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3 minutes read

Budget guide for families to Johor Bahru

3 minutes read
Budget guide for families to Johor Bahru

Planning a quick and affordable escape with the kids? Johor Bahru (JB) makes a great weekend trip for families looking to spend quality family time without breaking the bank. Known for its budget-friendly food and fun family activities, a little planning goes a long way in making the most of your time and budget. Here’s how to budget and plan for your JB trip so the whole family can enjoy it!

Category Price per day (for a family of 4)
Accommodation ≈ SGD60 / RM200 per night
Transport
(Base on average petrol and tolls charges for a round trip to JB when you drive in from Singapore) 		≈ SGD18 / RM60
Food ≈ SGD 79 / RM 260 (RM 65 x 4)
Activities ≈ SGD 73 / RM 240 (RM 60 x 4)
Total: ≈ SGD 231 / RM 760

Note: The estimated prices are shown in both SGD and MYR based on the conversion rate of SGD 1 = MYR 3.29. Check the Singtel Dash app for the latest rates.

1. Accommodation

Accommodation

Johor Bahru offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodations, from budget hotels near checkpoints to spacious apartments close to theme parks.

Recommended stay: D’Pristine Family Suite by Holi

  • Price: From SGD53 / RM174 per night
  • Location: Lebuh Medini Utara, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia
  • Best for: Families who want to head to Legoland

This accommodation is perfect for families, with rooms that can accommodate up to 9 guests. Facilities such as a kitchenette, living area and game room make it ideal for those travelling with young children.

2. Transport

Transport

Driving is the most convenient way to explore JB, especially with kids. It gives you full control over your schedule and lets you move around at your own pace. Do remember to top up your Touch ‘n Go (TNG) eWallet to cross the Causeway seamlessly.

Tip: Use the Dash app to top up your TNG wallet easily and enjoy competitive SGD to Ringgit exchange rates.

3. Food

Foods

JB is a true food paradise packed with delicious, affordable options that are perfect for the whole family. For wallet-friendly meals, expect to spend around SGD20 per person per day without compromising on taste or variety. Here's a sample breakdown of daily meals:

  • Breakfast: Warung Roti Canai Bukit Chagar


    Price range: SGD3 / RM10 per person
    Location: 394, Jalan Tengku Azizah, Bukit Chagar, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

    This humble roadside stall near the Causeway is beloved for its crispy, fluffy roti canai that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. With its open-air setting and warm service, it’s a laid-back spot to enjoy a hearty breakfast before a day of exploring.

  • Lunch: Onn Kitchen


    Price range: SGD 6 / RM20 per person
    Location: 3, Jalan Kolam Ayer, Taman Nong Chik, 80100 Johor Bahru

    Onn Kitchen is a well-loved eatery serving up classic Malaysian comfort food like nasi lemak, mee rebus, lontong and ayam penyet. Portions are generous and service is quick, making it ideal for families on the go.

  • Dinner: Ong Shun Seafood Restaurant


    Price range: SGD 11 / RM35 per person (depending on what you order)
    Location: 67, Jalan Keris, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru

    A popular zi char-style seafood restaurant that’s halal-friendly and perfect for families. Must-tries include butter prawns, salted egg squid, sambal kangkong and hotplate tofu.

4. Activities

Activities

Set aside approximately RM60 per person to comfortably partake in various activities throughout the trip. Many are budget-friendly and located in or near major shopping malls, making them perfect for a short weekend escape. Shopping centres like Paradigm Mall, KSL City and JBCC often feature fun and engaging family-friendly activities such as:

  • Kidz Republic at JBCC


    Price: Adult: SGD3 / RM10, Child SGD9 / MYR 30
    Location: Johor Bahru City Square (JBCC), Jalan Wong Ah Fook

    Malaysia's largest Jurassic-themed indoor playground is a full-day adventure that's perfect for younger children. Its location right next to the customs checkpoint makes it especially convenient.

  • Blue Ice-Skating Rink @ Paradigm Mall


    Price: From SGD10 / RM30 per person (includes skate rental)
    Location: Level 3, Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru

    Escape the heat and enjoy some cool indoor fun. Families looking for active indoor fun can glide across the ice in this full-sized skating rink.

  • Splash Park @ Toppen Mall


    Price: Free entry
    Location: Rooftop (Level 4), Toppen Shopping Centre, Tebrau

    A water play paradise for toddlers and young kids, featuring splash pads, water fountains and shaded seating areas for parents.

Did you know?

Using the Touch 'n Go (TNG) eWallet makes managing your spending easy. It’s accepted at tolls, parking spots and shopping malls throughout JB.

With Singtel Dash, topping up your TNG eWallet is simple. You get competitive SGD to MYR rates and pay a flat fee regardless of the amount (within wallet limits). Plus, you’ll see the real-time exchange rate before you confirm.

Download the Dash app on App Store or Google Play today.

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