Top 8 Shopping Mall in Johor Bahru
Abstract
Johor Bahru is home to a wide variety of shopping malls that cater to different lifestyles, from luxury shopping and family-friendly destinations to everyday retail and entertainment hubs. This list of the top 8 shopping malls in Johor Bahru highlights popular destinations known for their diverse retail options, dining experiences, and leisure facilities, making the city a key shopping hotspot in southern Malaysia.
AEON Mall Tebrau City is a well‑established, multi‑level suburban hub that leans toward everyday convenience and family‑friendly amenities. It opened in the mid‑2000s and hosts a wide range of retail, fashion, food, beauty, electronics, and entertainment options, plus mall services such as baby rooms, stroller rentals, prayer rooms, and wheelchair support—useful for shoppers who stay longer or visit with kids.
Mid Valley Southkey opened in 2019 and quickly became notable for its sheer scale and modern setup. It’s recorded as the largest mall in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia, with around 2.5 million square feet of floor area and numerous stores, placing it above many older competitors.
City Square is a central shopping center in JB known for its prominent address and connection to a major property group, supporting both local and tourist foot traffic. Its platform lists diverse categories including food & beverage, entertainment, services, fashion, and beauty—covering a wide set of daily needs and leisure choices. Ongoing happenings, events, and new retailer news are publicized, positioning City Square as active and current in the city center. Its affiliation with Allgreen Properties, part of a well‑known regional developer group, hints at established management and integration within broader urban retail networks. Overall, City Square serves as a classic city hub for shopping and dining—especially useful for quick visits, visitors coming via central transport, and anyone looking for varied stores within a tight city footprint.
Toppen Shopping Centre is a lifestyle-oriented mall designed around experiential retail rather than traditional enclosed shopping alone. Located next to IKEA Tebrau, it features a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment spaces, with a strong focus on family activities and interactive experiences. One of its defining characteristics is the inclusion of open-air and activity-based facilities such as indoor rock climbing, play areas, and event spaces, making it especially attractive to families, youths, and experience-driven visitors. Toppen positions itself as a destination where shopping is combined with recreation, social interaction, and leisure, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits. Rather than competing purely on store count, it differentiates through engagement, lifestyle experiences, and community-oriented events.
Paradigm Mall JB is recognized as a major regional retail destination, with a large gross floor area, strong tenancy, and multiple levels dedicated to shopping, entertainment, and services. According to property data, it spans over 3.6 million square feet with nearly 1.3 million square feet of net lettable area, housing numerous car park bays and maintaining very high occupancy—indicative of its strong market position.
Sutera Mall
Sutera Mall is a mature, three‑level shopping center with a large gross leasable area and a very high number of outlets—around 500—in a setting designed for family and community shopping. It launched as part of a broader regional development and has since maintained high occupancy, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors monthly.
KSL City Mall is positioned in the heart of Johor Bahru with an extensive directory and frequent updates about new shops, promotions, and events. The mall operates daily with long hours, aiming to serve residents, visitors, and the city’s active day‑and‑night rhythm. Its online presence highlights ongoing changes—new shops, promotions, and event listings—reflecting a dynamic tenant lineup that can include fashion, food, services, lifestyle, and local specialties. This makes it suitable for shoppers who regularly visit within the city rather than only occasional big‑day trips.
R&F Mall
R&F Mall stands out for its proximity to the Malaysia–Singapore custom checkpoint and its early introduction of new retailer concepts to the Johor Bahru market. At opening it was reported to have around 800,000 sq ft of gross floor area with significant first‑time tenants such as a premier supermarket chain, educational or children’s play concepts, Western fast food, and a flagship cinema from Hong Kong—creating a mixed tenant mix that blends essentials, dining, and entertainment. The mall is also designed by a team behind high‑profile retail in Singapore and connected via a link bridge to the CIQ area, making it particularly attractive for cross‑border foot traffic and tourists.