New things to do in Johor in 2024
A Singaporean’s love affair with Johor Bahru is a tale as old as time. Be it grocery shopping in supermarkets in JB, catching the sea breeze at Puteri Harbour or enjoying outdoor activities in JB, it’s safe to say that she holds a special place in our hearts.
But if your same old haunts are starting to feel a little stale, fret not, we’ve got you covered. Here are 11 things to do in Johor in 2024.
Table of Contents
- New things to do in Johor in 2024
- 1. Space & You – Put on a spacesuit in an outer space exhibit
- 2. GT Karting – Late-night karting opposite Toppen Mall
- MST Golf Arena – Golf & football simulations in Toppen Mall
- 4. SingCube – Karaoke rooms shaped like cute huts
- 5. The Little Loop Playground – Children’s playground & thrift store
- 6. Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre – Rock climbing & parkour
- 7. Jaya Grocer – Gigantic supermarket with imported goods galore
- 8. Roller Coast – Zoom around in a neon skating rink
- 9. PLSC Drift – Drift around a neon-lit indoor circuit for $5
- 10. Kidz Republic JBCC – Dinosaur-themed indoor playground
- 11. Chill ‘N Chow Cafe – Play with adorable chow chows
- Check out these new things to do in JB
1. Space & You – Put on a spacesuit in an outer space exhibit
Image credit: @yumikoleng via Instagram
Space themed exhibitions seem to be all the rage these days, with Expo playing host to Space Fest and the ArtScience Museum putting up Mars:The Red Mirror. But if you’d like to visit one during your day trip to JB, you can head over to Space & You, held in Toppen Shopping Centre.
Running from now till 20th March 2024, it boasts various exhibition zones featuring different aspects of space exploration. For example, the Aerospace Popular Science hall sports scale models of spacecraft as well as an astronaut’s survival kit. Alternatively, you can head over to the Realm of Outer Space, which boasts a light projection of outer space.
You can even don a spacesuit and imagine being an astronaut for a day, though with gravity, of course. Tickets for the general exhibition are available from RM58 (~S$16.54), while those inclusive of the Space Suit Experience start from RM70 (~S$19.96).
Address: Toppen Shopping Centre, 33A Jalan Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10.30am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Space & You website
2. GT Karting – Late-night karting opposite Toppen Mall
Image adapted from: cheeboon chuah via Google Maps, GT Karting Entertainment via Facebook
If you’re looking for late night things to do in JB, consider heading over to GT Karting. With prices starting at RM45 (~S$12.88) for 10 minutes, it’s an affordable option if you’re feeling the need for speed. There’s even a competition mode, where racers accumulate points and can win attractive prizes.
Those who prefer getting down and dirty will be glad to know that you can race ATVs and dirt buggies here as well. These start from RM120 (~S$34.34) for a 30 minute jaunt around their dirt track. Alternatively, PS4s are also available, for those who prefer racing virtually in the comfort of an air-conditioned room. 30 minutes of play will set you back RM40 (~S$11.45).
If you’re feeling hungry after crossing the finish line, you’ll be glad to know that Toppen Shopping Centre is conveniently located across the street. Besides the many F&B outlets available, Ikea Tebrau is also handily located here, should you decide to snag some furniture on the way home.
Address: Jalan Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 4pm-2am, Daily
Contact: +60 18-208 0201 | GT Karting Instagram
MST Golf Arena – Golf & football simulations in Toppen Mall
Image credit: @mstgolfarena via Instagram
If swinging irons is more your deal, you’ll be glad to know that MST Golf Arena has just opened in Toppen Shopping Centre.
It boasts more than 20 golf simulators, and you can practise your swings here in air-conditioned comfort, with 55 minute sessions starting at RM60 (~S$17.17). Private suites are available as well, with 55-minute sessions available from RM120 (~S$34.34).
Alternatively, you can try out their football simulators, if a game of footy is more up your alley. Otherwise, you can sit back and watch your friends have a go, all while slurping up dishes such as Oxtail Asam Pedas (RM60, ~S$34.34) or Tom Yum Risotto (RM50, ~S$14.31).
Address: L.3.15, Toppen Shopping Centre, 33A Jalan Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-359 6961 | MST Golf Arena Instagram
4. SingCube – Karaoke rooms shaped like cute huts
Image credit: SingCube
Boasting 2 outlets conveniently located in Paradigm Mall and Permas Jaya Mall, SingCube is one of the newest karaoke studios in Johor Bahru. Rather than featuring standard rooms just like any other KTV studio, theirs are shaped like cute little beach huts, and finished in very Instagrammable pastel colours.
Depending on the size of the room, these can fit anywhere from 2-7 pax, and are available from RM12 (~S$3.42) for 30 minutes.
Paradigm Mall outlet
Address: Lot 2F 33&33A Second Floor Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, Skudai, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60 13-333 8981
Permas Jaya Mall outlet
Address: 77-01, Jalan Permas 10/1, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60 18-668 7771 | SingCube website
5. The Little Loop Playground – Children’s playground & thrift store
Image adapted from: Celine Chai via Google Maps, Little Loop Playground via Google Maps
If you’re looking to pick up some clothes for Junior on the cheap, you can head over to The Little Loop Playground. It’s much like a thrift store for children’s clothes, but it features a ball pit and a carousel where the young ‘uns can play while you browse the racks.
In addition, they even offer seasonal workshops and activities for both parents and children, so you can rest assured that clothes won’t be the only thing you’ll be bringing home. Past runs have included keychain-making and cookie baking workshops. Moreover, the venue’s also available for private bookings, making it a viable option for hosting birthday parties.
Address: 1F-06, Jalan Daya 1, Taman Daya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60 18-766 4367
6. Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre – Rock climbing & parkour
Image credit: hizree fahmee zainal abiddin (Hyzry Famey) via Google Maps
20 minutes away from Woodlands Checkpoint, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre boasts a variety of activities for all.
Mountain bikers can look forward to trailbashing at the mountain bike trail, while those who prefer doing tricks can consider heading over to the BMX pump track or the skate park. There’s even a parkour arena and a rock wall, if freerunning or bouldering are more your kinda thing.
If you’re looking to just watch skaters in action, there’re chill pods available for you to hang out at. Otherwise, you can head over to the Canopy Walk to enjoy a view of the lush greenery surrounding the park.
Address: 21 Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (Susur 4), Taman Imigresen, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 6.30am-9pm, Daily
Contact: Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre Instagram
7. Jaya Grocer – Gigantic supermarket with imported goods galore
Image credit: Eco Galleria at Iskandar Malaysia via Facebook
Stocking a whopping 40,000 products on its shelves, Jaya Grocer Eco Galleria is the supermarket chain’s biggest outlet yet. It’s only a 20-minute drive away from Tuas Checkpoint, so Westies can consider making this a regular stop for cross-border grocery shopping.
On top of the regular groceries that you can expect to find in other supermarkets in JB, it also stocks a large selection of imports. These range from Australian honey (RM29.90, ~S$8.58) to a wide range of Japanese and Korean snacks, some of which are unavailable in Singapore.
Address: C0110 Block C Eko Galleria, 3 Persiaran Eko Botani, Taman Eko Botani, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
8. Roller Coast – Zoom around in a neon skating rink
Image credit: @myy_622 via Instagram
Conveniently located in Eco Palladium mall, Roller Coast eschews conventional white overhead lighting for bright neon signs, perfect for taking aesthetic shots for the ‘Gram.
Unlike other roller skating rinks, Roller Coast uses 4-wheel roller skates instead of the more commonly found inline skates. If they’re not your cup of tea, fret not, you can bring your own skates here too. 2 hours here will set you back RM45 (~S$10), while those wishing to stay longer can rent their skates at RM65 (~S$18.59) for a day.
Address: Eco Palladium, B02-06, Blk B, Jalan Ekoflora 7/1, Pusat Perdagangan Ekoflora, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12pm-12am, Daily
Contact: Roller Coast Facebook
9. PLSC Drift – Drift around a neon-lit indoor circuit for $5
Image credit: @plsc_johor via Instagram
Located in Aeon Mall Bandar Dato Onn, the track at PLSC Drift features many twists and turns, which is no surprise given space constraints. But before you assume that this is just another cramped indoor go-karting experience, think again.
Rather like Hyperdrive, this circuit is illuminated by Tron-esque neon lights. But that’s where the similarities end. Unlike go-karts used at other circuits, the ones here feature special wheels that enable them to drift around the many tight corners.
Prices start at RM18 (~S$5.15) for a 5-minute session, so consider heading over to live out your Initial D fantasies without having to book a flight to Japan.
Address: Ground Floor, 3, Jalan Dato’ Onn 3, AEON Mall, Bandar Dato Onn, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: +60 10-367 6040 | PLSC Drift Facebook
10. Kidz Republic JBCC – Dinosaur-themed indoor playground
Image credit: Kidz Republic Indoor Theme Park – JBCC via Facebook
Situated in Komtar JBCC, a mere stone’s throw away from Woodlands Checkpoint, Kidz Republic JBCC is JB’s largest children’s playground.
Featuring a prehistoric jungle theme, you can be sure that Junior will be entertained as they explore the many tubes, ball pits and slides here. Entry to the playground starts at RM40 (~S$11.40) for kids aged 2-12, while tickets for adults 18 and up cost RM20 (~S$5.70).
Address: Lot No. 308, 3rd Floor, Komtar JBCC, City Centre, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60 12-796 9600 | Kidz Republic JBCC Facebook
11. Chill ‘N Chow Cafe – Play with adorable chow chows
Image credit: @desmondpangchingder via Instagram
The latest addition to the many canine cafes in JB, Chill ‘N Chow features 4 adorable chow chows. It’s conveniently located on top of Bon Appetit restaurant, and ticket prices start from RM18 (~S$5.14) and entitles you to an hour’s play with the dogs. Do note that socks are a necessity if you’d like to play with the canines. If you need a pair, they’re available at RM3 (~S$0.86).
When you’ve had your fill of doggy fun, you can chill out over a nice Cheesecake Latte (RM12, ~S$3.43). Alternatively, if you’re looking to beat the sweltering heat, cold drinks such as Lemon & Lime Soda Espresso (RM12, ~S$3.43) or Mango Yoghurt Ice Blended (RM13, ~S$3.71) are available too.
Address: No 16-01 Jalan Austin Heights 8/4, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-7pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: +60 17-787 8335 | Chill ‘N Chow Facebook
Check out these new things to do in JB
Whether it’s freerunning across concrete blocks, drifting go-karts under neon lights or simply shopping for groceries, there are plenty of new things to do in JB for your upcoming 2024 trips across the border.
Other things you can head north for:
Cover image adapted from: @yumikoleng via Instagram, @hohohowei via Instagram, @plsc_johor via Instagram
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