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Johor Bahru Shopping Guide 2026 – Where to Shop in JB

Updated: 16 Apr 2026

By now, most of us have probably escaped to JB for a weekend getaway already. Here are some classic hangout spots to lepak and shop around at if you didn't already know.

For many Singaporeans, it’s a no-brainer to go to Malaysia whenever we feel a shopping urge coming along. 

Compared to Singapore, shopping for anything and everything under the sun is certified cheap in Johor Bahru (JB), regardless of the season or occasion. No wonder many of us love hitting up JB for festive goodies, quick getaways or even just a change in scenery.

With tons to do yet so little time, the true dilemma lies: which are the best places to shop and what are the best value-for-money activities to do? Especially since the pandemic hit and travel essentially closed for two years, there’ve been many changes to our once-familiar shopping grounds too.

Plus, we find out if cash is really still king? Or, whether it's time you consider getting a credit card to maximise your exchange rate value?

So fret not, we’ll cover all your burning retail therapy questions and more with our list of best malls to shop at!

Essential Pre-Trip Checklist (2026 Edition)

  • VEP RFID Tag: Since enforcement began in late 2025, all Singapore cars must have a valid Malaysia Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP). Crossing without an active RFID tag now carries a RM300 fine.

  • Touch 'n Go eWallet: Ensure your eWallet is linked to your VEP for the RM20 Road Charge and is topped up for tolls.

  • QR Code Clearance: Skip the physical passport! Use the MyICA app for Singapore customs and the MyNIISE app for Malaysia side QR clearance (now fully operational at land checkpoints).

  • GST Relief: Remember that for trips less than 48 hours, you have a S$100 GST relief; for longer trips, it’s S$500. Any amount above this is subject to the 9% GST.

Shopping malls and districts in JB

Johor Bahru is chock full of shopping malls and districts for shopaholics to go all out. Many of these malls are clustered together nearby, making it incredibly convenient and accessible to visit all in one trip.

1. City Square JB & Komtar JBCC – Shopping, relaxation and entertainment just beside customs

City Square JB (left); Komtar JBCC (right)
Source: AsiaOne, Damansara Assets

Without a doubt, City Square JB and Komtar JBCC get the award for being central JB landmarks. Why? They’re literally located at the doorstep of the JB immigration customs after clearing it, making them the most convenient and popular shopping malls for Singaporean visitors.

Offering over 200 merchants, shoppers will have access to a plethora of goods and services like fashion, entertainment, restaurants in City Square Mall. 

Venture in deeper and you’ll find an eclectic collection of boutique fashion and accessory shops. If you’re lucky, sometimes there might be festive fairs running in the atrium to snag goodies at the best discounts.

Just over yonder, Komtar JBCC exudes a more luxurious ambience with its slew of branded retailers. From big names like Victoria’s Secret, Kiehl’s, Pandora, Charles & Keith and more, there’s something for everyone here.

City Square Mall
Address: 106 - 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Operating hours: 10am to 10pm daily
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Komtar JBCC
Address: KOMTAR JBCC, City Centre, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Operating hours: 10am to 10pm daily
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2. KSL City Mall – Massive megamall and classic, old-school mall

Another popular shopping mall among Singaporeans, KSL City Mall is a 10-minute ride away from the immigration checkpoint. 

Best for cheap finds, gadgets, and  night markets, KSL remains the heart of "budget JB." It is famous for its chaotic, vibrant energy and the Monday Night Market (Pasar Malam) located just outside.

  • Service & Tech: This is the place to get your phone screen protector replaced, buy gaming peripherals, or get affordable massage therapy.

  • Groceries: The Lotus’s (formerly Tesco) hypermarket is perfect for stocking up on household essentials, though be mindful of the 2026 import restrictions on certain fresh produce.

💡 Pro-tip: Use Grab to chauffeur yourself from customs to these malls for more affordable rates.

KSL City Mall
Address: 33, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysi
Operating hours: 10am to 10pm daily
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3. Mid Valley Southkey

Best for: High-End Brands and Massive Variety A short 10-minute drive from the checkpoint, this mall is the "Ion Orchard" of JB.

  • The Vibe: Expansive and premium. It houses the massive SOGO Department Store and the largest BookXcess in Southern Malaysia, featuring its iconic floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

  • Shop: Upgrade your wardrobe at Skechers, Uniqlo, or Universal Traveller. It’s also the best place for high-end skincare at Kiehl’s or jewelry at Pandora.

  • Payment Tip: Most merchants here now support DuitNow QR. You can pay directly from your DBS/OCBC/UOB app at mid-market rates, often better than cash changers.

Address: 1, Persiaran Southkey 1, Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru
Operating hours: 10am to 10pm daily
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20-min drive from JB Sentral

4. IKEA, Toppen Mall & AEON Tebrau City – An all-in-one luxe shopping experience

As if the Tebrau shopping district wasn’t huge enough, the entire compound was upgraded and expanded in 2019. Forget about buying your homeware and lifestyle goods in Singapore; you should honestly consider purchasing your refurbishing from here instead.

All you need is a car (owned or rented) and make your way down to IKEA Tebrau to begin your furniture-shopping conquest. Our IKEA Alexandra, Jurong East and Tampines can’t hold a flame to the size of this mega outlet.

However, we must put out a disclaimer that not everything would be heaps cheaper at this outlet, and you should do your due diligence to check the prices first.

After finishing your furniture haul, Aeon Tebrau City is right next door for you to unwind for a couple of hours following the insane shopping.

Shopping is not for the faint of heart here because you can expect some mid to high-end retailers here. 

Lastly, Toppen JB is the newest kid on the block that’s decked out in all the latest boutique and branded vendors. It was officially opened in November 2019 as a new extension of this whole shopping compound. 

Here, you can upgrade your workout wardrobe at Sports Direct, or if you need a midday pick-me-up (with adorable latte art), Miyakori Coffee is a great cafe spot. It’s a vibrant and invigorating new mall that exudes a youthful and dynamic vibe for youngins.

IKEA Tebrau
Address: 33, Jln Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Operating hours: 10am to 10pm daily
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Aeon Tebrau City
Address: 33, Jln Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Operating hours: 10am to 10pm daily
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Toppen JB
Address: No 1, Jalan Desa Tebrau Taman Desa Tebaru, 81100, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Operating hours: 10am to 10pm daily
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30-min drive from JB Sentral

5. Beletime Danga Bay

Best for: Waterfront Dining and Chill Vibes If you want to escape the crowds of City Square, head to this marine-themed mall.

  • The Experience: It features a premium supermarket and a cinema, but the real draw is the view. It overlooks the Johor Strait, directly facing Sungei Buloh in Singapore.

  • Eat: Try local delights at Ying Ker Lou or international coffee at Jamaica Blue.

Address: No.01-01, Shopping Mall Ground Floor, Bay Point Persiaran Danga Perdana Country Garden, Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru
Operating hours: 10am to 10pm daily
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10- to 20-min drive from JB Sentral

6. Sunway Big Box Village – quirky, container park-style outdoor shopping

Sunway Big Box Village/Retail Park is another stunning new shopping mall in Iskandar Puteri, JB. Having opened in December 2019, this gigantic outdoor retail complex follows an industrial-container-park-themed aesthetic.

It occupies a land area rivalling that of the aforementioned megamalls, and it even has Sunway Hotel Big Box directly connected to its compound. 

Book Xcess bookstore
Source: Sunway Big Box

Browse through the expansive Book Xcess bookstore – the largest bookstore in South Malaysia – to snag a couple of titles (or ten) to take home. After that, you can prepare for your next overseas rugged adventure at Skechers and Universal Traveller since borders are opening up.

What the mall lacks in store diversity, it makes up in scale. Also, don’t forget to check out their weekend bazaars which occur fairly regularly!

Address: Persiaran Medini 5, Sunway City Iskandar Puteri, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
Operating hours: 10am to 10pm daily
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15-min drive from Tuas Checkpoint
40-min drive from JB Sentral

7. B5 Johor Street Market – Artsy, hipster shopping avenue

Consider yourself a purveyor of the fine arts, or maybe just a lowkey hipster? Whatever you identify with, B5 Johor Street Market is the go-to marketplace for shoppers who love all things boutique and eccentric.

Expect bustling shopping bazaars, food trucks, arts and cultural exhibitions, and more at this marketplace. Think pop-up stores and quaint independent businesses. And, of course, the food trucks really tie up the whole experience.

Furthermore, this shopping avenue adopts a sheltered, outdoor-ventilated concept with the stores housed in chic, colonial exteriors. It is truly #WhereStreetsComeAlive.

Address: Jalan Nenas, Pusat Bandar Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Operating hours: 11.30am to 11.30pm (Mon to Thur) | 11.30am to 12am (Fri to Sun)
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20-min drive from JB Sentral

8. Taman Mount Austin – Aesthetic foodie haven

Located on the outskirts of the popular Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, Taman Mount Austin is a paradise for foodies and aesthetic lovers alike. Perhaps it’s best known for housing over 30 bubble tea (BBT) shops, an incredible statistic, to say the least.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at tried-and-true BBT chains like Xing Fu Tang, The Alley or you could try more unique BBT renditions at Seven Bus and I’Milky. 

For instance, I’Milky’s forte lies in milk-based beverages that are as sweet and creamy as they come. On the other hand, Seven Bus is a China-based BBT chain famous for its fruit teas and Yakult-based ice blends. Whatever your choice of beverage, they’ll definitely be refreshing and hit the spot.

Alternatively for a fuller, more satiating meal, patronise any of the aesthetic cafes around the vicinity such as The Atlas Maison, or bloom by Mokmok. Both have such contrasting decor yet equally appealing to the general public.

For a cleaner, Muji-inspired look coupled with delectable French pastries and baked goods, The Atlas Maison is the one. But if you prefer a whimsical, fairy-core aesthetic, bloom by Mokmok is undoubtedly the winner.

But of course, there are plenty of other BBT and cafe outlets to patronise, so we highly encourage you to come down and explore for yourself!

Address: Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

16- to 30-min drive from JB Sentral

New for 2026: SKS City Mall & Horizon Mall

  • SKS City Mall (JBCC): The newest kid on the block as of early 2026. It targets the younger crowd with viral TikTok-famous brands like KKV and massive indoor playgrounds like Jungle Gym.

  • Horizon Mall (Iskandar Puteri): Opened in May 2026, this open-air mall is the perfect first stop for those entering via the Tuas Second Link. It offers a "garden shopping" experience and plenty of alfresco dining.

Special mention: Thrift shopping in JB

#1: Red Chilli Vintage

Fancy the Y2K street style aesthetic with a slight edge? Then Red Chilli Vintage might have just what you're looking for. Featuring a range of Y2K t-shirts, cargo pants, statement tops and skirts, and more, you're bound to find a hidden gem tucked away on their clothing racks.

But since they're a vintage pop-up store, do be prepared for your finds to be pricier than the average thrift loots.

Address: 15C, Jalan Dhoby, Off, Jalan Pahang, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Operating hours: Daily from 12pm - 7pm | Closed on Wed & Thurs
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#2: Kedai Dhoby Shanghai

Meanwhile, if you're a fashion chameleon and can't commit to one single aesthetic, the Kedai Dhoby Shanghai thrift store will be a haven for you. It offers a wide range of different styles like oversized jerseys from S$36 (RM120), corduroy pants from S$12 (RM40), skirts from S$6 (RM20), cheap branded goods like Nike and ADLV from S$16.50 (RM55), and even rings and bracelets from S$3 (RM10), you can expect to find an eclectic assortment of trendy and vintage pieces.

Address: 53, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Operating hours: Daily from 11am - 7pm | Closed on Tues

Pro-Tip: Maximizing Your Savings

With interest rates on savings accounts like the UOB One or OCBC 360 hovering around 3-4% in 2026, keep your SGD in your high-yield accounts and use a multi-currency card (like YouTrip, Trust Bank, or Amaze) for your JB spend. You’ll earn the interest in Singapore and enjoy the "3.11" multiplier in Malaysia without the hidden fees of traditional credit cards.

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