With the Singapore-Malaysia exchange rate at an all-time low and plenty of new things to do in JB, we foresee ourselves crossing the border even more this year. Beyond shopping and cafe hopping, adventurous souls would be happy to know that there’s plenty to do – from conquering Johor’s hiking trails to spending the day at an adventure park.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of adventure parks and theme parks in Johor Bahru, with some just a short drive away from JB Checkpoint.
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Toys like LEGO have been integral parts of our childhood – and at LEGOLAND Malaysia, you can watch those creations come to life as roller coasters, statues, and even waterslides. As the largest theme park in JB, it boasts 8 themed zones like Miniland, which has replicas of landmarks and landscapes in Malaysia like Batu Caves and the Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang.
Image credit: @thedaydreamer_vjlife via Instagram
Those who love mythical creatures need to head to LEGO Kingdoms, which has rides inspired by fairytales and medieval designs – think Dragon’s Apprentice, an adorable roller coaster for the younger ones, and Merlin’s Challenge, a carousel powered by a magical wizard.
Image credit: LEGOLAND Malaysia
The park features a SEA Life Aquarium with LEGO-decorated display tanks housing rare fish species and sharks, as well as a LEGOLAND Waterpark. Should you choose to stay overnight, the whole fam can wind down in the LEGO suites of LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, with themed rooms adorned with easter eggs and interactive creations.
Tickets start at RM399/adult (~S$112) and RM329/child (~S$92.40) for access to all 3 parks.
Getting there: 20-minute drive from JB Checkpoint
Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park is a water, adventure, and sports park wrapped into one, located 30 minutes from JB Checkpoint. If you’re in the mood for heart-racing rope bridges and ziplines, the adventure park has 7 obstacle courses based on difficulty, like their outdoor Tarzan Swing, which involves a large netted wall and two-way zipline.
If you want to cool down but still want thrills, the water park has gyrating slides like the Racer Bowl which shoots you around a large basin-like structure.
For those who want a good workout or want to make the most of your practice for a driver’s license in Singapore, the sports park has a trampoline park (RM25/hour ~S$7), an ice skating rink (RM25/hour ~S$7), and a drifting track (RM25/10mins ~S$7), to leave you with the most fun “gym sesh”.
Note: We advise you to call or message the park before you head down for details on park closures.
Getting there: 30-minute drive from JB Checkpoint
Contact: +60 19-716 3183 | Austin Heights’ Facebook
Image credit: @imszewei via Instagram
Picture a seaside carnival with wafts of cotton candy and popcorn and the familiar chimes of a carousel, just like in the movies. Danga Bay Theme Park has all of these along with some childhood favourite rides such as a Ferris Wheel and Pirate Ship.
Image credit: @akosiichiro via Instagram
Entry to the park is free with rides being on an à la carte basis. Ride prices range from RM2-RM10 (~S$0.58-S$2.80) and tokens for prize games like balloon darts, where you can win stuffed toys, start at RM2/token (~S$0.58), making this one of the most affordable theme park experiences in JB.
Getting there: 15-min drive from JB Checkpoint
If you’re ticking off things do in Desaru, you’ll find that the coastal town has its own waterpark, Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast.
The park has 20 different rides, from gravity-defying slides like The Tempest, a large tubular waterslide that you gyrate around, to a relaxing float along the 350m-long Penawar River, a lazy river which goes around the whole park to enjoy the views of all the rides and greenery.
Your younger ones won’t be left behind, as they can run to the kid-friendly playgrounds of Scallywags and Starfish Splash.
The Tempest Slide
You don’t need to leave the waterpark to get food, as you can get a filling meal such as the Fish and Chips (RM23.90, ~S$6.70) from Kelong Eatery. For something smaller, grab snacks from stalls like Octobites Cafe, Surf’s Up Juice Bar, or River Grill.
Getting there: 90-min drive from JB Checkpoint
Image credit: @energxpark via Instagram
Bounce around and take a leap of faith at EnerG X Park in Sunway Big Box, an indoor park that features exhilarating activities such as tube slides and trampolines. One of the highlights here is The Leap of Faith, a giant punching bag suspended from the roof that participants will have to jump on.
Entry is priced at RM48/pax for 2hours on weekdays (~S$15.27) and RM58/pax for 2hours on weekends (~S$18.46), which should be sufficient to go through all the ziplining courses and parkour zones.
Getting there: 20-min drive from Tuas Checkpoint
Sticky Wall.
Image credit: Game On Theme Park In Johor Bahru
If you’ve ever wondered what the love child of Timezone, a KTV, and a trampoline park would look like, Game On Theme Park might be your answer.
Sing, play, and jump through this indoor park with classic arcade and video games, Taylor Swift-themed KTV rooms, and obstacle courses. If you choose to take it chill instead of sweating it out, head to the e-sport lounges equipped with PS5 and Nintendo Switches.
You should also check out their cafe, aptly named Fuel Up. Munch on some egg waffles (RM7, ~S$2) or get your caffeine fix with an iced latte (RM7.50, ~S$2.10).
Getting there: 25-min drive from JB Checkpoint
Image credit: Kidz Republic Indoor Theme Park – JBCC via Facebook
If your little ones have always dreamt of digging up fossils Jurassic Park style, let them run free at the new Kidz Republic Indoor Theme Park. This dino-themed park has a faux excavation pit to uncover their toy discoveries, jungle gyms in the shape of pre-historic skeletons, and kid-friendly obstacle courses.
Located inside JBCC mall, it’s a great place to let your kids take a break from a whole day of shopping or checking out the new things to do in JB.
Getting there: 10-min drive from JB Checkpoint
At Johor’s largest ATV riding park, ATV Park Johor Bahru, thrillseekers can brave the great outdoors on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). You don’t have to be a pro, either. The staff will be there to give you training for a few rounds through their beginner track, helmet and protective gear provided.
Then, you’re on your way to conquer the other rails in the park, including those with views of waterfalls, desert-like sand dunes, and thick forests. Be warned, though, some of the trails can get muddy – so dress accordingly.
Getting there: 30-min drive from JB Checkpoint
Don’t let your leather jackets and puffy gloves go to waste, get a taste of the biking life at Tristan Park. This is perfect for those who prefer being on 2 wheels instead of 4. You’ll go through beginner-friendly dirt bike training before you get to vroom vroom around the scenic park.
There are 3 different trails that trainees go through. First, the Dirt Bike Clinic, a manmade trail best suited for training. Once you get the hang of things at the clinic, you can advance to jungle trails meant for more experienced riders – like the Semangar Trail with waterfalls and Plentong trail, where you’ll ride among the palm trees.
Gear and biking outfits are available for rental if you don’t want your outfits ruined. Deck yourself out in a pair of boots ($15), goggles ($5), chest protector ($10), and a riding jersey and pant set ($20).
Getting there: 20-min drive from JB Checkpoint
For all the sports enthusiasts and those who are looking for group activities, X Park Malaysia is a sports park with activities like futsal, go karting, and kayaking. It’s one of the first theme parks in Malaysia dedicated to both motorised and non-motorised sports, great for those who craving to unleash their competitive spirit.
Image credit: @su_ann1908 on Instagram
All activities here are available for booking a la carte, with the cheapest activities being swan boating (RM10/pax ~S$2.30) and archery (RM20/20 arrows ~S$5.62). For a more unique experience, there are also activities like Bubble Ball Futsal (RM380/hour ~S$107), where you play the popular sport while dressed up in bubble suits.
Should you wish to stay overnight and spend more than 1 day at X Park Malaysia, there are chalets available for booking at RM220/max 2pax (~S$61.80) and RM780/max 8pax (~S$220).
Getting there: 20-min drive from Tuas Checkpoint
Transport yourself to the Jurassic era on the rooftop of KSL City Mall at the Dinosaurs Alive Water Theme Park. You and your kids will have a ball of a time at the splash zones adorned with statues of dinos like the T-Rex and Triceratops.
There aren’t any extreme rides here, so even your littlest ones can enjoy a day out at the waterpark. They can get doused under tipping water buckets or slip around on wider, lower slides.
If one day isn’t enough, you can also book a stay at KSL Hotel and Resort. Guests can enjoy walk-in entry at RM20 (~S$5.69) but non-hotel guests can also enjoy this colourful theme park. Just head up to the 7th floor of the hotel and pay a fee from RM30 (~$8.43).
Getting there: 15-min drive from JB Checkpoint
Image credit: @ha_forestcity via Instagram
Located on an island 30 minutes away from Tuas side of JB is Forest City Waterpark, a family-friendly waterpark, at just RM15/pax (~S$4.22). There are slides and froggy obstacle courses for you and your kids to go through, as well as water gun stations for some playfights.
Image credit: @ha_forestcity via Instagram
There are no extreme slides or activities at the park, so kids of all ages can play and splash around.
Getting there: 30-min drive from Tuas Checkpoint
If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids over a long weekend or during school holidays, these theme parks and adventure parks in JB are sure to give them a memorable time. And once you’re done, check out other attractions such as As Clouds Cafe, a new alpaca cafe, and KSL City Mall.
For more things to do in and around JB, check out:
Cover image adapted from: @imszewei via Instagram
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