Thomas Town Puteri Harbour
Once a must-visit spot for families in Johor Bahru, Thomas Town at Puteri Harbour was an enchanting indoor theme park inspired by the famous Thomas & Friends™ series. Known for its interactive rides, bright décor, and fun activities, Thomas Town provided countless joyful memories to children and parents alike before its closure in December 2019.
About Thomas Town, Puteri Harbour
Located within the Puteri Harbour complex in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru, Thomas Town was part of a dual-themed family attraction along with Sanrio Hello Kitty Town. Designed especially for younger kids, the park featured engaging rides and imaginative play zones themed around Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends from the Island of Sodor.
Visitors could explore multiple levels of fun — from bumper cars and mini train rides to creative activity zones and photo corners — all set in a vibrant, air-conditioned environment ideal for family bonding. The indoor setup also made it a great escape from Malaysia’s tropical heat, allowing children to enjoy hours of safe playtime.
Highlights and Attractions
Thomas Town delighted families with a range of engaging and interactive attractions, including:
- 🚂 Thomas & Friends Rides – Kids could hop aboard mini train rides and experience the world of Sodor firsthand.
- 🎠 Bumper Cars & Play Zones – Parents and children enjoyed fun rides together, including safe and exciting bumper car experiences.
- 📸 Themed Photo Spots – The park’s colourful décor and character figures provided perfect backdrops for family photos.
- 🎉 Live Shows & Meet-and-Greets – Visitors could meet Thomas, Percy, and James in entertaining stage shows.
Families often described it as the best indoor playground in Johor Bahru, praising its reasonable prices, friendly staff, and beautiful environment.
Ticket Prices (Before Closure)
During its operating years, Thomas Town offered flexible ticketing options for families:
Single Park Admission (Thomas Town only):
- Adults & Children: RM 75 per person
Two-Park Combo Ticket (Thomas Town + Hello Kitty Town):
- Adults & Children: RM 125 per person
Children below 3 years old entered free of charge, and the park frequently offered seasonal promotions and family passes.
Tickets could be purchased online or at the Puteri Harbour ticket counter, and combo deals were especially popular among families visiting both attractions.
Visitor Experiences
Visitors shared many positive memories of Thomas Town:
“The activities were so fun and the environment beautiful. My kids spent more than an hour at Thomas Town — they loved it so much!” – TripAdvisor review, Sept 2019
“We went a few days before it closed and enjoyed every moment. My son loved the train rides, and even my dad joined the bumper cars!” – TripAdvisor review, Dec 2019
These experiences highlight why Thomas Town was considered a top family-friendly destination in Johor Bahru before its closure.
Closure and Legacy
Thomas Town and Sanrio Hello Kitty Town officially closed on 31 December 2019. Despite being loved by many, the attractions struggled with declining visitor numbers due to their secluded location in Puteri Harbour. Many visitors felt that relocating the parks to a more central area might have kept them alive longer.
Even so, Thomas Town remains a nostalgic part of Johor’s tourism history, remembered fondly by families who grew up with Thomas & Friends.
Nearby Attractions at Puteri Harbour
While Thomas Town is no longer open, Puteri Harbour continues to be a scenic and family-friendly waterfront destination with plenty to explore:
- 🛥️ Puteri Harbour Marina – Relax by the waterfront with cafés, restaurants, and beautiful views.
- 🧩 LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort – Located just a 10-minute drive away, featuring theme park and water park adventures.
- ☀️ Puteri Harbour Satellite Clubhouse – A great spot for family recreation with pools and playgrounds.
- 🍽️ Dining Options – Enjoy local and international cuisines at nearby cafés and restaurants along the promenade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When did Thomas Town open?
Thomas Town opened in 2012 as part of the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park project alongside Sanrio Hello Kitty Town.
2. Why did Thomas Town close?
The park closed permanently on 31 December 2019 due to declining visitor traffic and the end of its licensing agreement.
3. Where was Thomas Town located?
Thomas Town was located on the top floor of Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park, Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
4. What attractions replaced Thomas Town?
As of now, no major attraction has replaced Thomas Town at the same location. However, visitors can enjoy nearby destinations like LEGOLAND Malaysia and the scenic Puteri Harbour Marina.
Final Thoughts
Though Thomas Town has closed, it remains an iconic part of Johor’s family entertainment history — a place where children laughed, played, and created memories that last a lifetime. For parents who once brought their kids there, Thomas Town will always be remembered as a magical indoor theme park that brought the world of Thomas the Tank Engine to life in Malaysia.
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