SGD Hits Yearly High Against M’sian Ringgit; Time To Shop Before The Dollar Drops

SGD To 3.06 Ringgit, Here’s Where You Can Shop In JB

You’ve probably made countless trips across the causeway by now to shop, since the Singapore Dollar (SGD) has been strong against the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).

But don’t take a breather just yet, because the SGD just hit a 17-month high against the MYR on Wednesday (17 Apr), according to a report by CNA.

Demand for MYR has recently fallen, as fears of Malaysian bonds falling out of a major global bond index arise.

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Bad news for Malaysia, but good news for us — a long weekend is coming up and a trip across the causeway is surely on everyone’s minds. So get ready to join the snaking queues at the money changer.

While you patiently wait in line, why not check out our list of malls you can shop at in Johor Bahru (JB)?

1. R&F Mall

Getting through the massive causeway jam is enough of a pain that you’d simply want to get to the mall with as little fuss as possible.

Luckily for you, the new R&F mall in JB is only a 7-minute walk from JB customs, which it’s connected to via a sheltered link bridge.

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With over 100 stores like a gigantic Carl’s Jr. and the atas Emperor Cinemas, you’ll find everything you’ll need there.

In case you didn’t know, Emperor Cinemas hails from Hong Kong, and promises a top-notch movie experience with luxurious leather seats fitted with USB charging ports.

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Unfortunately, Avengers: Endgame won’t be out yet this weekend, but there’s still good news for Marvel fans — R&F Mall is having a special exhibition in preparation for the movie.

You can take pictures with life-size models of the characters, participate in workshops and buy exclusive Avengers: Endgame colour-changing mugs.

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The mugs are only RM39.90 or S$13 each, which is a steal for something you can’t get anywhere else.

Even if you’re not much of a shopper, cool, limited edition merch should be reason enough to drop by R&F Mall.

Address: Tanjung Puteri, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm daily
Nearest train station: JB Sentral

2. Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru

Touted as the “largest shopping mall” in Johor, Paradigm Mall is one to visit, especially if you like to marvel at huge malls like Suntec City or VivoCity.

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The mall boasts more than 500 stores, including departmental store Parkson which spans across four storeys.

They have A&W there too, so you can skip the crazy queues at Jewel Changi. No Shake Shack though, but there’s a Shake Shake, which sells a variety of bubble tea flavours.

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When your eyes are tired from looking at retail outlets, you can turn your attention to other fun activities at the mall which the whole family can do:

• Ice skating
• Indoor Skating
• Indoor climbing

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Address: Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Taman Bukit Mewah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm daily
Nearest train station: JB Sentral

3. Capital City

Renamed Capital City after the underwhelming soft launch of Capital 21 in October 2018, the now complete mall is the perfect family destination.

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The retail outlets don’t offer anything very unique, but one thing that sets this mall apart is the massive theme park on the 4th floor.

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With thrilling indoor rides for visitors of all ages, the young and the young-at-heart are in for the time of their lives.

Attractions like Garfield Family Escape Playland and Bumper Cars are sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.

Address: 83, Jalan Tampoi, Bandar Baru Uda, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-11pm daily
Nearest train station: Larkin Sentral

4. IKEA Tebrau

Think IKEA Tampines is big? Have a look at IKEA Tebrau in Johor Bahru, which happens to be the largest in Southeast Asia.

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Its existence may be old news, but those who have yet to visit must know that prices there are cheaper than in Singapore.

We’re not sure how you’d lug a four-post bed or a table home, but you can always buy bed sheets and other small furnishings.

Don’t miss the Swedish furniture giant’s signature meatballs, which only cost RM15 (S$5) for 15 pieces.

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Address: 33, Jalan Harmonium 23/13, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm
Nearest train station: JB Sentral. Free shuttle bus services are available from Larkin Sentral and KTMB Museum (next to JB Sentral).

5. Johor Premium Outlets

Let’s be honest, we go to JB to spend like royalty, but by that we mean buying tonnes of things for cheap.

And there’s no other place fit for budget kings and queens than Johor Premium Outlets, which offers a wide range of famous luxury brands at marked down prices.

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From Armani to Burberry, Coach and Gucci, you can find the biggest names in fashion all at one place, and in a pretty fancy setting.

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You’d think you were strolling around a quaint little town somewhere in Europe or America.

Address: Jalan Premium Outlets Indahpura, Kulai District, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Opening hours: 10am-10pm daily
Nearest train station: None, but there are direct buses from Singapore.

Long weekend, short holiday in JB

For those of us without any plans for the Good Friday weekend, perhaps a trip to JB will be a great idea.

There’s no need to plan any complicated activities, just hit the malls and make your ringgits rain.

Featured image from Instagram and Capital City.