Running out of things to do in JB? Whether you’re looking for chill activities in the comforts of air-conditioning, or looking for something a little more adventurous, we’ve got something for you!
When my friends from abroad ask what Singaporeans do during the weekends, I usually end up mentioning short trips into Johor Bahru – whether it’s for the weekend, or even for a quick late-night supper. They’re often intrigued by how we can just pop into a whole other country so easily. If it’s been a hot minute since you’ve crossed the Causeway, this is your sign! We’ve got you covered with 27 things to do in JB besides heading to City Square Mall or JB Sentral, so you don’t ever have to worry about where to go or what to do in JB.
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Malaysia Travel Update: All foreign cars entering JB from Singapore will need a Vehicle Entry Permit from 1 October 2024 onwards
Malaysia’s Transport Minister recently announced the relaunch of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) initiative. Here’s what you need to know:
1️⃣ From 1 Oct 2024, foreign vehicles entering Malaysia from Singapore via Causeway & Second link are required to register online for a VEP via the official site
2️⃣ Upon successful verification & paying an RM10 (~S$2.85) processing fee, registrants will receive a VEP-RFID tag — valid for 5 years
3️⃣ A road charge fee of RM20.00 (~S$5.71) will be charged each time a foreign registered private vehicle (excluding motorcycles) enters Malaysia 🤧
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Here’s a guide to ATM withdrawals in Malaysia with YouTrip
Things To Do In JB: An Overview
Wondering what to do in JB for the perfect weekend away? Here’s a brief overview of JB hotspots to hit up:
- Shi-ba Cafe
- RUD Karting & Cafe
- Kacha Kacha Studio
- Avery-Day Convenience Store
- Rebirth Inc
- The Escaper
- Chun K Music Karaoke
- Aurum Theatre
- Eco Spring Labs
- Game On Themepark
- Bookxcess Sunway JB
- Kedai Dhoby Shanghai
- As Clouds Cafe
- Forever Twenty DIY Studio
- Love Fun Baking House
- Capyba Cafe
- Camp5 Climbing Gym
- LEGOLAND Malaysia
- Kota Tinggi Firefly Park
- Johor Ancient Temple
- Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
- Pasar Karat JB
- Hong Kong Boy Johor Jaya Food Street
- Slow Day Cafe
- Tufting Nuts
- Laser Battle
- Seadoo Safari Johor Baru
For more details, read on!
1. Shi-ba Cafe
Image Credits: Shi-ba Cafe
Fellow dog-people, here’s a little heaven for you. Malaysia’s first Shiba-Inu cafe, Shi-ba Cafe is located in Mount Austin, half-hour ahead of the causeway. These sweet-natured Shibas roam freely around the cafe. You can choose to play with them or savour some finger food and free soft drinks in their company.
Spend an hour or two with these adorable doggos, and Hugo, the resident cat. We only hope they stay still enough for that precious Instagram picture!
Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 10 AM – 3 PM & 4 PM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: 10 RM (~S$3.03)
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Find out more on Shi-ba Cafe here
2. RUD Karting and Cafe
Image Credits: RUD Karting (Facebook)
If you’re looking for some adrenaline on your weekend trip or want to live out your Mario Kart fantasy, head down to RUD Karting and Cafe. RUD Karting is a new go-kart centre opened in Iskandar Puteri, running 840 meters long with 16 challenging turns. It also stays open until 2 AM for some night-time racing (who even needs F1 anymore?).
It’s alright if you don’t meet the ranks of Lewis Hamilton just yet; the track offers Basic Karts that require neither license nor experience. The go-karting gets progressively harder for advanced drivers with carts such as B Super Stage Kart or Advance+. In the meantime, you can also catch some treats at the RUD cafe to fuel up your race. Delicacies such as Grapefruit Nasi Goreng and myriad cakes can keep you company as you watch the races from your cafe window.
Address: PTD 200284, Persiaran Medini Sentral 6, Bandar Medini Iskandar, 79250 Iskandar Puteri Johor
Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 11 AM – 2 AM
Entry Fee: Starting 55 RM (~S$17.20)
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out more on RUD Karting here
3. Kacha Kacha Studio
Image Credits: Klook
If Neoprints were your childhood, then this is for you. Grab as many costumes and props as you’d like and then head into the booth for the shoot. But make sure to plan out your poses beforehand just in case the timer runs out!
Price: MYR 90 for 30 minutes (~S$26)
Address: Eco Palladium Block A #02, 08, Jln Ekoflora 7/2, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 1 PM – 9 PM. Friday to Saturday, 1 PM -10 PM.
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Kacha Kacha Studio here
4. Avery-Day Convenience Store
Image Credits: Avery-Day
Next, we have Avery-Day situated right across the beloved KSL City Mall. Avery-Day is a Santorini-inspired “konbini” style convenience store (talk about multi-cultural) that specialises in Japanese goods. 7-11 fans might be converted! While its blue and white-themed decor reminisces Grecian waves, sandy beaches, and open blue skies, Avery-Day provides all your convenience store needs without fail. It also has an open rooftop as an alfresco dining deck!
Image Credits: Avery-Day
The store is embellished with neon signs all around, presenting the perfect photo op for those looking to amp up their ‘gram. Surprisingly enough, it’s not only the convenience store goods you’ll find but also the freshest and most mouth-watering cakes and baked goods that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth.
Take them upstairs to the open rooftop, sit among the blue and white seats, and enjoy the cafe vibes that Avery-Day (reminder: a convenience store) offers!
Address: No 2, Jalan Rusa 6, Taman Abad 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 12 AM
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Find out more about Avery-Day here
5. Rebirth Inc
Image Credits: Rebirth Inc.
Rebirth is the place to visit if you’re looking to spice up your wardrobe with great pre-loved, vintage hype-beast streetwear They’ve got lots of options for vintage graphic tees, streetwear and more! And if the great deals are just too much to handle, then you can pop by their adjacent cafe for a cup of coffee or a sweet treat.
Address: No. 51, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM. Closed on Monday.
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Rebirth Inc here
6. The Escaper
Image Credits: The Escaper
Pump up the excitement for Halloween by adventuring in the Escaper! A haunted house-escape room hybrid, this stop will give your brain a workout full of jump scares! Made immersive with backstories and themes that run across different escape rooms, the Escaper is thrilling and affordable. While the puzzles are many and intricate, they don’t require more than primary school maths and science to crack. However, the narration is mostly in Chinese so do have your designated translator friend around, just in case!
Address: Level 2, No. 79, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Fridays to Sundays, 1 PM – 12 AM. Monday to Wednesday, 2 PM – 10 PM. Closed on Thursdays.
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Find out more about The Escaper here
7. Chun K Music Karaoke
Image Credits: Chun K Music Karaoke
Take your karaoke experience to a whole new level at Chun K Music Karaoke in Mount Austin. It opens till late every day of the week and lets you sing your heart out with drinks and food delivered straight to your room. Becoming a member with them gives you free-flow drinks for a whole year, and room rates for as low as 1 ringgit for 3 hours of fun. Sounds pretty lit to me!
Rooms can get snatched up pretty quickly, so be sure to make a reservation via WhatsApp.
Prices: Membership costs MYR 40 (~S$11.50) for a year
Address: 37, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Sundays to Fridays, 2 PM – 3:00 AM. Saturday, 2 PM – 5 AM.
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Chun K here
8. Aurum Theatre
Image Credits: Aurum Theatre
In line with the whole ‘take a regular activity but make it fancy’ theme, we have the Aurum Theatre at Mid Valley Southkey. Every seat in the theatre is reclinable, and you’ll have blankets and your snack of choice delivered to you. You can choose from a whole range of luxury experiences from a Getha Lux Suite to a Private Screen room and each ticket comes with a drink and a snack.
Prices: From MYR55 per ticket (~S$15.90)
Address: The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey Persiaran Southkey 3, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Dependent on show timings
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Aurum Theatre here
9. Eco Spring Labs
Image Credits: Tourism Johor
Step away from the busyness of JB and into a Portuguese seaside town at Eco Spring Labs that’s just about 30 minutes away from JB Sentral. The place is a retail park that was designed to resemble a European seaside town with cafes, shops and activities for the little ones.
Address: 1, Jalan Ekoflora Utama, Taman Ekoflora, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM. Saturday to Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM.
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Eco Spring Labs here
10. Game On Themepark
Image Credits: Game On Themepark
Who says that playgrounds are just for kids? Run wild and have fun with friends at Game On Theme Park that’s located inside Toppen Shopping Centre. Live your Ninja Warrior and Mario dreams on different obstacle courses, bounce around on the trampolines, or do all that virtually in their gaming room. It’s a great place for some family fun!
Address: Toppen Shopping Centre Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Game On Theme Park here
11. Bookxcess Sunway JB
Image Credits: Sunway Big Box
This one’s for all the fellow bookworms out there. With over 1 million titles available, Bookxcess is currently the largest bookstore in the whole of JB! The main feature in the store is an 8-metre-high display with a hidden play area for the little ones called the Children’s Cave.
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Book Xcess @ Sunway BigBox here
12. Kedai Dhoby Shanghai
Image Credits: Kedai Dhoby Shanghai
Just down the road from Rebirth Inc. is another thrift store that’s worth a visit. The Kedai Dhoby Shanghai has all sorts of items, from clothes to bags, cassette tapes, accessories and more you will definitely find something you like! Clothes start from as low as MYR10 (~S$2.80) so you don’t have to worry about rocket prices on the quirky pieces.
Address: 53, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday, 11 AM – 6 PM. Wednesday to Sunday, 11 AM -7 PM.
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Kedai Dhoby Shanghai here
13. As Clouds Cafe
Image Credits: The Beat Asia
No, you aren’t seeing things, and yes, you get to grab coffee with alpacas! Forget the typical cat and dog cafes and visit the As Clouds Cafe to hang out with the cutest, fluffiest free-roaming alpacas.
Address: 32, Jalan Nakhoda 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 9:30 PM
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out As Clouds Cafe here
14. Forever Twenty DIY Studio
Image Credits: Klook
For the artsy ones, get creative and decorate phone stripes, bracelets, mirrors, and keychains with decoden cream, beads, pom pom balls, and more at the Forever Twenty DIY Studio. Book your session on Klook using your YouTrip card to get up to 5% cashback with YouTrip Perks!
Address: 51-02 Jalan Jaya Putra 7/6 Bandar Jaya Putra 81100 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 7 PM (closed on Wednesday)
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Forever Twenty here
15. Love Fun Baking House
Image Credits: BPDG Travels
Get your hands dirty and go for a baking class at Love Fun Baking House. They have a huge selection of sweet treat for you to try your hand at baking, with simple and clear instructions that make the worst of bakers culinary experts (or you can try at least!)
Pro-tip: This baking studio is located in Mount Austin which is home to a whole lot of activities, and cafes. A great place to stay for the night!
Address: 2, Jalan Dedap 17, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Love Fun Baking House here
16. Capyba Cafe
Image Credits: Shout.sg
Influenced by the capybara cafes in Tokyo and Bangkok, the capybara craze has finally hit Johor and you can finally meet the cutest little creatures just across the border! The Capyba Cafe in JB is pretty new, and the in-house capybaras are pretty young, so you’ll be advised to be extra careful while handling them. The cafe is just about 25 minutes away from the checkpoint and you can enjoy Japanese and Western cuisine whilst surrounded by all things capybara.
Address: 28, Jalan Nakhoda 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 9:30 PM
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Find out more about Capyba Cafe here
17. Camp5 Climbing Gym Paradigm
Image Credits: Camp5 Paradigm
Conquer your fear of heights and check out the largest climbing gym in JB! Nestled conveniently within Paradigm Mall is Camp5 Climbing Gym which has walls up to 15m high, auto-belays, and plenty of climbing routes for you to choose from. Whether you’re a seasoned climber looking for a challenge, or just looking for a chill activity with friends, you’re gonna want to check this out!
Address: 7F-08 Level 7, Skudai Paradigm Mall, Skudai Hwy, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12 PM – 10 PM (Weekdays) 10 AM – 8 PM (Weekends)
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Camp5 Climbing Gym here.
18. LEGOLAND Malaysia
Image Credits: LEGOLAND Malaysia
If you’re looking for a all-in-one way to keep the little ones entertained, this one’s for you. LEGOLAND Malaysia is right by Tuas Checkpoint and has a theme park, a waterpark, an aquarium, and a LEGO-themed hotel all in one!
There are over 80 shows and attractions for kids of all ages, and for parents too. Entrance tickets to the parks start at RM69 (~S$21), but you can consider getting the annual pass at RM297 (~S$90) which gives you unlimited access for a year, plus extra special treats during your birthday week.
Address: 7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out LEGOLAND Malaysia here.
19. Kota Tinggi Firefly Park
Image Credits: Klook
You will not believe your eyes when 10 million fireflies surround you as you cruise down the river on a boat tour at Kota Tinggi Firefly Park. At just RM25 (~S$7.60) for adults and RM15 (~S$4.50) for children, enjoy the serenity of the park with the enchanting sight of fireflies lighting up the night.
Address: Jalan Kota Tinggi, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7 PM – 10 PM
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Kota Tinggi Firefly Park here.
20. Johor Ancient Temple
Image Credits: SGMYTAXI
One of the oldest temples in Johor Bahru, the Johor Ancient Temple has been around since the 1870s and has been recognised as a symbol of unity between the five ethnic Chinese groups. The contrast between the old temple and the skyscrapers that tower over the building reflects the spirit of Johor, where tradition is celebrated and preserved in the midst of modernity and progress.
Every year, the temple also hosts the annual Chingay Parade that lasts for four days, culminating on the 3rd night when the deities are paraded around the city centre.
Address: Lot 653, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Johor Ancient Temple here.
21. Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
Image Credits: Masjid Sultan Abu Bakarr Johor Bahru
Another one for the history buffs – the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque was commissioned, and built in 1900 by Sultan Aku Bakar, the monarch also known as the ‘Father of Modern Johor’. The exterior of the mosque was inspired by traditional Malay architecture with a touch of Victorian influence. While tourists are not allowed to enter the grounds of the mosque, it’s still worth a visit if you’d like to take a step into the history of Johor.
Address: Jalan Gertak Merah, Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5 AM – 6:45 AM, 12:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024:
22. Pasar Karat JB
Image Credits: The Gees Travel
Pasar Karat, which directly translates to Rust Market, stays true to its name with a line-up of stalls selling jewellery, thrifted clothes, antiques, and more. While there are some of the usual food stalls selling treats like ayam gunling and the good old Ramly burgers, Pasar Karat is better known for the great steals on pre-loved items. The market can get quite crowded, so it’s good to go early and to take a taxi as parking around the area might be a challenge too.
Address: 26, 20, Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6 PM – 2 AM (Closed on Mondays), 12 PM – 2 PM (Only on Tuesdays)
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Johor Ancient Temple here.
23. Hong Kong Boy Johor Jaya Food Street
Image Credits: BPDG Travels
One of my personal favourite spots in JB for great food is Hong Kong Boy Johor Jaya Food Street. With over 50 food stalls lining the street, you’ll be able to find any and every kind of local food you’re looking for. From ikan bakar to sweet potato balls, seafood, chicken wings, Penang laksa, Thai food, roasted meat, kway chap, char kuey teow – you get the idea. Totally worth the trip across the border for dinner or late-night supper.
Address: 2, Jalan Dedap 22, Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 5 PM – 11:30 PM
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Find out more about Johor Jaya Hong Kong Boy here
24. Slow Day Cafe
Image Credits: Klook
I’ve always been taught that food isn’t meant to be played with, but not here! At Slow Day Cafe, they re-invent art jamming with a piece of toast as your canvas. Of course, they have traditional art jamming sessions too, so if you’d rather not eat your masterpiece you can opt to take it home instead. Even if you’re just looking for a place to chill, the cafe is also known for its range of matcha desserts from croissants, cakes, drinks and more!
Opening Hours: 12 PM – 8 PM (Mon-Thurs), 12 PM – 12 AM (Fri-Sun), Closed on Tuesdays
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Slow Day Cafe here.
25. Tufting Nuts
Image Credits: Tufting Nuts
If you’re looking for a way to spice up your living space, you can try your hand at tufting. At Tufting Nuts, you can decorate rugs, tote bags, mirrors and more with the workshops starting at RM99 (~S$30). Grab a pal or your partner to get discounts of up to 50%!
Address: 40-01, Jln Austin Heights 3/2, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 7 PM (Monday-Friday), 9:15 AM – 9:30 PM (Saturdays), 10 AM – 6 PM (Sundays)
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Tufting Nuts here.
26. Laser Battle
Image Credits: Traveloka
Take your battle to the next level and check out Laser Battle that’s located in Johor Bahru City Square. Choose from over 50 different game modes and battle it out with your friends. If you’re looking for a place to have private events and corporate functions, arrangements can be made too.
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Laser Battle here.
27. Seadoo Safari Johor Bahru
Image Credits: Klook
JB isn’t quite known for fun-in-the-sun adventures, but that’s about to change! Seadoo Safari Johor Bahru is just 15 minutes away from the Woodlands Checkpoint and allows you to go out on a jet ski adventure! There are different levels to choose from — from beginner’s trial rides starting from RM250 (~S$75.50) to intermediate adventures starting from RM1,800 (~S$543) all the way out to a kelong and a mangrove forest! Definitely something to add to the itinerary if you’re itching to try something new.
Address: Senibong Cove Marina N-01, Blok N, Pinggiran 1, Persiaran Senibong, 81750 Masai, Johor
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024: Check out Seadoo Safari Johor Bahru here.
Other guides for what to do in JB:
For more things to do in JB, where to eat, or even the best JB massage spots, check out these guides below!
- Best JB Massage Spots For Your Weekend Getaway 2024
- 15 Best JB Hotels For Your Next Long Weekend 2024
- Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat
- YouTrip’s Guide To The Best JB Cafes 2024
- YouTrip’s Guide To The Best Bars In JB 2023
- Best Lok Lok Spots In JB 2022
- Guide To JB Durian Stalls: Where To Get Your Durians in Johor Bahru
- Best Supper Spots in JB To Check Out This Weekend
- YouTrip’s Not-So-Basic Guide To JB 2023
Things to note when travelling to Malaysia:
- Make The Most Of Your Touch ‘n Go eWallet In Malaysia 2024
- Petrol Holding Fees In Malaysia: Pre-Authorised Transactions When Pumping Petrol
- A Guide To ATM Withdrawals With YouTrip In Malaysia
- How To Capitalise On The Malaysian Ringgit Right Now
- Toll Charges At Land Checkpoints Have Increased. Is It Still Worth Driving Into Malaysia?
Make the most of your next long weekend!
It’s time to plan your next impromptu (or not-so-impromptu) trip across the border to JB! And if these activities aren’t your thing, check out our other guides on what to do in JB that will definitely be worth your while.
Remember to bring along your trusty multicurrency YouTrip Card for the best exchange rates and cashback as you book your activities. Whether you’re using your physical card, needing cash on the go, or topping up your Touch ‘n Go eWallet, your YouTrip card will get you the best MYR rates all day!
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.
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Stay safe and happy camping!
