9 Things To Do In Johor Bahru City Square Mall – Thai Massage, 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.

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

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.

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.

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 traditional Thai massages, gachapon machines, and also 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.

FYI: Johor Bahru City Square Mall is currently undergoing a renovation to add more stores and expand its shopping footprint. This doesn’t mean that the mall is closed though; many stores are still up and running as the upgrading will be done in stages. The target is Q4 2027 for the final touches to be put in place.

– What to do at JB City Square Mall –

1. REDS Hairdressing

Affordable haircuts, perms & colouring

Image 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$46.75) onwards, and hair colouring to start from RM138 (~S$43.59).

Image 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 this hair salon in JB City Square Mall, so you can let their stylists know which look you’d like to emulate on your visit.

2. Siam Oasis & Thai Odyssey

Relaxing traditional Thai massage parlours at JB City Square Mall

These 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$19.90), while Thai Odyssey charges RM70 (~S$22.12). Both parlours also offer full body massages, but if you’ve got the time, indulge in Thai Odyssey’s Ultimate Thai Odyssey package (from RM469, ~S$148.19).

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.

– What to eat & shop at JB City Square Mall –

3. BIG Pharmacy & CARiNG Pharmacy

Stock up on medical supplies for cheap

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 (Lot M2-02 & 03) and CARiNG Pharmacy (Lot M2-18, 19, 20 & 21) are 2 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.

Products that are flying off the shelves include the various types of Panadol, such as Panadol ActiFast (RM15/20 caplets, ~S$4.73), along with antihistamines like Clarityne (RM150/100 caplets, ~S$47.29) and Zyrtec (RM65/50 caplets, ~S$20.46).

You can also snag essentials like this huge 473ml bottle of CeraVe Moisturising Lotion for only RM128.90 (~S$40.64). For those who have to deal with wearing contacts on the daily, Refresh Plus Eyedrops are also aplenty, and will cost you a mere RM35.90 (~S$11.32) for 30 single-use containers.

4. Avery-Day

Camping-themed mini-mart with exotic snacks

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$4.07) and Yamazaki Aerial Chips (RM11.90, ~S$3.75).

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$2.18), Mozzarella Cheese Corn Dogs (RM11.90, ~S$3.75), and even Buffalo Wings (RM14.80/4 pieces, ~S$4.67) and Hot Dog Buns (from RM11.90, ~S$3.75).

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

5. FamilyMart

Famous Japanese convenience store selling fuss-free meals & bread

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 Malaysian 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.

Their shelves are fully stocked with Japanese goodies, such as these Hokkaido Melon (RM5.50, ~S$1.73) and Parmesan Mochi Puffs (RM5.90, ~S$1.86), while coffee addicts can pick up cups of Samyang Cafe Latte for RM8.70 (~S$2.74).

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$ 1.23) packets of Melon Pan, Marble Butter Slice Cake, and Hakuto Peach Pan.

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$0.63) to slurp on, alongside RM2 (~S$0.63) skewers of Fish cake, Tamagoyaki, and even Mala Chicken Balls.

6. AK Noodles House

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

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 at Johor Bahru City Square 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$4.89), as well as Fish & Yong Tau Fu Rice (RM18.90, ~S$5.96).

Image credit: AK Noodles House

Should you be spoilt for choice, go for their classic Noodle Soup (from RM14.50, ~S$4.57) 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$7.98).

7. Kimdo BBQ

Tasty grilled skewers from just RM2.50/stick

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.

Take your pick; up for grabs are inviting skewers of Hokkaido Scallops (RM8, ~S$2.52), Shiitake Mushrooms (RM3.50, ~S$1.10), Chicken Wings (RM3, ~S$0.95), and their best-selling Local Fresh Squid (RM16/100g, ~S$5.04).

8. Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul

Cool down with Penang’s most famous bowl of Chendol

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 (RM8.90, ~S$2.81).

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 of Ice Kacang (RM8.90, ~S$2.81) here, alongside other Penang delicacies like Penang White Curry Mee (RM16.90, ~S$5.33).

9. DE FIGURELAB

Authentic Japanese figures & blind box haven

Don’t let the POP MART fanatics find this one; DE FIGURELAB (Lot J5-22) is one of the best shops in JB City Square Mall that 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.

We spotted assorted acrylic stands of various anime characters going for RM18 (~S$5.68) a piece, as well as adorable Sanrio blind boxes priced at RM42.80 (~S$13.50).

There were also larger scale figurines such as this one of Itachi from Naruto, which will set you back RM408 (~S$128.64).

(Temporarily closed) NA Nails City Square

Friendly & experienced nail artists

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$30.95) for a classic gel manicure.

Image 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.

The nail salon is temporarily closed from 1st June 2025, but they have another outlet at Mid Valley Southkey called Say Nails (Lot S-045) that you can pay a visit to for similar quality services. Keep an eye for more details on their reopening in City Square on their Facebook page.

Plan a shopping spree at Johor Bahru City Square Mall

Fun fact: we clocked in well over 5,000 steps while exploring Johor Bahru City Square, so fervent shopaholics 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.

Photography by Lee Pei Yee.