PUBLISHED April 19th, 2017 06:00 am | UPDATED March 26th, 2019 01:05 pm
A drive across the causeway is probably the easiest way to get out of Singapore. So if you’re looking at a more appealing way to spend a free day – rather than in bed with Netflix – but can’t be bothered to drive all the way to Kuala Lumpur, here’s a guide to a full day in our neighbouring city, away from the well-trodden streets of Jalan Dhoby. And no, it’s not all café hopping either.
Getting around:
If you’re not driving into Malaysia, taxis are plentiful. Otherwise, rideshare apps like Uber and Grab are also available in JB. Upon exiting customs, you might want to purchase a SIM card, which costs around RM30 for 1GB of data, definitely enough for a day trip.
Morning: The Toast
With brisk service and food that tasted delightfully homemade, it’s no wonder that the eatery was bustling at 10am on a Sunday morning. Amidst the spread, we ordered, the winning favourites were their Mee Siam, and of course, the cult favourite, Egg Mayo Toast. Paired with an Americano, colloquially known as a Kopi O Kosong, the set was a bargain at RM6. While the set up doesn’t look as good as that of The Replacement Lodge and Kitchen or Faculty of Caffeine, The Toast at Johor Jaya definitely held up its own in terms of price and taste.
The Toast is located at 108,110 Jalan Dedap 13,Taman Johor Jaya ,81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. +60 7 351 6880. Open Mon 8am-9am, Tue 8am-5pm, Wed-Sun 8am-9pm.
Midday: TGND, The Girl Next Door
With Joy Division posters lining its walls and tall windows that allow natural sunlight to filter in, this hidden gem of a boutique is the perfect place to hide out from the scorching Malaysian heat. Full of beautiful, curated finds, from vintage vinyl records to the latest in fashion, TGND is the ideal post-brunch spot. Plush leather seats are available for the weary shopping partner, so grab a frozen yogurt to go from the store next door and snuggle up.
TGND (The Girl Next Door) is located at 8A, Jalan Dhoby, 80 000 JB, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. +60 16 663 3577. Open Tue-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun11am-8pm. Closed Mon.
Afternoon: Bangkok Spa
Inoffensive music, soft mood lighting and delicate carvings fill the tranquil hallways of this Thai-inspired spa. Upon arrival – they offer a shuttle service to the spa from your location in JB – you’ll be led to the massage rooms. Each of them are fitted with a bathroom, as well as a television. The masseuses were generally friendly and polite, and the massages were phenomenal. Two hours of aromatherapy (RM159) and an hour of foot reflexology (RM53) later, we were ready to walk another mile or two. However, there was no need for that since they graciously provided us transport to our next destination as well.
Bangkok Spa is located at 58, 58A, 58B, 60, 60A, 60B, 62, 62A, 62B, Jalan Abiad, Taman Pelangi, 80400, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, p. +60 73382277. Open daily 11am-5am.
Afternoon: Laser Battle
A game of laser tag might be a good idea if an afternoon filled with adrenaline rush is what you are after. Plus, you get that added bonus of feeling like you’re in a Star Wars scene – complete with air conditioning and music in the background. The equipment provided were in tip-top condition and complementary to the unique landscapes and structures. This is definitely the spot if you could do without the pain of paintball.
Laser Battle, Johor, Malaysia is located at Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Johor Bahru City Square, 80 000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia, p. +60 7 207 0179. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Evening: Restoran Todak
Even though Singapore is completely surrounded by water, seafood doesn’t come cheap here. At Restoran Todak (and other seafood restaurants in JB), the costs are comparatively low for decent quality – think RM38 per kilo of crab. That means it’s essential to arrive before 5.30pm in order to secure a table and beat the dinner crowd. With an outdoor seating area that allows you the view of the bay, and fresh seafood, your Johor Bahru day trip is sure to end on a high.
Restoran Todak is located at 1, Kg. Orang Asli, Telok Jawa, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia. +60 7 386 3696. Open daily from 11:30am till 11:30pm.
Night: Makan Kitchen at DoubleTree by Hilton
If you’re looking for somewhere more comfortable (read: air-conditioning included), end the night with a dinner buffet spread at DoubleTree. At just RM88 from Sundays to Thursdays, Makan Kitchen offers a smorgasbord of more than 80 dishes, featuring Malaysian cuisine. Look forward to ordering from their live interactive kitchen and the warm hospitality from the staff. In the event of a food coma thereafter, why not stay the night? It’s worth every penny.Makan Kitchen at DoubleTree by Hilton, JB, is located at Menara Landmark, 12, Jalan Ngee Heng, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. +60 7 268 6868. Open Sun-Thu 6.30am-10.30pm.