It is no secret that our friendly neighbour just across the causeway has become our number one destination for a quick yet affordable getaway.

Johor Bahru is known for being a cafe-hopper’s paradise but aside from that, there are a plethora of other things to do. Instead of rushing a day trip just to be stuck in the causeway traffic at the end of the day, why not consider staying for a night or two? Not only are the things here cheaper because of the exchange rate, the city also has incredibly affordable accommodation!

From feasting on lok lok to feeling like a kid again at Legoland Malaysia, here is our Johor Bahru Guide on what to see, do and eat the next time you cross the causeway.

BAK KUT TEH 

Malaysian bak kut teh is known for its distinct herbal taste, which is opposed to Singapore’s peppery rendition. If you’re a foodie like us, it is a must for you to try some of this soupy goodness when you cross the causeway.

A good place to get a taste of Malaysian bak kut teh in Johor Bahru is at the famous Restoran Soon Soon Heng Bak Kut Teh that is right opposite KSL mall.

Restoran Soon Soon Heng Bak Kut Teh
43, Jalan Serigala, Taman Abad
80250 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Daily: 8am – 8pm

CAFE HOPPING 

Johor Bahru is an established cafe paradise and there are a plethora of cafes to visit for some seriously good food. The cafe nosh here is also way cheaper than what you can get in Singapore, so that means you’ll have more money to splurge on shopping and other activities after a good meal!

CITY SQUARE MALL AND KOMTAR JBCC

The shopping begins once you cross the Malaysian checkpoint at the famous City Square Mall and Komtar JBCC. Here, you have everything you can ever need and want under one roof and many people love to come here to run errands, watch a cheap movie or to have a good meal. These two malls alone are a shopaholic’s idea of heaven!

City Square Mall
106, 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Daily: 10am – 10pm

KOMTAR JBCC
Level 3 BUTIK ARMADA LANUN JOHOR, City Centre
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Daily: 10am – 10pm 

CHEAP MASSAGES

Johor Bahru is home to a number of cheap massage parlours to relax and loosen up those tight muscles. We recommend getting a foot massage after a hectic day of running around and exploring Johor Bahru. 

One place that you can check out is QS Reflexology & Therapy. It is conveniently located in KSL Mall, so you can pop by once you’re done with a tiring day of shopping.

QS Reflexology & Therapy
GE-006, Ground Floor & L2-01a
KSL CITY, 32, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad
80250 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +65 +60 7-331 1898
Daily: 10am – 10pm

EAT LOK LOK 

There is something oh-so-addictive about street food in any shape and form and here in Johor Bahru, we are completely obsessed with lok lok — skewered sticks of meats and vegetables which are deep-fried to a nice golden brown. These can commonly be found along the streets of Johor Bahru and make great late-night snacks!

Photo Credit: mulan_in_singapore 

EXPLORE JALAN TAN HIOK NEE 

The famous and gorgeous streets of Jalan Tan Hiok Nee are rich with history and are definitely worth exploring on your next trip to Johor Bahru. Here, you can find lots of cafes, old school local eateries as well as pretty, colourful, Instagram-worthy buildings. They even have guided heritage walks for people who are curious about the roots and beginnings of the area.

GO GO-KARTING 

For the more active ones out there, you can always try your hand at go-karting. Race along the track with your friends in tiny cars and see which one of you is the better driver! It’s also a great experience for kids who are interested in driving but are too young to do so.

You can have a go at go-karting at Permas Go-Kart Club.

Permas Go-Kart Club 
Jalan Bunga Matahari, Taman Plentong Baru
81750 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 19-711 1733
Mon to Fri: 10am – 6.30pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 6.30pm

Photo Credit: Legoland Malaysia 

HAVE FUN AT LEGOLAND MALAYSIA 

Unleash your inner child at Legoland Malaysia. This family theme park is filled with exhilarating rides that are great for both children and adults. We also adore all the breathtaking, detailed lego structures which are reminiscent of our childhood. You’ll never know; you may even end up having more fun here than the kids!

Legoland 
7, Jalan Legoland, Medini
79250 Nusajaya
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-597 8888
Daily: 10am – 6pm

Photo Credit: Klook 

JOHOR PREMIUM OUTLETS 

The best place to take advantage of the exchange rate is at Johor Premium Outlets. Not only do they house popular brands such as Nike, Puma and Kate Spade, everything here is heavily discounted. Shopaholics, rejoice!

Johor Premium Outlets
Jalan Premium Outlets Indahpura
81000 Kulai
Johor, Malaysia
Daily: 10am – 10pm

Photo Credit: M Suites Hotel Johor Bahru 

NIGHT MARKETS 

Besides the abundance of cafes and malls, there are also messy yet exciting night markets. Here, you can find plenty of classic Malaysian street food, cheap clothes and other interesting knick-knacks.

Some markets you can explore are JB KSL Monday Night Market and Taman Munsyi Ibrahim Pasar Malam.

JB KSL Monday Night Market
33 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad
Johor, Malaysia
(Outside KSL Mall, in front of Coffee Bean)
Mon: 5pm – 9pm

Taman Munsyi Ibrahim Pasar Malam
Jalan Besar, Taman Munsyi Ibrahim
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Sat: 5pm – 12am

Photo Credit: Simply Enjoy Johor Bahru (JB) 

PARADIGM MALL 

Spanning over 1.3 million square feet and seven floors, Paradigm Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the whole of Johor Bahru with over 500 retail shops for you to explore. Moreover, this massive complex also houses an ice skating rink, a state-of-the-art 16-screen cinema and even an indoor climbing gym!

Paradigm Mall 
Jalan Bertingkat Skudai
Taman Bukit Mewah, 81200 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-231 3888
Daily: 10am – 10pm

PLAY PAINTBALL 

Paintball is incredibly fun, but it can be painfully expensive in Singapore. So what better place to have a paintball battle with your friends than at Johor Bahru? There are a number of affordable options just across the causeway and many of these paintball fields have different and exciting themes to spice up your game.

One place you can check out for paintball is AOV Paintball Trading.

AOV Paintball Trading
PTD114143, Jalan Desa Tebrau
Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 16-760 6184
Daily: 9am – 6pm

Photo Credit: Neway 

SING KARAOKE 

It’s time to quit belting out those Mariah Carey songs in the shower and up your game to a proper karaoke place! Johor Bahru has numerous KTV outlets across the island with shockingly low prices, making it the perfect destination to practise for the release of your debut album.

We recommend The Rhythm at Mount Austin.

The Rhythm 
55, Jln Austin Height 8/8
Taman Mount Austin
81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 11-1558 7777
Daily: 10am – 3am

Photo Credit: ______ym______doesnt

VISIT ZOO JOHOR

Animal lovers, fret not, we did not forget about you! At the heart of Johor Bahru is Zoo Johor, one of the oldest zoos in Malaysia. It is home to more than 100 species of animals which include the likes of gorillas, elephants, flamingos and horses. The entrance fee is only RM2, which is definitely a steal! 

Johor Zoo
Jalan Gertak Merah
80000 Johor Bahru
Tel: +60 7-223 0404
Daily: 9am – 6pm 

Photo Credit: imemily

WATCH A MOVIE ON A BEANBAG  

Watching a movie in Johor Bahru is already very affordable, but something to make the experience even better is doing it on a bean bag. Snuggling with your partner on these plush, comfortable bean bags will definitely make the movie experience even more exciting; you may not want to watch a movie anywhere else in the future!

You can catch a movie on a bean bag at Aeon Tebrau.

Aeon Tebrau
3, Jalan Persiaran Desa Tebrau
Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 1-300-22-2848

All Singaporeans know that Johor Bahru is the place to go when you want a short escape from all things expensive in Singapore. Everything is cheaper there — shopping, massages, transport, and most importantly, food!

There are a plethora of well-known cafes near the causeway that many of us Singaporeans love to visit. Aside from that, however, there are a number of other fantastic eateries deeper within Johor that we feel you need to check out. 

With that, here is our list of our 23 favourite cafes in Johor Bahru that you can refer to for your next day trip over the causeway.

Photo Credit: Birdfolks

ATLAS COFFEE EMBASSY 

The interior of this place is minimalistic and has great lighting to take amazing photos of your food for the gram. This place, like its name, says, is must-try for coffee as the barista behind these brews is none other than Malaysian Barista Champion JH Yee. Do try their Atlas Signature Blend coffee for an amazing coffee experience!

Taman Mount Austin
32 Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-358 7546
Daily: 8.30am – 7pm 

BASILICO

Basilico is a tiny Italian cafe that is neatly tucked away in the Mount Austin area. The lighting here is pretty dim — not so good for taking photos, but great if you want a cosy place to have a chill hang out session with some friends. Basilico’s aim is to sell authentic Italian food at affordable prices, and they’re definitely doing that right.

Taman Mount Austin,
17 Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-364 7463
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm

BEV C

Popular industrial-themed Bev C Café is located on the upper level of a restored shophouse in Johor Bahru and it is a well-loved destination for cafe hoppers and foodies. Cool yourselves down from the scorching tropical heat with Bev C’s popular espresso Ice Cube Drink with Chocolate or dig into their best selling White Chocolate Truffle Pie.

54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 16-725 3530
Mon to Sun: 10am – 7pm
(Closed on Wednesdays)

BIG BITES CAFE

Big Bites Cafe is an artisanal café that is nestled within the café-filled enclave of Jalan Dhoby. Here, they specialise in coffee as well as a wide array of signature homemade Mille crepe cakes. For those of you who adore all things durian related, you need to try their Musang King Durian and it is one dessert that we would happily cross the border for in a heartbeat.

18 Jalan Ibrahim
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7221 1475
Mon to Fri: 10am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm

CHAIWALLA & CO. CONTAINER CAFE

Housed in a shipping container and situated in a public parking lot, Chaiwalla & Co. Container Cafe is a hipster paradise for cafe hoppers. You should definitely stop by to try their satisfying signature iced cold Thai Milk Tea, which is a much-needed remedy to combat the sweltering heat.

Lot 2810, Tan Hiok Nee Street
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 12-735 3572
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 12am
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 1am

Photo Credit: Creamery_JB

CREAMERY BOUTIQUE ICE CREAMS

Creamery Boutique Ice Creams serves up some really good ice creams, but what they truly are famous for is their massive lava cookie. When they say lava, they seriously mean lava. These cookies have molten chocolate cores, so once you cut it open, thick, creamy chocolate oozes out, just like a chocolate volcano.

Taman Mount Austin
33 Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-362 1300
Daily: 2pm – 10pm

DING DING JI PAI

You don’t need to take a plane to Taiwan if you’re hankering for some solid Taiwanese food; all you need to do is hop over the causeway to Ding Ding Ji Pai! We absolutely love their fried chicken; it’s the real deal! They also sell scrumptious, comforting rice bowls that really hit the spot.

FACULTY OF CAFFEINE

Faculty Of Caffeine’s decor is a tasteful blend of old and new furnishings. The coffee here is brewed with 100% Arabica beans and served in unique takeout cups that resemble eye charts. They also have a wide range of delicious brunch foods that tastes great with the coffee.

106, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 16-713 2714
Daily: 9am – 5.30pm

FLOWERS IN THE WINDOW

Flowers In The Window is a cosy, picturesque cafe that promises a mixture of great food, beautiful interiors and Insta-worthy beverages. Boasting an indoor garden with rustic touches, the charming double-storey café has won the hearts of many ladies who make it a point to take their OOTDs there before leaving.

9, Jalan Dhoby,
Bandar Johor Bahru,
80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Mon to Sun: 10am – 8pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)

Photo Credit: gCafemtaustin

GCAFE

gCafe offers a wide variety of western style food such as salads, pasta, sandwiches, burgers and cakes. Our favourite dishes here has to be the Soft Shell Crab Pasta. They do their desserts and drinks really well too, and some of their customer favourites are the Lemon Cheesecake, Rosa Cafe Latte, Banana Crepe and Creme Brulee.

Taman Mount Austin
147, Jln Mutiara Emas 10/19, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-362 1261
Daily: 11am – 11pm

Photo Credit: muhdazizulhakim

JUST WANT COFFEE HOMIES 

Our favourite thing here at Just Want Coffee Homies has to be their brunch sets, which comprise a wide array of delicious brunch delights such as bagels, eggs, bacon and sausages. They also serve really good coffee, drinks and desserts such as Hot Sizzling Brownie and their Rose Latte.

Taman Molek,
Jalan Molek 1/27, Johor, Malaysia,
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-361 3338
Sun to Thur: 8.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 11.30pm

LA’FARINE

La’Farine is a gorgeous, newly-opened cafe in Mount Austin that serves up a delicious array of Western and local fare. They are also popular for their sinful, French-inspired desserts and freshly baked pastries that will definitely perk you up.

Photo Credit: Lamuse Coffee

LAMUSE  COFFEE 

Lamuse Coffee is a cosy cafe that serves western, Japanese and local fare for very cheap prices. Some classic local food that you should try here is their Nasi Lemak and Satay Chicken With Rice. They also have a newly launched Japanese menu that has classics such as Omurice Curry With Chicken Karaage and Chicken Katsu Curry.

Taman Desu Tebrau
28, Jalan Harmonium 23/13, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-351 8838
Daily: 7.30am – 6pm

LET’S GET CEREAL

This cereal-centric café is the perfect place to be at if you want to relive your childhood days. Here, they have over 20 local and imported cereal brands to choose from as well as a variety of flavoured milk to go with your cereal, making for one heck of a breakfast experience.

18, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 13-757 0703
Daily: 10am – 10pm

MACO CAFE AND BAKERY

This spacious, casual cafe specialises in traditional French pastries such as Mille Crêpes and Valrhona Chocolate Fondant Cake. They also dish out savoury French dishes and you can delight yourself in their all-time favourite Croque-Madame and other aromatic quiches.

65, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2, Taman Sutera Utama
81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 13-727 3366
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 11.30pm

MOK MOK BRUNCH AND BISTRO 

Mok Mok Brunch and Bistro is a gorgeous garden-themed cafe and here, they serve a mix of western and Asian fare which include rice bowls, burgers, soba, and brunch sets. A must-try has to be their signature Gyutan Bowl and for desserts, do try their famous Kumo Ultimo —  amazing pillowy cream cheese souffle pancakes that will satisfy any sweet tooth!

78, Jalan Pingai, Taman Pelangi
80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 18-270 6068
Daily: 11.30am – 11.30pm

OUR TOAST OUR TIMES

Our Toast Our Times is an old school cafe tucked away in a crevice of Mount Austin that serves up an array of comforting local and fusion dishes that sure to pique your interest. Ever thought of having both bacon and Nutella in your sandwich? That’s the kind of interesting food you can expect from this place!

Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, Taman Mount Austin
Johor Bahru 81100
Daily: 8.30am – 6pm

SHAKESPEARE MILKSHAKES

Shakespeare Milkshakes is the brainchild of the people behind The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen and this Scandinavian style cafe is a wonderful addition to the hipster enclave in Johor Bahru. Here, they specialise in decadent milkshakes, iced teas as well as a range of savoury croffles (croissant pressed between a waffle iron).

9 Jalan Trus
Johor Bahru 80000
Tel: +60 16 421 8530
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 12am

TASTEA

This rustic western cafe at Mount Austin serves up a variety of scrumptious nosh that is sure to warm both the heart and the belly. Besides their delicious brunch items, they also serve up some pretty damn good waffles that will leave you craving for more.

49, Jalan Austin Height 8/5
Taman Mount Austin, Tebrau, 81100
Tel: +60 010-766 0138
Mon to Thu: 12am – 4.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 12am – 4.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

Photo Credit: The Alley Malaysia 

THE ALLEY MOUNT AUSTIN 

The Alley makes their own in-house tea to ensure that they stand out from their competitors. A popular bubble tea item here would be their Royal No.9 Milk Tea, but what really got us excited are their Aurora Series drinks — Northern Lights and Morning Sunshine fruit beverages, which are the prettiest, most mesmerising drinks we have ever seen.

Taman Austin Heights
Jalan Austin Heights 1/8, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 16-726 9343
Daily: 11am – 1am

THE CHEESE LAB

Newly opened The Cheese Lab specialises in decadent, sinful cheesecakes that taste like a little piece of heaven. Aside from their cakes, they also have a variety of fruity, refreshing drinks that are perfect to combat the scorching heat.

39 Jalan Austin Heights 8/5
Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru 81100
Daily: 1pm – 11pm

THE REPLACEMENT LODGE AND KITCHEN

The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen is a café illuminated by its harmonious combination of white pastel presence and rustic wooden furniture. Not only is the overall design of the place visuaully pleasing, the food served here is pretty damn solid as well and this winning combination makes it the perfect cafe to chill and unwind at while on your day trip to Johor Bahru. 

33, 34 Jalan Dhoby
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 12-547 7885
Mon to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri to Sun: 9am – 11pm

VANILLA BEAN

Vanilla Bean is a speciality coffee shop and patisserie as well as an excellent addition to Johor Bahru’s luxurious integrated marina, Senibong Cove. The cosy third-wave café has a menu that includes Asian-inspired waffles, espresso beverages, artisanal cakes and a splendid selection of all-day brunch items.

Blk B, Pangsapuri Pinggiran Air
No.2 Persiaran Senibong,
Johor Bahru 81750
Tel: +60 7-380 4900
Sun to Tue: 8.30am – 6.30pm
(Closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays)

Offering diners a spacious, charming respite from the midday heat, humble cafe, Restoran Tastea is one that deserves a stopover when exploring the cafe-laden enclave of Taman Mount Austin. Their menu focuses heavily on Western dishes, leaning more towards Italian comfort food with their wide spectrum of pasta dishes from the humble linguine to risotto.

If you’re on the prowl for a decent cafe-style brunch, we highly recommend coming here. Their food is delicious, portion sizes generous and above all, much more worth paying for than a cafe back in Singapore.

Hankering after a basic yet satisfying egg-forward dish, we settled for the Omelette with Mushrooms (RM16.90) over its slightly more expensive counterpart, smoked salmon.

Enriched with butter (lots of it), the omelette delighted with its savoury, creamy appeal. The flavour was spot on, striking a good balance between salty and creamy, nicely contrasting with the garlicky mushrooms served over top.

Their drinks menu is quite possibly one of the most elaborate we’ve ever come across with a healthy selection of classic coffee styles and some pretty unusual offerings. Feeling an itch for something sugary, we chose the Popcorn Latte (RM14.90).

In this fancy mix, the humble latte is topped with a mound of whipped cream before caramel popcorn is speckled around and over the glass. Taste-wise there was nothing spectacular. It was what it was, latte, whipped cream and caramel popcorn, that besides looking pretty in photos, didn’t possess much gastronomic value.

Restoran Tastea
49, Jln Austin Height 8/5,
81100 Johor Bahru,
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-665 1538
(Closed on Thursdays)
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 11pm

Staycations are hugely popular among couples during Valentine’s day. A few days away from the familiarity of your own home, playing tourist and exploring your own country as if you were overseas. Staycations are great, but here in Singapore, they are crazy expensive—especially if you’re looking for a place that’s beautiful and grand.

A good option to get over this problem is just across the causeway. Johor Bahru is home to a plethora of gorgeous hotels that cost just a fraction of the ones here in Singapore and it’s great for a quick, short getaway to relax and rejuvenate.

For those of you who are looking for an affordable place to have a staycation with Bae to feel like royalty for a day or two, we have here a list of 10 picturesque hotels in Johor Bahru for a luxurious getaway that you can consider below S$110.

AMARI JOHOR BAHRU 

Amari Johor Bahru is located just next to the causeway and directly opposite City Square Shopping Mall and Komtar JBCC. This makes it incredibly convenient to access and you can always pop by over to one of the malls to get a little shopping done!

82C, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-266 8888

Prices start from S$90.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON

Tucked away in the heart of Johor Bahru is Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru. This luxurious staycation destination has rooms with beautiful wooden furnishings, carpeted floors and gorgeous city views. The rooms are also fitted with a minibar and plush bathrobes are provided so you’d feel like a king when relaxing in your room.

No. 12 Jalan Ngee Heng,
80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-268 6868

Prices start from S$92.

HOTEL JEN PUTERI HARBOUR

Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour is just a convenient three-minute walk away from the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park and a five-minute drive to Legoland Malaysia, making it an ideal place to stay at if you’re planning for an adventurous day out. Some of the rooms even have adorable themes which is perfect for people who are looking for something a little different.

Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya,
79000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-560 8888

Prices start from S$106.

KSL HOTEL AND RESORT 

KSL Hotel & Resort is located within the popular KSL Shopping Mall, so it’s great for shopaholics out there! The hotel’s luxurious rooms and plush beds are practically made for an intimate, romantic getaway with Bae. To top it off, there are interesting on-site facilities such as a golf simulator, a cinema, and a karaoke centre that you can use to your heart’s content!

33 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad,
80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-288 2999

Prices start from S$62.

Photo Credit: Agoda 

KSL HOT SPRING RESORT 

The newly opened KSL Hot Spring Resort has exactly what its name says: hot spring spas! It is definitely one of the more exciting hotels in Johor to check out, especially if you’re dying for a good soak. Aside from the hot springs, they also have other facilities such as a golf simulator, a sauna room and a children’s playground.

31, Jalan Kangkar Tebrau, Taman Daya
81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-288 2999

Prices start from S$61.

Photo Credit: Booking.com

MIDORI CONCEPT HOTEL 

If you’re looking for a place that has a theme going on then you need to check out Midori Concept Hotel. The entire hotel is dressed up in a modern Victorian theme and the rooms are beautifully furnished with colourful, vintage decor. Located in the heart of Mount Austin, it is also surrounded by a plethora of cafes that sell amazing food.

57, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin
81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-364 6555

Prices start from S$54.

Photo Credit: Booking.com

RENAISSANCE JOHOR BAHRU

Renaissance Johor Bahru is the one place you should go to if you want to feel like a King. This luxury hotel by Marriott is equipped with all that you need for that much-needed getaway. The surrounding area is also filled with an abundance of eateries so you’ll never have to worry about feeling hungry.

No. 2, Jalan Permas 11, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya
81750 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-381 3333

Prices start from S$101.

THISTLE 

Thistle Johor Bahru provides you with a magnificent view of the Straits of Johor and aside from that, they have spacious hotel rooms that feature sexy interior designs which are accentuated by the right choice of colour blocking furnishings. Their pool area is also a pretty solid place to chill at!

Jalan Sungai Chat,
80100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-222 9234

Prices start from S$61.

Photo Credit: Agoda 

TROVE JOHOR BAHRU 

Trove Johor Bahru provides stylish and luxurious accommodation for their guests, especially couples. It is located only a couple of minutes away from the causeway and City Square Shopping Mall, making it an ideal and convenient spot for Singaporeans and shopaholics.

Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Taman Abad
80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-272 8888

Prices start from S$52.

Photo Credit: Expedia

THE ARDENS

Tucked away in a corner of Mount Austin is The Ardens, a small boutique hotel that provides their guests with a cosy, welcoming escape from the city life. Each room is simply yet beautifully furnished and their minibars are stocked up with snacks for when the midnight hunger pangs strike. We recommend getting the room with the bathtub!

19&21, Jalan Austin Perdana 2/22, Taman Austin Perdana
81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-354 9323

Prices start from S$35.

Johor Bahru is a popular travel destination for many Singaporeans. Be it a day trip or a short weekend getaway, Johor Bahru is a haven for one to indulge, have fun and pamper yourself like royalty, regardless of age and interest.

From cheap local eats to fun group activities, Johor Bahru is never a boring place where you will run out of things to do. For those who have been frequenting Johor Bahru and are running out of ideas to do on your next trip, here are some recommendations on what to eat, do and see in Johor Bahru.

WHAT TO EAT IN JOHOR BAHRU

A food hunt in Johor Bahru is always fun, especially when it comes to the wallet-friendly local food, charming cafes and bustling night markets.

CAFÉS BEYOND THE AESTHETICS

The area around the Johor Bahru immigration checkpoint is getting increasingly populated with cafés that cater to the youngsters who often visit this region.

For those who are looking to café hop in Johor Bahru, there are several cafés just a few minutes drive away from the customs that are definitely worth checking out—from aesthetically-pleasing interiors to quality grub, venture deeper into the city and you would be amazed by what you can find.

Mok Mok Brunch & Bistro, L. Table and Ink N Water are some cafés situated not more than 15-minutes drive from the checkpoint that are worth a visit.

EATERIES THAT WILL NOT DISAPPOINT

If you are not one for cafés, fret not because we assure you that the local food in Johor Bahru is to die for.

Should you be a fan of curry fish head, Kam Long Curry Fish Head is a must-try if you are in Johor Bahru—the S$7 portion can feed up to 4 people.

Soon Soon Heng Bak Kut Teh is also somewhere you would keep going back to even after your first visit. All we can say is that if the stall was to open in Singapore, we would have it every week.

NIGHT MARKETS FOR STREET FOOD

Feeling hungry at 11pm? Johor Bahru has plenty of night markets for you to satiate your hunger with their local street food.

One great night market for those who are always hanging around the area close to Johor Bahru City Square is Meldrum Night Market. Nestled in a back alley behind Jalan Wong Ah Fook, this night market has an array of mouth-watering delicacies to offer.

WHAT TO DO IN JOHOR BAHRU

Besides café hopping, body massages and shopping, there are multitudinous activities that are excellent for families and friends to take part in.

Photo Credit: Laser Battle

Battle your family or friends in a round of Laser Tag at Laser Battle. Conveniently located on the 4th storey of Johor Bahru City Square, this place makes sweating it out enjoyable.

Costing no more than S$10 for a game, this place is perfect for families with children to have a bonding session that will forge great memories, as well as for a group of friends looking for some fun.

Laser Battle
Lot MS-11, Johor Bahru City Square, 108
Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Tel: +60 07 207 0179

Photo Credit: Blue Ice Skating Rink

Johor Bahru recently opened its largest mall, Paradigm Mall which is located just a 20-minute drive away from Woodlands Causeway. Not only does it boast a myriad of food outlets and retail stalls, it also has a huge ice skating rink on its 3rd storey.

Escape from the glaring heat outdoors, put on some blades, and have fun at Blue Ice Skating Rink in Paradigm Mall. You can rent a pair of ice skates at RM25 on weekdays and RM30 on weekends.

Blue Ice Skating Rink
3F-30 Paradigm Mall
Taman Bukit Mewah, Johor Bahru Malaysia
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Tel: +60 11 6230 0366

Photo Credit: TGV Beanie

For those who want to relax after a long day of shopping and eating, TGV Cinemas has taken the movie-going experience a notch up with their Beanieplex, where you get to watch movies while lying on bean bags—you really cannot get more cosy than that!

The beanie movie hall is available at AEON, Tebrau City Shopping Centre, which is just a 10-minute drive away from Johor Bahru City Square. The only downside to the Beanieplex is that there is a minimum booking for two people, so bring a date or your mate along!

TGV Cinema
1 Jalan Desa Tebrau,
S01, 2nd Floor, AEON Tebrau City Shopping Centre
Taman Desa Tebrau, Johor Bahru Malaysia

TURN YOUR DAY TRIP INTO A STAYCATION

Most of us (if not all) will be able to relate to the disappointment that comes inevitably at the end of the trip. Some may consider extending the trip beyond a day and treat themselves to an impromptu staycation.

Thankfully, Johor Bahru is home to plenty of hotels with incredible amenities and some are rather affordable. For those looking for hotel rooms that will not break your bank, here are 13 hotels in Johor Bahru under S$150 you may wish to consider.

Arguably one of the best ways to unwind from a hectic work schedule, many Singaporeans would take time off work to immerse themselves in a relaxing staycation at one of Singapore’s many superb hotels. But after awhile, you may find yourself back at the same hotel which then begs the question if you should look for alternative spaces for your personal retreat.

Well, instead of opting to have your next staycation in Singapore, have you contemplated the thought of crossing the border to Johor Bahru for a staycation? To be frank, travelling into Johor Bahru doesn’t cost much and there are plenty of luxurious hotels with just as fabulous perks that you would love.

With that, we introduce to you 13 Hotels In Johor Bahru Below S$150 For The #Nextlevel Staycation. Why settle for less when you could have more?

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#1 1 TEBRAU PREMIUM SUITES BY 12STAY

For a world-class staycation, 1 Tebrau Premium Suites by 12stay would be a rather good option. Each room comes with a balcony, so imagine being treated to resplendent views of the Johor Bahru whenever you like. Fancy, to say the least.

1 Tebrau Premium Suites by 12stay has three different types of accommodation, namely the Studio with Sofa Bed (S$60 per night), the Three-Bedroom Apartment (S$113 per night) and the modern yet homely Deluxe Apartment (S$145 per night) which can accommodate up to 7 persons.

1 Tebrau Premium Suites by 12stay
N001, residence @ 1 Tebrau, Jalan Tebrau,
Off Taman Seri Setanggi,
81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#2 AMARI JOHOR BARHU

Situated just across City Square Shopping Mall, Persada Johor International Convention Centre and Komtar JBCC, Amari Johor Bahru is an ideal staycation location for those who are looking to get some serious shopping done. Each room speaks style with the use of striped carpeted floors juxtaposed against abstract digital illustrations on the walls.

Amari Johor Bahru has also received favourable reviews from couples for both its value and comfort. Prices for a Superior King room start at S$83, S$113 for a Deluxe King room and S$126 for a Grand Deluxe King room. Breakfast is not included in the rate.

Amari Johor Bahru
No. 82C, Jalan Trus,
80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#3 BERJAYA WATERFRONT HOTEL

If relaxation for you involves shopping and entertainment, Berjaya Waterfront Hotel would be the best staycation choice for you as this hotel is housed within a duty-free shopping and entertainment complex! With lush carpeted floors and spacious rooms that come with excellent views of the sea and city, your stay is completed with a long soak in your personal bathtub.

One night in the Deluxe Double room will cost you S$55 which comes with a complimentary breakfast.

Berjaya Waterfront Hotel
No. 88 Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Stulang Laut,
80300 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#4 DOUBLETREE BY HILTON JOHOR BAHRU

Located in the heart of Johor Bahru, Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru is a luxurious staycation destination where each room comes with beautiful wooden furnishings, carpeted floors and a gorgeous view of the city. The rooms are also fitted with a minibar and plush bathrobes are provided so you’d feel like a king when relaxing in your room.

For the ultimate staycation experience, opt for the King Room which is a whopping 31m² in size. At just S$101 a night, guests will be able to enjoy its rain-shower facilities, Aroma Active Essentials bathroom amenities and most importantly, the plush king-size bed.

Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru
No. 12 Jalan Ngee Heng,
80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#5 HOLIDAY VILLA JOHOR BAHRU CITY CENTRE

Another staycation location nestled in the heart of Johor Bahru’s city centre is Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre. Aside from being rewarded with a splendid view of the city, certain rooms also come with a seating area for your comfort. Thus, be sure to request this n advance (if possible) during your stay.

Prices for the Superior Room are starting at S$102 per night and this includes a complimentary breakfast.

Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre
260 Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad,
80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#6 HOTEL JEN PUTERI HARBOUR, JOHOR

Just a three-minute walk away from the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park and a five-minute drive to Legoland Malaysia, Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour is the perfect staycation destination for families. All rooms are fitted with hardwood floors and there are various themed rooms which would suit the tastes of your children. Some rooms also come with a great view of the harbour.

A Deluxe Double room will cost you S$129 per night and Deluxe Double with Harbour View S$140 a night. Prices quoted are not inclusive of breakfast.

Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour, Johor 
Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya,
79000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#7 KSL HOTEL & RESORT

Are you a shopaholic in need of a staycation? Well then KSL Hotel & Resort would be a suitable staycation location for you! KSL Hotel & Resort is located within KSL Shopping Mall and each room comes with useful amenities such as free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. To top it off, on-site facilities that you’d be able to use include a golf simulator, cinema, a karaoke centre and more!

Rates for a Superior King Room start at S$94 per night and S$109 per night for a Deluxe King Room. Both rates are inclusive of a complimentary breakfast.

KSL Hotel & Resort
33 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad,
80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#8 MILLESIME HOTEL JOHOR BAHRU

Found right beside the North-South Secondlink Highway in Afiat Healthpark, Millesime Hotel Johor Bahru is a good place to go for a quiet break away from the city life. The rooms at Millesime Hotel Johor Bahru are spacious and are equipped with a mini bar and rain shower. There is also unlimited 3G internet connectivity at no charge.

One night in the Deluxe King Room will cost you S$46 and a night in the Junior Suite, S$85. Both prices quoted are inclusive of a complimentary breakfast.

Millesime Hotel Johor Bahru
B-01-01 Jalan Persiaran Afiat, Taman Kesihatan Afiat,
79529 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#9 MUTIARA JOHOR BAHRU

A fifteen-minute drive from the Singapore Causeway is all you would need to arrive at Mutiara Johor Bahru, your own slice of paradise. The hotel decor at Mutiara Johor Bahru is kept simple but elegant, and each air-conditioned room comes with a minibar and TV with in-house movies; this is already starting to sound like the perfect staycation!

Prices are starting at S$64 per night for a Superior Double room and S$76 per night for a Deluxe Double room. Other options at Mutiara Johor Bahru include the Executive Double room (S$104 per night) and Studio Suite (S$122 per night). All prices quoted are inclusive of breakfast.

Mutiara Johor Bahru
Jalan Daito, Sulaiman, Taman Century, K.B. No. 779,
80990 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#10 SOMERSET MEDINI ISKANDAR PUTERI

Should you intend to stay cooped up in your room during the entirety of your staycation, a room with a kitchenette would definitely be a plus point. All rooms at Somerset Medini Iskandar Puteri come with a satellite flat-screen TV and a kitchenette equipped with a microwave and toaster, refrigerator and kettle. Accompanied by spectacular views of the city, your staycation has begun.

A night in the Studio Premier room will cost you S$87 and a night in the One-Bedroom Premier Apartment, S$95. Continental breakfast is included in both rates quoted.

Somerset Medini Iskandar Puteri
Lot 5 Jalan Medini Utara 4, Medini Iskandar, Nusajaya,
79200 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#11 SOMERSET PUTERI HARBOUR ISKANDAR PUTERI

A contemporary staycation experience awaits you at Somerset Puteri Harbour Iskandar Puteri, a modern accommodation in Iskandar Puteri which happens to be 3.2km away from Legoland Malaysia. Aside from coming with a kitchenette, each room also comes with a DVD player which means you can loop your favourite shows over and over again throughout your staycation.

Rates for the Premier Studio start at S$87 per night and S$100 per night for the One-Bedroom Executive Apartment. All prices quoted are inclusive of a continental breakfast.

Somerset Puteri Harbour Iskandar Puteri
Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya,
79000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#12 THISTLE JOHOR BAHRU

Thistle Johor Bahru stands out as an excellent staycation destination for many reasons, with the incredible view of the Straits of Johor being one of them. Each spacious hotel room features a sexy interior design accentuated by the right choice of colour blocking furnishings. Guests will receive daily morning newspapers which they can read whilst enjoying the tea/coffee maker and minibar amenities.

A Deluxe Room will cost you S$101 per night and S$108 for a Deluxe Seaview room. For a slightly more luxurious staycation, the Executive room will cost you S$138 per night. All rates quoted are inclusive of breakfast.

Thistle Johor Bahru
Jalan Sungai Chat,
80100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#13 V8 HOTEL JOHOR BAHRU

V8 Hotel Johor Bahru is a modern and magnificent hotel situated within Taman Nusa Bestari. Not only is it well-received for its price point, the aesthetically-pleasing rooms at V8 Hotel Johor Bahru come with useful amenities such as a flat-screen cable TV, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities.

A night’s stay at the Deluxe Double Room would cost you S$61 and a night in the Junior Suite, S$90. Both prices quoted are inclusive of breakfast.

V8 Hotel Johor Bahru
2 Jalan Jati 2, Taman Nusa Bestari,
81300 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Do note that prices quoted for all hotels are accurate as of 31 October 2017.