth of Malaysian hospitality. Discover the easy rhythm of local life, taste the flavors that define its streets, and experience the city\u2019s growing cocktail culture through [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38814,"featured_media":2424,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,27],"tags":[112],"theme":[],"class_list":["post-2423","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiration","category-trends","tag-drink-like-a-local"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Drink Like A Local: Johor Bahru with Joe Naik - Campari Academy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore Johor Bahru with Joe Naik, to uncover a city where coastal calm meets electric energy and every corner hums with the warmth of Malaysian hospitality.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.campariacademy.com\/en-asia\/inspiration\/trends\/drink-like-a-local-johor-bahru-with-joe-naik\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Drink Like A Local: Johor Bahru with Joe Naik - 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