Things To Do in JB: Cafes, Mount Austin, Go-Kart, Escape Rooms & More

Johor Bahru is a great destination for a quick family holiday. You’ve got awesome JB cafes, JB go-kart arenas and JB escape rooms for the family. Plus animal cafes, adventurous activities, great shopping and hotspots like Mount Austin. Read on for the best things to do in Johor Bahru for families!

There are so many fun things to do in Johor Bahru (JB) with kids, it’s no surprise families flock there during the school holidays or for a quick weekend escape. With its close proximity to SG, getting from Singapore to Johor Baru almost feels like a staycation – just with a better exchange rate and a seriously tasty food scene. We recently did a 2D1N trip to JB with our 5-month-old, and it was nothing short of an adventure! If you’re planning a similar getaway with the fam, we’ve got you covered with this authentic, tried-and-tested family guide on the best things to do in JB. From exploring Mount Austin and checking out the best JB cafes to having a blast at go-kart arenas, escape rooms and even cheap JB indoor playgrounds, consider this your roadmap to a smooth and stress-free Singapore to Johor Bahru trip with the little ones in tow.

Jump to:
– Things to do in JB with kids
– What to eat in JB
– Best JB Hotels
– Travelling from Singapore to Johor Bahru

Best things to do in JB with kids

Go-karting in JB: Kid-friendly go-karting spots in Johor Bahru

things to do in jb - Singapore to Johor Bahru - johor bahru - mount austin - jb cafe - go kart - escape room - what to eat in jb - jb sentral - jb causeway - singapore customs - jb customs - rud karting — Image credit: RUD Karting Medini

Looking for adrenaline-pumping things to do in JB? Try go-kart racing in Johor Bahru! While we enjoy go-karting in Singapore, it can get a little pricey. Meanwhile, go-karting in JB not only has more options, but it’s way more affordable than in SG! One of our favourite places to go-kart in JB has to be RUD Karting Medini, which boasts one of the longest go-karting tracks in JB. Go-karting here at RUD Karting is suitable for kids ages 7 and up, and there’s even a two-seater car option, perfect for kiddos who don’t want to go alone. Other top go-karting spots in JB include KF1 Karting at Southkey Mid Valley for some indoor go-karting action and Permas Go-Kart Club!

RUD Karting Medini, PTD 200284, Persiaran Medini Sentral 6, Bandar Medini Iskandar, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim, www.racingunderdog.com

Water parks in JB: Family-friendly water parks in Johor Bahru

Water parks like Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park and Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast are among the best things to do in Johor Bahru if you want to beat the tropical heat. Though they’re a bit of a drive from JB city centre, water parks in JB offer a wide range of fun activities for both big and small kids.

Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, 10am – 6pm (Thursday – Monday), 71, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, www.funtime.my

Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, 10am – 6pm (Wednesday – Monday) 82200 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia, www.facebook.com/adventurewaterpark

Escape rooms in JB: Unique and fun escape rooms in Johor Bahru

Aside from adrenaline-pumping activities like water parks and go-karting, JB also offers chill indoor options that are perfect for rainy days. One of our favourites is exploring the many escape rooms in JB! These escape rooms offer unique brain-teasing games that are not only fun but also a great way to bond with your loved ones. From murder mysteries to horror-themed adventures, escape rooms in JB are quickly gaining popularity. We love LOST in JB at Mount Austin for its realistic sets and high-quality props. Also located in Mount Austin is Enigma Escape, which even has real-life actors for an even more immersive experience!

Enigma Escape, No.19-01, 19-02, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, www.enigmaescapejb.com

Indoor playgrounds in JB: Fun and affordable indoor activities in Johor Bahru

Indoor playgrounds are always a hit, and JB’s indoor playgrounds offer plenty of fun for the little ones. For families not wanting to travel far, Kidz Republic at Komtar JBCC is one of the top things to do in when in Johor Bahru. This popular indoor playground in JB features slides, trampolines, ball pits, foam pits, and more. The main highlight here is the unlimited playtime and wallet-friendly rates starting from just $2.89 per adult and $7.19 per child! When we were there, we especially loved how spacious each play station was, giving kids plenty of room to run and explore safely. Plus, guests staying at Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre receive a 10% discount on entry fees, making it even more appealing for families visiting Johor Bahru.

Kidz Republic in Komtar JBCC, Lot No. 308, 3rd Floor, Komtar JBCC, City Centre, 80000 Johor Bahru, www.ticket2u.com.my

Legoland Malaysia: Biggest attraction in Johor Bahru

JB’s biggest attraction has to be Legoland Malaysia, a thrilling Lego-themed amusement park complete with exciting rides, a water park, and even its own Legoland Malaysia hotel. While Legoland Malaysia is especially perfect for little kids, this attraction in Johor Bahru guarantees fun for every age, especially Lego fans. Read our full Legoland guide here.

LegoLand Malaysia, 7, Jalan Legoland, Bandar Medini, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia, www.legoland.com.my

Best malls in JB: One-stop entertainment destination in Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru’s malls are super convenient one-stop destinations, offering everything from great shopping and dining to entertainment options. Malls near JB customs, such as City Square Mall and Komtar JBCC, boast diverse offerings from convenience stores, indoor playgrounds, trendy restaurants, JB ice cream cafes, cinemas, and even bookstores.

If you don’t mind travelling a bit further, bigger malls like JB Paradigm Mall and Mid Valley Southkey offer even more excitement. JB Paradigm Mall, for example, features family-friendly cinemas, JB go-kart arenas, arcades, indoor playgrounds, and even an ice skating rink! The rink gets busy during peak times, but its spacious layout means your kids can skate safely. Plus, skating aids, socks, and gloves can be rented for just RM7 (~$2).

Shopping in JB malls also means great savings compared to Singapore. Beauty and skincare essentials at stores like Watsons, Guardian, Bath & Body Works, and Kiehl’s are often $5 to $50 cheaper! Household, baby, and kids’ items follow suit. Little Genius in JB is a favourite for baby essentials, offering a wide range of products, including diapers, apparel, toys, snacks, and formula milk, all at wallet-friendly prices.

Blue Ice Skating Rink @ Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, 3F-30, Paradigm Mall, Skudai Hwy, Taman Bukit Mewah, 81200 Skudai, Johor, www.blueiceskatingrink.com

City Square Mall, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, www.citysqjb.com

Komtar JBCC, City Centre, 80000 Johor Bahru, www.komtarjbcc.com.my

Little Genius JB, 6, Jalan Kencana Emas 2/3, Kawasan Perindustrian Tebrau 3, 81100 Johor Bahru, www.facebook.com/littlegeniusbabyproducts

Adventure parks and theme parks: Adrenaline-pumping things to do in JB

JB is home to a variety of indoor and outdoor theme parks that promise fun for all ages. One standout is EnerG X Park at Sunway Big Box, an indoor adventure and trampoline park packed with high-energy activities. Think ninja courses, trampolines, rock climbing walls, and more. It’s perfect for active kids, teens, and even adults who want to burn off some energy. If you’re up for more thrills, you can also check out X Park Sunway Iskandar, which offers outdoor adventures like go-karting in JB, ATV rides, and paintball.

EnerG X park (Sunway Big Box), 10am – 10pm daily, Persiaran Medini 5, Sunway City, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, www.energx.my

X Park Sunway Iskandar, 2pm – 12am daily, Jalan Medini Selatan 2 Medini Zone F, Bandar Medini Iskandar, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, www.xparkmalaysia.com

What to eat in JB: Cafes, restaurants & more

Just like us, our friends across the Causeway are major foodies too. If you’re wondering what to eat in JB, you’ll be spoilt for choice, especially with the rise of JB cafes popping up all around the Johor Bahru city centre! From JB cafes serving delicious pastries to adorable animal cafes in JB, there’s something for every mood. If you’re planning your things to do in JB itinerary, dedicating a full day just to cafe-hop in JB sounds like a pretty solid plan.

As Clouds Cafe: Alpaca cafe in JB!

There are plenty of cafes in JB, from nostalgic Nanyang-style spots to trendy pastry cafes serving up amazing matcha. But if you’re after something a little different, As Clouds Cafe is a cafe in JB where you can enjoy desserts and drinks alongside two adorable in-house alpacas. Since opening, the cafe has drawn a steady crowd daily, and it’s easy to see why. With no entry fee, this JB cafe offers a unique animal-meets-dessert experience that’s perfect for a fun outing with the kiddos!

As Clouds Cafe, 32, Jalan Nakhoda 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Tel: (+60) 11-2669 8262, www.instagram.com/ascloudsjb

Chucky Cat Cafe: Cat cafe in Johor Bahru

Cat cafes are a top favourite among things to do in JB with kids, and Chucky Cat Café at Komtar JBCC is a top pick for families. This cafe in JB is home to a group of long-haired felines, including its namesake Chucky, a gorgeous orange Maine Coon. Be sure to pair some quality cat cuddles with a slice of cake and an iced drink. Plus, guests staying at Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre get to enjoy 15% off their bill at this JB cafe!

Chucky Cat Cafe, Lot No. 302, 3rd Floor, Komtar JBCC, City Centre, 80000 Johor Bahru, Tel: (+60) 12-425 9302, www.facebook.com/chuckycatcafe

Read more: Cat cafes in Singapore

Shi-ba Cafe: Dog cafe in Johor Bahru

Similarly, dog cafes in JB are a must-visit. If you’re a fan of Shiba inus, head to the first-ever Shi-ba Cafe in JB, where adorable shibas, Alaskan Malamutes and corgis await. Shi-ba cafe is also a pet hotel and offers pet grooming under one roof. Entry to Shi-ba cafe is RM10 (~ $2.90) and will give you an hour of cuddle time with the doggos accompanied by free soft drinks. You can also treat the dogs to dog treats at just RM2 (~ $0.57). Do note that a reservation is required!

Shi-ba Cafe, 12-01, Jalan Austin Heights 8/4, Johor Bahru 81100, Tel: (+60) 19-960 1040, www.instagram.com/shibaindahouse

The Cool Cat Ice Cream: Cafe in JB near a skate park

This JB cafe is located in the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre. While its location is a bit out of the way, its charming and relaxed aesthetic more than makes up for it. With a mini skate park nearby, this JB cafe is perfect for cooling off with some delicious ice cream after spending some fun time under the sun!

The Cool Cat Ice Cream, Jalan Yahya Awal, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, Tel: (+60) 13-812 3452, www.instagram.com/thecoolcat.icecream

Lazy Monday HQ: Popular JB cafe with huge burgers

Conveniently nestled just a stone’s throw away from JB customs, Lazy Monday is a halal cafe in JB known for its oversized burgers and loaded fries, which are ideal for satisfying those burger cravings. Boasting ample indoor and outdoor seating, this JB cafe offers a charming ambience, with the outdoor area adorned with fairy lights and vibrant music setting the perfect vibe.

Lazy Monday HQ, FP5W+W2, 71A, Jalan Abdul Samad 1, Sri Gelam, 80100 Johor Bahru, Tel: (+60) 16-666 0604, www.facebook.com/lazymondaykitchen

K Fry Urban Korean: JB restaurant serving Korean food

Another must-try halal restaurant in JB, K Fry Urban Korean is a popular Korean restaurant located conveniently just opposite Johor Bahrua’s KSL City Mall. Known for its flavourful Korean fried chicken, the menu at this JB restaurant also features a variety of classic Korean dishes like Jjigae, Dosirak, Jjajangmyeon, tasty sides, and Bingsu.

K Fry Urban Korean, 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Tel: (+60) 7-266 0902, www.kfry.my

Warong Tokyah @ The Kuarters: JB cafe with traditional Malay food

This halal cafe in JB serves up a wide array of dishes, desserts, traditional kueh, and snacks from as early as 8am! It’s a great spot to kickstart your day if you’re planning your Singapore to Johor Bahru trip early. Don’t miss their satay and traditional kueh, especially the Nona Manis, which is a crowd favourite! This JB cafe also offers a tempting selection of cakes and pastries, perfect for takeaway if you’re on the go or want a sweet treat later.

Warong Tokyah @ The Kuarters, The Kuarters, JKR 2384, Jalan Pahlawan, Yahya Awal, 80100 Johor Bahru, Tel: (+60) 12-794 8091, www.instagram.com/warongtokyah

Space Cafe JB: Popular JB cafe near KSL City Mall

Space Cafe JB is conveniently located near KSL City Mall, just a few steps away from K Fry Urban Korean. If you’ve saved some room after your Korean fried chicken feast, you can head to this JB cafe for dessert! Space Cafe JB features minimalist interiors and serves gorgeous pastries and delicious coffees. Must-try menu items include the signature Caramel Biscotti Coffee and the Viennois Red Bean Butter.

Space Cafe JB, G11, Space cafe, 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Tel: (+60) 17-663 7562, www.instagram.com/space.johor

Flowers in the Window: Beautiful cafe in JB’s Jalan Dhoby

Flowers in the Window is a stunning JB cafe conveniently situated on Jalan Dhoby, just a short stroll from City Square Mall. This JB cafe is halal-certified and boasts beautiful interiors and a nutritious menu featuring plenty of dishes infused with superfoods. Additionally, they offer fresh pastries, including croissants and country sourdough loaves.

Flowers in the Window, 9, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Tel: (+60) 7-222 7489, www.facebook.com/p/Flowers-in-the-Window

Where to stay in JB: Best hotels in Johor Bahru

Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City: Family-friendly JB hotel

Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City is perfect if you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in JB offering convenience and comfort. Located just a 5-minute walk from JB customs and connected to Komtar JBCC, this JB hotel ensures a swift and sheltered transition from your Singapore to Johor Bahru travel to relaxation. Plus, as it is connected to Komtar JBCC and just a walking distance from City Square Mall, you’ll have easy access to a variety of shops, JB restaurants and entertainment!

Our family’s stay at this JB hotel was seamless, with a quick check-in process and spacious, modern rooms equipped with all the necessary amenities. This hotel in JB provides a cot in the room upon request for those travelling with a baby. The hotel’s restaurant, Dine@Eight, offers delectable buffet spreads for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kids will especially love the themed stations, including a chocolate fondue station, a cotton candy station, and a doughnut station. Be sure to visit the rooftop pool, where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of JB city and even catch a glimpse of Singapore in the distance!

Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Tel: (+60) 7-207 8888, www.ihg.com/holidayinn

St. Giles Southkey: JB hotel with excellent location

Located just above the megamall Mid Valley Southkey in JB, St. Giles Southkey is a relatively new JB hotel situated a short drive from JB customs. This hotel in JB features a stunning infinity pool and a children’s pool, and its spacious rooms offer beautiful river or city views. Its prime location above Mid Valley Southkey provides families with easy access to a variety of activities and attractions. There are also popular restaurants like Din Tai Fung and must-visit dessert cafes such as Dip n Dip!

St. Giles Southkey, Mid Valley Southkey, 1, Persiaran Southkey 1, Kota Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru, Tel: (+60) 7-336 8888, www.stgileshotels.com/st-giles-southkey

Capri by Fraser JB: Hotel near Johor Bahru customs

Capri by Fraser JB is just a 6-minute drive from JB customs, perfect for families who don’t want to travel far for accommodation! This 40-storey hotel in JB is renowned for its spacious rooms, with its Studio Executive King featuring a fully furnished kitchenette – perfect for catering to the tastes of picky little eaters!

Capri by Fraser JB, Menara Tiga Serangkai, Jalan Tengku Azizah, Kim Teng Park, 80300 Johor Bahru, Tel: (+60) 7-277 0888, www.frasershospitality.com

Travelling from Singapore to Johor Bahru (JB)

There are plenty of transportation options from Singapore to Johor Bahru. Although, your journey is almost always accompanied by notorious traffic jams. But before diving into the journey, the crucial decision lies in selecting your entry checkpoint.

Tuas VS Woodlands Checkpoint

To start your journey from Singapore to Johor Bahru, you have two entry points into JB: the Tuas Checkpoint and the Woodlands Checkpoint. Opting for the Tuas Checkpoint, also dubbed CIQ 2nd Link, typically means smoother traffic flow and faster Singapore customs clearance. However, keep in mind that choosing Tuas Checkpoint will place you farther from the city centre or JB Sentral, AKA where all the best restaurants, JB cafes, and hotels in Johor Bahru are!

On the other hand, Woodlands Checkpoint directs you straight to the heart of the city, which is also why it is the more popular choice for travellers. Additionally, Woodlands Checkpoint has a cheaper toll fee for cars and offers more spacious facilities, making it convenient for travelling from Singapore to Johor Bahru with bulky luggage or needing currency exchange.

Transport from Singapore to Johor Bahru: By Car

Driving from Singapore to Johor Bahru with the kids means they can relax in the cool comfort of an air-conditioned car, armed with snacks and entertainment to keep them occupied. Of course, there’s always the hope for a tantrum-free journey and a respite from the inevitable “Are we there yet, Mama?” inquiries. One crucial item to have on hand when travelling from Singapore to Johor Bahru is the Touch ‘n Go Malaysia card for smooth toll payments.

Transport from Singapore to Johor Bahru: By Train

Travelling from Singapore to Johor Bahru by train is undeniably the most comfortable, quickest, and cost-effective option – that is, if you manage to snag a ticket! Train ticketsfrom Singapore to Johor Bahru are in high demand and tend to sell out rapidly. You’ll have to book as early as a month in advance. However, if you’re fortunate enough to secure tickets, the boarding process at Woodlands Checkpoint is seamless, and the journey from Singapore to Johor Bahru itself takes a mere 5 minutes. Plus, you’ll breeze through Johor Bahru customs with significantly shorter queues.

Transport from Singapore to Johor Bahru: By Public Transport

If you’re like me, where last-minute plans leave you without comfortable private transportation options, you can enter Johor Bahru via public transport as your Plan B.

You can take a bus to the checkpoint, where you’ll pass through Singapore customs first before boarding a bus to JB. For families with young children or babies, queuing at the manual counter can take 20-30 minutes. Once you go through Singapore customs, you’ll queue for the bus to go to JB customs. In my experience, buses from Singapore to Johor Bahru arrive swiftly, with conductors often prioritising families with little ones. However, be prepared for potential traffic jams on the causeway from Singapore to Johor Bahru and long queues at JB customs, especially during peak periods, where wait times can stretch from a mere 10 minutes to a staggering three hours. Try to arrive early, like really early, if travelling during peak times.

Tips for a fuss-free family trip from Singapore to Johor Bahru:

Always budget extra travel time during your journey to and from JB (and mental readiness) for any potential tantrums or diaper mishaps. If you’re travelling from Singapore to Johor Bahru with a baby, ensure you have a bottle of milk on hand for feeding time emergencies. For older kids bring snacks and be prepared with books or a screen to keep them busy.
Tune into live traffic streams of the Singapore and JB causeways before hitting the road to gauge the expected duration of your journey from Singapore to Johor Bahru.
Some malls in JB do not have baby rooms and even changing tables. It’s always good to research the place you’re going to prevent last-minute franticness!
Given Malaysia’s scorching weather, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, don’t forget to pack a fully charged portable fan and hats to keep cool and comfortable.

You’re all set! Now you’re all ready to have a fun trip with the fam from Singapore to Johor Bahru!

Read more:

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Lead image: Alpaca Cafe, Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, Kidz Republic and X Park Sunway Iskandar

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Things To Do In Johor Bahru With Kids: JB Cafes, Mount Austin, JB Go-Kart, Escape Rooms & More