I really like going to Johor Bahru (JB). I imply, who doesn’t? It’s reasonably priced, it’s good, and you are able to do nearly the whole lot and something you need for much less in comparison with Singapore.
As somebody who regularly crosses the border for meals, leisure, buying and massages, I really feel the necessity to share a few of my finest JB haunts with different Singaporeans (therefore this submit).
Now, not like different articles that simply provide the “High 10 finest issues to do and eat with JB”, I’m going to offer you a complete tried-and-tested itinerary (together with some travelling hacks) so that you just don’t have to consider selecting your favourites after which utilizing Google Maps to string your complete journey collectively.
The last word one-day JB itinerary 2024
‘Cos we’re lazy chill and laid again, we will begin planning to enter Malaysia at about 11am.
In the event you drive: Examine Motorist.sg for dwell visitors digital camera feed at Woodlands Checkpoint earlier than getting into.
In the event you’re taking public transport: The jam generally is a turn-off, particularly on weekends. Listed here are some hacks I’ve found over my a few years of crossing the border.
- Choice 1: Take into account strolling throughout the border (sure, strolling) when the jam will get actually dangerous. I’ve carried out it earlier than and it took me solely about half-hour.
- Choice 2: Pay somebody off (unofficially) to take you throughout the border.
Often, public buses will take the bus lane, so it’s not that dangerous of a jam in comparison with driving. However I do know, typically upon exiting Singapore immigration, you’ll get a shock at how loooong the queue is for the SBS bus into JB.
Now, don’t queue. As an alternative, stroll over to the personal bus bay. You might discover a number of blue buses known as “Bas Pekerja”, which basically means “worker” or “employee” bus. They ferry Malaysian employees backwards and forwards every day. Merely get on it, and ask the motive force in the event that they’re okay with you hitching a journey to Malaysia Customs (normally they’re agreeable). Upon getting down, pay round 2 to 3RM on to the motive force.
Morning: Brunch at Kopilicious
After makan-ing (consuming) at many eating places and low retailers in Malaysia, my favorite go-to for breakfast or brunch is Kopilicious, which has two branches in JB.
The Taman Sentosa department is an eight minute drive from the customs, whereas the Taman Molek department is 16 minutes away.
What it is best to eat and drink: Their signature chilly espresso (3.50RM) and mee siam rendang (12.50RM).
Now, I’m not precisely a meals author so I’ll preserve it brief — Freaking. Scrumptious. And I’m not even a spice eater. The mee siam rendang had a spicy but savoury kick that left me wanting extra after every chunk. Heck, I used to be even eager about it for weeks after my journey.
In case you have but to attempt Kopilicious, attempt it in your subsequent journey. I promise it’s value it.
Within the afternoon: Uncover Mount Austin
After brunch, head over to Mount Austin’s Shiba Cafe — It’s time to play with some furbabies!
Mount Austin is only a 10 min drive from Kopilicious’ Taman Molek department or a 15 min drive from the Taman Sentosa department.
Value-wise, you’ll pay round 20RM~ for an hour with the doggos and it comes with one drink. It’s open from 10am to 8pm every day, with 3pm to 4pm being the canines’ break.
We had enjoyable enjoying with all varieties of canines, together with huskies, shiba inus, toy poodles and extra. Reservations prematurely are required, and you may WhatsApp them at +60 11-1193-9795.
For individuals who aren’t that excited by canine cafes, it’s also possible to do your nails at Sasa Nails Home or go for a 3 hour karaoke sesh at SING V KTV at tremendous reasonably priced costs — each inside strolling distance of the canine cafe.
There’s additionally a very nice, large mall within the Austin space that’s round a ten minute drive away known as AEON Tebrau that’s linked to Toppen Mall and IKEA — you may need to spend one other full day right here in case you select to remain the night time.
Sasa Nails Home: I keep in mind paying roughly round S$60~ for a french gel manicure and pedicure — and as a ‘chor lor’ (tough) individual, I used to be shocked that my nails lasted for months with out chipping off.
SING V KTV: This karaoke department can go as little as 0.50RM for 3 hours per individual on a weekday afternoon. Nevertheless, I believe we paid round S$10~ for 3 hours per individual with limitless drinks. Nonetheless very reasonably priced.
AEON Tebrau: Your buying haven. Motion pictures, meals, vogue, groceries… Something you need, this mall has it.
At night time: Danga Bay
In the event you like theme parks, this one’s for you.
Okay, fact be advised, the fun shouldn’t be from the rides — it’s the protection of these rides. You may fall off and die, who is aware of. However that’s what makes it thrilling. Simply kidding. I’ve been there numerous instances, rode on all their cute, rickety rides and have needed to any incidents… But.
However for actual although, it is best to test it out. Situated round a 20 minute drive from Mount Austin, that is the place you’ll need to go after all of the retailers and malls have closed for the night time.
As soon as the solar units, you’ll see a bunch of native households hanging out at Danga Bay with their children, taking rides, shopping for LED balloons, driving on rented PMDs/bicycles/carriages, and extra. Consider it as a mini Pasar Malam (night time market) and a theme park in a single — that closes no sooner than 12am.
I’d not suggest consuming dinner there although, because the eating places there will not be low cost — it’s principally a bunch of Chinese language eating places promoting seafood by weight. However as for snacks contained in the park itself (as you may see these tents behind us within the pic above), I’d say go for it. There are donuts, drinks, and different meals offered by particular person distributors at very affordable costs.
The park is free to enter, however you’ll should pay for rides. Every journey prices about 2RM to 10RM, which we’re okay to pay for hours of enjoyable.
We performed bumper vehicles, a curler coaster in the dead of night, the Viking ship, in addition to a biking journey suspended within the air known as Galactic Ring which appears to be like one thing like this:
I discovered this journey to be essentially the most “harmful” as you might be on a excessive monitor above the bottom and actually, it’s an outdated theme park so you may see the whole lot from that top, together with what appears to be like like an enormous steel junkyard with rusty pipes and wires protruding from the bottom instantly under one a part of the tracks. I’d hate to think about if somebody unintentionally fell out of the journey throughout that section.
Additionally, maintain onto your cellphone. Tightly. Very tightly.
After midnight: Therapeutic massage and Supper
How can we ever overlook about getting a therapeutic massage in JB?
After enjoying up a storm, head over to Bangkok Household Spa at Permas Jaya for a well-deserved message.
Tons of Singaporeans get pleasure from going to Bangkok Spa (nearer to customs), however for my part, after having tried each spas a number of instances, I’d say that Bangkok Household Spa is healthier.
It’s the identical worth and likewise much less crowded than Bangkok Spa, and there’s free transport backward and forward customs/KSL space. It’s clear, quiet (no clock ticking sounds, thank goodness) and typically you might even get a person room (the place it’s a door as a substitute of curtains) in case you go for a solo aromatherapy therapeutic massage.
The spa is situated round a 15 minute drive from Danga Bay.
At solely round S$20 for an hour of Conventional Thai Therapeutic massage, I’d say that massages are a MUST DO in JB.
I personally all the time go for 2 hours of their Aromatherapy Therapeutic massage, as a result of I believe oil hits higher.
Click on right here for his or her full service menu and worth record.
You may message them on WhatsApp at +60 11-1081-5555 to make reservations.
After you’ve gotten all of the knots out of your physique, step exterior of the spa and also you’ll instantly see a lok lok truck subsequent door blasting Chinese language EDM music. I don’t know the title of it, or what time it opens and closes. Generally it’s there, typically it’s not, relying on the proprietor’s temper, I assume. However 80% of the time I’m going to the spa, that lok lok truck is open.
Seize some meals, drinks, chill and once you’re carried out, get the spa’s transport to ship you to customs free of charge.
Lodge advice
If it’s too late and also you select to remain, right here’s a lodge I’d completely suggest: Midori Idea at Austin Heights.
Having stayed there a number of instances, I can guarantee you that this lodge is clear, beds are snug and their high-powered bathe is all you want for an excellent night time’s relaxation.
The associated fee? Solely round S$40 per night time.
Supply: Her World