20 activities to try on your next trip to Johor Bahru

For those with an appreciation for textile artistry, The Batik House by Imarazak offers an engaging introduction to Malaysia’s batik-making tradition. The boutique and workshop house an exceptional selection of intricate fabrics that can be turned into beautiful clothing or souvenirs.

Guests can observe skilled artisans at work, gaining insight into the intricate wax-resist technique and natural dyeing process that make each piece one of a kind. The shop also offers custom batik designs for those looking to bring home something truly personal.

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the challenge and beauty of Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club. Designed by renowned course architect Ross Watson, this 18-hole championship course features rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water elements that demand thoughtful play.

Feel the adrenaline rush at the Plentong Circuit, where you can race go-karts on a well-designed track. This activity is perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike, offering both competitive fun and a chance to bond over some friendly racing.

For a tranquil escape, visit Riders Resort, where you can enjoy horse riding lessons or leisurely rides through scenic trails. It’s an excellent way to connect with nature while experiencing the joy of horseback riding.

Spend a day of fun at Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, featuring thrilling water slides and dry adventure activities like rock climbing and go-karting. It’s an ideal destination for families looking for excitement.

Take your kids to Utopia Jungle World, an indoor playground filled with interactive games and activities designed to stimulate creativity and physical activity. It is a fantastic way for children to learn while having fun.

Take a trip to this grand mosque to admire Anglo-Malay architecture. Named for Sultan Abu Bakar, the first sultan of modern Johor, it was built in the late 1890s under his direction. The historic heritage site is open every day to tourists and worshippers alike. Explore the gardens which overlook the Straits of Johor before heading into the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, home to a myriad of heirlooms and antiques which belonged to the royal family.

Head to this opera house for a romantic date. Musicals and concerts are regularly available throughout the year—check out its website for the schedule before visiting. Performances range from orchestra performances to traditional Teochew performances. While you’re here, don’t forget to admire the building’s architecture too. Thanks to its sleek geometric design, you’ll see the building beautifully glistening under the sun during the day.

Enjoy the outdoors? Take a hike along Kangkar Pulai and find its iconic blue lagoon. Head up to the viewpoint for a Birds Eye view of the stunning bright blue lake. The view is definitely worth the strenuous uphill walk. Depending on the trail you choose, the hike can take two to three hours.

Let your creative juices flow and create your own tuft rug at Tufting Nuts. Bring your friends along for the workshop and let the crew guide you step-by-step on how to create your own designs. Each session lasts for three-hours and you will get to bring your rug home in two to three weeks. Your unique rug can either be self-collected or shipped to your home.

Kotta Tinggi Firefly Park offers an enchanting firefly river cruise—hop on a boat cruise down Kotta Tinggi Johor River and get to admire thousands of fireflies. The river is a breeding ground and a habitat for fireflies so you’re sure to spot them spread over the banks. The experience takes 45 minutes and is kid-friendly too. 

This climbing gym allows you to scale up beautiful murals. Located in the popular Aeon Tebrau shopping mall, the space features 10 themed climbing walls ranging from castles to space. Regular lead climbing walls—that go up 10 to 15 metres high—are also available. Look out for boulder walls too, with routes of varying difficulty levels. Harnesses and climbing shoes will be provided with each entry pass.

Extreme sports lovers will not want to miss out on an experience at ATV Park Johor Bahru. The city’s biggest riding park, look forward electrifying routes, going through wade pools and mud-caked roads. Rides are also available throughout the day, each offering different views of the terrain. While riding, keep your eye out for picturesque views, including waterfalls, mountains and forests.

Got a lot of energy to burn or a Tatling that needs to be worn out? You have to check out Energ X Park, a fun and exciting indoor playground that will tire you out in the best way possible. With a wide array of trampolines, obstacle courses, go-karts, tower jumps and zip lines, there is no shortage of thrilling activities that you can enjoy here.

Tatler Tip:

While there, try the Tubby ride, a special rainbow-themed surface that mimics the speed of sliding down a steep and snowy hill. It is the perfect activity for the adventurous at heart or thrill seekers.

If you are a bookworm, this is your playground. At 2,973 square meters, Bookxcess is a massive bookstore with over a million titles perfect for readers of all ages. The store fully utilises its wall space with an eight-metre-tall bookshelf that you can explore if you climb up the staircase. You can even enter rooms hidden within the shelf itself if you look hard enough for its secret doors. You’ll certainly want to prepare to accidentally spend the entire day (and all your money) here.

Don't miss: 7 coolest cafes in Johor Bahru to visit right now

If you enjoy taking a stroll through memory lane, you'll love the iconic Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street which is well known for its well-preserved shophouses and quaint buildings. Also known as Johor Bahru's Heritage Food Trail, you can also indulge in many of its famous food shops and hipster cafes. 

Tatler Tip:

Keep an eye out for the Red House, a 19th-century pre-war shophouse that is great for Insta-worthy photos. Today, the building houses Marrybrown, a popular Malaysian fast food chain.

Hands up if you miss old-school, retro theme parks. If you love cheap and fun theme park rides, you'll love Danga Bay Park which is open till midnight daily. Here, you can enjoy bumper cars, a terrifying swinging pirate ship, fun games and more.

We bet you never thought of hopping across the border to while away an afternoon painting or doing crafts right? At Senso Art Gallery Cafe, guests can enjoy workshops such as pressed flower art, cyanotype, painting, colouring and more all at their own languid pace. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Just make sure you book a slot in advance.

Most of us visit Johor Bahru for inexpensive shopping at popular mega malls. However, if you are tired of battling crowds and seeing the same old shops, you may want to check out Eco Spring Labs. It is a retail park that looks like a European seaside town, with colourful shopfronts, a cute Ferris wheel, rainbow benches and stream engine trains. It is safe to say that there is no shortage of photo spots here. In terms of shopping and food, cafes are aplenty and you can look forward to quaint local shops that sell clothes, accessories, home decor and more. 

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