There are endless reasons to take a short trip over and visit Johor Bahru, from the numerous outdoor activities available, shopping at Pasar Karat, and visiting Puteri Harbour for scenic seaside views. But if you somehow need more cause to cross the causeway, here’s another – the plethora of cinemas in JB that you can choose from.
From affordable options with tickets going from ~S$3.44 to kid-friendly theatres with playgrounds, we’ve rounded up a list of cinemas you can KIV for your next movie sesh.
Found in Toppen Shopping Centre, TGV Cinemas welcomes its patrons with a Coca-Cola-themed snack bar, remodelled to resemble an old-school American diner. Besides the counters being an Insta-worthy background, it also has power outlets should you need to charge your devices.
There are several types of halls available, such as the regular IMAX ones with tickets going from RM35 (~S$10.04). But those looking for an upgrade can consider the Flexound Hall (RM25 ~S$7.18), which comes with seats that have individual speakers.
Families travelling with kiddos need not park them at a playground as there are family-friendly halls with an in-house playroom specially reserved for kids. And if your little ones wish to join you during the movie, get the Lounger (RM65 ~S$18.64) that’s big enough to seat a family of 4.
Image credit: TGV Cinema
TGV Cinemas also have the Beanie theatres, with tickets costing RM65/ticket (~S$18.64). As the name suggests, the usual leather seats have been replaced with bean bag pods so you can lounge comfortably while watching the film.
Address: L.301, Toppen Shopping Centre, No. 33, Jalan Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +60 16-818 5436 | TGV Cinemas website
Paradigm Mall, KSL City Mall, and Mid Valley Southkey are staple places when we pop by JB. And something all these 3 shopping malls have in common is Golden Screen Cinemas. Each cinema boasts 16 movie halls, and tickets go from RM14/ticket (~S$4.02).
Image credit: Bryce via Google Maps
Admittedly, thrilling scenes and ominous soundtracks will get our hearts pounding and palms sweating. But for those who are up for a true real-life experience, level up your seats and opt for theatres with the 4DX tech to make pseudo snow and water effects to mimic rain.
List of Golden Screen Cinemas outlets
Image credit: Aurum Theatre via Facebook
Nothing screams luxe better than Aurum Theatre. Couples or families looking to #treatyoself can go for the Getha Lux Suites (from RM130/ticket,~S$37.28) where F&B is included from the cinema’s in-house restaurant, Jin Gastrobar. You can choose to have your meal at the restaurant, or bring it into the theatre to munch on during the film.
Image credit: Aurum Theatre via Facebook
Then, step inside the Getha Lux Suites and you’ll be greeted by lavish recliners that come with a tonne of amenities, including a fleece blanket, wireless and USB charging ports, a lamp, and disposable slippers. But of course, if you don’t wish to spend close to 40 bucks on a movie, Aurum Theatres also have the usual 2D tickets from RM25.50/ticket (~S$7.32).
Address: Persiaran Southkey 3, The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +60 7-338 4789 | Aurum Theatres website
Image credit: Kampar
Many of us travel to JB via the Woodlands Causeway, be it by bus or train. And while there are plenty of things to do near the causeway, movie watchers can conveniently head to City Square Mall and check out mmCineplexes without the hassle of settling transport.
Besides saving on your transportation costs, the cinema also offers affordable ticket options that start from RM14/ticket (~S$4.02) – perfect for fellow budget babes.
Address: Johor Bahru City Square, #M5-03/04, 106, 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +60 7-226 2888 | mmCineplexes website
Image adapted from: MBO Cinemas via X
Travelling with toddlers doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your film-watching experience. MBO Cinemas has re-opened in 2020, and brought about the Kecil Hall that’s kid-friendly and affordable.
Kids can run wild at the playground that’s in the theatre, so you can watch both your movie and your fidgety lil one. Tickets cost from RM15/adult (~S$4.31) and RM12/child (~S$3.44), and you can also opt for the Family Bed (RM65,~S$18.66) that’s wide enough to fit a family of 4.
Address: F36 First Floor U Mall, 45, Jalan Pulai Utama 20, Taman Pulai Utama, 81110 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +603 7931 3733 | MBO Cinemas website
Image credit: Rady Yusof via Google Maps
Uber comfy seats, with inexpensive pricing? Yes, please. Womei Cineplex has got the best of both worlds with plush recliner seats lined up in their theatres, all for the price of RM17/ticket (~S$4.88).
Address: 1st Floor Beletime Shopping Mall Persiaran Danga Perdana Country Garden, Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +60 7-220 9689 | Womei Cineplex website
Typical cinema grub includes popcorn and soda, but at Emperor Cinemas your refreshments are elevated. Think Hong Kong tea restaurant cuisines and boozy beverages as the cinema’s lobby serves cocktails and Cantonese food such as dim sums and baos.
Image credit: R&F Mall
For those into tech, you’ll be excited to know that the theatres use a SONY 4K Laser projector system. But for tech noobs like me, this translates to crystal clear imagery with advanced colouring – AKA a treat for the eyes.
Whether it’s the iconic snapping of fingers by Iron Man and Thanos, or heartwarming endings of Disney films, many of us have formed fond memories of catching our favourite on-screen characters in the cinema. Switch up your usual scene in Singapore and check out these cinemas in JB the next time you’re heading over.
The opening hours of the theatres are dependent on the show timings, so be sure to double check your movie timings prior to arriving. And hey, may the Force be with you.
For more JB-related content:
Originally published on 28th August 2022. Last updated by Samantha Nguyen on 31st October 2023.
Cover image adapted from: Aurum Theatre, MBO Cinemas via X, Kampar
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