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5 things to do in Johor Bahru for your next weekend getaway
Johor Bahru, just across the Malaysian border from Singapore, is an easy favourite when it comes to weekend getaways. It takes less than an hour to get to and once you’ve scanned your passport through the autogates (yes, you can do that now, thank you ASEAN Economic Community!), your money is instantly three times stronger.
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Johor Bahru used to be a great place for trying out street food, pumping petrol, buying spare parts for cars and shopping for groceries and other household items. Recently, with the upcoming Iskandar City, Puteri Harbour and savvy entrepreneurs banking in on the weekend big spenders, there’s been much more to do in JB than just that!
So if you’re thinking of heading up there this weekend, here’s what you should be including in your itinerary:
1. Legoland
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Whether you were a 90s kid or not, you would have had a lot of fun growing up with the Lego bricks. That’s why Legoland Malaysia is a must-visit attraction when you are in Johor Bahru. Easily accessible by highway if you drive in, Legoland is an all-day activity that is fun for you to enjoy with friends or family.
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You can enjoy the intricately built Legoland Miniland with all of the miniature versions of iconic structures in Malaysia including the Petronas Twin Towers and Putrajaya.
Legoland is also in with the times. This May, they hosted their Star Wars Days activities in conjunction with the Star Wars month (May the Fourth be with you!). Fans gathered to see the largest imperial March in Asia and super cool Star Wars Lego merchandise went on sale in the shop.
So coincide your trip with one of Legoland’s awesome activities during the year to make the experience a lot more magical.
2. Puteri Harbour
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Puteri means princess in Bahasa Malaysia and guess what? You will feel like a total princess (or prince) here in this charming lakeside mixed development. There are plenty of new establishments coming up here including highly popular Hakka cuisine restaurant Ying Ker Lou and American chain Johnny Rockets. But one of the highlights of Puteri Harbour is of course, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and Thomas Town.
These two main attractions will keep the kids (and the adults) occupied for the whole day. And once the sun is about to set, everyone can head on up to the beautiful rooftop dining area that Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour has to offer.
Get stunning views of the sunset over the infinity pool here as you unwind from a long day of excitement with some of Hotel Jen’s signature cocktails like their Jen & Tonic (love the punny name!) as well as their amazing cuisine. During the month of Ramadan, the harbour is also bustling with bright lights and colours as Hotel Jen introduces their Ramadan buffet with unlimited durian for all!
3. Johor Premium Outlets
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Singaporeans love getting discounts and what more when the exchange rate is already three times as attractive! With the Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) being the closest premium outlets in Malaysia to Singaporeans, it is no surprise that many avid shoppers flock to JPO on the weekends to get their shopping fix.
Big brands like Coach, Kate Spade, Nike, Cotton On and even Akemi have set up shop here so you can get anything from work clothes to luxury goods to household items here. There are also plenty of food options to choose from here and you will be surprised to see how crowded it gets especially during long weekends! Go early as the weather is not as hot and you will be able to get your hands on the best stuff then.
4. Go cafe hopping around JB’s city centre
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If you don’t have a car, this is one of the best things you can do. Once you have passed immigration, you will enter the famous Johor Bahru City Square Mall. You will be tempted by all the restaurants and shops there, but have some patience and just walk out towards Jalan Trus or Jalan Dhoby for a whole array of hipster cafes and cool vintage shops to check out. Grab a milkshake at Shakespeare Milkshakes and play a couple of board games at Fullwolves upstairs.
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One of the most popular brunch spots on the weekend is The Replacement Lodge + Kitchen. But if you happen to stay for the whole day in JB, you should drop by for their dinner menu which is an interesting selection of tapas for under RM30 per dish (that’s less than S$10!) – we would recommend trying the steak and the prawns!
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If you want to stay right in the heart of the action, The Replacement Lodge + Kitchen also has some of the most beautiful rooms in their lodge right upstairs from the cafe. The rooms are every Instagrammer’s dream!
5. Find some of the local cuisine that is off the beaten track
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One of the best things to do in Malaysia is to go on a food hunt – no matter which state you are visiting. Two of the highly recommended dishes that you should try here in Johor Bahru are the Johor Laksa as well as a personal favourite – duck rice with braised beancurd.
You will need a car to access these spots but the laksa that is much-vaunted would be Cathay Laksa just near the Woodlands checkpoint and you will find the braised duck and beancurd dishes at the Taika Huat Ba Li Ban coffee shop located in an industrial area in Skudai.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get yourself hyped up for your next JB roadtrip!
(By Sarah Voon)
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