Sometimes all we need is that short trip across the tuseway — a convenient getaway to escape the realities of life just for a little while. But what’s meant to be a fuss-free, relaxing holiday may get a little tiresome if your itinerary’s always the same: Shop at City Square Mall. Shop at KSL City. Head home.
So, we have consolidated a quick itinerary for any of you who are planning on making that trip soon, but have absolutely no idea on what to do. Here’s how you can fully maximise 48 hours in JB — which may sound like way too much time for a trip to JB, but you’d soon be longing for more.
Day 1
12PM – Take a 5-min Train Ride to JB
If you’re daunted by the long queues that await at the bus bays and immigration, get a load of this: Train tickets to JB are available at only SGD$5 and JB back to Singapore is RM5, and will shorten what could’ve easily been a 3-hour (or more) journey into a 30 minutes one – inclusive of time spent in the immigration.
All you have to do is head on over to www.easybook.com and key in the dates of your travels. Do make sure to book your tickets early, because they do run out pretty fast! However, if your trip is a spontaneous one, you can still try your luck buying train tickets over the counter at the first level of Woodlands Checkpoint, right beside the lift. Enter at least 20 minutes before your scheduled timing in order to sail through immigration and secure some seats on the train – though standing for a short five minutes isn’t too bad an option either.
The Definitive Guide to Get to JB from Singapore – the Easiest and Fastest Ways Around
12.30PM – Have Nasi Padang For Lunch @ Restoran Kin Hua
With a quick five minute walk from City Square Mall, you’d soon find yourself in the midst of rows of shophouses, most of which have remodelled themselves into 21st century cafes. However, at one corner sits Restoran Kin Hua, an old school eatery that has managed to retain its charm despite the emergence of modern cafes.
Though this coffee shop is mostly patronised for its Kampung Half-boiled Eggs (RM2.20) and Roti Bakar (RM1.30/pc), lunchtime demands that you fill your tummy with something as hearty as nasi padang. The Nasi Padang Stall only opens late in the morning, making it the perfect choice for an early lunch or late breakfast.
The unique aspect about this stall is that ordering is self-service, much unlike in Singapore. First, tell the uncle your choice of rice: nasi putih (white rice) or nasi lemak (coconut rice). Armed with your plate of rice, you can then help yourself to any dishes you’d like, before returning to the uncle for the final calculation of its pricing. With its free and easy nature, the prices are rather flexible – while the rice costs RM1.50, each dish costs anywhere around RM1–5, with the fish being the priciest at RM3–5 and the chicken at RM4.
Address:
8 Jalan Trus
80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours:
Mon–Fri: 11AM–2PM
Closed on Tuesdays
1.30PM – Play Laser Tag @ City Square Mall
There isn’t any other way to put this — if you’re going to JB, you’re probably there because of our strong currency. It’s only wise to include conventional shopping in our 2-day itinerary. But if you’re on this trip with a mixture of friends — friends who aren’t the least bit interested in shopping — then it’s time to suit up and battle one another in a game of Laser Tag.
A single game lasts around 10 minutes — which may sound like a short time — but once you’re in the game and sprinting in different directions to escape your enemies, you’d wish the game ended a lot sooner. A single game will set you back RM25, while two and three games will cost RM40 and RM50 accordingly.
If being active isn’t up your alley, there are plenty of other activities available as well: Javanese massages, movies, manicures, or even hair dye jobs — the possibilities are almost endless.
Laser Battle
Address:
Lot MS-11
Johor Bahru City Square
108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook
80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours:
Mon–Fri: 10AM–10PM
3PM – Check-in @ The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen
Location is key for a good staycation — and location is what The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen definitely has. At just around 25SGD/pax, get yourself a lodge located right in the heart of all the action — all the cafes and good eats. With cafes such as Shakespeare Milkshakes opened until 11PM, The Replacement itself opened until midnight, and a night market ongoing all the way until 3AM, you’d never be without a thing to do.
The lodge is hidden upstairs, accessed through an inconspicuous door right next to the cafe. Ascend to find a minimalistic space equipped with 7 rooms, each designed a little differently but maintaining a similar Kinfolk-inspired theme.
First, we have Stories, a basic room with a double-decker bed and plenty of sunlight.
Next, we have Skylight, a spacious room for two, fixed with a queen bed and an aperture right above the bed to let in a gleam of sunlight.
Finally, we have Loft, yet another well-sunlit room but this time with an elevated loft queen bed, and some seating underneath.
Essential amenities were provided: shampoo, soap, toothbrush & toothpaste, towels, and a hair dryer. Though the toilets for the lodge are shared, do note that they are not cubicles, but well-maintained individual bathrooms side-by-side.
Something else to note would be that the lodge is situated next to a mosque, and hence, prayers would be heard at different times of the day. The most significant would be the one at 6AM, which may disturb you if you’re a light sleeper. As the walls are not soundproof, noise from the streets and cafe below can be heard rather audibly, more so if you’re staying at the Loft, which is situated right next to an open window in the common area.
Otherwise, the incredibly simplistic interior would also make it the most efficient – an affordable place just for you to rest your head comfortably at the end of the day. Oh, and free breakfast – but we’d get to that the next morning.
Pricing
Stories: 46SGD/night, 26SGD/night after 2 guests
Skylight: 51SGD/night, 26SGD/night after 2 guests
Loft: 51SGD/night, 26SGD/night after 2 guests
Book your rooms here
Address:
33 Jalan Dhoby
80000 Johor Bahru
Reception Hours: 10AM–8PM
Check In: 3PM–7PM
Check Out: 12PM
Amenities: Breakfast, Wi-Fi, Toiletries, Air-Conditioning, Common Bathroom
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3.30PM – Play with Cats @ C.A.T.S Cafe – Cats At Their Sanctuary
We may have found the best cat cafe in town. Well, slightly out of town.
C.A.T.S Cafe is located a short distance away from JB Sentral, the best way there probably being by cab. We’ve slotted this into the middle of your afternoon because we’re sure you’d spend hours – and no, it isn’t just because the cats here are so overwhelmingly adorable. While most pet cafes charge by the hour, C.A.T.S Cafe only charges a single fixed price of RM15 for entry into this furry heaven, with no time limits whatsoever.
The staff here is extremely particular about the maintenance of the cafe, and hence, they’d make sure that you properly wash and sanitise your hands before you enter. Certain ground rules are also gone over: no flash photography, no feeding with human food, and no cuddling. The last rule had probably dashed the hopes of many of their visitors in the past, ourselves included.
If you’d like to stow away your bags to prevent unsightly cat scratches, lockers are provided free-of-charge upon entry. Store loose items in your lockers if you can – the cafe owners have experienced way too many cases of theft (by cats) than they can count.
A good twenty cats were out and about in the cafe area, some sleeping in baskets, some hiding in the litter box, and others bounding around up the trees and across the floors. Every single cat looked so pristine and well taken care of, that it came as no surprise when we learnt that they have daily check-ups to ensure that only the healthiest cats are out in the cafe. Another bulk of cats were kept in a room behind the counter, consisting of cats who were off-duty, or simply not in a well-enough condition to tolerate the incessant petting of visitors.
It is estimated that there are at least 20 species of cats present in the cafe, with one of their stars being a Maine Coon recently imported from Russia. But to us, the star of the cafe had to be Mala, a greyish-brown striped cat distinguished by the bells around its neck. Affectionately nicknamed the ‘massage cat’, Mala is the type of cat friendly enough to grace you with his masseur services, kneading your arm or thighs with love (or so we hope) as he fixes his watery gaze on you throughout. We’d definitely recommend skipping the massages you were planning on getting at the mall, and head here instead.
Instead of paying a flat price of RM15 for entry, you may also order something off their menu instead, with each person minimally required to order at least one drink or dish. What’s more, C.A.T.S Cafe is currently having a weekday promotion lasting until 5PM, allowing you to get a main course such as their Signature Nasi Lemak or Spaghetti Aglio Olio and 1 free drink at just RM19.90. If you want something a bit lighter, then grab one of their drinks such as the Vietnamese Coffee, which will only set you back RM10.90.
Address:
31A Lorong 2c
Kampung Bahru
Johor Bahru 80100
Operating Hours:
Mon–Sun: 1PM–9.30PM
Closed on Wednesdays
Contact: +60 7-207 0399
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8PM – Shop @ Pasar Karat
Right on the roads outside your lodging at The Replacement, a night market comes alive from 7PM every day, lasting all the way to 3AM. However, unlike most night markets, this one has a larger proportion of stalls dedicated to retail instead of food.
Comb through an endless number of shoes, caps, bags, watches, and clothes, all at extremely affordable prices. If you explore it thoroughly enough, you’d find a few gems such as stalls retailing embroidered caps in the trendiest colours, or the latest kicks from big brands – though we can’t comment on their authenticity. Some small bites such as Taiwanese Fried Chicken are available as well, but save your stomach – supper’s going to be good.
Address:
No 49 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee 80000
80000 Johor Bahru
9PM – Have Tapas for Supper @ The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen
Because serving great all-day brunch wasn’t enough, they decided to launch a boutique lodge. In yet another latest development, The Replacement has recently introduced a new ‘Night At Replacement’ concept, extending their hours well past dinnertime and unveiling an extensive Tapas menu alongside it.
“Tapas” — a term used in Spanish cuisine — are little plates of appetisers or snacks meant to be shared. Absolutely anything can be served — and indeed, the wide variety of dishes on The Replacement’s tapas menu proves it. Don’t expect to find basic finger food like fries or nuggets, because the dishes here are on a whole other level. Go big on the protein with the Grilled Chicken (RM18), or personal favourite, the Beef Steak (RM28), which is wonderfully seasoned and served alongside delicious baby potatoes. If you’d like to take your meal up a notch, have some Prawns (RM24), a dish of creamy grilled prawns topped with nutty Romesco sauce. For the vegetables, we’d recommend Asparagus (RM15), a small dish with asparagus, poached egg, and chicken chorizo, meant to be mixed all together and eaten. Another favourite of ours would also be the Beetroots (RM15), which tasted surprisingly light and sweet, doused in yoghurt dressing.
Dessert was their Signature Fried Bao with Ice Cream (RM18 for a set of two), which came in the flavours Matcha, Caramel Milk, and Thai Milk Tea. We were sold on the Thai Tea ice-cream flavour – it was easily the best flavour to pair with the fried bao.
Of course, what’s a good night without good drinks? The Replacement is pretty serious about their craft beers, offering a range of beer styles represented by the Hawker Pale Ale (Pale Ale), Hitachino Yuzu Saison (Farmhouse Ale), Siren Liquid Mistress (Amber Ale) and Harviestoun Old Engine Oil (Black Ale), each bottle costing RM30. Otherwise, have a go at their mocktails such as Purple Lady (RM18), a fruity blend of lavender and raspberry.
With your tummies all filled and happy, it’s time to head back to your lodge to tuck in and call it a day.
Address:
33 Jalan Dhoby
80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours:
Mon–Sun: 7PM–12AM
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Day 2
10AM – Breakfast @ The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen
You’d be lying if you don’t admit that the free breakfast that comes with lodging at The Replacement is the most enticing perk of all. Free food from a cafe I’d probably have dined in anyway? Sign me up!
Admittedly, the Breakfast Menu for guests is a lot more limited than the cafe’s main menu, but who’s complaining if you can have essentially any drink you’d like? You will be given free rein over the drinks menu, which opens up options such as a wide variety of coffee and chocolate, fresh sugar-free juices, and specialty teas. Our favourite juice options were Yellow Pages, a combination of pear, red apples, and lemon, and Green Hornet, a glass of green apple juice infused with fresh celery. In case you’re wondering, the other juice names are equally as interesting – Red Ranger for a blend of beetroot, red apples, and lemon, and Pink Lady for a tangy tomato juice blended with red apples.
For mains, the Guest Breakfast is inclusive of three options: the Classic Breakfast, Turkey Egg Bens, and Cereal and Fruits. We’d highly recommend the Classic Breakfast – a substantial serving of muesli bread, eggs, chicken sausage, chicken ham, mushrooms, and mixed beans. Besides it being the most worth-it option, it was also the tastiest. With every component of the breakfast separated, the bread stayed crisp, ready to be topped by some eggs or ham.
Guest Breakfast:
Mon–Fri: 10AM–12PM
Sat–Sun: 9AM–12PM
Address:
33 Jalan Dhoby
80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours:
Mon–Fri: 10AM–6PM
Sat–Sun: 9AM–6PM
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11AM – Get Coconut Buns & Banana Cake @ Hiap Joo Bakery
For most, dabao-ing Banana Cake (RM5 for small, RM10 for big) from Hiap Joo Bakery is a must whenever they find themselves in JB – which might explain the long queues you see outside the shop before they’ve even started selling them. Their cakes are baked in batches, so it’s essential to begin queuing as early as possible so that you don’t find yourselves having to wait 1.5 hours for the next batch.
Enough has been written about their soft and moist banana cakes, so let’s talk about the incredibly underrated Coconut Buns (5 for RM4.50). Baked in a wood-fired oven, the dough forms a smoky, charred crust that goes extremely well with its hearty grated coconut filling. All breads, buns, and cakes are served freshly baked, and our advice is to consume all buns while they’re hot, but to save your banana cake for the next day – somehow, it tastes a little better at room temperature.
Address:
13 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours for Sale of Buns:
Mon–Sat: 11AM (While stocks last)
Opening Hours for Sale of Banana Cakes:
Mon: 12PM–5.30PM
Tue–Sat: 7.30AM–5.30PM
Sun: 8.30AM (While stocks last)
11.30PM – Play Board Games @ Shakespeare Milkshakes
We Singaporeans love a good few hours spent with friends at places like Playnation and Minds Cafe, strengthening (or maybe even weakening) relationships with good taple-top games such as Saboteur or Cards Against Humanity. But as fun as those two places are, they don’t come cheap. But what if we told you there’s a much more inexpensive equivalent in JB?
Enter Shakespeare Milkshakes. You may be familiar with its name, considering that the phase for over-the-top milkshakes had just passed. But today, they aren’t just another cafe in JB. This dessert cafe has recently collaborated with Fullwolves Board Games to bring you a newly reinvented board game cafe. Simply make your way to the second level, pay a small fee of RM7/8 (weekday/weekend) per hour per pax, choose a game to your liking from more than 50 choices, and roll your dice. Or deal your cards.
An extremely helpful and patient game assistant from Fullwolves will be on hand to recommend the perfect game for your group, walk you through any games you’re unfamiliar with, and even teach you some neat tricks to beat your opponents, so don’t be afraid to get her to step in when you and your friend are locked in a debate about the actual rules of Saboteur.
Play tame games such as Ticket To Ride whilst you slurp on some of their best specialty shakes such as the Kinder Bueno Shake (RM16), a quintessential chocolate-hazelnut shake topped with a bar of kinder bueno and salted cookies. For those with an avocado obsession, the Avocado Power (RM16) would be right up your alley with its rich, nutty, and milky texture. Pretty in pink would be Berries Sparkles (RM16), a mixed berries shake blended with yoghurt ice-cream and popping candy, making each sip a little more exciting. On the side, munch on their ever popular, savoury Croffles (RM8) — a cheesy, waffled crossaint stuffed with fillings such as beef pastrami, ham, or tuna.
Address:
9 Jalan Trus
80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours:
Mon–Fri: 12PM–11PM
Sat–Sun: 12PM–12AM
Closed on Wednesdays
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1.30PM – Cafe-hop @ Faculty of Caffeine, Flowers in The Window, Bev C
You simply can’t miss out on a chance to cafe-hop while you’re in JB – especially when the best, most Instagrammable, cafes are located so close to your lodging, and to one another.
It’s best to grab lunch at Faculty of Caffeine, which boasts a pretty robust menu for a cafe, offering dishes such as tendon, ramen and even Japanese curry soft-shell crab on waffles. One of the hottest items on the menu would be their Korean Fried Chicken (RM19.90) – the chicken was perfectly crispy, and the Gochujiang Mayo was satisfyingly spicy and flavourful. Of course, you can always have the Truffle Fries (RM17.90), which are always a must-order in any cafe. Pair your sides with some Slow Juice (RM12) as well, which comes in the flavours Apple Lemon and Apple Pear.
Other dish less conventional to be served in a cafe include their Signature Tendon with Unagi (RM28.90), which came on a wooden board alongside a bowl of miso soup and a small pot of tentsuyu – perfect for when you get to the bottom of your bowl and start feeling that it’s a tad too dry. The tempura had a light and crispy batter that wasn’t too oily, and the onsen egg was gooey and creamy , giving your rice more character when mixed.
If you love tiramisu, you’d love The Tiramisu Waffle (RM19.90). This deconstructed tiramisu, beautifully arranged, doesn’t just look good. Drizzle the espresso provided over the entire contraption – mainly on the ice-cream and waffles – and attempt to get every component of the dish in one bite. With every individual component tasting so good on its own, especially the brownies, chocolate mousse bars and Mascarpone cheese, one can expect how heavenly a culmination of everything would taste.
Then, head over to Flowers In The Window to sip on some of the prettiest drinks you would have ever laid your eyes on. This two-storey cafe stays true to its name – it is adorned with flowers and greenery, making the space even cosier than it already is. Flowers are incorporated as much as possible into every drink and dish, whether it is freezing petals in ice-cubes, or garnishing cakes with some lavender.
We had the Coconut Water (RM15.90), which may well be the most photogenic drink with its edible flower ice-cube and spiralized cucumbers. Another drink pretty for pictures would be the Thymes Lemonade (RM15.90), a elderflower and soda-infused lemonade topped with thyme and strawberry slices, and finally served in a juice glass lined with salt around its opening.
Finger food such as the Cajun Spiced Wedges with Sour Cream Dip (RM12) is also available, and ideal for sharing with its generous serving. The wedges were sizeable and moist, though we’d like to have been a bit crispier. The sour cream dip was also a little diluted, and like typical Singaporeans, we eventually opted for a chilli dip instead.
Finally, stop by Bev C, a boutique-cum-cafe frequented by most for their espresso-cube and fruit-cube beverages. Upon entering, you may get a little confused by the interior – a clothing shop? Browse through the racks a little, get something if it interests you, or you can head straight upstairs to the cafe area of Bev C
.
Bev C probably has the largest drinks menu as compared to the other cafes in the area, but most people tend to stick to their Espresso Ice Cube with Milk (RM14.90). However, since this method of serving iced latte is getting pretty common, we’d suggest that you try their Fruit Ice Cube drinks instead – particularly, Winter Calling (RM16.90), which wasn’t just a refreshing banana smoothie, but an Instagrammable, marbled cerulean one.
Faculty of Caffeine
Address:
106 Jalan Trus
80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours:
Mon–Sun: 9AM–6PM
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Flowers In The Window
Address:
9 Jalan Dhoby
80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours:
Mon–Sun: 10AM–9PM
Closed on Tuesdays
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Bev C
Address:
54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours:
Sun–Thurs: 11AM–8PM
Fri–Sat: 11AM–10PM
Closed on Mondays
Contact: +60 7-221 3530
Website: www.bevcclothingbrand.com
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4PM – Head Over to Taman Century Night Market
Opened only on Mondays, this pasar malam right outside KSL City may well be one of the most visited night markets in Malaysia. Extending all the way to just outside Grand Paragon Hotel, it serves up plenty of affordable traditional fare that most Singaporeans probably miss – especially with the onslaught of modern stalls in our own night markets.
Stalls start setting up shop from 4PM, and with the amount of foot traffic it receives, most stalls tend to run out of stocks at around 8PM. With that being said, it’s best to come as early as possible, in order to be able to try some of the more popular stalls here, as well as to prevent being swarmed by sweaty bodies come night-time.
Muah Chee
If a queue forms before the stall has even opened, you know the food has to be good. That was the case for the muah chee kiosk at the start of the night market – lines were snaking at 4PM, when barely any store has set up shop. But high demand meant that the muah chee you’d receive is freshly cooked, coated and cut, making for warm pieces of glutinous rice balls that melt in your mouth within seconds.
Stall Name/Location: Across the road from Coffee Bean Tea & Leaf at KSL City, at the start of the night market
Price Range: RM4 (Small), RM5 (Big)
Chwee Kueh + Chee Cheong Fun + Radish Cakes + Yam Cakes
The line for this store is equally as long – and if you saw the speed at which the owners worked, you’d know that the queue hasn’t formed because of slow service. Ngee Heng is the go-to for most who visit the night market, mostly for their Chwee Kueh and Chee Cheong Fun. With its popularity, their stall can close as early as 6PM due to finished stocks, so it’s best to make this stall one of your first stops as well.
The chwee kueh here is much thicker than what we have in Singapore, making it much more filling than we’d imagine. Served hot and with a generous portion of chai po, the rice cakes were fragrant, so savoury, and delightfully crunchy. However, the chee cheong fun took the cake – especially with its quaint chewiness that isn’t usually present in most chee cheong fun.
Stall Name/Location: Ngee Heng
Price Range: RM4 (Small), RM5 (Big)
White Carrot Cake
Plenty of stalls serve carrot cake in this night market, but our favourite would be this one from JB Carrot Cake. White carrot cake is served here, mixed with copious amounts of egg and beansprouts for that extra crunch. Each piece of radish cake was incredibly pillowy, and the aroma of both the fried carrot cake and chilli was to die-for.
Stall Name/Location: JB Carrot Cake
Price Range: RM4.50 (Small), RM5.50 (Big)
Ai Yu Jelly
Don’t make the same mistake we did – get the big cup instead. Having had far too many salty dishes that evening, the Ai Yu Jelly Drink from this stall was almost god-sent. Stir your drink well, and you’d have yourself a refreshingly saccharine, yet satisfyingly sour, jelly beverage to quench your thirst.
Stall Name/Location: 桂林爱玉冰
Price Range: RM3.50 (Small), RM4.50 (Big), RM7.50 (Tin)
Hum Jim Peng + You Tiao
We knew it was going to be good when the plastic bag carrying the hum jim peng felt warm to touch. We got the sweet red bean paste one, and they were not stingy with their filling. The dough had a light crisp with a springy texture, with the paste almost melting in your mouth.
However, the you tiao had a bit of the butterfly bun taste – probably because the same oil was used – and could have been crispier.
Stall Name/Location: Shortly after the Ai Yu Jelly stall, stall selling fried dough fritters in red baskets
Price Range: RM1.20 per piece
Stinky Tofu
When you’ve come to the end of the night market stretch, you may find yourself assaulted by a strong odour. And no, it isn’t a poor sewage system. What you’re smelling is Stinky Tofu, a Taiwanese delicacy notorious for its rotten stench. It was rather endearing how the stall owner had very considerately situated his van at the very end of the night market, a good distance away from the rest of the stalls.
At just RM5 for a packet, this van’s version of this dish may be described by some to be one of the most authentic stinky tofu outside of Taiwan. Fans will definitely enjoy the taste, while curious newbies will definitely enjoy the fresh new experience of trying one of the smelliest dishes on the planet.
Stall Name/Location: Van at the end of the night market
Price Range: RM5
Address:
Jalan Seladang
Taman Abad
80250 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours:
Mon: 4PM–9PM
8.45PM – Take a 5-min Train Ride Back to Singapore
Armed with plenty of coconut buns and banana cakes, it’s time to head home. If you’re a fan of coffee buns, this is your final chance to get a bunch at Rotiboy right in JB Sentral, where you’d be boarding your train. Collect the tickets you’ve booked online at just RM5, and get your buns – a smooth 5-minute journey back to Singapore awaits.
in Johor Bahru
