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15 Things To Do In Johor Bahru City Square Mall – Laser Tag, Affordable Salons & Famous Chendol

Johor Bahru City Square in JB


When it comes to things to do in JB, shopping, eating, and hitting up the affordable beauty salons and massage parlours probably top our lists once we’re across the border. Thankfully, we don’t have to look hard to indulge in the above and then some, as Johor Bahru City Square mall has got us covered.

From a camping-themed supermarket to an exhilarating laser tag arena, here’s what you can do at this sprawling, 7-storey-tall mall located mere minutes from the JB customs.


All you need to know about Johor Bahru City Square

Overhead bridge leading to Johor City Square mall

Johor Bahru City Square is one of the first malls you’ll come across once you’ve cleared immigration at the JB customs, located along the bustling Jalan Wong Ah Fook. It’s just an overhead bridge’s walk away from JB CIQ; in fact, you’ll come across many signs pointing you in its direction as soon as you tap out of Malaysia’s e-gates.

Johor Bahru City Square is one of the most popular malls frequented by Singaporeans, with many opting to hop the border solely to visit this 7-floor retail haven. That’s because getting to Johor Bahru City Square is easy even when you’re departing from Singapore soil.

Causeway Link Bus

Take a look at our CW bus guide or KTM shuttle guide for affordable, yet speedy ways of getting yourself across the border. Else, driving yourself to the mall’s doorstep is easy too, and if you’re not plagued by the infamous jams, the drive will take you just 30 minutes from Woodlands Checkpoint.

Johor Bahru City Square mall exterior

Once you’re here, there are almost 180 stores to check out. You’ll spot familiar brands you’d find in Singapore’s malls, like Uniqlo, Bata, Cotton On, Gong Cha, and Old Chang Kee, coupled with names you can only find in Malaysia such as BIG Pharmacy and FamilyMart.

Apart from shopping, there’s also a 14-screen cinema, laser tag arena, family-friendly arcade, and a couple of beauty salons. Johor Bahru City Square is essentially a mega mall where families can visit and spend the entire day in, while taking advantage of the strong SGD to shop to their hearts’ content.


– Things to do –

1. mmCineplexes


Watch the latest blockbusters for just RM20


MMCineplexes exterior

In case your friends are in the midst of a 2-hour long full body massage, leaving you to your own devices, head right to mmCineplexes (Lot M5-03 & 04, J6-01 & J7-01, M7-01) to burn some time. Their selection of films is also impressive; they’ve currently got recent releases like Despicable Me 4, as well as lesser-known films that you won’t find in Golden Village back in Singapore.

Buying tickets at mmCineplexes

On our visit, movie tickets were going for RM20/pax (~S$5.96), which is a steal as compared to what you’d pay in Singapore. mmCineplexes’s Johor City Square outlet is huge; they’ve got 14 screens spread over 2 levels of cinema halls, so rest assured that you’ll definitely be able to find a vacant seat for your favourite flicks.

mmCineplexes City Square
Google Reviews
4.1
(1,448)
Address
Johor Bahru City Square, #M5-03/04, 106, 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

2. Molly Fantasy


Challenge friends on racing simulators or try your hand at rhythm games


Arcade games at Molly Fantasy

Every good mall needs an arcade, and Johor Bahru City Square is no different. Enter Molly Fantasy (Lot J5-08), the perfect playground to take a break from all the shopping. You’ll find your standard arcade cabinets such as Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune and Taiko no Tatsujin here, as well as shooters like Time Crisis 4.

Molly Fantasy Interior

These arcade cabinets range from RM2-3/play (~S$0.59-S$0.89) so you won’t go broke even if you were to spend your whole day here. There are a couple of kiddy rides around like pint-sized Merry-go-rounds to keep the little ones entertained, and even old-school Purikura photo booths for a throw back to the 90s.

Address: Level 5, Lot J5-08, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily


3. Laser Battle


Thrilling laser tag arena with multiple game modes


Laser Battle exterior

If the arcade’s not enough to get your heart racing, then swing by Laser Battle (Lot MS-11 & 12). No prizes for guessing what goes down at this establishment; it’s a maze-like laser tag arena where you’ll take up arms and try to virtually gun your enemies down as quickly as possible.

Gunfights here start from RM45/2 games (~S$13.36), and they’ve got a slew of game missions to choose from. Plus, you can choose to play solo or or team up with your best mates. They’ll also keep track of your points and display them on a scoreboard in the main lobby, along with your accuracy percentage so you can find out who’s the sharpshooter in your friend group.

Laser Battle Johor
Google Reviews
4.5
(73)
Address
Lot MS-11, Innercity Level 4, Johor Bahru City Square, 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

4. Queen Karaoke


Opens till 3am for late night Karaoke sessions


Queen Karaoke exterior

To blow off some steam, sing your hearts out at Queen Karaoke (Lot M5-01). They’ve got everything you need for a good ol’ karaoke night and the best part is, they’re open till 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. The rates here start at RM30/hour (~S$8.90) for their cosy Superior rooms, which can accommodate 2 to 3 pax.

Rooms at Queen KaraokeImage adapted from: Queen Karaoke City Square via Google Maps

If you don’t mind splurging a little more, this joint also has quirky themed Executive rooms (from RM60/hour, ~S$17.81) that serve as pretty backdrops for your karaoke seshs. Curiously, they have a barbershop-themed one, or belt out hits from Queen and Coldplay in a room that replicates the interior of London’s iconic red buses.

Queen Karaoke City Square JB
Google Reviews
4.5
(241)
Address
Lot No. m5-01, Level 5, Johor Bahru City Square, No. 106, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 11:00 AM - 03:00 AM Show More Timings
Contact Information

5. REDS Hairdressing


Affordable haircuts, perms & colouring


REDS Hairdressing interiorImage credit: REDS Hairdressing City Square

Topping our list for affordable hair salons in JB, REDS Hairdressing (Lot J4-10) is just the place to be if you’re looking to change up your look without digging too deep into your pockets. Their range of services are pretty extensive, and thanks to the exchange rate you can expect cold perms to begin from RM148 (~S$43.87) onwards, and hair colouring to start from RM138 (~S$40.88).

Hair services at REDS HairdressingImage adapted from: @reds_jb via Instagram

If you’re looking for inspo or references for your next cut, have a look at the REDS Hairdressing website. They’ve gathered pictures of their past customers and what they got done at the salon, so you can let their stylists know which look you’d like to emulate on your visit.

REDS Hairdressing City Square (JB Hair Salon)
Google Reviews
4.9
(11,449)
Address
Lot J4-10, Level 4, Johor Bahru City Square, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

6. NA Nails City Square


Friendly & experienced nail artists


NA Nails - Johor Bahru City Square

You might as well get a new set of nails to go with your new head of hair, so skip on over to NA Nails City Square (Lot J5-18). Their range of services rival those on our list of best nail salons in JB, with prices starting at RM98 (~S$29.07) for a classic gel manicure.

Nail services at NA NailsImage credit: eclair lee & Merley via Google Maps

Their masterful hands ensure that even the most intricate designs are not off the table when it comes to settling on your fresh set of talons. If possible, ask for a particular Jasmine to attend to you during your appointment, as she’s known to be especially accommodating and skillful.

NA Nails City Square
Google Reviews
4.4
(270)
Address
LEVEL 5, LOT J5-18, CITY SQUARE MALL, 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

7. Siam Oasis & Thai Odyssey


Relaxing traditional Thai massages


Siam Oasis & Thai Odyssey - Johor Bahru City SquareThese massage parlours are also conveniently located right beside one another, so if one’s fully booked, simply swing by the other next door. 

Those looking to rest their soles from a whole day’s worth of exploring Johor Bahru City Square can do so at Siam Oasis (Lot MF-21) and Thai Odyssey (Lot MF-20). They are both popular chain brand massage parlours in JB, specialising in traditional Thai massage.

We found the prices over at Siam Oasis to be a tad cheaper, but not by much. A 30-minute half body massage costs RM63 (~S$18.54), while Thai Odyssey charges RM68 (~S$20.12). Both parlours also offer full body massages, but if you’ve got the time, indulge in Thai Odyssey’s Ultimate Thai Odyssey package (from RM428, ~S$126.67).

Massage at Thai Odyssey
Image credit: Thai Odyssey

It’s a 3-hour long retreat in their luxurious signature treatment suite, and you’ll be pampered with milk baths, a full body exfoliation, and concludes with an aromatherapy massage that leaves the skin feeling supple and smooth.

Siam Oasis @ Johor Bahru City Square
Google Reviews
4
(124)
Address
City Square, Lot MF-21 Innercity Level 3, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information
Thai Odyssey @ JB City Square
Google Reviews
4.1
(231)
Address
MF-20, Innercity Level 3, Johor Bahru City Square, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

8. Daruma


Gachapon heaven featuring characters from Pokémon, Sanrio, & Winnie the Pooh


Daruma Exterior - Johor Bahru City Square

If you have a penchant for cute collectibles and trinkets, then Daruma (Level 4)’s the place to be. It’s a gachapon heaven, with the machines dispensing little balls containing characters from franchises such as Pokémon, Sanrio, Winnie the Pooh.

Photo spot & giant gachapon at Daruma

There’s even an oversized gachapon machine at the back which features adorable capybara plushies, as well as a photo spot with a bear mascot smack dab in the middle of the store. However, we found that the prices for these gachapon machines to be on the steeper side.

You’ll have to pay for each spin with tokens which can be exchanged for ringgit at a machine found near the store’s entrance at a rate of 1 token = RM5. 1 spin for the machines found here cost around 4-6 tokens, do the math and you’ll be forking out at least RM20/spin (~S$5.96).

Address: Level 4, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Daruma Facebook


– Where to eat & shop –

9. BIG Pharmacy & CARiNG Pharmacy


Stock up on medical supplies for cheap


Shopping for medicine

Pro tip: you’ll be able to stock up on medical supplies for a fraction of the price if you do your shopping in Malaysia. As such, many Singaporeans flock over to JB for massive savings whenever their medicine cupboard is looking a lil’ sparse.

BIG Pharmacy exterior - Johor Bahru City Square

BIG Pharmacy (Lot M2-03) and CARiNG Pharmacy (Lot M2-18, 19, 20 & 21) are two of the Malaysian-brand pharmacies where you can score big discounts on medical supplies, mostly thanks to the exchange rate and the lower cost of medicine in Malaysia.

Antihistamines

Products that are flying off the shelves include the various types of Panadol, such as Panadol ActiFast (RM15/20 caplets, ~S$4.45), along with antihistamines like Clarityne (RM150/100 caplets, ~S$44.50) and Zyrtec (RM65/50 caplets, ~S$19.28).

Skin moisturiser

You can also snag essentials like this huge 473ml bottle of CeraVe Moisturising Lotion for only RM128 (~S$37.98). For those who have to deal with wearing contacts on the daily, Refresh Plus Eyedrops are also aplenty, and will cost you a mere RM35.20 (~S$10.44) for 30 single-use containers.

BIG Pharmacy City Square Johor Bahru
Google Reviews
4
(71)
Address
M2-02 & M2-03, Level 2 03, Shopping Centre, Johor Bahru City Square, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information
CARiNG Pharmacy JB City Square, Johor Bahru
Google Reviews
4.3
(69)
Address
Lot M2-18,19,20,21, Level 2, Johor Bahru City Square, No. 106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

10. Avery Day


Camping-themed mini-mart with exotic snacks


Variety of snacks at Avery Day - Johor Bahru City Square

Avery Day (Lot J1-09B & J1-09C) needs no introduction if you’re a JB regular. Similar to its Santorini-themed outlet right opposite KSL City Mall, the one in Johor Bahru City Square also stocks exotic snacks flown in from Korea and Japan that you can’t find at your run-of-the-mill mini-mart. We sussed out tasty-looking bites like Nongshim Bakery Bread Snack (RM12.90, ~S$3.81) and Yamazaki Aerial Chips (RM11.90, ~S$3.52).

Food at Avery Day

Avery Day also sells freshly-cooked food; these can be ordered at the checkout area. On the menu are piping hot servings of Cross Fries (RM6.90, ~S$2.04), Mozzarella Cheese Corn Dogs (RM11.90, ~S$3.52), and even Buffalo Wings (RM14.80/4 pieces, ~S$4.38) and Hot Dog Buns (from RM11.90, ~S$3.52).

Camping-themed eating area in Avery Day
There’s even a whole section dedicated to POP MART figures and other blind box paraphernalia beside the seating area.

You don’t even have to venture too far to look for seats should you want to devour your food immediately. Take a breather at their campsite-like seating area, complete with a tent and foldable chairs. If those are already all occupied, there’s even more seating available right outside the store.

Avery Day
Google Reviews
3
(16)
Address
106, 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings

11. FamilyMart


Famous Japanese convenience store selling fuss-free meals & bread


FamilyMart exterior - Johor Bahru City Square

Should Avery Day’s offerings not suffice, there’s still FamilyMart (Lot J2-18) to satiate your voracious appetite. In case you didn’t know, our Malaysia neighbours are lucky enough to play host to Japan’s second largest convenience store chain, so we don’t have to catch a flight to gobble down FamilyMart’s famed comfort food.

Mochi puffs at FamilyMart

Their shelves are fully stocked with Japanese goodies, such as these Hokkaido Melon (RM5.50, ~S$1.63) and Parmesan Mochi Puffs (RM5.90, ~S$1.74), while coffee addicts can pick up cups of Samyang Cafe Latte for RM8.70 (~S$2.57).

Bakery section at FamilyMart

There’s also a dedicated bakery section with bread that’s freshly baked daily to pair with your morning cup of kopi-o. These fluffy creations include RM3.90 (~S$ 1.15) packets of Melon Pan, Marble Butter Slice Cake, and Hakuto Peach Pan.

Oden at FamilyMart
Image credit: @familymartmy via Instagram

If you’re sporting a bottomless stomach, don’t miss out on their famed Oden, AKA a one-pot meal. Choose between their Original or Tom Yum broth (RM2, ~S$0.59) to slurp on, alongside RM2 (~S$0.59) skewers of Fish cake, Tamagoyaki, and even Mala Chicken Balls.

FamilyMart JB City Square
Google Reviews
2.6
(63)
Address
Lot J2-18 Level 02, Johor Bahru City Square, 106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 09:00 AM - 11:00 PM Show More Timings

12. AK Noodles House


Up to 10 types of noodles to choose from, including spinach noodles


AK Noodles House exterior - Johor Bahru City Square

For something more substantial, plan for lunch or dinner at AK Noodles House (Lot J2-12). Like its name suggests, It’s a no-frills restaurant that whips up hearty bowls of noodles to warm your belly. They’ve got all kinds of noodle-based dishes like Curry Laksa (RM15.50, ~S$4.59), as well as Fish & Yong Tau Fu Rice (RM18.90, ~S$5.60).

Curry Laksa at AK Noodles House
Image credit: AK Noodles House

Should you be spoilt for choice, go for their classic Noodle Soup (from RM14.50, ~S$4.30) You’ll be able to customise your meal by choosing your type of noodle, of which there are 8 to consider, including an interesting Spinach Noodle for the more health conscious. Customers can also dabao packs of the restaurant’s Signature Curry Laksa Instant Noodles for RM25.30/4 packs (~S$7.50).

AK Noodles House – City Square
Google Reviews
3.9
(164)
Address
Lot J2-12, Level 2, Johor Bahru City Square, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

13. Kimdo BBQ


Tasty grilled skewers from just RM2.50/stick


Kimdo BBQ exterior - Johor Bahru City Square

Stuffing yourself with lok lok is a must whenever you’re in Malaysia, so make a beeline for Kimdo BBQ (Lot J3-19B). However, you’ll find that they grill their bites instead of frying them, so feel free to gorge on their skewers without fear of putting on too many extra pounds.

Kimdo BBQ skewers

Take your pick; up for grabs are inviting skewers of Hokkaido Scallops (RM8, ~S$2.37), Shiitake Mushrooms (RM3.50, ~S$1.03), Chicken Wings (RM3, ~S$0.88), and their best selling Local Fresh Squid (RM16/100g, ~S$4.74).

KIMDO BBQ (City Square)
Google Reviews
4.3
(78)
Address
J3 (Level 3, 19B, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

14. Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul


Cool down with Penang’s most famous bowl of Chendol


Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul - Johor Bahru City Square

For dessert, cool down with a bowl of refreshing chendol at Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul (Lot MF-19A). You don’t have to think hard at all when it comes to ordering here; simply grab a bowl of their beloved Signature Chendul (RM8.40, ~S$2.49).

Signature Chendul
Image credit: @ray_lin0304 via Instagram

The mix of shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and green rice flour jelly is heavenly on a sweltering hot day. They also sell icy cold servings Ice Kacang (RM8.40, ~S$2.49) here, alongside other Penang delicacies like Penang White Curry Mee (RM15.80, ~S$4.68).

Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
Google Reviews
3.7
(146)
Address
Lot No MF-19A Level 3 JB City Square 106, 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

15. DE FIGURELAB


Authentic Japanese figures & blind box haven


DE FIGURELAB exterior - Johor Bahru City Square

Don’t let the POP MART fanatics find this one; DE FIGURELAB (Lot J5-22) is a hobby store which stocks anime-related goods, as well as a healthy stockpile of blind boxes. Honestly, the store can double as a mini museum, as it has all sorts of products on display, from 10cm-tall POP MART figures to huge statuettes that can fetch hundreds of dollars.

Blind box & acrylic stands

We spotted assorted acrylic stands of various anime characters going for RM18 (~S$5.33) a piece, as well as adorable Sanrio blind boxes priced at RM42.80 (~S$12.69).

Anime figures

There were also larger scale figurines such as this one of Itachi from Naruto, which will set you back RM408 (~S$121.03).

DE Figurelab City Square
Google Reviews
4.7
(7)
Address
108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings

Plan a shopping spree at Johor Bahru City Square Mall

Fun fact: we clocked in well over 7,000 steps while exploring Johor Bahru City Square, so fervent shoppaholics are sure to have a field day roaming the mall’s expansive premises. Once you take the favourable exchange rate into consideration, it’s easy to see why this haunt draws masses hailing from the Little Red Dot.

For more things to do in JB, Mount Austin is further inland with a slew of cafes to spend your afternoons at. Those looking for a bougie getaway across the border can consider the Sentosa-like Puteri Harbour, but if malls are your one true calling, Toppen Shopping Centre will be right up your alley.

Johor Bahru City Square
Google Reviews
4.3
(19,802)
Address
106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

If you’re looking for more places to explore in JB, join our Telegram channel, JB Weekend Plans, and you’ll be kept up to date on the latest happenings.


Photography by Lee Pei Yee.
Last updated 8th August 2024.