Johor Bahru City Square in JB
When it comes to things to do in JB, shopping, eating, and hitting up the affordable beauty salons and massage parlours probably top our lists once we’re across the border. Thankfully, we don’t have to look hard to indulge in the above and then some, as Johor Bahru City Square mall has got us covered.
From a camping-themed supermarket to an exhilarating laser tag arena, here’s what you can do at this sprawling, 7-storey-tall mall located mere minutes from the JB customs.
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All you need to know about Johor Bahru City Square
Johor Bahru City Square is one of the first malls you’ll come across once you’ve cleared immigration at the JB customs, located along the bustling Jalan Wong Ah Fook. It’s just an overhead bridge’s walk away from JB CIQ; in fact, you’ll come across many signs pointing you in its direction as soon as you tap out of Malaysia’s e-gates.
Johor Bahru City Square is one of the most popular malls frequented by Singaporeans, with many opting to hop the border solely to visit this 7-floor retail haven. That’s because getting to Johor Bahru City Square is easy even when you’re departing from Singapore soil.
Take a look at our CW bus guide or KTM shuttle guide for affordable, yet speedy ways of getting yourself across the border. Else, driving yourself to the mall’s doorstep is easy too, and if you’re not plagued by the infamous jams, the drive will take you just 30 minutes from Woodlands Checkpoint.
Once you’re here, there are almost 180 stores to check out. You’ll spot familiar brands you’d find in Singapore’s malls, like Uniqlo, Bata, Cotton On, Gong Cha, and Old Chang Kee, coupled with names you can only find in Malaysia such as BIG Pharmacy and FamilyMart.
Apart from shopping, there’s also a 14-screen cinema, laser tag arena, family-friendly arcade, and a couple of beauty salons. Johor Bahru City Square is essentially a mega mall where families can visit and spend the entire day in, while taking advantage of the strong SGD to shop to their hearts’ content.
– Things to do –
1. mmCineplexes
Watch the latest blockbusters for just RM20
In case your friends are in the midst of a 2-hour long full body massage, leaving you to your own devices, head right to mmCineplexes (Lot M5-03 & 04, J6-01 & J7-01, M7-01) to burn some time. Their selection of films is also impressive; they’ve currently got recent releases like Despicable Me 4, as well as lesser-known films that you won’t find in Golden Village back in Singapore.
On our visit, movie tickets were going for RM20/pax (~S$5.96), which is a steal as compared to what you’d pay in Singapore. mmCineplexes’s Johor City Square outlet is huge; they’ve got 14 screens spread over 2 levels of cinema halls, so rest assured that you’ll definitely be able to find a vacant seat for your favourite flicks.
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2. Molly Fantasy
Challenge friends on racing simulators or try your hand at rhythm games
Every good mall needs an arcade, and Johor Bahru City Square is no different. Enter Molly Fantasy (Lot J5-08), the perfect playground to take a break from all the shopping. You’ll find your standard arcade cabinets such as Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune and Taiko no Tatsujin here, as well as shooters like Time Crisis 4.
These arcade cabinets range from RM2-3/play (~S$0.59-S$0.89) so you won’t go broke even if you were to spend your whole day here. There are a couple of kiddy rides around like pint-sized Merry-go-rounds to keep the little ones entertained, and even old-school Purikura photo booths for a throw back to the 90s.
Address: Level 5, Lot J5-08, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
3. Laser Battle
Thrilling laser tag arena with multiple game modes
If the arcade’s not enough to get your heart racing, then swing by Laser Battle (Lot MS-11 & 12). No prizes for guessing what goes down at this establishment; it’s a maze-like laser tag arena where you’ll take up arms and try to virtually gun your enemies down as quickly as possible.
Gunfights here start from RM45/2 games (~S$13.36), and they’ve got a slew of game missions to choose from. Plus, you can choose to play solo or or team up with your best mates. They’ll also keep track of your points and display them on a scoreboard in the main lobby, along with your accuracy percentage so you can find out who’s the sharpshooter in your friend group.
4. Queen Karaoke
Opens till 3am for late night Karaoke sessions
To blow off some steam, sing your hearts out at Queen Karaoke (Lot M5-01). They’ve got everything you need for a good ol’ karaoke night and the best part is, they’re open till 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. The rates here start at RM30/hour (~S$8.90) for their cosy Superior rooms, which can accommodate 2 to 3 pax.
Image adapted from: Queen Karaoke City Square via Google Maps
If you don’t mind splurging a little more, this joint also has quirky themed Executive rooms (from RM60/hour, ~S$17.81) that serve as pretty backdrops for your karaoke seshs. Curiously, they have a barbershop-themed one, or belt out hits from Queen and Coldplay in a room that replicates the interior of London’s iconic red buses.
5. REDS Hairdressing
Affordable haircuts, perms & colouring
Image credit: REDS Hairdressing City Square
Topping our list for affordable hair salons in JB, REDS Hairdressing (Lot J4-10) is just the place to be if you’re looking to change up your look without digging too deep into your pockets. Their range of services are pretty extensive, and thanks to the exchange rate you can expect cold perms to begin from RM148 (~S$43.87) onwards, and hair colouring to start from RM138 (~S$40.88).
Image adapted from: @reds_jb via Instagram
If you’re looking for inspo or references for your next cut, have a look at the REDS Hairdressing website. They’ve gathered pictures of their past customers and what they got done at the salon, so you can let their stylists know which look you’d like to emulate on your visit.
6. NA Nails City Square
Friendly & experienced nail artists
You might as well get a new set of nails to go with your new head of hair, so skip on over to NA Nails City Square (Lot J5-18). Their range of services rival those on our list of best nail salons in JB, with prices starting at RM98 (~S$29.07) for a classic gel manicure.
Image credit: eclair lee & Merley via Google Maps
Their masterful hands ensure that even the most intricate designs are not off the table when it comes to settling on your fresh set of talons. If possible, ask for a particular Jasmine to attend to you during your appointment, as she’s known to be especially accommodating and skillful.
7. Siam Oasis & Thai Odyssey
Relaxing traditional Thai massages
These massage parlours are also conveniently located right beside one another, so if one’s fully booked, simply swing by the other next door.
Those looking to rest their soles from a whole day’s worth of exploring Johor Bahru City Square can do so at Siam Oasis (Lot MF-21) and Thai Odyssey (Lot MF-20). They are both popular chain brand massage parlours in JB, specialising in traditional Thai massage.
We found the prices over at Siam Oasis to be a tad cheaper, but not by much. A 30-minute half body massage costs RM63 (~S$18.54), while Thai Odyssey charges RM68 (~S$20.12). Both parlours also offer full body massages, but if you’ve got the time, indulge in Thai Odyssey’s Ultimate Thai Odyssey package (from RM428, ~S$126.67).
Image credit: Thai Odyssey
It’s a 3-hour long retreat in their luxurious signature treatment suite, and you’ll be pampered with milk baths, a full body exfoliation, and concludes with an aromatherapy massage that leaves the skin feeling supple and smooth.
8. Daruma
Gachapon heaven featuring characters from Pokémon, Sanrio, & Winnie the Pooh
If you have a penchant for cute collectibles and trinkets, then Daruma (Level 4)’s the place to be. It’s a gachapon heaven, with the machines dispensing little balls containing characters from franchises such as Pokémon, Sanrio, Winnie the Pooh.
There’s even an oversized gachapon machine at the back which features adorable capybara plushies, as well as a photo spot with a bear mascot smack dab in the middle of the store. However, we found that the prices for these gachapon machines to be on the steeper side.
You’ll have to pay for each spin with tokens which can be exchanged for ringgit at a machine found near the store’s entrance at a rate of 1 token = RM5. 1 spin for the machines found here cost around 4-6 tokens, do the math and you’ll be forking out at least RM20/spin (~S$5.96).
Address: Level 4, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Daruma Facebook
– Where to eat & shop –
9. BIG Pharmacy & CARiNG Pharmacy
Stock up on medical supplies for cheap
Pro tip: you’ll be able to stock up on medical supplies for a fraction of the price if you do your shopping in Malaysia. As such, many Singaporeans flock over to JB for massive savings whenever their medicine cupboard is looking a lil’ sparse.
BIG Pharmacy (Lot M2-03) and CARiNG Pharmacy (Lot M2-18, 19, 20 & 21) are two of the Malaysian-brand pharmacies where you can score big discounts on medical supplies, mostly thanks to the exchange rate and the lower cost of medicine in Malaysia.
Products that are flying off the shelves include the various types of Panadol, such as Panadol ActiFast (RM15/20 caplets, ~S$4.45), along with antihistamines like Clarityne (RM150/100 caplets, ~S$44.50) and Zyrtec (RM65/50 caplets, ~S$19.28).
You can also snag essentials like this huge 473ml bottle of CeraVe Moisturising Lotion for only RM128 (~S$37.98). For those who have to deal with wearing contacts on the daily, Refresh Plus Eyedrops are also aplenty, and will cost you a mere RM35.20 (~S$10.44) for 30 single-use containers.
10. Avery Day
Camping-themed mini-mart with exotic snacks
Avery Day (Lot J1-09B & J1-09C) needs no introduction if you’re a JB regular. Similar to its Santorini-themed outlet right opposite KSL City Mall, the one in Johor Bahru City Square also stocks exotic snacks flown in from Korea and Japan that you can’t find at your run-of-the-mill mini-mart. We sussed out tasty-looking bites like Nongshim Bakery Bread Snack (RM12.90, ~S$3.81) and Yamazaki Aerial Chips (RM11.90, ~S$3.52).
Avery Day also sells freshly-cooked food; these can be ordered at the checkout area. On the menu are piping hot servings of Cross Fries (RM6.90, ~S$2.04), Mozzarella Cheese Corn Dogs (RM11.90, ~S$3.52), and even Buffalo Wings (RM14.80/4 pieces, ~S$4.38) and Hot Dog Buns (from RM11.90, ~S$3.52).
There’s even a whole section dedicated to POP MART figures and other blind box paraphernalia beside the seating area.
You don’t even have to venture too far to look for seats should you want to devour your food immediately. Take a breather at their campsite-like seating area, complete with a tent and foldable chairs. If those are already all occupied, there’s even more seating available right outside the store.
11. FamilyMart
Famous Japanese convenience store selling fuss-free meals & bread
Should Avery Day’s offerings not suffice, there’s still FamilyMart (Lot J2-18) to satiate your voracious appetite. In case you didn’t know, our Malaysia neighbours are lucky enough to play host to Japan’s second largest convenience store chain, so we don’t have to catch a flight to gobble down FamilyMart’s famed comfort food.
Their shelves are fully stocked with Japanese goodies, such as these Hokkaido Melon (RM5.50, ~S$1.63) and Parmesan Mochi Puffs (RM5.90, ~S$1.74), while coffee addicts can pick up cups of Samyang Cafe Latte for RM8.70 (~S$2.57).
There’s also a dedicated bakery section with bread that’s freshly baked daily to pair with your morning cup of kopi-o. These fluffy creations include RM3.90 (~S$ 1.15) packets of Melon Pan, Marble Butter Slice Cake, and Hakuto Peach Pan.
Image credit: @familymartmy via Instagram
If you’re sporting a bottomless stomach, don’t miss out on their famed Oden, AKA a one-pot meal. Choose between their Original or Tom Yum broth (RM2, ~S$0.59) to slurp on, alongside RM2 (~S$0.59) skewers of Fish cake, Tamagoyaki, and even Mala Chicken Balls.
12. AK Noodles House
Up to 10 types of noodles to choose from, including spinach noodles
For something more substantial, plan for lunch or dinner at AK Noodles House (Lot J2-12). Like its name suggests, It’s a no-frills restaurant that whips up hearty bowls of noodles to warm your belly. They’ve got all kinds of noodle-based dishes like Curry Laksa (RM15.50, ~S$4.59), as well as Fish & Yong Tau Fu Rice (RM18.90, ~S$5.60).
Image credit: AK Noodles House
Should you be spoilt for choice, go for their classic Noodle Soup (from RM14.50, ~S$4.30) You’ll be able to customise your meal by choosing your type of noodle, of which there are 8 to consider, including an interesting Spinach Noodle for the more health conscious. Customers can also dabao packs of the restaurant’s Signature Curry Laksa Instant Noodles for RM25.30/4 packs (~S$7.50).
13. Kimdo BBQ
Tasty grilled skewers from just RM2.50/stick
Stuffing yourself with lok lok is a must whenever you’re in Malaysia, so make a beeline for Kimdo BBQ (Lot J3-19B). However, you’ll find that they grill their bites instead of frying them, so feel free to gorge on their skewers without fear of putting on too many extra pounds.
Take your pick; up for grabs are inviting skewers of Hokkaido Scallops (RM8, ~S$2.37), Shiitake Mushrooms (RM3.50, ~S$1.03), Chicken Wings (RM3, ~S$0.88), and their best selling Local Fresh Squid (RM16/100g, ~S$4.74).
14. Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
Cool down with Penang’s most famous bowl of Chendol
For dessert, cool down with a bowl of refreshing chendol at Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul (Lot MF-19A). You don’t have to think hard at all when it comes to ordering here; simply grab a bowl of their beloved Signature Chendul (RM8.40, ~S$2.49).
Image credit: @ray_lin0304 via Instagram
The mix of shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and green rice flour jelly is heavenly on a sweltering hot day. They also sell icy cold servings Ice Kacang (RM8.40, ~S$2.49) here, alongside other Penang delicacies like Penang White Curry Mee (RM15.80, ~S$4.68).
15. DE FIGURELAB
Authentic Japanese figures & blind box haven
Don’t let the POP MART fanatics find this one; DE FIGURELAB (Lot J5-22) is a hobby store which stocks anime-related goods, as well as a healthy stockpile of blind boxes. Honestly, the store can double as a mini museum, as it has all sorts of products on display, from 10cm-tall POP MART figures to huge statuettes that can fetch hundreds of dollars.
We spotted assorted acrylic stands of various anime characters going for RM18 (~S$5.33) a piece, as well as adorable Sanrio blind boxes priced at RM42.80 (~S$12.69).
There were also larger scale figurines such as this one of Itachi from Naruto, which will set you back RM408 (~S$121.03).
Plan a shopping spree at Johor Bahru City Square Mall
Fun fact: we clocked in well over 7,000 steps while exploring Johor Bahru City Square, so fervent shoppaholics are sure to have a field day roaming the mall’s expansive premises. Once you take the favourable exchange rate into consideration, it’s easy to see why this haunt draws masses hailing from the Little Red Dot.
For more things to do in JB, Mount Austin is further inland with a slew of cafes to spend your afternoons at. Those looking for a bougie getaway across the border can consider the Sentosa-like Puteri Harbour, but if malls are your one true calling, Toppen Shopping Centre will be right up your alley.
Photography by Lee Pei Yee.
