It’s no secret that our neighbour across the border is Singaporeans’ go-to destination for weekend getaways. Those in search of new things to do in JB will be pleased to hear about Eco Springs Lab.
Nestled in Eco Spring, a quiet cluster of terrace houses at Jalan Ekoflora Utama, Eco Spring Labs is a convenient retail hub. A playground modelled after a construction site and aesthetic cafes are just some of the things to do here.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.30 as of 30th August 2024.
Image credit: @hazie.d.aisy via Instagram
As you approach Eco Spring Labs, it’s as if you’ve teleported out of Malaysia and into a charming European town – a lot like what you’d see in Costa Nova, Portugal.
Image credit: @anskhrnns via Instagram
Unobstructed by towering trees or buildings, the low-rise shophouses and well-tended gardens against blue skies look like they’ve been pulled from a magazine.
Image credit: @natasharose.nr via Instagram
Take your time to explore the stores here along the winding paths. Besides the colourful shopfronts, there’s no end to photo spots around the area – like rainbow benches, a Ferris wheel, and steam engine trains.
Image adapted from: @add1zer0 & @muhamadhelmei via Instagram
Image adapted from: @tt.family99 via Instagram
From as early as 7am, you’ll be able to pick up brekkie from Good Morning – a Taiwanese cafe. You won’t miss it as the eatery is clad in bright red and white stripes. For a hearty breakfast, check out their signature Taiwanese sandos (from RM10.90). Or, have noodle dishes for something more substantial, and top it off with a cuppa joe.
IG-ers can add Morihana Pastry and Soil Cafe also known as S.SOIRÉE to their cafe-hopping list. These cafes sport unique shopfronts that resemble a greenhouse and a forest cottage, respectively.
Morihana Pastry and its delectable sweet treats.
Image adapted from: @bow_bowa & @_rosalesophia via Instagram
Morihana Pastry is a bakery that makes Insta-worthy cakes and fruit tarts daily. Those with a sweet tooth and who like to try something new should try the mix of caramel apple and lime apple mousse, Azure (RM24), or their Rose Watermelon Cake (RM20).
Get a pot of tea (from RM12) too, for the perfect teatime treat with your BFFs. Plus, it’s refillable at no extra charge so you can keep the convo going all afternoon.
Image adapted from: @jiaxianlee_ & @soil_jb via Instagram
Over at Soil, the cafe sticks to a garden theme with vines strewn all over the exterior, while the interior has a variety of plants on display. Aside from typical cafe items like croissants, the bevs come with a twist for caffeine addicts, like the Matcha Espresso (RM17).
For something that’s not cafe brunch, check out Haixin for hearty seafood hotpot. The preset combos feature an array of seafood including prawns, clams, scallops, sotong, and fish slices.
Dig into a steaming seafood hotpot set while chilling in the al fresco dining area.
Image adapted from: Haixin Food via Facebook, Jess Oo via Google Maps
Choose from soup bases like Sweet & Sour (RM78), Curry (RM78), and for the true seafood connoisseurs who want to savour the natural flavours and subtle sweetness of the broth – Original Clear Soup (RM78).
The colossal Brisket Beef Burger (RM38.90) is fit for monster appetites.
Image credit: @natoeats
Meanwhile, carnivores can satiate their cravings over at Woodfire Eco Spring. The American-style joint serves burgers (from RM19.90), cheesesteaks (RM17.90), and smoked meat platters (from RM45) featuring the likes of beef brisket and lamb ribs.
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mage credit: Wei Ooi via Google Maps
Folks looking to get new eyewear pieces can make their way to Hoot Optical for trendy frames. The staff are trained to help you find frames that best complement your face shape. They’ve also got regular promos in-store, like buy-1-get-1 free deals. But with frame prices from just RM188, a fraction of what spectacles usually cost in Singapore, you’re sure to get a bargain regardless.
Image adapted from: @absolutelynaby via Instagram
Parents may remember Singapore’s Diggersite playground which used to operate at Yishun. If you missed the chance to check it out before it closed, you’ll be glad to know that they have a branch in JB. Diggersite at Eco Spring Labs hosts kiddos who’re fans of construction-themed play à la Bob The Builder.
For RM30/child, youngins get access to kid-sized machinery, like excavators and bulldozers, to claw and dig around the sandpit. A plethora of plastic shovels and buckets are also available for building sandcastles or whatever they wish.
For those who aren’t driving across the causeway, Eco Spring Labs is accessible via public transport too. Refer to our guide on the various Singapore to JB by bus options, including the Causeway Link bus service. There’s also the KTM Shuttle if you prefer taking a train.
Once you pass the JB customs, the most efficient way to reach Eco Spring Labs would be via a 30-minute Grab ride. Going the bus route would set you back up to 2.5 hours, and Eco Spring Labs is over a 2km walk from the nearest bus stop – gotta reserve that energy to explore the attraction instead!
A 30-minute ride from JB customs takes you to Eco Spring Labs’ hoard of activities, F&B, and attractions that locals and tourists alike will enjoy. The aesthetic retail park is chock-full of things to see and try out, enough for a day’s itinerary. From cafe-hopping to rainbow photo ops, best bookmark Eco Spring Labs for your next weekend getaway to JB.
Read our other articles about JB:
Cover adapted from: @serynadyaaa, @_rosalesophia, & @jiaxianlee_ via Instagram
Last updated by Renae Cheng on 30th August 2024.
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