THE COMMUNE Lifestyle Mall in Johor
If you’re in for a true shopping spree across the border, you’ve gotta visit Kulai, a town 45 minutes North of JB that’s best known amongst shoppers for its Johor Premium Outlets (JPO).
But to make the journey extra worthwhile, here’s a new mall to check out there as well – called THE COMMUNE Lifestyle Mall, this 3-storey shopping nook has everything from indoor sports facilities to a Chagee drive-thru.
How to go to THE COMMUNE?
THE COMMUNE is located in Kulai, Johor. Kulai is a rough 45-minute drive from JB Sentral, and a Grab ride there will cost you around RM43 (~S$12.99). If you’d rather take public transport, you can catch the Causeway Link JP01 bus from JB Sentral, which costs just RM3.60 (~S$1.09) for a one-way trip.
– Where to eat –
1. Chagee
Johor’s first Chagee drive-thru
If the insanely long line at Chagee’s Orchard Gateway store opening last year told us anything, it’s that Singaporeans love Chagee. In fact, the only complaints you’ll hear about the popular Chinese bubble tea franchise are probably about its long queue times, and the fact that it’s a tad pricier than other bubble tea brands in Singapore.
At THE COMMUNE’s Chagee drive-thru (G20B), you won’t have to worry about either of these things. There were barely any drive-in queues when we visited, and drinks are about a dollar cheaper than in Singapore.
The drive-thru is located near the open-air carpark just around the corner of the mall’s entrance, making it super convenient for a quick bubble tea fix on the go.
2. Guoma Seafood Express
Muslim-friendly Shabu Shabu
If you’re looking for a filling, value-for-money meal, check out Guoma Seafood Express (G05) for a hearty dinner. This Muslim-friendly hotpot restaurant has set meals for just RM29.90 (~S$9.03) – and don’t be fooled by the affordable price point; these sets come with generous meat portions, veggie platters, your choice of carbs, a drink, and even dessert to go along.
There are 8 soup bases to choose from here, including all-time faves like mala, tom yum, and herbal chicken soup. Food is served in individual portions too, meaning saliva-conscious pals and those with food allergies won’t have to worry about sharing ingredients.
Our orders were served by a robot!
We ordered the tom yum soup with beef, instant noodles and a veggie platter on our visit, and the portions were huge enough to wow us off the bat. Our platter also came with tasty hot pot add-ons like cheese tofu, crab sticks and enoki mushrooms.
3. Richeese Factory
Fast food chain with popular cheese dips
When overseas, it’s a must to try fast food chains that aren’t available in Singapore. At THE COMMUNE, you’ll be able to get your hands on tasty fried chicken from Indonesian chain Richeese Factory (G02).
Like its name suggests, each meal comes with a side of signature cheesy dip, and starts at only RM14.76 (~S$4.46) for a combo consisting of 1 fried chicken, mashed potato, coleslaw, and a drink.
4. Kopi Kenangan
Popular Indonesian coffee chain
Coffee connoisseurs might’ve already tried Indonesian coffee brand Kenangan Coffee (G20A), which opened in Singapore at the end of 2023. If you’re a fan of their signature brews, you’ll be able to get a cuppa coffee here for cheaper.
Coffees here start at RM4.90 (~S$1.48) for a classic espresso, and go up to RM17.90 (~S$5.41) for a signature Kenangan Latte made with Indonesian coffee beans and palm sugar. In comparison, the same drinks cost up to $2 more in SG.
– Where to shop –
5. Hwa Thai Supermart
Stock up on affordable groceries
Since most of us flock to JB for affordable groceries, Hwa Thai Supermart (G19) is definitely a must-visit when you’re at THE COMMUNE.
Bargain hunters will be able to get their hands on ultra-affordable snacks and household items here, some even costing as low as one-third of their regular prices in Singapore.
Some major steals we spotted include 1L Oatside for RM9.90 (~S$2.99) – that’s 3 times cheaper than in SG, – and Indomie for RM3.99 (~S$1.21).
Ladies, you’ll be able to stock up on affordable feminine products here too – a pack of 16 overnight pads from Kotex costs just RM13.99 (~S$4.23).
6. Good2U
Trendy Malaysian clothing brand
If your wardrobe’s in need of new affordable basics, Good2U Concept Store (LG02) will have all the silhouettes you want, in a variety of colours.
The popular Malaysian apparel brand has over 6 outlets within JB, and they’re known for carrying a tonne of basic tees, sweaters, and lounge pants – available in both plain colours, and with cute graphic designs. You’ll be able to buy t-shirts here from just RM29 (~S$8.76), and cosy jumpers for RM99 (~S$29.91).
7. Mr. DIY
Malaysia’s cult-fave hardware retailer
Us Singaporeans consider Mr. DIY (LG01) the go-to store for affordable knick-knacks – but if you want to get their products for even cheaper, you’ve gotta visit their stalls in Malaysia.
The homegrown lifestyle brand sells everything from electrical appliances to sports equipment and accessories, and you’ll be able to get things like phone cases from RM4 (~S$1.21), and yoga mats from RM24 (~S$7.25).
– Things to do –
8. Sports Affairs
Affordable pickleball & badminton courts
Pickleball is all the rage right now, but court booking in SG isn’t the cheapest, usually starting at upwards of S$15/hour. At Sports Affairs (L102) at THE COMMUNE, you’ll be able to rent pickleball courts from just RM20 (~S$6.04)/hour on weekdays, and RM40 (~S$12.09)/hour on weekends.
Check out these IG-worthy rented paddles.
You won’t even have to bring your own pickleball paddles – they’re available for rent here for just RM10 (~S$3.02).
Aside from pickleball courts, there are also badminton and basketball courts available from RM16 (~S$4.83)/hour and RM30 (~S$9.07)/hour respectively. While walk-ins are allowed based on availability, you can secure booking slots in advance via the AFA app.
9. Lido Trading
RM2 claw machines
Wanna get your hands on coveted Labubus and Butterbear plushies? Try your luck at Lido Trading (LG05), a claw machine arcade with adorably tempting prizes.
Depending on the machine, each game costs roughly 2 tokens, which you’ll be able to purchase from a token machine at the corner of the shop. Each token costs RM1 (~S$0.30), but those looking to try out more machines can purchase bulk tokens for cheaper. For instance, you’ll be able to redeem 100 tokens for RM50 (~S$15.11), and 220 tokens for RM100 (~$30.22).
Stop by Johor’s newest shopping mall, THE COMMUNE
From indoor sports facilities to affordable groceries and F&B chains, THE COMMUNE has activities to keep the entire fam entertained. What’s more, the cosy new mall is pretty quiet, so it’s the perfect chill spot to wind down after a day of shopping at JPO.
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Find out more about THE COMMUNE here
Photography by Cassia Leong.