KSL City Mall in Johor Bahru
Known for its affordable prices, KSL City Mall has been one of Singaporeans’ top picks for malls to shop at in JB. With KSL Hotel & Resort and KSL Hot Spring Resort right above the shopping complex, proximity to many restaurants and spas, as well as being 15 minutes’ drive from the Causeway, it’s an easy JB first-timer’s must-go spot.
Besides food and shopping, KSL is the go-to mall for pampering ourselves with massages and beauty services, including affordable hair dyes and treatments. We took on the challenge to navigate the complicated floor names so we can give you the lowdown on what to do at KSL City Mall.
More malls in Malaysia for you to shop till you drop:
Table of Contents
– Things for families to do at KSL City Mall –
1. Dinosaurs Alive Water Theme Park
Water park with dino statues
Image credit: Wilson Wijaya via Google Maps
KSL City Mall and KSL Hotel & Resort are 2 buildings that are joined at the hip. Tourists who prefer to reside in central JB can book a stay in the hotel and enjoy facilities such as the pool and gym. – Parents with kids – or the young at heart – can head over to the Dinosaurs Alive Water Theme Park on the 7th floor of the hotel for some fun family bonding while combating the sweltering heat.
The dino-themed water park is where our Jurassic World dreams come to life, with huge dinosaur statues all around the pools. Kids, big and small, are definitely going to rush in for a splashin’ good time. Lowkey, the water park did remind us of our own Wild Wild Wet, save for the dinos towering over us.
We’re in luck because the pool isn’t exclusive for hotel guests’ use; the public is welcome to join in on the fun. Rest assured that, for visitors like us, there are shower cubicles in the water park to wash up after.
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2. I’m A Singer Family Karaoke
KTV bar open till 3am daily
Be it serenading your Lover à la Taylor Swift or belting out breakup songs by Eric Chou, there’s only one acceptable place – other than the shower – to unleash our vocal prowess: at a karaoke. The rooms at I’m A Singer allow you to host your karaoke parties from RM40/hour (~S$11.40), and they’re open till 3am daily.
Image credit: I Am A Singer via Facebook
The iconic KTV lounge comes with cushy chairs in cosy rooms doused in neon hues, creating the best atmosphere for channelling your inner Beyonce. Those who need a dose of liquid courage can go for their Package B (From RM130/2 hours, ~S$37.04) which comes with 4 bottles of Carlsberg and some snacks.
Check out our guide on the best karaoke studios in JB.
– Beauty & hair treatments at KSL City Mall –
3. Studio M
Refresh your locks for “new hair, new you”
Another KSL hot pick is its hair salons. Amidst the sea of hair steamers and cushy chairs, one salon stands out. Take a look at their social media pages and Google reviews and you’ll see that Studio M has consistently received high praise from customers – whether new or regular.
Image credit: Studio M
Those who want to refresh their locks can pay a visit to the salon on Level G, AKA the ground floor. Haircut and wash services start from RM80 (~S$22.78) for men and RM90 (~S$25.63) for ladies. To add a bit more drama to your makeover, get your hair coloured from RM180 (~S$51.26).
Digital perms and rebonding (from RM348, ~S$99.09) are one of the salon’s more popular services requested by customers. On top of these treatments being half the cost of Singapore’s rates, the stylists will later offer care tips so your hair remains healthy while retaining its brand new look.
For scalp issues, try the Oway Italy Organic Scalp Treatment (RM228 ($64.95) for men and RM298 ($84.89) for ladies, which caters to each hair type according to their scalp concerns.
4. X Pro Hair & Nail Salon
Get your hair & nails done at 1 stop
Pampering yourself doesn’t have to be a costly affair – especially so when you’re in JB. Nail salons are aplenty in KSL City Mall.
Both ladies and gentlemen are welcome to get a mani-pedi and give their hands and feet the care they deserve. For a cute backdrop to snap post-mani pics against, check out salons such as X PRO that have cute artificial blooms and pastel watercolour wallpaper respectively.
Classic manicure and pedicure packages are from RM150 ($42.69) and RM120 for the lads. Alternatively, they can also go for the Express mani or pedi services (from RM96, ~$27.32).
Check out our guide on the best nail salons in JB.
5. Shunji. N Hair & Nail Salon
Popular for hair colouring
While exploring the mall, we passed by ShunJi.N Salon, which was fully packed with customers who were either getting their hair or nails done. With prices starting from RM88 (~S$24.91)for a hair colouring service and RM58 (~S$16.42) for a Classic Mani Pedi, it’s highly attractive for those wanting to get pampered while on a budget.
6. I Be Own Nail & Beauty
>4,700 reviews on Google with average rating of 4.9 stars
Image adapted from: chloe py and Phoebe Lim via Google Maps
I Be Own Nail & Beauty has outlets on nearly every floor of the mall. They’re highly raved about on Google, averaging about 4.9 stars over more than 4,700 reviews. The salon is noted for detailed and accurate work, especially when recreating designs. Their nail techs are said to also be friendly and helpful in recommending services without any hard selling.
Beyond nail services (from RM80, ~S$22.73 for a gel mani), they also offer Keratin lash lifts (RM98, ~S$27.83), along with gentle and painless Aqua Facials (RM138, ~S$39.20).
7. Thong Thai Traditional Thai Massage
Free-flow refreshments
Image credit: Thong Thai Traditional Thai Massage Ksl via Google Maps
Thong Thai Traditional Thai Massage offers affordable massages in KSL City Mall. You can unwind and get rid of any muscle knots in your body with a Traditional Thai Massage for just RM88/hour (~S$24.98).
However, if you’ve got a packed schedule, you can also opt for the 30-minute foot massage for as low as RM38 (~S$10.79) or the head and shoulders massage for RM50/30 mins (~S$14.20).
Image credit: zeppe linz via Google Maps
They even have a free-flow snack and drink bar along with a freezer filled with ice cream for you to enjoy after your massage session.
8. Supreme Wellness Centre
2-in-1 massage & nail parlour in KSL City Mall
Image credit: Vinz Beans via Google Maps
Supreme Wellness Centre is a 2-in-1 parlour that has both massage and nail services, meaning couples or friend groups won’t need to split up for different appointments.
Their massage combinations allow you to pair either an aromatherapy (RM128/90 mins, ~S$36.30) or a traditional Thai massage (RM118/90 mins, ~S$33.46) with a foot massage for a reasonable price. Oh, and if your trip is on a weekday, you can enjoy their ongoing weekday promo and get a free 15-minute massage of your choice.
Image credit: @peeseelaa via lemon8
As for nails, their classic mani-pedis are priced from RM125 (~S$35.45), so you can get your nails trimmed and styled while your partner waits for you while getting a much-needed massage.
– Entertainment & shopping at KSL City Mall –
9. Daiso
Prices from RM5.90
With prices starting from as low as RM5.90 ($1.66) at Daiso Malaysia, it’s no surprise that Singaporeans are crossing the borders to stock up on Daiso goodies.
Those familiar with Daiso in Singapore can expect to find the same sorts of thingamabobs at the KSL outlet as well. Item categories range from home decor such as potpourri to beauty products such as heatless hair curlers. Best to grab a basket as you probably won’t hesitate to freely pick items off the racks to take home.
10. Superstar
Claw machines & pastel pink photo ops
Taking the pink aesthetic to the next level is Superstar, a claw machine haven. The token-to-ringgit exchange rate here is 1:1, so RM1 (~S$0.28) gives you one shot at grabbing soft toys such as Doraemon or Stitch for bae. Larger prizes such as a White Rabbit Sweet cushion require 2 tokens in order to attempt a catch.
Besides testing your luck to snag cute plushies for a souvenir, snap some photos with an adorable pink version of Choco, the female bear character from LINE.
Tip: The mall doesn’t have many seating areas, so the baby pink bench here does double work for shoppers to rest their weary legs too. But it’s fastest bums first, as there’s only space for 1 at a time.
Located at: L1-093, Level 1
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
11. Golden Screen Cinemas
Catch the latest flicks from ~S$3.42
Film buffs wanting to watch the latest flicks can head over to Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) to do just that. International and local titles cost from RM12/ticket (~S$3.42) for weekday matinees. Meanwhile, prices can start from RM17 (~S$4.85) for those who prefer watching their movies at night.
Tickets can be purchased either online via GSC’s website or on-site at the kiosks, where you can also choose snack add-ons to munch on during the movie.
12. 68°C Optic
Spectacle frames from RM68 (~S$19.35)
Frequent patrons of KSL City Mall might remember 68°C Optic, an optical shop with rows upon rows of spectacle frames displayed at the Lower Ground atrium. For newbies, this is where many have picked up their trendy frames without exorbitant price tags.
The numerous shelves carry spectacle frames in 2 price categories: RM68 (~S$19.35) and RM98 (~S$27.83). Know that you’re getting a good deal here because the price also includes lenses of up to 600 degrees for both the short- or far-sighted, as well as astigmatism prescriptions of up to -200 degrees.
If you’re unsure of your prescription, pop in for a free eye check before purchasing a new pair of glasses. The best part is that your brand new spectacles will be ready in 1 hour, so you can continue shopping or going for a pamper sesh before coming back to the shop for collection.
– Bonus: attractions near KSL City Mall –
13. Avery-Day
Santorini-inspired convenience store
Image credit: Avery-Day via Google Maps
Conveniently located just across the street from KSL Hotel & Resort is Avery-Day, a convenience store that’s known for its Satorini-inspired aesthetic. It features bright blue brollies on its rooftop seating area and fairy lights wrapped around a spiral staircase so you can get your camera ready to get your IG-worthy shots.
Besides the blue-white colour scheme, Avery-Day has tons of Japanese goods on its shelves that aren’t easily found anywhere else in JB.
More than a place for snacks and drinks, they’ve also got Japanese makeup and ready-meals too. Keep an eye out for occasional promos as well, as we managed to snag a bottle of Nonde Oishii Vanilla Soft – a creamy vanilla-flavoured milk drink – for only RM1 (~S$0.29).
The convenience store has in-house bakes too such as cheesecakes and tarts.
Image credit: 小虫WeiXiang via Google Maps
Dessert lovers will also enjoy their selection of sweets to choose from. Otherwise, you can peruse their hot food menu and try their Signature Honey Mustard hot dogs for something more savoury and filling.
14. K Fry Urban Korean
Authentic Korean fried chicken resto
A 5-minute stroll from KSL City Mall brings you to Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre. Here’s where you’ll find popular Korean resto, K Fry Urban Korean. They specialise in authentic Korean fare such as pajeon (Korean pancakes), jjigae (soup), and tteokbokki (rice cakes).
The staff will stretch the mozzarella cheese over the hot plate before wrapping each individual chicken piece for you.
One of their must-tries has to be the Original Cheesy Mini Fried Chicken Bumbuk (RM31.90, ~S$21.65). It comes with 6 pieces of K Fry’s signature boneless chicken thighs and a hot plate of mozzarella cheese. Whip out your phones for this IG-worthy moment where the staff stretches the cheese into a gooey ribbon, before wrapping the crispy chicken bites.
You can even sabo your friends who have a birthday – upcoming or belated – by making a request to the staff. Get ready as the entire crew will pull out a giant banner along with a birthday bingsu, all while belting out Happy Birthday.
Address: 260 Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11am-11pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-266 0902 | K Fry Urban Korean website
15. Pasar malam at Taman Century
Streetside night market
Image credit: Cheng Yee Lim via Google Maps
Pasar malams, or night markets, are a common sight in Malaysia. Right outside of KSL City Mall, along Taman Century, is where you’ll find one such pasar malam that only sets up shop on Monday nights. You’ll have to plan your itinerary right if you’re thinking of visiting.
Find a variety of street snacks and fresh fruit such as dim sum and pomegranate.
Image adapted from: @alps0144 via Instagram
Also known as the KSL Monday Night Market, the shopping and eating continues past your mall adventure as you get to gorge on Malaysian street food such as deep-fried seafood, Penang laksa, and stinky tofu.
Address: 76 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon 5pm-10pm (Closed Tuesdays to Sundays)
16. Soon Soon Heng Ba Ku Teh
Malaysian-style ba ku teh
Image credit: Chris T via Google Maps
It’s not a trip to JB without visiting Soon Soon Heng Ba Ku Teh at least once throughout your vacay. Located just across KSL City Mall’s basement exit, this bak kut teh store is known for its generous amount of ingredients and rich herbal-flavoured soup.
One portion is priced from RM15 (~S$4.25). You also can pick from a large variety of toppings, such as meatballs, pacific clams, beancurd skin, and mushrooms, for an additional cost.
Address: 43, Jalan Serigala, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9am-7pm, Daily
Is there free parking at KSL?
Guests at KSL Hot Spring Resort can take advantage of complimentary parking. Otherwise, if you’re opting for mall parking, it’s RM2 (~S$0.57) for your first 3 hours from Mondays to Thursday, and RM2 (~S$0.57) for every subsequent hour. On all other days including public holidays, it’s a flat RM2 (~S$0.57)/hour.
What hotels are near KSL City Mall?
KSL City Mall is directly attached to KSL Hotel & Resort if all you’re looking for is a short stay with a couple of friends or family. For longer stays, KSL D’esplanade Residence @ R9 HomeStay is a serviced apartment just above the mall that comes complete with a working kitchen.
Those crossing the causeway by car might prefer Glex Hotel Signature JB, which is just a 5-minute drive away from the mall.
Visit KSL City Mall in JB
We’ve done the legwork and combed through KSL City Mall to see what’s new with familiar favourites as well as suss out new openings. Inside and out, the mall is chock-full of things to do, making it worthwhile to include in the itinerary for your next trip to JB.
Find out more about KSL City Mall here
Address: 33 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-288 2888
Cover adapted from: I Am A Singer via Facebook and Avery-Day via Google Maps
Photography by Alvin Wong.
Originally published on 25th May 2022. Last updated by Mae-Z Fam on 1st March 2024.