A beginner’s guide to the best shopping malls in Johor Bahru
If you’re reading this, you’re probably already (or about to) making weekend plans to the ever-so-popular Johor Bahru.
There’s truly nothing more satisfying than embarking on a quick getaway to JB’s shopping malls for some much needed retail therapy, food adventures and fun activities — all for a third of the usual prices.
Fortunately for you, we’ve compiled 16 of the best shopping malls in Johor Bahru to save the next time you decide to make a trip across the causeway.
Photo: Chung Sukfong/google images
You can’t go to JB and not visit Mid Valley Southkey, one of the largest malls in West Malaysia (just fifteen minutes away from customs).
It’s a one-stop mall to kickstart your capsule wardrobe with the popular SOGO Department Store, Adidas and Cotton On.
They also have a variety of homeware and decor shops including Hatch Home Concept, Objet, and Nitori if you’re looking to spruce up your humble abode.
Photo: @chenyijie904/instagram
For those looking for a more laid-back experience, you can always head to Aurum Theatre — a luxurious private boutique cinema — and settle into the plush seats with extravagant recliners, alongside freshly made food and drinks.
Otherwise, the colourful GSC Play Plus (family-friendly cinema) and KF Kiddy Circuit offers some thrilling go kart action — perfect for your little ones.
Not to mention, The Film (Korean photobooth studio) has finally opened with funky props and vibrant interiors, including a high-angle booth.
Facebook | Instagram | Website 📍 1, Persiaran Southkey 1, Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10am—10pm (Daily)
Photo: Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru/google images
Paradigm Mall is the largest regional mall in JB — boasting more than seven floors and over five hundred retail shops and restaurants (perhaps even a worthy contestant to Mid Valley Southkey).
It features the first and only Blue Ice Skating Rink amongst other malls in Johor Bahru from just S$11.40 (RM40).
Photo: Naggy Guibman/google images
Alternatively, they also have Stars Archery, an indoor archery course or Kidzoona, an indoorplayground to entertain the kiddos whilst you get your nails and hair done at You & Me Salon.
It’s definitely the place to go if you’re thinking of bringing along your family.
Facebook | Instagram | Website 📍 Paradigm Mall, Skudai Hwy, Taman Bukit Mewah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10am—10pm (Daily)
Photo: @goodtimesdiy_pottery/instagram
Alternatively, Toppen Shopping Centre is a mall to consider if you’re going with friends or a significant other.
Spice up your outings at creative art studios like Good Times DIY for tufting, pottery and baking workshops or Parking Lot CQB, a shooting range to live out your PUBG fantasies.
Photo: Rex Lee/google images
Think of a playground, arcade, amusement and theme park all mixed into one and that is exactly what you’ll find at Game On Theme Park (even better yet, it’s all indoors).
Most importantly, IKEA Tebrau is just next door for you to do some furniture browsing — or just do what most of us would, head straight to their restaurant for the Swedish meatballs.
Facebook | Instagram | Website 📍 Toppen Shopping Centre, No. 33A, Jln Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10am—10pm (Daily)
Photo: Jaan Hong Lim (Justin)/google images
Ever wanted to visit Korea but can’t find the time to do so?
Don’t fret because Sunway Big Box Retail Park is an open-air mall with a minimalist warehouse concept including BookXcess (it even bears a striking resemblance to the Starfield Library in Seoul).
Photo: Jaan Hong Lim (Justin)/google images
Filled with over a million book titles for affordable prices from classic novels to bestselling self-help titles, you’re practically spoiled for choice.
There’s also the Sunway Hotel Big Box, ideally situated in the heart of Sunway City Iskandar Puteri and X Park for thrilling attractions to entertain every adrenaline junkie.
Facebook | Instagram | Website 📍 Pusat Komersial Sunway Marketplace, Persiaran Medini 5, Sunway City, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10am—10pm (Daily)
Photo: Tom D/google images
If you’re short on time but still want to shop, R&F Mall is a hidden gem as it’s just an eight minutes walk from customs with a fully sheltered link bridge.
Photo: Kim Ricafort/google images
Albeit smaller than the previous Johor Bahru malls, it houses DOMA Korean Cuisine servingaffordable Korean BBQ sets from S$31.28 (RM110) — sure to satisfy any cravings for Korean food.
Facebook | Instagram | Website 📍 L2-086-A5, Mercu 1, Jalan Tanjung Puteri, 80300 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.🕐 10am—10pm (Daily)
Photo: Dena mahmood (Engineer)/google images
Up for something different?
Beletime Danga Bay is situated near the Danga Bay (beach) with white sands, tranquil ambience and an alluring sunset view.
Photo: @marrybrownmy/instagram
Although the stores are slightly on the high-end side compared to the other Johor Bahru malls, you can still expect to find trendy and premium clothes, alongside homestyle retailers like MINISO and MR D.I.Y.
They also have Malaysia’s very own halal-certified fast food franchise, Marrybrown, serving crispy fried chicken and burgers.
Instagram | Website 📍 No.01-01, Shopping Mall Ground Floor, Bay Point Persiaran Danga Perdana Country Garden, Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10am—10pm (Daily)
Photo: Colin Chan/google images
Johor Bahru City Square (no, I’m not talking about Singapore’s City Square Mall)is strategically located near the causeway, housing over three hundred retailers sprawling across eight levels.
You’ll find many familiar local and international brands like UNIQLO, Marks & Spencers, Original Levi’s Store and so much more (it’s practically a shopping paradise).
Photo: @nanacollectionsmy/instagram
You may even find one or two quirky accessories like pizza or croissant hair clips or Y2K-style clothes at Nana Collections.
Although all that walking and lugging around your shopping hauls can get exhausting, this mall makes up for it withtherapeutic massages at Lawa Lawa Spa and Siam Oasis for the ultimate pampering that you deserve.
Facebook | Instagram | Website 📍 106, 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10am—10pm (Daily)
Photo: OBEY GAMING/google images
Can’t get enough shopping?
KOMTAR JBCC is conveniently located beside City Square Johor Bahru with familiar brands like Marks & Spencers, F.O.S and Brands Outlet — sure to satisfy any shopping addicts.
What I’m most excited for is, however, the Chucky Cat Cafe to get up close with over twenty purr-fectly adorable feline friends.
Photo: Abdulhayy Johnson/google images
Get cosy and cuddle with the kitties from just S$6.55 (RM22.90), alongside a small dining area to enjoy simple cafe fare from S$1.90 (RM6.90).
I know where I’m headed the next time I need some cat therapy.
Facebook | Instagram | Website 📍 KOMTAR JBCC, City Centre, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10am—10pm (Daily)
Photo: Ah Hong/google images
I get it, shopping may not be for everyone but you can still find other lifestyle stores that may just tickle your fancy.
Think beauty salons ranging from hair and spasto nails and eyelashes such as Ikute Nails & Eyelash, I Be Own Nail & Eyelash, and CNN Nail & Eyelash.
It’s always nice to treat yourself to a little self-care, especially after a long day at work.
Photo: HSY/google images
There’s even the KSL Hotel situated right above the mall if you don’t wish to travel far.
After that calming experience, fill your stomach with Fa Ge Lok Lok located right outside the mall or bring back home a box of Nanyang-style egg tarts from Tapu Tart.
With tart flavours such as pandan kaya, curry potato and taro from just S$1.30 (RM4.50), it’s sure to please anyone you give it to.
Facebook | Instagram | Website 📍 33, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10am—10pm (Daily)
Photo: s c/google images
Escape from the crowds over at KSL Mall and chill at the nearby Holiday Plaza instead. Although it’s the oldest malls in Johor Bahru, you can expect to find a few hidden gems including beauty and massage parlours.
Photo: WINDY NAIL & EYELASH/google images
If you’re looking to change your look but want something that won’t break the bank, you might want to consider this mall.
Facebook 📍 Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Century, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10am—9pm (Daily)
Photo: Matthew Chia/google images
Just a five minutes walk from Amari Hotel is Zenith Lifestyle Centre, a comparatively smaller place amongst the other malls in Johor Bahru.
However, they make up for it by being strategically located in Johor Bahru City Centre and even has a few late-night steamboat eateries.
Photo: Charlene Pay/google images
I’m talking about Haidilao Hot Pot that opens till 4am and Guoma Steamboat Buffet that opens till midnight for just S$15.70 (RM55).
If there’s one thing that Singaporeans love more than JB, it’s certainly Hai Di Lao itself.
Facebook | Instagram📍 82C, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10am—9pm (Daily)
Photo: Sutera Mall/google images
Sutera Mall (pronounced as Su-tra) comprises over four hundred retail outlets and a decent amount of restaurants and eateries.
Similarly, it also has a Haidilao Hot Pot which closes at 6am (even later than the previous mall) which is perfect for late-night suppers after a day’s worth of shopping.
Photo: The Bowls Folks/google images
Wash it all down with a cup of bubble tea at LiHO Tea or KOI.
Asides that, bring your friend group down to LOST in JB: The Haunted House to solve some exciting puzzles and put your teamwork to the test (that’s if you’re feeling brave enough).
Facebook | Instagram | Website 📍 L1-046, Sutera Mall, 1, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10.30am—10.30pm (Daily)
Photo: @jaemin_m0m/instagram
Possibly the most prestigious-looking mall out of the others in JB, Eco Galleria features European architecture inspired by the high streets of major British cities (super aesthetic).
As such, you can expect to find equally stylish shops like Selca Malaysia, a Muslim-friendly self-photo studio, or Mamasita for flavourful Mexican delights and vibey music.
Photo: Jaya Grocer/facebook
Don’t forget to visit Jaya Grocer just beside Eco Galleria for a quick grocery run.
They have essentials like organic and fresh produce, home appliance section and my personal favourite section, the Asian Grocer, to fuel my snack addiction.
Facebook | Instagram | Website 📍 Jalan Eko Botani 3/1, 79100 Gelang Patah, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10am—10pm (Daily)
Photo: Sofea Chang
For those in the mood to splurge, Johor Premium Outlets boasts 150 outlets from designer brands at irresistible discounted prices from up to 25%—65% off.
How great is that?
Photo: Fadhilah Yusof/google images
Some well-known brands include BOSS, Jimmy Choo, and Bottega Veneta with a wide variety of bags, shoes and many more to browse through.
This is your chance to covet your next atas designer bag to elevate your office wear.
Facebook | Instagram | Website 📍 Jalan Premium Outlets, Bandar Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10am—10pm (Daily)
Photo: s c/google images
However, if you want something that won’t burn a hole in your wallet, Angsana Johor Bahru Mall has many budget-friendly stalls like Bandoru.
It’s essentially a thrift store with a wide range of quality clothes.
Photo: Derina Butik/google images
Even better, they have many stores selling Malay traditional wear AKA baju kurung for festivities, especially popular amongst locals.
Otherwise, Angsana Go Kart is a racing course that opens until midnight to consider for a late-night activity before heading to the food court for local fare like mee rebus and nasi ayam.
Facebook | Instagram | Website 📍 Lot 2-09) , Level 2, Angsana Johor Bahru Mall, Skudai Hwy, Pusat Bandar Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10am—10pm (Daily)
Photo: Ts. Muhammad Haris Jafri/google images
Personally, I always make a stop at AEON Mall in Tebrau City as it boasts many familiar brands like Watsons, G2000, Giordano, and H&M at a third of its usual value.
Sneaker (or streetwear) enthusiasts must also check out JD Sports offering stylish trainers from Nike and Adidas.
Photo: @chill_n_chow_cafe_by_ng/instagram
Best yet, it’s just an eight minutes drive from Mount Austin filled with plenty of fun activities from late-night supper spots to animal cafes and art studios.
Facebook | Instagram | Website 📍 S15 level 2, Centre Court, Aeon Tebrau City Shopping Centre, Persiaran Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia🕐 10am—10.30pm (Fri, Sat & Eve of PH), 10am—10pm (Sun to Thu)
With so many malls to choose from in Johor Bahru, it’s time to start planning for your next weekend trip down.
Are you ready to shop till you drop on your next trip to the +60?
Lifestyle SE Asia
One-stop lifestyle app dedicated to making life in Singapore a breeze!
English
简体中文
Comments
Leave a comment in Nestia App