Day Trip To JB: What to see, do and eat

Grab a train from the Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB for SGD5. The first train departs from Singapore at 8.30am, which arrives at JB Sentral (directly linked to City Square Mall) in only five minutes! Be sure to book your tickets in advance as they sell out fast.

There are several bus options to select from when heading to Woodlands Customs. The most convenient would be taking SMRT 950 from Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange, or SBS Transit 170X or Malaysia-operated CW1 from Kranji MRT station. Bus services start as early as 4.30am in Singapore. From the JB checkpoint, the last CW1 departs close to 11pm (timings differ on Sundays and Public Holidays). At JB Sentral, you can take the last 170X at 12am. 950 departs from Woodlands at 11.30pm and should arrive at JB Sentral 10 to 20 minutes later to pick up the final passengers for the night. To be safe, always check the timings beforehand and arrive early so that you don’t miss the bus.

Hiring a cross border taxi from Singapore-Johor Taxi Operators’ Association is an accessible option costing between SGD12 and SGD48. One downside is that it will not take passengers any further than JB Larkin Sentral bus and taxi terminal, so you would need to arrange your own transport to your destination thereafter.

Just a stone’s throw away from Singapore, driving is often preferred by most car owners. With mobile data and GPS at hand, you can breeze through from one location to another. Be sure to leave early to avoid the jam at immigration.

Fly to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore before heading to Johor Bahru today!

The easiest way to get around JB is driving. If not a self-driver, hitching a ride using Grab and Uber is an affordable alternative. From the JB Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) First Link, all locations mentioned below will take no more than a 30-minute ride. Note that although a Malaysian phone number is not required for these e-hailing services, ensure to have internet connection to make bookings and calls.

Alternatively, you could grab one of the many buses available throughout JB, especially from JB Sentral itself.

Looking to maximise your time at JB? Check out the various one-day itineraries for your trip to JB.

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Amp the young ones up for what’s to come with activities at the Angry Birds Activity Park located on Level 3 of Komtar Mall. The mall lies opposite the CIQ, and is connected to City Square Mall via a link bridge for easy access.

Open at 10am, the attractions, which include an indoor obstacle course, trampoline and go-kart track will surely occupy the little ones till the temporary closing time at 1pm.

A standard single entry ticket, which gives a three-hour access to the park, is listed at RM75 (SGD25) on their website. Keep a lookout for offers and promotions as prices of entry tickets can vary drastically.

Before or after having lunch around Komtar Mall, book a 20-minute Uber/Grab ride to Aeon Mall Tebrau City. You could also take 41, 188, 205, 808, BET2 or S&S 1 from JB Sentral bus terminal to Jalan Pandan, outside of the mall for approximately RM2.50 (SGD0.80).

Then head up to FANPEKKA at Level 2!

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The conceptual theme park will have your kids unleash their creativity at various play stations, such as the Arts and Crafts workshop and role-playing sessions at Leikkimokki.

Wrap the day up with a trip to Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park. Just a 10-minute drive from Aeon Tebrau, this adventure park in JB has many attractions conveniently housed under one roof.

Younger kids would love to dive into the foam pits found in the massive trampoline park at Jump Street while those over 12 might want to take a shot at the Forest Rope Adventure Course. From ice skating rinks to go-kart tracks and water parks, every child will get their fill of fun till closing time at 6pm.

One’s definition of adventure changes with age, so explore your boundaries with these challenging yet rewarding activities.

Kick-start your day trip to JB by testing your wits and reflexes with a competitive game of laser tag! Located on the 4th floor of City Square Mall, Laser Battle uses the most advanced technology to give you an exhilarating combat lasting for 10 to 30 minutes in the arena.

Prices vary during weekdays and weekends but should not cost more than RM50 (SGD17) for three games per pax. From over 40 game modes to choose from, it is a great activity for everyone. Up the ante with a stealthy game of Midnight Madness where the arena turns pitch black and you will not know the whereabouts of your competitors or teammates.

Laser Battle opens at 10am, so be sure to grab a quick bite before partaking in this high-intensity activity. Kimdo BBQ on Level 3 of City Square Mall, right by Uniqlo, is a great place for a snack. From chicken wings to oyster mushrooms, each stick would cost you anywhere between RM1.50 and RM5 (less than SGD1.70). Be sure to add their speciality green chilli for an extra kick!

Soar to greater heights next thing in the morning! From City Square Mall, grab a 17-minute ride to Aeon Mall Tebrau City. Located at Level 1, Rocky Base Camp (RBC) is the first indoor climbing centre in Malaysia.

From their Ninja Warrior Obstacles to Speed Climbing Walls, challenge seekers will not be disappointed. Younger ones from the age of four can try their hands at the Fun or Low Height Climbing Walls. Open at 10am, and RBC has a range of passes priced from RM23 to RM72 (not more than SGD25). A two hour-pass should suffice but one-day passes are also available.

Grab something to eat in the many food places located within AEON Tebrau City. Housing Nandos, Zen Taiwanese Restaurant and more, fuel up before the next adventure!

With your muscles all warmed up, are you ready to take things up a notch? Use the skills picked up at Laser Battle at the next stop: OLA Park!

A short drive from Aeon Tebrau City, AOV paintball trading boasts a 20-acre field. With up to 15 packages comprising paintball, archery, bubble ball and other sporty challenges, adrenaline junkies are sure to get their fix.

A two-hour paintball session that comes with necessary safety gear and play equipment will cost about RM149 (under SGD50) per person. All you need is a team of four players, and let the games begin!

Should challenges at OLA Park be put on hold due to unforeseen weather, head over to LOST in JB. A 7-minute drive away from AEON Tebrau City, you can solve thrilling puzzles in an escape room set against realistic storylines that are sure to intrigue the minds.

Depending on the number of players for each session (and time left to spare for your trip), you can choose from the eight escape rooms available. Horror fans can book the Annabelle game room for an hour or a visit a crime scene for two hours in The Tenant Upstairs.

Upon breaking free, roam around the rows of hip food spots at Taman Mount Austin for refreshments.

With the sun slowly setting, head back to AEON Mall Tebrau City Mall and catch a movie at Beanieplex on Level 2. One of the first in Malaysia, this innovative concept lets movie-goers lounge comfortably in bed-sized bean bags while they enjoy a film. Choose from a featured selection of movies and revel in the luxurious ambience.

Note that tickets have to be purchased in pairs even if you are going solo. Nonetheless, this unique experience should not cost more than RM59 (SGD20).

What better way to end a day trip to JB than to spend it at the largest funfair carnival in Malaysia? Held near AEON Tebrau City, Euro Fun Park opens at 7pm and closes at midnight.

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With over 15 attractions, from kiddie rides to ones for the thrill-seekers, everyone can get their dose of fun. To get your adrenaline pumping, try Frightmare, Challenger and Sky Rider.

Catch this travelling amusement park at Tebrau before 22 March 2020 while you can!

Need a place to rejuvenate while in JB? Book a JB family-friendly hotel now!

East of City Square Mall, Taman Desa Tebrau and Taman Mount Austin are both a café hoppers’ paradise and a place for the gastronomically adventurous.

The best way to Taman Mount Austin is to take a 20-minute car ride from CIQ. Once there, fuel up while venturing these Instaworthy spots:

Open as early as 8.30am, Atlas Coffee Embassy will serve you your early morning caffeine fix prepared by a three-times latte art champion barista. To complement the coffee, build a Big Breakfast, or grab their speciality French Toast served with caramelised bananas!

Open at noon, and just a two-minute walk away from Atlas, is the Disney-inspired café. As its name suggests, visitors can partake in the escape room games available while munching on salted egg buttercream french fries for RM10 (SGD3.40).

To combat the tropical weather, grab a signature ice cream at RM10.50 (SGD3.60) from Sangkaya which is only a 10-minute walk away. Opt for their creamy coconut and complimentary Thai milk tea ice cream. Sprinkle the toppings before taking a snap for the gram! Then chow down on the coconut flesh as you wander the streets of Taman Mount Austin.

Be sure to whip your cameras out because this floral-themed café will leave you in awe of its beauty. Not just the ambience, but the food served has an interesting flare too! From their floral teas, rice bowls with beef tongue and cloud-like souffle pancakes, everything will have you filling your Instagram feed.

Take a long 20-minute stroll to the last and final spot and prep for a completely different view. Not to miss when in JB is the Tebrau Food Truck Park that opens at 6.30pm. With more than 10 food trucks occupying the perimeter of the vicinity, there is something for everyone. With different trucks setting up every night, you’ll always be in for a surprise. Pizza? Nasi Ganja? Deep-fried banana fritters? You name it, they’ll probably have it.

A 27-minute drive from CIQ will take you to Johor Premium Outlets, the size of 30 football fields. Every nook and cranny is occupied by the 130 designer and high-street outlets. From Michael Kors to Topshop, purchase off-season branded goods with discounts up to 80%. If you plan to spend the entire day here, book a day trip to JB premium outlets.

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Just 17 minutes away from the first location is one of JB’s largest shopping malls. Housing mid-market international brands, a nine-screen movie theatre, ice skating rink and more, this mall caters to everyone.

From Paradigm mall, head over to KSL within 12 minutes and pamper yourself! Get an express gel manicure from RM45 (SGD15.10) at Young Waxing & Nails. From all the shopping, give your tired feet a break for 30 minutes at Thai Odyssey for RM67 (SGD22.50) or unwind and get a full-body Thai massage for RM125 (SGD42). Continue your shopping spree at the variety of push carts for a cheap deal.

Read more: 3 Ipoh Night Markets To Visit During Your Stay

Finally, return to the place where it all started. Nine minutes away from KSL is City Square Mall and Komtar JBCC. One can easily spend an entire day making trips back and forth these two famous malls in JB. City Square Mall has more food options, ranging from the familiar Seoul Garden to Gong Cha. Be sure to grab a pizza from Pizza Hut for only RM5 (SGD1.70) before heading back to Singapore!

As mentioned, City Square Mall is directly linked to Komtar JBCC via a short bridge (accessible via Level 3). A better spot to shop for souvenirs and clothes, drop by Sephora, Bath and Body Works Marks and Spencer.

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All the malls mentioned open at 10am and close at 10pm so be sure to divide your time wisely!

Whether planning a chill day out with friends or trying to explore hidden gems in JB, build an awesome itinerary and hit all these top spots mentioned!

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If you have more time to spare or decide to plan for another day trip to JB, here are more JB attractions to visit.