[2024 Update] Motorist Guide to JB | 25 things you must do in JB

In today's mGuide, we will be exploring various activities and sightseeing spots you can do with friends and family over a weekend!

A quick weekend getaway is often a good way to unwind and forget about the stress of the workweek. Alas, deciding on what to do can be an arduous affair as there are really so many things to choose from. But don't fret, we're here to help you narrow down your options!

Before you hop across the border, however, why not give our Motorist App a try. It enables you to check on the traffic situation along your route before you travel and the checkpoint feature helps to warn you of those pesky potential fuel checks and offers real-time traffic camera feeds.

1. Go-Karting (RUD Karting)

(Photo Credit: RUDKarting Google Maps)

As the petrolheads we are, it’s only fitting that we feature go-karting as one of the activities. Starting at just 55RM/pax for a 10-minute session, it is an inexpensive option that gives adventure junkies a way to live out their speeding fantasies without even owning a license! Housing a racetrack of 840m and 16 turns, it truly gives riders a feeling of professional go-karting.

They have three types of karts: basic, advanced and twin karts. Basic and advanced karts are more-or-less the same, with advanced karts having the benefit of having a much higher speed. Twin karts on the other hand allow even children and first-timers to have an equally enjoyable experience, with a friend or family member beside them. After racing, you can head over to their cafe, the RUD Cafe and Bistro, which sells Asian and western cuisine.

Details:

Address: PTD 200284, Persiaran Medini Sentral 6, Bandar Medini Iskandar, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: (11am - 2am) Daily

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/igV2mckm9rYxXDDC6

2.  LEGOLAND

Our second entry on our list needs no introduction. Fans of LEGO old and young can come together and marvel at the LEGO-themed park, with lego structures littered around the area. With over 40 rides in LEGOLAND, children and adults alike will be spending most of their time exploring and taking rides! To top it all off, there's a waterpark to keep you engaged for hours!

Details:

Address: 7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm Thu - Tue, Closed on Wed

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/99cPVmx21tEnSE929

3. Staying The Night (Amansari Residence Resort)

(Photo Credit: Johor Bahru Hotels)

After a long day of fun and shopping, the thought of going through the hassle of the border can be a downright headache. Moreover, is there a better feeling than to plop your head onto a hotel bed at the end of a long day? This is where the Amansari residence resort comes into play! 

From regular-sized hotel rooms to apartment-sized ones, it can really accommodate any group size!

Details:

Address: Jalan Persiaran Seri Alam, Bandar Baru Seri Alam, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 24 Hours Daily

Google Maps: https://g.page/AmansariResidenceResort?share

4. Singing Karaoke (Chun K Music Family Karaoke)

(Photo Credit: Chun K Karaoke Facebook)

Another popular activity amongst many is visiting karaoke establishments with friends or family. There's something strangely liberating about singing (or screaming) your lungs out to your favourite songs.Chun K Karaoke is catered more to families, therefore it’s perfect as a family bonding experience, where everyone can sing their hearts out!

Chun K Karaoke prides itself on being the “most advanced” smart K-song system in JB.  To add on, they also employ a luxury concept, and to top it all off, they sell food and alcohol too! It sure sounds like a karaoke joint that's not to be missed! 

Details:

Address: 37, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 2pm - 3am Sun - Fri, 2pm - 5am Sat

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/tbzdjMmRq2AsyTf18

5. See food, Seafood (Yi Jia Seafood)

(Photo Credit: Yi Jia Seafood Facebook)

Johor is well known for its cuisines. From savoury bak kut teh to sinful, piping hot laksa, Johor is blessed in the food department. However, if you're looking for something more familiar to our own local taste, fret not, they got that too! Just like the zi char stalls in Singapore, Yi Jia Seafood has the standard fare like the yam basket, sambal vegetables, and steamed vegetables on top of their trademark seafood dishes such as crabs, curry fishhead, clams, and even frogs!

However, we recommend avoiding peak periods as the waiting times can get long due to how popular they are!

Details:

Address:  21 & 23, Jalan Indah 25/1, Taman Bukit Indah 2, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 12pm - 2:30pm, 4:30pm - 11:30pm Daily

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/6tH1P5Jkn4BnzCwE9

6. Visit Bloom By Mok Mok

(Photo Credit: Purplelicious Sunday via Google Maps) 

This is a cafe where it really does live up to its name, Bloom! When you step into the café, you will be greeted by flora and fauna dangling from the ceilings, and there's even vines and flowers all over its exterior. If you're looking for a magical dining experience be sure to check this café out!

For their food, they serve fusion-style food, such as rice bowls.

Details:

Address:  87, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours:  12 – 10pm Daily

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/TfFgWtt8eovYKXRh9

7. Shop At Johor Premium Outlets

(Photo Credit: Johor Premium Outlet)

Unless you have an excess of money, chances are that you won’t be shopping at designer shops. However, at Johor Premium Outlet (JPO), these stores sell their merchandise at discounted rates, and are a hundred percent legit! Sounds too good to be true, eh? Well, don't just take our word for it, check it out for yourself!

Yes, we understand how food is a concern too. Fret not, as they have restaurants like Souper Tang and Absolute Thai to quench your hunger cravings!

Details:

Address:  Jalan Premium Outlets, Bandar Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm Daily

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/QRdZ5uk7c3dHfywR9

8. Laser Battle

(Photo Credit: Laser Battle Johor Google Maps)

Live your biggst sci-fi battle fantasies with laser battle! Navigating through the arena whilst shooting your friends with the laser gun is sure to be an exhilarating experience! Landing successful shots on opponents will add to your points which will be tallied up at the end of the game. It even accommodates large groups, up to 22 players! With their over 55 game modes to choose from, an eventful evening will be spent here!

Details:

Address: Lot MS-11, Johor Bahru City Square, 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm Daily 

Google Maps: https://g.page/LaserBattleJohor

9. Fly-Seeing

(Photo Credit: Kota Tinggi Firefly Park Google Maps)

At Kota Tinggi Firefly park, get ready to be amazed once the sun sets! Kota Tinggi firefly park is a breeding ground for fireflies, which have become increasingly rare as their habitats are continuously being destroyed by humans. 

Visitors will cruise gently down the river on a boat. Seeing the specks of light flicker around you is such a beautiful sight, and it is a reminder of how beautiful yet fragile nature can be.

Details:

Address: Jalan Kota Tinggi, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 1pm - 11pm Daily

Google Maps: https://g.page/johorfireflypark?share

10. Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory

(Photo Credit: MissTamChiak Blog)

Home to the famous Johor banana cake, Hiap Joo is an over-100-year-old establishment and their traditional wood-fired oven is the hallmark of their business. The secret to their longevity is sticking to their old-school style of baking for their cakes.

However, if banana cakes are not your thing they sell other cakes and buns too, like red bean and even otak-otak buns. 

Details:

Address: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 7:30am - 4:30pm Mon - Sat, Closed on Sun

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Tjuv4UP5vtchijyV9

11. Johor Old Chinese Temple

(Photo Credit: @f.w.s.w on Instagram)

Even for the non-religious, a visit to the Johor Old Chinese Temple can be a fruitful one. The building is bright red and white, which makes it really hard to miss. 

Taking a trip to the temple can be an eye-opening experience as you learn about the culture, heritage and the temple's rich history!

Details:

Address: Lot 653, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 7am - 5pm Daily

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/hZ1K6h1wAwZJET2AA

12. Visit Danga Bay Park *(TEMPORARILY CLOSED)*

(Photo Credit: Raman Pushkar)

A more tame entry on our list, visitors typically come to Danga Bay to see the scenery, and we can see why. It's gorgeous, especially when the sun begins to set and it has a quaint little carnival and theme park that adds on to the feel-good vibes of the place. The place is also littered with eateries so don't worry about those hunger pangs!

Details:

Address: Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: (7pm – 12am) Daily

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/pswyGy5JTynwKAw9A

13.  Ice Skating (Paradigm)

(Photo Credit: traveloka)

Show off your ice-skating prowess at Blue ice skating rink in Paradigm Mall! An indoor ice skating rink is amazing, but the simple fact that it is in a mall adds to its appeal because of its convenience. Furthermore, there are many eateries and restaurants in the mall which adds to the convenience factor. 

Details:

Address: 3F-30 Paradigm Mall Johor, Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, 81200, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm Sat – Thu, 10am – 7:30pm Fri

Google Maps: https://g.page/blueiceskatingrink?share

14. Going For A Massage

(Photo Credit: Bangkok Spa Malaysia)

Johor has an abundance of massage parlours which is great and all but you might also be susceptible to a choice overload. However, there are a few that are more-or-less better known amongst the community. One such place is Bangkok Spas which is quite ironic since, well, it is in Johor Bahru. Rest and relax your muscles with a massage, and even get 2-way free transport from their outlet to town!

Details:

Address: 58,58A,58B,60,60A,60B,62,62A,62B, Jalan Abiad, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 11am - 5am Daily

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/fV2aaaL38nKov9yA7

15. Visit The Istana Besar

(Photo Credit: @h1r0ara1 on Instagram)

The Istana Besar is also known as the Grand Palace of the Sultan of Johor. It makes for a great tourist attraction, where visitors can marvel at its beautiful architecture! Its marble finish supplements its classy appearance and the various western influences add to its air of opulence. You can only view it from the outside though, as it is closed for entry to the public.

Details:

Address:  107, Jalan Tun Dr Ismail, Taman Istana, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/wJPw72a3oLHrp9xZ9

16. Eat Bak Kut Teh

(Photo Credit: MissTamChiak)

We all know that Johor is well known for their “meat bone tea”, so why not give it a shot? 

We aren’t bak kut teh connoisseurs by any stretch of the imagination, but we highly recommend Kiang Kee Bak Kut Teh. With either the pepper or herb base to choose from, it tastes amazing and you just know that the chefs know their craft well. Trust us, Johor bak kut teh is a whole different experience than our local ones so check it out!

Details:

Address: Batu 8, Jalan Mawai, Kampung Haji Mohd Jambi, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours:  7:30am – 2pm Wed - Sun, Closed on Mon & Tues

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/DT7no3tfouEXum7B8

17. Emperor Cinemas *(PERMANENTLY CLOSED)*

(Photo Credit: Xevia Goh)

Ever wanted to feel like an emperor? Well, we can’t help you with that, but we can get you close...somewhat! Emperor cinemas pride themselves on bringing luxury to their patrons. Its theatre reeks of quality, from the lobby to its seats! We love their design concept and you will be forgiven for feeling like you've stepped into a movie scene.

Avid movie-goers or interior designers will be ecstatic to visit emperor cinemas.

Details:

Address: 1F R&F Mall, 1, Jalan Tanjung Puteri, Tanjung Puteri, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: (1pm - 10pm Tues - Sun) Closed on Mon

Google Maps: https://g.page/emperor-cinemas-my?share

18. CAMP5 Rock Climbing

(Photo Credit: Camp5 Rock Climbing Gym)

Want to work out a sweat (and get in a workout)? Why not go for the one at Paradigm mall, Camp5! It has 2000 square meters of climbing spaces, and it is fully air-conditioned to help you beat the heat! Newbies, don't worry! There are also instructors to guide you through if you are new to the rock-climbing or bouldering scene!

As it is situated in a mall, you can easily find food to recharge after your workout!

Details:

Address: 7F-08 Level 7, Skudai Paradigm Mall, Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 12pm - 10pm Mon - Fri, 10am - 8pm Sat & Sun 

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/a1XBovWSEFH6nDNs6

19. Skyscape

(Photo Credit: Rafie Rosli Putra)

Conquer your fear of heights with Skyscape! Its breath-taking view will inspired even the biggest of scaredy-cats to venture onto the glass floor deck. Don't forget to get your phone out and snap away at the scenery.

Pro tip! Visiting at sunset will net you the best views!

Details:

Address: Level 34, Menara JLand Johor Bahru City Centre (JBCC, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia  

Opening Hours: 9:30am - 4pm Daily

Google Maps: https://g.page/SkyscapeJohorBahru?share

20. Salahuddin Bakery

(Photo Credit: Jessie Ng)

Yet another bakery makes our list, and for good reason!  They are another traditional bakery that uses wood fire ovens. Their most popular pastry is their Indian curry puffs, which look like overgrown samosas. They also have many other kinds of bread and pastries, like traditional curry puffs and baguettes. 

Details:

Address:  26, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 9am - 4:30pm Mon - Thu, 10:30am - 12:30pm Fri, 9am - 4pm Sat & Sun

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/4EHS3A1o75hT7Sov6

21. Little Paris

(Photo Credit: Little Paris Facebook)

Little Paris will get you saying oui oui or merci beacoup, with their appropriately themed cafes and their open-air concept. With that many cafes in the area, looking for food is really not an issue, and their night market sells a lot of snacks too. There are also plenty of fashion outlets, after all, what is Paris without la mode?

Details:

Address: Jalan Jaya Putra 1/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 24 Hours Daily 

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/D6cfn5ADaMMhZPeo8

22. UK Farm

(Photo Credit: Flower Yong)

You may be wondering, "what business do I have being at a farm?" The answer is, all the business!!! UK farm is home to flocks of the cutest and fluffiest sheep and goats. It is open to visitors and you can feed and pet these adorable animals or buy their delicious milk!

Details:

Address: Projek Pertanian Moden Kluang,, KM13 Jalan Batu Pahat, Kluang, 8, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm Daily

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/7r1esgBMCYpBM9QTA

23. City Square Mall

(Photo Credit: asiaone)

Shopping is always a staple when visiting Johor Bahru, and City Square Mall is great for visitors from Singapore, as it is located extremely near to the customs. With restaurants and shops aplenty, it's easy to find yourself accidentally spending a whole day (or two) here.

Details:

Address:  Johor Bahru City Square Shopping Mall 106 - 108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook 

Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm Daily

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/UhWuR1UXjUYWkosX7

24. B5 Johor Street Market

(Photo Credit: Damansara Assets)

Similar to the "Pasar malams" that we have in Singapore, Johor has a permanent version in the form of B5 Johor street market! There are many different dining options, and even many stores around that sell things like gifts and souvenirs.

As an added bonus, there are hands-on activities too for both kids and adults!

Details:

Address: Jalan Nenas, Pusat Bandar Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours:  11:30am – 12am Daily

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/R3K9wuYT2Csux3bk8

25. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple

(Photo Credit: KS Nair)

This temple is truly dazzling (pun intended). It may have the appearance of a regular temple from the outside but it's when you step inside where it really shines. Its interior is fully decked out in glass, which can make for an interesting experience when you first set foot into the temple!

Details:

Address: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak 1/1, Wadi Hana, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia 

Opening Hours: 7am –12pm, 7pm – 10pm Daily

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/MY9mU2gjHk5sBSUN9

If you are interested in visiting these places, do give our App a try and make use of the checkpoint feature to ensure a smooth trip!

Read More: JB mGuide | 5 Most Instagram Worthy Cafes Worth Driving To In JB

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