Welcome to an exciting day trip to Johor, Malaysia! Getting in and out of Johor can be challenging due to the infamous Causeway/Tuas traffic jam or long checkpoint queues. However, the experience is well worth it once you pass through customs and enter this vibrant city. Contributed by our community member, Farhana! You’ll experience one of the most detailed itineraries for all you shopping makciks out there!
Credit: Farhana Ayu
One of the fastest and stress-free ways to enter Johor is by KTM Shuttle Tebrau.
- You can conveniently purchase tickets through the KTMB website, app, or KTM counters. It is advisable to plan and purchase tickets in advance, especially during long weekends or public holidays.
- Tickets are usually released 1.5 months ahead, and opting for a one-way ticket instead of a round trip can save you money. Children under 4 years old travel for free but must be registered at the ticket counter before departure.
Credit: Farhana Ayu
Additionally, you can receive a 50% refund for cancellations within 72 hours and a 75% refund for cancellations more than 72 hours before the train departs. Remember to arrive at the train station 30 minutes before departure.
One-Way Ticket Price:
- Woodlands to JB – RM17.50
- JB to Woodlands – RM5
Round Trip Ticket Price:
- Woodlands to JB & JB to Woodlands – RM17.50 x 2 = RM35
- JB to Woodlands & Woodlands to JB – RM5 x 2 = RM10
Alternative ways to enter Johor include taking a taxi from Queen Street Bus Terminal, which costs $15 per person, or using public buses.
- If you choose to travel by bus, it is recommended to submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online three days before your trip and verify your biometrics at the immigration counter for the first time.
- This will allow you to use the Malaysia Immigration e-gates, saving you time at the manual passport counters.
Now, let's dive into planning your Johor itinerary, where you can select the activities that suit your preferences!
Itinerary Highlights:
Grocery Shopping:
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- Start your day by visiting one of Johor's popular Pasar Tani (Farmers Market), where you can find fresh produce and local delights such as Nasi Kerabu, Soto Ayam, Lontong Goreng, and Laksa Penang.
- Pasar Tani Datin Halimah is a favourite among locals, operating every Saturday morning from 7 am to 12:30 pm. Another option is the recently opened Pasar Tani Kekal Datin Halimah, located nearby and offering a sheltered market. Johor is filled with daily Pasar Tani/Pasar Malam markets, so you don't have to wait for Ramadan to enjoy their bazaars.
- These markets provide an opportunity for the little ones to explore and discover live fishes, crabs, and prawns and indulge their sense of smell with delicious Satay, freshly fried Cempedak and Pisang Goreng, and the aroma of fresh cuts of chicken, beef, and goat meat.
Credit: Farhana Ayu
- If you arrive in Johor later in the morning, head to Larkin Sentral, where you can find fresh produce and local delicacies. Some stalls close slightly later, around 2 pm or 4 pm.
- Larkin Sentral is a one-stop destination offering an array of items, including medicinal herbs, kampong fruits like Buah Kuwini and Buah Salak, Tapai (Fermented Rice), fresh Ikan Lekor, Lemang & Rendang, Mahanoum Baulu, Jamu shops, Muslimah wear, Islamic Books & Prayerwear, wedding supplies, Apam Balik, Malay dishes, Burger Ramly, and more.
- While in Larkin, don't miss the opportunity to try the famous Claypot Asam Pedas, Mee Rebus, and Pisang Goreng across the street at Plaza Larkin.
Massage:
Credit: Farhana Ayu
- Take some time to relax and treat your body to a rejuvenating massage experience. Ayu Borneo @ Bukit Indah is a highly recommended option, offering consistently excellent massages delivered by skilled masseuses, many of whom are from Thailand.
- Don't rush to leave after the massage; enjoy a calming cup of hot ginger tea and indulge in mini cakes served by the attentive staff.
Credit: Farhana Ayu
If a full-body massage is not your preference, consider visiting Advance Finger Press Therapy in Taman Sri Tebrau.
- For RM55 per person, this therapy focuses on pressure points and can relieve body ailments. Please note that there might be a wait time, as this place can get crowded with patients seeking treatment.
- Before your visit, it's advisable to call ahead as the shop closes for a few days every month for staff to procure Wild Honey and Royal Jelly from the forest, which you can also purchase.
- The regulated blood circulation and release of tension from stiff shoulders will leave you feeling incredibly relaxed after the treatment. Additionally, the therapist can accommodate individuals who have difficulty climbing stairs or are wheelchair-bound.
Makan (Food):
Credit: Farhana Ayu
- Johor is a true food haven, offering various cuisines, including Chinese, Malay, Thai-style seafood, kampong dishes, dim sum, Korean, Western, and more.
- Each visit to Johor presents an opportunity to explore new cafes and restaurants that seem to sprout everywhere, making it difficult to choose where to dine. Here are some recently tried and highly recommended establishments:
Grand Seafood Senibong @ Permas Jaya (Chinese Style Seafood):
Credit: Farhana Ayu
- This restaurant, located by the sea with indoor and outdoor seating areas, offers a Chinese banquet-style dining experience.
- Enjoy unique dishes such as Beggar Chicken, wrapped in clay and lotus leaves, which requires pre-ordering due to the 8-hour cooking time.
Sri Pantai Seafood Restaurant at Kampung Pasir Putih, Pasir Gudang (Malay Style Seafood):
Credit: Farhana Ayu
- This restaurant offers breathtaking views of Coney Island and Punggol. The extensive food menu includes specialities like Horseshoe Crab.
- Their Food Checker ensures that all orders are served promptly, and nothing is missed.
Thai. co Seafood Boat (Thai Style Seafood):
Credit: Farhana Ayu
- Indulge in Thai-style seafood when you arrive in Johor. This restaurant, conveniently located near the JB CIQ checkpoint, serves various seafood dishes and offers affordability.
- Try their Seafood Boat, which includes crabs and slipper lobster, perfect for sharing with a group of four. They also offer dishes like Fried Chicken Wings, Nuggets, and even Rabbit Satay, a rare find in Singapore.
Warong Wak Dol Siput Sedut / Mat Rock Ayam Goreng Kunyit (Kampong & Malay Dishes):
Credit: Farhana Ayu
- If you crave authentic kampong dishes, Warong Wak Dol Siput Sedut is a must-visit. Their mouthwatering kampung dishes, such as Asam Pedas Ayam and Siput Sedut Lemak, will leave you wanting more.
- Arrive early as the stall closes once the dishes run out. Additionally, Mat Rock Ayam Goreng Kunyit, known for its delicious turmeric-based dishes, recently opened a branch in Skudai, Johor. Their Ayam Goreng Kunyit (fried chicken with turmeric) is highly recommended, and they offer variations with chicken, beef, squid, and prawn.
Taman Melodies Food Street:
- Along Taman Melodies, you'll find an array of cafes and restaurants to explore. Hijrah Dim Sum offers halal dim sum options and is worth a visit.
- As you stroll along the road, you'll be spoiled for choice, trying to decide which cafe or restaurant to try next.
- Consider visiting Restoran Mr Bebek, which specialises in duck and serves Malay, Indonesian, and Borneo cuisines.
Raya Cookies:
If you're visiting Johor during the festive season, particularly Ramadan or Hari Raya, don't miss the opportunity to sample delicious Raya Cookies. Many local bakeries and pastry shops offer various traditional Malay cookies and delicacies. Look for places like Nimmies Pastry Café, which may have a delectable selection of Raya Cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Exploring Johor's Food Streets:
Apart from specific restaurants and eateries, Johor is renowned for its vibrant food streets, with various flavours and culinary delights.
- One such example is Taman Melodies Food Street, where you can wander and explore the diverse range of dining options available.
- From Hijrah Dim Sum to Istana Sangkut Kitchen, Restoran Nikko, The Crib Café, and Restoran Mr Bebek, you'll have plenty of choices to satisfy your cravings.
Wrap-up and Departure:
As your day in Johor comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the memorable experiences you've had. Whether it was exploring the vibrant markets, indulging in a relaxing massage, or savouring the diverse cuisines, you've immersed yourself in the rich cultural and culinary offerings of Johor. Depart from Johor with a satisfied palate, cherished memories, and a desire to return for more adventures in the future.
Please note that this itinerary is designed to offer a range of experiences in Johor, but you may adjust it according to your preferences and time constraints. Enjoy your day trip to Johor, and may it be filled with delightful discoveries and lasting memories!
These are just a few highlights of the incredible food scene in Johor. Explore and discover your favourites during your day trip!