Best Things to Do in JB Near The Causeway

When it comes to cross-border escapes, Johor Bahru (JB) remains a favourite for Singaporeans seeking a quick change of pace. But what if you’re not up for hopping into a Grab or waiting for the bus in the heat? Good news: there’s plenty to eat, explore, and enjoy all within a leisurely 10–15 minute stroll from the Causeway.

Here’s your walking guide to JB, split into handy categories for food lovers, shoppers, and culture buffs.

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

Local eats & café picks

JB has a culinary reputation that stretches far beyond its borders, and some of its best-known spots are just steps away from the Causeway.

Restoran Hua Mui

Start your day with a hearty local breakfast at this charming colonial-era café along Jalan Trus. Its creaky floorboards and vintage charm set the tone for a hearty breakfast, best enjoyed with their crispy chicken chop drenched in Hainanese-style brown gravy. Pair it with thick kaya toast and a hot kopi for a truly good morning!

Roast and Coffee – Retro Garden 1968’s

Need a caffeine fix and a breather? Head to Roast & Coffee for a quiet hideaway perfect for a mid-morning caffeine fix. Their expertly pulled espresso shots and hand-drip brews are matched by an assortment of cakes and light bites, making it a popular choice among locals and day-trippers alike.

Kam Long Ah Zai Curry Fish Head

By late morning or early lunch, you’re ready for the main event. Specialising in claypot curry fish head, this eatery is less than five minutes from City Square Mall. The queues can be daunting, but the rich, spicy broth and tender meat are well worth the wait.

Hiap Joo Bakery

Before you cross back over to Singapore, swing by Hiap Joo for their famous banana cakes. The scent hits you before the storefront does, and it’s common to see queues spilling into the street. Baked in a wood-fired oven, these soft, fluffy treats come in handy boxes that travel well. Do your best to resist eating them en route!

Also read: Johor Bahru’s (JB) Famous Hiap Joo Banana Cake Lands in Singapore

Heritage walks & local culture

The charming Jalan Tan Hiok Nee district and its surrounds are only about a 10-minute walk from the checkpoint and offer an easy glimpse into JB’s layered past.

Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street

This colourful stretch is where JB’s past and present intersect. Here, restored pre-war shophouses are home to everything from antique stores and art galleries to indie cafés and dessert parlours. Street art peeks out from alleyways, and you might stumble upon a weekend market or a quiet temple courtyard, offering a moment of stillness amid the bustle.

Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum

Just off the main drag, this small but thoughtfully curated museum traces the history of JB’s Chinese community through artefacts, personal stories, and photographs. It’s housed in a historic building and spread across multiple levels, ideal for a short, meaningful stop if you’re looking to understand the city beyond its malls and food.

Also read: 7 Things Every Art Lover Should Do in Johor Bahru

Retail therapy & indoor escapes

If the heat’s kicking in or the skies turn grey, there’s nothing better than cooling off inside a massive air-conditioned mall. Luckily for us, two of JB’s best are right by the checkpoint!

Johor Bahru City Square

The ultimate all-in-one spot. With dozens of fashion outlets (Uniqlo, Padini, H&M), a cinema, massage parlours, arcades, and countless eateries, City Square is where most Singaporeans instinctively head after immigration.

Komtar JBCC

Right next door to City Square, this slightly quieter mall houses the Angry Birds Activity Park, beauty salons, and mid-range clothing stores. Ideal for families or those looking to escape the crowds.

JB on foot has plenty to offer

Sometimes the best kind of travel is the kind you do on your own two feet. Within a 10–15 minute stroll from the Causeway, you’ll find an entire day’s worth of flavour, fun and cultural gems, without the need to brave traffic. No complicated transport or packed itinerary, just good food, a bit of discovery, and the luxury of taking your time.