At this point, most Singaporeans probably already feel like Johor Bahru locals. We’ve read every article telling us about the best cafes in JB to visit and watched every TikTok raving about yet another hidden gem. But if you’re looking for a lesser-known weekend destination, here’s your sign to venture a little further and explore Pontian, a district in the southwest of Johor.
We’ve helped to gather the best things to do in Pontian to save you the hassle of planning.
Table of Contents
Most Singaporeans may think of Pontian Wanton Noodles when they hear “Pontian”, but it’s actually a district in Johor – one that borders Batu Pahat and Kluang up north, and Kulai plus JB to the east.
It’s no surprise then that this sleepy district is actually a seafood haven, home to local restaurants and markets selling the freshest catch of the day. Pontian Kechil is the district’s capital, formerly a fishing village, and it’s where you’ll find local amenities and eateries.
The most convenient option is to make use of one of the ride-hailing apps in Malaysia, which should get you to Pontian in less than an hour from the Tuas Checkpoint.
But if you really want to do as the locals do, you could opt for the public bus option. First, you’ll need to get to Larkin Sentral via Woodlands Checkpoint by hopping on the 170 bus or Causeway Link CWL (RM2.30/pax, ~S$0.70). From Larkin Sentral, take myBAST50 (RM6.20/pax, ~S$1.88), and it’ll take about 1.5 hours to reach Pontian Kechil.
Image credit: The Cookies Factory Sdn Bhd via Google Maps
The Cookies Factory is what you’d get if Willy Wonka decided to set up camp in Malaysia and specialise in traditional cookies. We’re talking kueh kapit, love letters, and sugar cashew cookies, all neatly packed in those iconic red-lidded containers found in every ah ma’s house.
Established in 1991, the cookie and biscuit manufacturer started with Madam Lim, who loved baking for her friends and family. She eventually started her own company, and today, you’ll find The Cookies Factory’s products in countries like Australia, Taiwan, and even New Zealand.
The outlet carries local cookie brands and its own in-house brand, Mama’s Oven and SKINNIE Biscotti. Expect to spend around RM20 to RM30 (~S$6.06-S$9.09) per container here.
Nictar Pineapple Park is one of the many pineapple plantations in Pekan Nanas, a small town in Pontian. Unlike other plantations, this one welcomes visitors to tour its grounds and take home some local pineapple products on their way out.
To get into the pineapple fields, you’ll have to pay an admission fee of RM10 (~S$3.02). Your ticket will include a complimentary bottle of pineapple juice and refreshing pineapple slices. During your tour, you’ll also learn about the different varieties of pineapple grown on the farm and other plant types as well, like banana trees, coconut trees, yam plants, and other local varieties.
Be sure to take home some pineapple products from their gift shop before you leave. You’ll find fresh juices, jams, tarts, and even chilli sauces – all starring pineapples, of course.
Image credit: Andrew Ho (何德财) via Google Maps
EconSave’s mission is all in its name – to provide the best prices for its customers without compromising on quality. This supermarket is your one-stop destination for almost anything.
It’s Malaysia’s leading grocery retail chain with a whopping 91 stores across the country. Here, you’ll find anything from clothes and accessories to kitchenware, electrical appliances, and fresh produce. Their Pontian branch is similar to the huge Giant store we have in Tampines, where it occupies its own lot and parking space, so you won’t have to stress about where to park.
Unoo Pickleball Club offers 4 fully sheltered indoor pickleball courts, and is open to pros and newbies alike. If you’ve just begun your pickleball journey, sign up for their weekly social play on the Reclub website to dink with new friends. And even if you’re visiting solo, you can always test out your skill with their automated Jbot sports machine.
Court rental prices start from RM30/hour (~S$9.09) on weekdays from 8am to 5pm, and RM40/hour (~S$12.11) all day on weekends as well as 6pm to 12am on weekdays. There are paddles for rent for RM6/session (~S$1.82) and ball rentals for RM2/session (~S$0.61) too.
Book a court on Unoo Pickleball Club’s website.
MK Rimba Camp Park is where you go when you want to escape the city noise and have front-row views of the sea. There are 3 zones to camp in: the Sea View Zone, where camper vans usually park, the A-frame Zone, which is where elevated camping huts are already set up, and the Tent Zone, where you’ll pitch your own tent.
Each zone comes with its own washing area and charging points, so rest assured that you won’t be completely roughing it out in nature. The shower situation may be a little tricky, though, since the site has just 3 cubicles, and only 2 are equipped with showers.
You’ll find the treehouse playground in the tent zone, with an attached basketball hoop if you’re up for some friendly competition. There’s a pool near the toilets as well that’s suited for young kids.
Lots at the Sea View Zone go for RM80/night (~S$24.23), while the cheapest lots are found in the Tent Zone, which go for RM30/night (~S$9.09). Visitors have commented that the location is a bit tricky to find, but here’s a video with directions on how to get there.
Image credit: Asteria via Google Maps
Taman Rekreasi Sungai Rambah is a public park, located just a 10-minute drive away from Pontian Kechil. It’s giving Changi Beach Park vibes with its majestic casuarina trees and seaside views.
The spot is a popular wedding shoot location, and it’s easy to see why. Highlights in the park include a circular plaza surrounded by towering casuarina trees, a suspension footbridge, and a 3-storey viewing tower overlooking the Straits of Malacca. It’s a great place for a picnic if you want to take your dinner outside and soak in the sunset views.
ShellALot Pontian is Malaysia’s answer to Singapore’s Dancing Crab. The restaurant specialises in seafood lambak, which is basically a mix of seafood like prawns, crabs, and mussels cooked in a flavourful sauce. And instead of cutlery, you’ll be using your hands to dig into a seafood spread that’s poured directly onto the table.
Their menu features different set sizes – get the couple VIP set (RM76, ~S$22.98), which comes with golden scallops, prawns, flower squid, oysters, clams, corn, and broccoli – that’s just nice for 2. For bigger groups, get the family sets, which start from RM154 (~S$46.56).
Solo diners, you aren’t left out – there are single set options that start from RM27.50 (~S$8.32). If you aren’t the biggest fan of seafood, their extensive menu has you covered with their classic nasi lemak (from RM12, ~S$3.64) and even western dishes like striploin steak (RM36.90, ~S$11.16) and grilled chicken chop (RM17, ~S$5.14).
Dongxing Bak Kut Teh might raise eyebrows among pepper bak kut teh lovers as this one leans towards a rich, herbal broth instead. But its rave reviews make the eatery well worth the visit. The shop is actually located within Restoran Yong Sheng, located right next to Pekan Nanas Police Station.
Pro tip: don’t save this for a late lunch – it’s recommended to come early since it opens at 7.30am and closes at 12pm.
A must-try is their Claypot Pork Ribs Soup, which goes for RM20 (~S$6.06) for a single portion. The hearty herbal broth is packed with pork ribs, intestines, stomach, liver, pork balls, enoki mushrooms, tofu skin, and lettuce. There are sharing sizes available too if you’re visiting as a group. Don’t forget to add on you tiao for dunking.
Locals and tourists call it the “best bak kut teh in town”, so you should definitely swing by to test out that theory and decide for yourself.
Image credit: Foodie.Travelog via Google Maps
Chye Huat Kopitiam 111 takes breakfast seriously with their old-school grill and the OG kopitiam teapots. This eatery is famous for its grilled toasts, usually slathered with a generous dollop of kaya and creamy butter. The stall has a good 77 years of experience under its belt as a kopitiam stall and retains old-school charm with its louvre windows and simple furnishings.
It’s a fuss-free experience – just grab a seat and order a cup of kopi with your breakfast. The open kitchen grants you a perfect view of the staff grilling your toast by the window. Expect to pay around RM20 (~S$6.06) here.
Pasar Awan Pontian is a wholesale fish market in Pontian, which also happens to be one of the few bidding markets left in Malaysia. This means you’ll get to sit in on the action and watch as local buyers bid for fresh catches of the day.
Here, you’ll find fresh seafood, including different varieties of prawns, fish, and flower crabs. If you ask, some fishmongers can even clean your haul with no extra charge. The market opens as early as 5am and closes at 1pm, so come early to snag the best deals before they’re gone.
Don’t be quick to leave once you’re done shopping. Head over to Ah Huat Kitchen, which is located opposite the market.
The restaurant’s tagline says all you need to know about the place: You buy, we cook, you enjoy. Basically, you bring your seafood haul over to the restaurant’s chefs, and for a fee of around RM18 to RM24 (~S$5.46-S$7.27) for each dish, the chefs will cook up your seafood based on the best cooking style for each item.
The restaurant also provides other veggie dishes as add-ons, like Sambal Kang Kong and Stir-fry Green Dragon Veg, priced at around RM10 (~S$3.03) per dish.
This is easily one of the more unique cafes you’ll find in Pontian. Platform Coffee & Homestay serves coffee from a 62-year-old guest house – the cafe is located in the front compound of the property, while the living quarters of the guest house are right behind the cafe.
Their menu features hot and cold beverages like Iced Latte and Hot Mocha for RM8 (~S$2.43) each. For something with a kick, try their Baileys Latte (RM17, ~S$5.15), which is coffee mixed with Baileys, a liqueur from Ireland. There are also cakes and sourdough bread to go with your drinks.
Getting coffee here is like sitting in someone’s outdoor living room. Instead of your usual cafe booths, you’ll be resting on tatami mats, rattan chairs, and a bamboo sofa. They even serve their drinks in handmade ceramic cups for an extra touch of personality.
If you want to extend your stay a little longer, you could book a night in their guesthouse, which goes for S$25.76/night.
Coxn Cafe Pontian is as Instagrammable as it gets with its unblocked views of the Straits of Malacca. This seaside restaurant serves up hearty Western meals like classic Fish and Chips (RM22, ~S$6.67) and Grilled Chicken (RM18, ~S$5.46).
Their alfresco dining area also lets you enjoy the sea breeze with your meal, and their cosy picnic lights only add to the dreamy vibes. The cafe even has cute beach huts to have your meal in, so you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Hawaii.
Image credit: Yearn Cafe via Google Maps
Yearn Cafe’s menu may leave you a little confused at first glance – the extensive menu includes everything from dumplings and butadon to suan la noodles, baguettes, and even yoghurts. A crowd favourite seems to be the Grilled Chicken and Mushroom (RM19, ~S$5.76), which is served in a baguette with a side of lettuce and cucumbers.
The space itself gives off calming zen vibes, with potted plants scattered throughout the cafe. There’s even a small sand-and-cactus habitat near the seating area for you to admire as you catch a break.
Kukup Fishing Village is the largest and southernmost fishing village on the peninsula of Malaysia. The village is known for its fresh seafood and serene views by the sea. Over a 3rd of its houses have been converted to holiday homes by the locals, making it a popular destination for city folks who want to get away.
Highlights here include Pulau Kukup National Park, which is home to a 30-meter suspension bridge over the Ular River, and a 5-storey observation tower. The park is located on Pulau Kukup, one of the largest uninhabited mangrove islands in the world. To get there, you’ll have to board a ferry, which costs RM10 (~S$3.03) for a round trip from Kukup International Ferry Terminal. At the park, you’ll have to pay an admission fee of RM5 (~S$1.51).
Be sure to dine at New Kukup Restaurant and don’t miss crowd favourites, like baby sotong and salted egg crabs. Before you leave the village, sign up for a boat tour of the neighbouring floating fish farms, also known as kelongs, where you’ll get to take home your own catch-of-the-day.
The next time your group chat suggests JB for the nth time, why not shake things up and suggest Pontian instead? With its fresh seafood, laid-back nature spots, and kampung charm, Pontian should definitely be on your next Malaysia itinerary.
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Cover image adapted from: @groundbarista, @desireebin & @bearbay via Instagram
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