JB is like our fave aunt who loves to spoil us rotten. She treats us to good food, loads of shopping and fun activities – all for a third of the usual price. It’s been a while since we’ve visited Aunty JB, and she’s developed some new shopping malls in the past couple of years.
From familiar go-tos to brand new ones with ‘grammable facades, we’ve done the legwork and sussed out these best and new shopping malls in JB for you to visit.
Check out these places at JB too:
The relatively new Sunway Big Box will soon become a favourite haunt of bookworms. The shopping mall houses BookXcess, the largest bookstore in South Malaysia. Its superlative means you’ll be able to find a wide range of titles covering just about any genre you can think of, but that’s not all it has to offer.
There’s also an orange centrepiece of shelves spanning 2 stories, which makes for an Unsplash-worthy backdrop for all your step IG pics.
On that note of photo ops, be sure to look out for other rainbow-themed rooms strewn across the mall to snap your Kodak moments.
If you’re looking for fun activities, have a bounce at Energ X Park trampoline park, or Funscape by COBAY for old-school arcade fun. Check our full guide to Sunway Big Box for more things to do.
Distance from causeway: 40-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 20-minute drive
Address: Persiaran Medini 5, Sunway, Pusat Komersial Sunway Marketplace, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Telephone: +60 7-533 1333
Sunway Big Box Retail Park website
Image credit: EcoWorld
If charming old-school Neoclassical architecture is your aesthetic, you’ll surely enjoy coming to Eco Galleria. Its minimalistic regal look is a quick-fix cure for European wanderlust, but will also be perfect for taking #OOTD shots.
Image credit: @ecogalleria_ew
The mall has a directory of luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada, but if you’re on a budget, it does also have a slew of more affordable unique haunts you can’t find elsewhere. Take the Le Petit Prince Cafe, whose namesake stems from the longtime childhood favourite. You can grab a book and sip on a cuppa from RM8 (~S$2.50).
Image credit: Snackhome.store
You’ll also be able to find a whole load of snacks to take home as souvenirs at the newly opened Snackhome. They have popular picks from China, Korea and Japan starting from just RM0.60 (~S$0.19) a packet.
Distance from causeway: 20-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 10-minute drive
Address: No. 54 Jalan Eko Botani 3/6, Taman Eko Botani, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Tue-Thu 12pm-8pm | Fri-Sun 10am-9pm (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: +60 7-510 1807
Eco Galleria website
Image credit: R&F Mall Johor Bahru
Joining Komtar JBCC and City Square JB is R&F Mall, the new kid on the block located within walking distance from Woodlands customs. If you’re not looking to travel much between malls or get too far from the causeway, then make this your one stop destination in JB.
The mall has all you need, like supermarket Jaya Grocer, and F&B outlets for local, Korean and Chinese cuisines. There’s even Hong Kong chain Emperor’s Cinemas for you to catch a flick in between rounds of shopping.
Distance from causeway: 7-minute walk
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 40-minute drive
Address: L2-086-A5, Mercu 1, Jalan Tanjung Puteri, 80300 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Telephone: +60 7-272 7888
R&F Mall website
Image adapted from: @beletime_dangabay
Adding Balinese flavour to your shopping experience is Beletime Danga Bay. Yes, it’s a shopping mall with your usual finds, like WOMEI Cineplex and AEON Supermarket. But it also has a 400m-long man-made beach with a beach bar. If trudging through malls has worn you down, you might want to stop by for a drink and a bite to refuel.
Plus, it’s all located next to Danga Bay, a beachfront area with spectacular sunsets to catch that will have you saying, “beach, please”.
Distance from causeway: 10-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 35-minute drive
Address: Bay Point Persiaran Danga Perdana Country Garden, Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Telephone: +60 7-220 9638
Beletime Danga Bay website
Some of us like to go all out on our vacations, which could mean not batting an eyelid when it comes to splurging on designer items. If that’s you, then The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey is the place for you.
The classy shopping centre where you can expect levels of high-end and branded stores on top of countless eateries. Of the many places in the mall, look out for SOGO. Some might remember this Japanese department store that had outlets in Raffles City, Paragon and Tampines.
Well, it’s now in JB, and sells everything from hypebeast fashion to homeware products. There’s so much to look through, the day will fly by while you’re busy shopping.
Distance from causeway: 15-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 45-minute drive
Address: No. 1, Persiaran Southkey 1, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: +60 7-336 9288
The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey website
What’s a trip to JB without a stop at KSL City Mall? It’s one of Singaporeans’ favourite spots across the causeway for its many floors of barang-barang shops and cheap eats. But apart from its retail stores and beauty parlours, the mall has seen a major upgrade since the last time many of us paid it a visit.
Up on the roof, you’ll find the recently opened Dinosaurs Alive Water Theme Park. With water slides and dinosaur statues, this mini Jurassic World is the ideal place for parents to park the kids for playtime.
While you’re at KSL, pop by Avery-Day just across the road. It’s a convenience store done up with blue and white decor that exudes Santorini vibes.
They’ve got a wide selection of Japanese snacks and freshly baked desserts too that you can dig into as your mid-day fuel. There’s ample seating around to enjoy your sweet treats, with even a rooftop you can go up to.
Distance from causeway: 10-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 40-minute drive
Address: 33 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Telephone: +60 7-288 2888
KSL City Mall website
If you put VivoCity and Kallang Leisurepark together, you’ll get Paradigm Mall – not only does this mega mall have 7 floors of retail shops and restaurants, it also has recreational activities worth making time for.
Those looking to live out their icy Elsa fantasies can let it go at Blue Ice Skating Rink. Otherwise, channel femme fatale Lara Croft at Camp5 Climbing Gym.
Distance from causeway: 20-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 30-minute drive
Book a session at Blue Ice Skating Rink.
Address: Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Telephone: +60 7-231 3888
Paradigm Mall website
Going to IKEA is more than just shopping for furniture. Getting a plate of their iconic Swedish meatballs or hanging out in their Pinterest-worthy showrooms pretending they’re ours is something we can all relate to.
Now, you can visit the biggest one in Malaysia – and certainly much larger than what we have in SG – at IKEA Tebaru in Toppen Shopping Centre. While there’s no cross-border delivery yet, smaller items can still be transported home. Plus, many pieces are comparatively cheaper than in Singapore.
The XL-sized IKEA is not all that Toppen has to offer. Kids and overgrown children alike can head to the outdoor playground and splash park for some water fun, especially if it’s to cool down on a hot day. Else, the Rooftop Garden is a chill spot where you can admire the sunset, snap pictures amidst the lush greenery and enjoy deep talks with your friends.
Check our guide to Toppen Shopping Centre for more free activities you can do, like rock climbing and skateboarding.
Distance from causeway: 20-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 40-minute drive
Address: Toppen Shopping Centre, No. 33, Jalan Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: +607 277 3188
Toppen Shopping Centre website
Image credit: AO Architects
Johor Premium Outlets may be quite a drive from the city centre, but its suite of designer brand stores at slashed prices makes it a spot worth driving to.
Image credit: @johorpremiumoutlets
Feel like you’re in an American suburb with its outdoor village-style decor, while you shop for new loot at Coach, Kate Spade and other atas designer names to dress yourself fancy at a good deal.
Distance from causeway: 40-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 35-minute drive
Address: Jalan Premium Outlets, Bandar Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Telephone: +60 7-661 8888
Johor Premium Outlets website
Image credit: Damansara Assets
Just as you’ve cleared immigration at customs, you will be greeted by 2 malls, City Square JB and Komtar JBCC. Fashionistas will know these 2 for a number of brands they carry, like Triumph and Birkenstock at City Square Mall, and Charles & Keith and Skechers at Komtar.
Komtar is also well-known for its fashion outlet stores: Brands Outlet sells smart casual ‘fits suitable for everyday use, while Padini Concept Store has more formal offerings for WFO days.
After you’ve picked out new ensembles, check out the rest of Komtar for skincare and beauty products at a discount. Or take a break at City Square JB, which is known for its big FamilyMart convenience store.
Distance from causeway: At JB Customs
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 40-minute drive
City Square JB:
Address: 106 – 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Telephone: +60 7-226 3668
City Square JB website
Komtar JBCC:
Address: Menara KOMTAR, Johor Bahru City Centre, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Telephone: +60 7-267 9900
Komtar JBCC website
Rocky Basecamp at AEON Tebrau.
Image credit: HY Yuen
Ultimate JB shoppers would know of AEON, a supermarket and department store chain that sells everything from beauty products to groceries. But what you may not know are the hidden gems within the malls. AEON Tebrau, for example, has the climbing gym Rocky Basecamp tucked within the first floor.
Meanwhile, Westies can look to satisfy their shopping needs at AEON Bukit Indah, which is located just 20 minutes from Tuas Link checkpoint. Make it a pitstop to pick up essentials, like snacks and toiletries, before heading to LEGOLAND Malaysia just 15 minutes away for some amusement park fun.
AEON Tebrau:
Distance from causeway: 20-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 40-minute drive
Address: No. 3, Persiaran Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Telephone: +60 7-352 2220
AEON Bukit Indah:
Distance from causeway: 30-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 20-minute drive
Address: No. 8, Jalan Indah 15/2, Taman Bukit Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-10.30pm | Fri-Sat 10am-11pm
Telephone: +60 1-300-80-2366
AEON website
Image adapted from: Sahara Bowl
Before the other gleaming mega malls popped up in JB, there was Angsana Mall, the OG hang out spot for Singaporeans coming up for the weekend.
The family-friendly mall has something for young and old alike. You might remember crooning to oldies at MY BOY Family Karaoke or knocking pins over at the Arabian-themed Sahara Bowl bowling alley.
The mall also has numerous clothing stores that have become popular with locals to get matching Hari Raya outfits for the whole fam.
Pro tip: If you prefer not to park on the street, Angsana Mall only charges RM2 (~S$0.63) per entry for its car park.
Distance from causeway: 15-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 30-minute drive
Address: Angsana Johor Bahru Mall, Jalan Skudai, Pusat Bandar Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Telephone: +60 10-800 3051
Angsana Mall website
Image credit: Sutera
Another fave haunt is Sutera Mall, a go-to spot for locals that has 500 retailers like Watsons, Slumberland, and an outlet store for sporting goods. There is some entertainment while parents do a grocery run at AEON BIG supermarket or pick up other necessities.
Caregivers can occupy kids with the Aquarium @ Sutera Mall, which is free for the public. Older ones looking for a bit more thrill can then bring out their Sherlockian whizzes at Lost in JB: The Haunted House. The escape rooms all have a spooky theme to them that will surely raise heart rates, as you plan your breakout.
Distance from causeway: 20-minute drive
Distance from Tuas Checkpoint: 30-minute drive
Address: No. 1, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Telephone: +60 7-559 9009
Sutera Mall website
It’s no secret that JB is every shopper’s paradise, as these 13 malls have proven. While JB addicts would likely have favourites like KSL and Paradigm Mall at the back of their hands, the good news is that there are many new mega malls popping up.
Either way, you’d surely need to make quite a few trips down to make up for the 2 years worth of retail therapy at these shopping malls in JB.
For more Malaysia-related content:
Cover image adapted from: EcoWorld
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