16 cafes to hop in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

It isn’t the weekend if you don’t get to sleep in. But what exactly marks the start of a good weekend? There are days where you just want to lie in bed till late evening before heading out for dinner but others when you can’t wait to get out of your comfort zone and do some exploring. My favourite thing about the weekends is that you can have coffee at any time of the day.

Have you visited every single hipster café in Singapore? Well, you can also start your exploration across the borders to Johor Bahru. Though the cafes aren’t like Singapore’s, all lined up on the same street, it is always a joy to cruise around before settling down in one. These are a few cafes you will never want to miss out on:

Chaiwalla and Co. Container Cafe

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Giving off varying vibes throughout the day, to get some warmth with occasional breezes, do visit the cafe when the sun is still up. For a chill out starry night, head there when the sun sets.

Chaiwalla & Co. is an open air cafe with no air conditioning but simple and honest designs. As can be inferred from its name, you will definitely get some decent Chai here!

To get some warmth with occasional breezes, visit in the day. For a chill out starry night, head there when the sun sets.

Address: Lot 2810, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru 80000, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 930am - 630pm | Fri - Sun: 930am - 630pm, 8pm - 1am

Coffee Valley

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Inspired by French culinary and architecture, Coffee Valley is a quaint cafe with freshly grounded coffee and soft music playing in the background. Besides its aromatic coffee, there is a wide range of tea and bites that you can choose from.

Address: 12A Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru 80000, Johor, Malaysia | L2-550A, Sutera Mall

Opening hours: 8 am - 9 pm | 1030 am - 1030 pm

JWC, HeadMost Cafe

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Wake up to a double-shots cuppa at HeadMost Cafe’s espresso bar as you choose from the range of coffee blends around the world. Its cosy ambience promises a warm and relaxing experience for its customers, guaranteeing a rejuvenating hangout.

After your caffeine fix, there is HeadMost Boutique on the second level, selling men’s apparels, for retail therapy.

Address: G07, Plaza Mentari (SunCity) Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 1230 pm - 1030 pm | Closed on Monday

Roost Cafe (Salad & Bar)

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The place is of rustic ambience as wood and old timbre is used for most of its exterior designs and interior furniture. All furniture is intricately picked and designed, each with its own character.

Roost café serves a range of food, from salads to heavier meals. With a book in hand, a productive yet soothing day is sorted.

Address: 9 Jalan Dhoby 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12 pm - 4 pm, 6 pm - 12 mn | Sun: 6 pm - 12 mn.

Bev C Cafe

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Subtly hidden away on the hipster street with an interesting signboard, Bev C is two storey brainchild of Beverly Bee - a boutique and cafe at the second level. The boutique holds true to Beverly Bee’s mantra “own your style or stay naked” - sporting a unique sense of concept with international recognition.

As you get lured by the scent of grinded coffee to the second level, you will find a haven to get inspired while sipping on coffee.

Address: 54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 1 pm - 11 pm | Sat & Sun: 12 pm - 11pm

Gent Utopia Enterprise

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The first of its kind in Johor Bahru to bring in premium quality apparels from overseas such as American Apparel, Bellroy, Nudie Jeans Co, and Commes Des Garcon. Not just a platform to extend the concept of exclusive yet sustainable fashion items, it is also a space for hairstyling and mid-day beverages.

Atop the boutique is a café named Ambiguous. It is named ‘Ambiguous’ as it celebrates the ambiguous nature of coffee consistency, where every cup of coffee tastes different.

Address: 7 Jalan Serampang, Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru 80050, Malaysia

Opening hours: Daily 12 pm - 10 pm

The Ice Cream Project (TIP)

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You might miss this cup of smoky heaven if not for its nostalgia-able swing on the synthetic grass against its dark grey walls.

All ice creams are made on the spot with liquid nitrogen and you’ll witness the freezing smogs brimming from the counter before you get yours. The creamy, flavourful ice cream justifies for the crowd.

Address: 31 Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru 80000, Johor, Malaysia.

Opening hours: Sun, Tue -Thu: 1 pm - 10 pm | Fri - Sat: 1pm - 12mn

Coffee Loft

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Where coffee meets art to bring people together, this three storey warehouse-like cafe is one of the popular spots for weekend brunch; creating a buzz amongst the cafe goers in Johor Bahru.

The clean white walls are adorned with bright and colourful paintings, inviting you to stay for the afternoon.

Address: 29 Jalan Molek 1/12, Taman Molek 81100, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 11pm | Fri - Sun: 12pm - 12mn

Brew Orchestra

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Creation of the couple who co-founded architecture firm EHKA Studio, they brought the musical concept to its name and interior furbishing. An award winning cafe for its designs, it features a centrepiece long table with the pretty lamps hanging above like a harp. This unpretentious space caters to everyone - bar seats for coffee lovers to watch the baristas prepare their drink, wide range of food from waffles to all-day breakfasts for foodies, and even interior designers.

Address: 1 Jalan Molek 3/19, Taman Molek 81100, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11 am - 1130 pm | Sat & Sun: 10 am - 1130 pm

JWC, The Factory 30

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Like its name suggests, this is a coffee joint nestled in a factory, in the industrial area of Mount Austin. Influenced and inspired by the industrial style, the cafe sports a high ceiling with hanging coffee beanbags, dim lighting, copper, steel, and wood. Exuding a tinge of seriousness and romantic vibes.

Address: No. 30 Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Opening hours: Daily 2pm - 12 mn

JWC, The Garden

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Following the Korean cafe culture of coffees in the garden, JWC The Garden has the same trendy concept. Using simple and vibrant colours, it brings out the friendliness of the cafe, allowing customers to relax and catch up in the homely space that was previously a showhouse.

Address: 3/27 Jalan Persiaran Jaya Putra, Taman JP Perdana, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 2 pm - 10 pm | Fri & Sat: 2 pm - 12 mn | Sun: 10 am - 7 pm | Closed on Mondays

Once Upon A Time

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No one is too cool or old for a fairy-tale, happily-ever-after cafe. With an indoor and outdoor seating, it feels like coming home on a dreamy afternoon. Serving drinks in gold pleated cups against the falling flowers and leaves, everyone can be a royal here.

Address: 7A Showhouse, Jalan Persiaran Jaya Putra 1, Bandar Jaya Putra 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Opening hours: Daily 1pm - 11pm | Closed on Wednesday.

Insomnia

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Some might know it by its former name Cestino Patisserie, but Insomnia retains its good food and coffee. Towering full length windows around the cafe gives off an honest and engaging ambience, with one entrance facing the children’s playground and the other a pedestrian pavement.

With plenty of books stacked on the wall shelves, you can spend a warm afternoon indoors, slouching on the cushioned chairs.

Address: CH 0107/08 Jalan Skudai, Country Garden Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: Daily 10 am - 10 pm

W Espresso Sporting Club by Monsta Cafe

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The interior will be the first thing that captures patrons’ attention. Sporting a vintage sports outlook, customers get to dine at tennis tables while the walls are adorned with old-school racquets.

Barista Chye Yuan Feng who has belted a few awards is also the brainchild of co-owned Monsta Café. Here, you will get the best of both worlds as he combines espresso and slow brewing methods with Japanese-French fusion cuisines.

Address: CS01-12 Jalan Skudai, Country Garden Danga Bay, Johor Bahru 80200, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: Daily 10 am - 11 pm

Monsta Cafe

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Not a place you will miss out. Located by the roadside, occupying a corner lot, its vibrant billboard will beg for your attention. The interior of the cafe caters to all, with casual take-and-go tall seats or fully cushioned sofas where you just want to laze and spend your day watching the world go by through the windows.

Address: 157 Jalan Bestari ⅕ Taman Nusa Bestari Skudai. 81300 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10 am - 12 mn | Fri - Sun: 11 am - 1 am.

Maco Cafe

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A traditional French pastry and coffee house with a dessert bar, Maco Cafe’s mille crepe is raved about for its creamy yet distinct layers. Also a gallery space for art and design pieces, this place promotes socialising in comfort, basking in the aroma of brewing coffee and freshly baked pastries.

Address: 65 Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2, Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai, Johor Bahru 81300 Malaysia

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12 pm - 10 pm | Fri & Sat: 12 pm - 1am

Beach Getaways from Singapore without flying

Despite the constant complaints of the immense heat we are suffering at home everyday, many Singaporeans are still beach lovers and could never get enough of them - sifting the powdery white sand through your toes as the blistering sun beats down on your back and the contours of your face - and are desperately in search of the best beach getaway.

As an advocate of ‘life is a journey, not destination’, I would sometimes prefer land and sea travels compared to the readily available and more convenient air travels. But to some, they just hate flying altogether. The islands and beaches featured on “10 weekend beach getaways from Singapore” would require some flying but this new list will only cover those don’t require the cumbersome 6,000 feet off the ground.

Batam, Riau Islands, Indonesia

70 kilometres South of Singapore.

2 hours ferry ride from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal.

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Batam island is a popular getaway destination from Singapore that is highly sought after by different demographics. Offering more than just its alluring beaches and unique boutique resorts, Batam island has good eats and shopping opportunities inland. It is no wonder that many Singaporeans flock here to pamper themselves during weekends in the charm of the tropical beauty.

Bintan, Riau Islands, Indonesia

45 kilometres Southeast of Singapore.

45 minutes to 1 hour ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

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Separated from Batam island by the Riau Straits, Bintan island remains as one of the top beach destinations for Singaporeans during holidays, threading behind Bali island. Its popularity among Singaporeans is so blatant that you can actually use SGD on this island.

Being the largest island in the Riau Archipelago, there are many activities you can take part in apart from lazing on the beach, gazing at the horizon aimlessly. Head inland for hiking, ATV rides or a stroll in the elephant park. There are also historical and cultural attractions such as Kota Piring palace.

Nikoi Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia

80 kilometres South of Singapore.

Approximately 2.5 hours ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. (Ferry to Bintan island first, then take a 1 hours taxi ride from Bintan Ferry Terminal to jetty. Finally, a 30 minutes boat ride from Bintan Jetty to Nikol Island.)

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For those looking for exclusive tranquility, Nikol Island, a private beach off Bintan would make your perfect stress-free getaway. With only 15 beach houses, you can be the lead actor in your own ‘Lost’ parody. Read: secluded.

Though laid back and lesser activities available as compared to aforementioned, what else do you need if you are surrounded by white fine sand and inviting blue waters? That was rhetorical; just strip to your bare minimums and frolic in the blurred lines of the shore.

If you’re getting a little restless, snorkelling, fishing and wildlife spotting might go into your itinerary.

Sugi Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia

30 kilometres Southwest of Batam Island.

3 hours ferry ride from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal. (40 minutes boat ride from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal to Sekupang Terminal. Then, traditional boat ride from Sekupang Terminal to Sugi Island.)

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The entire place is connected by the wooden walkway, set on stilts over the sea, giving it a rustic ambience. The planks are set slightly apart, so you can steal peeks at the glistening turquoise waters beneath.

Good and bad news though, there is no internet connection on this island. Definitely an ideal place, by choice or not, to be disconnected with the stressful hustling reality back home. It is a rare chance for city dwellers like us to fully immerse and indulge in the finest beauty of nature without having our fingers all over our social media accounts.

Pulau Sibu, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

130 kilometres North of Johor Bahru and 75 kilometres South of Mersing.

No public ferries to this island. Some resorts will offer shuttle buses straight from Singapore with a total transfer time of 3.5 hours.

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Off the East Coast of Malaysia is Pulau Sibu, 7 kilometres long and 1 kilometres wide. Pulau Sibu has its own desalination plant that provides unlimited fresh and clean waters, keeping up with the international environmental standards.

Apart from its impressive environmentally-friendly standards, you’ll be assured of a sanctuary, having your mind and body rejuvenated. Unlike those private beaches with top notch resorts, there are 4 beach resorts catering to varying budgets and preferences. Romantic lovers, adventure seeks or even kids can be in sync with nature at reasonable rates!

Tioman Island, Pahang, Malaysia

165 kilometres Northeast of Singapore.

3 hours bus ride from Singapore to Mersing, and 2 hours ferry ride from Mersing to Tioman island. (Alternatively, hire a taxi from Johor Bahru to Mersing for around RM 200.)

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An ecological paradise for nature lovers and sun seekers - warm beaches, rich marine life, and lush rainforests. Diving season starts in late January and lasts till mid-November. The closest dive site is only 10 minutes boat ride from the main island, and with the flourishing marine life, you can spot underwater pinnacles, coral bommies, small clown fishes, and even giant bump head parrot fishes, just to name a few.

Batu Batu @ Pulau Tengah, Mersing, Malaysia

15 minutes speed boat ride from Mersing.

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A slice of paradise on this private island. Nestled amidst the swaying coconut trees, you will find yourself squinting against the tropical breezes and fine sand up your calves as you run towards the pristine waters.

Living an environmentalist dream, you can take a jungle walk to discover the more remote areas of the island, and if you’re lucky you can witness the migration of birds. Also, rent a kayak, go diving, snorkel in one of the reefs, or a day trip to the nearby islands!

More travel tips here.

10 Weekend Treehouse Getaways From Singapore Around Southeast Asia

Ever gotten so inspired by ‘Tarzan and Jane’ and ‘George in the Jungle’ when you were much younger, that all you wanted to do was strip to your bare minimums and swing on the hammock extended from your personal treehouse? Well, at some point of time, we all had that as our childhood dreams.

While you let that dream fades back into time and be disappointed, take a look at these beautiful tree houses around Southeast Asia where you can let your dream become a reality over the weekends.

Bangkok Tree House Hotel, Samut Prakarn, Thailand

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Think: Opportunity to connect with nature and provide an escape from the bustling heart of the city.

This environmentally friendly and uniquely designed hotel is only accessible by foot or boat. There are 11 cosy nests with picturesque view over the river, outdoor showers, and natural pond; a haven for nature lovers. One of the room options includes an open air bedroom, romantically surrounded by palm trees swaying with the rhythm of breezes, raised on a bamboo platform; you can fall asleep under the guardian stars. To cater to different preferences, you can choose from Treetop nest, Bee Hive, View with a Room, Family Nest, or River Nest (depending on tidal season).

Sovena Kiri Resort, Ko Kood, Thailand

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On this 150 acres of beach and tropical rainforest where hues of blues meet the shades of greens, a dream destination for eco-friendlies. Featuring 42 resort villas and 21 private residences, the main attraction of this resort located in the remote Thai island of Kood is its dining experience. Though not all rooms are perched on a tree, you will be overwhelmed with a meal 16 ft off the ground, with a flying waiter serving all your food via a zip line.

The Gibbon Experience in the Jungle of Bokeo, Bokeo Province, Laos

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A forest enclave hidden in Bokeo province of Northern Laos, this conservation project aims to preserve the Nature Reserve and protect its inhabitants. Guests live and sleep in the jungle canopy, only accessible by a network of zip lines; and wake up to the deep forest mist.

Though food and accommodation facilities are basic, you will be awed by the wonders of the nature - the wildlife and serenity as you gaze out from your cabin.

Laiya Coco Grove Resort, Batangas, the Philippines

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Located in the municipality of San Juan, Sigayan Bay has 6 kilometres of beach and water frontage with preserved mangroves. Each tree house is unique with its own character, having varying designs that are dependent on the host tree. While you seek shady refuge in your covered patio, you can gaze out to the sandy beach against the mighty mountains while you drift in and out of your siesta.

Hang Nga’s Treehouse hotel, Da Lat, Vietnam

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Also known as Crazy House, the Hang Nga’s Guesthouse was opened in 1990 in Da Lat - the brainchild of architect Dang Viet Nga. Unlike the usual tree houses that sit on trees, this tree house is literally a house in the tree. Its uneven windows and tunnel shaped stairways has it crowned the ‘fairytale house’. There are 10 themed guest rooms such as Tiger Room, Eagle Room, Kangaroo Room, Ant Room, each with matching handicrafted furniture.

Not only an accommodation choice, there’s also a museum for visitors price at VND 200,000.

Sekeping Serendah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Tucked away in the lush rainforests 45 minutes outside of Kuala Lumpur, you will experience the meet between nature and modern architecture; finding peace and tranquility. The sheds are of open concept yet promising privacy between each shed. The different accommodation types - Glass Shed, Mud Shed, Warehouse, Timbre House - are suitable for big group gatherings, family getaways, or even romantic staycation. Be sure to book in advance, especially during the weekends.

Like any other tree houses, you will get to see all types of wildlife and insects. Also, check out Serendah Waterfall that is located near Sekeping Serendah. This is not a mere getaway that will rejuvenate nature lovers, but also an inspiration for interior designers.

Bunga Raya Hotel, Sabah, Malaysia

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A secluded island enclave of simple luxury, the timbered resort is situated on a obscured bay with white sand beach on one side and century-old virgin jungle on the other.

Reflecting the traditional simplicity of Borneo architecture, each villa is handcrafted by local tradesmen with locally source materials from the natural environment, accommodating the comforts and needs of all travellers. Your jungle hideaway experience is completed with an intimate outdoor jacuzzi and private jungle plunge pool.

Nature’s Lodge Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri, Cambodia

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Sitting atop the hillside overlooking the immense jungle, Nature’s Lodge offers 30 solid wood bungalows, boasting a balcony platform for communal dining and outdoor hammocks. Submerged in the natural land of finest views and misty hills of Mondulkiri highlands, you can spot Cambodia’s wildlife while sipping on local Mondulkiri coffee. Did I mention the romantic sunset scene?

Sharma Springs @ Green Village Bali, Ubud, Indonesia

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You’ll be willingly trapped in this myriad of bamboos and begging not to leave after. 6 storey structure designed by architect Elora Hardy is made almost entirely of bamboo accompanied by furnitures made out of bamboos to complement the atmosphere, and houses a library and spa.

Set within a valley along the sacred Ayung River, this eco initiative blends in with its surrounding, not a blatant luxurious place in the Balinese village. Here, you can practise yoga with the morning sun.

Panchoran Retreat, Bali, Indonesia

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A soothing sanctuary, a basic haven that relaxes your mind while you communicate with the nature. In Panchoran Retreat, there are 6 well spaced out forest retreats - Waterfall House, River House, Modern Waterfall House, Coconut House, Bamboo Garden House - made from recycled and sustainable materials, blurring the dichotomy between the natural exterior and man-made interior. Other zen-mode activities that you can indulge in are Yoga at the Pavilion and Bamboo Meditation.

For more travel tips, click here.