Johor Bahru City Square
Conveniently located next to the Johor CIQ, this mall offers a mix of shopping, dining, and services, perfect for day-trippers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Johor Bahru City Square
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conveniently located next to the Johor CIQ, this mall offers a mix of shopping, dining, and services, perfect for day-trippers.
"It's just beside the Malaysia custom and it’s in a very good location, less than 5 minutes walk from the custom."
🚶♀️ Walk from CIQ
The mall is connected to the CIQ, making it a short, sheltered walk. Perfect for avoiding traffic queues!
🍜 Try Local Eateries
Explore the basement for authentic Malaysian food. Oriental Kopi is a popular choice for breakfast!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Direct CIQ Access
Adjacent to Johor CIQ
Step directly from the immigration complex into a world of shopping and dining. Unbeatable convenience for day-trippers.
Diverse Dining Options
Basement and lower levels
From local Malaysian delights to international flavors and popular cafes, satisfy your cravings with a wide array of food choices.
Retail Therapy Galore
Multiple levels
Explore a mix of local and international brands, beauty services, and unique pop-up stores for a satisfying shopping spree.
Events and Pop-ups
Level 1 Atrium
Catch seasonal events, mooncake sales, and various pop-up stalls that add a dynamic and festive atmosphere to the mall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Proximity to CIQ is Key
Mall Evolution & Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk from CIQ
The mall is connected to the CIQ, making it a short, sheltered walk. Perfect for avoiding traffic queues!
🍜 Try Local Eateries
Explore the basement for authentic Malaysian food. Oriental Kopi is a popular choice for breakfast!
💅 Pamper Yourself
From manicures to massages, find affordable beauty and wellness services within the mall.
🛍️ Imported Snacks
Level 4 has a great selection of imported Asian snacks, a must-visit for snack enthusiasts!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk from CIQ
The mall is connected to the CIQ, making it a short, sheltered walk. Perfect for avoiding traffic queues!
🍜 Try Local Eateries
Explore the basement for authentic Malaysian food. Oriental Kopi is a popular choice for breakfast!
💅 Pamper Yourself
From manicures to massages, find affordable beauty and wellness services within the mall.
🛍️ Imported Snacks
Level 4 has a great selection of imported Asian snacks, a must-visit for snack enthusiasts!
💰 Price Check
While generally cheaper than Singapore, prices have been converging. Still great for specific items and services.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Johor Bahru City Square is lauded for its unbeatable location right next to the CIQ, making it incredibly convenient for Singaporean visitors. It offers a diverse range of dining options, affordable services like massages, and a good selection of shops, especially for imported snacks. While some find it a shadow of its former glory and prices are rising, it remains a popular and practical choice for a day trip.
"JB City Square a mall very close to CIQ.
All the shops under one roof.
You can simply get anything from there without a need to travel far to other malls.
Many popular restaurants and shops.
I had my breakfast at the Oriental kopi.
It was so good.."
ANGELINA VIVIFICA
"Nice place to walk around. It’s just beside the Malaysia custom and it’s in a very good location, less than 5 minutes walk from the custom.
As it is in a very good location, there are quite a lot of shops. You can buy stuff, cut hair, do massage, do manicure and pedicure, eat here and lots more.
Most people will takeaway food from here back to Singapore too"
Kevin Y
"A shadow of its former glory as compared to its prime back in the 2000s, it still draws in the Singaporean crowd as it is literally the first mall on the left once you exit customs.
The once lively upper levels are now undergoing renovations and “the underground” at levels 3 and 4 have matured into food and services outlets rather than the fashion street concept that it used to be.
Restaurants at the basement are family-oriented and typical of malls in JB. The highlight would be the events held at the atrium of level 1 from time to time.
We managed to bask in the busyness of the mid-autumn mooncake sale the day it started and were greeted by queues outside almost every other booth.
Worth a visit!"
MH Tham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is by bus from Singapore. You can take a bus directly to the Johor Bahru CIQ complex, and City Square Mall is connected via a sheltered walkway, just a few minutes' walk away.
Alternatively, you can drive and park at the mall, but be prepared for potential traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.Yes, Johor Bahru City Square has ample parking facilities. However, during weekends and public holidays, parking can be challenging due to high visitor numbers. Consider using public transport or ride-sharing services if you're visiting during busy periods.
The Johor CIQ typically operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, it's always advisable to check the latest operating hours before your trip, as they can sometimes be subject to change.
While there isn't a direct train line to City Square itself, you can take the KTM train from Singapore to Johor Bahru Sentral, which is a short walk or taxi ride from the mall.
Several bus companies offer direct services from various points in Singapore to the Johor Bahru CIQ, which is adjacent to City Square. Look for services that terminate at the CIQ for the most convenient access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Johor Bahru City Square is free. You only pay for purchases made within the mall, such as shopping, dining, or services.
Johor Bahru City Square generally opens from 10 AM to 10 PM daily. However, individual store hours may vary. It's best to check the mall's official website or individual store listings for specific timings.
The mall frequently hosts events, especially at the Level 1 atrium, such as seasonal sales, cultural festivals, and pop-up markets. Keep an eye on their social media or website for announcements.
There is no admission fee to enter Johor Bahru City Square. It is a public shopping mall accessible to everyone.
Generally, outside food and drinks are discouraged in the mall's common areas and restaurants. However, small personal snacks for consumption are usually tolerated.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Services
City Square offers a diverse range of shops, including fashion boutiques, electronics stores, beauty retailers, bookstores, and specialty shops selling imported Asian snacks.
Yes, the mall has several outlets offering affordable massages, foot reflexology, manicures, and pedicures. It's a popular spot for Singaporeans to get these services.
Level 4 of Johor Bahru City Square is known for its selection of imported Asian snacks, offering a wide variety of treats not commonly found elsewhere.
While City Square itself focuses more on retail and dining, there are furniture stores like Warehouz Skudai nearby that offer home furnishings at competitive prices.
Yes, there are several money changers located within Johor Bahru City Square, offering competitive exchange rates for various currencies.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The basement level is a hub for local Malaysian cuisine, with popular spots like Oriental Kopi. You'll also find a variety of cafes, fast-food chains, and restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences.
Yes, Johor Bahru City Square offers a wide range of Halal-certified restaurants and food stalls, catering to Muslim visitors.
Several cafes are scattered throughout the mall, including popular chains and local establishments. Hock Kee Kopitiam on Level 4 is a newly opened spot for authentic Nanyang delicacies.
Yes, many restaurants and food stalls in Johor Bahru City Square offer takeaway options, which is popular among visitors heading back to Singapore.
While the mall itself is well-known, some hidden gems can be found, like Hock Kee Kopitiam on Level 4, offering authentic Malaysian flavors.
Exploring the basement food court can also reveal local favorites.📸 📸 Photography
While primarily a shopping mall, the atrium on Level 1 often features decorative displays or event setups that can be photogenic. The surrounding urban landscape and the view from higher floors can also offer interesting shots.
Daytime offers natural light, especially near entrances and windows. Evenings can be atmospheric with the mall's interior lighting. Consider capturing the bustling atmosphere during peak hours or events.
The Level 1 atrium is often a focal point for events and decorations. The food court areas can also capture the vibrant culinary scene. Some TikTok creators have highlighted unique spots, so keep an eye out for those visual cues.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in and around shopping malls and public areas due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to avoid flying drones in this vicinity.
Beyond the mall, Johor Bahru offers diverse photography subjects, from street art to unique cafes and coastal views. Many creators showcase these aspects on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🇸🇬 Singapore Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Causeway and Beyond
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the mall, Johor Bahru offers a vibrant tapestry of experiences. While City Square provides a concentrated dose of shopping and dining, venturing slightly further can lead you to unique cafes, street art, and local markets. TikTok and Instagram are rife with recommendations for 'hidden gems' and 'day trip' itineraries that extend beyond the mall's immediate surroundings, suggesting places like the European-vibed areas or coastal cafes. This highlights that while City Square is a fantastic starting point, it's also a gateway to exploring more of what Johor Bahru has to offer.
A Culinary Journey at City Square
Beyond the traditional Malaysian fare, the mall boasts a wide selection of cafes, international restaurants, and fast-food outlets. For those seeking unique treats, Level 4 is a must-visit, known for its extensive collection of imported Asian snacks. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a leisurely meal, or a place to indulge your sweet tooth, City Square provides a convenient and varied dining landscape. Many visitors also take advantage of the takeaway options to bring delicious JB flavors back home.
Shopping and Services: More Than Just Retail
The mall also houses a good mix of local and international brands, electronics stores, and beauty retailers. For those with a penchant for unique finds, the selection of imported Asian snacks on Level 4 is a significant draw. Furthermore, the mall frequently hosts events and pop-up stalls in its Level 1 atrium, adding a dynamic element to the shopping experience and offering opportunities to discover new products or seasonal items.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit