A weekend staycation is a great way to get away from our fast-paced city and unwind yourself. One of the closest and most convenient destinations to consider for a staycation is none other than Johor Bahru. As a city, it has plenty to offer and is definitely worth a trip to visit! If you’re still wondering what there is to see and do, wonder no more! Here are 9 Things to Do to Make Your Johor Bahru Trip Worthwhile.
1. Legoland
If you’re traveling with children or you’re just a big kid at heart (no shame in that), be sure to include Legoland in your itinerary! Legoland was first opened in 2012 and is the first international theme park in Malaysia, offering up to 40 different interactive rides, live shows and attractions. Some of the top activities include mad roller coaster rides, the NinjaGo Live Show, and the adjoining water park. This amusement park is a great destination for a fun family trip, and is bound to be a great experience for both children and adults alike. Do plan your visit in advance, so that you can hit up all the attractions you want to cover. You can typically expect to spend an entire day and night here if you plan to visit all the rides at least once. You can also spend an unforgettable night in the Lego-themed hotel with the whole family after a day of fun and awesomeness!
Address: 7, Jalan Legoland, Medini, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor.
2. Hakka Heritage Gallery
Awake your innate cultural side and spend some time getting to know about the Hakka Heritage. The gallery is dedicated to Hakka community in Malaysia who came from the Hakka speaking provinces in China. Discover how the traditional Hakkas used to live, with displays of their historic rattan furnitures, farming tools and kitchen utensils. You will notice how colourful and eclectic the townhouse is during the nostalgic tour, and the place is so detailed it might even seem to you like a film set. Entrance fees are only RM 5 per person, and it is best to call them in advance for a booking or you may be turned away.
Address: 5, Jalan Station, Kampung Bekok, 85400 Chaah, Johor.
Contact: +60 19 969 1838
3. Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Take a stroll along JB’s heritage street, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, a trendy avenue filled with history. It is well-known as one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, with its rows of colonial-style shophouses that now house hipster cafes, restaurants and souvenir outlets. Make a pit stop at the oldest bakery in Johor, Hiap Joo Bakery, which has been operating since 1919. It’s a family-owned business that has been run by three generations of the Lim family up till this day. The bakery has maintained its use of a fire wood oven to encapsulate the fragrance of its cakes. The bakery frequently draws an impressive crowd of patrons, who form queues under the scorching hot sun for the bakery’s most popular item, its Signature Banana Cake.
Address: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor.
4. Salahuddin Bakery
Get your dose of a variety of freshly-baked Bengali bread and pastries at Salahuddin Bakery. Located along Jalan Dhoby, it is yet another well-established bakery that has been in operation since 1937. Salahuddin Bakery is still run by its original owner’s family, and the place feels like a blast from the past when you step inside, as its interior has barely changed since its opening. This bakery also uses a wood fire oven to bake its pastries, and they are loved for their flaky curry puffs and homemade kaya! Their curry puffs are best consumed fresh and hot off the oven, but don’t even think about leaving without getting a few more buns and pastries to go!
Address: 26, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor.
5. Istana Bukit Serene
Visit the official residence of the Sultan of Johor. Though the palace itself is not open to public, the beautiful surrounding gardens are, and they feature serene landscaping and incredible light displays in the evening, a well as a series of dancing water fountains. Be amazed by the unique carvings on the walls inspired by Art Deco influences. While you’re there, snap a couple of photos of the iconic gold and blue crown archway, which is quite a majestic scene.
Address: Jalan Straits View, Bukit Serene, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor.
6. Desaru Beach
If you’re spending a day or two in Johor Bahru, get sunkissed at Desaru Beach, which is about an hour from JB by car. The long stretch of beach is known for its fine sand and calm sea, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind. Desaru Beach attracts both locals and tourists alike, and you may even catch the sight of people flying their kites/traditional wau in the evening. Some of the water activities available here include thrilling banana boat rides and canoeing.
Address: Desaru Beach, 81600, Johor.
7. Gunung Pulai Waterfall
Reconnect with mother nature and get a sense of total tranquility at Gunung Pulai Waterfall. Visiting this attraction starts with a 2-hour hike through nature to reach the base of the waterfall. As you break through the forest canopy into an oasis of tropical trees and a breath of cool fresh air, you can change into your swimsuit and take a dip in the cold clear waters at the base of the falls.
Address: Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest, 81000, Johor.
8. Johor Premium Outlets
If shopping is more of your thing, you don’t want to miss the chance to visit the Johor Premium Outlets. This location is one of the biggest reasons Singaporeans cross causeway every week. The shops here carry a wide range of international and local brands, and you can even check their website for the full store listings so you won’t be disappointed. There are enough eateries and cafes scattered between the shops for you to get a quick rest and bite in between all that shopping!
Discounted branded goods, sign me up!
Address: Jalan Premium Outlets Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor.
9. Spa & Reflexology
After all that walking and shopping, an excellent way to end your Johor Bahru trip is to visit one of JB’s many famous spas and reflexology centres! One of the most well-known parlours is Bangkok Spa. Open 18 hours a day and covering a massive 12,000 square feet, this mega-facility offers premium services such as saunas and jacuzzis!
Address: 58, 58A, 58B, 60, 60A, 60B, 62, 62A, 62B, Jalan Abiad, Taman Pelangi, 80400, Johor.
If you’re more of a foodie who loves to explore different cafes and would love to take a Johor Bahru food trip, we’ve got something just for you! Go ahead and check out our write up on the Top 7 Cafés in Johor Bahru To Visit!
Read the following articles to find out what you can do and where you can stay when visiting Johor:
https://vibrantdo.co/new-hotels-to-stay-in-johor-bahru/
https://vibrantdo.co/top-7-cafes-in-johor-bahru-to-visit/
https://vibrantdo.co/top-10-johor-bahru-hotels-for-your-next-staycation/
https://vibrantdo.co/10-must-visit-spa-massage-the-next-time-youre-in-johor-bahru/
https://vibrantdo.co/copy-of-5-promising-johor-bahru-shopping-malls-set-to-open-in-2019/
