Pasar Karat, affectionately called Bazar Karat, is a must-visit destination in Johor Bahru that’s just a stone’s throw away from the JB Checkpoint.
This charming night flea market (or pasar malam as locals call it!) on Jalan Segget offers a wide array of products, from clothes and electronics to yummy treats for the foodies.
Read on to discover all this market has to offer – what to buy and what to eat – for a memorable offbeat shopping experience in JB!
Originally known for antiques and used items, Pasar Karat or Bazar Karat, which translates to “rust” in Malay, is now a walking street filled with shoes, gadgets, and local street food vendors.
With approximately 500 meters of bustling stalls, this lively market spans across Jalan Segget and Jalan Tan Hiok and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
What You’ll Like:
Great ‘pasar malam’ vibe
Variety of street food and local delights
Shop for various knock-off goods, electronics, clothes, etc
Open til late night – great for an after dinner stroll or shopping
Very affordable prices
Good place for bargain shopping
Good To Know
Many vendors at Pasar Karat JB night market accept both cash and TnG (Touch ‘n Go) payments
Pasar Karat JB can get crowded especially on weekends, so be aware of your belongings and keep an eye on your purse or wallet
While haggling is a common practice in night markets, food items generally have a fixed price
Parking could be a hassle, so consider ride sharing options
Pasar Karat Night Market is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 6:00pm til midnight.
While most shops open by about 6:00pm, head to the market a little later for a better night market vibe as the it only truly comes alive around 8:00pm!
If you’re a fan of vintage treasures, don’t miss the antique stall selling treasures like old cameras, brassware, enamel pots, and street vendors selling vintage t-shirts.
4.2 Clothes
Numerous stalls offer a range of clothing items, including jeans, tourist-themed t-shirts, and the always-popular crowd favorite, batik shirts!
4.3 Fashion Accessories
Pasar Karat is also famous for a wide selection of affordable knockoff handbags and shoes resembling popular high-end brands in malls.
Shopping Tips For Pasar Karat
Exploring the stalls can be an exciting adventure, with the potential to discover one-of-a-kind gems
Goods can be similar from stall to stall, so don’t buy from the first shop you come upon as you might find a better deal elsewhere!
Feel free to haggle down the prices, but keep in mind that these vendors are also trying to make a living!
A definite must-eat at the market is their ‘lokching’ or skewered fish satays and sausages that are grilled then dunked and smothered into the most delectable homemade Thai chilli sauce!
5.2 Mee Siput
While the name suggests that you’ll be eating a bowl of noodles, mee siput is actually a deep fried flour dough that spirals like a shell of a ‘siput’ or snail and served with tasty sambal!
Cap off your visit to Pasar Karat with their yummy Kunafa, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert of shredded dough soaked in sugar syrup layered on top of a delicious cream cheese base!
6. How To Reach Pasar Karat JB?
Pasar Karat JB is a quick 10 minute drive away from the JB Checkpoint.
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Pasar Karat from the JB Checkpoint is to hail a taxi or use a ride-sharing app like Grab.
If you’re driving to Pasar Karat yourself, parking can be a bit of a challenge due to the busy area and lack of designated parking facilities.
Most shoppers choose street parking, but be sure to avoid double lines, yellow lines, and hydrants – it may be risky, but it does add to the excitement of shopping at a pasar malam!
8. Pasar Karat FAQs
Q1. What time does Pasar Karat JB open?
Most stalls in Pasar Karat JB are set up and open by around 6:00pm.
Q2. Are there any differences between Singapore’s and Pasar Karat JB’s night market?
Singapore’s night markets are more food-centric offering more ‘hot food’ options, while Pasar Karat sells clothes, vintage ware and street snacks that are super budget friendly!
Q3. Is Pasar Karat JB worth visiting?
Yes! Pasar Karat JB is definitely worth a visit for its unique ‘pasar malam’ atmosphere, great bargains, and delicious street food!
Want to go for a theme park trip during the weekend or long school holiday in Malaysia with your family or friends?
But you find that flight tickets are too expensive?
5 Best Johor Theme Parks To Discover
1. Fanpekka Theme Park (Brand New Johor Theme Park)
Fanpekka Theme Park has recently opened its doors to the public in the AEON Tebrau City shopping mall, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
The first Finnish conceptual theme park in Asia, Fanpekka is designed on the idea that children learn by playing.
Learning problem-solving and global communication skills are pillars of the Finnish educational curriculum, and they are pristinely integrated into the design of Fanpekka. The park is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Fanpekka was designed for families, with children aged 2 to 12 specifically targeted. The play area’s convenient location within the shopping centre allows children a light-hearted respite while on an outing with the family.
The 27,500 square foot playground is divided into four main sections, each focusing on providing relaxation while nurturing the mind, body, and soul.
Tonttu, named after a Finnish fairy tale, transports children to a world of magic and mystique.
Allowing children to go on adventures to ‘worlds’ like this one enables them cultivate a sense of self while sharing in the experience with their families.
Creating a safe environment for children to explore their imaginations while making sense of the world around them is key to the highly successful Finnish system that is implemented here.
Why is the play-based Finnish education system so successful? Experts take note of the fact that Finns place an emphasis on early childhood education and development.
In their system, even the youngest children are regarded as unique and respected as individuals with different needs, desires, and, most importantly, ways of learning.
Embracing individuality gives children the experiences and tools that they need to develop innovation and social skills.
They do this through praising creativity and allowing children to figure things out in their own way and on their own time. Incorporating these ideals into Fanpekka will now give these opportunities to children visiting or living in Malaysia.
The goal of Fanpekka is to provide a fun, yet educational, environment for all children and families, especially those who might not have access to outings like this otherwise.
Aeon Fantasy’s Director, Wataru Koiwa, hopes to reach out to about 6,000 families per month with the use of these new facilities. The theme park is also expected to rise above the competition due to being indoors and, as such, not at the mercy of the weather.
Fanpekka Theme Park can divide into 6 categories as listed below:
1. Lasten Ocean
Ocean appears all of a sudden when Tonttu casts magic spells. There might be a legendary monster living in it!
2. Assembly Leikkimokki
Let’s assembly a house by pieces with parent. What kind of house would you build?
3. Workshop
Welcome to Workshop. Let’s experience the handmade crafts created by Tonttu!
4. Lasten Castle
An old castle that Tonttu has revived. There are many Tonttu in the castle and like to play around the classic building with the children.
5. Role Play Leikkimokki
Tonttu really likes the shops and people that gather in this town. Let’s have fun by role-playing as shopkeepers or customers! It’s possible that Tonttu will arrives at the town!
6. Toy Corner
Tonttu made a toy town for his little friends. Let’s surprise Tonttu by exploring some creatuve plays.
Enjoying a trip to Fanpekka is not an experience limited to nearby locals, either. Singaporeans can easily make a day trip to the province, meaning the playground can be utilized as a subtle educational tool by anyone in the area.
The addition of Fanpekka Cafe by SDS is the icing on the cake, giving families the opportunity to snack and drink in between play sessions. In the coming months, the park will surely turn into a tourist hotspot for visitors and their children, as well, truly emulating the Finnish way and providing a positive safe haven for all.
Address: Lot S102, Fanpekka, 2nd Floor Aeon Mall Tebrau City, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Fanpekka Ticket Fee: RM55/Child & RM11/Adult (Unlimited Entry For A Day)
Age Limit: Children Below 12 years old
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm (Last Entry at 9:00pm) Facebook
2. Legoland Malaysia Theme Park
It is one of the most popular theme park in JB. Spread over 70 acres, this is a theme park that everyone can enjoy and have ultimate fun with family and friends.
It is a family theme park where you can have maximum fun no matter what age you are. The park which opened in September 2012 is the first in Asia and 6th in the world.
Legoland Malaysia Theme Park is located about 33km from Senai International Airport and about 30-minute drive by car. If you coming from Singapore Changi Airport, the route distance is about 66km and the journey may take approximately 1-hour drive. Besides that, it is also near to JB Sentral or CIQ complex Johor.
The theme park is divided into 2 categories which are Legoland Theme Park and Legoland Water Park. Both of the parks are suitable for all ages. Each one of the theme parks will require a full day if you want to get the best value for your money.
There are more than 70 hands-on rides and slides in the theme park, each one designed to delight you and bring out the child in you.
There are 8-themed attraction and extra big adventure for little kids as listed below:
Besides the rides that will delight you, you can also trying out the food, visiting the memento shops from where you could buy souvenirs and gifts and generally enjoying the wonderful and unique park.
At every step of the way there is continuous interaction with the rides to make the visit a total adventure. The LEGO models are spectacular and real 1:20 scale replication of the real buildings in Asia. Everything is so magical and beautiful here that you would not want the day to finish.
Address: 7, Jalan Legoland, Bandar Medini Iskandar Malaysia, 79250 Iskandar Puteri (Nusajaya), Johor, Malaysia.
Contact: +607 – 597 8888
Legoland Malaysia Opening Hours:
Daily: 9:00am – 7:00pm Facebook
3. Sanrio Hello Kitty Town (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)
Sanrio Hello Kitty Town is more to see and enjoy in Iskandar Puteri (Nusajaya) than the astounding miniature LEGO buildings.
You will need to dedicate the better part of the day to enjoy this amazing multi-storied theme park.
It is just a few minutes walking distances from Johor Bahru Checkpoint and connected to Johor Bahru City Square Mall by a bridge.
The Angry Birds Theme Park provides a variety of attractions and fun games and suitable for youth, kids, toddles and parent alike.
The fun games can be divided into 5 zones which are listed below:
Fun games in Danger Zone include Lazer Bird Shoot and Space Drop Air Bag.
Fun games in Utopia include Air Parkour Track, Piggy Shooting Gallery, Bird Wire Slack Line, Anti Gravity Trampoline and Giant Leap Foam Pit.
Fun games in Classic include Bird Nest Climbing Track and Angry Birds GO! Kart Track.
Fun games in South Beach include Captain Black Birds Ship, Balance Bike Lagoon, CineMine, Angry Birds Video Game and Red Bird Sona.
At Angry Birds Shop, you can buy angry birds stationery, merchandise, toys, apparel and snacks.
Address: Level 3, KOMTAR JBCC, Johor Bahru City Centre, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Contact: +607 – 221 0260 / +607 – 300 5090
Angry Birds Activity Park Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Angry Birds Activity Park Ticket Price: For International Travelers
Single Entry: RM75/pax
Annual Pass: RM230/pax
Family Pass of 4 Persons: RM280/pax
Family Annual Pass: RM850/pax For Malaysian
Single Entry: RM60pax
Annual Pass: RM180/pax
Family Pass of 4 Persons: RM218/pax
Family Annual Pass: RM700/pax Facebook
5. MCM Studios Indoor Theme Park
MCM Studios is the newest addition of theme parks in Johor and is arguably the largest park in South East Asia and also the fifth largest in the world! The 500,000 square feet theme park is housed inside Capital 21 Shopping Mall and it takes up the entire 3rd and 4th floor of the mall.
It features more than 20 different themed attractions that are divided into 3 main sections- Music Planet, Movie Planet and Cartoon Planet.
Music Planet will expect daily circus performances by Great British Circus in a tent that are built within the theme park, which includes musicals and theatricals performances. You’ll get to witness the show- live!
Movie Planet offers exciting and hair-rising rides that will bring your favourite movie scenes to life.
Cartoon Planet will use Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology to show classic cartoon characters of various animated characters.
What’s more, the mall has 3 floors of retail spaces featuring 5 thematic zones- America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Middle East.
To top it off, there are two hotels- Hilton Garden Inn and Planet Hotels for visitors to stay over the weekend to fully enjoy the theme park!
This is definitely the one-stop tourist attraction in JB that you wouldn’t want to miss. So, lock in your calendar as it slated to open this coming August 2018!
Address: Capital 21 Shopping Mall, Jalan Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Contact: +607-244 8322 Facebook
How To Get To Johor Theme Parks From Singapore
If you are coming from Changi Airport, then you probably will think how do get to these theme parks in Johor in a convenient and comfortable way?
Well, you don’t need to worry as SGMYTAXI provides comfortable private car service from Changi Airport or any location in Singapore to Johor theme parks at an affordable price.
You can make a reservation with us right now and enjoy the best rates along with the most comfortable rides and professionally trained drivers.
We are willing to help you and make your trip perfect, conveniently and without any hassle, book a taxi in advance at SGMYTAXI right now!
Have you seen too much grey in your life-bricks and cement from floors, walls and ceiling? Why not unplugged and unwind in all these natural green beauty rich in fresh air and wildlife?
There are many exciting forests and beaches, to begin with, but the national parks certainly make a rendezvous between the naturalist and Malaysia a pleasure.
The flora and fauna are one of the rarest, and if you really love nature, you ought to visit them once in your life, and you would want to come here again and again.
If these aesthetical wonders are your cup of tea, you would find a number of attractive places with its own uniqueness, including a large number of beaches and islands waiting for you.
For someone who loves nature, there are some of the most beautiful Taman Negara Malaysia waiting to be discovered by you.
7 Most Beautiful Taman Negara Malaysia (National Parks) Worth To Discover By Travellers
The Endau river and the Rompin river run across the park in the south and north directions respectively. The flora and fauna of the park are one of the rarest in the world.
The Sumatran Rhino, found in the national park, is an endangered species found only here because of the artificial habitat created for it.
The park is also home to some of the most beautiful and spectacular waterfalls in the country like Batu Hampar and Buaya Sangkut. The best thing is that you don’t have to wander too far to see them. Don’t forget to bring a camera with you when you visit the natural park.
The park is home to such a vast treasure of fauna and flora that you would require 3-4 days to completely ingest the beautiful sights the park has to offer.
The forests and waterfalls are so exciting; you might consider spending the rest of your life here!! Be sure to take a local guide with you unless you want to lose your way in the labyrinth of fun the forests offer.
The only flip side to a visit to Malaysia would be its weather. Malaysia has a tropical climate. Throughout the year, it is hot and humid. There is simply no relief from the heat and sweat.
Temperatures range between 25 and 33 degrees Celsius. There are going to be a lot of tropical insects, so be ready for them with long pants and full-sleeved shirts.
2. Gunung Ledang National Park
Gunung Ledang National Park is located atop the mountain, Gunung Ledang, which is one of the high mountain peaks in Malaysia. It is only a couple of hours drive away from Singapore.
It is incumbent to hire a guide for the purpose of being on the top of the mountain, which is a journey of 5 -6 hours. The path is crossed only with the help of ropes, so a fit and agile guide would be a big help.
The Puteri Waterfalls are probably the most mesmerizing waterfalls you would have witnessed in your life, so be prepared for it with some cameras to capture the moment in photographs.
There are legends and stories of a lot of wealth and treasures buried in and around the area, but you should not let them hinder with your plans of enjoying the serene beauty. The park is home to about 160 different species of birds, so if you are a bird lover, you are in the right place.
3. Niah National Park
Located in Miri, Sarawak, the site is known to have discovered the oldest human remains in the cave proving that this cave was inhabited by humans at least 40,000 years ago!
Niah National Park is also popular for its largest cave entrance- an amazing sight to behold, Iban experiences, jungle walks, swiftlets, bats and cave paintings.
There are 3 caves to visit and they are so large that you will need to overnight at their hostel or chalets to fully explore the amazing site.
The Great Cave is where you’ll have the opportunity to see the locals collecting birds nest situated high in the cave walls built by swiftlets. Wonder in an unlit Moon Cave to view the remarkable rocks and their weathering effects. Lastly, look at the drawings of human figures on the wall and other artefacts in Painted Cave.
Best of all, during the evening sunset, you can get to witness the ‘changing of guards’ where thousands of swiftlets will return to the cave to rest while the bats will fly out into the forest to forage.
4. Penang National Park
The Penang National Park is a natural-rain-forest is the smallest national park in the whole world. The Penang island can boast of only a few natural forests, and this is one of them.
The park is a home to several rare species living in an ecosystem of hills, beaches, rivers and forests. The government of Malaysia has significantly contributed to its protection and conservation since it came under the purview of the National Act of 1980.
For those who love nature, there are is a plethora of biodiversity on the island like Green turtles, Ridley turtles, Leatherback turtles and Hawksbill turtles. The island is the home to several species of other reptiles, birds, and amphibians.
There are several mammals like flying lemur, slow loris, tree shrews, sea otters, pangolins and civet cats. And don’t get excited if a snake crosses your path when you are on the island. All snakes are non-poisonous.
For those enthusiastic about using the water-system, there are always boats that could take you to Kuala Sungai Pinang, in the park.
5. Taman Negara National Park
The Taman Negara found itself on the Titiwasngsa Mountains of Malaysia in 1939. Originally, it was called King George V National Park. Spread over 1,677 square miles, it occupies a prominent place on the tourist-map of Malaysia.
The tropical rainforest here is believed to be 130 million years old. The Malayan Tiger, Crab-eating macaque and Asian elephant are some of the rare species found here.
It is believed to be the point where the Malaysian mahseer is preserved in its natural habitat. But a visit to the park requires a permit from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
Getting to the park was never an ordeal, especially if you are in Singapore. Trains connect the national park with Singapore and stop at Kuala Tembeling station.
This is only a walk away from the park. The most popular way of getting into the park is through Jerantut, Pahang. This is from where a taxi-service would take you to Kuala Tembeling Jetty.
One could choose to travel by train or one could use a bus or there could even opt for a flight between the two countries, or you could choose to drive to your destination using your car.
6. Mulu National Park
Located in Sarawak, Mulu National Park is a protected rainforest known for its thrilling caves and peaks allow for adrenaline climbers to trek the summit and go on caving expeditions and also an escape to the natural tranquil of the rainforest.
It has been awarded Malaysia’s First World Heritage Area in 2000 famous for the world’s longest cave (Clearwater Cave) and world’s largest cave passage (Deer Cave) in SouthEast Asia.
The park main attractions are the show caves. Get a great visual treat of the natural formation of minerals, bats, swiftlets, rock corals and the unique beauty as you make your way to the caves.
For a more fantastic view of the caves, there are a number of sites suitable for the adventurous that wants to do caving trips. Here are the 4 exciting sites to explore;
Lagang Cave
Racer Cave
Clearwater Connection
Sarawak Chamber
There are trails and treks available together with a Park Guide too. There are 3 types of adventure treks which required a certain degree of physical fitness; The Pinnacles, The Headhunter’s Trail, Gunung Mulu Summit Trek.
Also read: Gunung Lambak (Climbing Tips From My Own Experience!)
Dive into the wonders of nature as you walk on the longest tree based canopy “Mulu Canopy Skywalk” at 480m long. Walk among the vines and ferns to get closer to the life in the rainforest and bird-watching at their partly hidden Tree Top Tower.
The park’s ecosystem is home to thousands of ferns, flowering plants, orchids, various of mammals, insects, snakes, and even fish. The park has a vast array of flora and fauna that many species may still be unknown to man.
7. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAC) National Park is situated off the coast of Sabah that compromises a group of 5 islands; Pulau Sulug, Pulau Gaya, Pulau Mamutik, and Pulau Sapi. This marine national park is a famous tourist destination that is only a 15 to 20 minutes boat ride from Kota Kinabalu.
Pulau Gaya is the largest islands among the others which boasts amazing beach resorts such as; Gaya Island resort, Gayana Eco Resort and Bunga Raya Resort. This island is known for its famous beach at Police Bay with a 400m stretch of crystal blue sea.
The second biggest island, Pulau Manukan is the most popular island with great stretches of beautiful beaches and coral reefs, that is ideal for diving, swimming and snorkelling. Pulau Mamutik (smallest island) and Pulau Sapi are the other two islands great for snorkellers and scuba divers.
If you prefer a quieter environment, choose to stay at Pulau Sulug which is more remote and undeveloped. The island still has stunning beaches but less crowded and lesser facilities compare to the other islands.
Aside from the usual diving and snorkelling, you can go kayaking, BBQing, sailing and other water sports activities. You may even encounter interesting animals while trekking in the jungle;
Pasar Karat, affectionately called Bazar Karat, is a must-visit destination in Johor Bahru that’s just a stone’s throw away from the JB Checkpoint.
What You’ll Like:
Good To Know
