By Audrey Tan
Singaporeans and Malaysians go way back. And, thanks to a causeway connecting the two countries across the Straits of Johor, we can visit each other often. Many locals travel this route daily for work, retail therapy, or a quick getaway.
Just over the border from Singapore sits Johor Bahru (affectionately known as JB), the capital of Johor State, where good food and retail therapy converge. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you want to cover all your bases for your next trip, read on to gather all the info you need for a memorable trip to JB!
How To Get There From Singapore
You can get to JB from Singapore a few ways, depending on your budget and how many you travel with. It’s not that far—depending on traffic, you can reach JB by car from Singapore within 45 minutes to an hour.
Drive yourself: If you have a car and don’t mind the drive, this is the best and most convenient way to get there. The only downside is facing traffic during peak hours, and you must alight from your car to clear immigration. But once you clear this step, it should be smooth sailing, and you can start eating and shopping!
Train: Taking the train is quick and cost-effective. A return ticket from the Woodlands Train Checkpoint to Johor Bahru Sentral costs SGD$5, and the high-speed train will get you there in 5 minutes! If you have children aged 4 and below, they can even ride for free. The only issue with this option is that tickets are limited, so you’ll need to book months in advance.
Bus: If you’re trying to save money, taking the bus is the cheapest option. There are many bus services with varying prices, routes, and comfort levels. On average, you’ll be able to find a bus ticket for SGD$5.00. However, this option is the least convenient as you’ll need to stick to the bus’ schedule, and you may only be able to visit one or two places.
Private Hire: This is one of the pricier options, but it becomes more worthwhile if you’re a bigger group. With this option, a private car will take you to and from JB, and you don’t need to leave the car for immigration clearance. You can hire a 7-seater car from $100 onwards.
Mall Guide
Once you’ve cleared customs, here are some of the malls and places that you can’t miss out:
Tebrau City Trio: IKEA, Toppen Mall and AEON (30-minute drive from JB Sentral)
Address: 33 & 33A, Jln Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
If furniture shopping is your goal, the Tebrau shopping district is where you’ll find a massive IKEA outlet. Although the prices are standard IKEA prices, you’ll have plenty more options to choose from. Right next door is AEON Tebrau City, where you can continue shopping and stock up on affordable groceries.
To round up your shopping day, Toppen Shopping Centre is on the other side of IKEA. It houses a variety of sports and fitness brands. It has a cinema and outdoor park perfect for winding down during the evening. For thrillseekers, they even have an outdoor skate park and rock-climbing wall on the rooftop!
If you want to treat your children (and yourself), visit the Game On Theme Park. Consider reserving more time for this indoor theme park, which has lots to do, from arcade games to karaoke, trampoline obstacle courses, and a bunch of other fun stuff for children and adults.
Taman Mount Austin
Address: Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: Depends on individual shop
Taman Mount Austin has been dubbed JB’s trendiest neighbourhood since the mid-1990s. Lined with Instagram-worthy cafes and restaurants, over 30 popular bubble tea shops, family KTVs and bars, it’s a favourite hangout spot among locals and tourists.
There’s also the Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, which hasn’t been as popular since Legoland opened. But if you’re looking to splash around without dealing with large crowds, it’s still a decent water park with five big slides, water playgrounds, a lazy river, and a wave pool. There’s also an Adventure Park, Jump Street, and a Sports and Leisure park.
Johor Bahru City Square
Address: 106 – 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Just a stone’s throw after customs is the Johor Bahru City Square. This mall is usually the first stop for travellers to freshen up, grab a bite, and recharge before shopping begins. The money changer at this mall offers a decent rate.
Besides that, the mall houses a variety of eateries, plus local and international fashion brands. Before heading to your next stop, you can easily spend a few hours here.
Mid Valley Southkey
Address: 1, Persiaran Southkey 1, Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
For the more “atas” shoppers, Mid Valley Southkey is a mall that houses mid- to high-end and luxury items. Compared to other malls, the ambience here is more laid-back. The mall has a good mix of F&B options and also hosts events and exhibitions like pet, baby, and home expos, so be sure to check their website to maximise your trip.
Mid Valley Southkey is also an excellent last stop on your trip as it houses the Aurum Theatre, where you can have a luxurious private cinema experience. There’s no better way to wrap up a day of shopping and rest your legs than sinking into luxury recliners with plush seating while enjoying a good movie. Ticket prices start from SGD$49.
Johor Premium Outlets (JPO)
Address: Jalan Premium Outlets, Indahpura, 81000 Kulai
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
The main thing Singaporeans love about shopping in JB is the wallet-friendly prices. JPO is an outlet mall, which means you can snag out-of-season branded products at low prices. There are over 80 designer brands to browse from, so if you don’t mind wearing last season’s fashion, this stop is a must.
Many people enjoy this outlet’s open-air concept. The stores are single-story and nicely laid out, giving off an elegant atmosphere, like shopping overseas.
Sunway Big Box Retail Park
Address: Persiaran Medini 5, Sunway City Iskandar Puteri, 79250 Nusajaya
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Book lovers, you can’t visit JB without checking out this unique industrial container park-themed mall that houses BookXcess, a paradise for book lovers. With a whopping over 32,000 square feet lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, you’ll find something to add to your book collection. It’s also perfect for insta-worthy shots.
Adrenaline junkies, you’ll also be able to have fun at this retail park because it’s home to the EnerG X Park, with plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities to choose from. The popular ones are the electric go-kart, ninja obstacle course, trampoline course, wall climbing, zip-lining and much more!
KSL City Mall
Address: LG 64, 33, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
This mall is a favourite among Singaporeans who visit JB often because there’s lots for the whole family. If you’re looking for a pamper sesh, it houses several hair, nail, and eyelash salons offering top-notch services. You can get mani-pedis and a whole new hair-do at a fraction of Singapore prices. There are also a few spa and massage options to loosen up tight muscles after a long day of walking.
The Dinosaurs Alive Water Theme Park is at the KSL Hotel, above the mall. It’s the perfect place to cool off during a hot day and reward the kids with some splashing fun. Food-wise, this mall has everything from local to foreign cuisines. If it’s your first time visiting JB, check out this mall.
Thrift Shopping
Red Chilli Vintage
Address: 15C, Jalan Dhoby, Off, Jalan Pahang, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: 12pm to 7pm, Friday to Tuesday, closed every Wednesday and Thursday
Kedai Dhoby Shanghai
Address: 53, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: Monday 11am to 6pm, Wed-Thu-Sun: 11am to 7pm, closed every Tuesday
Big Bundle
Address: 219, Jalan Ledang, Taman Johor, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: 10am to 11pm daily, 2.30pm to 11pm on Fridays
For true hipsters who prefer to shop vintage, check out Red Chilli Vintage and Kedai Dhoby Shanghai. If you’re into the Y2K aesthetic, you’re sure to find some hidden gems at one of these shops. You’ll also be able to find unique pieces for a wide range of styles, such as vintage branded oversized jerseys, cargo pants, graphic tees, accessories, and more!
Big Bundle is one of JB’s biggest thrift stores. Warning: You’ll need to do some serious digging, and the space does not have air conditioning. But every now and then, hard work pays off, and you’ll be able to find some unique branded items at extremely low prices.
Save our suggestions into a folder on your Google Maps app so the next time you visit JB, you won’t run out of things to do and places to go. The itinerary for your next trip to JB is practically set!
Just plan your transport, grab some friends and family, and enjoy Johor Bahru.