10 activities in JB worth every RM

If you’re looking to stretch your dollar while having a blast, JB is a treasure trove of unique activities that are not only cheaper than in Singapore but also offer experiences you can’t find on this side of the Causeway.

1. Tuft a rug at Tufting Nuts

Tufting has become all the rage, and if you’ve been eyeing a tufting session in Singapore, you’ll know it’s not the cheapest activity around. Prices for tufting a rug in Singapore often exceed S$100, but at Tufting Nuts in JB, you can create your own custom rug for just RM200+ (around S$60+). That’s nearly half the price!

Before you head over, it’s a good idea to have a design in mind so you can start your session immediately. Pinterest is a great resource for inspiration, and if you’re unsure whether your design is doable, you can always message Tufting Nuts on Instagram.

During the day of your workshop, your design will be projected onto a canvas. After tracing it with a marker, select your wool colours and start tufting! There’s no limit to the colours you can take, as long as you return them neatly.

Don’t worry if it’s your first time. Before working on your design, the staff will give you a tutorial on how to use the tufting gun and let you practise on pre-drawn lines, circles, and rectangles.

After all the hard work, it’ll be time for the Tufting Nuts team to take over. Whether you want a shaped frame or something that follows the outline of your design, the expert tufters will help you draw the border to your liking. A few weeks later, you’ll get to collect your completed rugs!

Tufting Nuts Workshop
40-01, Jln Austin Heights 3/2, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+60 18-281 5717
11am – 7pm (Mon to Fri), 9.15 am – 9.30pm (Sat), 10am – 6pm (Sun)
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2. Customise keepsakes at Forever Twenty DIY Studio

If you love crafting and personalising items, Forever Twenty DIY Studio in JB is your ultimate playground. The studio offers a wide variety of items to customise from phone cases and mirrors to clocks and even car number plates! Besides glue, you can play around with colourful decoden cream to decorate the item of your choice. 

The studio itself is spacious and bright. It’s also filled with lots of photo ops. The interior is also designed like an aesthetic cafe and classroom, making it a great place to take cute photos with your finished products. 

If you’d like, they even have school uniform rentals that start from RM30 (S$9) to really tie your picture together with the interior.

The only con about this studio is that you might get overwhelmed by its extensive selection of charms and decorations. Each set comes with a number of creams and accessories you are entitled to so choose wisely! 

Besides the DIY activities, you can also try other fun projects like toast painting (yes, you’ll be decorating bread) and acrylic paint pouring on a Bearbrick. The best part is all these hands-on activities are at ridiculously affordable prices like RM29 (S$8) for a phone strap decoden DIY.

Forever Twenty DIY Studio
51-02, Jalan Jaya Putra 7/6, Bandar Jaya Putra, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
+60 14-382 5686
11am – 7pm (Mon to Tue, Thu to Sun), Closed on Wed
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3. Survive an escape room at LOST in JB

If you’re an escape room enthusiast or simply love a good challenge, you can enjoy the same thrilling experience in JB for much less. While a one-hour escape room session in Singapore can set you back around S$25 per person, LOST in JB offers the same experience for just S$15. 

The experience may even be more intense than our local escape rooms. LOST in JB is known for its realistic escape rooms which simulate the actual environments with carefully curated set-ups and intriguing backstories. 

A Potterhead? Try their School of Magic room with magical props and outfits. Craving some horror? They have lots of spine-chilling rooms including one that’s a funeral parlour! With a variety of themes and difficulty levels, you’re sure to find an escape room that tests your problem-solving skills, teamwork and courage.

Whether you’re a seasoned escape room enthusiast or a first-timer, the adrenaline rush here is unbeatable. Some of their rooms are extra scary and will have you crawling into tight spaces and bracing for jump scares by really convincing actors. 

LOST in JB has three outlets. Click here for their addresses, operating hours and contact details.

LOST in JB
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4. Skate away at Blue Ice Skating Rink

Here’s a great way to escape the heat: book an ice skating session at the Blue Ice Skating Rink in Paradigm Mall. Not only is it the first and only ice skating rink in JB, but it’s also incredibly affordable. For just RM40 (S$12), both you and your kids can enjoy a session on the ice, with skate shoes included in the price. 

There’s only one ice skating rink in Singapore and prices start at S$18 for kids. Unlike here, whether it’s a weekday, weekend, public holiday, or school holiday, the price at Blue Ice Skating Rink stays the same. Yes, this is for both adults and children.

Before you hit the rink, just remember that socks and gloves are a must (and compulsory), so bring them if you’re already planning to go. Otherwise, they’re available for RM7 (S$2) each.

Beyond recreational skating, the rink also houses a full-fledged academy for figure skating and ice hockey. So whether you’re a seasoned skater looking to sharpen your skills or just out for a casual glide, there’s something for everyone here.

If you’re interested, there’s also the Blue Ice Pro Shop with a great selection of ice hockey equipment and figure skates. 

For more information about the session timings, click here.

Blue Ice Skating Rink @ Paradigm Mall
3F-30, Paradigm Mall, Lbh Skudai, Taman Bukit Mewah, 81200 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
+60 11-6230 0366
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5. Meet furry friends at D.A Little Farm

Before you brush this off as just another dog or cat cafe, hold on! D.A Little Farm is an animal lover’s paradise, offering a truly unique experience you won’t find in Singapore. Ever seen a fennec fox outside the zoo? You can, here!

Instead of paying more to visit them in the Singapore Zoo, experience this petting zoo right inside a cafe. With over 10 different types of animals to play with, pet, and feed, you’re in for a wild time. Unlike most pet cafés, where you might find just a few dogs or cats, D.A Little Farm lets you get up close and personal with freely roaming animals like parrots, alpacas, and even tortoises.

If you’re lucky you may even meet animals like hedgehogs, skunks, and ducks who make special appearances for photo ops. You might even spot a snake or two!

Since this is such a popular spot, reservations are required. Tickets start at RM48 (S$14) per person for a 1-hour session on weekdays. So if you’re planning a visit, be sure to book your spot in advance. The snacks for animal feeding start from RM3.50 (S$1) so do factor that in when planning your trip here.

D.A Little Farm
No 12-02, Jalan Austin Heights 8/4, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
+60 11-1193 9795
12.30pm – 2.45pm & 4pm – 7.30pm (Mon to Fri), 11:15am – 2.45pm & 4pm – 8.30pm (Sat & Sun)
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6. Experience luxury at Aurum Theatre, Mid Valley Southkey

I’m sure most, if not all of us have thought of indulging in a Gold Class ticket when planning to watch a movie. But, the majority of us are put off by the hefty price tag that comes with this luxury cinema experience. Another reason not to buy that ticket is the fact that its price does not include food and beverages.

If you’re heading to JB, you can experience a similar level of luxury at Aurum Theatre in Mid Valley Southkey. Tickets at Aurum Theatre, especially for their Getha Lux Suites, are generally more affordable, and you can enjoy the entire experience — including the comfortable recliners with plush cushioning, pillows and blankets. 

With the Aurum Pass, you’ll not only enjoy the movie but also complimentary food and drinks from Jin Gastrobar. They’re freshly made too, so you’re getting your money’s worth.

Experience a luxurious life with a special call button, allowing you to request assistance from a host at any time. Whether you want to order more from Jin Gastrobar or need something else, your host will handle it.

Appetiser, main course, or dessert, you can savour your meal in the comfort of your seat so that you won’t miss a single scene of the film.

Aurum Theatre, Mid Valley Southkey
AT-3, 3rd Floor, Persiaran Southkey 3, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
+60 10-272 7184
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7. Take a cruise at the Kota Tinggi Firefly Park

For a magical evening just an hour’s drive from the checkpoint, head to the Kota Tinggi Firefly Park and take a cruise along the Johor Kota Tinggi River. This serene river is one of the rare breeding grounds for fireflies, where thousands of them light up the riverbanks, offering a breathtaking display.

Imagine being surrounded by these tiny glowing creatures as they light up the riverbanks. It’s a sight you won’t find in Singapore. For just RM20 (S$6), I’d say this one-of-a-kind experience is a steal!

The park also has a souvenir store where you can purchase heart locks and lanterns, starting from RM20 each. Don’t miss this chance to release a Sky Wishing Lantern. It’s another enchanting experience where you write your wishes on a lantern before lighting it up and sending it into the sky.

If you’ve been holding on to a wish to make on your next birthday, take the opportunity to do it here. Or, engrave a heart lock and hang it up as a lasting memory of your visit, much like the Love Lock of Namsan Tower.

Through the tranquil riverboat ride, sky lanterns and love locks, it’ll surely be a special night with your loved ones.

Kota Tinggi Firefly Park
Jalan Kota Tinggi, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
+60 17-460 7775
1pm – 11pm (Daily)
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8. Chase thrills at X Park Sunway Iskandar

Just a short 30-minute drive from the checkpoint, X Park Iskandar Puteri is a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. Spanning a massive 32 acres, this park is one of Malaysia’s largest extreme adventure parks.

At X Park, the activities cater to a variety of preferences. If you’re looking to test your aim, the archery range is perfect for sharpening your skills. For those who crave wind in their face, the ATV rides are a must-try, starting at RM40 (S$12) for a 20-minute session. The park offers higher-powered ATVs and a 75-minute ride option for those seeking an extended adventure. 

Go-karting is another thrilling option, with prices starting at RM70 (S$21) for a 10-minute spin around the track. For something more unconventional, bubbleball futsal lets you play soccer encased in a giant inflatable ball — fun and laughter are guaranteed! 

That’s not all. There’s even a high-element course, starting at RM45 (S$13). All you water lovers haven’t been forgotten either. Their Swan Boat with Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Board is priced at a mere RM50 (S$15) per person. It’s insanely cheap if you ask me.

X Park Iskandar Puteri
Jalan Medini Selatan 2, Medini Zone F, Bandar Medini Iskandar, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor
+60 12-426 6913
2pm – 12am (Mon to Thu), 10am – 12am (Fri to Sun)
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9. Sing your heart out at Loud Speaker Family Karaoke

If you’re looking for an affordable karaoke experience that doesn’t compromise on quality, forget your usual Singapore studios. Loud Speaker KTV in JB might just be the best spot. With prices as low as RM13+ (S$4) for a 3-hour singing session before 5pm on weekdays, it’s one of the cheapest KTVs you’ll find.

They also have plenty of promotions, like early bird sessions so you can kickstart your day with some karaoke fun for just RM10+ (S$3). On top of that amazing 3-hour duration, you can also enjoy free-flow drinks during your session. 

Don’t let the low price fool you — these rooms are spacious, clean, and anything but shady. You’ll find three microphones in each room making it perfect for a small group singalong. The mics also come with microphone covers. The song selection process is a breeze too, with an easy-to-use panel and a convenient QR code option.

Whether you are looking for a morning sing-a-long or a chill session late at night, Loud Speaker has you covered.

Loud Speaker has 11 outlets across Malaysia, with two locations in JB — one in Taman Sutera Utama and the other at Mount Austin. The Sutera Utama outlet even has gaming consoles available. Check them out here!

Loud Speaker Family Karaoke
11am – 3am (Daily)
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10. Get your heart racing at Twinkle Square

Think you’re fit? Test it out with the viral ‘Floor is Lava’ game at Twinkle Square in Eco Palladium. Located about a 35-minute drive from JB Sentral, this game tests your speed, reflexes, and agility.

If you haven’t already seen it on your socials, this game has square lights on the floor that move around. Your mission is to step on the blue tiles to clear them while avoiding the red ones, which represent the ‘lava.’ Green tiles are your safe zone, but don’t get too comfortable because they move around too!

Sounds easy, right? But before you get overconfident, let me tell you, this game isn’t easy at all. It’s a true cardio workout that’ll have you gasping for air by the end of your 25-minute session. With prices as low as RM30 (S$9) on a weekday, it’s definitely cheaper than in Singapore. 

While it might seem like a short game, I assure you, the intensity will make every second count. You might even be sweating as you walk out of the room. This place has been gaining quite a bit of traction, so I’d highly recommend booking beforehand if you don’t want to wait for a room.

Twinkle Square – Eco Palladium
B02-11 BLK B, Eco Palladium, Jalan Ekoflora 7/1, Pusat perdagangan Ekoflora, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
+60 16-757 7355
12pm – 12am (Daily)
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