5 Things To Do in Johor Bahru (JB)

'Ohmygod! So cheap!!'

Since the exchange rate makes things in JB seem so much more affordable, we frequently travel in for the day, or even late at night for supper or just to service the bike. Below are some things we usually do while we're there! =)




1. Karaoke

Singaporeans, Malaysians, Filipinos, Thais...I believe most Asians love Karaoke. 大嘴巴，Music Band and K Monster are the venues we frequent because the rates are lower compared with venues within the shopping malls. As you can see below, the rates are really low compared with Karaoke rates in Singapore where the best deal is probably at Teo Heng but still no where as cheap as Music Band, if you even manage to book a room without making a booking 1 week in advance!

2. Eat good Korean food

While many Singaporeans drive into JB for late night supper and frequent hawkers for wanton mee, abalone noodles and lok lok and visit places like Taman Sentosa, we realised that since the food is generally cheaper, we can have affordable restaurant meals instead.

JB has many good Korean restaurants not far from the Causeway and one good place to try is the Nam Moon Korean BBQ place in Taman Pelangi!

3. Motorcycle Servicing

With high labour costs in Singapore, a good way to save on motorcycle maintenance would be to head into JB for routine maintenance i.e. engine oil change, replacement of air filter, oil filter and spark plugs. A reasonable can of engine oil costs RM 40. There are also shops to 'zeng' (modify) motorbikes if you want a paint job or a totally new look.

We frequent the row of motorcycle servicing shops along Jln Tun Abdul Razak (or Bapok lane, or Ah Gua lane), known for the transgenders who ply their trade in the lane behind the shops. Do note that the shops operate from around 4pm to past midnight so it's best to go at 4pm before the crowd comes in.

4. Massage

While the massage in Johor Bahru is not cheap compared with places like Thailand or Indonesia, it is cheaper than in Singapore!

Riding along from the causeway towards Pelangi you will pass by many massage parlours (clearly identifiable by the giant 'foot' in the signage, indicating feet massages!). While I prefer the Chinese massages by old uncles and aunties, these are usually only available in shopping malls like KSL. At night, the only massage places are those with giant signages with storefronts facing the street.

One popular chain that we frequent is Siam Legend, where as of last weekend, prices are RM 85 for 90 minutes and RM 65 for 60 minutes. The masseuses are Thai and personally I would prefer the older girls who are more experienced and stable in their skills. It would be good though if they could stop talking during the massage.

5. Fill a Prescription

If you are on expensive medication and have a prescription from a doctor, you can get your prescription filled at the pharmacies in the shopping malls for a fraction of the price you'll pay in Singapore! Over the counter medication are also cheaper!

There are many other things to be done in JB such as watching a movie, which may or may not be cheaper depending on how recent the movie is, or having a relaxing staycation. What are some things you do in JB?