Johor Bahru is perfect for a weekend getaway without breaking the bank. You’ve got affordable hotels in JB for overnight stays and shopping spots like Johor Premium Outlets for some retail therapy. And of course, we can’t forget the plenty of entertainment options for both the young and old.
If you’re looking for cheap thrills with your family or a group of friends, add Danga Bay Theme Park to your list of theme parks in Malaysia to visit.
Image credit: @joey.bei via Instagram
You’ll know you’ve arrived at Danga Bay Theme Park when you catch a glimpse of its iconic merry-go-round that you may see all over Instagram. Entry to the theme park is free, and you only pay for the rides you want to go on.
The rides go for only RM2 (S$0.58), and with around 18 different ones to go on, you’ll be kept busy the entire evening. Don’t worry about not having enough time to try them all, as the park closes at 12am daily.
We recommend visiting the park when it opens at 7pm. The parks’ lights will be turned on by then, so you get the full carnival experience. For those looking for photo ops, check out the whimsical Mini Merry Go Round Ride (RM2, ~S$0.58) and Twirling Teacups Ride (RM4, ~S$1.17).
Nostalgia-evoking rides at the theme park.
Image credit: @visitjohor via Instagram
If you’ve some unsettled beef with one of your friends, take it to the Bumper Cars (RM8, ~S$2.33) as you playfully charge into each other. For a rush of adrenaline, get on the Pirate Ship (RM10, ~S$2.92), a classic carnival ride which leaves passengers screaming aboard a ship that oscillates at high speeds.
Image credit: @miki.s_17 via Instagram
As with any theme park, there are also many rides that the little ones can have a blast on as well. Children can hop on the Flying Elephant (RM6, ~S$1.75) and take flight à la Dumbo.
Image credit: @kkk.image via Instagram
If the kids are intimidated by towering Ferris wheels, they can take to the skies with the smaller-sized Balloon Ferris Wheel (RM4, ~S$1.17) instead. Other kid-friendly rides include the Train Ride (RM4, ~S$1.17) – a cute locomotive that patrols the park – and the Jumping Frog (RM6, ~S$1.75). The latter is a miniature tower-like ride that plunges its riders down after ascending to the top.
Leave Danga Bay with more than just memories.
Image credit: @iehklad via Instagram
No theme park is complete without its fair share of booths. At Danga Bay Theme Park, an array of booths line its sidewalks. Purchase tokens at RM2/token (~S$0.58) to play games such as popping balloons with darts – and you’ll get a chance to snag prizes like plushies for keepsakes.
The food vendors are here on a rotatory basis.
Image credit: @dapoqcampoq_ayamgepuk via Instagram
Carnival bites are also available here; you can munch on snacks reminiscent of the ones you’d find at local pasar malams. Think sweet corn and fried potato swirls and local delights like lempeng – Malaysian-style pancakes – and jemput pisang (fried banana balls). We can’t currently find the prices of these as the vendors are constantly rotating. But rest assured you won’t go hungry here.
Image credit: 海滨楼Grand Bayview Seafood Restaurant Sdn Bhd via Facebook
After you’ve had your fun at Danga Bay Theme Park, it’s time for a hearty meal to end the day. With Danga Bay situated so close to the ocean, you’ll find many seafood restaurants in its vicinity. One such establishment is the Grand Bayview Seafood Restaurant, which has must-try dishes such as the Alaska King Crabs (RM63.80/100g, ~S$18.61) and Soon Hock fish (RM23/100g, ~S$6.71).
For some retail therapy, the Beletime Danga Bay Mall is about a 10-minute walk from the park. The mall has its own movie theatre, Womei Cineplex, and familiar brands such as AEON and Miniso. Otherwise, take a stroll down Danga Bay’s beach or lay down a mat and catch the sunset – you can even spot Singapore with the naked eye from here.
It’s not a bad idea to spend the night at Danga Bay, either. There are affordable hotel options such as Tune Hotel (~S$23.33/night), that’s a 15-minute walk from Danga Bay Theme Park. While the amenities are basic, it’s clean and has everything you need for a comfortable night’s sleep after spending a whole evening at the theme park. Alternatively, you can book Golden Leaf Boutique Hotel (~S$22.18/night).
If you’re driving, Danga Bay Theme Park is only 10 minutes from Johor Bahru Checkpoint.
As for those who are taking a bus, you can take a slew of buses from JB Sentral Bus Terminal to reach Danga Bay. These include Causeway Link’s bus service no. 1B, 5B, 7B, 505, 777B, BET1, BET3, and JPO1. Rides are about an hour long – with bus fares under RM10 (~S$2.92) – and stop at Danga Bay bus stop.
Do note that these buses do not terminate at Danga Bay so keep an eye out for when to alight so you don’t miss your stop.
Image credit:@imszewei via Instagram
If you’re looking for a quick getaway from Singapore for the weekend, consider Danga Bay Theme Park. Its prices are hard to beat – you’re literally paying less than a dollar for some of these rides.
What’s more, it’s another one of those locations that’s just mere minutes from the checkpoint, making a day trip feasible.
For more adrenaline-inducing theme parks:
Cover image adapted from: kkk.image, @joey.bei & @visitjohor via Instagram
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