Singaporeans have an undying passion for JB-hopping; whether it’s a quick trip to dine at cafes and get your nails and hair done, a couple’s jaunt comprising a movie and massage, or a family adventure checking out theme parks and indoor playgrounds.
Don’t feel called out, it’s a national pastime that bonds us just as much as queuing, eating good food, and snagging bargains – all of which are involved in the typical journey across the Causeway. We’ve identified 6 main types of JB-hoppers that you’re sure to have in your life, including yourself. And the best part is, we’ve got some lobangs to recommend as well.
The lobangs are courtesy of Visa, and these exclusive card offers are just one way to elevate your JB experience with ease.
We’re also talking quick, easy, seamless, and safe payment without the need to go to the money changer and carry cash around. And because not all places accept cards, you can simply reload your TNG eWallet with Visa and tap to make payment – that includes paying for parking and Causeway Link rides!
Now without further ado, here are the types of JB-hoppers which you’re sure to know of, and the Visa perks for each of them to take advantage of:
At The Starter Cafe, their house-made sourdough is the star of the show.
Image adapted from: The Starter Cafe, Everlyn Chang via Google Maps
This breed of cafe-hopper doesn’t just order a coffee, fill their tummy with a pastry, and call it a day. To them, cafe-hopping is somewhere between a sport and an art form, and JB’s abundance of themed and innovative cafes definitely hits the spot.
First and foremost, you get to enjoy cafe dining without bleeding a huge hole in your wallet. And fret not about running out of cafe haunts to check out, as there are literally hundreds upon hundreds of cafes in JB, with new ones sprouting every year to one-up the competition even further.
And when these cafe enthusiasts hop across the border, best believe that they’re putting their Ringgit to good use by hunting down the richest matcha lattes, strongest espresso brews, prettiest pastries, and gourmet creations that go way beyond a typical Eggs Benny or brunch platter.
Level-up with Visa: Give your cafe visit an added dose of savings with 10% off at Sunday Morning Coffee Shop and The Starter Café, among many other dining merchants partnering with Visa.
Indulging in DTF XLB at a 0.3 exchange rate? Say less.
It’s no secret that JB is home to good food aplenty. From atas restaurants to humble street fare, the culinary offerings force us Singaporeans to admit that a trip across the Causeway means an adventure for our tastebuds.
After a decent number of JB trips, foodies start to amass their own list of reccs that surpass tourist traps and overrated social media features. The in-the-know foodie has a nose for legit recommendations that even JB locals swear by, and this lobang gives them the power to spread the good word further so other tummies and tastebuds can be blessed the same way.
Level-up with Visa: Get savings on familiar favourites like Din Tai Fung, where you can get RM20 (~S$6.35) off your bill at selected JB branches, or try something new like Fire Pitz’s open-flame grilled offerings at 10% off.
Everyone knows that pampering and makeover services in Singapore cost an arm and a leg. If someone tells you that they’re going for a massage or manicure in a local mall, you’d likely think they’re either super rich, or just not very financially savvy.
JB grooming getaways are where it’s at. A gel mani and pedi with gorgeous, high-level nail art would set you back probably the SG equivalent of a plain manicure. Hair dyeing, rebonding, or perming are so affordable that you’ll be able to throw in a repair treatment as well without batting an eye. And after all your slogging in fast-paced Singapore City? A soothing massage is just what the doctor ordered.
Level-up with Visa: Treat yourself to some R&R from head to toe at Bali Thai Family Spa & Wellness and La Mior Beauty. For instance, 27% off a 90-minute Deep Tissue Therapy massage at Bali Thai, and 10% off La Mior Beauty’s full suite of services, which includes mani-pedis, lashes, facials, and waxing.
As many family-friendly activities as there are in Singapore, we’ll eventually hit the limit. When you broaden your horizons across the border, it opens up a whole new world of options. Mums and dads who are serious about giving their kiddos new experiences and forming lifelong memories for the fam love JB for this reason.
Themed parks, indoor playgrounds, wildlife attractions, and kid-friendly outdoor sports – what’s not to love? Whether it’s school hols season or you’re just looking to jazz things up over the weekend, JB’s family-friendly activities are something that savvy parents swear by.
Level-up with Visa: Delight the entire family with a trip to Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast and get up to 11% off admission tickets.
Image credit: Toppen Shopping Centre
From clothes to blind boxes, retail therapy is the name of the game. There are tonnes of good bargains to be scored in JB, and that sweet exchange rate just makes everything hit different whether there’s a sale or not.
For those who have already frequented KSL City Mall and Johor Bahru City Square so much that they’ve got their entire layout memorised, hit up Toppen Shopping Centre.
Besides lots of shops and eateries for you to explore, the megamall also houses a free-to-use rock wall, karaoke priced from $1/hour, a cinema, kids playroom, and the largest IKEA in Malaysia.
Level-up with Visa: Hit a minimum spend of RM300 (~S$95.27) in no more than 2 receipts using a Visa card at Toppen Shopping Centre to score a gift as part of their Tourist Reward campaign. The reward differs from month to month, with July’s freebie being a pair of tickets to the Game On theme park, and August to September’s being 3,000 Toppen membership points and a RM100 Decathlon gift card.
Image credit: OPERO Hotel
A lot of JB-hoppers zip in and zip out for a day trip, making it back on home soil to call it a night. Sometimes, a weekend getaway is in order. Whether it’s because there’s just so much to do, or you just can’t be bothered to drag your weary self back through immigration queues, spending the night in JB is a luxury your body will thank you for.
It certainly doesn’t hurt that a hotel stay across the Causeway will leave your bank account a lot more intact than a Singapore staycay. Fancy livin’ for a night with a soak in the bathtub and breakfast in bed? Can’t say no to that. Now you’ll get to enjoy all the activities for each type of JB-hopper, cap it off with a great night’s rest, and make it home recharged and ready to jump back into that SG hustle and bustle.
Level-up with Visa: Enjoy a premium stay with a not-so-premium bill by capitalising on Visa’s hotel deals, including 10% off the best available rates at OPERO Hotel Southkey, and 30% off the same for Amari Johor Bahru.
The next time you’re making your way across the Causeway, make sure to be armed with a Visa card so you can fully up your game in JB. And with all the trips we’re making, those savings and card perks are bound to add up.
This post was brought to you by Visa.
Terms & conditions apply for all promotions featured.
Cover image adapted from: Everlyn Chang via Google Maps, OPERO Hotel, @balithaispa.my
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