Things to do in SKS City Mall in JB
Time and time again, the pull of JB has proven to be far too irresistible whenever us Singaporeans fancy a short getaway from the humdrum of our 9-5s. A stop at the various head spas in JB serves as the perfect mental reset, while a feast at any one of the city’s night markets is bound to satisfy the food critic within.
Well, here’s another reason to swing by our neighbour’s – SKS City Mall is JB’s newest shopping haunt, and as of writing, most of its tenants have already moved in and are happily welcoming visitors. Here’s what we saw on our trip to the mall this May, along with opening promotions to make yours even more fruitful.
How to get to SKS City Mall?
Getting to SKS City Mall is easy; it’s located just a 7-minute drive from the JB checkpoint. In fact, Google Maps doesn’t even give public transport recommendations if you’re setting off from the customs. If you’re choosing to travel on foot – the 1.3km walk from the customs should take you roughly 20 minutes.
If you ask us, we’d recommend taking a private-hire vehicle, as with getting anywhere in JB. On Grab, prices for a ride to SKS float around RM5-6, which comes out to slightly under S$2. For even more convenience, opt to travel with Grab’s new cross-border taxi services; for about $110, you can board a cab from your doorstep and alight anywhere in JB, including SKS City Mall.
1. Palates & Bagels
Fluffy bagels & refreshing drinks like Strawberry Matcha
Serial cafe hoppers, you’ve got another spot to add to your list in Palates & Bagels, as they’ve just opened their 4th outlet on Level 1 of SKS City Mall.
No prizes for guessing what they specialise in; for something light, go for their fluffy bagels (from RM6) which come in flavours like Black Truffle, Sweet Potato, Mixed Sesame, and our favourite: Garlic Cream Cheese (RM10). For brunch, their Truffle Mash with Poached Eggs (RM24.90) will definitely hit the spot, while the Smoothie Yogurt Bowl (RM24.90)’s an excellent option if you’re eating clean.
For something more substantial, order their Spicy Butter Milk Chicken (RM29.90) or Smoked Salmon Bagel (RM39.90) – both are stuffed with proteins that will more than satisfy big eaters. As for drinks, the refreshing Mint Cubana Fizz (RM17.90) is just the thing to combat the sweltering heat, and we couldn’t resist passing up on a glass of Strawberry Matcha (RM19.90).
Unit number: L1-01
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Palates & Bagels Instagram
2. Jungle Gym
Big jungle-themed indoor playground for kids
Parents whose kids are blessed with boundless energy can head on over to Jungle Gym. Like its name suggests, this massive indoor playground is wonderfully jungle-themed, and is packed with plenty of fun installations for little ones to tire themselves out with.
Image credit: Darren Yeo via Google Maps
There are rope tunnels to crawl through, slides that splash you down into ball pits, trampolines to go bananas on, and even a small circuit for children to ride pedal-operated vehicles on. For imaginative tots, they can don the hats of doctors, grocers, and chefs at a role play area. While they run wild, parents can grab a bite at Jungle Gym’s on-site canteen as they keep tabs on their kids.
Day passes for Jungle Gym cost RM25 for kids under 2 and RM48 for kids aged 2-16, and guardians tagging along can enter for RM10. Right now, they’ve got an opening promotion where guardians can enter for free with every child who has a day pass, from now till 31st May 2026.
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3. KKV
Blind box haven & beauty products galore
If you can’t get enough of the thrill of cracking open a blind box, KKV is the place to be. Its shelves are lined with them, and the ones here feature characters from beloved franchises such as Pokémon, Butterbear, Crayon Shin-Chan, Maltese, and Zootopia to name a few. They’ve also got a whole corner dedicated to plushies to cuddle up with, starting from RM 25.90.
You can also pick up a slew of beauty products right here. I’m no guru myself, but the selection here looked mighty impressive; we saw facial cleansers (RM12.90), ampoule masks (RM1.90), falsies (RM6.90), stick-on nails (RM25.90), and perfumes (RM45.90) all going for pretty reasonable prices once you factor in the SGD-RM exchange rate.
4. Matsukiyo
Popular drugstore chain from Japan with Japanese skincare products
While Johor Bahru City Square houses FamilyMart, SKS City mall plays host to another Japanese mainstay of its own. Japan’s largest drugstore chain, Matsumoto Kiyoshi AKA Mastukiyo, is found on Level 2 of the mall, the second of its kind on Malaysian soil – the first being the one in Toppen Shopping Centre.
Again, I haven’t got a clue when it comes to beauty products, but from the looks of it, they’ve got plenty in stock; we’re talking about well-established Japanese and Korean brands such as Kate Tokyo, MilleFée, PeriPera, and Wakemake. Outside the store, there’s also a rack of their best-selling products and a couple of Malaysia exclusive products, like charcoal cleansing foam (RM18.90) and Rice Masks (RM39.90), and facial towels (RM19.90).
Unit number: L2-11, 12, 13
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Matsukiyo Instagram
5. VistisC
Eyewear store with frames & lenses from RM68
Those in the market for new prescription glasses know that optical shops in JB have some of the most reasonable prices around, and VistisC is no different. You can get your eyes checked out here and get custom-made eyewear best suited for your needs.
They’ve also got plenty of trendy frames in all sorts of styles in stock, and you can pick up a pair from just RM69; they’ll even be fitted with UV400 lenses for extra protection from the sun. What’s more, VistisC is running an ongoing opening promotion, where customers who purchase any frame priced RM99 and above will be eligible for a free upgrade in the form of either photochromic or computer lenses, as well as a free gift.
6. Freia Aesthetics
Wide variety of facial treatments for all skin types
Image adapted from: Muhammad Khairul & Freia Aesthetics | SKS City Mall JBCC via Google Maps
Hailing from Singapore with 3 outlets on the Little Red Dot, Freia Aesthetics has ventured Northwards and have set up shop in KL, and now in JB with their latest opening in SKS City Mall. They’re a clinic which specialises in facial treatments, and their menu is extensive, providing soothing release for any skin type.
Solve your acne-related woes and smoothen out scars with their 7-step Clear Skin Facial (RM850) to rejuvenate your skin’s microbiome. On the other hand, turn back the hands of time with their award-winning anti-ageing Notox Facial (RM799) which gets rid of expression lines for a youthful look.
To further entice you, first-time customers to Freia Aesthetics can enjoy a whopping 50% discount on facials worth RM650 and up, along with a free Eye Gua Sha add-on treatment, 3D skin analysis (U.P. RM300), and free skincare samples.
7. Luxe Nail & Nail Bar by Luxe
Wallet-friendly manicures from RM108 & eyebrow & eyelash services
Ladies who’re looking for a fresh set of talons, look no further than Luxe Nail and Nail Bar by Luxe. They’re sister nail salons both located on Level 4 of SKS City Mall with pretty much the same prices when it comes to glamming out your nails, so pick whichever one you fancy.
Image adapted from: @luxenail.jb via Instagram
Classic Gel Manis go for RM126, while Extension Gel Manicures are priced from RM318 to RM378. Boyfriends who’ve got some time to spare can also sit in for a Men’s Pedicure for RM80. Meanwhile, Luxe Nail also offers eyelash extension (from RM208) and eyebrow microblading (RM588) services, making it a one-stop shop for all your grooming needs.
8. Stay B Hair Salon
Unique cave-themed hair salon
Complete your makeover at Stay B Hair Salon. It boasts a unique cave-inspired theme, with granite walls partitioning the entire salon into cosy nooks where you can kick back and have your hair cut. They’re also pretty inclusive, boasting a dedicated Muslimah Room for those wanting a tad more privacy.
Image adapted from: Stay B via Facebook
As for services, they’ve got all bases covered as far as hair goes. From haircuts ranging from RM69 to RM189 depending on the stylist you choose to hair dyeing services (from RM199) like colouring and highlights, you can trust them to give your mane a proper refresh. Also, they’ve got an ongoing promotion till 31st May 2026, where customers can enjoy 50% off their second visit if they paid for their first one in full.
9. Qi Odyssey
Massage treatments inspired by Chinese teahouses
Of course, you’re headed to JB for a good rub down; after all, the city’s got no shortage of quality spas and massage parlours, and one of them’s Qi Odyssey. FYI, they’re affiliated with the more popular Thai Odyssey, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.
Image credit: Qi Odyssey
What’s special about Qi Odyssey is that they’ve integrated elements of a Chinese teahouse with Chinese massage techniques such as foot reflexology. As such, every treatment comes with a complimentary selection of small bites like shrimp rolls, crispy twist rolls, and pineapple tarts. Additionally, you can choose to get a pot of tea (from RM10.90) to go along with the bites.
Image adapted from: Qi Odyssey
Treatments-wise, melt away with their full-body Qi Meridian Massage (from RM158), which targets meridian points to dispell stress knots in the body. If you’re in a hurry, the Silver Cloud half-body massage (from RM68) will leave you rejuvenated in just 30 minutes, while the Monk’s Feet Massage (from RM98) aims to target pressure points on your stompers to relieve muscle tension and improve blood circulation.
If you’re still on the fence, from now till 31st May 2026, the Qi Odyssey outlet at SKS City Mall is offering a free trial massage with a minimum purchase of any 60-minute service. Also, you can snag a Duo Bundle Deal that consists of 1 Qi Odyssey and 1 Thai Odyssey service voucher for savings of up to RM92.55. Finally, the spa will also be giving customers a free gift when you follow them on the Qi Odyssey and Thai Odyssey Instagram pages.
10. AEON Wellness
Go-to pharmacy with affordable medicine & supplements
We all know how expensive medicinal products can get here in sunny Singapore, so restock your medicine cabinet without breaking the bank at AEON Wellness outlet. Pharmacies in JB are known to stock medicine and supplements at more affordable prices as compared to sunny Singapore, and this rings true here as well.
Grab all sorts of Panadol (from RM4.20) products to stave off the occasional flu or fever, and grab health supplements from reputable brands such as Blackmores, Kinohimitsu, and Nature’s Way just to name a few. There are also self-checkout kiosks if the queues get too long at the counter, but you might still need to make a stop there to purchase certain products such as antihistamines.
Moreover, AEON Members (App Store | Google Play) can redeem an RM10 E-Voucher for every RM100 spent on AEON Wellness products in a single receipt. There are also Buy 1 Get 1 Free deals on select items, as well as discounts of up to 60%; all these opening promotions last from now till 24th May 2026.
Unit number: L3-03
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: AEON Wellness Instagram
11. Chagee & Beutea
Quench your thirst with BBT & rest your feet at their dine-in spaces
Unlike their Singaporean counterparts, these outlets have way more seating space so you can rest your soles as you sip away at your tea.
We’ve also got to give BBT mainstays Chagee and Beutea a shout; they both can be found on Level 2 of SKS City Mall. No introduction is really necessary for these establishments; the former prides itself on fresh tea drinks that are both aromatic and refreshing, while the latter whips up unique fruit-infused drinks to quench your thirst when it’s hot out.
Both joints also have special promotions to swing by; new members who sign up on the Chagee app (App Store | Google Play) can enjoy their first drink at 50% off, while Beutea customers can order drinks from their Fresh Milk Tea Series via the Beutea app (App Store | Google Play) from just RM7.90 (U.P. RM9.90-RM15.90).
Beutea SKS City Mall
Unit number: L2-19
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Beutea Instagram
Visit SKS City Mall on your next trip to JB
With the ongoing renovation works happening at Johor Bahru City Square coupled with the fact that SKS City Mall’s the latest shiny new addition to the city’s skyline, we wouldn’t be surprised if it draws significant footfall over the coming weeks. Head on over before the crowds start forming, and more importantly, to take advantage of the opening promotions and deals during your shopping sprees here.
For more things to do in JB during your day trips across the border:
- Taking the KTM Train from JB to Kulai
- SanGe private lok lok truck in JB
- Kolej YPJ Bukit Senyum abandoned school in JB
Photography by Wani Khan.