The Singapore dollar’s rise against the Malaysia Ringgit hit a new yearly high on Wednesday (19 Dec) afternoon.
For 1 SGD, you can now get 3.05 RM in return.
You know what this means?
Johor Bahru (JB) weekend trip! After the massive queues at our Causeway subside of course.
Once you’ve converted your SGD to ringgit at your nearest moneychanger, here are some must-visits on your upcoming JB food adventure.
Urban Artisan Cafe is renowned for its instagrammable dual-coloured soft serve, priced at RM15.90 per cone.
Its ice cream comes in unique flavours and combinations that change every week.
Think Milo with Oceanic Sea Salt, Coal Black Thai Coconut with Taro Yam, or even Quenchy Watermelon with Hokkaido Lavender!
Urban Artisan Cafe
Address: 47, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru 81100
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday 1400 – 2200
Friday & Saturday 1400 – 2300
Closed on Tuesdays
This new cafe in JB sells everything, yes, EVERYTHING, at only RM1.90.
Serving up a variety of local fare boat noodles-style, this extremely value for money cafe is just a 15-minute drive from the checkpoint.
Their menu covers everything from mains like Nasi Lemak, Laksa and Curry Noodles to desserts, among them Mango Sticky Rice and Sagu Gula Melaka.
Eat & Repeat
Address: No. 58 Jalan Padi Emas 4/1,Bandar Baru Uda, Johor Bahru 81200
Opening hours: Saturday – Wednesday 1300 – 2200, Closed on Thursday and Friday
Bloom by Mokmok yells “aesthetic” as the entire place is decked out in dried flowers.
They have withered blooms hanging from the ceiling. There are even some plastered on a wooden swing right outside the shop, which is perfect for getting that swell IG shot.
The menu is exactly the same as Mok Mok Brunch and Bistro’s, so be sure to kickstart your blooming weekend with a brunch there.
Bloom by Mokmok
Address: 87, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2a, Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru 81100
Opening hours: Daily 1200 – 2330
The first ever Japanese Creme Brûlée Ice Cream Crepe has just made its Malaysian debut.
The crepe cone filled with soft serve or rich custard and topped with crisp caramelised sugar (12 Ringgit) already has us salivating.
Other hot picks are their Taro Milk Tea (RM9.90 for Regular & RM10.90 for Large) and Oreo Uji Matcha (RM 12.90).
Yummy Taro
Address: 36, Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru 81100
Opening hours: Daily 1200 – 0000
Love a good afternoon spent playing board games such as Cards Against Humanity or Saboteur?
Then you’ll love this cheaper equivalent of Playnation and Mind Cafe, located in the heart of JB.
Shakespeare Milkshakes is a board game cafe that allows you choose from more than 50 games while sipping milkshakes. Best part? It’s dirt cheap. (RM7/8 for weekday/weekend per hour per pax).
One of their speciality shakes is the Kinder Bueno Shake (RM16), a chocolate-hazelnut shake topped with salted cookies and Kinder Bueno bar.
Shakespeare Milkshakes
Address: 9, Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru 80000
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 1200 – 2300, Weekends 1200 – 0000
One of JB’s oldest and most well-known traditional bakeries, Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory sells aromatic banana cakes (RM5 for small, RM10 for big) and freshly baked coconut buns (5 for RM4.50).
These treats are are moist, fragrant and reasonably priced, making it a must-visit for those looking for a bang for their Ringgit!
They also baked in batches so do queue early to avoid having to wait 1.5 hours for a new batch.
Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory
Address: 13 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Johor Bahru 80000
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 0730 – 1730
Sunday 0830 – 1200
All this food is practically screaming at you to be in your tummy and on your Instagram feed.
With the great Ringgit exchange rate, there is really no better time to take your cafe-hunting journey across the border.
Do share with us in the comments section below if you have other JB recommendations!
Featured image from Facebook, Facebook, Facebook and Facebook.
He made sure all the passengers were served before taking a slice for himself.
The doctor recommended a 2-week gap between manicures to allow nails to recover.
The dog stayed with its owner until she was discharged.
Plus, stand a chance to win a BYD electric car.
Following the incident, netizens felt compelled to reconsider pork consumption.
The dog, Taohu, was inseparable from its owner, who raised it from puppyhood.