A day-trip (or even a weekend sojourn) across the border to Johor is a great way to get away for a bit, and ought to be on everyone’s to-do list. With a variety of things to do, places to see and experiences waiting to be discovered, Johor is a must-visit for any Singaporean.
From shopping till your arms ache, to soaking up rich cultural experiences and sampling some lip-smacking local fare, Johor will certainly not disappoint. If you happen to find yourself with a day off from work or school, here are 10 day-trip suggestions to Johor that are definitely worth your while:
A visit to the Malay Cultural Village in Jalan Mohamad Amin will definitely leave you with more insight into local Malayan heritage. You can engage in a variety of activities from workshops on Batik painting to even unique pewter molding demonstrations (Fun fact: Malaysia is famous for pewter manufacturing, and Royal Selangor, a Malaysian manufacturer of pewter products founded in 1885, is the world’s larger producer of pewter objects!)
Distance from Singapore – 35 minutes drive
Legoland Malaysia is undoubtedly a great destination for your day trip. A theme park filled with all things Lego, Legoland is a popular option if you’re looking to have some unadulterated fun. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t a kid, you’ll still enjoy the exciting rides and entertaining shows the park has to offer.
And if you’re feeling the heat, hop over to the Legoland Waterpark just next door to cool yourself off. With over 20 water slides, a river where you can build your own raft to float down, and water playgrounds where you can splash yourself silly, we’re almost tempted to suggest the Legoland Waterpark as a separate day-trip!
For those too exhausted to travel back to Singapore, there’s even the Legoland Hotel where you can spend the night in Lego-themed rooms.
Distance from Singapore – 48 minutes drive
Ostriches in Malaysia? Really? We normally associate this large bird with Africa, but just 2 hours away from Singapore is one of the largest Ostriches farms in Malaysia. With over 100 ostriches, the Desaru Ostrich Farm will both educate and entertain. Learn about how these majestic birds are bred, and get up close and personal for that perfect photo. You can even pick up a souvenir made of ostrich eggs, and if you’re daring enough, tantalize your taste buds with some ostrich-inspired cuisine.
Distance from Singapore – 120 minutes drive
A popular haunt for locals looking to unwind over the weekend is Little Red Cube at Puteri Harbour. With great views of the Straits of Johor, Little Red Cube is an almost all-encompassing development, housing numerous international bars, coffee shops and restaurants. It is also a kid-friendly entertainment hub and shopping centre, with the first Hello Kitty Town in South East Asia and an indoor theme park called the Little Big Club.
Distance from Singapore – 50 minutes drive
The trails at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in Singapore have only recently reopened after being closed for 2 years of restoration work. During this downtime, nature lovers and hikers have headed across the causeway to Gunung Pulai to get their trekking fix. Gunung Pulai has a summit almost 4 times the height of Bukit Timah Hill, with at least 3 waterfalls, so there’s more than enough for a day’s worth of exploring. Do dress comfortably and remember to pack along some water; even if you opt for the easier tarmac road over the nature trail, it’s still a good 10km hike up and down.
Distance from Singapore – 60 minutes drive
Danga Bay is a waterfront area that is one of the larger recreation parks in Johor. Located near Jalan Skudai, it offers lots of activities for the whole family, like a petting zoo for the kids, as well as high end stores, fine dining options, and a great night life. Those looking for a romantic evening are in luck, as Danga Bay is a great place to watch the sun go down. You can even have dinner on the Danga Cruise 8, which plies the Straits of Johor. Tuck into an all-you-can-eat buffet as you enjoy the sights and stars!
Distance from Singapore – 36 minutes drive
A visit to the Angry Birds Theme park is a great way to spend a day in Johar Bahru for kids and adults alike. This indoor theme park is good news for those looking for a break from the heat of the tropical sun. Spanning 26,000 square feet within Komtar Johor Bahru City Centre, the park has trampolines, foam pits, climbing areas and even a pedal kart track to keep the kids entertained. It’s open late (till 10pm) and there is a souvenir shop and even an Angry Birds Café for refreshments.
Distance from Singapore – 33 minutes drive
There are a lot of places in Johor Bahru that are rich with historical and cultural significance and worth a closer look. From Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, to the Old Johor Chinese Temple and the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Temple, you’ll find many sightseeing options. Take a stroll around JB town and explore the place in your own unique way.
Distance from Singapore – 35-38 minutes drive
Undoubtedly the most popular and loved activity of Singaporeans in Johor is shopping, owing to the wide rage options it offers. Johor Bahru is the Singaporean shopaholics’ paradise! Johor Premium Outlets is a must-visit shopping place, while closer to the border there’s also City Square Shopping Mall, along with a variety of other options sprawled across the city. A lot of things here are much cheaper than in Singapore, so, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t shop till you drop!
Distance from Singapore – 20-54 minutes drive
No matter what your plan is or what company you have with you, Johor has something to offer for everyone, all in a day. Plan your day trip right away!
