Johor Bahru is an idyllic place just 40 minutes drive from Singapore. And whether you’re looking for a new exploration over the weekend or just a quick day trip away…this Malaysian city is a wonderful option across the causeway. From a thriving food scene, a range of exciting attractions, and more…you’ll be in your element. Discover the 20 best things to do in Johor Bahru.
1. Fall into a literary world at an ig-worthy bookstore
Why not check out this beautiful, massive bookstore located inside Sunway Big Box Retail Park? Bookxcess Sunway JB is a must-visit destination featuring 8-metre-tall cub-shaped bookshelves, packed with more than a million titles, in a unique maze layout. It’s the perfect place for hours of exploration and discovery for adults and children. Plus, there are cosy reading corners and excellent photo backdrops.
đź“ŤF-01 First Floor, Box Retail Park, Sunway Big, Persiaran Medini 5, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
2. Play at a new indoor theme park
ESCAPE Challenge Park recently opened in Johor Bahru’s Paradigm Mall. Located just 20 minutes from the checkpoint, adults and children alike can enjoy an indoor theme park, offering beginner-friendly climbing walls, obstacle courses, and adventure challenges that cater to all levels. Definitely, one of the best indoor activities in Johor Bahru.
đź“ŤParadigm Mall, Skudai Hwy, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
3. Go for a scenic stroll in Danga Bay
Johor Bahru’s vibrant waterfront destination, Danga Bay, stands out for its blend of scenic beauty, lively entertainment, and diverse leisure options. Stretching along the Straits of Johor, visitors can wander the picturesque promenades for stunning sunset views across the skyline to Singapore, as well as enjoy seafront restaurants, a beach, bustling night markets, illuminated walkways, and family-friendly attractions like a petting zoo, to name a few. Definitely, one of the best things to do in Johor Bahru.
đź“ŤDanga Bay, Straits of Johor, Johor Bahru
4. Escape from a haunted house
The Escaper is a unique activity where visitors must roam through a haunted house-escape room hybrid at Taman Mount Austin. The immersive experience is complete with themed backstories and different rooms, offering puzzles and jump scares that are both thrilling and mentally stimulating.
đź“ŤLevel 2, No. 79, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
5. Drift around a neon-lit karting circuit
PLSC Drift is a mega-popular drift karting experience in Malaysia and it just opened an outlet in Johor Bahru’s AEON Mall. In fact, it’s Johor Bahru’s first indoor karting circuit of its kind. If you love the new HyperDrive in Sentosa, then you’ll adore racing around an authentic neon-lit circuit in go-karts against your family and friends from $5. Children must be above the age of 5 to ride. Plus, the circuit is super instagrammable.
đź“ŤGround Level 3, AEON Mall, Johor Bahru
6. Admire art inside a 142-year-old prison
Originally built in 1883 as Ayer Molek Prison, Kota Jail in Johor Bahru, has been transformed into a vibrant lifestyle and creative hub – making it one of the most unique attractions in the city. Retaining its fotress-like architecture with barbed fences and windows, Kota Jail hosts rotating art exhibitions, pop-up markets and cafes like Matcha Lalu, and other creative events. Definitely, a photogenic place to wander on a trip to JB.
đź“ŤJalan Ayer Molek, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
7. Learn how to ice skate
Blue Ice Skating Rink is the perfect place to practice winter and ice sports near Singapore. The rink has been used by Olympic ice skaters for training and competitions. Whether it’s figure skating or ice hockey you want to learn, you can do it in a space space at this popular location. Each session lasts two hours with visitor passes starting at RM10 ($2.87) or RM40 ($11.48) with skate rental. Get tickets here.
đź“Ť3F-30, Paradigm Mall, Skudai Hwy, Taman Bukit Mewah, 81200 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
8. Take in sky high views
Skycape @Menara JLand is a relatively new attraction in Johor Bahru opened in 2019. It’s the first aerial entertainment centre in JB, offering the best views across town from the Sky Bridge set 149m above the ground, alongside a selection of interactive activities for both adults and children to do. From VR experiences to a unique Led Tunnel, and movie theatre…you won’t be bored.
đź“Ť Level 34, Menara JLand Johor Bahru City Centre, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
9. Explore The Forest City
The Forest City is a smart and futuristic residential area situated in Iskandar Puteri. The development compromises four man-made islands, and boasts a beautiful paradise combining cutting-edge technology and environmental ecosystems. The ig-worthy place features stunning parks for a stroll, golden beaches, delicious restaurants, idyllic gardens, and more – a model to futuristic worlds. Definitely, it’s worth a walk around if you’re visiting Johor Bahru.
đź“Ť Jalan Forest City 1, Forest City Pulau Satu, 81500 Pulau Satu, Johor, Malaysia
10. Go wild at Legoland Malaysia
Legoland Resort Malaysia is one of the most unique attractions in Asia. It features a colourful theme park, an epic waterpark, aquarium and hotel – all in one LEGO-themed destination just 18 minutes drive from the centre. Whether it’s riding through a medieval forest, enjoying the world’s first LEGO VR rollercoaster, or racing your friend down a slide…you’ll have an unforgettable experience. Visitors can enjoy more than 80 shows, slides, and rides with day tickets from RM69 ($20). Definitely, one of the best things to do with kids in Johor Bahru.
đź“ŤLEGOLAND Malaysia, 7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia
11. Be inspired by JB’s hottest exhibitions
Bored of the exhibitions in Singapore? Take a trip across the causeway to enjoy Johor Bahru’s top exhibitions and immersive experiences. From Senso Art Gallery Cafe with stunning art exhibitions to Petrosains PlaySmart Johor Bahru with kid-friendly events and interactive science exhibits…you’ll be spoilt for choice.
12. See the top sights
Be sure to tick off the most unmissable sights around Johor Bahru. For example, travellers love to see a range of exotic temples, such as Taoist Johor Ancient Temple and Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple (pictured), or the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, and we can’t forget a little pose outside the Istana Bukit Serene Castle – which is the royal palace of Sultan of Johor boasting birds-eye views of Singapore, to name a few things to do in Johor Bahru.
13. Discover the majestic township of Eco Spring Labs
Feel like you’re in Europe as you wander through an array of colourful, stripy shophouses at Eco Spring Labs. From a distance, you wouldn’t know this secret place is actually a retail park. It features botanical eateries, quirky pathways with colourful sculptures and positive sign posts, and an iconic monochrome-themed shopping mall Eco Palladium. If anything, it’s a superb place to capture ig-worthy moments.
đź“Ť1, Jalan Ekoflora Utama, Taman Ekoflora, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
14. Wander the old town
Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street exhibits colonial buildings with carefully intact Malay architecture. It’s also a centre for culture, shopping and a trail of the best Malaysian eats from old hawkers to traditional bakeries such as Hiap Joo Bakery And Biscuit Factory, which dates back to 1919, and serves legendary banana cake.
đź“ŤJalan Tan Hiok Nee Street, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
15. Go cafe hopping
Johor Bahru has a fantastic selection of cafes and a great brunch culture. From popular garden-themed cafes such as Flowers In The Window, to indulging on delicious breakfast in the old-world charm Nimmies Pastry Cafe, and instagrammable restaurants like Dusk by Mok Mok…it’s the ultimate cafe town. Discover 10 of our favourite cafes to hop around in Johor Bahru.
16. Relax in a hidden garden by the sea
Hidden Garden By The Sea, is a cosy sea-facing cafe, tucked away in Kapung Teluk Jawa. With its lush garden setting, outdoor seating, and curated menu, it’s an ideal place to unwind by the ocean. Additionally, the unique location offers instagrammable moments that sets it apart from the city centre cafes in Johor Bahru.
đź“ŤMLO, 2387-1, KG, Kampung Teluk Jawa, 81750 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
17. Indulge on the best street food
We know Malaysia has a thriving food scene with a myriad of delicious foods to indulge on. Particularly, Medan Selera Medrum Walk is a foodie’s paradise, offering the likes of prime Malay dishes like Lok Lok, oyster omelettes, mutton soup…the list is endless. Otherwise, check out Tebrau Food Truck Park, which opens nightly and serves a mix of global eats from 10 different food trucks.
18. Be mesmerised by dreamy fireflies
Meet hundreds of fireflies on an enchanting firefly river cruise. Situated along the Kota Tinggi Johor River, it’s a well-worth-it 45 minute drive for a magical experience under the stars. After the cruise, visitors usually send beautiful lanterns into the sky. A totally romantic setting if you ask us! Book via Kotta Tinggi Firefly Park.
đź“ŤJalan Kota Tinggi, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
19. Make your own rug
Tufting Nuts is a rug store in Johor Bahru offering unusual rug-making workshops. Attendees can let their creative juices flow with a selection of materials, fabrics and tools – under the shadow of a tufting instructor. No experience is necessary for this activity. Plus, services are conducted in both Chinese and English.
đź“Ť40-01, Jln Austin Heights 3/2, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
20. Swing by Desaru Coast
If you’re staying over a long weekend, why not dip over to the famous fishing village of Desaru Coast? It’s a one hour drive by car from Johor Bahru. Holidaymakers can enjoy luxurious hotels, more than 200 ostriches, a swim in turquoise waters, beach golf, and more. Luckily, we’ve already created the ultimate guide for travellers in Desaru Coast.
đź“ŤDesaru Coast, Johor, Malaysia
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