Cool new hangouts in JB: Coca-Cola cafe, floating restaurant & more

If you're a little bored of our sunny island and find that you've run out of things to do, fret not, because we can always turn to our neighbouring country, or rather, city, that has much to offer.

Apart from your usual Johor Bahru (JB) routine and revisiting the same old haunts, we've put together a list of activities and places to explore so that your weekends can be a tad more interesting.

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WORLD'S FIRST-EVER IN-THEATRE COCA-COLA CAFE

In love with coke? Well now you not only can enjoy the drink, but you can enjoy it in a fully decked out classic red coke-themed cafe.

Located in TGV Cinemas at Toppen Shopping Centre, the 'Coke Zone' has a bar which replicates a 1950s-style American diner. It serves fresh coke, popcorn and sweet treats like ice cream and chocolates.

There is even a jukebox and a high-speed Wi-Fi and charging area for customers (and their phones) to be fully charged!

Where: L.301, TGV Cinemas, Toppen Shopping Centre, No. 33, Jalan Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm, daily

FLOATING RESTAURANT

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If the city is a little too crowded for you to have a meal in peace, here's an ideal getaway restaurant. Located approximately 10 minutes from Kukup Fishing Village, WohBee The Floating Canteen is easily recognised by its slanted roof and wooden design.

The hidden restaurant serves home-cooked Chinese cuisine and freshly-caught seafood dishes. Movies are also screened occasionally, allowing visitors to literally Netflix and chill while savouring their food.

Where: Kukup, 82300 Pontian, Johor Bahru
Opening hours: 7.30pm - 11pm, Saturdays

BOOKXCESS

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Just a mere 20 minutes away from Tuas Checkpoint, book-lovers can take a trip down to this newly-opened Malaysian-based bookstore, BookXcess.

Known as 'The Box of Knowledge', this fantasy-like grand library stands tall with eight metre-high shelves, covering an area of 32,000 sq ft. Boasting over one million titles, readers are able to explore different types of genres, with a special children's books corner as well.

The BookXcess Children's Cave features 'Magical Books', using Augmented Reality (AR) technology to provide kids with an interactive reading experience. Here are some promotions available until Mar 31, 2020:

• Purchase two 'Magical Books' and get one free
• Purchase three 'Magical Books' and get two free

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Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee or some sweet desserts at Cafe Wolf after a day of reading. You wouldn't want to miss this super Instagrammable book haven!

Where: FF-01, Sunway Big Box, Sunway Iskandar, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm, daily

B5 JOHOR STREET MARKET

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Tired of just going to a shopping mall in JB over the weekend? Well good news because the B5 Johor Street Market has recently opened! There are 5 main highlights: food trucks, a retail bazaar, a box park, f & b stores, and art and culture exhibitions.

Visitors can dine at Cupchai, JBorn Cafe & Bistro, Cendol Kampung Hulu or look out for Johor craft shops and snag a local souvenir. Be it with friends or family, this much anticipated centralised retail tourism centre is one of the newest hangouts that everyone can visit!

Where: L1.33a, Level, 1, Jalan Tampoi, Pusat Bandar Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru (in front of Angsana Johor Bahru mall)
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm, daily

OPEN-AIR STEAMBOAT

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What's so special about this steamboat restaurant compared to others you may ask?

Well for starters, instead of traditionally eating steamboat under a concrete roof or open sky, why not have it while "glamping" in a tent?

This newly-opened steamboat restaurant, quite literally named In The Tent, allows customers to enjoy their hotpot in triangle-looking tents, with a clear sight of Mount Austin.

The pots are even heart-shaped to impress your partner on dates or to show off on Instagram. You can also groove along to live band performances on weekends from 8.30pm to 11.30pm.

Best still, the restaurant is open late, right up till 2am.

Where: 5th floor, No 55, Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: 6pm - 2am, daily

PERSONAL ONSEN SPA

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Craving a nice relaxing day out with your friends, family or partner? Try out Y Spa & Wellness, a brand new day spa in Johor Bahru, known for its private onsen baths. They also provide bath detoxification packages at $65 for 100 minutes, as well as foot therapy baths and body massages. So soak yourself in a warm pool of relaxation and watch your worries dissolve away. 

Where: 35, Jalan Ponderosa 2/2, Taman Ponderosa, 81100 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: 10.30am - 9.30pm

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