Wan Xin NgDeveloped in the late ’90s by SP Setia *one of Malaysia’s biggest property developers) Bukit Indah was built with urban planning in mind. Think wide roads, sprawling parks, and a level of upkeep that sets it apart from older Johor Bahru (JB) townships. It even won national landscaping awards back in the early 2000s.
Today, it still feels clean, spacious, and surprisingly serene. Less jam-packed than KSL, calmer than Mount Austin, and far less hectic than JB Sentral. If you’re after a fuss-free day trip with good food, fresh air, and space to breathe then Bukit Indah quietly delivers.
What to do
1. Sireh Park
Image Credit: Sireh Park Official Website
Spanning over 150 hectares, Sireh Park is Bukit Indah’s best-kept secret. You’ll find walking trails, duck ponds, a glamping site, and even ATVs for rent. On weekends, it gets lively with a small food square and families out for a breezy stroll, but it still feels peaceful compared to the chaos of other JB green spaces.
2. Bukit Indah Recreation Park
Image Credit: SP Setia (Johor) Official Facebook Page
If you’re staying near Aeon, this neighbourhood park is perfect for a light jog or frisbee session. It has a beginner-friendly 18-hole disc golf course, shady loops for walking, and is great for those who want to stretch their legs between meals or shopping sprees.
3. Aeon Bukit Indah
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
This isn’t your usual frantic mall run. Aeon Bukit Indah is clean and blessedly uncrowded. Pop in for groceries, retail therapy, or to catch a movie at TGV (Tip: weekend tickets go for around S$7, so you can finally watch the latest film without paying the usual double-digit weekend cinema prices).
Where to eat
1. Ming Ang Confectionery
Image Credit: Ming Ang Official Website
A JB institution for a reason. The horseshoe biscuits are baked fresh daily, the egg tarts have a cult following, and there’s durian mochi if you’re feeling bold. To be fair, City Square already has an outlet, but if you want to skip the crows and finally have a chance at getting something even past noon, feel free to make a stop here instead.
2. Pearl Square & Smart Street Kopitiams
Image Credit: Pearl Restoran Official Facebook Page
These two side-by-side coffeeshops are old-school Malaysia at its best. You’ll find satay at RM1 a stick, smoky BBQ chicken wings, and even a rare cuttlefish kangkong salad (aka yau yee). The kopitiam culture’s alive and well here. But bring wet tissues, and don’t be shy about mixing and matching from both stalls.
3. Sorella Cafe
Image Credit: Sorella Cafe Official Website
This modern café serves pretty cakes, solid coffee, and quiet outdoor seating. It’s a favourite among local residents and expats, especially for a slow morning catch-up or post-park chill. Order a cappuccino, maybe a matcha roll, and pretend you’re in your wellness era.
How to get there
Image Credit: SP Setia (Johor) Official Facebook Page
Even if you’re not driving, getting to Bukit Indah is still pretty painless, especially if you’re coming from the west side of Singapore. Just hop on a CW bus from Jurong East, Boon Lay, or Tuas Link MRT and you’ll be on your way across the Tuas Checkpoint. Once you clear customs, it’s about a 40-minute ride to Bukit Indah (assuming the bus gods are smiling and you don’t have to wait too long).
It’s not the fastest trip, but with a podcast in your ears and laksa on your mind, the time flies. Plus, Bukit Indah’s calm streets and cleaner air hit different when you’ve just come out of a long queue at customs.
Tripzilla tip: Get a Majalink card before you go. It works like an EZ-Link for cross-border buses, so you won’t be stuck digging for small change while the bus uncle waits.
Final thoughts
Bukit Indah isn’t trying to impress you and that might be its biggest flex. It’s not a nightlife hotspot, nor is it bursting with viral cafes. But what it does offer is a kind of quiet charm, with old-school eats, massive green spaces, and a mall that won’t make you feel like you’re in a mosh pit. As much as I know how overused the term hidden gem is, in this case, I truly do think Bukit Indah is a hidden gem of JB.
Whether you’re heading in with family, a low-key date, or just looking for a break from the usual JB haunts, Bukit Indah gives you the breathing room to actually enjoy your day, which I think is a pretty rare find.
