You don’t have to be a seasoned cafe-hopper to know that our neighbours over at JB are blessed with great options to while their afternoons away at. But if you want to be surrounded by nature, here’s one to add to the ever-expanding list of new cafes in JB.
As its name suggests, Hidden Garden by the Sea is a cafe sitting idly by the shores of JB, and promises sumptuous food accompanied by pretty coastal views.
Hidden Garden by the Sea is a new seaside cafe in the city of Masai, Johor Bahru. It’s about a 20-minute drive from JB CIQ, making it a hassle-free and offbeat option if you’re looking for a cafe away from the city centre.
The best time to swing by is during the late afternoon to evening, where you can watch the sun dip below the horizon as you clink glasses to the beautiful sunset. The cafe also operates till 12am daily, making it a nice supper stop too.
Before you settle down and start ordering your food, you might want to take a stroll around the premises. Peppered around the cafe are picture-perfect spots that serve as ideal IG-fodder. Keep an eye out for a twig-ladden frame and a bench that allows you to capture your subject amidst the busy ships in the background.
Image credit: @hiddengardenbythesea via Instagram
If you’d like to enjoy the view while you eat, go alfresco to enjoy the sea breeze and the lull of the ebbing waves. Here, the cafe’s sky-blue motifs serve as a pretty backdrop for your obligatory food shots.
Yes, that’s Singapore, or Sembawang to be exact, right over the dipping sun.
Image credit: @yennetin via Instagram
Pro tip: Time your visits well to coincide with sunset and you’ll be greeted with views like these.
Speaking of nosh, Hidden Garden by the Sea has a menu that caters to those looking for a quick bite as well as the truly ravenous. Start with a plethora of finger food like Calamari (RM24, ~S$6.82), Takoyaki (RM17, ~$4.83), and Mozzarella Sticks (RM24, ~S$6.82).
Afterwards, go for either their Western fusion or Asian mains. Highlights from the menu include the Fusion Seafood Spaghetti (RM42, ~S$11.94), Salmon Fillet (RM50, ~S$14.22), and Unagi Dry Ramen Noodle (RM34, ~S$9.67).
Save some room for desserts such as Chiffon cakes (RM20, ~S$5.69) and icy treats like Black Sesame Shave Ice (RM23, ~S$6.54).
Image credit: Hidden Garden by the Sea JB via Facebook
For those heading down on a lazy afternoon, you can have a gander at their All-Day Breakfast menu; brunch is looking quite enticing with their Hidden Garden Big Breakfast (RM35, ~S$9.95) and Traditional Mee Siam w/ Ayam Penyet (RM29, ~S$8.25).
Image credit: @lo_xiao via Instagram
Hidden Garden by the Sea also doesn’t disappoint beverage-wise. Raise the beach vibes to a fever pitch by ordering their Ocean Breeze Mojito (RM17, ~S$4.83). If alcohol’s off the menu for you, then opt for their various milkshakes (RM18, ~S$5.12) or coffee (from RM11, ~S$3.13)
Hidden Garden by the Sea’s not hard to get to at all, especially if you’re driving into JB. It’s roughly a 20-minute drive along the JB East Coast Parkway from JB Checkpoint.
The cafe is also accessible by taking a bus at JB Sentral Bus Terminal. Look for bus service P102 and then transfer to bus service T22 at the Ecoworld Business Park III stop. However, you’ll then have to travel about 3km on foot to reach cafe, so we recommend hailing a private hire car instead to save you all that walking.
Besides gorgeous views, chill vibes, and delicious food, Hidden Garden by the Sea hosts musical performances from time to time. A 2-man live band will be on site on select days to serenade you from 8pm-11pm; do check the cafe’s Facebook page for their schedules.
Should you be on the hunt for more haunts to add to your ever-expanding Johor Bahru cafe guide, then do give this hidden enclave a try. With good food and even better scenery, this one definitely warrants a visit.
Address: MLO, 2387-1, KG, Kampung Teluk Jawa, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 9am-12am, Daily
Contact: +60 12-372 3875 | Hidden Garden by the Sea Facebook
For more cafes to visit the next time you’re in JB :
Cover image adapted from: Hidden Garden by the Sea JB & Sin Ling Tan via Facebook, @yennetin via Instagram
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