Don't deny it - we Malaysians have a special place in our hearts for public holidays falling on a Monday! With Labour Day strategically falling on a Monday this year, the long holiday awaits. As tempting as chillin' at home sounds, this weekend is THE weekend for you to have a fun roadtrip down to Johor Bahru with your mates! There is just so much going on over this weekend and there is something for everyone - the adventure seekers, the foodies, the party people and the cafe-hoppers. 

We've come up with a simple and easy-to-follow itinerary with our favourite spots and events you NEED to be at this weekend. We certainly didn't pack this itinerary with everything JB has to offer, but if you're on the lookout, we hope this helps!  

29th April 2017, Saturday 

8.00am

Set that alarm and force yourself up, as you will thank yourself later. Remember, it's a long holiday for everybody else too. We recommend leaving KL by 8.00am and maybe, you might be able to dodge the traffic bullet and make a breakfast pitstop at Melaka / Seremban. 

12.00pm

Arrive in Johor Bahru, famished. First stop after a smooth-sailing journey (Thank goodness you left by 8am!), FOOD! The last thing you want to do is to think about where to eat. So here are 3 options:

WHAT TO EAT:

Photo credits: 1. Kacang Pool Haji - myselera.com 2. Restoran Sekee - johorkaki.blogspot.com 3. Ashoka Curry House - thestar.com.my 

2.00pm 

Tummy filled, now to check in to your hotel / hostel to cool off, take a breather and freshen up. 

4.00pm 

Hide from the scorching sun and coastal humidity whilst doing some retail therapy in some of the busiest shopping malls in the city, JBCC and City Square. They are right next to each other! 

6.00pm

Put on that flowy salsa dress and head to the Iskandar Puteri Jazz Festival at Puteri Harbour for a evening of fun, dancing and jazz music, by the harbour.  

 Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1330446383691437/

ACTS TO CATCH

1. Havana Social Club - "ay ay ay carimba!"

2. Alonso Gonzalez - "move it to Columbian beats"

3. Michael Pigneguy & The Awakenings feat. Evelyn Feroza - "need I say more?"

12.00am 

The night is still young! With one of the juiciest burgers in Puteri Harbour (and really good 80's music, which always seals the deal for me!), Magnum is where the after-party's at. 

1.30am

Probably a good time to call it a night and recharge for the battle with the Viper Challenge tomorrow!

30th April 2017, Sunday  

8.00am 

Another early alarm clock day! Stretch, jump and breathe! Get down and dirty at the Viper Challenge @ Medini, through 15km and 18 mud-drenching obstacles. 

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/ViperChallenge/

Not registered for the challenge but wide awake? Head to Hiap Joo Bakery downtown and treat yourself to some oven-baked banana bread. One of the oldest and most authentic bakeries in town!

12.00pm

Killed by the Viper and in need of some recharging. Here are some hearty meals for your physical and emotional health (jk!):

WHAT TO EAT: 

Photo credit: 1. Flowers by the Window - imgrum.net 2.Kin Wah Kopitiam - makeyourcaloriescount.com 3. Gerai Pisang Goreng Mawar - projektravel.com

2.00pm 

Wash up and take a looooooong nap. 

5.00pm 

Wakey wakey sleepyheads! Head downtown for a nice evening stroll or an early dinner around the heritage streets of Jalan Dhoby, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Pahang and pop into these quirky shops:

SHOPS TO CHECK OUT

Photo credit: 1. Bev C - burpple.com 2. Calypso Vintage - fazinora.blogspot.com 3. Evangelione's Handmade - pinterest.com

7.30pm

Wanna party with the Johor Bahru kool krowd? Head to the pre-launch party of Kronoz's first ever outlet in Johor Bahru at 7, Jalan Serampang, Sri Tebrau, featuring Kronoz's denim apparel, nitro-infused drinks by Vamos Coffee Roastery and of course, get ready to have a good time with UK electronic-funk band, PREP!

9.00pm

PREP performs! 

SONGS WE LOVE - We've come out with a post of some of the songs we love! Finally we get to experience the songs LIVE! It's gonna be lit.

10.00pm

Stay for the after-party with local DJs, spinning golden tracks from the 80s and dance the night away!

12.00am

Not ready to call it a night yet? It's Labour Day tomorrow! It's okay to have a little more fun - 

MIDNIGHT ACTIVITIES

Photo Credit: Midnight Night Stroll - travelmagma.com 2. The royal crown - flickriver.com 3. Late-night nosh - sgmytaxi.com

1st May 2017, Monday

11.00am 

A cheeky little lie-in on Labour Day is in order!

12.00pm

All packed up and ready to go? I know you don't want to go home but remember the lesson we learnt at the beginning of this itinerary? You're not the only one on holiday!

Get yourself a good breakfast / brunch to keep you energized for the long ride home and make sure to plan another trip back soon!