GOASIAPLUS September 2018

TRAVEL
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3 AirAsia mural by Tuanmulo 4 Gateway
arch to Jalan Tan Hiok Nee 5 The towering
Arulmigu Rajamariamman 6 Old Temple of
Johor Bahru 7 The delicious chicken chop
from It Roo Cafe 8 Exterior of Art52 Gallery
making good ties with the royalty and is known as
the wealthiest man in Johor. Back then, Tan Hiok
Nee built his shops and houses by the west bank
of Segget River and leads Ngee Heng Kongsi, a
powerful gang in the city.
The stories of Tan Hiok Nee’s history are
mounted along the walls of OCBC Bank on the
street today. To hear more of its juicy stories, visit
Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum at Jalan
Tan Hiok Nee. Most of the relics from Ngee Heng
Kongsi and details on Chinese immigrants are
documented by the association.
Along the road, trendy establishments like
eateries and boutiques are lined in the row of
shops. Art52 Gallery has paintings and artwork by
local artists and the street also acts as a hub for
nighttime entertainment. Besides, the cultural
place has become a vibrant attraction for murals,
especially one with AirAsia’s painting by Johor’s
local artist-Tuanmulo-by the walls of the classically
iconic 19th century cornershop, now occupied by
Let’s Eat restaurant.
Prior to the neighbourhood’s cultural renewal,
this side of town is a holy gathering for devotees of
different beliefs. Walking south along Jalan Trus,
you can enter the Old Temple of Johor Bahru where
Taoist worships the 5 main deities at the shrine.
Right across, Gurdwara Sahib has weekly programs
and prayers for the Sikh community. This religious
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