The ultimate guide to Johor Bahru road trips

Johor Bahru is more than a day trip

For most Singaporeans, JB means one thing: a quick dash across the Causeway for cheap massages and mee rebus. But Johor is actually Malaysia’s second-largest state, and once you get behind the wheel, it unfolds into a surprisingly diverse playground of coastlines, rainforests, waterfalls, heritage towns, and some of the best food in Southeast Asia.

This guide goes beyond the city centre. We’ve mapped out the best self-drive routes radiating out from Johor Bahru—each one doable as a day trip or an overnight escape—and we’ll show you why the March school holidays are arguably the best window to make it happen.

All you need is a passport, a Hertz rental car, and a willingness to take the road less travelled. Let’s Go!

Why March is the ideal time for a JB road trip

The timing couldn’t be better. Singapore’s March school holidays run from Saturday 14 March to Sunday 22 March 2026, giving families a full nine-day window. Better still, Hari Raya Puasa falls on Saturday 21 March, and Monday 23 March is a designated school day off-in-lieu—meaning you can stretch the break even further without taking extra leave.

March also sits in the sweet spot between monsoon seasons. Johor’s east coast (Desaru, Mersing) has dried out after the northeast monsoon, and temperatures are warm without the oppressive humidity of mid-year. Beach days, waterfall hikes, and open-air hawker feasts are all firmly on the table.

And because it’s a school holiday rather than a major long weekend, the Causeway and Second Link crossings are noticeably calmer than Chinese New Year or National Day. Cross early on a weekday morning and you could be in JB in under thirty minutes.

Trip planning at a glance

Route 1: Johor Bahru city — culture, food, and skyline views

Distance from checkpoint: 5–15 min  |  Best for: day trips, first-timers, foodies

Start in the city centre for a crash course in JB’s evolving personality. The heritage quarter around Jalan Tan Hiok Nee is lined with restored shophouses, indie cafes, and antique dealers. Walk from there to the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple (one of the city’s oldest structures, dating to the 1870s), then continue to the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque for its commanding hilltop views across the Straits to Singapore.

For a modern perspective, head up to Skyscape at Menara JLand—a rooftop observation deck on the 34th floor with a glass skywalk, VR experiences, and panoramic views of the city and the Causeway below. It’s particularly striking at sunset.

Where to eat in JB city

•       Salahuddin Bakery. Operating since 1937, this no-frills bakery serves some of the best curry puffs in Malaysia. Arrive early—they sell out fast.

•       Kam Long Curry Fish Head. A local institution for fiery, coconut-rich curry fish head. The queue is the quality guarantee.

•       Hiap Joo Bakery. Famous for its wood-fired banana cake. Grab a few loaves—they make excellent road trip snacks for the drives ahead.

•       Pasar Karat (Rusty Market). JB’s atmospheric weekend flea market on Jalan Segget. Vintage finds, street food, and genuine local buzz.

Shopping detour: Johor Premium Outlets

Twenty-five minutes northwest of JB city, Johor Premium Outlets in Kulai houses over 130 designer and name-brand stores with daily discounts of 25–65%. The favourable exchange rate makes this a particularly rewarding stop for Singaporean shoppers. Pack the boot—you’ll need the space.

Route 2: Desaru Coast — beaches, waterparks, and family fun

Distance from JB: ~95 km  |  Drive time: ~1.5 hours  |  Best for: families, beach lovers

Head east from JB along the Senai-Desaru Expressway and within ninety minutes you’ll arrive at Desaru Coast, Johor’s premier beachfront destination. The coastline has been transformed in recent years with a cluster of international resorts, a world-class waterpark, and family-friendly attractions—all set against a long stretch of golden sand.

•       Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast. Five themed zones with over 20 rides, including water coasters, a looping lazy river, and splash zones for younger kids. A full-day affair for families.

•       Desaru Fruit Farm. Over 120 species of tropical fruit across sprawling orchards. Join a guided tour, taste exotic varieties you’ve never heard of, and stock up on fresh produce.

•       Desaru Ostrich Farm. Meet the world’s largest birds up close, try an ostrich egg omelette, and let the kids burn off energy in the outdoor play areas.

•       Beach time. The wide, uncrowded Desaru beach is ideal for kite-flying, picnics, and evening strolls. Pack a mat and stay for sunset—the east coast sky puts on a show.

March advantage: The northeast monsoon ends in February, so March delivers calm seas, clear skies, and lower humidity—perfect beach conditions without the mid-year crowds.

The right car for a Desaru beach run.

A Hertz luxury SUV handles the expressway with ease and has boot space for beach gear, coolers, and the inevitable bag of fruit farm purchases. Browse our daily rentals or monthly lease options.

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Route 3: Kota Tinggi — waterfalls and rainforest

Distance from JB: ~60 km  |  Drive time: ~1 hour  |  Best for: nature lovers, hikers

An hour northeast of JB, Kota Tinggi is the gateway to some of Johor’s most accessible jungle experiences. The star attraction is Kota Tinggi Waterfalls, a multi-tiered cascade surrounded by dense rainforest. The natural pools at the base are perfect for a cooling dip, and the surrounding park has well-maintained trails, picnic areas, and a firefly tour along the river at dusk.

For a more challenging outing, drive twenty minutes further to Gunung Panti Recreational Forest, where trails wind through primary rainforest to a series of beautiful waterfalls. The terrain is moderate, making it manageable for reasonably fit families with older children.

Insider tip: Arrive at Kota Tinggi Waterfalls early on a weekday morning and you may have the pools entirely to yourself. Pack water shoes, mosquito repellent, and a picnic—there are sheltered tables near the falls.

Route 4: Kluang — coffee culture and small-town charm

Distance from JB: ~110 km  |  Drive time: ~1.5 hours  |  Best for: foodies, culture seekers

Kluang is one of those towns that Malaysians rave about but most Singaporeans have never visited. Tucked in the interior of Johor, this former railway hub has reinvented itself as a foodie destination with serious heritage charm.

•       Kluang Rail Coffee. Right beside the working railway tracks, this retro coffee joint has been open since 1938. Order a kopi and nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaf, and enjoy it as trains rumble past just metres away.

•       Kluang Coffee Powder Factory. Home of the famous “Television Brand” coffee, made using traditional roasting methods with a blend of Arabica, Liberica, and Robusta beans. Factory tours and fresh coffee available.

•       Gunung Lambak. A twin-peaked mountain (510 m) on the edge of town with well-marked trails through rainforest. Small waterfalls and a natural mountain pool at the base make it a rewarding half-day hike.

•       Kluang street food. The morning market and hawker stalls serve exceptional yong tau foo, laksa, and char kuey teow at prices that feel like a time warp.

Route 5: Mersing — the quiet coastal escape

Distance from JB: ~135 km  |  Drive time: ~2 hours  |  Best for: couples, relaxation, island hopping

Mersing is the furthest drive on this list, but it rewards the extra distance with a completely different pace. This sleepy fishing town on Johor’s east coast is the jumping-off point for the Mersing Islands (Tioman, Rawa, Besar), but the mainland itself offers a beautiful, unhurried coastal experience.

•       Air Papan Beach. A crescent of soft sand backed by casuarina trees, about twenty minutes north of Mersing town. Quiet, clean, and ideal for families who want a beach without the resort crowds.

•       Mersing town. Wander the waterfront, watch fishing boats unload the day’s catch, and eat your way through hawker stalls serving the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere in Johor.

•       Endau-Rompin National Park. One of the oldest rainforests in the world, accessible via Mersing. Multi-day trekking permits are available for the adventurous, while shorter guided walks offer a taste of the jungle.

March advantage: The east coast monsoon has ended, boat services to the islands resume in March, and accommodation is plentiful before the June holiday rush. It’s the sweet spot between off-season and peak.

Longer drives deserve a comfortable ride.

For the Mersing run, a Hertz first-class MPV like the Toyota Vellfire gives everyone room to stretch out on the two-hour drive. Our monthly leases from 1–24 months include insurance, maintenance, and 24/7 roadside assist—ideal for regular Malaysia explorers.

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Route 6: Pontian & Kukup — mangroves and seafood on stilts

Distance from JB: ~90 km (via Tuas)  |  Drive time: ~1.5 hours  |  Best for: off-beat explorers, seafood lovers

If you enter Malaysia via the Tuas Second Link, Pontian and Kukup are practically on your way. This southwestern corner of Johor is as far from the tourist trail as you can get while still being under two hours from Singapore.

•       Tanjung Piai National Park. The southernmost tip of mainland Asia. Walk the mangrove boardwalk to the viewing platform and collect your bragging rights (and a certificate).

•       Kukup fishing village. A century-old village built on stilts over the sea. Explore the creaky boardwalks, then eat crab and prawns at a waterfront restaurant with your feet practically dangling over the water.

•       Pulau Kukup National Park. A short boat ride to one of the world’s largest uninhabited mangrove islands. Spot mudskippers, brahminy kites, and tree-climbing crabs from elevated boardwalks.

•       Pekan Nanas. Detour through “Pineapple Town” for fresh pineapple tarts, juice, and a visit to the quirky Pineapple Museum.

Self-drive tips for your JB road trip

1.    Cross early. The Causeway and Second Link are calmest before 7 AM on weekdays. During the March school holidays, mid-week crossings are significantly smoother than weekends.

2.    VEP and RFID. Singapore-registered vehicles need a Vehicle Entry Permit and RFID tag. Apply well in advance—processing takes weeks. A RM20 road charge applies per entry.

3.    Touch ‘n Go card. Essential for toll roads (the Senai-Desaru Expressway, for example) and many parking facilities. Top up at any Petronas, 7-Eleven, or Watsons in Malaysia.

4.    Fill up after immigration. Malaysian petrol is roughly 60% cheaper than Singapore. Fill your tank at the first station after the checkpoint.

5.    Download offline maps. Data coverage can be patchy on rural Johor roads. Download Google Maps or Waze offline before departing.

6.    Drive defensively. Trunk roads pass through kampungs with motorcycles, pedestrians, and livestock. Keep your speed moderate, especially at dusk.

7.    Rent from a name you trust. Cross-border trips demand vehicles in top condition. Every Hertz Singapore rental car is inspected before each trip, backed by comprehensive insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance in both countries.

Not sure which car suits your trip?

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March holiday itinerary ideas

The long weekend sprint (3 days / 2 nights)

Day 1: Cross early via Tuas. Drive to Pontian and Kukup for mangrove walks and seafood lunch. Overnight in Pontian or continue to Batu Pahat.

Day 2: Drive to Muar for mee bandung and otak-otak breakfast. Explore the riverside murals and Jalan Sisi cafes. Afternoon at Gersik Hot Springs or Gunung Ledang base area.

Day 3: Return via the North-South Expressway with a Yong Peng pit-stop for Hakka noodles. Back in Singapore by lunch.

The family beach escape (4 days / 3 nights)

Day 1: Cross via Woodlands. Explore JB city: Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Skyscape, Hiap Joo Bakery. Overnight in JB.

Day 2: Drive to Desaru Coast. Adventure Waterpark in the morning, Desaru Fruit Farm in the afternoon. Beach sunset and seafood dinner. Overnight at a Desaru resort.

Day 3: Morning beach time or ostrich farm visit. Drive to Kota Tinggi for a waterfall swim and jungle walk. Overnight in Kota Tinggi or return to JB.

Day 4: Johor Premium Outlets for holiday shopping. Return to Singapore via the Causeway.

The full explorer (6 days / 5 nights)

Combine all six routes above across the full March school holiday window. Start with JB city and Desaru, loop south through Kota Tinggi, swing inland to Kluang, drive east to Mersing for a night, then return via Pontian and Kukup. This is the ultimate Johor self-drive circuit—and a Hertz monthly lease makes it effortlessly affordable.

Choose the car that matches your destination

The route you pick determines the car you need. Hertz Singapore offers a curated fleet ready for cross-border travel—every vehicle inspected, insured, and backed by 24/7 roadside support.

Not sure which car fits? Browse the full Hertz Singapore fleet with transparent pricing. For trips lasting a week or more, our monthly and long-term lease plans include insurance, servicing, and roadside assist as standard.

Why drive with Hertz Singapore?

•       Malaysia-ready fleet. Every vehicle pre-inspected for cross-border travel with valid insurance and documentation.

•       Short-term daily rentals. Perfect for weekend JB runs. Pick up and go. Book a short-term rental.

•       Monthly & long-term leases (1–24 months). Guaranteed models, all-inclusive pricing. See monthly lease options.

•       24/7 roadside assistance. Covered in both Singapore and Malaysia. Flat tyre on a Johor trunk road? We’ve got you.

•       Corporate solutions. Team retreat across the border? Our corporate programmes offer fleet management and volume pricing.

•       Chauffeur services. Prefer to be driven? Professional chauffeur services for airport transfers and special occasions.

Johor is bigger than you think

Most Singaporeans have crossed into JB dozens of times but explored less than five per cent of what Johor has to offer. The waterfalls of Kota Tinggi, the retro railway charm of Kluang, the empty beaches of Mersing, the stilt villages of Kukup—these are experiences that sit just one to three hours from the checkpoint, waiting for anyone with a car and a sense of adventure.

The March school holidays give you the time. The weather gives you the conditions. And Hertz gives you the car.

So pick a route, pack the boot, and take Johor for a proper drive. We’ll have the keys ready. Let’s Go!

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