There’s lots to love about pasar malams — the random knick knacks that you find at the stalls, the carnival games and rides, and most of all, the incredible street food that you probably can’t get elsewhere. Just thinking about the twist potato and the tapioca kueh makes my mouth water.
Singapore’s night markets might have resumed, but if you find yourself wanting a change of scenery, a short trip across the causeway will take you to these pasar malams in Johor Bahru, all within a 30-minute drive from the Woodlands checkpoint.
(Note that most pasar malams in Johor Bahru are only open one night a week, so remember to check before heading down!)
1. Pasar Karat
If there’s any pasar malam in Johor Bahru that’s a must-visit, it’s this one. The huge night market is open six days of the week, and on most days, they only close at 2am — perfect for some late night supper.
At Pasar Karat, which is a ten-minute drive from Woodlands checkpoint, you’ll find rows of food, clothing, and accessories — all at extremely affordable prices. Snack on rainbow bread, barbeque skewers, and takoyaki as you browse through racks of cargo pants, graphic tees, and vintage sweaters.
???? 26/20 Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 9am – 5pm and 6pm – 2am (Mon), 6pm – 2am (Tue to Wed, Sat), 6pm – 12am (Thu, Sun)
2. Taman Century
Located ten minutes from Woodlands checkpoint and right beside the well-known KSL Mall, Taman Century Pasar Malam is the perfect spot to head to for some tasty snacks after a day of shopping. Dig into popular favourites such as grilled seafood, carrot cake, and chilli crab — and don’t forget to check out the famous muah chee stall that sells out really fast.
The market tends to get crowded later in the evening though, so definitely head there earlier if you want to avoid the crowds.
???? Taman Century, 76, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 5pm – 10pm (Mon)
3. Taman Johor Jaya
Just 25 minutes from Woodlands checkpoint, Taman Johor Jaya Pasar Malam is one of the largest night markets you can find in Johor Bahru, so you’ll definitely have a wide variety of stalls to choose from. Besides food, you’ll find stalls selling clothes, shoes, accessories, toys, and more.
But the popular pasar malam is well-known for one stall in particular: the kueh stall. There, you’ll find trays and trays of traditional kueh going at incredibly affordable prices, and they usually sell out within an hour, so it’s best to visit the market early if you want to snag some!
???? 40, Jalan Dedap 13, Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 4.30pm – 1am (Tue)
4. Taman Bukit Indah
There are plenty of food options here that are rarely seen in other night markets — from lobak goreng (fried radish cake) and adorable cartoon-shaped buns, to Taiwanese braised meat rice and barbequed mushrooms in eight flavours.
Located 25 minutes from Woodlands checkpoint, Taman Bukit Indah Pasar Malam might be on the smaller side, but there’s definitely lots to try here!
???? Jalan Indah 22/2, Taman Bukit Indah 2, Johor, Malaysia
???? 5pm – 9pm (Wed)
5. Taman Impian Emas
If you’re not a fan of crowds, Taman Impian Emas Pasar Malam might be your best bet when it comes to night markets. A 25-minute drive from Woodlands checkpoint, the pasar malam spans three whole streets with wide walkways and shaded paths so you can stroll comfortably through the market without having to squeeze through crowds.
A popular item to look out for is the salt-baked barbeque crabs, which are sauteed over a flaming charcoal grill until they turn a bright red.
???? 24, Jalan Impian Emas 4, Taman Impian Emas, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
???? 5pm – 9pm (Thur)
6. Bandar Selesa Jaya
Located 30 minutes from Woodlands checkpoint, Bandar Selesa Jaya Pasar Malam is one of the lesser known night markets especially amongst Singaporeans, but it certainly offers its fair share of interesting stalls.
Besides food, clothes, toys, and other knick knacks, you’ll also find various stalls offering fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and other produce.
???? Jalan Silat Harimau 1, Taman Selesa Jaya, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
???? 5pm – 10pm (Thur)
7. Taman Puteri Wangsa
With over a hundred stalls, this night market is definitely worth the 25-minute drive from Woodlands checkpoint.
The pasar malam has some incredible street food that includes familiar favourites such as mee goreng and dim sum — but that’s not all you’ll find here. As you explore the Taman Puteri Wangsa Pasar Malam, you’ll find stalls selling everything from household items and clothes, to fresh produce and even electronic gadgets.
???? Jalan Badik 16, Taman Puteri Wangsa, 81800 Ulu Tiram, Johor, Malaysia
???? 5pm – 12am (Fri)
8. Taman Desa Tebrau
With a nice variety of food stalls owned by both Chinese and Malay vendors, you’ll find a wide range of street food at Taman Desa Tebrau Pasar Malam, 25 minutes from Woodlands checkpoint.
Dig into dishes such as ayam rendang and peanut pancakes before exploring the rest of the night market — which also houses stalls selling non-food items, including clothing, fresh produce, and electronics.
???? 38, 22, Jalan Harmonium 13, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 5pm – 9pm (Sat)
9. Taman Ungku Tun Aminah
A 30-minute drive from Woodlands checkpoint, this pasar malam stretches over a kilometre, and is considered the largest in Johor Bahru. Here, you’ll find Malay, Chinese, Hong Kong, and even Taiwanese and Japanese street food. The salt-baked chicken, fried durian, and crispy peanut cake, in particular, are must-try items.
Besides food, you’ll also find furniture, clothing, and other knick knacks within the huge night market.
???? Jalan Perkasa 5, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Johor, Malaysia
???? 6pm – 12am (Sat)
10. Permas Jaya
Just the food alone makes a visit to this pasar malam worth it. Plus, it’s only a 15-minute drive from Woodlands checkpoint, so it gets bonus points for convenience.
If you’re a fan of the sotong head at Old Chang Kee, you’ll love the huge deep-fried giant squid you’ll find in Permas Jaya Pasar Malam. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, try some of the dishes that cannot be found in Singapore, such as duck tongue, pig’s blood cake, and more.
???? Jalan Permas 11, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia
???? 5pm – 9pm (Sun)
So for some good Malaysian street food and affordable shopping, head to these pasar malams in Johor Bahru that are just a short drive from the checkpoint.
PS: The first 24-hour bus service between Singapore and Johor Bahru is also starting soon, which is perfect for late-night pasar malam visits and supper trips!
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