The weekend is here again, and it’s time you try something new! Strap on your seat belts, because you’re crossing the borders for a weekend adventure! Get excited because here are 10 places in JB to spend some cash and fill your tummies.
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Getting around in JB:
- Having your own transport is a plus when exploring the streets of JB, since the locations may be quite far from each other. You can rent a car to make your weekend getaway much more convenient.
- The next best alternative to get around is using the Uber app, if you don’t know the routes to your destination. You can also take the taxis in JB, but be aware of the taxi fares to avoid them from being marked-up when you arrive at your destination.
DAY 1
Packing pastries from Salahuddin Bakery
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This family-run business is one of the oldest bakeries in Johor Bahru (79 years to be exact!). They have the best and yummiest pastries you can find in town! Located at Jalan Dhoby where cafes are sprouting at such a quick rate, it’s a blessing to have this gem still going at it, providing us with their freshly baked goods!
Address: 26, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:30AM – 5:30PM
Try “The Best Chicken Chop in Town’ at It Roo Café
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Since you’re already there, why not have some classic chicken chop for lunch? The Hainanese cafe brings a nostalgic old JB vibe with its vintage-looking interior. The chicken chop is served either grilled or deep-fried, with potato wedges, coleslaw and a splash of black pepper or mushroom sauce. When you’re done, take your mandatory OOTD shot at the brightly-painted ‘Smile’ mural just outside of the cafe!
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Address: 17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 10:00AM – 9:30PM
Cool down with some soft serves at Koone
Credit: Koone on Facebook
One of the newest kids on the street, Koone is a soft-serve parlour with an array of flavours to tingle your taste buds. With specialty flavours like Japanese Matcha, Nano Yoghurt and Dark Chocolate with unique toppings, these soft-serves are presented in a double-cup with dry-ice fogging out! They are also always coming up with new flavours for you to try.
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What’s convenient is how the layout of the place makes it so much easier to Instagram their soft-serves. They are great to eat especially after a hearty meal in the JB heat!
Address: 30, Jalan Dhoby Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 12:00PM – 9:00PM, Friday – Sunday 1:00PM – 11:00PM
Website
#HHWT Tip: Look through this list for other fancy cafes worth checking out! Cafes at Jalan Dhoby
Scavenge through second-hand items at Pasar Karat
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If you only have time for a quick stop, make sure you make your way to Pasar Karat! The streets of JB’s City Hall is transformed into your classic pasar malam when the night hits town. Conveniently located right near the Causeway Checkpoint, Pasar Karat will surely satisfy for pasar malam shopping – from yummy food, second-hand items and fashion accessories! You can even catch a couple of buskers performing by the side. Pasar Karat started back in the 70s, so it feels like you’re transported back in time to experience the hustle and bustle of the night market with the coolest finds.
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Address: -26,, 20, Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 6:00PM – 12:00AM, Saturday – Sunday 7:30PM – 12:00AM
DAY 2
Conquer the theme parks of Legoland Malaysia
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Maximise your weekend with your loved ones at Legoland Malaysia, where you can combine your love for Legos and theme parks all at one exciting place! Legoland has two parks to conquer: Water Park and Theme Park. You can explore the Lego Kingdoms, learn driving at Lego City and race down the slides at the Water Park! Bring extra clothes even if you’re not planning to stay the night because you’re sure to be soaked by the end of the day.
Credit: @legolandmalaysia on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: Visit their website for the park map and other ticket promotions!
Address: 7, Jalan Legoland, Medini, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
Admission:
1 Day Combo Ticket for Theme Park and Water Park:
Adults RM196
Children (aged 3 -11) and Seniors (aged 60+) RM156
Opening Hours: Theme Park: 10:00AM – 7:30PM, Water Park: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Website
Find good bargains at Johor Premium Outlets
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If you’re one who loves shopping, JPO is good for getting luxury branded goods at a discounted price! From bags to shoes and jewellery, the designer brands gracing the outlet site are aplenty – such as Coach, Armani Exchange and Michael Kors. You can even find something to buy for your children too! Catch a breath at the benches outside, and fuel your stomach at the restaurants nearby before you continue your retail therapy.
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#HHWT Tip: Check out their website to see any on-going promotions to take note of.
Address: Jalan Premium Outlets Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 10:00AM – 10:00PM
Website
Indulge in fresh seafood at Senibong Seafood Village
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Senibong Seafood Village is where you can satisfy all of your seafood cravings at a great price. There are a couple of restaurants that you can choose to dine in – all of which caters to your seafood needs. Plus, they include a magical sea-view while you indulge in the savoury dishes! You can also catch a sight of Singapore if you pay close attention.
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Address: Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 4:00PM – 2:00AM, Sunday 4:00PM – 12:00AM
DAY 3
Stop by Pandan City for a quick haircut and some shopping!
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If you’re coming into JB late into the night, head over to Pandan City for some thrifty shopping! Pandan City has a range of items like handbags, jerseys, sports shoes and even accessories. Pair your new finds with a good gentleman’s haircut and some late night supper! You can find freshly toasted naan, fried rice and your Ramly burger fix at the food stalls.
Address: Jalan Seri Purnama, Kawasan Perindustrian Seri Pernama, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Daily
Hang out under the fairy lights at Kilang Bateri
Taking after the name of its predecessor, Kilang Bateri is now transformed into a hangout spot for the foodies and shoppers in JB. It’s popular for the i-Shell Out seafood, where the messy yet delectable seafood is spread right in front of you and your loved ones. With retail outlets, unique cafes and live music playing, it doesn’t feel like you’re shopping and dining at JB at all.
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Address: Jalan Tampoi, Kawasan Perindustrian Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 12:00PM – 12:00AM, Friday – Sunday 12:00PM – 3:00AM
Share a platter with your loved ones at Bigdaddy’s Family Cafe
Credit: @bigdaddysfamilycafe on Instsgram
Having pisang goreng (fried banana fritters) cravings late at night? At Bigdaddy’s Family Cafe, the pisang goreng are drizzled in cheese, Oreo and topped with vanilla ice cream! If you’re having a hard time choosing what to eat here, the cafe also has a Bigkeboom Combo where you try a huge platter of its Western food! The cafe is nestled near to Kilang Bateri, so it’s pretty convenient to drop by too. With a barber shop service available right inside the cafe, you can chill with your friends after getting a fresh cut.
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Address: 28, Jalan Padi Emas 6/1, Bandar Baru Uda, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday 2:00AM – 3:00AM, Monday – Sunday 5:00PM – 1:30AM
Now you definitely have something to do in JB, even if you’re spending the whole weekend or just a couple of hours there! Just a quick trip across the border will make you feel refreshed for the start of a new week. Share the love and bring along your loved ones!