This may be common knowledge to some, but if you are completely clueless about where you can shop in JB (Johor Bahru), here are the 6 main areas with shopping malls that you should check out.
Johor Bahru City Square (JBCC) and KOMTAR
The first mall that you will encounter when you leave the immigration check-point is JBCC. Like every other mall that you can find in Singapore, this mall has international brands and restaurant franchises. Prices for apparel and products tend to be similar to ours, so food is the selling point.
KOMTAR is the mall on the right, with branded goods such as Padini and make-up brands. If you are a beauty fanatic, this is the place to go as the makeup items here are cheaper thanks to the exchange rate!
KSL City Mall
KSL City Mall is a 20 minutes cab ride away and is definitely worth the trip. In this mall, you can do anything from shopping for branded sports shoes to getting massages at great deals. Have some Emack and Bolio ice cream to treat yourself or if you are there on a Monday, go on a food hunt through the night market.
Paradigm Mall
About 20 to 30 minutes’ drive away, you can find Paradigm Mall, one of the newest and biggest malls in JB. Other than international brands, they also have local stores that sell quilted blankets and furniture. You can catch a quick bus ride from the interchange near the immigration check-point making this mall very accessible.
But the highlight of this mall is that they have a wide array of leisure activities you can partake in. You can catch a movie, go rock climbing and even ice skating. The rink may be smaller than all of Singapore’s, but the ice is maintained in tip-top smooth condition. It also has an individual, all-day, one-time entry fee of $8.16 SGD (25 RM) on weekdays and $9.79 (30RM) on weekends - that is a really good deal!
Toppen Shopping Centre
Do you remember the days when going to an arcade was the thing? Revive some childhood nostalgia without breaking the bank at this shopping mall opened by IKEA. Claw machines and a retro Coca-cola snack bar will definitely bring out the kid in you.
While this mall doesn’t cater for those into fashion, you can have great fun at the e-gaming sports center and have a go at their rock climbing wall. Parents can also bring their children to have fun at the water playground on the roof.
Johor Premium Outlets
Anyone who is looking for substantial savings on their branded favorites should take the hour trip from causeway point to the Johor Premium Outlets. With over 150 stores, they don’t only cater to high-class bargain hunters but also to family-friendly brands having a section for children.
You won’t go hungry at this outlet mall too. There are restaurants and cafes like Coffee Bean to meet your needs.
AEON Malls
There are few AEON Malls in JB with the two most popular at Bukit Indar and the other at Tebrau. Bukit Indar is a bit more of luxury shopping for those who are near to Austin Heights and Tebrau is known for its Japanese markets and Fanpekka.
There’s something for everyone to shop in Johor Bahru. All it takes is a bit of an effort to head out further and explore.
