Every Singaporean crosses the Causeway for the same few reasons: shopping, cafes, and affordable petrol. But JB has more going for it this year than just familiar malls and food stops. From hands-on workshops to kid-friendly attractions and new transport options, these new things to do in JB give you fresh reasons to brave the long queues and traffic jams.
Table of Contents
If there’s one thing that Solace Studio’s newest vintage photobooth has taught us, it’s that retro themes are in. So the next time you’re visiting the artsy Jalan Dhoby area, be sure to drop by Cult Classics for some quirky pics. This newly opened photobooth studio is the first thematic one in JB, offering 5 rooms – retro diner, record store, vintage lift, train cabin, and one with a plain wall.
Prices here start from RM30 (~S$9.49) for a large photo or 2 photo strips – along with a digital copy and GIF, of course. You can even top up RM20 (~S$6.32) to upgrade your photo into a mini CD keychain, which contains an NFC that’ll link to a song or video of your choice when tapped with a phone.
After you’re done, head on up to The Loft for photo scrapbook frames, as well as some personalised Italian charm bracelets from RM45 (~S$14.23).
Those travelling with kiddos should not miss Joyful Dreamland, a human-powered rainbow amusement park that’s 20 minutes from the Causeway. This park is the first of its kind in JB, and lets you use bicycle-pedalling mechanisms to power your own rides – from a Ferris wheel and carousel to a mini roller coaster.
Image adapted from: Joyful Dreamland
But if you’re not looking for a workout, there are also slides, swings, and bouncy castles for you to chill on. Remember to snap enough pics with the colourful backdrops and adorable duck-themed decor, as this park is only open until December 2026.
You’ll find Joyful Dreamland at Sutera Square from 5pm to 12am daily, and tickets start from RM38 (~S$12.02). If you’re travelling as a group, get the RM28 (~S$12.02) ticket for 2 or the RM128 (~S$40.48) ticket for 4 to enjoy more savings. Kids under 100cm can enter for free, too – so consider squeezing in this stop along your journey back to the Causeway.
JB’s public transport network is already an affordable way to get around – and now, free shuttle buses have launched to bring you to its most popular destinations.
As part of the Visit Johor 2026 tourism initiative, this no-strings-attached shuttle bus service is bringing locals and tourists alike to 8 landmarks in JB. The stops are the Johor Tourist Information Centre, Mercu Tanda 0 Km, Komtar JBCC, Galleria @ Kotaraya, Sultan Ibrahim Building, Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex, Johor Zoo, and Kota Jail.
Upon entering JB, just hop on a bus from the nearest stop, the Johor Tourist Information Centre. These buses run from 8am to 8pm daily and are fully electric, making public transport an even more eco-friendly option for you. Just note that the service currently only has 3 buses, each with a 20-pax capacity – so you can expect a bit of waiting.
Image credit: Horizon Hills
The atas neighbourhood of Horizon Hills is set to welcome an equally bougie Horizon Mall in May 2026, and chances are that you’ll drop by. This 150,000 sqft open-air boutique mall will be just a 10-minute drive from LEGOLAND Malaysia, and is set to offer over 30 food and beverage outlets. You can grab a Chagee, play at the Jungle Gym family entertainment centre, and admire panoramic views of the Horizon Hills Golf Course from the 3rd floor.
So if you’ve got a trip to LEGOLAND Malaysia planned, this is the perfect place to eat and unwind after a day of play.
If you’d like to get something from JB that’s not the usual cheap petrol and wholesale groceries, Mess We Made Ceramic is a good place to go. This well-known ceramic studio from Seoul just opened its first JB outlet, bringing its pastel pottery classes closer to us.
Here, you can sign up for their One Day Class to create mugs, bowls, and candle houses. Each workshop is 2 hours and 30 minutes long, starting from RM260 (~S$82.42) for the Candle House Class.
But if you’d rather not get your hands dirty, the studio also sells ready-made ceramic wares from RM68 (~S$21.50). Whether you’re making your own piece or picking one up off the shelf, it’s nice to sign up for a craft workshop in JB to take something functional home. Take note that Mess We Made only opens on select days and time slots each month, so check their Instagram for the latest information.
Address: 10-02, Jalan Indah 13/2 2, Taman Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru 79100
Contact: +60 12-700 0965 | Instagram
Image adapted from: Shüü.Patisserie via Facebook
Live out your French countryside dreams at Shüü Cafe, a Muslim-owned patisserie housed in a quaint little cottage. This rustic cafe serves up French pastries with innovative flavour combos, like a Creme Brulee Vanilla Choux (RM15, ~S$4.79) and Creamy Matcha Peach (RM18, ~S$5.75) drink. If you’re staying for brunch, try the hearty Shüü’s Daily Ritual (RM33, ~S$10.55), a platter consisting of brioche, eggs, and greens.
And fortunately, its location is not actually rural, as it has recently relocated to a mere 500m away from the Holiday Plaza. Shüü Cafe is open 10am to 6pm daily, and closed on Wednesdays.
Image adapted from: JumpLah via Facebook
Indoor playground JumpLah has recently relocated to Sutera Mall, bringing 6 family-friendly games to the popular local haunt. Their 2 signature games are JumpLah – the classic Floor is Lava – and Godzilah – a team-based game – where you have to work together to “save the world”. The other games that’ll test your reflexes and coordination are Hitlah, Ballah, Squidlah, and Smashlah.
And for their opening promo, JumpLah is offering a 5-in–1 All Can Play Ticket for RM50 (~S$15.99) on weekdays and RM60 (~S$19.18) on weekends. All games are included except Godzilah, and you’ll get a total of 45 minutes to play.
Book a session at JumpLah.
Hands-on workshops don’t have to be complicated, and Chocolate Atelier keeps things simple with their guided chocolate-making sessions that even kids can try. Using fine Callebaut Belgian chocolate, you’ll try your hand at making gold flake-covered bars, mini houses, and of course, adorable characters.
Their Chocolate Cartoon Workshop costs just RM39 (~S$12.33) as you learn how to melt and mould chocolate into Sanrio characters and kitties. And if you’re feeling extra artsy, the Chocolate Painting Workshop (RM59, ~S$18.73) lets you paint and bring home 9 French madeleine chocolates to enjoy.
Image credit: SKS City Mall JBCC
2026 is the year of new mall openings in JB, and SKS City Mall JBCC is one of the most anticipated. This 4.5-storey, 280,000sqft mall will be just a 4-minute drive from the JB checkpoint, and visitors can even stay the night at the connecting Sheraton Johor Bahru Hotel. While not all details have been announced so far, the mall is already promising exciting outlets like a Village Grocer premium supermarket, Thai Odyssey massage spa, and the first JB outlet for the viral All About Chew bakery.
SKS City Mall is expected to open by the end of 2026.
Not all cafes in JB are just for coffee and cake, and OTTO Cafe is one of those places where you can sit down for a full meal. Opened in September 2025, this cafe serves modern European cuisine within its warm terracotta walls.
On the menu are dishes like Soft Shell Crab Toast (RM35, ~S$11.07) and Kam Heong Spaghetti (RM37, ~S$11.70), along with drinks such as the Caramel Sea Salt Latte and Berry Symphony Tea from RM17 (~S$5.38). If you’re exploring the trendy Taman Melodies neighbourhood, this is the place to stop by.
With new workshops, cafes, and malls opening throughout 2026, JB is shaping up to offer more variety with each visit. Whether you’re crossing over for a day trip or a longer stay, these new things to do in JB are pretty good reasons to keep going back.
More things to do in JB:
Cover image adapted from: SKS City Mall JBCC, @defs.77 via Instagram, Perbadanan Pengangkutan Awam Johor via Facebook
A recap of all the best, funniest, and most infuriating moments from Single's Inferno's messiest…
Tired of slow queues? #3 has got you covered.
Gone are the days when burgers were just $0.95.
Here are all the best things to do this weekend in Singapore.
Use the MovieBites credits to offset your popcorn and snack purchases.
You can get dietitian-approved and halal meals delivered to your doorstep.