As a Johorean, I have often invited my friends from the Klang Valley to visit my hometown. However, they would always reject my invitation and question me with “JB got nice things to do meh? JB like got nothing one?”.
Well, there’s actually loads of fun things to do in Johor Bahru that not many people know about. So, here’s a list of the amazing activities you can do there. Bonus? They’re suitable for all ages!
1. See a whole new world at LEGOLAND
Source: MalayMail Online
The best part about going to theme parks is feeling as though you’ve just stepped into a brand new world. Although there are many theme parks all around Malaysia, LEGOLAND is somewhat more special than the others.
Why? That’s because this whole park is actually built out of LEGOs!
They’ve got both a dry and wet theme park so you can enjoy the best of both worlds in one place. Tickets start from RM73 up to RM244. Children below 12 years old and seniors above 60 years old have discounted fares.
Source: SGMYTAXI
Address: 7, Jalan Legoland, Medini, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm; Fridays to Saturdays and Public or School Holidays, 10am to 7pm.
2. Act like you’re in France at Little Paris
Source: Little Paris
If you’re broke AF to go all the way to France but you still want to have a taste of it, then you should totally visit Little Paris.
This place features a row of shophouses where the exterior decoration mimics the style of Parisian streets. At night, there are even pretty light decors, which will make any of your Instagram followers think you’re in Europe. 😉
Just like the French city, Little Paris has got loads of high fashion clothing stores, and yummilicious cafes and bakeries to check out.
Source: Gourmandises
Gourmandises is a humble bakery owned by a French-Chinese lady. It’s located in a little corner shop along that street. She bakes intricate cakes and mouthwatering cookies that are almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Little Paris occasionally holds massive events too where people from all over JB will crowd at to enjoy the festivity.
Source: Little Paris
Address: Jalan Jaya Putra 1/1, Bandar Jaya Putra, 81100, Johor Bahru
Operating hours: 24 hours daily. Operational hours of individual shops may vary.
3. Feel super atas by dining at Senibong Cove
Source: UTM
This particular spot is quite the hidden gem in Johor Bahru. It is a new mini township called Senibong where beautiful houses are built along the East coast.
At Senibong Cove, you can stare into the sunset with a view of yachts parked at the harbour while you dine like the atas people.
After the delicious meal, you can have a romantic stroll along the pathway by the coast and enjoy the scenery. So romantic man…
Source: FIABCI
Address: N-01, Blok N, Pinggiran Senibong, No. 1 Persiaran Senibong, Teluk Senibong, 81750, Masai, Johor
Operating hours: 24 hours, daily. Operational hours of individual shops may vary.
4. Check out actual JEWELS at Istana Bukit Serene
Source: Pixoto
These jewels aren’t in some boring dusty museum. They’re actually embedded into a crown-like structure right at the Bukit Serene Palace entrance!
The architectural wonder was built in the image of the Johor royal crown and they actually have real jewels built into it. This place gets particularly busy at night when the sun goes down and pretty lights illuminate the place, giving the gems a special shine.
There’s also a pretty fountain with colourful lights and a big space for people to just chillax. Funnily enough, a lot of couples tend to have a romantic stroll over here.
Source: The Star
Address: Jalan Straits View, Bukit Serene, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 24 hours daily.
5. Enjoy a traditional kopitiam breakfast
Source: FoodieFC
Hua Mui’s traditional breakfast comprising kaya butter toast, soft boiled eggs and their specialty kopi are to die for. Yes, I would die for this!
What makes their toast so special from the typical ones is the fact that they also have buns instead of just sliced bread. To make everything better, they use frozen butter so when you bite into the toast, you get a chunk of cold butter. Mmm…
Of course, the best pair for any roti bakar would have to perfectly soft boiled eggs. Last but not least, we need a hot cup of kopi to wash everything down. Their coffee will do absolutely no wrong.
Source: suelenonmok
If you prefer heavier meals, then you should totally try their Hainanese chicken chop.
Address: 131, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000, Johor
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday, 8.30am to 6pm. Closed on Sundays.
6. Check out the century-old bakery
Source: FoodieFC
If you have the heart for exploring heritage sites, then the Old JB Town is the place for you. One of the oldest bakeries in Malaysia is Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory located right opposite Hua Mui.
Just cross the road to the old establishment and savour their delicious cakes and cookies made from wood fire ovens that first started operating since 1919!
Source: Miss Tam Chiak
Their most recommended product would be the banana cake. They are soft and fluffy yet dense at the same time so you won’t feel like you’re eating air. An absolute must-try when you’re in JB!
Address: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000, Johor Bahru
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday, 7am to 6pm; Sunday 9am to 1pm.
Source: My Food Fever
7. Fill your Instagram feed with amazing pictures of JB Old Town
Source: Travelblog
While you’re at JB Old Town, you should check out all murals and heritage buildings. Just like in Penang, JB has got some pretty fun paintings on its walls as well.
The best part about the town is that the place hasn’t been changed much except for some refurbishments and new paint coats. Aside from that, the Johor council has ensured that the structures remain the same as when it was built in olden times.
Besides, the Red House is a pretty special building for the artsy fartsy people as they often hold cultural and art events. Meanwhile, just remember to take loads of pictures and show off to all your Insta followers.
Source: lisaclifton
Address: Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000, Johor Bahru
Operating hours: 24 hours daily. Operational hours of individual shops may vary.
8. Score some quirky finds at Pasar Karat
Source: Pasar Karat JB
As night falls upon the old town in the heart of JB, that’s when all the makeshift stalls come out. At this pasar malam, you can find your typical night market knick-knacks and some other pretty special items too.
Though the bazaar is called ‘Pasar Karat‘ (rusty market), they don’t necessary sell rusty items only. Some stalls sell baby strollers and baby toy cars while other stalls sell some rather special drinks that you can’t really find elsewhere.
The vendors are all friendly and totally cool with you trying to bargain for a better price too!
Source: Stellar on the Street
Address: 26, 20, Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Operating hours: Weekdays, 6pm to 12am; Weekends, 7.30pm to 12am.
9. Try to spot Singaporeans
Singaporeans often travel to JB, especially on the weekends to run errands and enjoy the food here.
They would visit relatives, do some grocery shopping, and of course, pump petrol into their vehicles. Because Malaysia’s petrol cheap mah…
Aside from the giveaway Singapore number plates, see if you can tell who are locals and who are from the little island down south. If you can spot some of their quirky antics, you will know immediately that they aren’t Malaysians.
For example, using tissue paper packets to ‘chope’ seats in eateries, shaking their car vigorously to get more ‘space’ for petrol, or just how kiasu they are.
Source: Five Stars and Moon
10. Shop till you drop at Johor Premium Outlets
Source: SGMYTAXI
Shopping is just so irresistible especially when the prices are massively slashed. Over at JPO, you can find all sorts of branded and luxurious labels selling at waaay lower prices than you’d find at their regular retail outlets.
Here, you can purchase branded goods from Burberry, Coach, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Swatch, and much more. Then, you can show off all these ang moh branded stuff to your friends and make them jealous.
Address: Jalan Premium Outlets Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia
Operating hours: 10am to 10pm daily.
11. Chill at the Battery Factory
Source: Sini
This hot spot in Johor Bahru was once the Eveready battery factory, hence the name. In the Battery Factory a.k,a Kilang Bateri, you can shop around for locally made clothes and vintage accessories.
Besides, there are loads of hipster cafes with band performances to satisfy your coffee and chill needs. If you’re into more adventurous activities, then you can check out their mini indoor skate park.
Oh and you can even get a haircut here because there’s a barber shop right inside the building. They’re the hipster type of barber shop that also provides shaving services!
Source: Ohbulan!
Address: No. 83, Jalan Tampoi, 81200, Johor Bahru
Operational hours: 12pm to 12am daily.
Now you can plan a whole itinerary when you visit JB!
Also read: 8 Fun Things You Can Do in Genting Aside From Gambling Your Money Away
