Johor Bahru, often referred to as JB, is located in Johor, Malaysia, just across the sea from Singapore. Many Singaporeans love to visit JB for shopping and dining, as the cost of living is roughly one-third of that in Singapore – almost like spending money for free!
JB offers a plethora of delicious food options and is conveniently accessible for a day trip from Singapore, making it a fascinating experience. However, I strongly recommend avoiding Fridays and holidays, as the influx of visitors to JB can be overwhelming, and you might find yourself spending up to 4 hours at the customs – not an exaggeration!
Recommended Attractions in JB:
- Johor Old Temple
- Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
- Legoland
- Hello Kitty Land
- Kota Iskandar: Johor’s new landmark with Islamic architectural culture
- Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque: Offers a view of the Singapore-Johor Strait
- Tan Hiok Nee Cultural Street
- Dataran Bandaraya: City Square for sunset views
- Desaru Beach
- Senibong Cove
- Puteri Harbour
- Seri Alam Blue Lake
- JB Independent Park: Evening music fountain
JB feels somewhat similar to Singapore from certain perspectives. Tan Hiok Nee Street, known for its famous old eateries such as Hwa Mui and Yew’s Bread, can be explored in about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Address: 61-67, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tan Hiok Nee Street exudes a strong retro vibe, perfect for capturing candid moments reminiscent of China’s cities in the 70s and 80s. Malaysia’s retro feel is prominent, offering a nostalgic atmosphere similar to Hong Kong movies from the 80s and 90s.
Shopping Centers:
- JB City Square: Near customs
- KSL: Dinosaur Water Theme Park (many street vendors)
- R&F Mall: Newly developed shopping center
- Paradigm Mall: Largest shopping center in JB
- Johor Premium Outlets: Luxury shopping center
- AEON Bandar Dato’ Onn: Affordable brands
- IKEA Tebrau: Southeast Asia’s largest IKEA
- Angsana Mall
- AEON Bukit Indah: Near Legoland
- Komtar JBCC: Angry Birds Theme Park
City Square, the closest large mall to the customs, offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Although the stores are relatively ordinary, it’s convenient for everyday purchases, and the proximity to Tan Hiok Nee Street makes it an excellent choice.
KSL City turned out to be less glamorous inside than it appeared from the outside. While the exterior looked magnificent, the interior resembled a shopping mall version of street-side stalls, with aisles filled with small vendors selling items like phone cases and headphones. It’s not the ideal place for brand shopping but could be suitable for everyday goods at prices similar to those in China.
Night Markets in JB:
- Monday: KSL Pasar Malam
- Tuesday: Johor Jaya Pasar Malam
- Wednesday: Bukit Indah Pasar Malam
- Thursday: Impian Emas Pasar Malam
- Friday: Puteri Wangsa Pasar Malam
- Saturday: Ungku Tun Aminah Pasar Malam – Queen Night Market, JB’s largest
- Sunday: Permas Jaya Pasar Malam
There are night markets every night; the location changes, so you can explore the night market corresponding to the day of the week.
KSL Night Market: The sizable night market at KSL Shopping Center’s main entrance street starts setting up at 4 PM. Malaysian night markets truly have everything – from snacks and pastries to vegetables, small items, roasted meats, seafood, and even paper money for ceremonies. It’s a shocking variety!
This vibrant market provides a great opportunity for shopping and experiencing the local culture. JB is indeed a fantastic destination for a quick escape from Singapore, offering delicious food, unique experiences, and affordable shopping.