Check out these 36 things to eat and do near JB Sentral if you can’t decide where to go on your next quick getaway across the border!
Yes, we Singaporeans (myself included) LOVE JB. It’s our go-to on weekends because of its affordable shopping, aesthetic cafe-hopping and exciting activities!
But if you’re short on time and can only afford a quick day trip, you probably might not want to stray so far from the border. So we’ve compiled a long list of what you can do, eat and shop within a short walk, or 15-minute Grab ride from JB Sentral Station!
Go wild at a rage room, visit an old prison, or grab that famous banana cake — here are some iconic and also lesser-known things to check out on your next visit ✨
Read also: 11 Things to Do Near the JB Causeway — JB Sentral, Mount Austin, Skudai
What to Do near JB Sentral
Fun Activities
1) The Zone by Berjaya Waterfront
Adrenaline-seekers can test both their speed and strength at The Zone by Berjaya Waterfront via a go-karting or rage room session!
Go-karting beginners can opt for a basic kit (up to 24km/h) to start off slow, while the pro-kit (up to 40km/h) is for more advanced riders. Each session lasts 7 minutes, which is more than enough to have a good time!
On the other hand, release your stress by smashing things in the rage room.
We were given six glass bottles to break (plus whatever was already broken in the room) within a time limit of 10 minutes. But for those who need more relief, an extra session — including six more bottles — only costs RM15.
Cost: RM25/pax (~S$8) for go-kart, RM30/pax (~S$9) for rage room, RM50/pax (~S$15) for combo package
Opening hours: 12PM – 9PM, closed on Tue
Address: The Zone by Berjaya Waterfront Lot No. 3.01, Level 3, Berjaya Waterfront. 88 Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Jln Stulang Laut, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 8min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
2) Laser Battle
Challenge your friends and choose from over 55 game modes at Laser Battle — the largest laser tag operator in Asia, with four outlets across Malaysia and Thailand each!
From standard team battles to flag games and base attacks, there are various game types to try out.
One game costs ~S$11/pax for 10 minutes. While the duration may seem short, it felt like the longest 10 minutes of my life just from constantly running around.
*Note: After ticket purchase, make a reservation directly with the local operator (+60-168686279 or +60-122659249) to confirm your preferred time slot. Also note that Laser Battle has relocated from City Square Mall to R&F Mall since May 2025.
Cost: From ~S$11/pax via Klook for 10mins
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
Address: MERCU 1, R&F, Jalan Tanjung Puteri 1, Tanjung Puteri, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
How to get there: 10min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
3) JB Skyscape
One iconic attraction in JB Sentral is Skyscape — famous for its 149m-high sky bridge, where visitors stand on glass floors to get an unobstructed view of Johor’s skyline and cityscape.
For the less adventurous, you can still get an epic view from the indoor observation deck, or try other activities like virtual reality games, where you pretend to be a professional skier, or on a rollercoaster ride!
Cost: ~S$11/pax via Klook, RM2 (~S$0.60) for shoe covers (paid on-site)
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 10PM, last entry at 8:30PM
Address: Ibrahim International Business District, City Centre (JBCC, Level 34, Menara JLand, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 80888 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 15min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
Art Workshops
4) Senso Art Gallery
At first glance, Senso Art Gallery Cafe may seem like it’s just a cosy art shop selling items like keychains, paintings, and small bags.
But the main highlight here is their interesting workshops, such as screen printing, flower pressing and cake painting. We even tried something called cyanotype — where we used an iron solution to create blue and white leaf/flower prints.
Besides workshops, check out the art gallery on the second floor, as Senso displays artwork from local artists occasionally.
Cost: From RM50/pax (~S$15) for 1hr workshop
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM, closed on Tue
Address: 25 & 25a, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 16min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
5) Hey Decoupage
Hey Decoupage is a studio which hosts simple, 2 to 3-hour hands-on workshops. There are guided workshops for more difficult crafts (jesmonite and leather), as well as unguided ones for easier things like punch needle and mosaic.
We could even DIY our own mahjong tile by following simple steps and instructions via video tutorial.
The studio also has an art jamming and board games area to freely express your creativity or to take a break.
Cost: From ~S$14/pax via Klook (varies for different workshops)
Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM (time slots vary for different workshops)
Address: 54a, Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 12min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
6) Meet Me DIY Workshop
Photo credit: Meet Me Workshop via Facebook
Located at Komtar JBCC, Meet Me DIY Workshop has a range of unique handicraft workshops including plaster aroma, bearbrick, glue cream and beading!
Whether it’s your family, friends or partner, it’s a great way to bond while doing something fun together. Not to mention, you’ll get to bring back a personalised souvenir of your own creation.
Cost: From ~S$9/pax via Klook (varies for different workshops)
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM (time slots vary for different workshops)
Address: L305 & L306 3RD FLOOR, KOMTAR JBCC, CITY CENTRE, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 5min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
History and Culture
7) Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum
Delve into the history of the local Chinese community at the Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum. You’ll see old artefacts on display, such as photos, documents, and porcelain, along with stories of how they eventually settled down in Johor.
For instance, we learnt that since the Hainanese were one of the last Chinese communities to arrive, they could only take up trades like bakeries and coffee shops, instead of business and medicine. Perhaps that’s how the iconic Hainan chicken rice became popular here?!
Entrance fee: RM6/adult (~S$1.80)
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM, closed on Mon
Address: MY Johor, 42, Jalan Ibrahim, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
How to get there: 16min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
*Note: The museum is temporarily closed for renovations, so do check its social platforms for updates.
8) Kota Jail
At 142 years old, Kota Jail is one of the oldest prisons in Malaysia! Formerly known as the Ayer Molek Prison, it was built in 1883 by the British to detain criminals and people against the colonial rule.
After its closure in 2018, it transformed into a creative and cultural space, hosting pop-up events and art markets. There are also cafes onsite, one being Matcha Lalu, which serves creamy iced matcha to beat the heat!
However, visitors can still take a glimpse into the dark history through the prison gallery exhibition. We saw what prison life used to be like via old footage, pictures and installations. And we even stepped into old jail cells with rooms left untouched from the past.
Entrance fee: Free
Prison Gallery Exhibition: RM15/pax (~S$5)
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
Address: Jalan Ayer Molek, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 8min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
9) Bonus: Eco Tourism Kampung Sungai Melayu
Disclaimer: Eco Tourism Kampung Sungai Melayu isn’t exactly near JB Sentral (around a 30-minute car ride away), but we thought it was a really peaceful getaway from the city, taking us back to the old kampung days.
Located in Iskandar Puteri, the 1-hour boat tour will bring you through the river, mangroves, and even a mussel farm!
Our guide holding a rope of mussels!
Along the way, we saw wildlife like snakes on tree branches, monkeys, monitor lizards and eagles. The farm was also interesting, as we learnt how mussels are grown. Overall, it was nice to just be surrounded by nature and away from the fast-paced city life.
Cost: RM35/pax (~S$11)
Opening hours: 9AM – 4PM
Address: Jalan Kampung Sungai Melayu, Kampung Sungai Melayu, 79503 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia
How to get there: 30min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
Massages
10) Spa Manja
Step into Spa Manja and be transported to a mini island getaway, complete with fish ponds, wooden bridges, and lush greenery.
The spa has a range of services: foot massages, signature detox massages, aromatherapy and even ear candling therapy. So, depending on your pain point (sore muscles, fatigue, sinuses etc), it has something for everyone. There are packages which include a body scrub and a soak in the jacuzzi too!
*Pro-tip: Make reservations beforehand via WhatsApp (+60 11–3311 1080) to secure your slots.
Cost: From RM78/pax (~S$24) for a 1hr foot massage
Opening hours: 11AM – 11PM
Address: 162, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 13min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
11) Bangkok Spa
Photo credit: Bangkok Spa
Bangkok Spa is an authentic Thai massage chain in JB, with three outlets near City Square Mall, KSL City Mall and Mid Valley Southkey. Opt for foot massages, traditional Thai techniques, aromatherapy sessions, and more — from just ~S$20 for a 1-hour session.
A perk of this spa is that it offers free two-way transportation for guests within a certain area. So do contact the outlet beforehand to make reservations and transport arrangements!
Cost: From RM66/pax (~S$20) for a 1hr foot massage
Opening hours: 11AM – 5AM
Address: No 58, 58A, 58B, 60, 60A, 60B, 62, 62A, 62B, Jalan Abiad, Taman Tebrau Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia (Taman Pelangi Outlet)
How to get there: 12min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
12) Borneo Oasis
Photo credit: Ayu Borneo
From basic foot and shoulder massages to relaxing Thai massages, Borneo Oasis specialises in customised health and wellness treatments!
It’s well-known for its signature Urutan Malaysia full body massage, which draws influences from different cultures in Malaysia. For instance, qi breathing from Chinese traditions, Indian head massage techniques, and traditional Malay styles.
There are five outlets in total in JB, but the closest to JB Sentral Station is at Trove Hotel, just a 6-minute Grab ride away.
*Pro-tip: Book the massage packages on Klook for a discounted price, as it’s usually a few dollars cheaper than buying onsite.
Cost: From ~S$22/pax via Klook for a 1hr foot and shoulder massage
Opening hours: 11AM – 12AM
Address: 1st floor, Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Jalan Tebrau, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia (Trove Hotel Outlet)
How to get there: 6min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
Where to Eat near JB Sentral
Famous Spots
13) Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory
We’re not exaggerating when we say that most Singaporeans cross over to JB just to grab a piece of Hiap Joo Bakery’s iconic banana cake!
Tried and tested, each slice is moist, fluffy and has a strong banana flavour. Other than that, the bakery also offers various breads, butter and coffee cakes.
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 5PM
Timings for banana cake: 11:30AM – 5PM (Mon), 7:30AM – 5PM (Tue – Sat), 7:30AM – while stocks last (Sun)
Address: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 15min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
14) Kam Long Ah Zai Curry Fish Head
No prizes for guessing what Kam Long Ah Zai Curry Fish Head is famous for! Established in 1983, it has a history of over 40 years and is known for its rich curry and tender fish meat.
The curry fish head soup comes in three sizes, small, medium or large — perfect for a solo treat or sharing with your friends. You can also opt for just the fish meat or fish tail. On top of that, there are add-ons like rice, veggies, fishcake and beancurd skin to pair with the meal.
Opening hours: 8AM – 4PM, closed on Mon
Address: 74, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 15min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
15) HW Wantan Mee
Photo credit: @tteatingtime via Instagram
You know the dish must be good if a restaurant only sells one main thing, and for HW Wantan Mee, that’s wanton mee in either black or white sauce!
The black sauce is more flavourful and saltier since it uses dark soy sauce, while the white sauce is lighter on the taste buds with the natural noodle flavour. Simple yet iconic, this is a popular supper spot among locals, especially since it’s open past midnight.
Plus, it’s super affordable at only ~S$3 for a bowl of noodles!
Opening hours: 6PM – 3:30AM, closed on Mon
Address: 68, Jalan Abiad, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 12min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
Cafe-hopping
16) Dusk by Mok Mok
Bohemian-style decor, aesthetic food and chill vibes — Dusk by Mok Mok Cafe puts you in full holiday mood, with photo-ops all around.
The cafe serves up Japanese-Italian fusion dishes like ebi aglio olio and yakitori sticks, as well as desserts like souffle pancakes and smoothie bowls with a chocolate mermaid tail that will feed both your stomach and IG profile!
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
Address: 49, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 15min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
17) Palates & Bagels by T.A.M.
Palates & Bagels is known for its savoury bagels with unique names such as Ali, Ah Seng, Clooney and even Ah Lian! Just like how humans have quirky personalities, the flavours are interesting too — with some having sauces such as sambal bawang (shallot chilli), mala mayo, and herbs and cheese.
Besides bagels, the cafe sells other items such as cookies and croissants, as well as mains like pastas and rice bowls!
Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM
Address: Ibrahim International Business District, 10, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80888 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
How to get there: 10min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
18) The Rockstone Cafe and Music
Rock out to live band performances at Rockstone Café and Music on certain days — and if you miss them, you can still catch the boss jamming to classics like MJ’s Beat It on screen!
As for food, it serves usual Western favourites like grilled chicken chop, fries, and burgers. There’s even a Rockstone pasta specialty with a tomato and cheese sauce base, which we thought was an interesting pairing.
Opening hours: 1PM – 12AM (Tue – Sun), closed on Mon
Address: 28, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 16min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
Read also: JB Cafe-hopping — 13 Cool Cafes to Check Out in Johor Bahru
Themed Restaurants
19) THAMP 泰营
Go “camping” in the city while having mookata (Thai grill and hotpot) with your friends at THAMP 泰营!
Decked out in camping chairs, old-school lamps, and fairy lights, it’s a cosy space to just hang out over grilled meat and vegetables served in mesh tins. Choose from three sharing sets with free-flow rice noodles, veggies and different types of meat from RM50. But the star of the meal is the savoury coconut soup base!
Opening hours: 6PM – 12AM (Sun – Thu), 6PM – 1AM (Fri – Sat), closed on Mon
Address: 107, Jalan Serampang, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 15min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
20) Bao Bei Japanese Ramen (HQ)
Tucked away in a wooden building decorated in red lanterns and hanging vines, Bao Bei Japanese Ramen (HQ) looks straight out of a Studio Ghibli film.
The restaurant serves Japanese dishes like donburi, sashimi and ramen — with rich, savoury broth and springy noodles! Not to mention, the owner also raises his own pet ducks, chickens and fish here too.
Opening hours: 12PM – 11PM
Address: 19, Jalan Kebun Teh Lama, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 8min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
21) Sama Restaurant
Photo credit: Sama Restaurant via Facebook
Sama Restaurant is a one-story house turned into a cosy restaurant, with white walls, plant decor and rattan furniture giving off Bali vibes!
The restaurant serves Asian fusion dishes like crispy calamari with mango salad, and seafood “Thaibonara” (pasta with a hint of lime leaves in creamy sauce). Also, look out for special pastry flavours monthly, such as caramel almond cake and chocolate pistachio kunafa cake. Yums!
Opening hours: 11AM – 9PM (Wed – Mon), closed on Tue
Address: 36, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 9min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
Bars
22) Merah Kitchen and Bar
Hidden behind a vending machine, Merah Kitchen and Bar is a fun bar full of nostalgia. Vintage movie posters, (working) retro arcade games and neon lights — it’s like you’re back in the 80s!
Its signature drinks are the soju bombs: a fruity, ice-blended cocktail with flavours like grapefruit, grape and plum. The bar also serves food like fries, sliders and pasta.
Opening hours: 1PM – 1AM, closed on Mon
Address: 17, Jalan Ibrahim, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 5min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
23) Deep Bistro
Don’t let its appearance deceive you. Deep Bistro may look like a freezing ice cave, but it’s just a really cool bar with a unique theme.
The menu serves mains like salmon rice bowls, pasta, and finger food like fries. For drinks, it sells beers, cocktails and mocktails. One of my favourites was Irish Cream on the Rocks, which tasted sweet like Baileys!
Opening hours: 4PM – 1AM, closed on Mon
Address: 89, Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 12min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
24) Shui
Fake Cola on the left and Rozu on the right.
Featuring a brutalist minimalism interior (think stone walls and industrial design), Shui is known for its creative crafted drinks. Drinks range around RM50-60, and flavours vary from fruity to sour to floral!
We tried Rozu and Fake Cola — the former was a little sour with a hint of rosé, while the latter was sweet and sour with some spice notes (nutmeg and cinnamon). It was a unique mix of flavours that we’d never thought would be made into a drink!
Opening hours: 8PM – 12AM (Sun – Thu), 8PM – 1AM (Fri – Sat), closed on Mon
Address: 25-03, Jln Sri Pelangi 3, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 12min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
Where to Shop in JB Sentral
Vintage
25) Kedai Dhoby Shanghai
From graphic tees to old-school cameras and CDs, Kedai Dhoby Shanghai is a throwback to your childhood memories. It even has other items like vintage-style pins, necklaces, bags, and keychains for a quirky collectable!
Opening hours: 11AM – 7PM, closes 6PM on Mon
Address: 53, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
How to get there: 1min walk from Fara First (Google Maps)
26) B-side.Room
Located opposite City Square Mall, B-side.Room has both nostalgic and trendy clothing with a vintage twist.
Think boxy shirts, retro jerseys and casual streetwear. It also sells pre-loved items from brands like Ralph Lauren and Harley Davidson in good condition, for less than S$50!
Opening hours: 11AM – 11PM, closes 7PM on Mon
Address: 66a, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 15min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
27) Redchilli Vintage
Redchilli Vintage’s colourful walls and neon-lit decor transport you back in time to the 1980s and 1990s. Find retro and Y2K fashion items like checkered skirts and baggy jeans here. While prices aren’t super cheap, they are still affordable — with outfits starting from around RM50.
Opening hours: 12PM – 7PM
Address: 15C, Jalan Dhoby, Off, Jalan Pahang, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 16min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
28) Fara First
Fara First spans two levels, selling casual thrift clothing and curated brand items for both men and women — starting from RM5! Besides clothes, also check out other accessories like bags, earrings and hats to add to your own collection.
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
Address: 52, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
How to get there: 16min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
29) Bundle Bosque JB
For affordable footwear, Bundle Bosque sells shoes from brands like Nike, Adidas, Converse, and Vans, from just RM20! Sure, they’re second-hand, but the condition is still quite decent if you’re not too picky.
Opening hours: 6PM – 2AM, closed on Mon
Address: 49, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 16min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
Malls
30) Johor Bahru City Square Mall
Photo credit: JB City Square via Tripadvisor
JB City Square is right opposite JB Sentral Station and spans seven floors! It has all the usual brands like Cotton On, Uniqlo, G2000 and H&M, as well as a bunch of beauty and wellness shops.
If you love gachapons or blind boxes, DARUMA has toys from iconic names like Sanrio, while DE FIGURELAB is heaven for anime fans.
There are also two convenience stores here, Family Mart (Japanese snacks) and Avery-Day, selling food/products imported from various countries like Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, and China.
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
Address: 106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
How to get there: 5min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
31) Komtar JBCC
Photo credit: Komtar JBCC
Compared to the popular Johor Bahru City Square Mall, Komtar JBCC is quieter and less crowded, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth checking out!
There’s a cat cafe, Chucky Cat Cafe, where you can play with adorable felines in a cosy environment. The cats look really healthy and clean, with a large space to roam about.
Another fun thing to do here is going to Skyscape Johor Bahru, which has a glass bridge on the 33rd floor where visitors can catch a panoramic view of the city! Fashion-wise, look out for Good2U Outlet Store (value-for-money clothes) and YFS Concept Store (trendy and comfortable clothes).
*Pro-tip: Pre-book tickets for the cat cafe and Skyscape via Klook to secure your slots and skip the physical queues!
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
Address: Ibrahim International Business District, Johor Bahru City Centre, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80888 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
How to get there: 5min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
32) R&F Mall
Photo credit: R&F Princess Cove
R&F Mall Johor Bahru is just a 10-minute walk away from JB Sentral Station via a link bridge! It’s the first shopping mall opened by R&F Princess Cove, which is located beside it.
Spanning three stories, it has various shops, hair and nail salons, restaurants, a movie theatre and most recently (since May 2025), a Laser Battle arena to challenge your friends!
Occasionally, the mall hosts pop-up events and exhibitions such as singing competitions and painting workshops, so you can join in the fun.
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
Address: Malaysia, MY Johor Darul Ta’zim Johor Bahru Tanjung Puteri Jalan Tanjung Puteri 1-017&1-018, level 1, 80300
How to get there: 10min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
33) KSL City Mall
While not exactly within the JB Sentral area, KSL City Mall is only an 11-minute Grab ride away from the checkpoint! Go-kart with friends at GoKarting KSL, watch the latest movies at GSC Cinema or sing your hearts out at I’m a Singer Karaoke within the mall.
It’s popular for having various beauty and wellness stores, and lifestyle shops like Daiso (home products), Sports Direct (sports apparel), and 68-degree Optic (eyewear).
There are plenty of clothing shops to browse through too — one of our favourites is Bottled Dream, which has super cute outfits like this floral skirt.
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
Address: LG 64, 33, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 11min Grab ride from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
Where to Stay in JB Sentral
34) Convenience: Z Hotel
Z Hotel is a boutique hotel with a minimalist look, spacious and clean rooms, as well as on-site facilities like a fitness centre and mini-mart.
One of the best reasons to stay here is that it’s conveniently located — within a 15-minute walking distance from JB Sentral Station, malls like City Square, Komtar JBCC and R&F Mall, as well as food places like Kam Long Ah Zai Curry Fish Head.
It’s also near both Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Wong Ah Fook Street neighbourhoods, with plenty of clothing stores and cafes to shop and dine at!
Cost: From S$147/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: 18, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 12min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
35) Budget: Five Hotel Meldrum
Fives Hotel Meldrum is considered quite new, having only opened in October 2023. However, it has already earned 4 stars on Google Reviews thanks to its value-for-money rates and accessibility!
Every room has a small desk, a private bathroom, TV and comfy beds — from just S$65 per night. It’s also easy to access, only a 13-minute walk from JB Sentral Station.
Cost: From S$65/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: 9N, Jalan Tenteram, Bukit Meldrum, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 13min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
36) Luxurious: Amari Johor Bahru
Photo credit: Booking.com
Amari Johor Bahru is a 5-star hotel known for its impressive facilities and perks! It has a huge gym, pool and even spa services if you need some R&R.
Interestingly, the hotel has a free pillow menu for your room, where you can choose between a Buckwheat Pillow (keeps the head and neck cool), a Cervicalopedic Pillow (supports the head and neck), and a Non-Allergic Pillow (if you’re sensitive to dust) — catered to your specific needs!
Psst, there’s even a Hai Di Lao below the hotel, so you can “wait in line” in the comfort of your room. #lifehack
Read also: 7 Fancy but Affordable Hotels in JB with Rooftop Pools, Gyms, and Bars
Cost: From ~S$124/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: 82C, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get there: 7min walk from JB Sentral Station (Google Maps)
Planning Your Next Getaway to JB
Us pretending to be witches and wizards at the LOST in JB themed escape room in Mount Austin!
From thrilling go-kart races to unique workshops to speakeasy bars — there are plenty of fun experiences just under a 15-minute Grab ride from the JB checkpoint, so you won’t have to travel far!
That said, for those who can afford a little more time, we also recommend exploring other areas of JB with their own charm. For instance, Skudai has a mall that’s basically an amusement park, Bukit Indah is where you can try horse-riding, Mid Valley is a shopping haven, and Mount Austin has unique activities like themed escape rooms and karaoke with hot pot.
You can even venture further to Kulai (an hour’s car ride away) to visit a quirky village full of photo-ops or hike a 654m-tall mountain. Who knows what else you’ll discover on your next trip to JB?
What else is there to do in JB Sentral that we’ve missed out? Let us know in the comments below!
