3D2N Weekend Getaway from Singapore: A Short Relaxing Trip to Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Traveloka Accomodation
04 May 2023 - 9 min read

Weekend Getaway Malaysia - A trip to the lively city of Johor Bahru in Malaysia is the ideal way to spend a weekend when you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore. Traveling from Singapore to Johor Bahru can be accomplished using a variety of modes of transport, such as by vehicle/taxi, bus, train, or even a private car service.

In addition, Traveloka makes it possible to reserve a room at any of Johor Bahru’s numerous available hotels, hostels, and other types of accommodations.

How to Go From Singapore to Johor Bahru

Many Singaporeans choose to spend their weekends at JB (Johor Bahru) due to the city’s abundance of stunning tourist destinations. The area of JB has everything you might want, from luxurious islands to thrilling amusement parks to JB shopping complexes to beautiful beaches.

Getting to JB from Singapore is less of a hassle now that the transportation infrastructure has improved. A number of commercial companies and the government are committed to providing excellent transportation options to and from JB.

By Car/Taxi

The fastest and most comfortable method to reach Johor Bahru is by hiring a private car or cab. The private automobile service will see to any and all travel-related concerns you may have. Be assured in their services knowing that your safety is their top priority.

It takes roughly 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic, to drive or take a taxi across the Causeway that links Singapore with Malaysia.

Pros

Transportation links between Singapore and Johor Bahru that are both quick and easy.
You can schedule a pick-up whenever is most convenient for you.
they’ll pick you up from anywhere in Singapore (including Bugis Street, Queen Street, and more) and deliver you to the Johor Bahru spot of your choosing.
There is no need to get out of your car or bus in order to pass through immigration at the Singapore–Malaysia border.
Assure the quickest possible route by road.
Go without sharing vehicles.

Cons

It’s expensive if you’re traveling alone or with fewer than three people.

By Bus

The improvement of Singapore and Johor Bahru’s public transportation systems has made it possible to go to Johor Bahru by coach. The trip could take anywhere from 40 minutes to two hours depending on traffic.

You can choose from a number of different bus companies, such as Causeway Link, SBS Transport, and Transtar Travel. The trip should take around an hour depending on border wait times and traffic.

Pros

Cheaper and reliable to go around.
It has various routes.

Cons

Long wait times as passengers wait to pass through immigration. Slow to a crawl during rush hour.
Struggle - Having to carry bags between the bus and the immigration building repeatedly.
During the busiest times of the year, clearing customs could take up to three hours.
Problematic if you’re bringing little kids or elderly relatives along for the trip.

By Train

A shuttle train, KTM’s Shuttle Tebrau, has been operating as of July 1st, 2015, giving commuters a new option for getting to Johor Bahru while avoiding traffic. In total, the train’s four cars can seat 320 passengers.

Fast trains may take you from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral in as little as 5 minutes. At the present time, this is the only shuttle train route. Shuttle Tebrau trains travel frequently throughout the day from Singapore’s Woodlands Railway Checkpoint to Malaysia’s Johor Bahru Sentral, and the journey only takes around 5 minutes.

Pros

Quick access to JB Sentral.
Cheap and Comfortable
Seat can be booked.

Cons

A limited number of tickets are available.
If you miss the train, you’ll have to wait hours.

By Private Car Service

GrabCar and other private car rental providers allow you to book a private vehicle service from Singapore to Johor Bahru.

Itinerary for A Weekend Getaway in Johor Bahru

There is no shortage of intriguing things to do in JB, from exploring the city’s thriving culinary scene to visiting its thrilling theme parks to shopping till you drop. If you are planning a trip to JB but are having trouble deciding what to do, eat, or see, go no further than this handy list of the city’s finest.

Day 1: Visit the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, and Danga Bay. Have lunch at Restoran Todak and dinner at Mee Rebus Tulang.

Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque - Weekend Getaway Malaysia

Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Boulevard is our favorite place to wander in Old Town, JB, which is filled with colorful paintings and historic buildings and where you can easily spend a day taking pictures.

After that, you might stop at the famous Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque. A revered ruler commonly known as the “Father of Modern Johor,” Sultan Abu Bakar commissioned this massive mosque in the year 1900. It can hold up to 2,000 worshippers.

Danga Bay is JB’s gorgeous shoreline and recreational area, and it’s a perfect place for a leisurely evening promenade thanks to its beautiful sunset views and abundance of excellent seafood eateries. At night, the neighborhood comes alive, especially at the Danga World Theme Park, a throwback amusement park with a vintage feel. Join your loved ones in a round of bumper cars or a ride on the carousel.

Day 2: Spend the day at Legoland Malaysia, shop at Johor Bahru City Square Mall, and relax at Eco Botanic Garden. Have lunch at Warong Sudi Mampir and dinner at Restoran Hua Mui.

LEGOLAND Malaysia - Weekend Getaway Malaysia

Legoland Malaysia should be your first priority on your second day in Johor Bahru. One of the top theme parks in Malaysia features seven distinct sections to explore, ensuring visitors a “brick-tastic’ time. The primary theme park, water park, and SEA LIFE Aquarium make up Legoland Malaysia.

Almost 300 stores make City Square Mall the ideal spot to satisfy all of your shopping needs under one roof. Checking out Johor Bahru City Square and want to find a great hair salon? There are seven in total, and they have names like “Pro Trim” and “Reds” that you’re probably already aware of.

Then you can go shopping at JB City Plaza. You’ll find many brands like Lovisa, Uniqlo, Converse, and other tried-and-true brands. Once you’ve shopped till you drop, treat yourself to a massage to ease those aching muscles. Thai Odyssey and the House of Traditional Javanese Massage are two well-known massage parlors in JB City Square.

Visit the Eco Botanic Garden after that. The Eco Botanic community, featuring gated premium landed residential concepts, serviced apartments, and commercial units, is only 5 kilometers from LEGOLAND Malaysia, or around 10 minutes by car.

Turning off Jalan Kampung Lalang, you’ll see a U-shaped cluster of immaculately kept low-rise shophouses surrounding three soaring 35-story Eco Nest service apartments. There is a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores along Eco Boulevard. Several are recent additions to the landscape.

Day 3: Visit Johor Bahru Zoo, Johor Bahru Old Railway Station, and Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest. Have lunch at Restoran Ya Wang and end the day with a spa treatment at Spa Manja.

Gunung Pulai - Weekend Getaway Malaysia

On your third day in Johor Bahru, it’s time to have some fun with animals in Johor Zoo. The Johor Zoo is the nation’s first and oldest zoo, opening in 1928. Come here to spend time with your family and see over a hundred different kinds of animals, such as elephants, hippos, and our personal favorite, the friendly camels.

Then, you can visit Johor Bahru Old Railway Station. It is the oldest railway that was built in 1909 and had been closed as it is now a museum. You can learn about the old time when the first railway in Malaysia and also the train used during that time.

After that you can try to visit Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest, which is a great place to get fresh air and green scenery. Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest has rainforests and abundant fauna. Kempas and sugar palms shade most trekking pathways in this area. While exploring the park, watch for monkeys and lizards. Mount Pulai in Gunung Pulai has stunning views and a little waterfall. Mount Pulai can be climbed through a bush trail or a partially paved one. Hikers claim the jungle trek is harder but more rewarding at the top.

Places to Stay in Johor Bahru

Visiting Johor Bahru should be great with comfy places to stay. Here are 6 recommended hotels for your best stay in Johor Bahru. You can get the best price by booking it from Traveloka!

1. DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru

DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru - Weekend Getaway Malaysia

DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru

8.8/10

Johor, Malaysia

SGD 242

SGD 182

DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru is a contemporary, functional hotel that is only 9 minutes on foot from the lively Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple and 11 minutes from the JB Sentral train station.

Location: 12 Jalan Ngee Heng, Johor Bahru - City Center, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, 80000
Price range: starts from S$109 per night.

2. Amari Johor Bahru

Amari Johor Bahru - Weekend Getaway Malaysia

Amari Johor Bahru

9.0/10

Johor, Malaysia

SGD 141

SGD 105

This stylish hotel called Amari Johor Bahru is located 8 minutes on foot from the JB Sentral train station and 3 kilometers from the hilltop Victorian-style Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque.

Location: 82C, Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru - City Center, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, 80000
Price range: starts from S$98 per night.

3. Grand Paragon Hotel Johor Bahru

Grand Paragon Hotel Johor Bahru - Weekend Getaway Malaysia

Grand Paragon Hotel Johor Bahru

8.5/10

Johor, Malaysia

SGD 85

SGD 64

If you stay in Grand Paragon Hotel Johor Bahru, only 6 minutes on foot will get you to the nearest bus station, and you’ll be just 4 kilometers from the lively Johor Ancient Temple and 11 kilometers from the Singapore Zoo.

Location: 18, Jalan Harimau, Taman Century, Johor Bahru - City Center, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, 80250
Price range: starts from S$63 per night.

4. KSL Hotel & Resort Johor Bahru

KSL Hotel & Resort Johor Bahru - Weekend Getaway Malaysia

KSL Hotel & Resort Johor Bahru

8.4/10

Johor, Malaysia

SGD 83

SGD 74

This chic, contemporary hotel, KSL Hotel & Resort, is located four kilometers from both the Persada Johor International Convention Center and the causeway to Singapore, on top of a downtown shopping mall.

Location: 33 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, Johor Bahru - City Center, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, 80250
Price range: Starts from S$54 per night

5. Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru

Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru - Weekend Getaway Malaysia

Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru

8.8/10

Johor, Malaysia

SGD 104

SGD 94

This upscale apartment hotel, Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru, is located in the heart of the city, just 6 minutes’ walk from JB Sentral station, and is within easy driving distance of both the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple and the Johor Zoo.

Location: Menara Tiga Serangkai, Jalan Tengku Azizah, Johor Bahru - City Center, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, 80300
Price range: starts from S$107 per night

6. Baguss Hotel and Serviced Apartment

Baguss Hotel And Serviced Apartment - Weekend Getaway Malaysia

Baguss Hotel And Serviced Apartment

7.8/10

Johor, Malaysia

See Price

Our colorful, relaxed hotel, Baguss Hotel and Serviced Apartment, is conveniently located just off Asian Highway 18, just an 8-minute stroll from the Plaza Pelangi retail center and 5 kilometers from the heart of the city.

Location: Plaza Mentari (Suncity), Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru - City Center, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, 80400
Price range: starts from S$60 per night.

Not only Articles about Weekend Getaway Malaysia that Traveloka provides, but we also have a lot of best-recommended articles for you guys to read! Here is the list of the best Articles recommendation special for you:

Many alternatives for transportation make the trip from Singapore to Johor Bahru quick, simple, and stress-free. The finest of Johor Bahru can be seen in a single weekend if you use Traveloka to plan your trip and book your accommodations in advance. Go browse for attraction tickets and hotel only in Traveloka!

In This Article

• How to Go From Singapore to Johor Bahru
• By Car/Taxi
• By Bus
• By Train
• By Private Car Service
• Itinerary for A Weekend Getaway in Johor Bahru
• Day 1: Visit the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, and Danga Bay. Have lunch at Restoran Todak and dinner at Mee Rebus Tulang.
• Day 2: Spend the day at Legoland Malaysia, shop at Johor Bahru City Square Mall, and relax at Eco Botanic Garden. Have lunch at Warong Sudi Mampir and dinner at Restoran Hua Mui.
• Day 3: Visit Johor Bahru Zoo, Johor Bahru Old Railway Station, and Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest. Have lunch at Restoran Ya Wang and end the day with a spa treatment at Spa Manja.
• Places to Stay in Johor Bahru
• 1. DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru
• 2. Amari Johor Bahru
• 3. Grand Paragon Hotel Johor Bahru
• 4. KSL Hotel & Resort Johor Bahru
• 5. Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru
• 6. Baguss Hotel and Serviced Apartment
Hotels
Flights
Things to Do
Always Know the Latest Info
Subscribe to our newsletter for more travel & lifestyle recommendations and exciting promos.
Subscribe