Free things to do in JB
A getaway is just the thing you need to unwind after a long week, and one of the first destinations that comes to every Singaporean’s mind is undoubtedly Johor Bahru. If you’ve already splurged too much on travelling this year, we’ve got you covered with a holiday that is practically free. Here are free things to do in JB for a trip that won’t cost you a dime.
What’s the cheapest way to enter JB from Singapore?
From SG-JB buses to the KTM Shuttle Tebrau, most of the methods of entering JB are inexpensive, and will set you back less than $5 each way. If you are seriously penny pinching, the cheapest bus ride across to JB costs just $1.09 for SBS 170, which you can board at Kranji Station and drop off at JB CIQ.
While it is possible to walk across the border at the Woodlands Checkpoint, this is something that’s not advisable, as the pedestrian walkway only covers part of the bridge.
What are some free things to do in JB?
Big dreams, zero budget? We’ve got you.
| Place | Highlights | Distance from JB CIQ |
| Zonix Club | Free entry for ladies on Wednesdays before 12am, free bottle of alcohol for first 10 groups of girls | ~30 minutes by car |
| Seri Alam Blue Lake | 2-hour hike to a turquoise lake | ~30 minutes by car |
| Danga Bay Beach | Long shoreline for strolls, sunset views | ~15 minutes by car |
| Laman Mahkota Istana Bukit Serene | Fountain light show at night, picturesque landmarks near Sultan’s residence | ~10 minutes by car |
| Pulai Waterfall | Short hike to waterfalls for a dip, or a 4-hour advanced trek | ~40 minutes by car |
| Hutan Bandar Recreational Park | Family-friendly park with playgrounds, skate parks, swimming pools, and picnic areas | ~7 minutes by car |
| Sunway Emerald Lake | Scenic spot for picnics, walking trails, koi fish spotting | ~30 minutes by car |
| Eco Spring Labs | “European town” theme, colorful cottages, popular cafes | ~30 minutes by car |
| Toppen Shopping Centre | Rooftop garden with free basketball, skating, rock climbing (refundable deposit required) | ~20 minutes by car |
| Puteri Harbour | Romantic waterfront strolls, boat watching, close to eateries and attractions | ~25 minutes by car |
| Jalan Tan Hiok Nee | Heritage walk with colonial shophouses, cafes, and eateries | ~10 minutes by foot |
1. Zonix Club
Free entry & bottles for ladies on Wednesdays
Image credit: @zoinxclub via Instagram
Add Zonix Club to your list of things to do in JB at night. It’s an unexpected find within Eco Palladium, typically known for retail and its European architecture. If you happen to be in JB on hump day, enter the nightclub for free before 12am with your girlfriends. FYI, the first 10 groups of girls get a free bottle of Roku gin or Belvedere vodka to get the night started.
Dance away to a night of R&B and hip hop beats. They host DJs from all over Malaysia, and Singapore with recognisable names including Nicole Choo. The club is open Wednesday to Saturday with regular entry tickets priced at a budget-friendly RM30 (~S$9) for both men and women.
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2. Seri Alam Blue Lake
2h walk to a turquoise lake
Image credit: @yindii via Instagram
Most of us go to JB for massage and manicure but if you have a penchant for the great outdoors, take a trip to Seri Alam Blue Lake, a 20-minute drive from JB CIQ. Immerse yourself in nature with a 2-hour trail that starts from Seri Alam Jungle Park. You’ll arrive at an elevated lookout with panoramic vistas of quarry.
Image credit: @aleahssn via Instagram
It’s best to do your hike early in the morning – at sunrise if you’re able to wake up since the weather would be cooler. Once you’re done, there’ll still be plenty of time to explore the rest of JB or cafe hop till you drop.
Getting there: Drive 30 minutes from JB CIQ.
3. Danga Bay’s beach
Load up on some Vitamin D
Image credit: @capturedbyrin via Instagram
Nothing screams “vacay” more than a trip to the beach. Luckily for us, Danga Bay’s beach is located just 15 minutes away after you clear the Woodlands checkpoint. The beach’s long shoreline is perfect for strolls with the fam, as you soak up all that vitamin D or enjoy the sunset.
Image credit: @marinebeachcafe via Instagram
Marine Beach Bar lies along the waterfront, with swings facing the sea and live bands playing on weekends. The bar is known more for its view than their food, so this spot is best for travellers who prioritise ambience.
Read more on things to do in Danga Bay.
4. Laman Mahkota Istana Bukit Serene
Catch a fountain light show
Image credit: @a3.clicks via Instagram
This iconic landmark is one of JB’s most famous spots, with gorgeous flowers and monuments scattered around the area. It’s literally fit for royalty, being the official residence of the Sultan of Johor.
While it’s already a picture-perfect spot in the daytime, Laman Mahkota Istana Bukit Serene puts on a colourful laser light show at night – so be sure to stay past 7pm to catch it.
Image credit: Demonz Tongaz via Google Maps
5. Pulai Waterfall
Go for a refreshing dip
Image credit: @footprintsandtravels via Instagram
Natural waterfalls are hard to come by in Singapore, so it’s a good thing that we can easily visit some just across the border. By hiking less than 1km from the entrance of Gunung Pulai Park, you’ll get to go for a refreshing dip in the pools at the base of the Pulai Waterfall. Even if you’re not a seasoned hiker, we’d say it’s a worthy experience to check off your bucket list.
And if you are, in fact, an outdoorsy person, challenge yourself to trekking up and down Gunung Pulai. The trail takes approximately 4 hours to complete, spanning a total distance of 10km up and down. It’s one of the hiking spots in JB for you to tackle.
6. Hutan Bandar Recreational Park
Perfect spot for a family day
Image credit: @zaharammar via Instagram
This family-friendly park is the perfect one-stop destination for some sporty family fun. Hutan Bandar Recreational Park has everything – from children’ s playgrounds and swimming pools to keep the little ones entertained, to a youth hub with rock climbing facilities and skate parks. There’s also ample space to set up picnics with the fam.
Image credit: @hutanbandarmbjb via Instagram
The park also has decorative animal statues scattered around, making for perfect photo-ops to to snap pics with your kiddos to remember your family day by.
7. Sunway Emerald Lake
Picnic with a lake view
Image credit: @corgi__latte via Instagram
On your mini getaway, it’s essential to set aside a “lazy day” for the sole purpose of resting and relaxing. After all, vacays are the best time to R&R. In JB, we’ve found one of the breeziest spots for you to do just that. With its scenic water view, Sunway Emerald Lake is a great place to have a peaceful picnic with your loved ones.
Image credit: @leetaoken via Instagram
Plus, the pathways surrounding the lake are perfect for a light jog or a romantic stroll. Keep a lookout for the koi fish that reside in the lake – you may even spot some park-goers feeding them.
8. Eco Spring Labs
Stroll through a little “Europe”
Image credit: @vivatikiez via Instagram
This one’s for all the IG babes. Step into Eco Spring Labs, a picturesque “European town” right in JB with colourful cottages housing different stores. The Instagrammable retail concept park makes for a cute hangout spot where you can have meals and shop for little knick knacks.
Pastries from Soil.
Image credit: @emmatham via Instagram
Some notable eateries include Woodfire, a popular hamburger chain, and Soil, an aesthetic cafe serving pastries and coffee.
9. Toppen Shopping Centre’s rooftop
Enjoy basketball, skating & climbing
Toppen Shopping Centre may just be one of JB’s coolest malls ever, with a bunch of free facilities that’ll keep you entertained for hours. One of its highlights is undoubtedly Toppen’s rooftop, which doubles as a recreational space ideal for friends and family to hang out at.
Snap some cute pics at the rooftop garden, which has several gazebos and lots of greenery for that perfect garden aesthetic. There are also 7 augmented reality (AR) murals that make for super cool photo spots.
Meanwhile, sporty pals will absolutely love Toppen’s Active Zone. The free play area includes facilities like a rock climbing wall and skate park, completely free-of-charge. All you have to do is put down a RM30 deposit for rock climbing. If you’ve been hesitant about paying for a rock climbing session for fear of disliking it, try your hand at it here.
10. Puteri Harbour
Go for a romantic stroll
Image credit: @joyceyinsan via Instagram
Spend a quiet and romantic evening with your partner at Puteri Harbour. Take a stroll along the harbour, go boat-watching, and admire one of JB’s best waterfront views. It’s also a convenient location for a meal, with a bunch of eateries and bars around.
Plus, it’s near tourist attractions like Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, Thomas Town and Legoland Theme Park. If those spots are on your itinerary, you know where to hang out after.
Explorer Marina Walk Puteri Harbour.
11. Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Admire the colonial shophouses
Image credit: @mamadiahdee via Instagram
Visit Jalan Tan Hiok Nee for a fun heritage walk. It’s one of the oldest neighbourhoods in JB, with rows of gorgeous colonial houses that make for great photo-ops. These shophouses play host to many popular cafes and eateries too, so you’ll be able to keep your belly full while touring the trail.
Try the renowned banana cake from JB’s oldest bakery, Hiap Joo Bakery or pop by brunch cafes like IT Roo Cafe for popular chicken dishes.
Explore the free things to do in JB for a budget trip
From swimming in waterfalls to visiting a historic temple, there’s lots to do in JB. We often miss out on them because we’re so used to capping our visits at our favourite checkpoint malls.
The next time you head out for the weekend, be sure to venture out and explore JB’s heritage sites and local flora and fauna – plus, it’s totally free too.
More things to do while you’re there:
- 1-day JB itinerary
- Things to do in Mount Austin JB
- Night markets in JB
- Things to do at KSL City Mall
- Shopping malls in JB
Cover image adapted from: @yindii, @vivatikiez via Instagram
Originally published on 19th June 2022. Last updated by Kezia Tan on 13th December 2024.