Besides the usual eating and shopping, here are other fun things to do near the JB Causeway in JB Sentral, Mt Austin, and Skudai.

Sometimes you just need a quick escape from the work grind, and JB is the perfect go-to. It’s not uncommon for me to zip off to JB for a few hours of fun over the weekend. But let’s be real — no one wants to deal with the nightmare of return traffic, especially when it risks you showing up late for that early morning meeting.
Thankfully, you don’t have to venture too far from the causeway to enjoy some downtime. There’s a ton of cool stuff to do in the neighbourhoods around JB, such as Skudai and Mount Austin.
From thrilling escape rooms to exciting adventure parks, all of these can be found within a 30-minute ride from the border. So, the next time you’re in desperate need of a mini work break, check out these activities to add some extra fun to your de-stresser adventure.
JB Sentral
Located right across the causeway, JB Sentral is the heart of Johor Bahru. This bustling area is not just about shopping at malls like City Square, but it also offers a taste of local culture with its vibrant street markets, vintage stores, and hidden bars.
Check out the view at JB Skyscape

Skyscape’s claim to fame is the thrilling glass-floored sky bridge located on the 33rd floor — definitely not for the faint-hearted! At a dizzying 149m above ground, this see-through walkway is a true test of courage, especially if heights make you weak at the knees.
I have to admit, my stomach did a flip when I first stepped onto the glass, but once I gathered the courage to look down, the breathtaking view was totally worth it.
Cost: ~S$8/child, ~S$11/adult via Klook, 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)
Elevate your style with vintage thrifting

No JB trip is complete without some retail therapy, but why confine yourself to the standard mall experience? The streets of JB are brimming with thrifting gems, perfect for those who appreciate carefully curated finds. These vintage stores handpick their pieces with a distinct style in mind.
B-side.Room

Situated conveniently just opposite City Square Mall, B-side.Room’s collection is a mix of nostalgic pieces and current trends with a retro twist. These include brands such as Carhartt with unique designs that stand out from mainstream fashion. You’ll have to do a little digging though as the racks hold a variety of vintage streetwear that caters to a wide taste, but I guess the thrill of discovery is part of the charm.
Cost: From RM10/piece (~S$3)
Opening hours: 11AM – 11PM
How to get there: 15min taxi ride from JB checkpoint (Google Maps)
Redchilli Vintage

For a more stylish selection, make your way to RedChilli Vintage — a treasure trove of retro, Y2K fashion. With its neon-lit interior setting the perfect vibe, the shop offers a carefully curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories, so expect outfits to be pricier (starting from RM50). One thing’s for sure though, the unique pieces are well worth it and guaranteed to make a statement.
Cost: From RM50/piece (~S$15)
Opening hours: 12PM – 7PM
How to get there: 15min taxi ride from JB checkpoint (Google Maps)
Create your own “world” at Horti Plant

I’ve never been into plants, but creating my own little world? That sounds enticing. You can do just that at Horti Plant, by signing up for a terrarium making course where you’ll learn to craft and care for your own mini ecosystem.

Fair warning, what seemed like a peaceful pastime to me was a lot trickier than just tossing dirt and moss into a bottle. Patience and precision are key (neither of which I excel at), and we often found ourselves making a thorough mess of the workstation.
Thankfully, the expert staff were incredibly accommodating, patiently guiding us every time we accidentally buried our plants alive or snipped off their roots.
Cost: From S$24/pax via Klook
Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM, closed on Mon
How to get there: 15min taxi ride from JB checkpoint (Google Maps)
*Pro-tip: Book your workshop on Klook and enter our code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> to redeem 5% off. New users get 10% OFF their first booking. T&Cs apply!
Hunt for these hidden bars

Sshhh…. this will be our little secret. 🤫
There’s no better way to end the day than with a good drink in hand. But if you tire of the typical packed pubs and boisterous bars, speakeasies are the perfect escape. I’ve always delighted in the thrill of discovering hidden bars, it’s almost like stumbling upon a well-kept secret.
Have a go at locating some of these elusive bars, and who knows, you might just get the same exhilarating buzz (a.k.a getting drunk) that keeps me coming back for more!
Kirin Made

Recognise these television sets? That means you old.
Nestled inside a hotpot restaurant opposite KSL Mall is Kirin Made, a bar that’s akin to walking into a time capsule. Inside, you’re greeted by a retro 80s vibe with hi-fi tape decks and VHS players scattered throughout its interior.

The drinks here may take you back even further. They’re poured from traditional Chinese wine jugs and served in small bowls. The drink itself (RM128) was a sweet pomelo blend with a vodka base — though the sweetness of the cocktail did a great job of masking the vodka, making it smooth and refreshing without the sharp edge.
Opening hours: 5:30PM – 2AM
How to get there: 5min walk from KSL Mall (Google Maps)
Merah Kitchen and Bar and Lucky Cat by SSHHH

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you’re already aware of Merah Kitchen and Bar. Pictures of the speakeasy’s hidden entrance behind a vending machine has already made its rounds on social media. We’ve even featured it in an article on our previous trip to JB.

No alcohol dispensed from this machine unfortunately 😢
This bar is a haven for nostalgia lovers. Vintage movie posters adorn their walls and retro arcade games line its interior. I’ve been here several times and I always gravitate towards their signature soju bomb (RM39) — a fruity, ice-blended cocktail technically meant for sharing, but that’s never stopped me from tackling one solo.

But here’s a secret you might not know: hidden within Merah is a second, more elusive speakeasy — Luckycat by SSHHH. Just look out for the red phone booth and give the staff the password (a clue you’ll have to uncover yourself) to gain access.

Hello, when does happy hour begin?
Inside, you’ll find a neon-lit bar that’s as dynamic as it is stylish. The menu is a constantly evolving masterpiece, crafted by inventive mixologists who tailor their creations to reflect the latest seasonal themes. Whether you’re a foodie or a cocktail enthusiast, there’s always something new and exciting to try, making each visit feel like a fresh discovery.

Ever indecisive, I left it up to the bartender to surprise me with a meal. He returned with a warm bowl of Japanese curry rice (RM45) and a bubblegum mint cocktail (RM50) to wash it down. The contrast was wild, but somehow, it worked. A quirky, delicious pairing that hit the spot in the most unexpected way.

A most intriguing meal in the most unexpected of places 🤔
And if that’s not enough to entice you in, the backrooms hold another surprise: cats! 🐱 According to the bartender, six kittens turned up on their doorstep during the pandemic.
These kittens, now fully grown felines, made the bar their forever home and even inspired the name, Luckycat. Their presence adds a homey touch to the bar, and also make great company for those attempting to sober up.

Not one of the lucky cats silently judging my drunk ass.
I wish we could say we uncovered this hidden gem through our own meticulous planning, but the truth is, we just happened to stumble upon it in our drunken stupor. Not the best look.
Opening hours: 8PM – 1AM
How to get there: 10min walk from JB checkpoint (Google Maps)
Read also: 3D2N JB Itinerary — Mount Austin, Kulai, JB Sentral
Skudai
Often overlooked as just a suburb of Johor Bahru, Skudai is quickly becoming a hotspot for those in the know. Just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, it offers a variety of exciting activities for both thrill-seekers and those looking to relax away from the city hustle.
Channel your inner ice princess at Blue Ice Skating rink

Literal seconds before disaster.
Located inside Paradigm Mall is Blue Ice Skating Rink, the largest indoor skating rink in JB. Its spacious interior makes it the ideal place for seasoned figure skaters to show off practice their elegant routines.
But that doesn’t mean us mere mortals can’t have a go on the ice as well. We did our best to embody the grace of the sport, but probably looked like a couple of clumsy toddlers taking their first steps.

Trini looking like she’s in need of the children’s skating aid.
Despite our lack of coordination, the experience was still exhilarating. I honestly had more fun laughing at our attempts to remain upright than actual skating. But whether you’re stylishly slicing the ice, or wobbling off a few tumbles, the rink is still a great place to beat the tropical heat.
Cost: ~S$11/pax via Klook for a 2hr session
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
How to get there: 15min taxi ride from Johor Bahru City Square Mall (Google Maps)
Sing your heart out at Singcube Karaoke

A favourite activity for all Singaporeans, Singcube Karaoke lets you belt out your favourite tunes in style. The studio’s cosy rooms are creatively designed to resemble cute little huts, each marked with glowing neon numbers — an eye-catching departure from the usual karaoke setup.

With only two microphones available, Mei En tries to sing into a clenched fist.
And if you think these rainbow boxes look small, believe us when we tell you that there’s enough space for a group of four to go popstar crazy for an hour. We had a blast belting out our favourite songs despite not always being able to hit the high notes.
I’m pretty sure only dogs could hear what we were singing at one point. Though in true karaoke fashion, we just cranked up the volume and sang on.
Cost: From RM27 (~S$8) for 1hr (4 pax)
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
How to get there: 15min taxi ride from Johor Bahru City Square Mall (Google Maps)
Test your wits at Lost in JB: The Haunted House

In case you weren’t tipped off by the huge ‘Haunted House’ signage, the rooms are horror-themed.
As the original Lost in JB outlet, The Haunted House does not feature the live actors that some of the newer locations boast (with the exception of one room). But what it lacks in jump scares, it more than makes up for in atmosphere. True to its name, each room immerses you in a chilling, horror-themed design, with eerie details lurking in every corner.

Hope these aren’t actually anyone’s ancestors…
We signed up for “Before Midnight“, a room themed after a Chinese funeral parlour, and let me tell you — it wasn’t for the faint-hearted. The dimly lit corridors and eerie sound effects were unsettling on their own, but the attention to detail was something else.
From the table offerings to the funeral procession setups, every little touch was designed to keep your heart racing.

Getting “buried alive” wasn’t on my bingo card this year
Oh, and did I mention, part of the experience required me to climb into a coffin to “escape”? That was an experience I wasn’t mentally prepared for! Every creak and shuffle on the outside, had me jumping on the inside. (okay, maybe I let out a scream or two 🥲)
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)
Game the day away at Pak Game

Pak Game is a vibrant gaming hub packed with an array of consoles and games that will keep you entertained for hours.

We had fun competing in Mario Kart and busting moves in Just Dance. But the fun doesn’t end there. The room also has a karaoke setup for you to take a break from the gaming. Or you can challenge yourself and try gaming and singing at the same time!
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)
Mount Austin
Another of Johor Bahru’s up-and-coming districts, Mount Austin is known for its youthful vibe and trendy spots. This neighbourhood is packed with cafes, creative spaces, and exciting activities. It’s a little further out from the city centre but well worth the trip if you’re looking for something different and off the beaten path.
Get wild and wet at Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park

Photo credit: Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park
Head over to Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park for a splashing good time. Race your friends down the Supersurf’s six high-speed lanes, or try out G-force Alley — where you’ll feel the pull of gravity as you twist and turn down snake-like curves.
Waterslides aren’t the only thrill they offer though. There’s also an adventure park that boasts Malaysia’s longest indoor suspension rope course, featuring seven routes and 51 obstacles. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced daredevil, these high elements are guaranteed to thrill.
Cost: RM80/pax (~S$24) for water park, RM80/pax (~S$24) for adventure park
Opening hours: 10PM – 6PM
How to get there: 11min taxi ride from Toppen Shopping Centre (Google Maps)
Get your hands dirty at Good Times DIY Pottery

Good Times DIY Pottery Studio at Toppen Shopping Centre is the perfect place to unleash your creativity. We signed up for a wheel-throwing class, led by friendly instructors who guided us through each step with patience and expertise.

The craftsmanship is… acceptable.
The experience was surprisingly therapeutic. There’s something profoundly satisfying about shaping clay on a potter’s wheel and watching it transform beneath your fingertips. Although it does require a delicate touch; one wrong move, and your creation could easily crack.
I don’t think any of us quite got the hang of it, but we learn to master things one spin class at a time. As long as it holds water without leaking, I guess it’s a win?
Cost: From ~S$32/pax via Klook for 2hr wheel-throwing class
Opening hours: 11AM – 8PM
How to get there: 22min taxi ride from JB Sentral (Google Maps)
Indulge in sweet treats at Morihana Pastry

To satisfy your sweet tooth, stop by Morihana Pastry for some freshly baked goods. It’s impossible to not be charmed by the delicate displayed pastries, which are a fusion of Japanese, French and Taiwanese baking traditions. We couldn’t resist trying a few, and each one was a delightful blend of flavours.

The Azure (RM24) (the one that looks like a blue sphere), is a combination of caramel apple and lime apple mousse, which was definitely the highlight! It was a perfect blend of sour (due to the lime) and sweet (due to the apple pieces in the cake) taste to it which made it delicious.
Cost: From RM24/dessert (~S$7)
Opening hours: 12PM – 7PM, closed on Mon
How to get there: 3min walk from Spring Labs (Google Maps)
Getting across the JB causeway

There are many ways to get across the JB causeway, the most hassle free method, especially for larger groups, would be to drive across. You can rent a car or hire a car charter to avoid separate Grab rides. But if you aren’t able to charter your own vehicle, there is also the option of public transport.
Getting across the JB causeway via train

My personal go-to option is the train. It’s a quick 5-minute ride, and you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic. Tickets are purchasable at the KTM ticket counter, priced at just RM5. Then head to the JB Sentral Railway Station, conveniently situated next to the JB Sentral Bus Terminal.
The only downside? Everyone else seems to prefer this transportation method too. Tickets are usually sold out for the mornings, so it’s not exactly ideal for a spontaneous trip to JB. I would recommend getting tickets online at least two weeks in advance to secure your trip.
Getting across the JB causeway via bus

For more spontaneous individuals, the bus is your best bet. Thankfully, there are numerous bus routes to choose from. Busses CW1, CW2, and CW5 are the usual options, offering convenient and reliable service for your quick getaway
CW1 buses leave from the bus stop directly outside Kranji MRT Station, CW2 buses depart from Queen Street Bus Terminal in Bugis, and CW5 buses are available from a bus stop near Newton Food Centre, located within a parking lot. Do note however, that the CW buses don’t accept EZ-link card, so prepare cash to be able to pay for the ticket across.
Alternatively, you can also take bus 160 and 170 which depart from Kranji MRT station. You can use your EZ-link card for these buses so it’s more convenient if you are travelling into JB from Singapore!
For more tips on things to do in JB, be sure to check out our other guides and itineraries!
– Family-friendly Johor Bahru Guide — 17 Things to Do, Eat and See in JB Beyond Legoland
– 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
*Pro-tip: Redeem 5% OFF Klook activities for use later, up to 5x. Just enter code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> at checkout. New users get 10% OFF their first booking. T&Cs apply!
What activities do you like to do near the JB Causeway? let us know in the comments below!
informative! will be using to plan my next trip to JB