Located just 20 minutes from the city centre lies Johor Bahru’s trendiest neighbourhood. Read on for our top picks on what to do in Mount Austin JB 👇
To clear the air before we begin… no, there’s no summiting or hikes involved! Mount Austin is not an actual mountain, but a vibrant neighbourhood that has become the must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike.
So if you’re planning for your next weekend trip up to JB but would like to try something different from the usual suspects close to the border, then this guide answers the call. Ready to dive into our top 11 things to do here? Let’s go!
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Malaysia Travel Update: All foreign cars entering JB from Singapore will need a Vehicle Entry Permit from 1 October 2024 onwards
Malaysia’s Transport Minister recently announced the relaunch of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) initiative. Here’s what you need to know:
1️⃣ From 1 Oct 2024, foreign vehicles entering Malaysia from Singapore via Causeway & Second link are required to register online for a VEP via the official site
2️⃣ Upon successful verification & paying a RM10 (~S$2.85) processing fee, registrants will receive a VEP-RFID tag — valid for 5 years
3️⃣ A road charge fee of RM20.00 (~S$5.71) will be charged each time a foreign registered private vehicle (excluding motorcycles) enters Malaysia 🤧
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — Here’s a guide to ATM withdrawals in Malaysia with YouTrip
Our Favourite Mount Austin Hotels:
While there are plenty of gorgeous hotels and homestay options, here are some tried and tested options for you to consider!
1. Midori Concept Hotel
Image Credits: Trivago
This boutique hotel prides itself on being eco-friendly and is conveniently close to the main shopping district. It’s clean, offers essential amenities, and best of all, it’s super affordable—leaving you more to spend on the fun things that matter!
Price: From S$44/night, with an additional 7% off when you book with Agoda via YouTrip Perks
Address: 57, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, Tebrau, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 81100
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — Find out more about Midori Concept Hotel here.
2. Hako Hotel
Image Credits: Pokok Kelapa
Don’t be fooled by this hotel’s exterior—step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a delightfully modern interior. We love this hotel for its spacious rooms, perfect for travelling with a larger group. The generous breakfast buffet is a nice perk, but with so many delicious food options just a short walk away, you might want to save some room!
Price: From S$67/night, with up to 10% cashback when you book with Booking.com via YouTrip Perks
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — Find out more about Hako Hotel here.
3. Cube8teens by Nest Home
Image Credits: Booking.com
If you prefer the Airbnb life, this cosy, no-frills aparthotel is a great option. It offers all the essential facilities, including a gym for shedding those extra calories! We also love that it’s just a walking distance from AEON Mall, making it super convenient after a full day of shopping.
Price: From S$59/night, with up to 10% cashback when you use Booking.com via YouTrip Perks
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — Find out more about Cube8teens here.
🤤 Mount Austin Food 🤤
For the Foodies: The number one rule when in JB? Eat your heart out. Here are some of our favourite, must-visit makan spots in Mount Austin JB to fuel up.
1. Eden by Wizards
Image Credits: Daniel Food Diary
When cafe-hopping, ambience is key. Eden by Wizards passes the vibe check because you’re immediately transported to a garden sanctuary that is chic and minimalistic.
While they have the classic brunch fare like avocado toast and brioche french toast, we also love their gochujang beef rice bowl and truffle scrambled egg on toast! End your meal with their speciality cuppa, and take some time to unwind and recharge.
Address: 19, Jln Tiong Emas, Kawasan Perindustrian Tiong Nam Tebrau 3, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs, 10 AM – 6 PM, Fri – Sun, 10 AM – 10 PM
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — Here’s a list of things to do in JB on your next weekend getaway
2. Broloklok
Image Credits: Eatbook.sg
In our humble opinion, no trip to JB is complete without a pilgrimage to a lok lok stand. And Broloklok is honestly one of the must-visit places when in Austin Heights. Here, you’ll be greeted by a wide array of skewers, from fresh tiger prawns and otah to slightly more unique options like century egg and beef tripe.
After taking your pick, the staff will then get to work grilling it over an open fire, before topping it off with a generous sprinkle of their special seasoning. Then, take a seat either in the modern indoor space or outside with the iconic red stools and tables for the full lok lok experience.
Address: 41, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7 PM – 2 AM, daily
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — Check out this guide for the best lok lok spots in JB!
3. Restoran Gim Cheng
Image Credits: Daniel Food Diary
When in Austin Heights, the early bird catches the… freshest dim sum. This old-school establishment serves up a wide and super affordable assortment of dim sum, and is known to be one of the best breakfast spots in the whole of JB!
And in true old-fashioned eatery style, everything here is self-service. Simply find yourself a table (good luck with that), and head over to one of the three stations to take your pick from the towering baskets. Do keep your ears and eyes peeled, because the aunties will sometimes announce when freshly prepared dishes make their way out of the kitchen — it’s first come, first serve!
Address: 2, 2, 1, Jalan Sagu 36, Taman Daya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Thurs – Tues, 7 AM – 1 PM. Closed on Wednesdays
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — Check out this guide for the best cafes in JB to visit
4. Slow Day Cafe
Image Credits: Confirm Good
Need a break? Slow Day Cafe lives up to its name, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This cosy space serves up a plethora of tea-based items and even doubles up as an art jamming studio. Take your time to flex your creative muscles while savouring their strawberry matcha latte and hojicha tea cake.
Address: No. 2-01, (1st Floor Only, Jalan Austin Heights 7/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs, 12 PM – 8 PM, Fri & Sat, 12 PM – 12 AM. Closed on Tuesdays
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — Find out more the best supper spots in JB
5. Dai Tao Lala Pot
Image Credits: Confirm Good
When it comes to The Perfect Soup, it should meet at least one of these three criteria: (1) have a rich, savoury stock, (2) be packed with ingredients, and (3) offer free refills. Amazingly, Dai Tao Lala Pot checks all these boxes!
We love how they stir-fry their clams with a unique blend of spices before adding their umami-packed broth. You can also play chef at the DIY station, with options like garlic, huadiao wine, chilli, and more! A hot pot of lala soup costs just RM 38 (~S$10.92), which is a great deal considering all the love (and lala) that goes into it. Just be prepared to wait in line—it’s well worth it!
Address: No.49, Jalan Austin Height 8/5 , Taman Mount Austin Johor Bahru, 81100 Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5 PM – 3 AM, daily
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — Here’s where to get the best durians in JB
6. Tong Shui Mui
Image Credits: Tourism Johor
Food trucks are a dime a dozen in JB, and unsurprisingly, they often serve up some of the best dishes around. Enter Tong Shui Mui, a multi-chain dessert truck offering pocket-friendly Cantonese treats!
Expect a delicious array of dim sum like taro cake, carrot cake, and egg tarts, alongside classic desserts such as mango sago, red bean soup, and tang yuan (glutinous rice balls)—the perfect post-dinner treat, in our opinion!
Address: In front of Mount Austin RHB Bank
Opening Hours: 1 PM – 10 PM, daily
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — Find out more the best bars in JB to visit
🛍️ In Your Self-care Era? 💆♀️
Don’t forget to pamper yourself when you’re here! Here are some of our favourite ways to relax and unwind at Mount Austin.
7. The Rhythm
Image Credits: Johor Now
While Mount Austin boasts a few popular KTV joints, we recommend directing your attention to The Rhythm. Why? Because here, you can indulge in hotpot while singing—every Singaporean (and Malaysian) dream come true.
Prices are very affordable, and the best part? If you hit the minimum food spend (which is quite easy), you get to enjoy the first three hours of singing for free!
Address: 55, Jln Austin Height 8/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs, 12 PM – 12 AM, Fri & Sat, 12 PM – 2 AM
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — Here’s how to make the most of your Touch ‘n Go Wallet in Malaysia
8. Tutu Studio
Image Credits: Tutu Studio (Facebook)
Whether you’re into crafts or not, this may be a good time to give in to your creative flow and see what happens. At Tutu Studio, the space is bright, inviting and just oozes of creative energy — so you’ll likely be able to find inspiration if you look hard enough!
While you can stick to tufting and building a unique variety of objects like mirrors and bags, (but do note that you’ll have to wait at least a week to collect your masterpiece), there are also more straightforward crafting options like decorating your own phone case, or a fluid bear art jamming session.
Do note that they don’t do walk-ins, so be sure to make an appointment in advance to avoid disappointment!
Address: 51, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM, daily
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — Here’s how to capitalise on the Malaysian ringgit
9. Borneo Oasis
Image Credits: Ayu Borneo
When on vacay, it’s all about self-care and unwinding. So naturally, your trip to JB should be met with a huuuuge pamper session. For those familiar with Mount Austin, they’d know that Borneo Oasis is one of the more reputable parlours in the area — and for good reason!
They’re known for their amaaazing service, wide variety of treatments, and obviously, the tranquil vibes that honestly play such a big role in making your pamper session a lot more enjoyable. Be sure to look out for their happy hour promos to enjoy treatments at super affordable prices! As always, book in advance in order to avoid disappointment.
Address: 49, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 12 AM, daily
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — Here are the best JB massage spots for your weekend getaway
10. 38°C Onsen
Image Credits: Citynomads
For a luxurious onsen experience without the hefty price tag, 38°C Onsen fits the bill. Unlike many expensive private onsens, this affordable sanctuary is also a couple-friendly space that allows you and your partner to relax together.
First, they dress you up in a kimono of your choice. Then, they begin your session with a nice foot bath, before sending you off to a nice room where your mineral-rich onsen bath awaits. During this time you can choose to close your eyes and live in the moment, or indulge in their platter of sweet treats. Then, to cap off the experience, you’ll get to enjoy a full body massage. What. A. Treat.
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 9 PM, daily
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — YouTrip vs Amaze comparison in Malaysia – find out which multi-currency card is right for you
11. Aeon Tebrau City
Image Credits: DowntownJB
To hide away from the heat, head over to Aeon Tebrau City. This sprawling mall offers everything from international brands to local boutiques, and even a movie theatre if you’re looking for a quick break!
However, if you’re looking for something a little more specialised, head over to cult-favourite boutiques like Threads and NRN Concept Store — known for their affordably-priced minimalist outfits. Some say it’s like walking into a physical Taobao store!
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs, 10 AM – 10 PM, Fri & Sat, 10 AM – 11 PM
Mount Austin JB Guide: Best Things To Do And Eat — Check out this YouTrip vs iChange comparison
Weekend Getaway? Settled!
You’re probably no stranger to JB already, so we hope that this shortlist of things to do and eat in Mount Austin will come in handy! As always, when booking your transport and accommodation, you can enjoy greater peace of mind and attractive discounts with our partners like Klook, Booking.com, Agoda, and more.
As you embark on your journey in Mount Austin, don’t forget to make use of your YouTrip Card to lock in those wholesale exchange rates — every cent counts! Even if you need to pay in cash, don’t fret — enjoy free monthly ATM withdrawals of up to S$400 with a 2% fee thereafter!
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with<YTBLOG5>and getFREE S$5in your account! Then, head over to ourYouTrip Perkspage for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join ourTelegram(@YouTripSG) and subscribe to ourfree weekly newsletter hereor down below.
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Stay safe and happy camping!
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