Legoland Malaysia is not the only family-friendly attraction in JB — here are 17 other things to see, eat and do there!

Girl at BookXcess Bookstore - Things to do in Iskandar Puteri

When I was younger, my parents often brought our family to Johor Bahru for quick weekend getaways — it’s nearby and affordable cause of the low exchange rate! But when it comes to family-friendly activities, it’s always the same places like Legoland Malaysia or shopping at KSL Mall.

After delving a little deeper and exploring other neighbourhoods in Johor, I realised that there’s actually so many other things to see, eat and do in JB that I would’ve loved as a kid. Think: adventurous outdoor theme parks, aesthetic bookstores, and sumptuous food at unique cafes 🙌

So if you’re looking for exciting attractions to spend time with the family, here are 17 new things to do in JB suitable for children of varying ages!

Getting around JB

Skudai City Landscape - Things to do in JB

Public transport: There are public buses which will take you around JB Sentral city area and to popular attractions like Legoland Malaysia (Causeway Link LM1 from JB checkpoint/CW7L from Tuas checkpoint). However, bus services to certain areas away from attractions/malls may be infrequent or have long waiting times.

Grab: This is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around JB. On average, it costs around ~S$3 for rides of short distances (10 minutes), while longer distances (more than 30 minutes) can cost around ~S$6-10.

People Using Car Rental - Getting around JB

Car rental: While Grab is easily available, you can also consider renting a car for more flexibility. We previously rented a car from Klook to explore Desaru and it saved us the hassle of worrying about transport from place to place. Prices were reasonable, it was ~S$49 for a compact car (sits up to 4 pax) per day. So it’s just ~S$12.30 per pax!

Plus it includes full coverage, covering all bases — 0 excess, personal accident insurance, collision damage waiver etc. The process was also smooth, we picked it up from Johor Bahru City Square Mall and dropped it off at the same place before heading back to Singapore.

Car charter: For families who prefer not to drive, car charters are another suitable option. It has options for one-way, two-way and full-day charter (max 10 hours) — just let the driver know where you’d like to go! In addition, it can accommodate up to 12 passengers depending on the vehicle type (for big family groups). You can even request for a baby or child seat at an extra cost of S$15/seat if required.

*Pro-tip: Redeem 5% OFF Klook car rentals and activities for use later, up to 5x. Just enter our code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> at checkout. New users get 10% OFF their first booking. T&Cs apply!

Read also: Most Commonly Asked Questions About Travelling to Johor from Singapore

Things to do in JB

1) Fun Activities in Paradigm Mall

Girl Ice Skating at the Rink - Things to do in Skudai

Not me trying to keep my balance and desperately hoping I don’t fall.

You must be wondering why go all the way to JB to explore a mall. But wait, hear me out. Paradigm Mall isn’t just a mall, it’s an amusement park in one building! There are so many things to do here besides just shopping and eating.

For instance, it holds the first and only ice skating rink in Johor! Blue Ice Skating Rink has five sessions daily, each lasting 2 hours. The rink is pretty huge and there’s plenty of space to roam about. If you or your kids aren’t confident in skating, you can also rent a Bobby Skating Aid (~S$9 per hour via Klook) to help with navigating around the rink 😉

Family Shooting Archery at Paradigm Mall - Things to do in Skudai

Other than ice skating, check out the arcade (Fun Scape has games like Mario Kart, Taiko Drums), a mini archery range at Stars Archery to channel your inner Katniss Everdeen, and my favourite family activity of all time — karaoke!

Singcube Karaoke Colourful Rooms - Things to do in Skudai

We belted our hearts out to I Want It That Way in Singcube Karaoke’s private rooms, which resembled cute and colourful “houses” — a nod to Brighton Beach’s famous rainbow bathing boxes in Melbourne. It was also really affordable, costing us a total of RM27 for four people on a weekday (1-hour session).

Camp 5 Climbing Gym Rock Walls - Things to do in Skudai

For families who prefer to sweat it out, head up to the mall’s upper floors and visit Roll On and Camp5 Climbing Gym. The former is a cool, retro roller skating rink while the latter is an impressive climbing facility with walls up to 15m high!

Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM (varies for different shops)
How to get there: 15min taxi ride from Johor Bahru City Square Mall (Google Maps)

2) Unique DIY Workshops

Glass Painting Workshop Cups - Things to do in Iskandar Puteri

Forget the usual pottery and baking workshops, here are some unique DIY things to do in JB.

Easy handicrafts for the young ones include glass painting at Meet Me Workshop (RM65/pax) and making hand lotion at Siddham Living (RM29/pax). For glass painting, either go freestyle or choose from the designs provided like dogs and cartoon characters etc.

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Boy and Girl Making Hand Lotion - Things to do in Iskandar Puteri

The instructions for hand lotion-making were also clear and there’s even a video tutorial to follow. Both workshops were quite therapeutic and we could work at our own pace and bring our final product home as a souvenir!

Terrarium Workshop Materials Laid Out - Things to do in JB

All the materials used in our terrarium!

For a harder challenge, try a terrarium workshop at Horti Plant (from ~S$23/pax via Klook). Trust us, it isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are multiple steps to building a terrarium — you’ll need to layer it carefully starting with some soil then large stones, plants, moss and decorative items like sand and smaller stones.

However, it encourages creativity for your little ones and it’s also educational in showing them how a mini eco-system works!

Terrarium Workshop - Things to do in JB

I myself learnt that you’d have to be very gentle with the plant roots if not they might die easily and disrupt the entire ecosystem. While I struggled with the process, the staff helped guide me through it and I was happy with the final result!

3) Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast

People on The Kraken Ride at Adventure Waterpark Desaru - Things to do in JB

Other than beautiful beaches, Desaru Coast has an Adventure Waterpark with over 20 rides and slides that’ll keep both adults and children entertained for the day!

Family Swimming at Tidal Wave Beach - Things to do in Desaru

Photo credit: Klook

Drop by Kids Ahoy, a play area with 13 different water slides for various ages, or float along the 350m-long Penawar River for a relaxing time. Don’t skip out on Tidal Wave Beach too, it’s one of the biggest wave pools in Southeast Asia (holding 4,000,000 gallons of water)!

People on The Tempest Ride at Adventure Waterpark Desaru - Things to do in Desaru

And for the grown-ups, conquer thrilling rides like the Kraken’s Revenge — a water coaster flume ride with a 360° loop. Our personal favourite was The Tempest, featuring two huge funnels and a 24-foot drop which caught us off guard and made our hearts drop 😲

Entrance fee: ~S$30/child, ~S$33/adult
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM, closed on Tue
How to get there: 3min taxi ride from Desaru Beach (Google Maps)

4) Console Games and Karaoke at Pak Game

Girl Sittin at PAK Game Entrance - Things to do in Skudai

Why choose between karaoke and gaming when you can do both at the same time! Located in Skudai, Pak Game is perfect for families who want to play and sing together.

There are shared spaces for everyone or you can opt for a private room instead. We recommend the latter so you won’t have to worry about making too much noise 😉 Our room was cosy and decorated with Mario-themed pictures on the walls, plus there were bean bags for us to lounge around.

Friends Playing in PAK Game Room - Things to do in Skudai

For games, you have Nintendo Switch games like Mario Kart and Just Dance. The karaoke system is also up to date with the latest pop songs, as well as classics from the best boyband of all time, Westlife. Of course, if your kids prefer to either play console games (from RM30/hr for 2 pax) or sing karaoke separately (from RM26 or~S$XX/hr for 2 pax), that’s fine too.

Cost: From RM50/hr (~S$15) for a party room (2 pax)
Opening hours: 11AM – 3AM
How to get there: 5min walk from Sutera Mall (Google Maps)

5) Thrilling Outdoor Activities at X Park

People Rock Climbing on High Ropes - Things to do in Iskandar Puteri

X Park is one of the largest adventure parks in Malaysia, with several branches in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Johor. We went to the outlet in Iskandar Puteri, just a short 10-minute taxi ride from Legoland Malaysia!

There are over 10 activities here, but adventurous kids might love the more exciting ones like High Ropes (from RM45/pax) and ATV (from RM40/pax).

Girl on X Park Zipline - Things to do in Iskandar Puteri

For the High Ropes course, there are two levels — Level 1 is a basic obstacle course while Level 2 is more challenging with rock climbing and ziplining from a higher ground. If you’re up for it, you can also try the Flying Fox (RM55/pax), which takes you across the lake. Just remember to book your slots two days in advance!

Friends Riding an ATV - Things to do in Iskandar Puteri

I like to keep my feet on the ground so I went for the ATV beginner course instead. The 20-minute session included a trip to a mini “jungle” and I had fun driving the vehicle across different terrains like hilly slopes and muddy swamps.

Other activities here are go-karting (with kiddie karts for the young ones), archery, paintball, and water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddling!

Cost: From RM15/pax (~S$4.50) (depending on activity)
Opening hours: 2PM – 12AM (Mon – Thu), 10AM – 12AM (Fri – Sun)
How to get there: 10min taxi ride from Legoland Malaysia (Google Maps)

6) Escape Rooms at LOST in JB

Friends at LOST in JB Escape Room - Things to do in Iskandar Puteri

What better way to bond with the family than solving puzzles and working together to escape from a locked room?

LOST in JB is a well-known escape room brand in Johor with three outlets — Eco Palladium, Sutera the Haunted House, and the newest one, Eco Galleria (opened in May 2024)! There are different themed rooms across the various outlets, from a magic school to a ninja world and even a money heist. With engaging story plots and live actors, it’s an immersive experience where you and your family will feel like characters in a movie.

LOST in JB The Nun Experience - Things to do in Iskandar Puteri

For the braver teenagers, you can even try the horror-themed rooms! We went for The Nun experience (RM88/pax) at Eco Galleria and were super spooked by the special effects and ghost (props to the actor) 😱 After 1.5 hours of screaming our lungs out, we ultimately managed to “exorcise” the ghost and everyone lived happily ever after.

*Pro-tip: Pre-book your time slots online to secure your desired themed room!

Eco Palladium
Cost: From RM58/pax (~S$17) (varies for different themed rooms), free for kids 10 years old and below
Opening hours: 12PM – 10PM (Mon – Thu), 12PM – 12AM (Fri – Sun)
How to get there: 12min taxi ride from Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park (Google Maps)

Sutera the Haunted House
Cost: From RM48/pax (~S$14) (varies for different themed rooms)
Opening hours: 12:30PM – 11:30PM
How to get there: 6min walk from Sutera Mall (Google Maps)

Eco Galleria
Cost:
From RM68/pax (~S$20) (varies for different themed rooms), free for kids 10 years old and below
Opening hours: 12PM – 10PM (Mon – Thu), 12PM – 12AM (Fri – Sun)
How to get there: 7min taxi ride from Legoland Malaysia (Google Maps)

Read also: JB Day Trip Itinerary — What to Do, Eat, and Shop Under S$65

Bonus: Legoland Malaysia

View of Legoland from Somerset Medini Hotel - Where to Stay in Iskandar Puteri

If you’ve never been to Legoland Malaysia before, then a family trip to JB isn’t complete. With eight different themed areas and over 40 rides and attractions, the theme park is a must-do for both kids and adults! It’s a literal dream come true to ride on your favourite childhood-toy-turned-roller-coaster.

Other than rides, also check out MINILAND Amazing Malaysia — see iconic landmarks of the country such as Kota Kinabalu City Mosque and Batu Caves replicated in LEGO bricks!

People riding roller coaster at Legoland - Things to do in Johor

Photo credit: Klook

Within Legoland Malaysia, there’s also a Legoland Water Park with over 20 slides and rides to get thoroughly soaked, plus a SEA Life Aquarium with more than 13,000 sea creatures to discover up close.

*Pro-tip: Klook has a multi-park combo pass where you can visit all three main attractions (theme park, water park and SEA Life) at a discounted price of ~S$96/pax instead of ~S$119/pax 🤩 Or you can also opt for individual park passes — just scan the bar code on the e-ticket and you’re in.

Entrance fee: From ~S$57/pax for 1-day theme park
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM, closed on Wed
How to get there: 18min taxi ride from Tuas Checkpoint (Google Maps)

Where to eat in JB

7) YOU by JWC

People Eating at YOU by JWC Cafe - Things to eat in Skudai

Located in Skudai, YOU by JWC is an aesthetic cafe with industrial and minimalistic decor. It’s pretty spacious with plenty of seating areas and a long table for large family groups.

YOU by JWC Cafe Pasta and Coffee - Things to eat in Skudai

The cafe serves up a fusion of Western and Japanese cuisines, tasty desserts and artistic drinks. Portions for the mains were generous and enough to share with everyone!

We purchased an RM120 (~S$36) dining voucher on Klook and got three mains and a dessert. With the voucher, we also scored two cups of free coffee (option of white, black, iced white, iced black)! In total, we saved ~S$8 for our entire meal and it was enough to fill the tummies of four people.

YOU by JWC Cafe Flaming Brownie - Things to eat in Skudai

We loved the Japanese Mentaiko Spaghetti (RM30), which came with lots of salmon pieces, and the flaming brownie (RM26), which was literally on fire. It had a slight alcoholic taste but paired well with the fudgy chocolate.

Unfortunately for the kiddos, you probably need to order the non-alcoholic sizzling brownie (RM20) instead. It may not have an impressive appearance but we guarantee the dessert’s chocolatey-goodness.

Cost: From RM20/dish (~S$6)
Opening hours: 12PM – 12AM
How to get there: 15min taxi ride from Perling Mall (Google Maps)

8) RUD Cafe

People Go-karting at The RUD Cafe - Things to do in Iskandar Puteri

The main attraction of RUD Cafe isn’t solely its food, it’s the 774m-long go-karting track right next to it 🏎️ There are two types of go-karts: a basic kart (RM55/pax) for single riders, and a twin kart (RM75/pax) for parents with kids or friends.

Even though each session is only limited to 10 minutes, it’s enough time for a fun and quality bonding session with your children on an exciting race track!

The RUD Cafe Exterior - Things to do in Iskandar Puteri

Once you’re done racing, fuel up at the in-house cafe which serves Western cuisine like Truffle Alfredo Pasta (RM24.90) and House Chicken Burger (RM26.90) — a delicious crispy chicken cutlet smacked between charcoal buns, and slathered with mayonnaise and nacho cheese sauce.

The RUD Cafe Food - Things to eat in Iskandar Puteri

There are also local Asian delights like Grapefruit Fried Rice Ayam Berempah (RM26.90) and Ayam Sambal with Rice (RM15.90), but these usually sell out quickly so head there earlier in the afternoon!

As for drinks, kids would love the sweet Ribena Lychee (RM10.90) and interesting frappe flavours like Caramel Popcorn Frappe (RM16.90) and Peanut Butterscotch Frappe (RM16.90).

People at the RUD Cafe Viewing Area - Things to do in Iskandar Puteri

FYI, the cafe also has various viewing spots overlooking the track so if your younger ones can’t play, they can still watch the karts whizz by.

Go-kart
Cost: From RM55/pax (~S$16.50) for a basic kart for a 10min session (varies, depending on the type of kart)
Opening hours: 11AM – 2AM

Cafe
Cost:
From RM15.90/dish (~S$5)
Opening hours: 11AM – 12AM (Weekdays), 10AM – 12AM (Weekends)
How to get there: 5min taxi ride from X Park (Google Maps)

9) Principle Cafe by T.A.M.

Principle Cafe Exterior - Things to do in JB

Principle Cafe by T.A.M. is a family-friendly cafe with a wide range of Asian-Western fusion dishes. There are two outlets at convenient locations in JB — Jalan Trus (near Johor Bahru City Square Mall) and Mount Austin (near Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park).

The menu includes pizzas, pastas and various cakes and tarts that are great for sharing with the whole family. Some notable ones are the savoury gochujang pizza, the tender lamb shank, and a chocolate cromboloni (a buttery croissant with an oozy chocolate filling) 🤤

Principle Cafe Food Items - Things to eat in JB

Prices are slightly higher than average (from RM30 for a main), but Klook has a couple of dining vouchers to help save on your meal. For instance, get 20% discount off your total bill or a RM200 (~S$60) cash voucher with one complimentary dessert or pastry!

*Note: The Jalan Trus outlet closes earlier than the Mount Austin outlet at 6PM, so be sure to head to the correct place depending on your itinerary.

Principle Cafe Jalan Trus
Cost:
From RM30/main (~S$9)
Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM
How to get there: 5min walk from Johor Bahru City Square Mall (Google Maps)

Principle Cafe Mount Austin
Cost:
From RM30/main (~S$9)
Opening hours: 12PM – 8:30PM (Mon – Thu), 10:30AM – 9PM (Fri – Sun)
How to get there: 4min taxi ride from Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park (Google Maps)

10) Koramie

Koramie Ramen Wall - Things to eat in Skudai

Just a 20-minute drive from JB checkpoint lies Malaysia’s first 24-hour self-service instant noodle shop, Koramie! Once you’re in, the first thing you’ll notice is the huge ramen wall.

Koramie Ghost Pepper Noodles - Things to eat in Skudai

The kids should probably give the ghost pepper noodles a miss.

On the “wall”, there’s a variety of noodles from different countries like South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Just like picking a toy, children would have fun picking out their favourite flavour from the wall.

Some interesting (and kid-friendly) flavours to try include salted egg, seaweed and rasa soto (a popular Indonesian soup flavour). To spice things up a little, we even tried the ghost pepper flavour from Korea (P.S. for adults only)!

Toppings are also available (RM1 each or RM4.50 for five) — ranging from eggs to cheese tofu and even tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes).

People at Koramie Cooking - Things to do in Skudai

After payment, you’ll be given an aluminium bowl to cook your noodles at the DIY cooking stations. To be honest, the process is quite easy and even your kids can try cooking the noodles, with adult supervision of course.

Final verdict: The salted egg noodles lived up to its name but the ghost pepper killed our taste buds 😛

Cost of noodles: From RM5/packet (~S$1.50)
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 20min taxi ride from JB Checkpoint (Google Maps)

11) Morihana Pastry

Morihana Cafe Exterior - Things to do in Mount Austin

If your child has a super sweet tooth, head to Morihana Pastry for some unique desserts.

The cafe is situated within Spring Labs, a retail park in Johor known for its European-like buildings! It stands out with its cute cottage-like exterior, so it’s no surprise that its desserts are super IG-worthy too.

Morihana Cafe Desserts and Drinks - Things to eat in Mount Austin

The Rabenda is the purple cake while the Azure is the blue sphere.

While there, we had the Rabenda (RM25) and Azure (RM24). The former consists of a lavender mascarpone mousse, honey pear and earl grey cake, while the latter is a combi of caramel apple and lime apple mousse.

The Rabenda was sweet and the earl grey taste was quite distinct. On the other hand, the Azure had a good balance of sweet and sour taste with a beautiful blend of the lime flavour and caramel apple pieces. It’s good to have a variety of flavours so it wouldn’t be too sweet for the kids.

*Pro-tip: Get the signature cakes and drink set on Klook to enjoy two patisseries and two beverages of your choice at a discounted price!

Cost: From RM24/dessert (~S$7)
Opening hours: 12PM – 7PM, closed on Mon
How to get there: 3min walk from Spring Labs (Google Maps)

12) Palates & Bagels by T.A.M.

Girl Eating at Palates & Bagels Cafe - Things to eat in JB

Google “best bagel in JB” and the first to pop up would be Palates & Bagels! This rustic cafe offers savoury bagels with male and female names such as Ali, Ah Seng, Clooney and even Ah Lian 🤣

Matching the names, the flavours are quite interesting too, with sauces like sambal bawang (shallot chilli), mala mayo and sriracha chilli mayo. Of course, there are less spicy ones for children such as cajun mayo, herbs cream cheese and truffle cream cheese.

Palates and Bagels Shopfront - Things to do in JB

You can even choose your preferred bagel base: plain, sesame seed, parmesan, pickled chilli and more.

Ah Seng impressed us the most (RM30.90) — the sesame seed bagel surprisingly paired well with the hae be hiam mayo (spicy dried shrimp), prawn patty, egg, caramelised onion and sliced cheddar. It was flavourful and packed a punch in every crunch! Clooney (RM32.90) had a milder flavour profile but was still delicious with the smoked salmon and herbs cream cheese.

The cafe also sells other items like pastas, rice bowls and cookies — a quick snack for the young ones if the bagels are too filling. And if you’re bringing the whole family along, save more on your meal by using a Klook dining voucher to get up to 20% off!

Cost: From RM19.90/savoury bagel (~S$6)
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 6PM
How to get there: 8min taxi ride from JB Checkpoint (Google Maps)

Read also: JB Cafe-hopping — 13 Cool Cafes to Check Out in Johor Bahru

What to see in JB

13) Fireflies at Kota Tinggi Firefly Park

Kota Tinggi Firefly Park - Things to see in JB

Yes, Kota Tinggi Firefly Park is a long drive from JB checkpoint (around 40 minutes to be exact), but it’s worth it. Watching the night sky light up in vibrant twinkling lights will definitely be a core memory for the young ones. I mean, it was a magical experience even for us adults!

Fireflies at Kota Tinggi Firefly Park - Things to see in JB

Photo credit: Kota Tinggi Firefly Park via Klook

Thousands of fireflies spread over the banks of the Johor River in Kota Tinggi, as it’s a rare breeding ground and habitat for these tiny creatures. And the best way to spot them is on a cruise!

We booked ours via Klook for convenience and during the 45-minute journey, our guide shared how different types of fireflies blink at different intervals and speed. Fun fact: The flashing lights are actually signs of fireflies attracting a mate, but sadly their general lifespan only lasts 7 to 21 days.

People Writing Wishes on a Paper Lantern - Things to do in JB

Ours was the 1.6m (RM20) paper lantern, which was filled with our wishes!

After the cruise, you can also purchase a paper lantern to write wishes and send them off into the sky! The lanterns range from 1.6m to 2.5m high and cost from RM20 to RM70.

Cost: ~S$4/child, ~S$6/adult
Cruise timing: 7:15PM – 8:15PM
How to get there: 40min taxi ride from JB Checkpoint (Google Maps)

14) Birdwatch in Desaru Coast

Man on Birdwatching Tour in Desaru - Things to see in Desaru

Did you know that Desaru Coast is home to over 100 species of birds? Take your kids on a birdwatching tour for a hands-on learning experience to discover more about nature’s feathered friends!

Stork-billed Kingfisher on a Branch - Things to see in Desaru

The Stork-billed Kingfisher.

Our guide picked us up from our hotel in the morning and drove to various locations to spot birds. He was knowledgeable about the different species and shared interesting stories and facts as well. For example, apparently crows are a bad sign for birdwatchers as they will chase away other birds in the same area 🐦‍⬛

Black-winged Kite in the Sky - Things to see in Desaru

The Black-winged Kite.

On our tour, we were also given binoculars to have a closer look at the birds and managed to spot species like the Stork-billed Kingfisher and the Black-winged Kite! As these are wild animals, sightings are not 100% guaranteed but 10/10 would go again to try and catch other different species.

Cost: ~S$29/child, ~S$44/adult
Tour timings: 7:30AM and 4:30PM (Tue, Thu, Sat)
How to get there: Hotel pick-up

15) IG-worthy Bookstore at BookXcess

Girl at BookXcess Store - Things to see in Iskandar Puteri

BookXcess at Sunway Big Box Retail Park is not just an Instagrammable bookstore, it has a variety of titles for sale too. From educational to fictional books, there’s a wide range to choose from.

Girl Picking a Blind Date with a Book - Things to see in Iskandar Puteri

We spotted alphabet-learning books as well as childhood favourites like Geronimo Stilton and Rainbow Magic Fairy for the little ones to get started on their reading journey!

For the adults, check out the “blind date” section where you choose a book (from RM19.90) purely by its synopsis. There’s also a public piano in the store that anyone can use, just remember to be considerate of other visitors and not make too much noise 🎹

Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
How to get there: 8min taxi ride from Legoland Malaysia (Google Maps)

16) Panoramic Skyline Views at Skyscape

SkyScape JB - Visiting Johor from Singapore

For families who are crossing over to Malaysia via the JB checkpoint, Skyscape is just a 5-minute walk away. Head up to the 33rd floor for the famous glass-floored sky bridge, where you’ll be treated to a bird’s eye view of the city from 149m above ground!

*Pro-tip: Book your tickets via Klook to skip the queues. Besides entry to the observation deck, it includes fun activities for children too like virtual reality games and a cool LED tunnel.

Cost: ~S$8/child, ~S$11/adult, RM5 (~S$1.50) for shoe covers (paid on site)
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 5:30PM, last entry at 4PM
How to get there: 5min walk from JB Checkpoint (Google Maps)

17) Stunning Sunset at Puteri Harbour

People on a Sunset Cruise - Things to see in Iskandar Puteri

Photo credit: Klook

One of the best places to catch the sunset in Johor is at Puteri Harbour! Watch as the sun casts its golden hues over the marina or take a 45-minute cruise from the harbour to enjoy the sunset views over the Johor Straits with the whole family.

Girl Watching Sunset at Puteri Harbour Ferry Terminal - Things to do in JB

Or that’s what we thought we’d be doing. Unfortunately for us, our Grab driver dropped us off at the wrong destination: Puteri Harbour International Ferry Terminal.

While we didn’t manage to see the full glory of the sunset, it was still a nice and tranquil spot with an unobstructed view of the river. We had it all to ourselves so I guess that’s still a win!

Cost of cruise: ~S$7/child, ~S$13/adult for a 45min join-in cruise
Cruise timings: 1hr intervals from 3PM – 9PM
How to get there: 6min taxi ride from Legoland Malaysia (Google Maps)

Where to stay in JB

JB Sentral — Z Hotel Johor Bahru

Z Hotel Room - Where to Stay in JB

Located just a 10-minute walk from the JB checkpoint, Z Hotel is a convenient stay within JB Sentral for families who don’t want to travel far. Plus, it’s also near Hiap Joo Bakery, Pasar Karat and Principle Cafe so you won’t go hungry! As for its rooms, it’s cosy with a sleek and modern design.

Cost: From ~S$64/night (2 pax)
How to get there: 10min walk from JB Checkpoint (Google Maps)

Skudai — Hyatt Place Johor Bahru Paradigm Mall

Hyatt Place Johor Bahru Paradigm Mall Room - Where to Stay in Skudai

At ~S$158 per night, Hyatt Place Johor Bahru Paradigm Mall is no doubt pricey. But hey, it’s right next to a mallwhich in case you missed it — has everything you need to keep your kids entertained!

People Singing in Singcube Karaoke Room - Things to do in Skudai

Besides easy access to fun activities like ice skating, archery, ktv and many more, there are also various food options. For instance, McDonald’s, A&W, Starbucks, and Mixue so there are plenty of options to feed the kids. Rooms are also equipped with comfy beds, large shower rooms and a TV.

Cost: From ~S$158/night (2 pax)
How to get there: 1min walk from Paradigm Mall (Google Maps)

Iskandar Puteri — Somerset Medini Iskandar Puteri

Somerset Medini Iskandar Puteri - Where to Stay in Iskandar Puteri

Somerset Medini Iskandar Puteri has really spacious rooms — let’s just say we weren’t expecting a small kitchen and full-sized fridge in our room. The best part is that the hotel is near a supermarket and 7/11 (both 24/7), so families can shop for ingredients and prepare a home-cooked meal instead of eating out all the time.

Oh and did we mention we could also see Legoland Malaysia from our rooms? It’s just a 10-minute walk away!

Cost: From ~S$87/night (2 pax)
How to get there: 10min walk from Legoland Malaysia (Google Maps)

Desaru — Four Points By Sheraton Desaru

Girl Working in Four Points by Sheraton Desaru Room - Things to do in JB

Four Points By Sheraton Desaru is a hotel that’s well-deserving of its four stars! Rooms are clean and huge — some are even connected, which makes it convenient for families travelling together!

Not to mention it’s only a short drive away from popular attractions like Desaru Fruit Farm, Desaru Beach and Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast.

Cost: From ~S$105/night (2 pax)
How to get there: 11min taxi ride from Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast (Google Maps)

Read also: 12 Best JB Hotels Near Sentral, Mt Austin Other Popular Areas Best for Shopping, Cafe-hopping

Tips for your next family weekend trip to JB

Uncrowded Desaru Beach - Things to do in Desaru

Before planning your next family trip to JB, here are some tips to help you out!

1) Pre-book essentials like eSIM and insurance before your trip for peace of mind! Getting an esim was fuss-free (~S$6, unlimited data for 3 days), we only had to scan a QR code and activate it once we arrived in Malaysia.

2) Book your accommodation and activities via Klook for discounted prices and to skip the queues! Klook also has dining vouchers with complimentary drinks and desserts, as well as up to 20% discounts off the total bill at places like YOU by JWC and Principle Cafe by T.A.M.

Friends Eating at Principle Cafe - Things to eat in JB

3) Consider renting a car or hiring a car charter if you’re travelling in a big family group, it’s much easier to get around rather than getting separate grab rides. You can also choose a pick-up/drop-off point that’s convenient for you — we collected our car rental from Johor Bahru City Square Mall, which was a short walk from JB checkpoint!

4) Use our promo code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> on Klook to get 5% off hotels, activities and car rentals (usable up to five times)! For new users, you get an extra perk of 10% off your first booking 🥳 T&Cs apply.

5) Check out our other JB guides and itineraries for more inspo:
– 12 Cosy JB Accommodations near Popular Malls from S$18/night — City Square, KSL, Paradigm
– Mount Austin Guide — 13 Things to Do and Eat in JB’s Trendiest Neighbourhood
3D2N JB Itinerary — Mount Austin, Kulai, JB Sentral
2D1N JB Itinerary — The Broke Friends Getaway

Any other recommendations for things to do, see and eat in JB? Let us know in the comments below!


This post is brought to you by Klook.

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