The Best Things to Do for Animal Lovers in Johor Bahru

From breezy coastal farms to pet cafés, Johor Bahru (JB) is quietly brimming with spots where animal lovers can get up close to creatures great and small. Whether you’re planning a quick afternoon visit or a full weekend of farm hopping, here are the most rewarding places to add to your itinerary.

Also read: 12 Best Things to Do Near Johor Bahru (JB) for Nature Lovers

In JB: City spots and pet cafés

The Hidden Farm (Mount Austin)

Tucked inside a large industrial building in Mount Austin, The Hidden Farm is JB’s largest indoor petting zoo. Step in and you’ll find climate‑controlled zones home to over 40 species: alpacas, fennec foxes, raccoons, snakes, iguanas, rabbits and more.

Visitors can feed many of the animals under staff supervision, and the glass‑panel café lets you sip coffee while watching raccoons and parrots up close. The experience is ticketed by entry fee rather than by the hour, so you can wander, relax and return to your favourite zones throughout the day. Being fully indoors, it’s perfect for both rainy days and scorching afternoons.

Pet cafés in Johor Bahru

JB has a growing scene of pet cafés where you can unwind with coffee and furry companionship:

• Caturday Cat Café (Mount Austin): Friendly resident cats roam freely in this clean, cosy café serving cakes and light bites—perfect for a quiet afternoon.

• Huskiss Café (Taman Sutera Utama): Meet playful Siberian huskies in a cool, air-conditioned space with timed sessions to keep the dogs happy and relaxed.

• Kafuka Café & Music Studio (Skudai): A serene Japanese-inspired café where cats and rabbits lounge nearby while you enjoy matcha lattes and light snacks.

• HOME by Tales of Paws (Taman Sri Tebrau): A two-storey café with over 20 elite dog breeds and 30+ purebred cats. The first floor houses energetic dogs like Bernese Mountain Dogs and Afghan Hounds, while the second floor features calm cats such as Ragdolls and Maine Coons.

• As Clouds Café (Taman Ungku Tun Aminah): Johor Bahru’s first alpaca café, where friendly alpacas roam freely and guests can feed them complimentary carrot sticks. The café serves Western fusion dishes such as Japanese katsu curry salmon omurice and fish & chips. It’s a unique spot perfect for animal lovers looking for something a little different.

These cafés often operate on hourly entry fees, and it’s best to check opening hours and book ahead!

Near Johor Bahru: Farms, reserves and coastal escapes

For travellers with extra time, these spots, most under a 90 minutes’ drive away from JB, bring you closer to nature and farm life.

UK Farm Agro Resort (Kluang) – approx. 1 hr 15 min from JB

Spanning over 100 acres, UK Farm is home to large herds of sheep and goats grazing peacefully across rolling green hills that evoke the tranquil landscapes of New Zealand. Visitors can join guided tours to bottle‑feed lambs, watch milking demonstrations, and even enjoy pony rides amidst this idyllic countryside setting.

Beyond sheep, the farm also houses deer, ostriches, rabbits and a mini zoo section. Children often love the chance to pick and taste fresh vegetables or learn about herbal plants. With an on‑site café serving farm‑fresh goat’s milk products, UK Farm offers a relaxed blend of education, animal interaction and countryside air.

Desaru Fruit Farm – approx. 45 min from JB

Covering over 180 acres, Desaru Fruit Farm combines animal encounters with tropical orchard tours. After tasting freshly cut dragon fruit, guava and jackfruit, visitors can meet goats and rabbits at the petting corner or learn about honey production at the on‑site bee farm.

Educational tours explain local agriculture and sustainable farming practices, making this spot equally appealing to curious kids and adults looking to escape the city bustle.

Kukup Island – approx. 1 hr 15 min from JB

A protected mangrove island near Pontian, Kukup is teeming with wildlife: watch monkeys swing from trees, spot wild boar by the shore, and see fiddler crabs and mudskippers in the mudflats.

Raised wooden boardwalks lead through lush mangrove forests, offering a peaceful and educational walk surrounded by nature. Many visitors pair it with seafood meals at Kukup’s floating village restaurants.

Also read: Best Things to Do in Pontian, Johor: Food, Nature and Culture Guide

Kota Tinggi Firefly Park – approx. 1 hr from JB

When night falls, take a slow boat ride through mangrove creeks near Kota Tinggi. Thousands of fireflies light up the riverside trees, creating a quiet, mesmerising spectacle. Tours typically run at dusk, and patient visitors may also spot monitor lizards, birds or owls resting in the branches.

Sarang Buaya (Pasir Gudang Crocodile Farm) – approx. 40 min from JB

This small crocodile park holds around 40 adult crocodiles and offers feeding sessions where keepers share facts about their biology and conservation. Though compact, it’s an great stop for reptile enthusiasts and families seeking something different from the typical petting zoo.

Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary – approx. 50 min from JB (private visits by arrangement)

A quiet refuge for rescued dogs, cats, horses and more, Noah’s Ark offers limited, pre‑arranged tours to learn about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. It’s a heartfelt visit for travellers who want to support local rescue work.

Some final tips

• Transport: Many of these spots are easiest to reach by car or taxi; for longer drives, consider hiring a private car for a half‑day or full‑day trip.

• Weather: The Hidden Farm and pet cafés are ideal for rainy days, while outdoor farms shine in the morning or late afternoon.

• Bookings: Some spots, especially pet cafés and private sanctuaries, require advance booking to avoid disappointment.

Also read: A Guide to Johor’s Cities: Things to Do in Johor Bahru, Kulai, Kota Tinggi, and More

Time to get exploring

Johor Bahru offers a delightful range of experiences for animal lovers of all ages. With its mix of urban attractions and nearby natural escapes, it’s makes an ideal destination for those seeking both connection and calm with the animal kingdom. So pack your camera, prepare for some memorable encounters, and discover the wild side ofJohor.