What To Do In JB That Isn't Just KSL Or City Square

I love going to Johor Bahru (JB). I mean, who doesn’t? It’s affordable, it’s good, and you can do almost everything and anything you want for less compared to Singapore.

As someone who frequently crosses the border for food, entertainment, shopping and massages, I feel the need to share some of my best JB haunts with other Singaporeans (hence this post).

Now, unlike other articles that just give you the “Top 10 best things to do and eat with JB”, I’m going to provide you with an entire tried-and-tested itinerary (along with some travelling hacks) so that you don’t have to think about picking your favourites and then using Google Maps to string your entire trip together.

PSA: Don’t get fined at the JB border — VEP required for all Singapore cars

Traveling to Johor Bahru by car? Malaysia now enforces its Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) rules strictly at land borders. 

Starting July 1, 2025, all Singapore-registered vehicles must have a registered and activated VEP. Expect a RM300 (S$91~) fine — on the spot — if caught without it, and fines must be settled immediately before you can exit the country. Over 3,100 Singapore drivers have been fined since July 1, with the authorities firm on further enforcement.

What is VEP?

The VEP is an RFID tag issued by Malaysia’s Road Transport Department to track foreign cars and any outstanding fines. Installing it on your windscreen is required, but don’t forget to activate it online — just having the tag isn’t enough. Unactivated tags will also get you fined!

How to get and activate your VEP:

1. Register for an account on the Malaysia JPJ VEP online portal
- Create an account using your email address. Make sure to check this email regularly for updates and approval notices.

2. Submit your vehicle details and documents
- Fill in details of your vehicle, owner, and permitted drivers.
- Prepare clear scans/photos of your NRIC, passport, vehicle log card (from LTA Onemotoring), valid road tax, insurance certificate, and COE.
- Upload these documents during registration.

3. Wait for a confirmation e-mail
- After submitting your application, wait for an approval email. This may take 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on volume.

4. Collect VEP RFID tag
- Once approved, schedule a collection appointment at an authorised VEP Tag Collection Centre (e.g., Danga Bay, Gelang Patah Selatan, Bukit Indah in Johor), or opt for delivery to your Singapore address.
- The tag collection/processing fee is RM10 (S$3~). If you opt for home delivery, additional fees apply (RM30 (S$9~) service fee + RM15 ($4.50~) postage).

5. Install and activate your RFID tag.
- Once received, attach the RFID tag securely to your car’s left headlight as instructed or have it installed at the centre.
- Activate your VEP tag online before driving into Malaysia. This is crucial as unactivated tags will also result in fines.

Pro tip!
Keep digital or printed proof of your activated VEP to avoid disputes at the border. Ensure your Touch ‘n Go eWallet is set up for road/toll charges, which is linked to your VEP upon activation.

Don’t let a fine ruin your trip. Make sure your VEP is sorted and activated before driving to JB. Malaysian authorities issue compound fines on the spot and will continue strict checks for compliance.

The ultimate one-day itinerary 2025

‘Cos we’re lazy chill and laid back, we shall start planning to enter Malaysia at about 11am.

If you drive: Check Motorist.sg for live traffic camera feed at Woodlands Checkpoint before entering.

If you’re taking public transport: The jam can be a turn-off, especially on weekends. Here are some hacks I’ve discovered over my many years of crossing the border.

1. Option 1: Consider walking across the border (yes, walking) when the jam gets really bad. I’ve done it before and it took me only about 30 minutes. 
2. Option 2: Pay someone off (unofficially) to take you across the border.

Usually, public buses will take the bus lane, so it’s not that bad of a jam compared to driving. But I know, sometimes upon exiting Singapore immigration, you’ll get a shock at how loooong the queue is for the SBS bus into JB. 

Now, don’t queue. Instead, walk over to the private bus bay. You may notice several blue buses called “Bas Pekerja”, which essentially means “employee” or “worker” bus. They ferry Malaysian workers back and forth daily. Simply get on it, and ask the driver if they’re okay with you hitching a ride to Malaysia Customs (usually they’re agreeable). Upon getting down, pay around 2 to 3RM directly to the driver. 

Morning: Brunch at Kopilicious 

After makan-ing (eating) at many restaurants and coffee shops in Malaysia, my favourite go-to for breakfast or brunch is Kopilicious, which has two branches in JB. 

The Taman Sentosa branch is an eight minute drive from the customs, while the Taman Molek branch is 16 minutes away. 

What you should eat and drink: Their signature cold coffee (3.50RM) and mee siam rendang (12.50RM).

Now, I’m not exactly a food writer so I’ll keep it short — Freaking. Delicious. And I’m not even a spice eater. The mee siam rendang had a spicy yet savoury kick that left me wanting more after each bite. Heck, I was even thinking about it for weeks after my trip.

If you have yet to try Kopilicious, try it on your next trip. I promise it’s worth it. 

In the afternoon: Discover Mount Austin 

After brunch, head over to Mount Austin’s Shiba Cafe — It’s time to play with some furbabies! 

Mount Austin is just a 10 min drive from Kopilicious’ Taman Molek branch or a 15 min drive from the Taman Sentosa branch. 

Price-wise, you’ll pay around 20RM~ for an hour with the doggos and it comes with one drink. It is open from 10am to 8pm daily, with 3pm to 4pm being the dogs’ break. 

We had fun playing with all types of dogs, including huskies, shiba inus, toy poodles and more. Reservations in advance are required, and you can WhatsApp them at +60 11-1193-9795. 

For people who aren’t that interested in dog cafes, you can also do your nails at Sasa Nails House or go for a three hour karaoke sesh at SING V KTV at super affordable prices — both within walking distance of the dog cafe. 

There’s also a really great, big mall in the Austin area that’s around a 10 minute drive away called AEON Tebrau that is linked to Toppen Mall and IKEA — you might want to spend another full day here if you choose to stay the night. 

Sasa Nails House: I remember paying roughly around S$60~ for a french gel manicure and pedicure — and as a ‘chor lor’ (rough) person, I was surprised that my nails lasted for months without chipping off. 

SING V KTV: This karaoke branch can go as low as 0.50RM for three hours per person on a weekday afternoon. However, I think we paid around S$10~ for three hours per person with unlimited drinks. Still very affordable. 

AEON Tebrau: Your shopping haven. Movies, food, fashion, groceries… Anything you want, this mall has it. 

At night: RUD Karting Medini

Experience a different kind of nocturnal thrill at RUD Karting Medini, one of JB’s top go-karting destinations with a 774-metre floodlit track, 16 corners, and a variety of karts for all skill levels.

No prior experience or driving licence is needed to enjoy the thrill! The Basic Kart, suitable for first-timers, lets beginners zip around the track at speeds up to 60km/h, with sessions priced at RM55 (S$16.70~) for 10 minutes.

For a unique experience, try the 2-seater Super Twin (RM150/S$45.60~ per 10-minute session), which features two steering wheels so both riders can steer together, reaching up to 55km/h. This will be perfect for couples or parents riding with kids! 

Experienced racers can opt for more advanced karts like the B-Super Stage or B-Ultra Stage (RUD House license needed), both designed for top-speed excitement.

The karting venue operates daily from 11am to 2am, making it a great late-night option for adrenaline seekers.

After midnight: Massage and supper 

How can we ever forget about getting a massage in JB? 

After playing up a storm, head over to Bangkok Family Spa at Permas Jaya for a well-deserved message. 

Tons of Singaporeans enjoy going to Bangkok Spa (nearer to customs), but in my opinion, after having tried both spas multiple times, I would say that Bangkok Family Spa is better. 

It’s the same price and also less crowded than Bangkok Spa, and there’s free transport to and fro customs/KSL area. It’s clean, quiet (no clock ticking sounds, thank goodness) and sometimes you may even get an individual room (where it’s a door instead of curtains) if you opt for a solo aromatherapy massage. 

The spa is located around a 15 minute drive from Danga Bay. 

At only around S$20 for an hour of Traditional Thai Massage, I would say that massages are a MUST DO in JB. 

I personally always go for two hours of their Aromatherapy Massage, because I think oil hits better. 

Click here for their full service menu and price list.

You can message them on WhatsApp at +60 11-1081-5555 to make reservations. 

After you’ve gotten all the knots out of your body, step outside of the spa and you’ll immediately see a lok lok truck next door blasting Chinese EDM music. I don’t know the name of it, or what time it opens and closes. Sometimes it’s there, sometimes it’s not, depending on the owner’s mood, I guess. But 80% of the time I go to the spa, that lok lok truck is open. 

Grab some food, drinks, chill and when you’re done, get the spa’s transport to send you to customs for free.

Itinerary alternatives

Already done this itinerary (or are bored with Mount Austin)? Try these other fun, budget-friendly ways to spend the afternoon.

1. Eco Palladium

About a 30-minute drive from the customs checkpoint, Eco Palladium is a lively new destination offering a range of activities your whole family can enjoy. 

Try roller skating, dive into the “floor is lava” challenge, snap fun photos at their booths, or get lost in the escape room. The place also boasts a variety of food and drink options, including Chagee and Charlotte’s Tea Room, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon here without getting bored.

2. Kulai

For a more relaxed shopping trip away from the usual crowds (and fewer Singaporeans), explore Kulai’s malls like Aeon Kulai Jaya and IOI Kulai.

Kulai is roughly the same distance from the checkpoint as Mount Austin (20 to 30 minutes drive) and sits near the Johor Premium Outlets, allowing for a peaceful spree and great bargains. 

Aeon Kulai Jaya also hosts a special Time Out Day every last Saturday of the month, featuring family-friendly activities like clown shows, games, performances, parades, and balloon drops. 

3. Sinar Eco Resort

Open to driving a bit further? Escape the city buzz with a nature-packed day trip at Sinar Eco Resort, which is about a 45-minute to an hour drive from JB customs. 

Sinar Eco Resort combines rustic charm with exciting outdoor adventures for all ages, where kids get to bond with friendly goats, rabbits, and horses. You can also try your hand at horse riding, animal feeding and cow milking, making it a perfect afternoon out for little ones and nature lovers. 

Besides the animals, there are tons of family-friendly activities to do, including a relaxing river cruise, indoor games, archery, eco rafting, and farm tractor tours. For the older kids, get their adrenaline pumping with ATV rides splashing through mud trails! 

Prices are not available online, do contact the resort via WhatsApp to enquire. 

Hotel recommendations in JB

1. Midori Concept (Mount Austin) 

If it’s too late and you choose to stay, here’s a hotel I’d totally recommend: Midori Concept at Austin Heights.

Having stayed there multiple times, I can assure you that this hotel is clean, beds are comfortable, and their high-powered shower is all you need for a good night’s rest. 

The cost? Only around S$50 to S$60 per night.

2. St. Giles Southkey (Mid Valley) 

Conveniently located next to the popular Mid Valley Southkey Mall, it’s a favourite for shoppers and families. With over 4 stars on Google, this upscale hotel commands a price tag of around S$170 to S$200 per night. Kinda pricey for JB in our opinion, but hey, you’re paying for the location, cleanliness and comfort for your family.

#3 Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel (Permas Jaya)

Nestled in Permas Jaya, Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel offers a convenient stay for families just 15 minutes from the customs checkpoint. The price point is around S$160 per night, which is pretty reasonable considering that it’s a five-star hotel under Marriott. 

I personally love its proximity to Bangkok Family Spa and abundant local food options, with the Sunday Permas Jaya Night Market just right around the corner. 

Aeon Mall Permas Jaya is also nearby, making it easy to shop, dine, and relax without needing to venture far from the hotel.

A version of this article was originally published on Her World, and published here on Mar 2, 2024. Updated on Oct 13, 2025.