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.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.32 as of 20th May 2026.
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If you’re driving to JB, you’ll need the Vehicle Entry Permit and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on your windscreen or headlamp. Be sure to get your tag activated by a JPJ (Road Transport Department) officer, and remember to get a new one when needed, as the tags expire every 5 years.
Without both of these items, you can’t enter the country even if you say pretty please, and you’ll have to pay a RM300 (~S$96.52) compound fine, as well as register for the VEP before leaving Malaysia.
Remember to bring a Touch ‘n Go card so you can pay the RM20 (~S$6.45) 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.
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.
Travelling to JB has never been easier, with public and private buses, trains, and cars available depending on your budget and needs.
No car, no problem. You won’t have to try your luck with those risky Singapore-JB private hires thanks to Grab’s latest Cross-Border Ride-Hail Service. Just book a car via the Grab app (App Store | Google Play) from wherever you are in Singapore, and you’ll be dropped off at your desired destination within Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai, and Senai. Alternatively, you can rent a car in JB to take care of your commuting needs during your trip.
As Grab fees can rack up pretty quickly, super-savers can take the trusty KTM Shuttle Tebrau – that’s if you’re quick enough to get a ticket before they sell out.
For last-minute day trips, there’s always the SMRT and SBS buses at Woodlands Interchange, or you could fork out a few extra dollars for the private Transtar Cross Border bus and save yourself from squeezing with the peak-hour crowds like sardines.
| Resort | Known for | Price (for 2 pax) | Nearest checkpoint | Travel time from checkpoint (non-peak hours) |
| Sea Horizon Resort | Glamping on a cliffside | From RM190/night | Woodlands checkpoint | 1 hour |
| Y&L Hobby Farm | Mini-zoo near a recreational forest | From RM520 for a 2D1N stay | 1 hour 21 minutes | |
| Sinar Eco Resort | Farmstay experience | From RM250/night for a 2D1N stay | 1 hour 17 minutes | |
| Rina Balinese Resort | Adventurous experience amidst a Bali-esque environment | From RM568/night for a 2D1N stay | 1 hour 8 minutes | |
| Pulai Springs Resort | Near beautiful hiking trails | From RM298.09/night | 55 minutes | |
| Rainforest Tree House | Pretty spots to catch the sunset & sunrise | From 128/pax for a 2D1N stay | Tuas checkpoint | 54 minutes |
| Talula Hills Farm Resort | Luxurious farmstay experience | From RM384/night | 1 hour 30 minutes | |
| Star Fish Leisure Farm | Outdoor water activities | From RM258/adult for a 2D1N stay | 1 hour | |
| Koref Desaru Leisure Farm | Live like a farmer experience | From RM330/pax for a 2D1N stay | 1 hour 30 minutes | |
| Green Valley Eco Resort | Tube-shaped rooms & submarine-turned-karaoke room | From RM240/night | 1 hour 20 minutes | |
| UK Farm Agro Resort | One of the largest goat & sheep farms in Malaysia | From RM152/night | 1 hour 26 minutes | |
| Kasih Sayang Farmstay | Unplug at this kampung-style resort | From RM148/pax for a 2D1N stay | 1 hour 34 minutes |
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 RM900/night (~S$289.54), their Coastal Glamping Suite is a glamping dome that has modern comfort amenities like air conditioning, shower, and even complimentary breakfast for 2. If travelling with the family, there are also Standard Rooms (from RM190/night, ~S$61.13) 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
Sea Horizon Resort review: “View from the suite is super, with sunrise in the morning and stars at night. One downside is there’s no window, and it can get very hot inside, during the afternoon hours. There are lots of ants too, which we don’t mind very much, as they are part of nature.” – HM Tan via Google
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 farmstay 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.
The farm stay is home to 6 private villas and offers 3 different lodging options that suit your needs. The most affordable of the 3 would be Flower Cottage at RM520 (~S$167.30) for a 2D1N stay, a private, cabin-style hideaway perfect for couples who want a little more alone time.
Image credit: Y&L Hobby Farm via Facebook
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 the 2D1N package is only slightly more expensive at RM580 (~S$186.60).
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 RM1,280 (~S$411.81) as part of their 2D1N package.
All room rates come with complimentary drinks with waffles, as well as free breakfast and hot pot dinner, so you don’t have to worry about travelling out when you’re hungry.
Good news to animal lovers, there’s a cat house and 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 and soak in an aromatherapy foot bath. While you’re getting some R&R, your little ones can stay entertained at the basketball and badminton court or build sand castles in the mini sand pit.
Distance from Woodlands Checkpoint: 1 hour 21 minutes, 50km
Y&L Hobby Farm review: “Excellent getaway – this Hobby Farm is a well-designed and well-built homestay, very family-friendly. Lovely common spaces like the tree house, activity hall, dining house. Cat house has over 10 cats which the children enjoyed feeding. Owner also keeps meerkats, hedgehogs, sugargliders, ducks and rabbits which can be fed and patted. We also enjoyed mahjong, foot sauna, making pizza and karaoke.” – Suzanna Lee via Google
If you just want to book and show up at a farmstay without organising how to get there, Sinar Eco Resort has a pick-up service right from your doorstep in Singapore from S$130. 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$80.43) and RM220/child (~S$70.78) for off-peak days. Bookings made for Fridays to Sundays and school holiday periods will cost RM280/adult (~S$90.08) and RM250/child (~S$80.43), while the rates for public holidays and eves can go up to RM310/adult (~S$99.74) and RM280/child (~S$90.08).
The price covers all your meals with breakfast and dinner, a tractor tour around the farm, and animal feeding.
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$14.48) and RM35/child (~S$11.26), with free entry for kids younger than 3. That includes getting a tractor ride through the greenery, an animal-feeding activity, and a refreshing dip in the pool.
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$4.83), kayak down a river at RM30/30 minutes (~S$9.65), get your adrenaline fix with 4 ATV rides for RM40 (~S$12.87), or go horse riding for RM30/2 paddock rounds (~S$9.65).
Parents can keep their kids occupied with eco-rafting for RM10/30 minutes (~S$3.22) or kid-friendly archery sessions for RM20/10 arrows (~S$6.43). Once the little ones are exhausted, wind down with some karaoke for RM30/hour or a quick game of pool for RM10/30 minutes (~S$3.22).
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 1 hour 17 minutes, 45km
Sinar Eco Resort review: “Food portions are included during the stay and are big portions and more than enough for the group. Able to request for second servings. The staffs are all friendly and able to assist with the activities. Wifi is pretty weak in the area so only can access via room wifi” – Jessie Li via Google
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.
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 RBR Back To Nature package from RM568 (~S$182.74) for a 2D1N stay. 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.
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 for just RM70 (~S$22.52) for 45 minutes.
Distance from Woodlands Checkpoint: 1 hour 8 minutes, 28km
Rina Balinese Resort review: “This such a perfect getaway with friends, very nature type of resort, environment so nice. I really enjoyed with my friends hope to come here soon. Amazing food by the way. Authentic Indonesian food so yummy.” – Audreymarixs via Google
Hiking enthusiasts looking for a base camp, consider booking a stay at Pulai Springs Resort. It’s located near Gunung Pulai, a recreational forest that stands 654m above sea level; for comparison, our humble Bukit Timah Hill is only 164m tall. But before you venture into the lush forest, take a moment to dip your toes into Pulai Springs Resort’s offerings.
Image credit: Pulai Springs Resorts
From now till June 2026, stays at their Studio Suite for 2 pax start from RM298.09/night (U.P. RM496) thanks to their ongoing 40% discount, and breakfast is included too.
Don’t stay cooped up in your room for long though. You’ll want to pay a visit to the Pulai Spa, which prides itself on using traditional Balinese healing philosophies to soothe your aching muscles and knotted back.
When the sun’s out, go for a dip at any 1 of the resort’s 5 pools; they’ve even got a shallower pool that allows even the tiniest of tots to wade about. But if you can’t resist the beautiful hiking trails, Gunung Pulai is about a 50-minute drive away.
There are 2 trails to conquer at Gunung Pulai. The easier main road trail is about 5km long, while the 3.14km long jungle trail is the one experienced hikers will want to challenge, as it contains a section where you’ll have to hoist yourself up with a rope to traverse.
Image credit: @nparksbuzz via Instagram
For your efforts, you’ll be rewarded with close-up views of the native flora and fauna, such as ferns and pitcher plants, as well as civet cats and tapirs. If you’re especially lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the rare Raffles Banded Langur.
Distance from Woodlands Checkpoint: 55 minutes, 29.2km
Pulai Springs Resort review: “I had a great stay at this hotel. The overall experience was excellent, with well-maintained facilities and a comfortable environment. The highlight of my stay was definitely the breakfast — it was absolutely delicious with a wide variety of options to choose from. Highly recommended!” – Guest User via Trip.com
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/adult (~S$41.18) and RM88/child (~S$28.31) for a 2D1N stay with a minimum number of 4 guests. The price includes 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, and a trek through the jungle with an experienced guide.
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.
Image credit: Michelle 😀 via Google Maps
Fuel up after your waterfall adventure at the treehouse cafe reminiscent of Studio Ghibli movies, serving up your typical pastas and lattes with a tranquil view of the forest canopy.
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: 54 minutes, 63.9km
Rainforest Tree House review: “Book our stay directly through them, Friendly in-charge and everything was well communicated. Home cooked meals were provided. Our guide brought us for a short trekking up the mountain the next morning explaining some history and purpose of their Raintree forest village project. Quite a cultural experience.” – Eat PrayLove via Google
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 vegetable 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 Loft Cabin (RM784, ~S$252.23). It’s got 2 single beds and a king bed, perfect for a family of 5. For squad outings, go for the Bunk Cabin. It’s got 2 bunk beds that can fit up to 4 guests, all for RM384 (~S$123.54).
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 veggies and fruits, and even unleashing their creativity with straw weaving and wand making.
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 1.5 hours, 111km
Talula Hill Farm Resort: “We had a wonderful & memorable family gathering in Feb FY26 for 31 pax from different age groups. Rooms are simple yet Hygienic & soundproof. Country side & hilltop nature scenery with Farming lifestyle. Staff are attentive & helpful. We truly enjoy ourselves, feel relax & unwinding. Suitable for those who love & appreciate Mother Nature & serenity.” – Jas via TripAdvisor
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.
This farm stay has a unique concept where they have floating chalets with verandahs that look out to a river. But here’s the catch: you’ll need a minimum of 10 people 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 from RM258/adult (~S$83) and RM238/child (~S$76.57) per night. Besides breakfast, supper BBQ, and steamboat dinner, the rate also includes water activities, pet visits, and fishing – though you’ll have to bring your own equipment.
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 feeding, and petting rabbits in the Rabbit Garden.
If you’re just there for a fun day out, there are also stand-alone rates for water activities from RM75/adult (~S$24.13) and RM70/child (~S$22.52) as well as ATV packages from RM100/person, with a minimum of 2 ATV riders needed for departure.
Distance from Tuas checkpoint: 1 hour, 50.8km
Star Fish Leisure Farm review: “Although internet can be patchy, there are several things you can do at this one-stop resort. Chalets with aircons are available only to a minimum number of people. Otherwise you have to book glamping, without air-conditioning and shared toilet facilities. It gets really quiet at night but it is also very pretty with the scattered stars lighting up the dark skies.” – HF via Google
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.
If you’re looking for a 2D1N escape in the Tree House Chalet, the price starts at RM330/pax (~S$106.17) for a room accommodating up to 2 people. The Stone Chalet (from RM400/pax or ~S$128.69) is also another interesting type of accommodation; you’ll be hunkering down in a house that’s seemingly built into a hill, reminiscent of the ones the hobbits’ houses in The Lord of the Rings.
Just a heads up, though – pack your personal care items, including towels and soap, as they are not provided.
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, sheep and even ostriches, take a ride down a human-made tube slide, jump on the flying fox, and dive into water activities like bamboo rafting, kayaking, and obstacle challenges. All activities are included in the room packages.
End off the night with some stargazing, or for the morning owls, you can catch the sunrise over the South China Sea from their hilltop observation tower.
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 1.5 hours, 127km
Koref Desaru Leisure Farm review: “Back for my second visit, and Koref Desaru Leisure Farm still impresses. A new highlight: their 6-storey viewing deck offers stunning sunrise and sunset views over Desaru—truly breathtaking. We stayed at the stone house, which comes with two queen beds and a single. We heard from Teacher Yap that air-conditioning is on the way. Looking forward to their better amenities next year!” – Jj Ng via Google
Quirky tube-shaped cabins in Ulu Tiram
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 Standard Room (Round Tube) for 2, it starts from RM310/night (~S$99.73).
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 (Ground floor) with a balcony for RM240/night (~S$77.21). It comes with a balcony that offers views of the lagoon and rainforest.
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, taking the pedal boat for a spin, 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
Green Valley Eco Resort review: “A very well maintained place even tho not a lot of guest on daily basis (I hope they got the recognition they deserved!) A lot of spots for you to hang out at, got bicycle and paddle boat can use for free. Lots of game to keep you entertained. Overall I had a great stay here.” – Caster Boy via Google
This one’s for the kids – and kids at heart – who grew up reading Charlotte’s Web and dreaming of working with animals. At UK Farm Agro Resort, you’ll get the chance to live out your childhood fantasies with goat pens, horse barns, milking stations, and free-roaming chickens scattered around 100 acres of grazing land.
Image adapted from: @ukfarmresort via Instagram
They’ve got twin, triple, and quadruple-size chalets for families of all sizes, depending on your budget. For solo travellers who prefer to wing it instead of committing to a package, you can grab a room for 2 from just RM152 (~S$48.90).
Image credit: UK Farm Agro Resort
Couples and smaller families can opt for 2D1N Twin Sharing Room Package from RM378 (~S$121.61), inclusive of 2 meals and a line-up of animal-related activities.
Expect a 2h mini-bus farm tour, an in-house guided tour, goat milk tasting, and even a sheep-catching challenge where you’ll have 3 minutes to catch one for the chance to win a secret prize. The package also features a kong ming lantern lighting experience and a mini eco-printing session, so there’s plenty packed into your stay.
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 1.5 hours, 108km
UK Agro Farm Resort review: “Came here on a solo trip and even though I was the only guest that day, they still went ahead with the full package. They provided snacks, animal feeds, a performance, dinner, and more just for 1 pax. Most places would’ve cancelled, so their service is definitely S-tier. The chalet is quite far from the reception and activity area though, so it’s best to have your own transport.” – Aphno via Google Maps
Get off the grid and reconnect with your close ones at Kasih Sayang Farmstay. This farmstay might be a convenient option for those planning a big family getaway trip, as many of their packages are tailored for larger groups of up to 55 guests.
Families and friend groups of more than 5 can consider signing up for their camping packages, with 2-person and 6-person tents available for a 2D1N stay from just RM148/pax (~S$47.61).
Quadruple room with 2 king-size beds.
Image credit: Kasih Sayang Farmstay
While their Standard packages are only applicable for shared rooms with bunk beds for 6 guests, you can also upgrade to their Superior 2D1N and 3D2N packages for a smaller, private room from RM168/pax (~S$54.05) and RM318/pax (~S$102.31) respectively. Included in the package is access to all facilities as well as breakfast, steamboat dinner, and an add-on BBQ dinner option for an extra RM10 (~S$3.22).
Disconnecting doesn’t have to mean dissociating from boredom. Reconnect with nature as you meet the farm’s local inhabitants, from petting zoos with goats and geese to turtle and duck ponds, as well as a rabbit house and chicken coop.
Image credit: Mensin Teo via Google Maps
You can also take a dip in their swimming pool, ride around the resort on bikes and scooters, sing your heart out at the karaoke room or start a few friendly games of chess or mahjong with the family. There’s even a life-sized train cafe serving up drinks and hot meals.
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 1.5 hours, 110km
Kasih Sayang Farmstay review: “A very pleasant environment and an excellent place for families to enjoy a peaceful weekend away from city life. The animals are adorable, and there is a steam train at the entrance, complete with a café on board. Definitely will visit again!” – A via Google
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 things to do in Johor:
Cover image adapted from: Koref Desaru Leisure Farm via Facebook & @wu_kwon, @sgwalking, @makebadart.py via Instagram
Originally published on 3rd January 2024. Last updated by Tricia Teong on 20th May 2026.
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