Bear & Bad Theme Museum in Johor
Those who’ve made their rounds at the ArtScience Museum know that its mainstay Future World Exhibition by teamLab is perfect eye candy for the ‘Gram. If you’re looking for another exhibition with similar ethereal vibes, then Johor’s Bear & Bad Theme Museum is the place to be.
With its trippy lights and reflection rooms, the exhibitions at the museum are bound to give its Singapore counterpart a run for its money. Moreover, it’s located about 30 minutes from the checkpoint, making it an ideal addition to your list of things to do near the JB causeway.
Illusion Museum – Fluorescent reflection rooms & light projections
Image credit: Bear&Bad via Facebook
If you’re here for the IG-worthy snaps, then head straight to the Illusion Museum.
Image credit: Bear & Bad Theme Museum
Expect to see scenes reminiscent of those from teamLab’s masterpieces; suspended lamp-like blocks illuminate a pitch-black room, while lights resembling jellyfish flash with shades of pastel neon. Mirrors fashioned on the four corners of the rooms, floors, and ceilings then go on to create the illusion of a boundless light show.
Video credit: Bear&Bad via Facebook
Also, there are flora-themed projections that are sprawled across the rooms that make for some dreamy compositions and aesthetic photo backdrops.
Kite Museum – ~125 kites of different designs on display
Image credit: Bear & Bad Theme Museum
Right next to the Illusion Museum is the Kite Museum; no prizes for guessing what its exhibits are themed after. Here, about 125 kites ranging from those of the past to more modern designs are put on display. You’ll get to see some really unique ones such as those featuring mirror work and block prints.
The kites of varying shapes and sizes are also bathed in the same dazzling projections, so feel free to snap away.
Little Bear Steam Lab – Play area for the little ones
Image credit: Bear & Bad Theme Museum
If the kids have tagged along for the trip, let them run wild at the Little Bear Steam Lab. You can find a huge ball pit here, with cute contraptions such as a cannon that playfully launches balls into the air.
Image credit: Bear & Bad Theme Museum
There are also a bunch of interactive games projected onto touch screens for little ones to have some hands-on fun in line with the museum’s themes of exploration and wonder.
Big Girl Cafe – Refuel with some Western delights
Image credit: Bear&Bad via Facebook
For those feeling a little peckish after roaming the exhibitions, you’ll be relieved to find that the Big Girl Cafe is conveniently located within the same building. The cafe whips up classic Western food, such as Chicken Grill (RM18.9, ~S$5.51) and Fish & Chips (RM13.9, ~S$4.05), so you’ll leave the premises not only with a reel full of photos, but also a filled stomach.
How to get to Bear & Bad Theme Museum
Image credit: Bear&Bad via Facebook
The Bear & Bad Theme Museum is actually a building complex that is split into 3 different sectors, each with its own exhibitions and activities to immerse yourself in.
The building is located in Kulai, Johor, but it’s within a half-hour’s drive from the JB checkpoint. If you’re taking public transport, bus service no. 777B is goes directly from JB Sentral to the museum in about 2 and a half hours.
Visit Bear & Bad Theme Museum in Johor
The Bear & Bad Theme Museum is one of those unique cross-border attractions that’s relatively unknown at the moment. Visitors have reported that the premises are surprisingly not crowded at all, even on weekends.
Admission prices are also a steal; you’ll get to experience all these exhibits with just one ticket at RM58/adult (~S$16.94) and RM28/child (~S$8.18). With photo ops galore, it’s only a matter of time before this place fills up with people, so plan a visit soon unless you want to be photobombed by strangers.
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Cover image adapted from: Bear&Bad via Facebook & Bear & Bad Theme Museum