Best Things to Do in Johor Bahru
Located just a short drive across the causeway or a 5-minute train ride away, a trip to Johor Bahru (JB) has become a norm for many. If you're wondering what to do in JB, you're at the right place! With a vibrant local food scene, laid-back cafes, cultural sites, theme parks, and great malls, Johor Bahru is a jewel filled with lots of fun things to do.
Here's a short 3D2N Johor Bahru itinerary that will take you to the best sights, attractions, and food spots in the city.
How to Go to Johor Bahru from Singapore
Train from Singapore to JB
The train from Singapore to JB is operated by KTM and while you can either get your tickets online via the KTM website, or over the counter at the train station, we definitely recommend pre-booking your tickets as these sell out pretty quickly.
- From Woodlands MRT, take bus 856, 903, 911 or 912 to Woodlands Train Checkpoint
- Head to the gate at least 30 minutes before your train departs, the gate closes 10 minutes before the train departs
- Scan your passport at the gate
- Go through immigration
- Board your train
- It's free seating so grab a seat or stand if you wish, after all the ride is only 5-minutes
Bus from Singapore to JB
You can take a number of buses to JB:
From Woodlands Train Checkpoint bus stop
From Queen Street Terminal
Besides public buses, you can also travel into JB via a comfy coach ride. You can also book a ride from other departure points in Singapore, like The Star Vista or Outram Park station to JB from as low as $4 per ticket.
Day 1
Salahuddin Bakery
Photo Credits: @thekitchenguardian
Start your day right with fresh pastries from Salahuddin Bakery. This humble, no-frills family-run bakery is one of the oldest ones in Johor Bahru, it opened its doors in 1937 and has been serving some of the yummiest pastries in town for the past 80 years.
Photo Credits: @fatpigdiary
You'll find a delicious selection of baked treats here, but most people flock over for their flaky curry puffs - so be sure to grab a few!
- Address: 26, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
- Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm, closed Fridays
Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street
Photo Credits: @magiciandarren
This is a historical street named after one of the founding fathers of the city, and is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Johor Bahru. The street is dotted with antique shops, boutique cafes, and restaurants ready to welcome you if you're hungry and looking for a place to escape the heat!
- Address: 53, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Skyscape, Menara Jland
Photo Credits: @iamod_
Skyscape is the city's first aerial entertainment space that opened its doors in 2019. Perched 149m above ground, step onto the curved observation deck with glass flooring that will offer you views of both Johor and Singapore from up high! Book your open-dated admission tickets on Klook to enjoy a discounted rate, and have fun with the multitude of VR and interactive games here.
- Address: Level 34, Menara JLand Johor Bahru City Centre (JBCC), Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 80000 Johor Bahru
- Opening Hours: 9.30am - 4pm (closed on Saturdays)
Desaru Beach
Photo Credits: @mtchrisss
After walking around the whole day, unwind and catch a beautiful sunset by the Desaru Beach. You can even pack a picnic mat and have a picnic here while you bask in the evening sun. In case you're feeling adventurous, you can also enjoy exhilarating water activities like jet skiing or hop on a banana boat ride!
Pasar Karat
Photo Credits: @mervyn_nmw
Pasar Karat is a large, popular flea market where you can find a wide selection of secondhand treasures like clothes, antiques, and cool knick-knacks. The market opens only in the evenings and usually gets bustling with energy after 8pm! Head over after dinner for a casual stroll, you might even catch some live performances by talented street buskers here.
- Address: 26, 20, Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
- Opening Hours: 6pm - 2am, closed on Mondays
Day 2
Legoland Malaysia, Johor Bahru
Photo Credits: @makeyourownwaythere
Spend a fun-filled day at Legoland Malaysia! With seven theme parks to conquer, you're guaranteed a 'brick-tastic' adventure at one of Malaysia's best theme parks. Brave through twisting water slides, hop on thrilling rides, and discover marine life at the Sea Life aquarium. Make sure you pack extra clothes as you'll definitely be soaked by the end of the day!
- Address: 7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor Bahru
- Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm, closed on Wednesdays
Danga Bay
Photo Credits: @m.khairulhaziq
After a long, fun day at the theme park, head over to Danga Bay, Johor's scenic waterfront recreational park. Danga Bay has lots to offer from scenic sunset views and restaurants that serve great seafood.
The area lights up upon nightfall, especially at the Danga World Theme Park, a retro fun fair with an old-school charm. Hop on the carousel or have a bumper car battle with your friends or family!
Medan Selera Meldrum Walk
Photo Credits: @hafismhm
You can't leave Johor Bahru without indulging in its local street food! Head to Medan Selera Meldrum Walk, a paradise for foodies that comes to life at night.
Photo Credits: @theroycelee
Feast on local favourites like BBQ chicken wings, fried kway teow, fried carrot cake, satay, and seafood. Our favourite here is the oyster omelette that draws a stream of orders till late at night! Be sure to head straight to the stall (Stall No. 7) once you reach because they get sold out on popular nights if you're late!
- Address: Jalan Meldrum, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Day 3
Hiap Joo Bakery and Biscuit Factory
Photo Credits: @tyeatsalot
This is another must-visit when in Johor Bahru - Hiap Joo Bakery has been serving "the best banana cake in Johor" since 1919! The bakery offers freshly-baked goods such as buns, cakes, and biscuits baked with a traditional wood-fired charcoal oven.
You'll almost always be greeted by a queue when you're here, but trust us - the wait will be worth it. Make sure to try their signature banana cake when you're here - buy some extras home as souvenirs or a teatime treat to relive the memories of your getaway.
- Address: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000, Johor Bahru
- Opening Hours: 7.30am - 4.30pm (closed on Sundays)
Breakfast at Mount Austin
After getting your banana cake and other baked treats, head over to Mount Austin, a trendy residential area filled with chill cafes and restaurants (it also comes to life with late-night food-trucks serving hearty meals that are great for dinner or supper).
We recommend having a satisfying local breakfast at Local House, a breakfast spot that will surely satisfy with unpretentious, tasty Malaysian fare. Try the kaya toast with half boiled eggs, or go for hokkien mee if you want something more hearty! If your prefer a pretty cafe, you can check out Bloom by MokMok or JWC The Factory 30 for your cuppa and brunch dishes!
Johor Bubble Tea Street
Mount Austin has become Johor's mini Taiwanese town and is home to more than 50 bubble tea shops (some which cannot even be found in KL). Book your discounted vouchers on Klook and quench your thirst at one of the many popular bubble tea stores in the Mount Austin area!
Johor Premium Outlets
Shop to your heart's content at the Johor Premium Outlets (JPO), a shopaholic's paradise where you can get luxury branded goods at discounted prices! JPO has a great selection of over 150 outlets including Coach, Bally, DKNY, Fossil, Michael Kors, Nike, Adidas, Armani Exchange, Timberland, and more.
In case you get hungry, there's also a food court as well as cafes, dessert shops, and many restaurants in the premise.
- Address: Jalan Premium Outlets, Bandar Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm, Daily
Ready For Your Johor Bahru Getaway?
🤩 Book Your Hotel with Klook Stay+
Heard of Klook Stay+? Here's how you can bundle your hotel booking with the best activities your destination has to offer, so you can explore more, spend less and easily plan your trip!
What Can I Enjoy with Klook Stay+?
- Up to 50% Off - Book a bundle and get up to half price off your hotel or activity
- Lots of Options - Choose from attractions, transport, WiFi/SIM and more to bundle with
- Essentials Included - Book your ideal room and trip essentials all in one place
👉🏼 Check out all Stay+ bundles here: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/hotels/stayplus/
🏨 Check out ALL our Hotel Promotions
- Save up to $90 on your hotel stay when you book on Klook!
👉🏼 Check out all hotel deals here: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/tetris/promo/sghotels
