JB Cafe Hopping & Movie in Under 6 Hours

#summervacay Our weekday escape to Johor Bahru was short and sweet, but packed with good eats, cosy vibes, and a mid-afternoon movie. From flaky croissants to chewy mochi and everything in between, it was the kind of easy, fuss-free day out that left us full and recharged—all within the window of 9am to 4pm. We started the morning just across the border at Dona Bakehouse, a two-storey café with warm European vintage charm tucked just minutes from the checkpoint. The pistachio rose croissant was beautifully layered with a delicate floral note, while the pain au chocolat was buttery and rich. Paired with a hazelnut latte, it was the kind of breakfast that felt like a little luxury to start the day. Our next stop was Alley & Daisy, a beautifully styled café hidden in a three-storey shophouse nearby. The interior had a vintage, almost old-Europe elegance, with quiet seating upstairs and soft ambient lighting that made it feel like a tucked-away retreat. We shared the green curry with crispy fried chicken, and a savoury fried chicken toast topped with a perfectly poached egg. The drinks here were also a highlight—creamy matcha for something comforting, and the refreshing “Midsummer,” a pear and ume plum blend that was light and cooling. Craving something sweet, we made our way to Siblings Gelato, a cheerful space decked out in vibrant pastels. The artisanal gelato was smooth and flavourful—we chose dragonfruit and chocolate, served with their signature mochi waffle. Crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and made to pair perfectly with the cold, creamy scoops. After all the food and exploring, we headed to City Square Mall for a little browsing, then popped over to KSL City Mall to catch a movie. Weekdays are perfect for this—no crowds, no queues, just a chill air-conditioned break to unwind before heading back. Before calling it a day, we made one last stop at Nuo Yuan Mochi at Holiday Villa. This cute little shop is known for making each mochi fresh to order, and it shows. We tried the strawberry daifuku and peanut taro—both soft, pillowy, and packed with filling. The space itself was lovely too, with bright yellow interiors that made the whole place feel sunny and sweet. From flaky bakes to handmade mochi, this 9am to 4pm JB day trip gave us just the right dose of flavour, fun, and comfort—all without needing to stay overnight. #afternoonteatime #travel #couplestrip #thingstodo #myitinerary #citydaytours #localfood