Johor Bahru City Square & Jalan Wong Ah Fook: Where Modern Shopping Meets Street Food Culture
Located just minutes from the Singapore–Malaysia border, Johor Bahru City Square and Jalan Wong Ah Fook form the dynamic core of JB’s commercial and cultural experience. Whether you’re crossing the Causeway for a day trip or exploring Johor Bahru on holiday, this area promises a unique blend of urban shopping, heritage charm, and mouth-watering food.
Johor Bahru City Square: Mall at the Gateway
Johor Bahru City Square is a massive shopping mall directly linked to the JB Sentral transport hub and CIQ immigration complex. It’s one of the first places you see when you cross over from Singapore.
Highlights:
- Over 300 stores including fashion giants like H&M, Uniqlo, and Popular Bookstore
- mmCineplexes for movie-goers and arcade games for families
- A scenic rooftop garden on Level 6 for breaks between shopping sprees
- Wide range of dining options from Japanese and Korean to halal-certified Malaysian chains
- Direct pedestrian access from JB Sentral—ideal for Singaporean day-trippers
This air-conditioned retail haven makes a perfect starting point before you dive into the local food street nearby.
Jalan Wong Ah Fook: JB’s Iconic Food and Culture Street
Running parallel to City Square, Jalan Wong Ah Fook is one of Johor Bahru’s oldest and most iconic streets. It offers a sensory overload with street food stalls, colonial-era buildings, local boutiques, and indie cafés.
What to Eat:
- Kam Long Ah Zai Curry Fish Head – Rich, spicy curry in clay pots; a long-time local favorite
- IT Roo Café – Famous for award-winning Hainanese chicken chop
- Restoran Hua Mui – Serving traditional kaya toast and Hainanese breakfasts since 1946
- Ya Wang – Herbal roasted duck, also linked to Singapore’s Dian Xiao Er
- Salahuddin Bakery – Charcoal-baked breads and pastries with nostalgic flavor
- Hock Chiang Hin – Affordable, fresh dim sum in a no-frills setting
You’ll also find Instagrammable coffee shops like Flim Lab and Drip JB, perfect for a caffeine recharge.
Culture and Nightlife
As the sun sets, Jalan Wong Ah Fook transforms into a buzzing pasar malam (night market) scene. Explore:
- Street murals and LED-lit signs
- Live music and performers near the heritage shophouses
- Small kiosks selling snacks, accessories, and handmade crafts
It’s a perfect contrast to the sleek malls next door—offering raw, authentic street vibes.
How to Get There
| Mode of Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| By Train/Bus from Singapore | Alight at JB Sentral, which is connected directly to City Square |
| By Car | Park at City Square or surrounding open-air lots |
| By Foot | Easily walkable from CIQ after immigration clearance |
Travel Tips
- Visit early morning for relaxed street photography and breakfast
- Avoid peak afternoon hours (1–4PM) for less traffic and heat
- Try both the heritage cafés and mall food courts to experience the contrast
- Bring cash for hawker stalls, though many accept QR payments too
Summary
Johor Bahru City Square and Jalan Wong Ah Fook together offer the ultimate JB experience—from fast-fashion and cinema to curry fish heads and kaya toast. Whether you’re a foodie, a casual shopper, or a culture explorer, this central district guarantees a memorable day trip or weekend outing.
