Relaxing resorts in Johor
Quick weekend getaways mean crossing the Causeway to JB. And that usually means hitting up the malls like Sunway Big Box, and maybe chowing down some Nasi Lemak. But if you just drive past the city buzz, a few relaxing resorts are awaiting your escape. And the best part is, they’re just a quick 1.5-hour jaunt away.
We’ve gathered several resorts in Johor for those wanting to kick back and recharge in nature and a kampung-ish atmosphere.
What you need to know before visiting a resort in Johor
If you’re driving to JB, you’ll need the Vehicle Entry Permit, as without it you can’t enter the country, even if you say pretty please. Remember to bring a Touch ‘n Go card so you can pay the RM20 (~S$5.72) toll fee upon entering. If you don’t have one, you can buy it at selected SPC, Shell, Sinopec, and Caltex stations. You can also buy a Touch ‘n Go card on Shopee.
No car, no problem. You can rent a car in JB to take care of your commuting needs during your trip. Alternatively, you can book private hire vehicles and drivers once you’ve crossed the border.
These resorts have many fun-filled activities to enjoy, so we recommend that you stay at least 3 days to get the most out of it. Since these resorts are 1.5 hours away, you can use travel eSIMs to switch between network providers in a jiffy.
Price breakdown & travel time from nearest checkpoint
| Resort | Known for | Price (for 2 pax) | Nearest checkpoint | Travel time from checkpoint (non-peak hours) |
| Sea Horizon Resort | Glamping on a cliffside | From RM830/night (~S$238) | Woodlands Checkpoint | 1.5 hours |
| Y&L Hobby Farm | Mini-zoo near a recreational forest | From RM500/night (~S$143.78) | 1.5 hours | |
| Rina Balinese Resort | Adventurous experience amidst a Bali-esque environment | From RM340/night (~S$97.70) | 45 minutes | |
| Sinar Eco Resort | Farmstay experience | From RM250/night (~S$71.81) | Tuas Checkpoint | 50 minutes |
| Rainforest Tree House | Pretty spots to catch the sunset or sunrise | From RM128/night (~S$36.73) | 56 minutes | |
| Talula Hill Farm Resort | Luxurious farmstay experience | From RM619.37/night (~S$176.59) | 1.5 hours | |
| Star Fish Leisure Farm | Outdoor water activities | From RM288/night (~S$71.81) | 1 hour | |
| Koref Desaru Leisure Farm | Live like a farmer experience | From RM250/night (~S$71.70) | 1.5 hours | |
| Green Valley Eco Resort | Tube-shaped room & submarine-turned-karaoke room | From RM 230/night (~S$65.85) | 1.5 hours |
1. Sea Horizon Resort
Dome glamping by the coast
Wake up to waves crashing below you with a stay at Sea Horizon Resort. They’ve got glamping tents on the edge of a cliff that face out to the open sea. But that’s not the only million-dollar view you’ll get. Wait till nightfall and you’ll be able to stargaze from the comfort of your bed.
Image credit: Sea Horizon Resort via Facebook
At RM830/night (~S$238), the glamping dome has modern comfort amenities like air conditioning, shower, and even complimentary breakfast for 2. If travelling with the family, there are also chalets (from RM200/night, ~S$65.75) that afford the same panoramic view of the South China Sea.
While it’ll be tempting to stay cooped up in your dome tent, the resort does have activities to engage in too. There are bicycles and kayaks for rent, and 2 swimming pools you can lounge at during the day.
Distance from Woodlands Checkpoint: 1 hour, 84.6km
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2. Y&L Hobby Farm
Unwind with yoga, mahjong & karaoke
If you want to be closer to the pool, get the Panti Hillview Suite.
Image credit: Efa Chu via Facebook
Whether you’re flying solo for some soul-searching or dragging your whole squad along for a nature fix, Y&L Hobby Farm is a farm stay located near Gunung Panti Recreational Forest. With its location 11 minutes away from Kota Tinggi town, you’re sure to be away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
If you’re looking for some peace and distance from other guests, go for Mini Bali.
Image credit: Y&L Hobby Farm via Facebook
The farm stay offers 2 different lodging options that suit your needs; Mini Bali’s your jam if it’s just you and your boo or a mini crew. It’s a charming double-storey kampung house with a verandah that overlooks the lush greenery and it starts from RM500/night (~S$143.16).
If you’re rolling with a party of 6, you might want to consider getting their spacious loft, Panti Hillview Suite. Score yourself a beautiful view of the surrounding hilltops and splash around in the pool, all from RM1,200/night (~S$344.20). These room rates come with free breakfast and hot pot dinner, so you don’t have to worry about travelling out when you’re hungry.
Image adapted from: Y&L Hobby Farm via Facebook
Good news to animal lovers, there’s a mini zoo on site where you can feed and pet adorable furry friends like rabbits, meerkats, and chinchillas, for free. Beyond animal encounters, Y&L Hobby Farm caters to the diverse interests of all ages. Belt out your favourite tunes in the karaoke room, challenge your buddies to a game of Mahjong, or zen out in a chill yoga session.
Distance from Woodlands Checkpoint: 1.5 hours, 50km
Rate: From RM500/night (~S$143.16)
Address: 436, Jln Desa Makmur, 81900, Johor, Kota Tinggi, Malaysia
Contact: 016-773 5260 | Y&L Hobby Farm website
3. Sinar Eco Resort
Container rooms with direct pickup from SG
Image credit: @sgwalking via Instagram
If you just want to book and show up at a farm stay without organising how to get there, Sinar Eco Resort has pick-up service right from your doorstep in Singapore. Just chill in the vehicle and you’ll find yourself transported to an eco-friendly stay located in repurposed shipping containers.
For the ultimate getaway with Sinar Eco Resort, get the 2D1N package starting at RM250/adult (~S$71.70) and RM220/child (~S$63.10). The price covers all your meals with a BBQ dinner and breakfast, tractor tour around the farm, and animal feeding.
The farm is home to about 100 animals – we’re pretty sure your little ones will be thrilled about that.
Image credit: @alyaazulkaffli via Instagram
If you can’t commit to a whole weekend staycation, Sinar Eco Resort also has day trips starting at RM45/adult (~S$12.90) and RM35/child (~S$10.04). That includes getting a tractor ride through the greenery, animal-feeding activity, and a refreshing dip in the pool.
The river cruise (right) is also available at night if you’d like some fresh air.
Image adapted from: @phangleilei & @sinarecoresort via Instagram
You’ll be spoiled with many outdoor activities – just pick your poison. Set sail on a laid-back river cruise for RM15 (~S$4.31), kayak down a river at RM30 (~S$8.62) for 30 minutes, or go horse riding for RM30/2 (~S$8.62) paddock rounds, or maybe some karaoke session for RM30/hour (~S$8.62).
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 50 minutes, 45km
4. Rina Balinese Resort
Visit “Ubud” without flying
Image credit: @jiaqing_0520 via Instagram
If you find yourself missing Indonesia, drive 50 minutes from Tuas Checkpoint to get to “Ubud” in JB. That’s where you’ll find Rina Balinese Resort.
Image credit Kityen Lee via Google Maps
Take your pick from 4 different rooms: there’s the cosy Deluxe Room for lovebirds, a Family Deluxe Room if you’re rolling with the kiddos, the chill Garden Suite, and the roomy Villa Suite, perfect for bigger crews of 6.
Now, if you’re there for the weekend, you can take up their Explore RBR package from RM340/night (~S$109.03). It hooks you up with ATV rides, archery sessions, a steam bath, 4 meals a day, and a sweet 1-night crash pad in a Deluxe Room with a canopy bed.
Image credit: @jojoyj via Instagram
The inside scoop on a must-do at the resort is the ATV ride. Even if you didn’t snag the Explore RBR package, you could still go for an ATV ride around the palm grove at just RM70 (~S$20) for 20 minutes.
Distance from Woodlands Checkpoint: 45 minutes, 28km
5. Rainforest Tree House
Watch the sunset from the forest
Image credit: @radzman_11080 via Instagram
Shake up your typical Johor getaway with something more adventurous, and we’re talking about crashing at the Rainforest Tree House, a 45-minute drive from Johor Bahru City centre. They’ve got hassle-free packages from as low as RM128/night (~S$36.65), including your meals during your stay.
Image credit: @ninnienatasha via Instagram
Make sure you bring your jogging shoes because you definitely don’t want to pass up the 20-minute jungle trek to Pulai Waterfall if you want to cool off with a refreshing dip in the cold water. Also, if you’re feeling extra adventurous during the trip, get the staff at Rainforest Tree House to take you on a guided tour through the jungle.
Image credit: Rainforest Tree House via Facebook
Chill out in the Bali-esque net before the sun dips for the ultimate spot to catch the sunset; it’s the chillest and most relaxing way to soak in the view. Just make sure to pack your own toilet paper unless you’re up for the leaf alternative and leave the snacks at home if you don’t want to have a “war” with the monkeys over a pack of chips.
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 56 minutes, 63.9km
6. Talula Hill Farm Resort
Lofts with Muji aesthetic
Image credit: @xiao.buibui via Instagram
No need to rough it out in tents and sleeping bags to experience the farm life. Talula Hill Farm Resort in Kluang is your gateway to experience it without sacrificing your boujee hotel-room comforts.
Think charming cabins nestled amidst rolling hills, where you can get your hands dirty in their vege and fruit garden one minute and sip gourmet coffee on your balcony the next. It’s the perfect escape for those who want the best of both worlds.
Image credit: @__siyang__ via Instagram
If you’re all about that loft life, check out the Family Deluxe Cabin (RM729, ~S$208). It’s got 2 twin beds and a king bed, perfect for a family of 5. For squad outings, go for the Bunk Bed Cabin. It’s got 2 bunk beds that can fit up to 4 guests, all for RM619.37 (~S$177.64).
Image credit: @makebadart.py via Instagram
Don’t forget to bring the kiddos because the resort offers a load of farm activities that many kids would love. They’ll be the mini farmers in the barnyard feeding animals, harvesting veges and fruits, and even unleashing their creativity by pot painting before using it to plant aloe vera.
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 1.5 hours, 111km
7. Star Fish Leisure Farm
Water activities like mini “WipeOut”
Image adapted from: @teoct28 & @kelinspace via Instagram
Take a break from the city and spend the weekend kampung-style at the Star Fish Leisure Farm located in Kulai. It’s a place for those who are looking for outdoor activities and to relax somewhere far from the city. If that sounds like the perfect getaway into a chill and simpler life, give this place a shot.
Image credit: @teoct28 via Instagram
This farm stay has a unique concept where they have floating chalets with verandahs looking out a river. But here’s the catch: you’ll need a minimum of 10 people required to book their Kampung Chalet, but we think it will be perfect for group getaways.
If you’re down for it, they have a 2D1N package that costs RM288/adult (~S$782.60) and RM268/child (~S$76.87) per night. The rate is an all-inclusive package that includes water activities, feeding some animals, breakfast, supper BBQ, and steamboat dinner.
Image credit: @wu_kwon via Instagram
Get ready for a bunch of exciting water escapades – including pulling the rope to navigate their floating boats, conquering the thrilling “mini wipeout” called Water Obstacles, or just chill in a kayak. Split your squad into teams and turn it into a friendly competition for the fun of it.
Besides splashing around in the water, you can look forward to activities like ATV riding, fish fishing, fish feeding, and petting rabbits in the Rabbit Garden. Or you can put your green thumb to work and plant vegetables at the Aquaculture Vegetable Garden.
Distance from Johor Causeway: 1.5 hours, 48km
8. Koref Desaru Leisure Farm
Harvest fruits, rice & vegetables
Image credit: Koref Desaru Leisure Farm via Facebook
Save the theme parks in Malaysia for another day and opt for an “off-the-radar” staycation surrounded by nature at Koref Desaru Leisure Farm. Think collecting fresh eggs straight from the clucking crew, sliding down a slippery tube slide like a jungle explorer, and chilling out in a treehouse.
Image credit: Koref Desaru Leisure Farm via Facebook
If you’re looking for a 2D1N escape in the Tree House Chalet, the price starts at RM250/adult (~S$71.70) and RM200/child (~S$57.26) for a room accommodating up to 2 people. If you’re hanging out with your crew, grab the 2D1N package. You’ll crash in the Stone Chalet, which kicks off at RM300/adult (~S$86.03) and RM158/child (~S$45.23).
Just a heads up, though – pack your personal care items, including towels and soap, as they are not provided.
Image adapted from: Koref Desaru Leisure Farm via Facebook
Even though it’s in an ulu location, you won’t run out of things to do. They’ve got an adventure-packed itinerary lined up for you with loads of fun activities. Prepare to get your hands dirty like a real-life farmer as you learn to harvest rice and various veggies or fruits the old-school way.
To top it off, have a blast feeding farm animals like goats and sheep, take a ride down a human-made tube slide, and dive into water activities like bamboo rafting. All activities are included in the room packages.
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 1.5 hours, 127km
9. Green Valley Eco Resort
Quirky tube-shaped cabins
Image credit: @liting6 via Instagram
Bring your kids to “touch some grass” at the Green Valley Eco Resort for a nature-focused vacation in Johor. If you’re up for a quirky experience in the Tube-Shaped Room for 2, it starts from RM300/night (~S$86.04).
Image credit: Green Valley Eco Resort
But if a funky room structure isn’t your main thing and you’re more into having a scenic view from the room, go ahead and book their Standard Room with balcony for RM230/night (~S$65.85). It comes with a balcony that offers views of the lagoon and rainforest.
Image adapted from: Green Valley Eco Resort
Sure, karaoke is a usual gig, but at Green Valley Eco Resort, you’ll sing your heart out in a submarine-turned-karaoke room. And that’s not all – there’s a bunch of other stuff to do, too, like cruising around on bikes, going on an ATV ride, or making pit stops at every giant animal figure for some Insta-worthy pics. For the rates of each activity, feel free to contact the resort.
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 1.5 hours, 63.9km
Chill at these farm stays & resorts in Johor
With these farm stays and relaxing resorts in Johor, your weekend break surrounded by nature is just a stone’s throw away. From singing karaoke in the submarine to petting meerkats at the mini zoo and thrilling rides on an ATV, there’s a diverse range of experiences to choose from.
For more JB staycations:
- Bear & Bad Theme Museum in Johor
- UK Farm Agro Resort – A family-friendly farmstay
- Things to do in Pengerang
Cover image adapted from: Koref Desaru Leisure Farm via Facebook & @wu_kwon, @sgwalking, @makebadart.py via Instagram
Originally published on 3rd January 2024. Updates by Syahiran Sean on 23rd may 2024