2D1N luxury JB itinerary
When it comes to cross-border trips, there’s honestly only so many times we can hit up the same ol’ cafes in JB, and shopping sprees at JB City Square get stale pretty quickly. But, you know us Singaporeans; dangle the prospect of getting the most out of every Singapore dollar, and you can most definitely consider us hooked.
As such, here’s a quick 2D1N luxury JB itinerary to really take advantage of the favourable exchange rate. Swap your wonted cafe dates with fine dining experiences and ditch that shady massage parlour for private onsen baths; your bank balance will thank you for taking this indulgent spending across the causeway.
Table of Contents
- 2D1N luxury JB itinerary
- – Day 1 –
- 9.30am – Leave Singapore
- 10.30am – Seven Oaks Bakery Cafe
- 12.30pm – Aurum Theatre Mid Valley Southkey
- 3pm – 38°C Onsen Spa
- 6.30pm – Tosca Italian Tratorria
- 8.30pm – Rectangle The Garden
- 11.30pm – Dooga Ins Coco Chanel House
- – Day 2-
- 10am – Johor Premium Outlets
- 12.30PM – Binchotan
- 3PM – Head back to Singapore
- Have a go at this 2D1N luxury JB itinerary
– Day 1 –
9.30am – Leave Singapore
Board the speedy KTM train
Instead of ploughing through a speedy 1-day JB itinerary, we’ve got a little more time to spare since we’re scheduled to spend 2 days here instead. So, board the second KTM train of the day which departs from JB Sentral at 9.45am. It’s arguably one of the most convenient ways of entering JB from Singapore, as tickets cost RM16.65 (~S$5.07), and the train ride is just a mere 5-minute long.
However, do plan your journey ahead of time, and by that, we mean way in advance. Tickets for the KTM train, especially those for weekend morning trips, sell out like hotcakes. For a chance of snagging one, the KTM website releases tickets 6 months in advance, on the 30th of each month; set an alarm and check in then if you can’t find any up for grabs.
10.30am – Seven Oaks Bakery Cafe
Palace-like cafe with yummy brunch staples & filling mains
Image credit: Matthew Lee via Google Maps
Majestically standing out among the row of shophouses along Jalan Serampan just 10 minutes from the JB checkpoint is Seven Oaks Bakery Cafe. Designed to look like a grand palace with its gilded details, this massive 3-storey cafe is just the spot to have a boujee brunch befitting royalty, without footing a jaw-dropping bill.
Image credit: Matthew Lee via Google Maps
The inside of the cafe also matches its regal exterior, sporting sparkly chandeliers, elevated dining booths for a bit of privacy, and even a grand piano – a telltale inclusion to every fancy establishment out there.
Image credit: @itsqueeniee via Instagram
Once you’re done marvelling at the decor, must-trys at Seven Oaks Bakery Cafe include their sinful Chick N’ Waffle (RM30, ~S$9.14), which pairs juicy chicken cutlets smothered in salted egg sauce with fluffy Belgian waffles. If you’re absolutely ravenous, there are hefty mains to fill up your belly too, like local delights such as Ayam Geprek (RM22, ~S$6.70) and Chilli Pan Mee (RM20, ~S$6.07).
Then, perk yourself up for the day ahead with their wide selection of delightful brews, ranging from tall glasses of Matcha-infused drinks (RM14, ~S$4.17) to bottles of wonderfully flavoured, homemade kombucha (RM16, ~S$4.88).
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12.30pm – Aurum Theatre Mid Valley Southkey
Fancy cinema experience with beds in theatre halls
Image credit: Matthew Chia via Google Maps
If you’re one to enjoy a good nua-ing sesh right after a hearty meal, prepare to get cosy in Aurum Theatre’s seats – or should we say, beds. Located in The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, you’ll be able to catch the latest blockbusters from the comfort of literal beds in this upscale theatre, as their Getha Lux Suite halls come equipped with 10 pairs of them for you to lounge in.
Image credit: @x0jasmine0x via Instagram
Tickets cost RM160/pax (~S$48.77), and apart from making yourself comfortable with the plush pillows and blankets provided, your seats can also recline in a variety of positions, making for an unparalleled viewing experience. Should you require a replenish of your movie snacks, simply hit the service button on your seat tray to call for an attendant.
Image credit: @tokyo__eats via Instagram
Speaking of food, you can get some nosh before or after your flicks too, by making a beeline for the on-site Jin Gastrobar. Besides, your tickets come with a complimentary set meal, and the bar also has mains (from RM48, ~S$14.63) like Steamed Baramundi and Chargrilled Chicken, along with tipples such as cocktails (RM69/2 glasses, ~S$21.03) to go with post-movie chatter.
3pm – 38°C Onsen Spa
Private onsen baths with kimono rentals for cute photoshoots
After laying comatose in your snug beds for a bit at Aurum Theatre, get your blood circulation going with a visit to 38°C Onsen Spa.
Image credit: @xccarmennx via Instagram
They’ve got 2 outlets in the vicinity but whichever one you opt for, your session won’t differ too much. A 2.5 hour spa package costs RM398/pax (~S$121.40), or RM599 (~S$182.71) for 2 pax; expect to get pampered with a 15-minute footbath, followed by a 45-minute soak in their private onsen baths, and finally an hour-long full body massage.
Image adapted from: @its.anne.with.an.e via Instagram
Another highlight of 38°C Onsen Spa is their kimono rental and photo-taking session which is provided with every spa package, FOC. There are a couple of nooks within the spa to serve as convincing backdrops, and coupled with the props and costumes provided, we wouldn’t blame your IG following for thinking that you’ve jetted off to Japan.
6.30pm – Tosca Italian Tratorria
Italian fine dining, 5-course meal for RM399
Image credit: DoubleTree by Hilton (Johor Bahru) via Facebook
Now that your stress knots have been kneaded out and your skin left supple, it’s time for dinner. Although the local nosh is undoubtedly delicious, we’re taking a culinary detour to indulge in a taste of Bel Paese at Tosca Italian Trattoria, a fine dining restaurant in Double Tree by Hilton Johor Bahru.
Image adapted from: Seven Rooms
Their ala carte menu is filled with quintessential Italian fare, and they’ve got a few dinner packages as well; one in particular that’s worth dining in for is their Celebrate Love at Tosca dinner package. The 5-course meal starts from RM399/2 pax (~S$121.21), and even comes with tasteful table decoration that’s bound to get lovebirds all worked up, for the sumptuous meal ahead, that is.
Image adapted from: Eat. Drink. Hilton
Without further ado, whet your appetite with a bowl of spicy seafood soup, and those with a penchant for meat can look forward to the menu’s maple glazed duck breast. Then, nibble on a sweet treat in the form of a Chocolate Truffle Torte, and for special occasions, pop open an additional bottle of house wine for RM150 (~S$45.57) to close out the night.
8.30pm – Rectangle The Garden
Resort-themed KTV with rooms that fit up to 10 pax
Image credit: Tai Carol via RED
For those with still some gas in the tank after dinner, head on over to Rectangle The Garden to while the night away while crooning to hit after hit. It’s a swanky, resort-themed karaoke joint that pulls no punches when it comes to providing probably the most lavish KTV experience in all of JB.
Image credit: Tai Carol via RED
Rectangle The Garden only has 7 KTV rooms and every one of them exude a sense of exclusivity with their stylish decor, from the posh sofas to the fluted wooden walls. They’re pretty roomy too; for RM300/3 hours, you can rent a room that comfortably fits up to 10 pax for a posh karaoke session.
By the way, each room comes with its own toilet, so if you really want to, there’s nothing stopping you from keeping up with the lyrics when you’re doing your business. There’s also a wide range of finger food to fuel your night in case you get peckish mid-ballad, and they’ve even got bottle service available when you need to crack open some liquid courage to get the vocals going.
11.30pm – Dooga Ins Coco Chanel House
Classy monochrome apartment with sea-facing balcony
Image credit: Airbnb
When it’s time to hit the sack, staying the night at Airbnbs in JB is the way to go when you’re planning a trip on a budget, but that doesn’t mean you have to hole yourself up in a shoddy 1-roomer. As such, book a stay at Dooga Ins Coco Chanel House (RM385/night, ~S$166.94), an apartment nestled in the sky overlooking the beautiful Danga Bay.
Image adapted from: Airbnb
Perched 17 stories above ground, this upscale 2-bed 2-bath Airbnb takes on a sleek monochrome theme, as inspired by the legendary Coco Chanel’s prominent use of black and white in her designs. Furniture, arches, and window frames all contribute to the cohesive theme, making every corner of this temporary abode IG-worthy.
If you gave Rectangle The Garden a miss in favour of checking in earlier, you’ll have some time to check out the nearby Danga Bay Theme Park, or take a leisurely stroll along the beach to feel the ocean breeze in your hair.
Book a stay at Dooga Ins Coco Chanel House.
– Day 2-
10am – Johor Premium Outlets
Shop from over 150 outlet stores with luxury brands like Gucci & Fendi
Shoppaholics, don’t worry, we’ve still got you covered. Whether you’re on the prowl for your next It Bag or looking for some new threads to fill your wardrobe, Johor Premium Outlets is the place to be, especially if you have a penchant for name brands.
Apart from stores you’d typically find in malls like Cotton On, G2000, and Skechers, they’re mostly known for housing some of fashion’s biggest brands – think Gucci, Balenciaga, Fendi, and Bottega Veneta. What’s more, you’ll be able to cop your coveted grails at lower prices at JPO stores too; check out JPO’s website to know which brands are slashing their prices before you head down.
Image credit: Causeway Link
If you’d like to head home right after your shopping spree, there are also direct Causeway Link buses that’ll take you from JPO’s doorsteps straight to CIQ 1st Link which is near Woodlands or CIQ 2nd Link near Tuas.
12.30PM – Binchotan
Lunch omakase from RM268 just 13 minutes from JB customs
Image credit: @binchotanjb via Instagram
Finally, we’re ending our short stay in JB on a delectable note with another sumptuous number. This time, we’re opting for an intimate meal over at Binchotan Johor Bahru, an establishment that prides itself on their decadent omakase dining experiences.
While these can cost upwards of S$150, Binchotan’s lunch Yama Omakase set starts from RM268 (~S$81.70). Pricey, yes, but judging from the restaurant’s 4.8 star rating on Google, many have deemed it to be worth every penny,
Image adapted from: @binchotanjb via Instagram
Expect your tastebuds to be tantalised with a serving of zensai, which is an assortment of flavour-filled appetisers, before biting into fresh, seasonal sashimi, generously-filled handrolls, and a steaming serving of chawanmushi. Customers also get to dine in peace and seclusion as the restaurant only seats up to 12 pax at any given time, so it’d be wise to make your reservations beforehand.
3PM – Head back to Singapore
Board the CW bus from CIQ 1st Link to Woodlands Checkpoint
We’re leaving JB on a full stomach, and our mode of transport back to Singapore will be the Causeway Link bus. Taking the CW buses is simple; just follow our CW bus guide on how to board their trusty yellow buses to get you over the border.
Rides from JB CIQ to Woodlands Checkpoint cost just RM2, or around S$0.61, and bus rides shouldn’t exceed 10 minutes since we’re heading back in the middle of the day to avoid the evening jams. Afterwards, clearing customs on Singapore soil should be a breeze, and you’ll be left with plenty of time to head home to unpack and rest.
Have a go at this 2D1N luxury JB itinerary
And there you have it, a quick, yet luxurious way to shake up your weekend JB trips. From atas movie screenings to affordable fine dining, it’s nice to know that we can dabble in the high life for much less than what we’d be willing to cough up here on the Little Red Dot, by simply heading to our neighbours.
For more things to do in JB:
Cover image adapted from: