Cassandra NervaJohor Bahru remains a favourite day trip (or weekend holiday) spot for Singaporeans. From massages and salon treatments to a shopping spree, nothing beats visiting a shopping mall in JB where you can fulfil all your errands at once — without having to spend too much, either. From options near the border to retail spots that require a further drive, here are the most popular malls in JB to spend a day (or two) at.
Also read: 5 Things That Are Cheaper in Johor Bahru Than in Singapore
Shopping malls in JB near Woodlands Checkpoint
1. Komtar JBCC and City Square Mall JB
Image credit: KOMTAR JBCC Official Facebook Page
If you’ve only got a few hours to spare, but want to squeeze in a JB shopping spree, then make your way to Komtar JBCC and Johor Bahru City Square: located quite literally just a few steps away from Johor Bahru Checkpoint.
These two malls are situated right next to each other: turn right for KOMTAR JBCC, and turn left to access City Square.
Image credit: Johor Bahru City Square Official Facebook Page
In Komtar JBCC, you’ll find an array of outlet stores, salons, food options, and even an indoor theme park! Alternatively, head to City Square Mall JB for the cineplex, a variety of shopping and dining options, and beauty services.
Also read: This Train From Singapore to Johor Bahru Takes Just Five Minutes!
2. R&F Mall
Image credit: R&F Mall Johor Bahru Official Facebook Page
Do you want to stay the near checkpoint, but have been to both KOMTAR JBCC and City Square before? If yes, then walk 10 minutes through the sheltered bridge to the newly opened R&F Mall!
Image credit: R&F Mall Johor Bahru Official Website
Here, you’ll find a massive supermarket, popular retail giants like MR.DIY and Daiso, and a cinema. Basically, it’s everything you want in a mall — with a sleek, modern design.
3. KSL City Mall
Image credit: KSL Hotels & Resort Official Website
Perhaps the most popular shopping mall in all of JB, KSL City is the place for everything budget-friendly: electronics, souvenirs, snacks, apparel, sporting goods, groceries, and beauty services.
If the food options in KSL City aren’t enough, walk through the streets in the area: You’ll find plenty of local favourites, many of which have snaking queues! Your best bet is to join one with a long queue (that’s how you know they’re worth it!), or scour Google reviews for the best-recommended food spot.
Shopping malls in JB to venture to
4. Mid Valley Southkey
Image credit: Google Maps
If you’re driving further into JB, you’ll most likely be taking the EDL Expressway. While buildings might be sparse for the first 10 minutes of your drive, you’ll soon find the massive Mid Valley Southkey mall prominently soaring above the expressway on the left.
Image credit: The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey Official Facebook Page
This vast retail space is under the same company as Kuala Lumpur‘s Mid Valley Megamall, and features an endless list of apparel stores from famous brands like H&M, Sephora, Under Armour, Adidas, and more. Don’t be surprised if you get lost trying to navigate your way around here; think of it as a rite of passage when you’re exploring a JB shopping mall for the first time.
Moreover, you’ll find plenty of dining options for every budget. Our tip? Come here for breakfast when the mall first opens, then stay all the way until it closes.
5. AEON Mall (several)
Image credit (L-R): Google Maps; AEON MALL Tebrau City Official Facebook Page
A local favourite — and, for good reason — AEON Malls quickly fill up on the weekends and public holidays. Centred around the department store of the same name, this mall franchise has several locations in the city: AEON Mall Tebrau City and AEON Mall Bandar Dato’ Onn being the most popular; and AEON Mall Bukit Indah as the option nearest to Tuas Checkpoint (and the least crowded).
As usual, food options and beauty services are plenty, so be sure to come hungry! Our favourite is the Japanese food street at AEON Mall Tebrau City mall; nearly every shop we passed by smelled delicious and had long lines forming outside at lunch and dinnertime.
6. Toppen Shopping Centre
Image credit: Chongkian
As if the Tebrau area couldn’t get any better, just look across the road from AEON Tebrau. You’ll find the newly opened Toppen Shopping Centre, here to impress with its own curation of attractive stores, eateries, and entertainment offerings!
Image credit: Toppen Shopping Centre Official Facebook Page
What sets this JB shopping mall apart from the rest is its rooftop garden, where events like movie screenings and exercise sessions are held. You can even feast on takeouts al fresco up here, or work up a sweat at the rock wall.
Image credit: IKEA Official Website
P.S. — IKEA Tebrau is located in the area, too. Talk about the perfect place to travel for quite literally all your shopping needs.
7. Paradigm Mall
Image credit: Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru Official Facebook Page
Looking for the ultimate shopping mall adventure in JB? Look no further than the city’s largest shopping centre, Paradigm Mall! This two-million-square-foot space features the largest movie theatre in the state and more than 500 outlets of entertainment, fashion, and food spanning seven floors.
While you’re here, tick grocery shopping off your to-do list at the massive premium supermarket. Put simply, no matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru.
8. Beletime Danga Bay
Image credit: Beletime Danga Bay Official Website
Situated in the middle of Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoint is Beletime Danga Bay, the perfect shopping mall if you’re travelling with little ones. From the big indoor playground to the white sand beach located just across the mall, you’re in for entertainment — regardless of age!
Inside, you’ll find a cinema, a selection of restaurants and eateries, retail shops, as well as an AEON department store.
9. Johor Premium Outlets
Image credit: Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi
Lastly, we can’t end the list of malls in JB without mentioning the famous Johor Premium Outlets. This shopping complex might be the furthest away from Woodlands Checkpoint — a 40-minute drive away — but you can’t get any better than here for all your discounted branded goods.
In fact, JB Premium Outlets was the first premium brand outlet in Southeast Asia to open, and features 130 designer and name brand outlet stores.
Image credit (L-R): Emran Kassim; Jnzl’s Photos
Trust us: Just walking through this complex will make you feel like you’ve been transported to somewhere like Los Angeles or Florida.
Also read: 13 Best Islands in Johor for a Weekend Getaway
The next time your paycheck comes in, why not hit the shopping malls of JB for an awesome shopping experience? What’s more, if you’re here for a weekend getaway, try mall-hopping from one to the next! You might just find a new favourite retail spot that you’ll come back to for everything you need.
