2d1n trip to jb

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The best alternative 2d1n jb itinerary.

• Johor Bahru , Malaysia

Johor Bahru (JB) has been a beloved weekend getaway and day trip destination for many Singaporeans. To be very honest, I was not a fan of JB and I’ve only been there twice pre-pandemic. I’ve been there a few times since restrictions lifted and have found some interesting things to do other than the usual haunts of City Square Mall and KSL, so here’s a 2D1N JB itinerary I’ve put together.

Overview of this JB Itinerary

Getting to jb from singapore, day 1: flowers in the window, serba serbi, horse riding, shi-ba cafe, day 2: johor premium outlets, home by tales of paws, where to stay in jb.

There are many ways of getting to JB from Singapore — by car, bus and train. My favourite is definitely by train as you will not be caught in the traffic jam at the causeway. You can purchase train tickets online via the KTM website . The tickets cost SGD 5 one way.

Read: Getting to JB in 5 minutes via Train

Taking a Causeway Link bus might be cheaper than the train depending which bus you take. There are a number of buses that bring travellers from Singapore into JB. Most travellers get on bus CW1 from Kranji MRT, CW2 from Queen Street Terminal or CW5 from Newton Circus. You can check the website for the full list of bus services and bus fares.

Flowers in the Window

Flowers in the Window was an unexpected discovery when my friend and I were looking for a thrift shop. We were drawn to this cafe by its beautiful exterior and the charm of this cafe extended into its interior as well.

We ordered a latte (RM9), matcha latte (RM11.90) and a slice of earl grey lavender cake (RM12.90) to share. The cake looked really aesthetically pleasing and were not too sweet and the flavours blended well without anything overpowering the other. The cafe also serves main dishes.

Opening hours: 9am – 4pm Address: 9, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia Instagram | Facebook

Serba Serbi Vintage Goods

A few units down from Flowers in the Window is Serba Serbi, a shop that sells secondhand vintage clothing. Though the shop space was small, they have quite a good selection of dresses, tops and pants. Thrift lovers will definitely love this shop and you may even find some secondhand branded clothing here! I got a Kenzo Golf outerwear which was in really good condition for RM250 and my friend got an unbranded blazer for RM30. I would definitely recommend checking this spot out if you’re enjoy thrifting as it is one of the best secondhand clothing shops I’ve been to.

Opening hours: 12pm – 7pm Note: They weren’t open when we visited at 2pm but were open when we went back at around 3.50pm, so it’s best to send them a message on their Instagram before dropping by Address: 18, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia Instagram

Amigos Horse Riding

Horse riding in JB? Yes you read that right! Amigos Horse Riding is a horse riding school that offers horse riding class and trail rides. We went on a 45-minute jungle trail (RM99/pax) which took us through an oil palm plantation, jungle and also along a short coastal stretch where you can see the straits of Singapore and Pulau Ubin.

The trail was really scary for me at first as I have no horse riding experience and they allow riders to control the horse without a trainer holding onto the reigns. We only had a 30 second “briefing” on how to steer the horse forward, left and right. I had so many doubts in my mind but the owner assured me that the horses are trained to recognise the path and will be able make it back to the stables even if we are separated from the group.

It can get muddy so wear shoes and long pants that you don’t mind dirtying! It rained before our jungle trail experience and I had some small spots of mud on my shoes after the experience but were barely noticeable unless you are looking up close.

Do book in advance, especially if you’re planning on heading there on the weekends. We got lucky as someone cancelled, otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to go on this experience as we booked really last minute. You can contact them via Facebook.

Tip: Get an evening slot as it can get really hot and humid in the jungle.

Edit: As of early 2023, they have opened another branch, which is just a 20-minute drive from the Tuas-Second Link Expressway.

Getting there: Driving would definitely be the best option. It is easy to get a Grab/taxi from town but it can be difficult to get a taxi from the stables. It took us a few tries before managing to get a Grab back into town.

UPDATE JULY 2023: The Pasir Gadang branch is closed from 27 July onwards for renovations, I’ll update again when they reopen.

Opening hours: 9am – 12pm, 2.30pm – 7pm, closed on Mondays Address: TANJONG PUTERI RESORT: Jalan Tanjong Puteri 1, 81707 Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia LEISURE FARM: Jalan Polo, Leisure Farm, 81550 Gelang Patah, Johor, Malaysia Website | Instagram | Facebook

Shi-ba Cafe

You’ve probably seen images of the furry cuties at the Shi-ba Cafe floating around the internet. Having gone slightly viral when they first opened, Shi-ba Cafe is Malaysia’s first Shiba Inu cafe located in the cafe-centric Mount Austin.

Shibas are one of my favourite dog breeds so I knew I had to check this spot out. We stayed for about an hour and bought a pack of Shiba treats for RM2 to bait the dogs into befriending us. Tailor your expectations if you do decide to visit as the dogs may not come up to you if you do not have treats for them.

Prices have increased since my visit to the cafe and it is now RM22/entry on weekdays, RM27/entry on weekends and RM12 for children 12 years and below. The entry fee includes a refillable drink.

According to their Facebook page , reservations are required before visiting, so do remember to book beforehand!

The cafe also serves food, so you can choose to have a meal here too. Otherwise, there are many eateries along the streets around Shi-ba Cafe.

Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 3pm, 4pm – 10pm Address: No 01, Mount Austin, 12, Jalan Austin Heights 8/4, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia Instagram | Facebook

Johor Premium Outlets (JPO)

The layout and design of Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) is pretty similar to that of the outlet villages in Europe and there are around 130 stores in JPO, including Lululemon, Prada, Bottega Veneta and Burberry.

In my opinion, JPO is nothing compared to what you’ll get in London’s Bicester Village or Paris’ La Vallee Village , but it still has a decent selection of brands. I did notice that the selection of goods in the “branded” outlets such as Prada and Bottega Veneta were not great, but it is expected that popular styles would not be in the outlet.

My favourite was the Lululemon outlet, which had a good variety of female activewear. I bought 2 Action Always Tee at around SGD 50 each (original retail price is SGD 90 – 98), which was quite a steal in my opinion.

Reach early during the weekends to avoid the crowds. We got to JPO before 11am and the place was almost empty. When we were leaving around 1pm, the place was packed and many shops had a long line, with the queue outside Gucci and Coach being especially long.

It was easy to get a Grab to and from JPO so no worries if you are not driving. If you do choose to spend the entire day here, there are also food options , though limited.

Opening hours: 10am – 10pm Address: Jalan Premium Outlets, Bandar Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia Website | Instagram | Facebook

HOME by Tales Of Paws

HOME by Tales Of Paws is home to a quite a number of uncommon breed of dogs and cats. The dogs are cats are housed separately and I only visited the cat cafe section. We got there around 1pm on a weekday and it was just us and another visitor in the cafe.

Most cats were asleep except for 3-4 cats that were curious and wanted to play. The cats seem to be more intrigued by our tickets than the cats toys provided though haha.

The cat cafe is pricey for Malaysia’s standards and they even charge foreigners a different rate. The entry fee includes a scoop of ice cream and bottle of water. Entry fee starts at RM58 (≈SGD 17) for foreigners on a weekday.

Opening hours (cat cafe): 11am – 7pm Opening hours (dog cafe): 10am – 6.30pm Cat Cafe Facebook | Dog Cafe Facebook

During our JB trip, we stayed at Holiday Inn, which was connected to City Square Mall and paid around SGD 100 per night for the cheapest room. We booked 2 days prior to traveling to JB so the last minute booking may have played a part in the high price. We chose this hotel because it was near the causeway but if you want something cheaper and don’t mind traveling, it would definitely be better to choose a hotel further away from the causeway.

The room we got was alright, good enough for a comfortable one-night stay, but my only gripe is that there were some stains on the table which left me wondering if they wiped all the surfaces in the room.

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Farah Fazanna

19 Feb 2021 - 6 min read

A 2D1N itinerary to explore the best of Johor Bahru

We have partnered with homegrown Firefly airline to bring you the first ever You Go, We Go: Traveloka Travel Vlog series, where we hope to inspire people to explore the world. In this travel vlog series, we’ll be bringing you around the enchanting Southeast Asia and for each episode, we’ll zoom in on little-known and interesting attractions. You definitely don’t want to miss this!

(video here)

In this fifth episode, travelers Imara, Farah and Amirul flew to Johor Bahru for a thrilling theme park and food hunting vacation. Bordering Singapore, Johor Bahru, a.k.a JB, is a popular weekend getaway where you’ll find plenty of shopping malls, fascinating museums and kid-friendly attractions. Like much of Malaysia, Johor Bahru doesn’t miss out on the local street food scene, and some of the restaurants here are famous for having been in operation for decades.

Wanna know what else you can do in JB? Let’s follow the trio’s adventure and if you’re heading to JB soon, we’ve put together their activities itinerary-style to guide your trip!

Day 1: Theme parks and food hunting

Morning: legoland malaysia.

Enjoy a thrilling day at LEGOLAND , Malaysia’s first international theme park! There are multiple zones to explore, each with their own theme, and a huge array of theme park rides, waterpark areas, and buildings built with Lego. See the Lego Ninjago World where you can put your ninja skills to the test, Miniland where you'll see the world's famous landmarks recreated in small scale using Lego, Imagination Land where you can build and test your own Lego buildings, Lego Technic for the most incredible rides and so much more! It’s fun for the whole family!

LEGOLAND Malaysia No 7, Jalan Legoland, Bandar Medini, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor Opening hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm (Daily) Contact number: 07-597 8888 Admission fee: From RM71.00

Lunch: Kedai Nasi Ayam Kee Chup

Enjoy a throwback of the yesteryears at this humble chicken rice restaurant. The cutleries, vintage walls and the wooden furniture that furnish the interior of Kee Chup give a nostalgic and homely feel to the patrons. Head over to Kee Chup to satisfy your growling stomach during lunchtime where they’ll serve a big portion of chicken rice with deep-fried chicken coupled with their signature sauce. Mmm… yummy!

Pro tip: It’s a halal-certified restaurant.

Kedai Nasi Ayam Kee Chup 24A, Jalan Dato Dalam, Johor Bahru Opening hours: 11.00am – 3.00pm (Daily) Price range: $ – $$

Afternoon: Danga Bay World Theme Park

After spending the morning at LEGOLAND, head over to the Danga Bay World Theme Park to continue the fun. Danga Bay is the largest recreational park in the city which promises a stunning view of the Straits of Johor. The theme park has everything you need, from original attractions like the Jumping Frog and Nemo Ride to the classic Pirate Ship and Teacups. Your kids are bound to have a day to remember. With all this on offer and more, you’re likely to need more than one day to enjoy it all!

Danga Bay World Theme Park Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru Opening hours: 6.00am – 2.00am (Monday – Saturday), 6.00am – 12.00am (Sunday) Admission fee: RM3 – RM10

Evening: Pasar Karat

Located in Jalan Sengget, there are plenty of things to shop and eat at Pasar Karat. The famous attraction in Johor Bahru is bustling with crowds every night, so it’s best to come before 8.00pm before the crowd arrives. You can find everything that your heart desires, from brand new to second-hand goods, and other antique knick-knacks — everything can be bought here at really cheap prices!

Pro tip: Try your luck and bargain with the vendors for a better price!

Pasar Karat Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru Opening hours: 6.00pm – 12.00am (Daily)

Dinner: Restoran Kacang Pool Haji

If Malaysia’s national dish is nasi lemak, then kacang pool is Johor’s signature dish. If you’re in Johor Bahru, it’s almost a sin not to try the kacang pool here. Heavily influenced by Middle Eastern flavors, the dish is made up of spiced fava beans, served with a fried egg, chopped shallots and tomatoes, squirts of calamansi and thick slices of toast. What’s not to love? It’s the perfect comfort food!

Restoran Kacang Pool Haji Jalan Sabar, Taman Dato Onn, Johor Bahru Opening hours: 7.00am – 11.00pm (Daily) Price range: $ – $$

Day 2: Melt your stress away

Morning: chavana spa.

What’s a vacation without squeezing in a spa session, right? Schedule a massage at Chavana Spa located at Hotel Jen Johor Puteri Harbour and have a relaxing time. Featuring a range of signature body treatments, facials and packages offering a combination of massages, botanical body polish and facials, the stress will literally melt away!

Chavana Spa Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour, Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Johor Opening hours: 10.00am – 8.00pm (Daily) Contact number: 07-560 8888 ext. 6672 Price: From RM125

Lunch: Murtabak Majid Special Cheese No.1

Malaysians and cheese can’t be separated. We put cheese in everything, and a perfect canvas like murtabak won’t be spared. This humble restaurant started selling murtabak cheese that quickly went viral —certainly something not to be missed when you’re in Johor Bahru. The outside is crispy in the perfect shade of golden brown, and the filling is cheesy and savory. The chicken and cheese murtabak is perfectly balanced and goes well with the free flow curry. It’s definitely a unique twist to the usual murtabak!

Murtabak Majid Special Cheese No.1 No. 38, Lot 5581, Jalan Kurniawan, Kampung Kurnia Opening hours: 12.00pm – 7.00pm (Daily) Price range: $ – $$

Wanna know what else Imara, Farah and Amirul were up to in Johor Bahru? Watch the full video on our YouTube channel now! You too can experience this amazing trip by booking your flight to Johor Bahru with Traveloka! To see where else we’ve flown with Firefly, check out the travel vlogs on our YouTube channel!

Couldn’t get enough of Johor Bahru? Read our other articles to get you going:

5 (really) good food in Johor Bahru Top 7 things you can’t miss out on when you’re in Johor Bahru 6 reasons why you should check out Jalan Dhoby, Johor Bahru’s cool cafe central

Follow the Traveloka team as we embark on a fun-filled adventure across Southeast Asia to explore little-known and interesting attractions. In every episode, we’ll be zooming into the best activities as well as give you some tried-and-true tips! Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you won’t miss it!

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• Travel Guide
• Desaru Trip Travel Guide: Resort,…

Desaru Trip Travel Guide: Resort, Transport, Food, Activities & Budget

After the pandemic, Desaru Coast has become very popular.

With its newly developed luxury resorts and idyllic coastal surroundings, it’s easy to see why Singaporeans flock to Desaru Coast for a weekend getaway.

In this Desaru Trip Travel Guide, not only will I be sharing my own experience in Desaru but also how you can plan for the best trip possible.

All tips and information in this post are 100% from my own experience having visited Desaru Coast several times, and not from some other blog.

Read on to learn more about the best ways to travel around Desaru!

1. How To Get To Desaru Coast & Transport Options

Before we begin, let’s figure out the logistics.

A reason why Desaru Coast is so popular amongst Singaporeans is because of how accessible it is.

Desaru Coast is also very well-developed, and you won’t have any problems spending 3D2N there without your own car.

So what are the transport options from Singapore to Desaru Coast?

1.1 Private Car Hire

• Recommended way to travel
• It is affordable (about SGD 160) and hassle-free
• Comfortable MPV vehicle
• Door-to-door pickup and drop-off
• Direct transfer from SG to Desaru Coast
• Flexible travel schedule
• No need to alight with luggage at SG-MY checkpoints and customs
• Perfect for families, kids, elderly people , and group travel

1.2 Ferry (From Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal)

• The next best option
• Suitable for solo travellers or pair
• No need to endure traffic jam on causeway
• Doesn’t operate daily and limited departure time
• Might re-route during monsoon season
• Shuttle bus from ferry terminal in Desaru to your resort

1.3 Public Transport

• There are options such as public bus and coach
• But public bus service has since been suspended due to higher demand for private car hire or ferry
• More economical choice
• Not recommended at all because of how impractical and inconvenient it is
• Not suitable for families, groups, or if you have a lot of luggage
• Have to alight twice at SG-MY checkpoints and customs

Sure, it might be pricier than the other options, but for your money, you’re getting comfort, luxury, ease of travel, and less stress.

2. Get To Know The Overall Area Of Desaru

I will only be covering the Desaru Coast area in this post.

If you’re looking for information about other areas in Desaru such as Bandar Penawar and Sungai Rengit, you won’t find it here.

The Desaru Coast area covers 4 resorts, a water park, ferry terminal, and a golf course (Els Club).

While other locations such as Lotus Desaru, Sand and Sandal Resort, and Tunamaya Resort might SEEM near to Desaru Coast on the map, it isn’t.

For reference, I’ve circled popular areas such as Bandar Penawar, Desaru Coast, and Sungai Rengit in Desaru in the map below.

3. Where To Stay In Desaru

Please note the difference between Desaru and Desaru Coast. It’s important you know this so that you don’t mistakenly plan a holiday in Desaru!

Desaru Coast is a newly developed resort town in Desaru. Due to its seaside location as well as clean and well-maintained environment, Desaru Coast has recently gained popularity.

There are 4 new resorts in Desaru Coast (more in the next section).

4. Which Resort In Desaru To Consider 

These are the 4 newly developed resorts in Desaru Coast:

4.1 Hard Rock Hotel Desaru

• Connected to a waterpark (complimentary entry tickets with each room you book)
• Family-friendly place for kids in and out of the resort
• Very fun and vibrant environment, not at all a quiet resort (in the best way possible!)

4.2 Westin Desaru Resort

• Seaview resort
• Most rooms are fronting the beach
• 5-minute walking distance from Hard Rock Desaru
• Very popular because of its seaview rooms and lower prices compared to Anantara Desaru Resort and One&Only Desaru Coast

4.3 Anantara Desaru Resort

• 500m away from Hard Rock Hotel Desaru and Westin Desaru Resort
• Highly recommended if you’re looking for a high-end resort
• Highlight: You can enjoy a movie in the field under the stars

4.4 One&Only Desaru

• The most expensive and luxurious among the 4 resorts in Desaru Coast
• Very private

5. Where Is The Best Desaru Beach To Go 

The beach is a no-brainer in Desaru Coast!

But which is the best beach to go to?

For starters, there is the Desaru Coast Public Beach , which is open to the public.

From there, you can walk to Westin Desaru Resort and access their beach. Walk further along and you’ll come upon the beach at Anantara Resort.

These aren’t exactly “private” beaches. If exclusivity is what you want, you’ll have to go to One&Only Desaru, which is located quite a distance from Anantara.

6. What Are The Top Activities In Desaru Coast

• Make a splash at Desaru Water Park

• Go on an educational tour at Desaru Fruit Farm 

Desaru Fruit Farm Farm Tour

• Spend time relaxing at the beautiful Desaru Beach

• Have a thrilling adventure at Dash Outdoors – includes water sports & outdoor activities such as ATV ride, paddleboarding, and more .

• Jam out to live music at Hard Rock Desaru

• Unwind with a drink at the Beach Bar at Westin and Observatory Bar or Infinity Bar at Anantara. The bars are clean, comfortable, and aesthetically-pleasing.

• Partake in activities (e.g. bird walking, strolling on the beach) available at the resort. Feel free to join activities hosted by any of the 4 resorts.

For more information, check out the ad posted on your room’s TV or enquire at the front desk.

7. What Are The Best Food In Desaru To Consider

If you have your own car, this is an awesome chance for you to travel around Desaru in search of local food.

Some recommended spots to hit are Sungai Rengit and Bandar Penawar, which are away from Desaru Coast.

But if you don’t have your own transportation, there are other ways to fill your tummy.

Breakfast: 

• Complimentary at your resort.

• Order room service.
• Drop by any restaurant at Hard Rock, Westin, or Anantara.

• Highly recommended to visit Anantara’s Infinity Bar (located on the beach) and Observatory Bar.
• Hail a taxi and go to Yard & Co . It is a seaview cafe with really great food located in Sungai Rengit.

• Book a table at Sea.Fire.Salt at Anantara .
• Grab a car service to Nelayan Seafood By The Coast .

8. How To Get Around In Desaru Coast 

The only way to get around Desaru Coast (without a car) is by shuttle bus .

Each resort displays the bus schedule in their lobby. If you can’t find it, please ask the front desk.

The shuttle bus is FREE and makes a stop at each resort (except One&Only). It has two routes, one of which will take you to the ferry terminal.

On Thursday to Monday & Public Holidays , it runs almost hourly from The Westin Desaru Resort <> Hard Rock Hotel Desaru <> Anantara Desaru Coast <> The Els Club Ocean Course <>Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.

On Tuesday & Wednesday , it runs almost hourly from Hard Rock Hotel Desaru <> The Westin Desaru Resort <> The Els Club Valley Course <> Desaru Public Beach <> Desaru Waterpark <> Anantara Desaru Coast.

9. Conclusion: My Final Thought 

I hope this Desaru Trip Travel Guide has been helpful!

Don’t worry if you don’t have your own transport from Singapore to Desaru. It’s still relatively easy to get around if you need to.

At Desaru Coast, a 3D2N trip is more than enough to cover the beach and water park, including time for you to unwind.

I wouldn’t encourage you to cram your trip with activities, especially if they are located far away from Desaru Coast.

For a more relaxing holiday, try to stay within the Desaru Coast area.

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Affordable day trips around JB to maximise your time across the Causeway

The December holiday period is expectedly the peak travel season in Singapore, with families going abroad and working adults clearing their AL (annual leave).

If you're scrambling for a last minute, affordable, fuss-free getaway, neighbouring JB is probably your best bet, and we have the long Causeway jams to prove it.

And if you're going to be spending hours stuck crossing the border there and back, it might be worth your while taking an extended break and looking beyond JB, especially if you drive.

With Johor being the fifth-largest state in Malaysia by area, why limit yourself to your usual hangouts in JB when there's plenty to see and do in other towns nearby?

READ ALSO:   5 things to do in JB that's not shopping, eating or getting a massage

Here are some fun places not too far away that you might want to stop by the next time you're planning a slightly longer stay "overseas".

Drive time from JB Sentral: 1.5 hours

The Malaysian beach town of Desaru is becoming increasingly popular for overworked Singaporeans in need of some R&R.

Less than two hours' drive from Woodlands checkpoint, the district is perfect for families and couples, with opulent resorts, a serene six-kilometre coastline and one of the biggest waterparks in the world.

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For the thrill-seekers, Adventure Waterpark has a high-speed roller coaster and flume ride called Kraken's Revenge, as well as five other twister slides guaranteed to get your heart pumping.

At Desaru Coast, Malaysia's newest destination resort, you'll also find globally-renowned hotels such as Hard Rock and The Westin. A 45-hole golf course as well as a 23-acre waterfront landscaped retail and lifestyle village are among the highlights.

Desaru is also home to Malaysia's biggest ostrich farm , where you can organise ostrich rides and have a closer look at the world's largest flightless bird.

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For those with a curious palate, here's your chance to taste a mega-sized omelette and ostrich teppanyaki and satay. Just spare the little ones the details! 

Seafood lovers should head on over to Tanjung Balau Fishing Village and sample the freshest catch of the day while learning about the kampung's past through galleries featuring how the fishermen navigated through treacherous waters.

KOTA TINGGI

Drive time from JB Sentral: 1 hour 5 minutes

Known as a historical town where the Sultanate of Johor was established, Kota Tinggi is the stuff of road trips with plenty to see, do and eat.

If we managed to convince you to take a trip to Desaru, you might want to make Kota Tinggi one of your pit-stops since the two districts are on the same side of the Johor state.

Although Kota Tinggi may not be the biggest tourist magnet for city-dwellers, nature-lovers are often drawn by the serenity of the waterfalls, trees and (relatively) untouched environment.

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The main draw of Kota Tinggi is the Lombong Falls, located at the foot of Gunung Mutahak, a famous mountain that's a 20-minute drive away from the main town area.

There, you'll find shallow pools ideal for the little ones to cool off and swim or wade around in, as well as an 80m-long water slide located at the site.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BS538hzAXcS/[/embed]

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Good news for us visitors — the local government has recently upgraded facilities available as part of the Visit Johor Year 2020 campaign.

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Kota Tinggi is also a hotspot for "glampers" who want a more luxurious outdoor experience, and Canopy Tribes is one place that organises "glamping" (glamorous camping) under the star-lit night sky.

If you're going all-out to experience nature, be sure to stop by the Kota Tinggi firefly park and the Teluk Sengat crocodile farm that's home to more than 1,000 fearsome reptiles.

The crocodile farm is about a half hour drive from town and an hour's drive from Desaru.

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Drive time from JB Sentral: 1 hour 15 minutes.

Located in the Pontian district, Kukup is a simple fishing village built on stilts and a popular choice for families to book chalets and have seafood barbeques at.

A great fishing spot and relaxed space to just chill out, a chalet visit to Kukup isn't complete without singing karaoke, playing mahjong and sightseeing around town.

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For just RM5 (S$1.60) per person, you can also choose to take a boat-tour around the kelongs and check out how fish and other intriguing marine life like butterfish, horseshoe crabs, eels and others are bred.

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For the intrepid traveller, consider taking a boat out to visit Kukup Island that's one-kilometre off the coastline — it's said to be the hideout of pirates in the olden days.

Declared as a protected national park in 1997, Kukup Island is a wetland that's home to a wide array of mangrove trees and swamp-dwelling creatures but you'll never know what treasure you might find.

Kukup is a good choice if you're in need of a relaxing holiday to empty your mind and enjoy the slow pace of kampung life.

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Although there are a number of shops in the town centre, don't expect the hustle and bustle of the city and shopping to be the main activity.

Drive time from JB Sentral: 2.5 hours

With a reputation for the best otak-otak Malaysia has to offer, the sleepy town of Muar was an emergency pit-stop during heavy rains my family and I encountered on the way back from Kuala Lumpur.

A surprising gem of a find, the quiet town is one that I've been wanting to revisit again, all thanks to a single dinner along Glutton Street.

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A 100-metre stretch lined with over two dozen food stalls and vendors hawking satay, wantan mee, oyster omelette and more.

Muar is an ideal destination for a day trip because there's honestly not that much to do in town and you'll be able to finish seeing everything within a day.

The largest shopping mall is Wetex Parade where locals and tourists go to escape the heat, and you can also take a relaxing stroll around Tanjung Emas Park and enjoy scenic views of the Muar river.

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Another popular activity among tourists is scaling Gunung Ledang (also known as Mount Ophir) where there are various waterfalls and on-site parks to explore but be sure to make a booking in advance for the trek can be quite challenging.

According to one Malay legend , the mountain was home to a fairy princess so beautiful a sultan wanted to marry her, so you might want to keep your eyes peeled.

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The laid back town of Kluang was once Johor's second most prosperous town after JB and a key inland port serving vast tracts of agricultural areas and manufacturing hubs.

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With advancements in Malaysia's roads and air transport system however, this town has become largely forgotten until recent announcements that the Batu Pahat High-Speed Rail (HSR) station could be located only a half-hour away from Kluang. 

Those who've been on weekend trips to the town can attest to a special charm about the place, imbued with new and old elements that'll make for a memorable visit.

One place you must drop in at is the original Kluang Rail station that was established in 1938. With flavours that have not changed in eight decades, soak in the old-school environment and listen to the train whistle as you sit back and sip on aromatic coffee.

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Be sure to taste the famous kaya toast and buns, and go early because their nasi lemak, curry puff and mee siam tend to be sold out by noon.

For those who are always on the lookout for IG-worthy backdrops, head over to an alley in downtown Kluang decorated with 24 murals painted by local artists, each telling a story of the town.

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Alternatively, you might want to pay a visit to the UK Farm Agro Resort for a range of family-friendly activities and teach your kids about farm life.

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For the couples, take a romantic stroll amidst a backdrop of fully-bloomed lavender flowers guaranteed to steal your breath away.

Come nightfall, don't miss the night market happening across the town at different areas on different days of the week, with vendors selling various authentic local dishes and items.

Your best bet will be to ask a local where and when their favourite one is happening and hope that you're able to catch it.

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For those looking to surround yourself with a little nature on your holiday, a trek up Mount Lambak will be just the thing for you.

One of Kluang's highlights, Gunung Lambak is a small mountain with a summit 510m above sea level. With two stages to climb, the initial part is said to be easy with proper pathways for visitors but the second half can be quite steep and may require you to hoist yourself up.

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The entire trek is said to take about two hour s unless you're a seasoned hiker.

Know of any more interesting destinations for day-trippers to stop by while they're in JB? Let us know!

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Sunday, February 21, 2016

2d1n road trip to johor bahru - taman mount austin.

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Best 2D1N affordable Batam itinerary (tried and tested!) 

Half day spa with lunch and transport under $150? Gold class movies under $15? Sign me up. 

By Kendra Tan - 19 May 2024

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If there’s one thing Singaporeans love, it is anything good and cheap . 

Besides Johor Bahru , there’s another place Singaporeans flock to enjoy a quick weekend getaway — Batam.  

Just a one hour ferry ride away from Singapore, Batam offers an attractive alternative holiday destination for Singaporeans who don’t enjoy getting stuck in causeway jams. 

Looking to visit Batam anytime soon? Scroll on for our tried-and-tested Batam itinerary that’ll have you living up like royalty, without burning a hole in your wallet. 

The ultimate 2D1N Batam itinerary 2024

Pre-trip checklist.

While you can usually wing a trip to Batam, I would recommend pre-booking your Batam ferry tickets and spa sesh to avoid disappointment. 

You can get your ferry tickets on Klook, Shopee or directly from the ferry operators such as Batam Fast as well. You can expect to pay around $70 - $90 per person for one round-trip ticket. 

Next, book a hotel . 

If you want a nice hotel without forking out too much money, you’d be glad to know that decent hotels in Batam cost around $40 - $70 per night. 

I would recommend staying in areas near Nagoya Hill, Grand Batam Mall, and Mega Mall Batam Centre. 

D1: Singapore > Batam 

11am: We took this trip pretty chill. We booked the ferry that left at 11am because we’re lazy people who don’t want to wake up early. 

11am: No, this is not a typo — Batam is one hour behind Singapore. 

Immigration took a while, but once we were out, we immediately got picked up by a female driver provided by our spa. 

But first, let me tell you that this is not a sponsored post. 

Prior to arriving in Batam, I booked a spa at Spa Central in Batam . I opted for their “Top 2 Toe” package which includes: 

One big plus point was lunch and the free pick up service from wherever you are in Batam. 

Communication via WhatsApp was seamless and we were greeted by our driver upon exiting immigration. 

12pm - 6pm: We arrived at Spa Central’s Sukajadi branch after a 15-minute drive. We were served drinks and cold towels, and we got to choose the scent we wanted for our massage oil. 

The staff was attentive, didn't talk to each other during the massage, and their skills were so amazing that I fell asleep throughout.

Our masseuse also had clocks (that do not tick, thank goodness) set at the start of the session for you to see, so that you know they are providing the full service. 

The entire spa sesh lasted almost six hours, and it is an understatement to say that it was glorious. 

Total price we paid per person? $139.25. 

7pm onwards:

After our spa, we took a Grab to our hotel (which shall not be named because we didn’t have a very satisfactory experience there), rested for a while and headed to Batam Grand Mall for dinner and a movie. 

We decided to watch a movie in one of their Satin Suites, AKA Gold Class. 

We paid around S$7~ per person, and it came with a super comfortable bed, pillows and blankets. I felt it was clean, at least to my standards. Anyway, it was too dark to see but I did get a whiff of the blankets and they smelt fine. 

D2: Batam > Singapore 

In the morning, we went for breakfast at AKONG Kopitiam — delicious food, great drinks, superb service and most importantly, it was really clean. 

The average price per dish is S$2.50, or 25k IDR, and its location is fantastic — just opposite Grand Batam Mall.

Each dish cost around S$1 - S$2.50, and I particularly enjoyed the kaya toast, nasi goreng and coffee. 

Here are some pics of the food we ate: 

We fuelled our adrenaline with a go-karting session at Golden City. While the venue might not have been the most luxurious, the price was unbeatable — we paid around $15 each.

To unwind after the race, we grabbed some bubble tea before returning to the hotel by Gojek to collect our bags. 

If you have extra time, the area also offers wakeboarding for water enthusiasts and a unique floating cafe called Level Up.

Batam Centre's Mega Mall was our dinner destination. After shopping for some souvenirs, we couldn't resist indulging in some local treats. 

The affordable prices made it tempting to "tapao" (takeaway) both Krispy Kreme donuts and Kueh Lapis, a layered Indonesian cake. 

Back to Singapore 

We boarded the 8:30pm ferry, arriving in Singapore by 10:30pm, marking the perfect end to our quick Batam adventure!