Wan Xin NgLately, road trips have become the go-to escape from the city. No airport queues, no passport stamps, just a car, some snacks, and some Hozier as you’re driving through the sunset…sounds like an absolute dream, doesn’t it?
For those of us feeling cooped up by concrete, a change of scenery doesn’t require a plane ticket. It’s just a short drive away in Johor.
And no, we’re not talking about the usual suspects like malls, cafes or massages, although those do offer a different kind of getaway. Think WiFi cutting out (so your boss can’t reach you!), rainforest trails, and gentle waves to fall asleep to.
This 2D1N itinerary is for those craving a brush with the sublime. Pack your boots, prep your playlist, and let the road take it from here.
Also read: A Guide to Gunung Pulai: The Best Hiking Trail in JB
Note: All timings in this article are approximate and based on travel by car.
The Route at a Glance
Day 1: Singapore → Gunung Panti Hike → Kota Tinggi → Sea Horizon Resort →Firefly River Cruise → Sea Horizon Resort | Image credit: Google Maps
Day 2: Sea Horizon Resort → Johor Bahru → Singapore | Image credit: Google Maps
Day 1: Sweat, Stars & Sea Breeze
6.00AM: Depart Singapore
Image credit: kokkai via Canva Pro
Leave early to beat the causeway jam and reach the trailhead before the sun hits hard. Don’t forget to check out our guide on driving in JB before leaving!
8.00AM-12.00PM: Hike Gunung Panti
📍 531m | 🕒 ~1hr 30min from Woodlands
A rewarding 3 to 4 hour jungle hike that takes you through muddy creeks, fallen logs, and ends with a rope-assisted climb to the summit. Along the way, you’ll pass through dense rainforest with views that stretch endlessly into green. If that’s not freedom, what is? Bring water, insect repellent, and gloves for the rope section.
Image credit: Google Maps
💡You can park your car for free at the Gunung Panti Meetup Location!
12.30PM-2.00PM: Lunch in Kota Tinggi town
📍 Kota Tinggi| 🕒 ~20min from Gunung Panti
Image credit: Tourism Johor Official Website
Nothing like a good ayam penyet or wanton mee to refuel after a long hike.
2.30PM-4.30PM: Check in + rest at Sea Horizon Resort
📍 Tanjung Sedili | 🕒 ~30min from Kota Tinggi
Image credit: Sea Horizon Resort Official Instagram
Freshen up and catch a nap (your legs will thank you). Even if you’re not glamping, the resort’s coastal cabins are breezy and quiet, perfect for kicking back.
6.30PM-7.30PM: Firefly River Cruise (Optional)
📍 Firefly Valley Leisure Park | 🕒 ~50min from Sea Horizon Resort
Image credit: xenmate | Flickr
Remember that Tangled scene with the floating lanterns? Yeah, you’ll get to experience that (but with fireflies instead of lanterns). After sunset, you’ll be fitted with life vests and guided to a wide, dark river where the only glow comes from a nearby temple and the occasional glint of a firefly.
🎟 RM18 (~S$5.20) per adult | Boats depart from ~7PM onwards
8.30PM-Late: Dinner + chill by the sea
Image credit: Sea Horizon Resort Official Instagram
Head back to Sea Horizon Resort for a seaside dinner or explore nearby seafood spots (many close by 9:30PM, so call ahead!). You know how some people play rain or ocean sounds to fall asleep? Now it’s the real deal! The waves are right there, lapping at the shore outside your window. Your Spotify sleep playlist could never.
Day 2: Waves, Wanderings & One Last Bite
9.00AM-10.00AM: Coastal Walk nearby Sea Horizon Resort
🕒Just minutes from Sea Horizon Resort
Image credit: Sea Horizon Resort Official Instagram
Ease into the day with a slow walk along the oceanfront near the resort. The sea stretches endlessly ahead, waves lapping gently at the rocky shore. There’s not much to ‘do’ here, but isn’t that the point? To get away from places where you have to ‘do’ things? Just let yourself drift watching the light hit the water – this is your reminder that not every moment needs to be productive to be important.
12.00PM-1.30PM: Lunch in JB
🕒2h from Sea Horizon Resort
Image credit: Johor Bahru City Square Official Website
Reward yourself with some Loklok or hotpot before heading back to Singapore. If neither strikes your fancy? JB’s massive malls have more than enough food spots to satisfy whatever you’re craving.
2.00PM: Begin the drive back to Singapore
Image credit: baona via Canva Pro
Time to cue up that slow-burn road trip playlist, crack open a cold drink, and hit the road before the traffic does.
Also Read: The Best Times to Travel Between Singapore and Johor Bahru
A Reset Worth the Drive
Image credit: Kanawa_Studio via Canva Pro
You don’t have to fly across the world to find a reset. Sometimes, all it takes is a car, a playlist, and the quiet hum of trees to remind you what it feels like to slow down. This 2D1N escape is proof that nature doesn’t have to be remote to feel profound. Just across the border, a little bit of wild is still waiting for you.
Featured image credit: shun idota / Unsplash
