1. Sakura Festival
@toppenmy ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ธ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฏ๐น๐ผ๐๐๐ผ๐บ๐, ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ ๐บ๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ & ๐ธ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ถ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ โ your spring day out just got better! ยท Step into a world of pink petals, festive vibes, and fun-filled games inspired by the beauty of Japanese springtime ๐ธ๐ฏ๐ต Snap your dream hanami (flower-viewing) moment, then join our Sakura Challenge to win exclusive gifts! ๐๐ฎ ยท ใโข Fun Missions to Completeใ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป โ : ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฏ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป Turn the wind chamber and grab a surprise ball โ which ramen flavour will you get? Itโs all about luck and skill! ๐จโจ ยท ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป โก: ๐๐ผ๐๐ป๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป Put your eyes to the test in our mini Korean mart โ how many ramen packs can you spot? ๐๐ ยท ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป โข: ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป ๐ ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฟ Create your very own Sakura-inspired keychain โ a perfect little keepsake to take home๐ ยท ๐Letโs win this cutie together, join the challenge now! ๐พ๐only at Toppen! ๐ธ Donโt forget to snap a pic with our gorgeous cherry blossom dรฉcor โ your IG feed will thank you ๐๐ท ยท ใ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ธ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐น – ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ปใ ๐ ๐ญ๐ด ๐๐ฝ๐ฟ – ๐ฐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฑ โฐ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐บ – ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ฝ๐บ ๐๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ ๐, ๐๐๐ข๐ง ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐ฎ๐ฆ,๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ยท Toppen ToppenJohorBahru ToppenShoppingCentre DiscoverToppen ShoppingCentre JohorBahru Tebrau sakuraevent sakuradeals weekdayactivation
TikTok: @toppenmy
The popular Sakura Festival is back this year at Toppen Shopping Centre, located less than 30 minutes away from the checkpoint. This time, the all-pink spring festival has a ramen theme, with ramen and instant cup noodle-inspired art installations, plus pretty cherry blossom decor all around.

Image Credit: JB City Guide
Thereโs a Korean-themed market happening right at the mallโs Level 1 Atrium, where you can shop handmade crafts, food, accessories, lifestyle items and more. You might even get the chance to DIY your own sakura keychain when you participate in their ramen โscavenger huntโ.
Sakura Festival
Dates: Now till 4th May 2025
Address: Toppen Shopping Centre, Level 1, Atrium
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm daily
2. Disney Playground

Image Credit: Sunway Big Box Retail Park
Multiple worlds collide at the new Disney Playground mini โamusementโ pop-up at Sunway Big Box, located just 30 minutes away from the checkpoint. The limited-time pop-up exhibition features various zones dedicated to not only Disney, but Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars too.

Image Credit: Sunway Big Box Retail Park
Spot some of the iconic characters from Toy Story, Iron Man, Mickey Mouse, Frozen and more. You can play games like ball throwing and shooting to win exclusive prizes, or shop merchandise like blind boxes, plushies, toys, accessories and other lifestyle goods.ย
Disney Playgroundย
Dates: Now till 18th May 2025
Address: Main Concourse, GF, Sunway Big Box Retail Park
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm daily
3. Kota Jail

IG: @bion.co
Sick of the usual JB haunts of cafรฉ and night markets? Kota Jail is a new multi-concept creative and lifestyle hub in JB thatโs housed in what used to be an actual jail, and itโs located just 10 minutes away from the checkpoint.ย
@johorfoodie NEW cool spot to discover in Johor ๐ ๐Kota Jail, Johor Bahru
TikTok: @johorfoodie
The new lifestyle concept features various events and activities under one roof: thereโs art galleries and exhibitions, in-house F&B tenants and also festival/market pop-ups happening frequently. Currently, there are a couple of in-house cafรฉs within the building, like Matcha Lalu, Loaf Adam, Pagi Malam, Lรฉ LA and more.
Kota Jail
Address: Penjara Ayer Molek, JB
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm daily
4. Meow Catfe

Image Credit: Meow Catfe
Cat lovers, this is the newest cat haven in JB, located under 30 minutes from the checkpoint. Meow Catfe is more than just a cafรฉ, itโs a multi-concept and one-stop spot for all things cat: a cat cafรฉ, cat hotel and grooming/spa centre all under one roof.

Image Credit: Lim Kenz
The 2-storey space boasts over 20 adorable and friendly kitties, all of the Golden or Silver British Shorthair variety. Play time is priced at RM10 (~$3 SGD) per session, and even includes a discount on drinks at the cafรฉ. Some food and snack items you can order include Milky Crispy Roll (RM 10.90), Mixed Fruit Waffle (RM 16.90) and Crinkle Cut Fries (RM 9.90). For more cat, dog and animal cafรฉs to hit up in JB, see here.ย
Meow Catfe
Address: NO. 1-01 & 1-02, Jln Setia 3/13, Taman Setia Indah, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12pm-8pm; Friday-Sunday, 12pm-10pm
5. Balloons Art Exhibition
@nratikxhhh ๐Aeon Mall Tebrau City Korang tahu tak now tengah ada โBalloon Art Exhibition ๐โ kat Aeon Tebrau? Event ni berlangsung dari 18 Apr – 11 May 2025 ni tau gais! Bawa anak, cucu, kawan, kesayangan korang pun best jugak ni! ๐ Upcoming Event โAmazing Circus Best Showโ ๐ค ๐ 23 May – 16 Jun 2025 ๐ Aeon Mall Bandar Datoโ Onn #jalanjalanjohor #portlepakjb #aeontebrau #balloon #foodhuntingjb #cafehuntingjb #johorfoodie #eventjb #fyp
TikTok: @nratikxhhh
Step into an underwater world with JBโs latest balloon art extravaganza, happening at AEON Mall Tebrau City, less than 30 minutes away from the checkpoint. The popular Balloons Art Exhibition is back with a new massive and immersive installation, this time with the theme: Adventure of the Enchanted Ocean.

Image Credit: AEON Mall Tebrau City
The event features giant balloon-sculpted creations inspired by the sea, carnival games, bouncy castle and more. Thereโs plenty of IG-worthy moments too: from glow-in-the-dark coral reefs, LED โjellyfishโ and balloon mermaids, among others. Entry to the balloon wonderland starts from RM28 per adult (~$8.40 SGD per adult).
Balloons Art Exhibition
Dates: Now till 11th May 2025
Address: AEON Mall Tebrau City (Centre Court)
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm daily
6. Mom-Verlous Market

Image Credit: Visit Johor
In celebration of the upcoming Motherโs Day this May, the popular Mom-Verlous Market is making a comeback; this time at Eco Galleria, located about 30 minutes away from the checkpoint.

Image Credit: Visit Johor
This yearโs event will be decked in pretty florals, and youโll be able to find plenty of gifts and even food to show your love for mom. Previous events saw DIY flower bouquets, jewellery, makeup, clothes, dessert items and more.ย
Mom-Verlous Market
Dates: 9th-12th May 2025
Address: Eco Galleria, Iskandar Puteri
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm daily
7. Branded Fashion Warehouse Sale

Image Credit: JB City Guide
Need a wardrobe refresh? The popular Branded Fashion Warehouse Sale is back, and itโs one of the biggest fashion sales in JB! The latest edition is now happening at KOMTAR JBCC, less than 10 minutes away from the checkpoint, with plenty of branded and even designer brands to shop from at up to 90% off.

Image Credit: JB City Guide
Prices are pretty accessible, starting from as low as RM 10 each; and youโll be able to shop for items like shirts, shorts, jeans, dresses, bags, accessories and much more. Some of the brands you might spot include the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Coach, Lacoste, Balmain, and Zara, just to name a few.ย
Branded Fashion Warehouse Sale
Dates: Now till 12th May 2025
Address: KOMTAR JBCC, Level 2, Exhibition Space
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm daily
8. Collectors Market

Image Credit: Collectors Market
If youโre a fan of pop culture, collectible toys and trendy streetwear, you might want to head down to the upcoming Collectors Market happening soon at KOMTAR JBCC, less than 10 minutes away from the checkpoint. You can expect to see over 120 booths from all over Malaysia, bringing in coveted items for collectors.

Image Credit: Collectors Market
Collectors can expect items starting from as low as RM 3, including vintage toys, antiques, collectibles and more. Some of the items you might find include branded streetwear and footwear, antiques, figurines of popular characters, rare toys, vinyl records, board games, anime goods, band and movie t-shirts and music memorabilia, among others.
Collectors Market
Dates: 1st-4th May 2025
Address: KOMTAR JBCC, Ground Floor
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm daily
Instagramย
9. Principle Reserve

Image Credit: GO JOHOR
The popular Principle Cafรฉ by T.A.M. has just opened a brand-new and more upscale version of the cafรฉ called Principle Reserve, located just 10 minutes away from the checkpoint! The space boasts vintage elements: from the gated entrance, dark wood furniture, warm lighting and wainscoting on the walls.

Image Credit: GO JOHOR
Thereโs even a self-serve pastry and dessert table where you get to pick and choose the bakes that you want; kind of like the cafรฉs in Korea. Some highlights from the menu include Braised NZ Lamb Shank (RM 86.90), Smokey Beef Brisket Pasta (RM 36.90), Tiger Prawn & Mussels Pasta (RM 42.90), Truffle Mushroom Risotto (RM 39.90), Gochujang Pizza (RM 45.90) and more. For more new JB cafรฉs like this, see here.ย
Principle Reserve
Address: 23, Jalan Balau, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8am-6pm daily
10. Kopi O-Rama

Image Credit: Event Joho
Coffee lovers wonโt want to miss out on JBโs popular Kopi O-Rama, a unique coffee-centric festival event featuring food, entertainment, workshops, live demonstrations and more. The next event is happening this May at the up-and-coming Kota Jail lifestyle cluster, located 10 minutes away from the checkpoint.

Image Credit: Ngopi
While the vendors have yet to be confirmed, you can expect a variety of F&B booths, coffee showcases, exhibitions, live performances and also a picnic event. Past editions of the festival saw vendors selling not only coffee drinks, but also matcha, desserts, pastries and more.
Kopi O-Rama
Dates: 1st-4th May 2025
Address: Kota Jail, Penjara Ayer Molek JB
Opening Hours: 10am-12am daily