Wan Xin NgMount Austin is where you go for cafes and craft workshops. Bukit Indah is for quieter weekends. But what about Tebrau? It doesn’t have the hipster cafés of Austin or the calm of Bukit Indah. But it does have three mega malls within minutes of each other, solid food options, and just about everything else you need for a perfect spontaneous, low-stress day trip.
If you’re looking for somewhere new in JB to explore, this itinerary will show you how to spend one satisfying day in Tebrau.
Also read: Mount Austin Johor Bahru (JB) Itinerary: Best Places to Eat, Shop and Relax
9.30am–10.30am: Breakfast
Personally, I’m not much of a breakfast girlie unless it’s hearty, warm, and hits the spot. Luckily, Tebrau delivers on that front. Here are some solid options:
Option 1: IKEA Cafeteria @ IKEA Tebrau
Image Credit: IKEA Malaysia Official Website
If you would like a later start to your day, then why not lean into the IKEA lifestyle with meatballs and rosti at 9am (no judgment)? The cafeteria opens early (30 mins earlier than the main store) and its quiet in the morning so it’s perfect if you want to ease into the day in aircon.
Address: 33, Jln Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9.30am-10pm (Restaurant)
Option 2: Restoran Hua Mui or a local kopitiam
Image Credit: Restoran Hua Mui Anggerik Emas via Google Maps
If you prefer a more local breakfast, what’s better than classic soft-boiled eggs, toast, and kopi for under RM5 (S$1.53)? Restoran Hua Mui (Taman Molek branch) is a local kopitiam serving the classic breakfast options, but there here are also plenty of casual eateries in the area, so you’re spoiled for choice. But if you’re planning to have an early lunch, then just make sure to have a ligher breakfast!
Address: 1, Jln Anggerik Emas 1, Taman Anggerik, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8am-5pm
Also read: 10 Best Breakfast Spots in Johor Bahru (JB) for Singaporeans
10.30am–12.30pm: Mall Wandering
Toppen Mall & IKEA
Image Credit: Toppen Mall Official Facebook Page
Once you’re fed and caffeinated, it’s time to start walking it off. IKEA and Toppen are connected, so you can wander from breakfast straight into retail without even stepping outside.
Toppen’s a crowd-pleaser with its usual mix of stores (Don Don Donki, Uniqlo, and MR.DIY) but the rooftop is where it gets a little more fun. There’s a skate park, splash zone, and a decent view if you just want to chill out for a bit. It’s also quiet in the mornings, which is great for a slow, relaxing morning.
Image Credit: Toppen Shopping Centre Official Website
If shopping isn’t on the agenda, park yourself at a cafe and soak in the morning lull. Tebrau’s pace picks up later so this is your chance to take it slow.
Address: Toppen Shopping Centre, 33, Jln Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am-10-pm
Also read: Shopping Malls in Johor Bahru (JB) Every Singaporean Must Visit
12.30pm–2pm: Lunch
Aeon Mall
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
After wandering, it’s time to refuel. AEON mall is about a 5 min Grab ride away from Toppen. It’s busier and more lived-in, but that’s part of its charm. AEON has tons of food options, from affordable sushi sets to local noodles. It’s a great place to split up and reconvene if you’re in a group.
Meng Kitchen
Image Credit: Meng Kitchen Official Facebook Page
If you’re craving something more local, head to Meng Kitchen, which is about a 20 min Grab ride away from Toppen Mall. It’s a local favourite known for its juicy roast duck, char siew, and crispy pork belly. You’ll almost always have to queue, but it moves fast. If you’re in a group or not feeling duck, AEON’s food court has loads of other options, from sushi and Korean to local noodle stalls.
Address: 29, Jalan Keris 1, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11.30am-10.30pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Also read: Top 5 Hotpot Spots in Johor Bahru (JB) Singaporeans Need to Try
2pm–4pm: Post-lunch adventures
Lunch done? Here’s where your day can branch out depending on what you’re in the mood for:
Option 1: Light shopping at AEON
If you’re already in AEON, it’s easy to just keep going. Pop into Don Don Donki, check out the beauty aisles at Watsons, or poke around the fashion stores for affordable basics. There’s even a cinema upstairs if you’re craving a sit-down in the dark with popcorn.
Option 2: Cafe break + quick foot massage
Image Credit: Jade Paragon Official Facebook Page
Had lunch at Meng Kitchen instead? Head to Jade Paragon Family Wellness Centre just a short walk away for a luxurious reset. Or if you just want a quick 30-minute foot massage that’ll revive you for the rest of the day, they offer those too!
Address: 1, Jalan Serampang, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12pm-2am
Option 3: Dive into local life at Tebrau Wet Market
If you want to swap malls for something more grounded, explore the Tebrau Wet Market. It’s noisy and full of fresh produce, old-school snacks, and aunties bargaining at full volume — a little slice of local everyday life that most tourists skip. Go with an open mind (and maybe a spare tote bag).
Address: Pasar, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Tripzilla Tip: It does get pretty crowded on weekends, so try to go during off-peak hours (3pm-5pm)
4.00pm-6.00pm: Take an evening stroll
Tebrau River Heritage Walk
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
If you’ve had your fill of malls, massage chairs, and market bustle, this is a nice way to wind things down. The Tebrau River Heritage Walk offers a quieter side of the neighbourhood, lined with greenery, the occasional jogger, and views of the river that cut through the city’s usual noise.
It’s not a major attraction, but that’s what makes it nice. You can take it slow, walk without a destination, and let the day settle before dinner.
Address: 8, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9am-7pm
Tripzilla Tip: Golden hour light hits beautifully (between 5:30pm–6:30pm), so it’s great if you’re the photo-taking type.
6pm-7.30pm: Dinner
By now, you’ve earned your dinner! After a full day of walking, shopping, snacking, and possibly getting your feet rubbed, something hearty and flavourful will hit just right. Tebrau’s not big on fancy dining, so if that’s your thing, maybe one of the malls like Mid Valley might be a better choice. But if you’re after roadside skewers or hawker-style classics, this neighbourhood does casual food with flair.
Option 1: Lok lok vans (various locations)
Image Credit: broloklok Official Facebook Page
Skewers, open flames, and a little chaos…that’s JB lok lok at its best. You’ll usually find vans setting up from 6pm onwards, especially along Jalan Mutiara Emas or near Mount Austin. Grab a stool, load up on your favourites, and let the staff grill them for you on the spot.
Also read: Top Lok Lok Supper Spots in Johor Bahru For Singaporean Foodies
Option 2: Cedar Point Food Court
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
An old-school favourite with plenty of variety, from satay and sambal stingray to oyster omelette and char kway teow. It’s open-air, so do be prepared for the heat! Come with a group, spread out your orders, and share everything.
Address: 10, Jalan Musang Bulan, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7 am–2 pm, 4–11 pm
Option 3: Tebrau Food Truck Park
Image Credit: Tebrau Food Truck Park Official Facebook Page
Located at Taman Desa Tebrau, this vibrant food truck park hosts over 10 trucks every night, with dishes like nasi ganja, bakso, ais kepal Milo, and creative takes on goreng pisang. It’s a great way to sample multiple flavors in one go, with plenty of seating and a festive atmosphere.
Address: Jln Harmonium 24/1, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5pm-11.30pm
7.30-10pm: Karaoke
Image Credit: Queen’s Karaoke City Square Official Facebook Page
Not quite ready to head home? Wind down (or up) with a karaoke session. If you’re planning to cross the border from JB Sentral, there’s just enough time (and energy?) for one last hurrah at Queen Karaoke in City Square Mall. Expect a wide selection of English, Mandarin, and Malay songs, plus affordable hourly rates, which is great for one last singalong before calling it a day.
Also read: 5 Best Karaoke Spots in Johor Bahru (JB) for Singaporeans
Final thoughts
Tebrau isn’t particularly flashy, nor does it try o be. Instead, it’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan, but still leave feeling full and satisfied. From mega malls to messy skewers, reflexology breaks to riverside strolls, it offers a little bit of everything. Whether you came to stock up on essentials, discover a new makan spot, or just escape the usual JB routine, Tebrau makes a pretty solid case for coming back again.
