Malaysia - 1 Day trip to Johor Bahru Skudai & Bukit Indah itinerary

Since young, my family and I would travel to Johor Baru (JB) once a year to get loose. They would shop till they drop and fill the entire car with supplies that could last us a few months and sometimes up to a year. #iamnotkidding

These days, visiting JB seems to be a monthly affair. We would visit relatives once in a while or just to get the knot in my muscle fixed. & not forgetting H’s all-time hobby –  to search for good food. H’s mantra for Prata is that any Prata from Malaysia is a good Prata. lol

Here’s what we did on our recent trip to JB.

Woodland Checkpoint – Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory - Restoran Lapan Dua Dua 822 超級鴨王 - Wah Cai’s Fried Durian Fritter - Shopping at Bukit indah - Dinner at Restoran Makanan Laut Asli Mutiara Biru 阿士里海鲜村– Woodland Checkpoint
Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory

First stop – Buy the famous charcoal oven-baked Banana cake from Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory before going to Skudai. The bakery has been around since 1919 and still uses the traditional charcoal oven baking. Their Banana cake is soft, had a rich taste and free of preservatives. Be there around noon time as the banana cakes are only available from 12pm onwards. (Banana cake – 4.80RM, 9.60RM)

Address: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours : Monday 12pm to 5:50pm Tuesday to Saturday 7:30am to 5:30pm Closed on Sundays


Restoran Lapan Dua Dua 822 超級鴨王 

If you love Ya Wang鴨王(Popular restaurant that sells duck and rumoured to sell the recipes to dianxiaoer) but feels that it is a little overpriced? Try Restoran Lapan Dua Dua 822 超級鴨王at Skudai. Infused with strong Dang Gui taste, the duck from Restoran Lapan Dua Dua 822 超級鴨王 is roast to perfection – Skin golden brown and slightly crisp. Other than the roast duck, we were taken by surprise by its beancurd/dao-gua. The dao-gua taste like fishcake. Like seriously? It had change the entire game of how much I dislike dao-gua.

My mom loves the preserved vegetables soup. The vegetables were simmered to softness and soup was cook with duck bones over some time. I did not enjoy the soup as much as my parents because it was a little too sour/salty for me. Nonetheless, looking at how my folks enjoy the soup makes it an enjoyable experience.

We had roast duck and Charsiew but find that it is mediocre. Personally, find that You Kee serves better roast duck. Oh yes, the chilli is da bomb too

Address:  39, Jalan Nakhoda 1, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Daily, 8AM–6PM, close on Thursday

Wah Cai’s Fried Durian Fritter

Photo source: Urica Cheng 

A few streets away from Restoran Lapan Dua Dua 822 超級鴨王, we plan to visit Wah Cai and try the famous Durian Fritter after lunch. Unfortunately, it was closed on Wednesday. Nonetheless, I decided to put this place up and KIV. Do share with me if you happen to go!

Address: 81300, 64-86, Jalan Pahlawan 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

Shopping at AEON Bukit Indah Shopping Mall

photo source : zzanyy

My favourite mall in JB when I was a student. Although it does not have a lot of unique shops & cafes like a city square or KSL, I love how quiet that place is compared to others. There is a cinema situated on the top floor, Jusco Departmental store with super-market (Items sold in Jusco are more expensive than Giant & Tesco). The mall has several international brands like Faceshop, Topshop, Levi, Mango & Daiso. Oh and remember to visit Lavender - the overly expensive bread shop that Singaporeans likes to buy (including us) haha

Plus, right across Bukit Indah mall, there are streets of restaurants and eateries that are worth your calories. My personal favorite is the Korean Restaurant across the street – Daorae and a Chinese restaurant -  福 生 家鄉 小廚. The salted egg yolk Inoki is to die for! Ew and I can finish 2 plates! Shall save this for another day. 

Massage at Thai Relax Spa Center

Usually, we will visit Thai Relax Spa Center for a 60-minute massage. For 68 rm (Traditional Thai massage), we get a good 60-minute rub. Personally, I feel that the masseuse from Thai Relax Spa Center is pretty good. Although there are about 2/10 occasions the masseuse had screw up. Anyway, there are a few outlets. I supposed different outlet have different service (special and the clean ones) from the Thai Relax. The outlet we went seems to be 'clean' usually we had an old lady help to help us massage but their facebook page show otherwise. Hmmm. 

Restoran Makanan Laut Asli Mutiara Biru 阿士里海鲜村

We had dinner at Restoran Makanan Laut Asli Mutiara Biru aka阿士里海鲜村. 20 minutes from Bukit Indah Mall, the restaurant is situated in Perling Town. You can even see Singapore from there! The Kelong-style seafood restaurant had a homely and rustic feel. Plus, There were kids running around, bringing the kampong level up

However getting to the restaurant is a challenge to us everytime. We could only get in but always had a difficult time getting out. Back then, there were no street lamps at night, we could only follow our relative’s car closely. Nowadays, we would go around 6pm and finish our meal earlier. #thosewerethedays 

Well known for fresh seafood - the Crab, Sotong and shellfish is something you cannot miss. We ordered 1 Medium size Chilli crab (88rm), steam fish (52rm), Shellfish (15rm) Kangkong (8rm), fried calamari (18rm). My personal favorite got to be the Shellfish! The shellfish was fat and juicy! The chili made it even tasty! The Chili crab was pretty good too! However, I find that their non-seafood dishes were pretty mediocre like the mantou and kangkong we had.

Overall I find that this place is worth going if you want affordable seafood. There are better seafood restaurants in Malaysia. Nonetheless, it definitely brings back my childhood days.

Address : Jalan Sungai Temon Asli,  Kampung Sungai Temon,  81200, Johor Bahru, Johor.

Operate all day except Tuesday from  6pm - 10.00pm

There are many things to do in JB for a day and we are very often spoilt with choices! If you are looking for a 2D1N JB itinerary, read to find out more suggestion and ideas where to go for your next trip!