15 May 2026

Johor Bahru (JB), our favourite destination for a quick and easy getaway. Conveniently located just across the border, the vibrant city offers plenty to eat, see, play and do, making it the ideal option for a quick day trip or weekend getaway.

Plus, JB is easy on the wallet, thanks to the awesome SGD to MYR exchange rate. But did you know that with the Mari Credit Card, you can stretch your dollar even further in JB? More on this later!

Another reason why we love going to JB is because it’s one of the most chill trips you can take. The only thing you need to watch out for is potential jams at the border during peak periods or festive season.

Other than a valid passport, the only pre-trip essentials you need are a data plan to stay connected. Oh also, bring a credit card for seamless and secure payments so you can enjoy your day devoid of hiccups.

To help you get the most out of your next day trip to JB, read this guide for recommendations and tips covering the best shopping, food and activities.


How to get to JB from Singapore

JB is easily accessible from Singapore via both the Causeway at Woodlands and Tuas Second Link. You can either drive in, take a bus, or board a train.

Causeway (Woodlands) or Tuas Second Link?

Generally, those who are driving in should choose the Tuas Second Link as it generally has less traffic. This is also the more convenient option for those who live in the west side of Singapore.

Meanwhile, the Causeway at Woodlands will be your only choice if you’re taking the bus or train. It is the only option with public transportation on both sides of the border, and transit will be easy coming or going (provided there are no overwhelming crowds). Also, taking the Woodlands crossing will place you directly in downtown JB once on the other side.

Pro-tip: Woodlands Immigration Checkpoint is undergoing a massive expansion plan that will increase its capacity five-fold come 2032. Along with smoother traffic, travellers can also look forward to increased amenities and facilities.

By car, bus or train?

Car: Driving your own car is no doubt the most convenient and comfortable option, as you’ll be able to drive around to explore the city freely once you get to the other side. WIth your own vehicle you also don’t have to watch the clock to catch the last bus or train.

On the flipside, you’ll need to be careful of where you park, as car break-ins targeting foreign-registered cars do still occur. Prioritise parking in well-lit places with high foot traffic as a precaution.

Train: The sole train service from Woodlands to JB, Shuttle Terbrau provides multiple trips daily, running between Woodlands CIQ and JB Sentral. The journey takes just five minutes each way. On the Singapore side, the first train departs at 8.30am and the last train leaves at 11.45pm. From JB Sentral, the first train departs at 5.00am, with the last train leaving at 10.45pm.

Tickets cost MYR 5 from JB to SG, and MYR 15.75 from SG to JB. You can purchase your Shuttle Tebrau tickets online, but they tend to sell out fast. You can try your luck at the ticket counters at Woodlands Checkpoint if you’re unable to secure tickets beforehand.

Bus: The more popular and accessible option is by public bus. Not only are they comfortable and speedy, you can choose from different operators and several boarding points in Singapore.

See the following table for details. For brevity, we’ve only included only routes that go directly to JB Sentral. See operator websites for more routes.

Now that we’ve covered transportation options for your day trip to JB, let’s dive into the itinerary proper!


Day trip itinerary

Morning - start with local food and cafes

We recommend starting your JB day trip early for two reasons. One, you have a greater chance of not getting caught up in heavy crowds, and two, you’ll have more time to properly enjoy your getaway.

Once you’ve gotten through customs, it’s time for a hearty breakfast to start the day.

A favourite among locals and visitors alike, Heng Wah Kopitiam serves up comforting Nanyang classics like laksa and ban mian alongside modern options like its flaky, buttery kaya croissant. Another great option for local breakfast is Tiong An Coffee House, home of the famed claypot instant noodle made following a 50-year-old recipe.

Brunch and cafe lovers will have plenty of choices too. One standout is Rowan & Parsley , a nature-inspired cafe that looks and feels like a forest retreat. Brunch is served all day (11am to 6pm), starring crowd pleasers such as eggs Benedict and full-spread breakfast platters filled with rye, egg, bacon, sausage and potatoes.

A recent discovery, Hiritsu Coffee Roasters is known for big, bold flavours hidden behind an unassuming minimalist facade. Fans here regularly rave about the Truffle Mushroom Toasty – served with two eggs and a side salad, and the Ricotta Berry Hotcake – topped with mixed nuts, fruits and ricotta cheese. For an even heartier plate, go for the Big Boy Breakfast, a truly weighty affair with chicken & pork sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes and the works.

For lighter appetites (or some post-breakfast lounging), pick one of JB’s many coffee and matcha places. Grind.jb has a great selection of both coffee and matcha drinks for undecided parties; we hear the tiramisu is also a show-stopper. MUWU Cafe has been stirring up waves among the local matcha drinking community for their extensive matcha menu and array of Japanese comfort food. And for Bridgerton fans, a visit to Alley & Daisy (Jalan Trus) is a must for its vintage-inspired settings and delicious desserts and drinks.

Afternoon - Activities & things to do in JB

One reason why fans of JB keep coming back – there’s no shortage of fun and unique indoor entertainment spots to check out. Also, sticking to activities like karaoke, phototaking and pet cafes is a great way to beat the daytime heat, win-win!

Singaporeans love karaoke, and it seems so do our JB neighbours. One great location to check out is Superstar Family KTV with its bright, family-friendly rooms and hybrid bar setup, where you can even pair your singalong session with Japanese bites from nearby Warakuya. Over at Alibaba Karaoke, the experience leans more theatrical, with immersive Arabian-themed interiors and fun birthday packages that turn any celebration into a full-on event.

If you’re in the mood to capture memories instead, self-photo studios offer a creative alternative. Kacha Kacha Studio keeps things fun and accessible with quirky props, a DIY keychain station and even pet-friendly sessions, while a more upscale studio option ups the ante with professional lighting, costumes and AI-enhanced edits – perfect for marking special occasions in style!

Another beloved activity to indulge in JB - some time in the company of furry friends!

Animal lovers will find plenty to enjoy around Mount Austin and beyond, where cafes double as cosy hangouts with furry companions. Chill ‘N Chow invites guests to unwind with its resident chow chows, pairing hands-on playtime with a casual menu of mains and desserts, plus a complimentary coconut ice cream to round things off.

Nearby, Shiba Cafe offers a more unique experience as one of the few spots dedicated to Shiba Inus, home to around 10 of the breed alongside larger dogs like Alaskan Malamutes and German Shepherds. Entry includes a one-hour session and a complimentary drink, with the option to purchase treats to interact with the doggies more closely..

For those who want variety, HOME by Tales of Paws takes things further with its two-storey concept, separating dogs and cats into dedicated spaces, allowing visitors to slow down and enjoy more relaxed interactions with their preferred species (or both!).

Meanwhile, for a more sedate visit, head over to Cat Times, a sakura-themed cat cafe with a feline twist. Here you can spend time unwinding with a board game or two – if you can get the curious residents to leave your gamepieces alone long enough to take your turn, that is.

Evening - Shopping and malls

As evening rolls around, Johor Bahru’s shopping scene comes alive, offering everything from sprawling malls to trendy lifestyle hubs, providing a rich selection of retail, dining and entertainment.

City Square, located right next to the checkpoint, is perfect for convenience seekers and quick shoppers looking for familiar brands and easy dining options. KSL City Mall will delight bargain hunters, with its mix of affordable fashion, beauty services and a lively local feel.

Mid Valley Southkey, on the other hand, offers a more upscale, all-in-one experience, with a wide selection of international brands and spacious interiors. The sprawling location also houses plenty of dining choices, spanning everything from local restaurant chains to upmarket eateries and global franchises.

For something a little more boutique, head towards Eco Palladium and Mount Austin, where the vibe shifts to stylish shophouses and curated spaces.

Eco Palladium appeals to those who enjoy quieter, more refined surroundings, with lifestyle stores, cafes and dessert spots ideal for a relaxed evening stroll.

Mount Austin is lively and trend-driven, attracting younger crowds with its mix of indie boutiques, themed cafes and late-night hangouts.

If you’re keen to explore further, Paradigm Mall is a strong pick for families thanks to its spacious layout and range of entertainment options. Meanwhile Komtar JBCC offers a smaller, more convenient stop for casual shoppers looking to browse, dine and unwind without committing to a full mall day.

Nightlife - Dinner and supper spots

Foodies will know that JB never stops eating, shifting into full-on supper mode as night falls.

One iconic late-night spot in JB is Pasar Karat. Part flea market, part street food bazaar, it’s known for classic Malaysian bites done well. Think grilled satay, ayam goreng, otak-otak and simple burgers. You’ll also find drinks and snacks that lean more nostalgic than trendy. The appeal here isn’t viral food, but the atmosphere: live music, rows of vintage stalls and a steady stream of locals browsing and snacking well past midnight.

Over at the Mount Austin Night Market (which operates on selected nights), the focus shifts more towards food variety and newer street food trends. You’re more likely to see Thai-inspired grilled meats, loklok-style skewers, fried chicken, and dessert stalls serving bingsu (korean shaved ice), waffles or soft serve. It draws a younger crowd and feels more food-centric than Pasar Karat, making it a good stop if you’re after a wider spread of casual bites in one place.


Of course, one mustn't go JB and not have loklok (skewers), JB’s loklok scene spans roadside setups and casual eateries serving skewers of meats, seafood and vegetables ready to be dunked into bubbling pots of broth, oil or sauce. Just pick what you want, pay and start dunking.

Areas around Mount Austin and Permas Jaya are especially known for these late-night spots, drawing groups of friends looking to linger over food well past dinner hours. Besides loklok, there are 24-hour mamak stalls and supper cafes serving everything from roti canai to maggi goreng, and teh halia – each beckoning you to just grab one more bite.


How to pay in JB

Payments in JB run a mixture of contactless, cards and cash, varying based on where you are.

For the most part, you will be able to pay using card and contactless payments – this includes malls, shops, restaurants, fast food, cafes, dessert shops, etc.

If you’re relying on ride-hailing such as Grab, you can choose to pay using your linked credit or debit card, Grab wallet balance or directly in cash. For cash, be sure to have exact change or small notes on you for less hassle.

Cash payments are also likely to be more common at places like night markets, bazaars and when visiting smaller shops and stalls. You may also need coins for public amenities such as public restrooms. Also for bus fares, if you’re coming back on buses other than those by Causeway Link or SBS Transit.

All in, it’s a good idea to have a small amount of cash on you for your day trip to JB, just in case.


Using Mari Credit Card in JB

And here’s how you can stretch your dollar even further when spending in JB: Simply spend with Mari Credit Card!

Here’s what you can enjoy:

• Instant savings with 1.5% cashback¹ on every tap, everywhere you go in JB. No minimum spend!
• No FX fees². Pay directly in Malaysian Ringgit without hefty foreign currency fees and charges!
• Receive better FX Rates³ under MariBank. Spend with greater peace of mind without having to constantly track for Malaysian Ringgit rates.
• Widely accepted. Mari Credit Card is accepted wherever Mastercard is, giving you near universal access.
• No annual fees!
• Digital first. Pay digitally with Apple Pay or Google Pay.
• Track your spending and your cashback earned instantly on the MariBank app.



Mari Credit Card gives no fuss, no hoops, just cashback you can enjoy right from the get go. Sounds good? Sign up now! Terms and Conditions apply.

Use Mari Credit Card in JB

Disclaimer

¹ The 1.5% Cashback is only applicable for Eligible Overseas Spend in foreign currencies (non-Singapore Dollars) up to a maximum amount of S$1,500 of Eligible Overseas Spends in a Relevant Month. For more information, please refer to the Spend Overseas with Mari Credit Card: Promotion Terms & Conditions (valid till 31 Dec 2026) which apply.

² From 1 Jan 2026, all foreign currency transactions (including overseas and online transactions) which are posted to your Mari Credit Card account will not be subject to the prevailing charge and fee in the Mari Credit Card: Interest, Fees and Charges table, which can be found here.

³ For the FX Rates with Mari Credit Card Promotion Terms & Conditions which apply, please see here. Valid till 31 Dec 2026.