Train to Johor Bahru (JB)
We embarked on a memorable day trip to JB with our kids aged 2 and 5, traveling from Singapore via the KTM train. One of the perks of traveling with young children is that those under 4 can travel for free! To begin our journey, we parked our car conveniently opposite the checkpoint and made our way over to catch the train. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can take bus 950 from Woodlands Interchange (the non-conditioned one) to Johor Bahru Checkpoint, which adds a bit of an adventure for the kids!
The KTM train ride itself is an exciting experience for the children. The train is equipped with comfortable seating, which make the journey enjoyable for families. It’s a great opportunity to teach the kids about different modes of transportation and the importance of being punctual, as the gates close 20 minutes before departure!
The seamless immigration process at the border made our transit swift and hassle-free, a refreshing change from the typical traffic jams experienced by those traveling by car or bus. Within 5 minutes of disembarking, the train pulled in at the Malaysia checkpoint, and we were on our way to start our adventure in JB!
Breakfast at City Square JB
We usually stop by for breakfast at the City Square Oriental Kopi Cafe, which has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. I absolutely love their rich coffee and perfectly toasted bread. The extensive menu also offers a variety of finger foods that are great for kids, and main courses that satisfy every palate. However, I must mention that their queue has been getting longer and longer as more families discover this gem!
While waiting, we entertained the kids by discussing what they would like to order, which helped keep their spirits up. We decided to skip the queue and head to Hock Kee Kopitam instead, located on the 4th Level of City Square. There isn’t much queue here, and to our surprise, the food turned out to be quite delicious! Hock Kee is probably going to be my new go-to breakfast place moving forward!
Hock Kee Kopitiam
Address: Lot 04-08 & 09, Level 4, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, City Square, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This cafe is not just about food; it’s also a great place to relax with the family before heading out to explore the rest of JB.
Fun at Kidz Republic Indoor Playground
While my parents enjoyed a rejuvenating 90-minute aromatherapy massage at Thai Odyssey, the kids and I ventured to the Dinosaur Indoor Playground – Kidz Republic Indoor Theme Park at Komtar Mall. The expansive and well-maintained playground provided hours of entertainment for the little ones, catering perfectly to their ages. You can only purchase the admission tickets via online platforms, which ensures a smooth entry. I secured ours through Klook, making the process hassle-free!
As we entered Kidz Republic, the kids were immediately captivated by the vibrant colors and playful designs of the equipment. From slides to climbing structures, there was something for every child. The area is also designed to ensure safety, giving parents peace of mind as their little ones explore and play.
Kidz Republic, Komtar JBCC
Address: Level 4, Komtar JBCC, Johor Bahru City Centre, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Delicious Lunch at Warakuya Japanese Restaurant
After a morning filled with play, we took a Grab car to indulge in a delightful Japanese lunch at my favorite spot, Warakuya Japanese Restaurant, which is approximately 15 minutes away. With its fresh and diverse offerings, it was a value-for-money treat for the whole family. We appreciated the cozy atmosphere, which was perfect for relaxing and enjoying our meal together.
Warakuya Japanese Restaurant, near Pelangi
Address: 42, Jalan Kuning 2, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Opening Hours: Daily from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM. We recommend trying their signature dishes, which are always fresh and well-prepared!
Shopping Adventures at City Square
Following our delicious lunch, we returned to City Square Mall, allowing the boys to take a nap in their stroller/carrier while we explored and indulged in some shopping. We noticed that there wasn’t any queue at Oriental Coffee, so we decided to take our coffee break there. The ambiance was inviting, and it was the perfect spot to recharge before continuing with our day.
While enjoying our coffee, we discussed the shops we wanted to visit next. City Square boasts a range of stores from local brands to international favorites, making it a shopping haven for everyone. The kids woke up just in time to join us for some fun shopping, and they loved picking out toys to remember our trip!
Oriental Kopi City Square
Address: Lot MB-07, Level B1, Johor Bahru City Square, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Looking for family-friendly destinations? Do check out our adventures in Switzerland and Japan! We share tips, experiences, and recommendations to make your travels easier and more enjoyable for the whole family!
Home Sweet Home After a Fun-Filled Day
After the boys woke up, we returned to the playground at Komtar Mall for another round of excitement at the Dinosaur playground (it’s so value for money!). The kids were thrilled to have more time to play before we caught our 8 PM train back to Singapore. With no time for a sit-down dinner, we opted for convenient takeaway pizza from a nearby pizzeria, which was the perfect solution for our hungry little explorers.
From the excitement of train travel to the joy of exploring new playgrounds and savoring delicious meals, this day trip was filled with wonderful memories. We will definitely do it again! The kids are already asking when our next adventure will be, and I can’t wait to plan another family outing!
Looking for Family Friendly Destinations? Do check out our adventure at Switzerland and Japan!
