Mother’s Day is coming up, and if you’re looking for a way to celebrate your mum, look no further than a day trip to Johor Bahru. Our 1-day JB itinerary is perfect for mums who reply “anything lah” when asked what they want, and for daughters looking to switch things up from the usual flowers and buffet.
After all, mothers just want quality time with their kids.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.30 as of 9th May 2025.
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We recommend taking the first KTM train to JB – it’s the quickest way and you’ll get to bypass the jam on the Causeway. Tickets can be booked online via the KTM Shuttle Tebrau website, and are priced at only S$5/pax for a one-way trip from Singapore to JB.
The train ride takes just 5 minutes, and you’ll reach JB Sentral in no time. The short train ride doesn’t skimp on experience either – there are comfy, cushioned seats and air-con to help you brave the heat.
If you’re unable to score tickets for the train, there are also Cross Border Shuttle Buses that’ll pick you up from Woodlands Checkpoint and drop you off at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar for S$2/pax. Remember to bring cash and exact change for a smoother journey.
Check out our JB transport guide for more ways to get to JB from Singapore, such as hopping on a ferry.
Image credit: @space.johor via Instagram
Your tummies might be grumbling by now, so head to Space Cafe, which is an 11-minute car ride from the checkpoint. Unlike usual cafe haunts in JB, this one is open from 8am, so don’t worry about being a little early.
The cafe features a minimalist aesthetic, with pops of vibrant green thanks to the potted plants strategically placed around the space. There are plenty of IG-worthy spots, so feel free to take selfies with your mum – who knows, it might just become her newest phone wallpaper. Instant favourite child status unlocked.
Choose to munch on delicious mains like the Pesto Pasta (RM18, ~S$5.48) or a breakfast classic like the Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Sourdough for RM24 (~S$7.30).
Image credit: @space.johor via Instagram
As for drinks, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a wide selection to choose from. You won’t go wrong with a classic like the Taste in Vienna coffee priced at RM18 (~S$5.48), or go for a sweeter option with the Caramel Cinnamon Cafe Latte at the same price. If coffee isn’t your thing, there are caffeine-free options like the Space Mojito for RM22 (~S$6.69).
Image credit: Singcube Karaoke
With your tummies full and energy replenished, head on down to Paradigm Mall – where you’ll find Singcube Karaoke. It’s hard to miss – their studios are housed in these cute, colourful units inspired by Brighton’s iconic beach houses.
Since it’s just the 2 of you, go for their Mini-K package at RM20/1 hour (~S$6.08). You’ll get a cosy, private mini karaoke studio where you and mum can belt your hearts out – no judgment, just good vibes.
Image credit: Singcube Karaoke
Singcube Karaoke also has a huge library of songs to sing to. You’ll find classics which might leave your mum in her feels, and newer tunes for you to flex your vocal prowess to your unimpressed mother.
Image credit: @indra_isnato via Instagram
Head upstairs to Level 3 after your karaoke sesh for lunch at Sukiya Tokyo Bowls & Noodles. The restaurant is known for its gyudon, a comforting Japanese beef bowl priced from RM9.90 (~S$3.01). But if you’d like an upgrade, opt for the Negitama Gyudon (RM14.90, ~S$4.53), which comes topped with a runny egg.
They also sell other dishes like yakiniku don and unagi don. If you’re not craving rice, they also have ramen.
Image credit: MeetMeWorkshop
Workshops are the equivalent of an adult’s playdate, which makes this 3-hour tufting session a perfect mother-daughter bonding activity. You’ll get to try your hand at tufting – a textile technique used to make rugs – and create your custom piece to take home as a memento from the day.
The workshop’s located at Komtar JBCC, so just hop on a quick Grab ride back and you’ll find Meet Me DIY Workshop waiting for you.
Image credit: Klook
Priced from S$48.89/person, you get a 30cm by 30cm rug to customise your own design. The workshop runs 3 times a day – 10.30am, 1.30pm, and 5pm – so be sure to book a slot before heading over.
If your mum’s hesitant about trying something new, rest assured that there are helpful staff members ready to help and guide both of you.
Book a slot for the tufting workshop at Meet Me DIY workshop.
Image credit: Sean Goh via Google Maps
No trip to JB is complete without a massage session, and after all that tufting, your back and hands will probably be begging for a break. Give your bodies a little TLC at D’Thai Family Wellness Hub located in R&F Mall.
The spot is known for its affordability, with their 120-minute Aromatherapy Body and Foot Massage Combo priced at RM158 (~S$48.07).
Image credit: Edward Chan via Google Maps
If you’re pressed for time or just want a quick massage sesh, opt for their 60-minute Foot Reflexology Massage at RM68 (~S$20.69). They’ve also got a variety of massages like Lymphatic Massage and Hot Stone Massage – both priced at RM138 (~S$41.99).
The best part is they are open till 3am, so you and your mum can even shift your massage later in the itinerary without stressing about the time.
Image credit: @luxenail.jb via Instagram
If you’re not a fan of massages, feel free to swap out the massage sesh for a mani-pedi at Luxe Nail at Komtar JBCC instead. The nail salon offers affordable mani-pedis, like a classic manicure for RM55 (~S$16.73) and a classic pedicure for RM70 (~S$21.30).
Pampering all 10 digits – hands and feet – will only set you back about S$40, and if you’d like to spruce them up further with regular nail polish, it’ll be an additional RM30 (~S$9.13) for either your hands or feet.
Image credit: Chenhui Wang via Google Maps
Evening’s rolling in and the dinner bells are ringing – and since you’re already in JB, why not check out a restaurant that’s made it into the Malaysian Book of Records? Pacific Kopi holds the record for selling the most nian gao in a year, which says a lot about their signature dish.
Image credit: Eatbook
Besides the fried nian gao dish, the restaurant is also known for its Malaysian staples and Nanyang-style coffee. For dinner, opt for the hearty Nasi Lemak Fried Chicken for RM15.90 (~S$4.84), or if you’re craving noodles, get the Mee Siam Rendang Chicken for the same price.
Of course, don’t forget to try their speciality, Pacific Kopi Nian Gao, a 3-in-1 fried rice cake priced at RM6.90/4 pieces (~S$2.10).
After an energising dinner, scratch that shopping itch at Pasar Karat, just a 10-minute walk from R&F Mall. Think pasar malam, but way bigger, and way more fun. The pasar is so big that multiple roads are closed to make way for the thriving marketplace, which stays open till 2am.
Here, you’ll find a plethora of clothes, accessories and trinkets to browse and buy, with the added perk of it being cheaper than the usual malls in JB. And with mum tagging along, you’ll get to watch her haggling skills in action as she bargains for the best deal.
You could easily spend 2 hours here browsing through the different stalls, but keep a lookout for street stalls for some light snacks. Munch on freshly-made takoyaki for RM5/4pieces (~S$1.52) or some BBQ skewers for RM2 (~S$0.60).
If you’d like to explore more of JB after, don’t worry about how you’re going to get home because these cross-border buses have your back. Similar to how you got to JB, these buses will bring you back to your starting point, except prices are now in Malaysian Ringgit.
Ticket are priced at RM2.60 (~S$0.79), RM4.80 (~S$1.46), or RM4.60 (~S$1.40) for CW1, CW2, and CW5 buses respectively. Each bus travels a specific route and ends at different points in Singapore, so check their routes beforehand.
Take note that only the CW2 buses run 24 hours, dropping you off at Queen Street Bus Terminal between Bugis and Rochor MRT station.
Read our CW bus travel guide.
Do something new and interesting for your mum this Mother’s Day by taking her out on a 1-day JB date with our itinerary. With the winning formula of fun activities, good food and company, we’re confident both of you will have a memorable time together.
Other JB-related articles to check out:
Cover image adapted from: @space.johor, @luxenails.jb via Instagram & Singcube Karaoke
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