Johor Bahru’s proximity to Singapore is only one of the reasons why many families choose it for a family vacation. The capital serves as a gateway to a myriad of fun-filled activities for children and their parents to enjoy, even on a short holiday. Plan your next getaway by reading on for our top picks of the best attractions to delight kids and adults alike:
- Angry Birds Activity Park
Your children have spent hours on the game and watched the movies. Now they can meet the Angry Birds live and in the flesh at the Angry Birds Activity Park, a 26,000 square feet indoor theme park located within KOMTAR JBCC in the heart of Johor Bahru’s city centre. Your kids can run, jump, and play in the park’s numerous attractions, including Red’s Jungle Run, the Giant Leap Foam Pit, and Captain Black Bird’s Ship. Parents can kick back and relax in the parents lounge while waiting for their little ones. The park is open from 10 AM to 10 PM and is only a stone’s throw away from the Grand Paragon JB, an excellent choice for accommodations in Johor Bahru.
- Sanrio Hello Kitty Town
A visit to the town where Hello Kitty lives will be a dream come true for any little girl, and families don’t even need to go to Japan to see it! Sanrio Hello Kitty Town at Puteri Harbour in JB features shows and attractions themed around the famous feline and all of her cute friends. Though there is only one ride, the Kitty Tea Cup, your little angel is sure to enjoy her tour of Hello Kitty’s House, creating her own Kitty-themed masterpiece at the Wishful Studio, and the menu full of food that looks almost too precious to eat at the Red Bow Café.
- LEGOLAND Malaysia
Many people are quick to admit that JB’s main draw is LEGOLAND Malaysia, the country’s first international theme park. Opened in 2012, the 76-acre property continues to expand with a Lego-themed water park and hotel and is now home to over 40 rides and attractions, including 3 rollercoasters. The theme park is divided into 8 zones and features characters from LEGO’s Ninjago series, LEGO Friends, and more. Kids will have barrels of fun learning as they play, with dedicated areas for building and working with LEGO blocks. The water park features kiddie and adult pools, slides, and water rides for endless fun in the sun.
- Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park
Nothing spells summer vacation quite like a visit to a water park! Austin Heights tops many “best of Johor Bahru” lists and it’s easy to see why. The park is divided into three sections. Adventure Park is for thrill-seekers who enjoy a challenge—they’ll surely work up a sweat navigating the area’s indoor suspension adventure rope course, the longest in Malaysia with 7 course routes and 51 total obstacles to overcome. The Sports & Leisure Park is where to go for active pursuits with an ice-skating rink, go-kart drifting, and an indoor trampoline centre for hours of nonstop bouncing fun. Finally, the Water Park takes up the largest chunk of space in the area, containing an assortment of water slides and rides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a dedicated water play area for kids.
- Zoo Johor
Zoo Johor is conveniently located just 1 kilometre from the boundaries of the city centre, making it one of the most accessible attractions in JB for families to explore. It was built in 1928 by His Royal Highness Almarhum Sultan Sir Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Sir Abu Bakar and is considered to be one of the oldest zoos in the country, housing over a hundred animal species, including endangered animals. Take in an animal show, visit the various enclosures, and go paddling or horseback riding—these are only a few of the activities offered on the 31-acre property. Children will have a lot of fun meeting their favourite animals up close and learning more about them.
- Desaru Fruit Farm
Lauded “Best Agro-Tourism Site” in 2006 by the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agro-Tourism Awards and “Innovative Tourism Attraction – Agro Tourism Conservation” by the Malaysia Tourism Awards in 2010, Desaru Fruit Farm is a 180-acre multi-purpose property that aims to educate as well as entertain. Farm tours are available, where families can learn more about where and how their food is grown and made. There’s a petting zoo and a crocodile farm on the premises as well. Other activities include paintballing and ATV rides through the farm.
With its many attractions for the young and the young-once, Johor Bahru is the perfect destination for families that are on the lookout for places that they can enjoy together. Make sure you prepare your young family members for a fun day, and don’t forget to bring out your inner kid when you head out to these attractions.
