Johore Bahru Chinese Temple Festival

On the 21st day of the first Lunar Month, a festival procession of the 5 deities of the Chinese temples in Johor Bahru was held.  There is a common saying that the Lunar New Year will only end for the residents in Johor after this festival.  The proceedings started a few days earlier but the main procession is on the 21st itself.

The photos were taken at City Square, near the Malaysian Immigration Checkpoint.  The procession reached City Square after 9 pm.












It is similar to the Chingay in Singapore but more grounds-up and more organic




There were a lot of followers following the floats or performing items...

The excitement was when the procession of the deities arrived...

It is possible to experience the festival on a day trip from Singapore, provided you leave Johor at around 11 pm (the procession last past midnight).  There is no way to get to the official taxi stand as the roads would be blocked.  Try the bus stations at the immigration checkpoint, was told that last bus leaves for Singapore at around 2330.  If not, negotiate with the private taxis for the trip back (we paid $40).  It may make sense to spend a night at JB.

Hopefully, I could make it to the pre-procession activities on another occasion.

(PS: This event was held on 23 Feb 2011)