22 Best Indoor Activities in Johor Bahru: Fun Things to Do on Rainy or Hot Days

Johor Bahru isn’t just about street food and open‑air night markets, it’s also packed with creative, adrenaline‑fuelled and relaxing indoor spots perfect for when the weather doesn’t play along.

Here’s a mega list of indoor activities in JB, from pottery workshops and climbing gyms to neon drift karting, massive playgrounds and museums you might have overlooked.

Also read: 7 Things to Do in Johor Bahru for Gamers

Games and activities in Johor Bahru

Laser Battle

Laser Battle is one of Southeast Asia’s largest laser tag arenas, covering over 5,000 square feet indoors. Players can pick from more than 50 game modes, including team battles, capture-the-flag, and solo missions. It offers a fun and competitive experience for families and friends alike.

LOST in JB

LOST in JB stands out with its immersive escape rooms featuring live actors and detailed sets. The puzzles are tied to strong storylines that draw players in. Themes range from horror adventures like the “Annabelle” room to detective mysteries, perfect for testing teamwork and critical thinking.

Good Times DIY Studio (Toppen Shopping Centre)

Good Times DIY is a creative studio offering a variety of hands-on workshops, including pottery, tufting, painting, and baking. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, it provides materials and guidance for visitors to explore different crafts in a fun, relaxed setting.

Active indoor zones

EnerG X Park (Sunway Big Box)

EnerG X Park is a large indoor playground for all ages. Visitors can jump on trampolines, cross rope bridges, and race on zip-lines high above the ground. A popular feature is the “wipeout” spin sweeper, a rotating arm that players must jump over or duck under to avoid falling.

JumpLah (Toppen Shopping Centre)

JumpLah is an energetic indoor facility featuring a “floor is lava” obstacle course that challenges players to jump, climb, and navigate across suspended platforms and soft play zones without touching the ground. It is especially popular with kids and teens looking for safe, active fun.

Blue Ice Skating Rink (Paradigm Mall)

The Blue Ice Skating Rink offers a cool retreat from the tropical heat with its Olympic-sized indoor ice rink. It welcomes beginners and experienced skaters, hosting figure skating classes and recreational sessions. Skate rentals are available, and the climate-controlled rink ensures comfort year-round.

Rocky Basecamp (AEON Mall Tebrau City)

Rocky Basecamp is JB’s top indoor climbing gym. It has walls of varying heights and difficulties for beginners to advanced climbers. Both bouldering (low climbing without ropes) and lead climbing (with harnesses) are offered. Qualified instructors and equipment rental are available on-site.

PLSC Drift Karting (AEON Mall JB)

PLSC Drift Karting is Malaysia’s first indoor neon-lit drift kart track. The circuit features tight corners and smooth straights for controlled drifting thrills. It caters to both adults and kids aged five and up, providing age-appropriate karts and safety gear.

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

Indoor playgrounds and family fun

FANPEKKA (AEON Mall Tebrau City)

FANPEKKA is a Finnish-inspired play village designed to spark children’s imagination and physical activity. It features themed zones like castles, obstacle courses, pretend grocery stores, and large ball pits. It encourages role-playing and socialising, making it popular with families.

Kidz Republic (Komtar JBCC)

Kidz Republic is a dinosaur-themed indoor playground. Its colourful slides, foam pits, and climbing structures are designed to engage children’s motor skills and curiosity.

Utopia Jungle World (Paradigm Mall)

Utopia Jungle World offers a jungle-themed indoor environment with climbing nets, tunnels, and mini bumper cars. The mix of active play and imaginative setting keeps kids entertained and safe from the weather.

Museums and cultural attractions

Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum (Johor Bahru City Centre)

This four-storey museum showcases the history, culture, and contributions of Johor Bahru’s Chinese community. Exhibits include ceramics, musical instruments, photos, and personal artefacts that tell stories of migration and settlement.

Figure Museum (Johor Bahru City Centre)

Housed in a restored colonial building, the Figure Museum highlights notable Johor personalities such as sultans and politicians. Displays include portraits, documents, and memorabilia that offer insights into the region’s past leadership.

Kite Museum (Muzium Layang-Layang) (Pasir Gudang)

The Kite Museum celebrates Malaysia’s kite-making heritage. It features intricately crafted kites, interactive exhibits, and occasional workshops, making it an engaging visit for families and kite fans alike.

Kota Jail (Former Johor Bahru Prison) (Johor Bahru City Centre)

Built in 1883, the old prison now serves as a creative hub with pop-up markets, art exhibitions, and cafés. The blend of preserved architecture and modern amenities creates a unique atmosphere.

Cafés

Alexandria Bookstore & Boardgame Café (City Square JB)

More than a bookstore, Alexandria offers a wide selection of board games for rent or purchase. Visitors can relax in comfy seats while playing classics or discovering new games. The café serves drinks and light snacks, creating a welcoming place to linger. Regular game nights and special events keep the atmosphere lively.

Chucky Cat Café (Komtar JBCC | Paragidm Mall)

This beloved cat café offers good coffee, desserts, and the company of friendly cats. Its air-conditioned, calm setting is perfect for relaxing on rainy days.

The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen (Johor Bahru Old Town)

With its minimalist white interior and large windows, this old‑town café stays bright even on rainy days. Popular dishes include the all‑day brunch plates, paired with flat whites made from locally roasted beans.

Flowers in the Window (Johor Bahru City Centre)

A two-storey café filled with potted plants and rustic wooden furniture. It is famous for homemade cakes, sourdough sandwiches, and herbal teas. The garden-like atmosphere feels like an indoor escape from busy JB.

Keijometo (Johor Bahru City Centre)

Famous for its raw concrete walls and minimalist Japanese industrial design. It serves Kyoto-inspired matcha drinks and is a popular spot for Instagram-worthy photos on rainy days.

Other relaxation spots

BookXcess (Sunway Big Box)

BookXcess is a large discount bookstore with thousands of titles. Its warehouse-style layout includes towering shelves and hidden reading nooks. Visitors can browse for hours or attend occasional book signings and events.

Bangkok Spa (Taman Pelangi)

A large hotel-style spa offering authentic Thai massages. Options include traditional dry massage, herbal compress therapy, and oil massage.

Also read: One Day Itinerary in Muar, Johor: Best Things to See, Eat and Do

Grand summary 

• Games and escape rooms: Laser Battle, LOST in JB, Good Times DIY Pottery
• Physical active zones: EnerG X Park, JumpLah, Blue Ice Skating Rink, Rocky Basecamp, PLSC Drift Karting
• Indoor playgrounds: FANPEKKA, Kidz Republic, Utopia Jungle World
• Museums and cultural: Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum, Figure Museum, Kite Museum, Kota Jail
• Cafés: Alexandria Bookstore & Boardgame Café, The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen, Flowers in the Window, Keijometo
• Other relaxation spots: BookXcess, Bangkok Spa 

Johor Bahru’s indoor attractions provide a rich and varied palette of experiences for visitors, from active and adventurous to reflective and cultural. Next time you find yourself caught in the rain or seeking shelter from the sun, consider one of these venues to make the most of your visit.