JB Self-Care Day Trip: Hair, Nails, Massage & More for Under S$160

There’s a very specific kind of craving that hits sometimes. You just want a full day to yourself (or with your bestie), dedicated to getting pampered, sipping on pretty drinks, and feeling quietly luxurious. It’s not quite a full-blown vacation, but just enough to hit reset.

The only problem? Doing a full-on glow-up day like this in Singapore can get painfully expensive. That’s where Johor Bahru (JB) comes in.

With salons, nail studios, massage parlours, and aesthetic cafés scattered across the city at much friendlier prices, you can finally have that kind of self-care day without blowing your entire month’s budget. So here’s a one-day itinerary for a perfect JB self-care date, all below S$120. 

Also read: 5 Bubble Tea Shops in Johor Bahru (JB) You Won’t Find in Singapore

9.00 AM: Cross the Causeway & Grab a Quick Bite

To make the most of the day, plan to cross the causeway early and avoid the morning jam. Once across, start things off with a light breakfast at City Square Mall. Old Town White Coffee is an easy, fuss-free option for a quick meal and coffee before your self-care day kicks off.

With breakfast sorted, it’s time to head to your first pampering stop.

Address: Tower 106, Johor Bahru City Square, J3-25A, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 8am-10pm

Also read: A Guide to Johor Bahru City Square Mall for Singaporeans Going to JB.

10.00 AM: Get a Hair Refresh at Style by Andy Chan (Mid Valley Southkey)

First stop: a quick hair refresh at Style by Andy Chan Hair Salon in Mid Valley Southkey. Founded by award-winning stylist Andy Chan, who’s won multiple L’Oréal Professional Colour Trophy titles, this salon is known for delivering high-quality cuts and treatments at prices that feel much more forgiving compared to Singapore.

Since it’s a day trip, a simple haircut (from RM98 for women) is the most time-friendly option, but for anyone looking to go the extra mile, they also offer scalp treatments, rebonding, colouring, perms, and deep-conditioning multi-step treatments.

It’s best to book ahead to secure a slot, especially on weekends.

Address: Level 2, S046, Mid Valley Mall Southkey, Persiaran Southkey 1, Kota Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: 10am-8pm

12.00 PM: Lunch at Mid Valley Southkey

Since you’re already at Mid Valley, lunch is easy and convenient. For local flavours, Madam Kwan’s serves up classic Malaysian favourites like nasi lemak and satay in a bright, comfortable setting. If you’re in the mood for something lighter or more contemporary, Din by Din Tai Fung offers their signature xiao long bao alongside a range of Taiwanese rice and noodle dishes.

Both are solid options to fuel up before the next round of pampering.

Also read: A Guide to Mid Valley Southkey Mall for Singaporeans Going to Johor Bahru (JB)

1.30 PM: Nail Glow-Up at Fairy Nails (Holiday Plaza)

Next, it’s time to get your nails done. Head over to Fairy Nails at Holiday Plaza (about a 9-minute drive from Mid Valley). This spot has gone viral on TikTok and Lemon8 for their intricate, whimsical nail designs. Just bring along your reference photos, and their meticulous nail artists will work their magic.

Fairy Nails also has sister outlets for lash extensions and facials if you want to extend your glow-up. But remember to book in advance before going!

Address: Holiday Plaza, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Kebun Teh, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: 10.30am-8pm

Also read: Nail Salons in Johor Bahru That Singaporeans Love for Cheap Manicures.

3.30 PM: Head Over to Mount Austin

With your hair and nails sorted, it’s time to head to Mount Austin  (about 20 minutes away), where the rest of your girlie self-care day continues. Mount Austin is packed with aesthetic cafes, boutiques, and massage parlours, making it the perfect area to round out your day.

Also read: Mount Austin Johor Bahru (JB) Itinerary: Best Places to Eat, Shop, and Relax

4.00 PM: Massage at Borneo Oasis

Start by unwinding at Borneo Oasis, one of Mount Austin’s most well-reviewed massage parlours. The atmosphere here is calm and peaceful, without the harsh lighting or noise you sometimes get at busier spots. Their essential oil add-ons are also worth considering if you want to go full zen mode. Prices are affordable, and they often run happy hour promos, so it’s worth checking ahead.

Address: 49, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 11am-12am

Also read: 5 Best Massage Spots in Johor Bahru (JB) for Singaporeans

5.30 PM: Dessert or Cafe Stop at Bloom by MokMok

After your massage, stop for a sweet treat at Bloom by MokMok, one of Mount Austin’s most aesthetic cafes. Think fairy lights, dried flowers, and desserts that look like they belong on Pinterest. The Baked Telur is a solid pick if you want something savoury, or go for one of their tea blends for a lighter wind-down.

Address: 87, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 12pm-10pm

Also read: Where To Find The Best Dessert Places in Johor Bahru

6.30 PM: Light Boutique Shopping at Mount Austin

Before dinner, sneak in a little boutique shopping. Mount Austin has plenty of indie stores scattered around Austin Heights. One spot to check out is Threads Boutique, which carries soft, elegant Korean-style pieces starting from RM39 (S$11.82). The selection is perfect for anyone who wants that Pinterest look without Orchard Road prices.

Address: 11-01, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 12pm-8pm

Also read: Johor Bahru (JB) Boutique Shopping Guide: 10 Stylish Spots for Every Aesthetic & Budget.

End your day with a cozy dinner. Principle Cafe by T.A.M. delivers beautifully plated mains and minimalist, intimate vibes that feel like the perfect wind-down after a full day of pampering. Besides their plated desserts, they also serve pastas, grain bowls, and hearty all-day brunch plates if you’re still feeling peckish. The soft lighting and calm atmosphere make it a nice spot to linger a little before heading back to Singapore.

Address: 51, Jalan Austin Heights 3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 12pm-8.30pm

Also read: The Best Times to Travel Between Singapore and Johor Bahru (JB)

Total damage (per pax, estimated)

All in, a full day of pampering across JB adds up to roughly S$160 (depending on what services you choose or what you order, of course) but still surprisingly reasonable for a full glow-up day with hair, nails, massage, boutique shopping, cafe stops, and dinner.

• Haircut at Andy Chan: RM98 (~S$28.40)

• Lunch: ~RM35 (~S$10.15)

• Nails at Fairy Nails: ~RM120 (~S$34.75)

• Massage at Borneo Oasis: ~RM100 (~S$28.95)

• Dessert at Bloom by MokMok: ~RM25 (~S$7.25)

• Shopping at Threads Boutique: ~RM80 (~S$23.15)

• Dinner at Principle Cafe: ~RM60 (~S$17.35)

• Transport (Grabs): ~RM35 (~S$10.10)

Total spent: ~S$159.65

All costs are estimated per person and may vary depending on the services, designs, or menu items you choose. Shopping splurges and add-ons not included.

Final thoughts

You don’t always need a five-star resort or a plane ticket to have a full-on self-care day. With a little bit of planning, JB offers everything you need for a complete glow-up  (from haircuts and nails to massages, desserts, and boutique shopping) all at prices that make it feel guilt-free.

Whether you’re treating yourself for a special occasion or just need a mini reset, this one-day itinerary proves that a little pampering isn’t as out of reach as it seems. And honestly, you deserve it.