JOHOR BAHRU · THE DAWN JOURNAL
Good Food, Good Fun, Good Value: A Singaporean's Weekend in JB
A two-day Johor Bahru guide to old-town food, heritage streets, easy shopping and a comfortable stay near JB CIQ.
Johor Bahru's biggest draw for Singaporeans is simple: it is close. Clear the checkpoint and within minutes you can be at a long-running bakery, an old-town lunch stop or a mall with familiar brands at Ringgit prices. This two-day plan keeps the first day centred on the old town, with a slower second day for mall time or café hopping before returning to a comfortable base at R&F Princess Cove.
Day one in Johor Bahru — heritage streets and old-town flavours
Start at Jalan Tan Hiok Nee before the midday heat sets in. This century-old heritage street still holds onto its shophouse charm, with traditional bakeries, kopitiams and newer cafés and thrift shops tucked into the old façades.
Open Jalan Tan Hiok Nee in Google Maps
Breakfast: Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory
Operating since 1919, this wood-fired bakery is best known for its banana cake. Located at 13 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, it remains a popular takeaway stop, so arriving earlier in the day is sensible.
Lunch: Kam Long Ah Zai Curry Fish Head
At 74 Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Kam Long is one of the old town's best-known curry fish head stops. Go before the lunchtime rush when possible, as availability and opening hours can change.
Evening in Johor Bahru — Legaran Segget and old-town lights
After lunch, cool off at City Square or R&F Mall before heading out again as the heat fades. Legaran Segget, the revitalised riverside walkway between the city centre and the old town, makes for an easy evening stroll with fountains, heritage markers and places to pause.
Open Legaran Segget in Google Maps
Dessert: a stop on Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Round off the walk with a café stop back on the heritage street. Old-school kopitiam desserts sit near newer cafés, so there is something for different cravings. Check current opening hours before heading over, as smaller shopfronts change often.
Day two in Johor Bahru — malls, cafés and a slower pace
Sleep in, then pick one or two stops instead of criss-crossing the city. Spend a full day shopping and dining at Mid Valley Southkey, stay local, or head towards Mount Austin for a coffee-first morning.
A comfortable base at R&F Princess Cove
Between old-town food runs and mall days, Dawn Stay at R&F Princess Cove gives couples, families and small groups a comfortable place to pause. The property is connected by a 650-metre covered link bridge to JB CIQ and JB Sentral, typically around 10–15 minutes on foot. Clear check-in guidance is provided before arrival.
Explore Dawn Stay at R&F Princess Cove
Continue your journey — a slow weekend in Melaka
Want another easy two-day escape? Follow our slow two-day walk around Melaka, with heritage streets, local food and a relaxed riverside evening.
Dawn Stay is not affiliated with the businesses above. Recommendations are editorial and based on publicly available information. Opening hours, menus and ratings can change.