JB is like our fave aunt who loves to spoil us rotten. She treats us to good food, loads of shopping and fun activities – all for a third of the usual price. It’s been a while since we’ve visited Aunty JB, and she’s developed some new shopping malls in the past couple of years.
From familiar go-tos to brand new ones with ‘grammable facades, we’ve done the legwork and sussed out these best shopping malls in JB for you to visit.
Table of Contents
With the exchange rate in our favour, it’s easy to go ham to stock up on things like groceries and sundries. However, you should take note that there are some restrictions on goods you can bring across from the causeway into Singapore.
| Food | Allowed into Singapore |
| Fresh produce | Yes, except no durians allowed on public transport. |
| Seafood (fresh or frozen) | Yes, except for oysters. |
| Processed foods (e.g. snacks, canned goods) | Yes, maximum of 5kg or 5L and it cannot exceed a value of S$100/pax. |
| Meat (fresh, frozen, or cured) | No. |
| Eggs | |
| Controlled Substance | Allowed into Singapore |
| Chewing gum | No. |
| Cigarettes | |
| Vapes | |
| Alcohol |
Flouting the rules can result in a penalty, such as a fine or even jail.
Now that you know what’s allowed and what’s not, here are the best shopping malls in JB, including how far of a drive they are from the causeway or Tuas Checkpoint.
| Shopping mall in JB | Best for | Distance from Causeway | Distance from Tuas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunway Big Box Retail Park | Biggest bookstore in South Malaysia | 40-minute drive | 20-minute drive |
| Eco Galleria | European-inspired aesthetic for IG photo ops | 20-minute drive | 10-minute drive |
| Beletime Danga Bay | New shopping mall with seaside view | 10-minute drive | 35-minute drive |
| The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey | High-end & branded stores | 15-minute drive | 45-minute drive |
| KSL City Mall | Old-time Singaporean fave with rooftop water park | 10-minute drive | 40-minute drive |
| Paradigm Mall | Largest shopping mall in JB with ice skating & rock climbing | 20-minute drive | 30-minute drive |
| Toppen Shopping Centre | 16 football field-sized mall with IKEA | 20-minute drive | 40-minute drive |
| Johor Premium Outlets | Designer brands at discounted prices | 40-minute drive | 35-minute drive |
| Komtar JBCC & City Square JB | Fashion outlet stores | At JB Customs | 40-minute drive |
| AEON Tebrau & Bukit Indah | Mid to high-end retailers | 20-minute drive | 30-minute drive |
| Angsana Mall | Kid-friendly playgrounds & bowling alley | 15-minute drive | 30-minute drive |
| Sutera Mall | Public aquarium & escape room | 20-minute drive | 30-minute drive |
| Holiday Plaza | Budget-friendly beauty salons & massage parlours | 20-minute drive | 40-minute drive |
| Zenith Lifestyle Centre | Has late-night hotpot restaurants | 20-minute drive | 40-minute drive |
The JB shopping malls that have loyalty programmes that Singaporeans can also sign up for are:
You can apply for these memberships via their mobile app or by filling the required details online through their website.
The relatively new Sunway Big Box may just be one of the best malls in JB for bookworms. The shopping mall houses BookXcess, the largest bookstore in South Malaysia. Its superlative means you’ll be able to find a wide range of titles covering just about any genre you can think of, but that’s not all it has to offer.
There’s also an orange centrepiece of shelves spanning 2 stories, which makes for an Unsplash-worthy backdrop for all your step IG pics.
On that note of photo ops, be sure to look out for other rainbow-themed rooms strewn across the mall to snap your Kodak moments.
If you’re looking for fun activities, have a bounce at Energ X Park trampoline park, or Funscape by COBAY for old-school arcade fun. Check our full guide to Sunway Big Box for more things to do.
Distance from causeway: 40-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 20-minute drive
Image credit: EcoWorld
If charming old-school Neoclassical architecture is your aesthetic, you’ll surely enjoy coming to Eco Galleria. Its minimalistic regal look is a quick-fix cure for European wanderlust, but will also be perfect for taking #OOTD shots.
Image credit: @ecogalleria_ew via Instagram
The mall has a directory of luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada, but if you’re on a budget, it does also have a slew of more affordable unique haunts you can’t find elsewhere. Take the Le Petit Prince Cafe, whose namesake stems from the longtime childhood favourite.
Image credit: Snackhome
You’ll also be able to find a whole load of snacks to take home as souvenirs at the newly opened Snackhome. They have popular picks from China, Korea and Japan starting from just RM2 (~S$0.57) a packet.
Distance from causeway: 20-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 10-minute drive
Image adapted from: @beletime_dangabay via Instagram
Adding Balinese flavour to your shopping experience is Beletime Danga Bay. Yes, it’s a shopping mall with your usual finds, like WOMEI Cineplex and AEON Supermarket. But it also has a 400m-long man-made beach with a beach bar. If trudging through malls has worn you down, you might want to stop by for a drink and a bite to refuel.
Plus, it’s all located next to Danga Bay, a beachfront area with spectacular sunsets to catch that will have you saying, “beach, please”.
Distance from causeway: 10-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 35-minute drive
Some of us like to go all out on our vacations, which could mean not batting an eyelid when it comes to splurging on designer items. If that’s you, then The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey is the place for you.
The classy shopping centre where you can expect levels of high-end and branded stores on top of countless eateries. Of the many places in the mall, look out for SOGO. Some might remember this Japanese department store that had outlets in Raffles City, Paragon and Tampines.
Well, it’s now in JB, and sells everything from hypebeast fashion to homeware products. There’s so much to look through, the day will fly by while you’re busy shopping.
Distance from causeway: 15-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 45-minute drive
What’s a trip to JB without a stop at KSL City Mall? It’s one of Singaporeans’ favourite spots across the causeway for its many floors of barang-barang shops and cheap eats. But apart from its retail stores and beauty parlours, the mall has seen a major upgrade since the last time many of us paid it a visit.
Up on the roof, you’ll find the Dinosaurs Alive Water Theme Park. With water slides and dinosaur statues, this mini Jurassic World is the ideal place for parents to park the kids for playtime.
While you’re at KSL, pop by Avery-Day just across the road. It’s a convenience store done up with blue and white decor that exudes Santorini vibes.
They’ve got a wide selection of Japanese snacks and freshly baked desserts too that you can dig into as your mid-day fuel. There’s ample seating around to enjoy your sweet treats, with even a rooftop you can go up to.
Distance from causeway: 10-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 40-minute drive
If you put VivoCity and Kallang Leisurepark together, you’ll get Paradigm Mall, making it one of the largest shopping malls in JB. Not only does this mega mall have 7 floors of retail shops and restaurants, it also has recreational activities worth making time for.
Those looking to live out their icy Elsa fantasies can let it go at Blue Ice Skating Rink. Otherwise, channel femme fatale Lara Croft at Camp5 Climbing Gym.
Distance from causeway: 20-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 30-minute drive
Book a session at Blue Ice Skating Rink.
Going to IKEA is more than just shopping for furniture. Getting a plate of their iconic Swedish meatballs or hanging out in their Pinterest-worthy showrooms pretending they’re ours is something we can all relate to.
Now, you can visit the biggest one in Malaysia – and certainly much larger than what we have in SG – at IKEA Tebaru in Toppen Shopping Centre. While there’s no cross-border delivery yet, smaller items can still be transported home. Plus, many pieces are comparatively cheaper than in Singapore.
The XL-sized IKEA is not all that Toppen has to offer. Kids and overgrown children alike can head to the outdoor playground and splash park for some water fun, especially if it’s to cool down on a hot day. There’s also the newly-opened JumpLah Playground, which has an upgraded version of the childhood classic, “The Floor Is Lava”.
Else, the Rooftop Garden is a chill spot where you can admire the sunset, snap pictures amidst the lush greenery and enjoy deep talks with your friends.
Check our guide to Toppen Shopping Centre for more free activities you can do, like rock climbing and skateboarding.
Distance from causeway: 20-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 40-minute drive
Image credit: AO Architects
Johor Premium Outlets may be quite a drive from the city centre, but its suite of designer brand stores at slashed prices makes it a spot worth driving to.
Image credit: @johorpremiumoutlets via Instagram
Feel like you’re in an American suburb with its outdoor village-style decor, while you shop for new loot at Coach, Kate Spade, and other atas designer names to dress yourself fancy at a good deal.
Distance from causeway: 40-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 35-minute drive
Image credit: Damansara Assets
Just as you’ve cleared immigration at customs, you will be greeted by 2 malls, City Square JB and Komtar JBCC. Fashionistas will know these 2 for a number of brands they carry, like Triumph and Birkenstock at City Square Mall, and Charles & Keith, and Skechers at Komtar.
Komtar is also well-known for its fashion outlet stores: Brands Outlet sells smart casual ‘fits suitable for everyday use, while Padini Concept Store has more formal offerings for WFO days.
After you’ve picked out new ensembles, check out the rest of Komtar for skincare and beauty products at a discount. Or take a break at City Square JB, which is known for its big FamilyMart convenience store.
Distance from causeway: At JB Customs
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 40-minute drive
Rocky Basecamp at AEON Tebrau.
Image credit: HY Yuen via Google Maps
Ultimate JB shoppers would know of AEON, a supermarket and department store chain that sells everything from beauty products to groceries. But what you may not know are the hidden gems within the malls. AEON Tebrau, for example, has the climbing gym Rocky Basecamp tucked within the first floor.
Meanwhile, Westies can look to satisfy their shopping needs at AEON Bukit Indah, which is located just 20 minutes from Tuas Link checkpoint. Make it a pitstop to pick up essentials, like snacks and toiletries, before heading to LEGOLAND Malaysia just 15 minutes away for some amusement park fun.
Image adapted from: Angsana Mall
Before the other gleaming mega malls popped up in JB, there was Angsana Mall, the OG hang out spot for Singaporeans coming up for the weekend.
The family-friendly mall has something for young and old alike. There’s Smart Kids and Seven Castle, both indoor playgrounds for kiddos to let loose and have fun. Older ones can join their parents throwing balls at pins at the Arabian-themed Angsana Bowling alley.
The mall also has numerous clothing stores that have become popular with locals to get matching Hari Raya outfits for the whole fam.
Pro tip: If you prefer not to park on the street, Angsana Mall only charges RM3/hour (~S$0.85) for its car park.
Distance from causeway: 15-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 30-minute drive
Image credit: Sutera Mall via Facebook
Another fave haunt is Sutera Mall, a go-to spot for locals that has 500 retailers like Watsons, Slumberland, and an outlet store for sporting goods. There is some entertainment while parents do a grocery run at AEON BIG supermarket or pick up other necessities.
Caregivers can occupy kids with the Aquarium @ Sutera Mall, which is free for the public. Older ones looking for a bit more thrill can then bring out their Sherlockian whizzes at Lost in JB: The Haunted House. The escape rooms all have a spooky theme to them that will surely raise heart rates, as you plan your breakout.
Distance from causeway: 20-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 30-minute drive
Image credit: s c via Google Maps
You shouldn’t overlook Holiday Plaza just because it’s one of the oldest shopping malls in JB. Beauty girlies will be able to find plenty of affordable nail salons like Nobelle Nail House, where you can get a gel manicure for as low as RM25 (~S$7.16). Otherwise, you can treat your stiff neck and shoulders with a full-body massage at Zen Village Reflexology for only RM50 (~S$14.33).
Image credit: Zenith Johor Bahru via Facebook
Hotpot fans will want to head over to Zenith Lifestyle Centre. They’re located within Johor Bahru City Centre, and have several steamboat restaurants that open till late at night including Haidilao which operates till 4am.
Another alternative is Guoma Steamboat Buffet, which runs from 12pm all the way up to midnight with a generous selection of meat – chicken, pork, beef, and mutton – that costs as low as RM58.30 (~S$16.71) per portion.
It’s no secret that JB is every shopper’s paradise, as these 16 malls have proven. While JB addicts would likely have favourites like KSL and Paradigm Mall at the back of their hands, the good news is that there are many new mega malls popping up.
Either way, you’d surely need to make quite a few trips down to make up for the 2 years worth of retail therapy at these shopping malls in JB.
For more Malaysia-related content:
We’re compiling all the fun stuff to do across the border on our Telegram channel, JB Weekend Plans. So, join the group for more ideas.
Cover image adapted from: AO Architects
Last updated by Mae-Z Fam & Raewyn Koh on 17th June 2024.
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