Best Things to Do in Skudai, Johor Bahru (JB) For a Cozy Day Out

Just a short drive from Johor Bahru city centre, Skudai is a vibrant district filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From delicious local food and quirky themed cafes to relaxing spas and exciting indoor activities, it’s a great destination for a spontaneous day trip or a weekend escape.

Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or simply looking for something new to explore, Skudai has a little bit of everything. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do, eat, and experience in Skudai, Johor for a cozy day out!

Also read: What to Do in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru (JB): The Ultimate Checklist

Fuel Up (Breakfast & Brunch)

Restoran Lapan Dua Dua 822

You know it’s good when the roast duck glistens in the window and people are already queueing before noon. Open since the ‘90s, this humble shop doesn’t bother with extravagance. It’s just a row of hanging ducks by the door, plastic stools, and round tables packed with regulars who don’t need to look at the menu. The American Ginseng Roasted Duck and Danggui Roasted Duck are the signatures here, each slice layered with herbal depth and glossy, crackly skin. Don’t skip the duck soup either; it’s brewed with the drippings and Chinese herbs for a broth that feels warm and healing.

Address: 39, Jln Nakhoda 1, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 8.30am-6pm

Madras to Malaya

If you only have time for one thosai spot in Skudai, make it this one. Tucked in Taman Universiti, Madras to Malaya is a vibrant, always-busy Indian eatery with more than 60 types of thosai from classic ghee to experimental fusion styles like pizza and masala cheese. Their best-selling Chicken Masala Thosai comes sliced up like a sharing platter, with generous fillings of soft potato, tender shredded chicken, and a spicy masala kick that lingers just enough. Pair it with a Biscoff Milkshake (yes, really) and your morning is instantly elevated. Locals also swear by the nasi briyani here, so consider coming back for lunch.

Address: 1, Jalan Perdagangan 1, Skudai, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 7am-8.30pm

OldTown White Coffee (Taman Universiti)

For those who like their breakfast dependable, fast, and familiar, OldTown is your safe zone. The butter kaya toast is hot and crispy, the half-boiled eggs are perfectly jiggly, and the white coffee is strong enough to wake you up without slapping you in the face.

Tripzilla Tip: the space here is larger and less crowded than the central JB outlets, which means no long waits even on weekends. Come here when you just want a no-stress start to the day.

Address: 35, Jalan Kebudayaan 8, Taman Universiti, 81300 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 8am-10pm

Main Activities & Hangouts

Tian Hau Chinese Temple

If you’re driving along a main road in Skudai, Tian Hau Temple will probably catch your eye. With its sweeping roofs, dragon-carved pillars, and intricate details, the temple blends Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist elements into a single space of stillness and reverence. You’ll find worshippers lighting incense, couples snapping wedding shots, and the occasional traveller exploring.

There are three main altars inside, each with a strikingly large deity statue, and if you happen to come during a festival like Wesak Day or a goddess’s birthday celebration, expect drumming, lanterns, and food offerings galore.

Fun fact: this temple is also a popular spot for marriage registration (so…good date spot??)

Address: Jalan Bujuk, Skudai, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 7am-5pm

Lost in JB Escape Room

If you love a good scream (or just watching your friends panic), this haunted escape room delivers. Themed sets, dim lights, creepy dolls, and a perfectly unsettling soundtrack make it fun without being nightmare-fuel intense. Choose from themes like “Before Midnight” and “Judgment Day,” then try to make it out with your dignity intact.

Address: 30, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 12pm-10.15pm

Paradigm Mall

More than just a shopping mall, Paradigm is Skudai’s one-stop indoor playground. Go ice skating (yes, they have Johor’s only rink), catch a blockbuster at the cinema, browse trendy stores, or load up on snacks. And if you’re hungry while you’re there, Thong Bowl serves massive Thai beef noodles and milk tea that comes in a 1.5L bucket.

Address: K013, Paradigm Mall, Skudai Hwy, Taman Bukit Mewah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: 10am-10pm

Megumi’s Room

Tucked in a corner of Skudai, this pastel-toned shop is packed with whimsical clothes that look straight out of a Ghibli film. Skudai also has a bunch of other cute boutiques. Check out our detailed guide on JB’s boutiques for more!

Address:  36, Jalan Pendekar 10, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 12pm-8pm

Dessert Places

Wah Cai 3-in-1 Chinese Cake

You haven’t really snacked in Skudai until you’ve had Wah Cai’s fried durian bombs or their famous 3-in-1 rice cake (a glorious combo of yam, sweet potato, and nian gao). This old-school roadside stall doesn’t have seats; just trays of golden, crackling goodness that disappear fast. It’s the perfect pit stop for something hot, sweet, and deeply nostalgic.

Address: 86, Jalan Pahlawan 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9.30am–4.30pm (Closed Wednesdays)

Layer Bakehouse

This cafe is a all about that soft aesthetic, with warm lighting, neutral tones, and pistachio-forward desserts. Their signature burnt cheesecakes come in flavours like dark chocolate, earl grey, and the crowd-favourite pistachio (with that glorious green cream on top). Brunch items and sourdough sandwiches round it out, but you’re here for the cake.

Address: 24, Jalan Bakti 65, Mutiara Rini, 81300 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9am–6.30pm (Closed Mondays)

Kafuka Cafe & Music Studio

Located on the second floor of a quiet shophouse, this little gem feels like your artsy friend’s living room. The menu’s compact but thoughtful. Try the passionfruit or black sesame cheesecake, or their lightly tangy hawthorn chiffon cake topped with candied hawthorn. Add a pineapple basil americano if you’re feeling adventurous (surprisingly refreshing, not too coffee-heavy). Oh, and did I mention that there are cats?

Address: 16A, Jalan Bendahara 12, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12.00pm–6.00pm (Mon–Wed), 12.00pm–7.00pm (Fri–Sun), Closed Thursdays

Also read: 7 Hipster Cafés in JB Worth Crossing the Border For

Final thoughts

Personally, I think Skudai hits all the right spots for a cozy day out. Good food from morning to night, a wide range of activities to choose from depending on your mood, and pockets of calm when you need to slow down…I think there’s something for everyone, especially if you’re looking to take a break to recharge. It’s the kind of place where you don’t have to plan too much. Just show up, follow your cravings, and let the day unfold. Sometimes, that’s all you really need.