During Peace Corps training in 1973, my impression of Jahore Bharu was that it was unattractive and colorless. My trip in 1997 didn't really change that impression. After taking a bus from Singapore, I found some difficulty finding a place to change money, and then finding tranportation to Mersing. After having to take a taxi to the bus station (it was too far to walk), I found there were no buses leaving for my destination any time soon. I eventually shared a taxi to Mersing, which is the port for ferries to Pulau Tioman.