Johor Bahru (JB) Day Trip Itinerary That Singaporeans Love

Singaporeans love heading to Johor Bahru (JB)—and for good reason. It’s one of the best places for a fun and affordable day trip with friends. Since starting university, I’ve made countless trips across the Causeway with different friend groups. Each time, it’s always been a fun and memorable experience. JB offers endless opportunities for good food, entertainment, and shopping—all at a fraction of what you’d pay in Singapore. 

If you’ve scrolled through social media lately, you’ve probably come across pictures of family and friends making frequent JB trips. If you’ve ever wondered what are some of the activities that they’ve packed into their itineraries, this article is for you! Nowadays, everyone seems obsessed with discovering hidden gems, but let’s be real—not everything has to be about finding new, obscure locations that are hard to get to. The places listed here are popular activities that Singaporeans love to do when they head to JB, and they’re popular for a reason! 

Here is a go-to day trip itinerary packed with crowd-favourite activities that guarantee a good time!

Also read: 10 Group Activity Ideas in Johor Bahru (JB) for Your Next Day Trip

Getting There

With everyone’s packed schedules and different commitments, chances are you and your friends are planning this trip on a weekend. But weekends mean crowds, so if you don’t want to waste an hour stuck in a sweaty queue, get to Woodlands Checkpoint EARLY. My friends and I met up around 8:30 AM and crossed over without too much hassle. Singaporeans can now use Malaysian E-gates without registering at the counter beforehand, and from my experience, the E-gates are really much quicker and more efficient. 

Pro Tip: Look for Telegram chat groups to join that provide real-time updates on the  checkpoint queue. This way, you won’t be caught off guard by long waits.

A basic Singaporean’s JB day trip itinerary

9:30 AM – Breakfast at Roast & Coffee

If you love Ya Kun, you’ll love Malaysian-style breakfast. There’s something about starting off with a hearty breakfast in JB that makes you pumped up for the rest of the day ahead. Just a short walk from the checkpoint, Roast & Coffee is a solid choice for an affordable yet delicious meal. They have a wide variety of food options, from their many variations of traditional toast to noodles and rice options if you’re craving something heavier. 

Roast & Coffee is also near the vicinity of the famous Hiap Joo Bakery, where Singaporeans flock to for affordable, dense banana cakes. Getting your banana cake early would be advisable, as they usually sell out and close by the middle of the day! 

11 AM to 1:30 PM – Shopping at Mid Valley Southkey

Before the mall got too crowded, we took a grab to Mid Valley Southkey for some shopping. This place is massive and has everything—makeup, books, and snacks. I know that many Singaporeans like to stock up on foods like Famous Amos, Auntie Anne’s or Eureka popcorn which are way cheaper than in Singapore. Outlet shopping at places like Good2U concept store, Padini concept store or Brands Outlet are also popular as they sell affordable basics and accessories. 

With Midvalley Southkey being a huge mall, my friends and I were able to spend around 2 hours just strolling around without getting bored. If it’s your first time heading to Midvalley Southkey, I would suggest to allocate yourself more time (about 3 hours) to fully explore the mall as there are so many retail and dining options that you would want to look through! 

2:00 PM – Lunch at Keijometo

This industrial-themed café is a favourite among Singaporeans. Keijometo Cafe stands out with its sleek, industrial-inspired aesthetic. It features raw concrete walls, minimalist decor, and warm ambient lighting to create a cosy yet modern atmosphere. They also have a minimalist, industrial rock garden outside the cafe seating area for you to take some Instagram-worthy pictures for your feed. 

Also read: 13 Instagrammable Places in Johor Bahru That Singaporeans Love

The cafe’s menu is just as impressive, offering a mix of hearty Japanese-Western fusion dishes. The cafe also offers beautifully plated desserts, and rich, aromatic coffee. Keijometo offers both good food and aesthetic decor, making it a favourite among many Singaporeans and a must-visit destination for your JB trip. 

3:30 PM – Photoshoot at Kacha Kacha Studio (Eco Palladium)

Another popular hotspot among Singaporeans, Kacha Kacha Studio is a trendy self-photo studio in JB. In line with Singapore’s obsession with photobooths, Kacha Kacha Studio provides professional lighting and a camera for you and your friends to snap high-quality, magazine-worthy shots. The studio is cosy and well-decorated, with instagrammable spots at every corner. There are also a wide variety of props available for you to use in your shots. 

My friends and I bought a 20-minute self-photo package, that included physical copies of selected photos as well as all the digital files of all the photographs we took in the studio. The package cost MYR 27 per pax (S$8.15) which is quite a steal compared to self-photo studios in Singapore. They also provide a DIY keychain-making option that is highly popular, though we did not opt for it as we were tight on time. 

Overall, it’s a fun way to goof off with friends and keep fond memories of the trip there together. 

4:30 PM – Lost in JB Escape Room Adventure

This was my first time trying an escape room in JB, and it did not disappoint! We opted for the magic-themed escape room, and the whole experience was super immersive. Having tried escape rooms in Singapore before, I have to say—JB’s escape rooms are on a whole different level. They have live actors to drive the storyline, multiple interconnected rooms and elaborate props that take you through the experience. It’s sure to be another fun bonding experience with your friends, full of laughter as it reveals who actually has working brains or not. 

The experience cost S$26.60 per pax, and due to its popularity, booking a slot in advance on their website is highly recommended. Especially if you’re planning a day trip, securing your spot early ensures a smooth itinerary without unnecessary waiting or awkward time gaps. 

Also read: Banghistory Johor Bahru: The Best Group Activity for Singaporeans Seeking Unique Experiences

6:30 PM – Dinner at Hai Di Lao (Zenith Mall)

By this time, we were all pretty exhausted. A comforting hotpot meal was the perfect way to end the day. The best part? This Hai Di Lao (HDL)  is within walking distance from the checkpoint, so we didn’t have to worry about transport after dinner. 

To many Singaporeans, HDL is considered one of the pricer hotpot options that will require some splurging. Hence when heading to JB, many Singaporeans take advantage of the exchange rate to enjoy the premium service and dishes at HDL. You can get the same high-quality ingredients, impeccable service, and unlimited condiments at almost half the price. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy a satisfying feast without the usual hefty bill. 

We wrapped up our meal feeling full and happy, leaving around 9:00 PM, ready to head back home after a long and fulfilling day. 

Pro Tip: Grab rides can get expensive and hard to book around 8 PM, especially from busy malls like Mid Valley Southkey. There’s also a lot of traffic congestion around that time, so try to avoid leaving then.

Total damage

• Roast & Coffee Breakfast: 13.48 MYR (S$4.07)
• Keijometo: 22 MYR (S$6.65)
• Kacha Kacha Studio: 27 MYR (S$8.16)
• Lost in JB Escape Room: S$26.60
• Hai Di Lao Dinner: 96.35 MYR (S$29.13)
• Transport (Grabs in JB): 15.80 MYR (S$4.77)
• Total spent: S$79.83

All the costs reflected here are individual costs per person, where shopping purchases were not included.

Also read: 24 Hours Across the Border: Everything to Do on a Day Trip to Johor Bahru

A day trip to JB almost always guarantees a fun-filled day out. This itinerary has provided some activity ideas that are highly popular and raved about by Singaporeans who go on frequent JB trips. It’s a packed day of activities that still leaves room to breathe, without feeling like you have to rush around everywhere. If you haven’t taken a JB day trip yet, this is your sign to plan one soon!