Running out of things to do in JB? 

Just across the Causeway, Johor Bahru is a go-to for Singaporeans thanks to cheap shopping, amazing food, and easy access via the Johor Bahru checkpoint. From day trips and family-friendly attractions to couple dates, nightlife, and supper spots, this guide covers 27 unique things to do in JB — plus tips on JB Autogate, weather, and getting in and out smoothly.

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⚡ TL;DR: Best Things To Do In JB (Quick Scan)

Category	Best Things to Do in JB
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 With Kids	LEGOLAND Malaysia, Game On Themepark, BookXcess Sunway JB, Kota Tinggi Firefly Park, Eco Spring Labs
💑 For Couples	Slow Day Cafe, Tufting Nuts, Aurum Theatre, Forever Twenty DIY Studio, Love Fun Baking House,
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 With Friends	The Escaper, Laser Battle, Kacha Kacha Studio, Camp5 Climbing Gym
🌙 At Night	RUD Karting & Cafe, Chun K Music Karaoke, Pasar Karat JB, Hong Kong Boy Johor Jaya Food Street
🕐 Day Trip	Johor Ancient Temple, Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Avery-Day Convenience Store
✨ Unique Experiences	Seadoo Safari Johor Bahru, Avery-Day Convenience Store, Shi-ba Cafe, As Clouds Cafe, Capyba Cafe
🛍 Shopping & Thrifting	Rebirth Inc, Kedai Dhoby Shanghai
🎨 Cultural & Historical	Johor Ancient Temple, Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

Table of Contents:

1. Is JB Worth Visiting?
2. Why Is JB Famous?
3. JB Checkpoint & JB Autogate (Read This First)
4. JB Weather: When to Go
5. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Things to Do in JB with Friends
6. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to Do in JB with Kids
7. 💑 Things to Do in JB for Couples
8. 🌙 Things to Do in JB at Night
9. ✨ Unique Things to Do in JB
10. 🎨 Cultural/Historical Things to Do in JB
11. Final Tips for Visiting JB
12. FAQs

Is Johor Bahru Worth Visiting?

Short answer: yes — especially for Singaporeans.

Johor Bahru offers better value, bigger portions, cheaper shopping, and more relaxed experiences just minutes from Singapore. Whether it’s a quick JB day trip, a family getaway, or a late-night supper run, JB consistently delivers experiences that feel worth the border crossing.

Located just 15–30 minutes from Singapore via the Johor Bahru checkpoint, the city blends modern malls, cultural landmarks, creative spaces, and a food scene that punches way above its price point.

📖 Related Guide: Train to JB Guide: How To Travel From Singapore To JB In 5 Minutes

Why Is Johor Bahru Famous?

Johor Bahru is famous for:

• Shopping is 30–50% cheaper than in Singapore
• Incredible Johor Bahru food (street food, cafés, supper spots)
• Affordable services (massages, salons, cinemas)
• LEGOLAND Malaysia
• Easy access via land checkpoints

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Johor Bahru Checkpoint & JB Autogate (Read This First)

There are two main checkpoints:

• Woodlands Checkpoint – fastest for JB city centre
• Tuas Checkpoint – best for Iskandar Puteri & LEGOLAND

Peak hours:
Weekdays 7–9 AM & 5–8 PM, plus weekends and public holidays.

JB Autogate tip:
If you cross often, register for JB Autogate — immigration clearance drops from 10–15 minutes to under 1 minute.

📖 Related Guide: JB Food Guide: 20 Places To Eat In Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru City Weather: When to Go

• Temperature: 25–33°C year-round
• Wettest months: Nov–Jan
• Best time: Morning & late afternoon

Plan indoor activities midday, outdoor activities earlier or later.

📖 Related Guide: Best Breakfast in JB: 22 Top Spots To Visit

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Things to Do in JB with Friends

1. The Escaper

Image Credits: The Escaper

If jump scares and teamwork are your love language, The Escaper delivers. This immersive escape-room-meets-haunted-house experience runs on storyline-driven puzzles with legit horror vibes. Puzzles are challenging but doable. Heads up: most narration is in Chinese, so bring that one bilingual friend (you know who).

• Address: Level 2, No. 79, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
• Opening Hours:  Fri to Sun, 1 PM – 12 AM. Mon to Wed, 2 PM – 10 PM. Closed on Thurs.

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2. Laser Battle

Image Credits: Traveloka

Take your battle to the next level and check out Laser Battle, which is located in JB 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. 

• Address: Lot MS-11, Innercity Level 4, Johor Bahru City Square, 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM

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3. Kacha Kacha Studio

Image Credits: Klook

If Neoprints were your childhood, then Kacha Kacha Studio is pure nostalgia. 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: 90 MYR 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.

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4. Camp5 Climbing Gym Paradigm

Image Credits: Camp5 Paradigm

Face your fear of heights at Camp5 Climbing Gym, the largest climbing gym in JB, located inside Paradigm Mall. With walls up to 15 metres high, auto-belays, and routes for all skill levels, it’s perfect whether you’re a hardcore climber or just hanging out with friends.

• 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)

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do in JB with Kids

5. LEGOLAND Malaysia

Image Credits:  LEGOLAND Malaysia

LEGOLAND Malaysia, located near Tuas Checkpoint, bundles 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!

• Address: 7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
• Tickets: From 69 MYR (~S$21) | Annual Pass – 297 MYR (~S$90)

📖 Related Guide: Plan your ultimate LEGOLAND Malaysia trip here. 

6. 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, which is located inside Toppen Shopping Centre. Live out your Ninja Warrior, and Mario dreams on different obstacle courses, bounce around on the trampolines. Or do all that virtually in their gaming room.

• Address: Toppen Shopping Centre Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM

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7. Bookxcess Sunway JB

Image Credits: Sunway Big Box

Calling all bookworms — BookXcess Sunway JB is the largest bookstore in JB, with over 1 million titles to browse. The showstopper? An 8-metre-high book display hides a kid-friendly play zone known as the Children’s Cave.

Equal parts bookstore, playground, and photo spot — easy win for families and casual browsers alike. 

• Address: Box Retail Park, F-01 First Floor, Sunway Big, Persiaran Medini 5, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM

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8. 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 25 MYR (~S$7.60) for adults and 15 MYR (~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

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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.

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💑 Things to do in JB for Couples

10. Slow Day Cafe

Image Credits: Klook

Food isn’t meant to be played with… except at Slow Day Cafe. This spot flips art jamming on its head by turning toast into your canvas — paint it, admire it, then eat it. If edible art isn’t your thing, they also offer classic canvas sessions you can take home.

Come for the creativity, stay for the matcha, croissants, cakes, and drinks. Cute, chill, and perfect for an easy date.

• Address: No. 2-01, (1st Floor Only, Jalan Austin Heights 7/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
• Opening Hours: 12 PM – 8 PM (Mon-Thurs), 12 PM – 12 AM (Fri-Sun), Closed on Tuesdays

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11. 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 99 MYR (~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)

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12. Aurum Theatre

Image Credits: Aurum Theatre

If you like your movies extra, Aurum Theatre at Mid Valley Southkey turns a regular cinema trip into a full-on luxury experience. Think fully reclining seats, cosy blankets, and snacks delivered straight to you — zero effort required.

Choose from premium options like the Getha Lux Suite or even a Private Screening room, with every ticket including a complimentary drink and snack.

• Address: The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey Persiaran Southkey 3, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
• Opening Hours: Dependent on show timings
• Prices: From 55 MYR per ticket (~S$15.90) 

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13. 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)

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14. 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 treats for you to try your hand at baking, with simple and clear instructions that make even 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)

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🌙 Things to Do in JB at Night

15. RUD Karting and Cafe

Image Credits: RUD Karting (Facebook)

Looking to live out your Mario Kart fantasy in JB? RUD Karting & Cafe in Iskandar Puteri delivers serious adrenaline with an 840-metre track, 16 sharp turns, and late-night racing till 2 AM — because who sleeps on a weekend?

No licence, no experience? No problem. Start with Basic Karts, or level up to B Super Stage and Advance+ karts if you’re feeling bold. Refuel at the on-site café between races with crowd favourites like Grapefruit Nasi Goreng and cakes, while watching the action trackside.

• 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 MYR (~S$17.20)  

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16. Chun K Music Karaoke

Image Credits: Chun K Music Karaoke

Take your karaoke experience to the next level at Chun K Music Karaoke in Mount Austin. It’s open late daily, with food and drinks delivered straight to your room. Become a member and score free-flow drinks for a year and rooms from 1 MYR (~S$0.32) for 3 hours.

• Tip: Rooms can get snatched up pretty quickly, so be sure to make a reservation via WhatsApp.
• Prices: Membership costs 40 MYR (~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.

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17. Pasar Karat JB

Image Credits: The Gees Travel

Pasar Karat (Rust Market) is JB’s go-to night market for thrifted gems — think jewellery, vintage clothes, antiques, and all kinds of pre-loved steals. Yes, you’ll still find classic bites like ayam gunting and Ramly burgers, but the real win here is bargain hunting.

It gets packed fast, so go early and skip the parking stress by taking a Grab. Your patience (and wallet) will thank you.

• 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)

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18. Hong Kong Boy Johor Jaya Food Street

Image Credits: BPDG Travels

Hong Kong Boy Johor Jaya Food Street is a foodie heaven in JB, with 50+ stalls serving everything from ikan bakar and sweet potato balls to Penang laksa, kway chap, Thai food, and char kuey teow. Perfect for dinner or a late-night supper — a must-visit for serious foodies.

• Address: 2, Jalan Dedap 22, Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru
• Opening Hours: 5 PM – 11:30 PM

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✨ Unique Things to Do in JB

19. Seadoo Safari Johor Bahru

Image Credits: Klook

Seadoo Safari Johor Bahru brings the thrill to JB! Just 15 minutes from Woodlands Checkpoint, hop on a jet ski adventure — from beginner rides (250 MYR/~S$75) to intermediate trips (1,800 MYR/~S$543) exploring kelongs and mangrove forests. Perfect for adrenaline junkies craving 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)

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20. Avery-Day Convenience Store

Image Credits: Avery-Day

Avery-Day is a Santorini-inspired “konbini” just across KSL City Mall, specialising in Japanese goodies. With its blue-and-white Greek vibes, neon signs, and rooftop café, it’s a perfect spot for photos, sweet treats, and chill alfresco hangs — yes, all in a convenience store!

• Address: No 2, Jalan Rusa 6, Taman Abad 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
• Opening Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 12 AM

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21. Shi-ba Cafe

Image Credits: Shi-ba Cafe

Shi-ba Cafe in Mount Austin is Malaysia’s first Shiba-Inu café, where friendly Shibas roam free while you chill with finger food and free soft drinks. Bonus: hang with Hugo, the resident cat, and snap some epic Instagram shots!

• Address: No 01, Mount Austin, 12, Jalan Austin Heights 8/4, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
• Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 10 AM – 3 PM & 4 PM – 10 PM
• Entry Fee: 10 MYR (~S$3.03) 

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22. 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.

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23. 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. Clothes start from as low as MYR10 (~S$2.80), so you don’t have to worry about rocket-high prices.

• 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.

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24. 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

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25. Capyba Cafe

Image Credits: Shout.sg

Capyba Cafe brings the Tokyo and Bangkok capybara craze to JB! Meet adorable young capybaras while enjoying Japanese and Western bites, just 25 minutes from the checkpoint — handle with care, they’re cute but shy.

• Address: 28, Jalan Nakhoda 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
• Opening Hours: 11 AM – 9:30 PM

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🎨 Cultural/Historical Things to Do in JB

26. Johor Ancient Temple

Image Credits: SGMYTAXI

Dating back to the 1870s, this historic temple symbolises unity among Johor’s five Chinese ethnic groups. Its traditional architecture stands out amid modern skyscrapers, and every year it hosts the four-day Chingay Parade, climaxing with a city-centre deity procession.

• Address: Lot 653, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

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27. Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

Image Credits: Masjid Sultan Abu Bakarr Johor Bahru

Built in 1900 by Sultan Abu Bakar, the ‘Father of Modern Johor,’ this mosque blends traditional Malay architecture with Victorian touches. While visitors can’t enter the grounds, its striking exterior makes it a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.

• 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

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Final Tips for Visiting JB

• Bring your passport (obviously)
• Register for JB Autogate if you visit often
• Avoid peak checkpoint hours
• Plan activities around the weather
• Eat more than you think you should (regret-free)

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 YouTrip Card for the best MYR exchange rates! 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 rates all day!

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Happy travels!