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

Johor Bahru (JB) is most Singaporeans’ go-to getaway from a long week (and for good reason!) You’ve probably seen all the café recs and shopping guides by now, but if you don’t feel like zipping around the whole city and just want to chill in one area, Mount Austin is a great pick.

I recently spent a day there, and found it to have everything one would want on a relaxing day out — from brunch cafés to activities like karaoke and even boutiques to shop at.

Here’s exactly what I did. If you’re going JB with friends, a partner, or just going solo, feel free to steal this itinerary!

Also Read: Tips on How to Drive to Johor Bahru (JB) from Singapore

11pm to 12.30pm: Lunch at Nimmies

We kicked off the day with lunch at Nimmies Cafe (which is technically not yet at Mount Austin but it is on the way!) Yes, basic I know, but I was craving cafe food, and I didn’t feel particularly experimental so I went for what I knew would be good. 

I ordered the Chicken Cutlet Carbonara (RM31++, ~S$9.40), while my partner got the Black Charcoal Chicken Burger (RM. Both dishes fulfilled my cafe food cravings and more. Other items on their menu are cafe classics like pastas, burgers, brunch plates. 

Also, shoutout to the Pistachio Latte. I’ve never had anything like it before, and I think the nutty flavour paired well with the coffee

Location: 171, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Price Range: ~RM15-60 (S$4.55-18.19)

1pm to 3pm: Karaoke at Superstar Family KTV

After lunch, the skies opened up and we had to seek cover. That’s how we ended up stumbling into Superstar Family KTV. With that glitzy decor, it was hard to miss. We hadn’t planned on karaoke at all, but next thing we knew, we’d impulsively booked a two-hour session. Definitely part of the universe’s plan but maybe not so much our own.

Anyways, by the end of our karaoke session, I was parched.

Location: 2, Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Price: Small room starts from~RM16/hr (S$4.85) 

3pm to 3.30pm: Fruit Tea Break

So what’s a girlie to do after karaoke but hunt down fruit tea? I normally go for no-sugar drinks, so I got something a little less sweet (Oolong Cold Brew), but it ended up being a bit too bitter for me. That said, my partner’s White Peach Oolong Milk Tea was amazing. It was fragrant but light, and I ended up drinking more of his than my own (he ended up reluctantly exchanging drinks with me.) 

Also, note that if you want the drink in one of those cute bags that come with the drinks, you’ll have to specifically ask for takeaway! 

Location: NO.1 (GROUND FLOOR, Persiaran Austin Heights, 7/8, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Price Range: ~RM12.65 (S$3.83)

3.30pm-4.45pm: Massage at Borneo Oasis

After our drinks, we wandered around a bit longer before going to Borneo Oasis to place our reservation for a massage. I ended up going for the Aromatherapy option with ginger oil (included in the price), and I felt very rejuvenated after. It’s a relatively new outlet so the facilities were pristine. I love the service there, and I haven’t wanted to try other massages in JB upon discovering Borneo Oasis. They also gave snacks after the massage, which included a cup of ginger tea, along with self-served cakes and biscuits. 

Location: 49, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Jorhor bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Price range: Packages cost RM65-211 (S$19.70-63.95)

4.45pm to 6.30pm: Boutique Hopping

Post-massage, I was now full of energy to shop! I feel like the Mount Austin boutique scene is kinda underrated. There are actually lots of trendy and affordable pieces there. Not to mention, most stores refresh their stock often so it feels like a completely different place every time you return. Some of my go-tos are NRN Concept Store and J.Vogue, but there are plenty more to discover just by walking around the area.

I also wrote a  guide on boutique shopping in JB, and there are quite a few boutiques I mentioned there that are located in Mount Austin, so check it out if you’re interested! 

NRN Concept Store

Location: 10, Jln Austin Height 7/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Price Range: Starting from ~RM15 (S$4.55)

J.Vogue 

Location: 17, Jln Austin Heights 7/7, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Price Range: Starting from ~RM30 (S$9.09) 

Also read: A Guide to Thrift Shopping in Johor Bahru (JB) for Singaporeans

Not in the mood to shop?

You could always stop by Four Beans Soy Desserts for some specialty shaved ice. Its minimalist design makes for quite a cozy place to chill too. 

Location: No 71, GF, L009, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Austin Heights, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Price Range: ~RM13-20 (S$3.94-6.06)

And if you’re craving a cafe dessert (like cakes or matcha), Slow Day Cafe has some really good ones. It’s also a great place for yapping (and also because it  usually isn’t very crowded, but you didn’t hear this from me)

Location: No. 2-01, (1st Floor Only, Jalan Austin Heights 7/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Price Range: Drinks and cakes start from ~RM17-28 (S$5.15-8.49) 

Also read: 15 Cafes in Johor Bahru for Your Next Trip Across the Border

7.30pm to 8.45pm: Dinner at Arashi

You’d think we ate enough, but we didn’t. We headed back to City Square to first pick up some essentials (Eureka popcorn, Lavender bread, and a quick run to Watsons for some pharmacy stuff.) before grabbing dinner at Arashi Hotpot.

Affordable individual hotpot options are hard to find in Singapore, so this was a treat. I’m a soup girl through and through, so I went for the herbal chicken broth. Chicken soups are always comforting both in body and soul so I was able to make my way back to Singapore feeling refreshed and healed. 

Location: Lot J205, Level 2, City Square Mall, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Price Range: Sets start from ~RM36.90 (S$11.18)

Also read: Top 5 Hotpot Spots in Johor Bahru (JB) Singaporeans Need to Try

And that’s it! Yes, I know that was a highly indulgent itinerary. But in my defense, it was right after a very tough semester so I was in desperate need of a recharge. So if you’ve also been running on low battery lately, take this as your sign to give yourself a treat.