Johor Massage recommendations

We share some of our favourite Johor Massage joints in this post.

We are not expert massage reviewers, our comparison are relative to our own experience.  End of the day, it is the skills of the masseur which defines our experience.

Besides, massage experience is very subjective. Some like to be tortured (maximum pressure), while others are more moderate (and ticklish, aka me). There are so many yardsticks for Shiokness, pain, pleasurable and soreness can be a thin line.

Our Malaysian friends will say 几爽一下 🙂

Personally, I prefer Thai massage over leg, as the whole body is given a good rub, stretch (and crack).

1)足道养生 (Kaki Kaki website) (Rating 4/5)

Our first venture into Johor massage started with Kaki Kaki 足道养生 at Mount Austin (GPS 1.560080, 103.774326).  This franchise has many outlets in Johor, Mount Austin alone has at least 4 outlets!

Our package was 90 minutes for Foot, Shoulder and Head (脚头肩). RM95 only! About 60% of the time will be on your leg, but you can customised a bit.

This is a worthy investment to get rejuvenated and soothes those knots and aches. (Singapore Massage would be easily $50 for 60 minutes)

Do take note NOT all Kaki Kaki reviews are of same standard.
We can only based on Google Reviews, or trial and error.
The latest Mount Austin branch is only a few steps from Prince 33(here) , and it also serves good massage.

Most Kaki Kaki outlets would have a huge LCD infront, if you want an absolute quiet environment, get the Thai packages for the private room.

2) 7 Days Wellness (Bukit Indah) (Rating 3.5/5)

7 Days (GPS 1.481059, 103.657799) is ok but we suspect nearby massage outlets might score better in terms of customer satisfaction.

 

Bukit Indah Massage
Bukit Indah Massage

3) Reborn Massage (Skudai) (rating 4/5)

Reborn Massage (GPS 1.515314, 103.667645) is one of the better ones around Sutera Mall (Skudai).

This is a nice area, with plenty of food options. The shopping scene has been hijacked by Paradigm Mall (5km away). Nevertheless, this is a good base to explore the neighbourhood towns and food exploration.

Price wise, they offer about the same package as Kaki Kaki. But their setup is more gland. We would choose Reborn again if we are back in the area.

massage near sutera mall
Massage near Sutera mall

You MUST visit Maco Cafe (next door) for the best crepe in town!

Maco Cafe Crepe Skudai
Maco Cafe Crepe Skudai

..our massage selection criteria

-Experience
-Comfort level (subjective)
-Package (Price)
-Value for money

If you find one Massage outlet you like, membership might not be a bad idea. We always go back to our regular masseurs, most of them are from Thailand or even China and Vietnam.

We can only go by “word of mouth” recommendation or Google Reviews to shortlist reputable and clean massage joints (no hanky panky).

You can imagine the challenge when, for example, there are easily 30 massage around Taman Sentosa!

Our previous blog shares how to take a train to JB, and also Google for nearby massage outlets -> https://sengkangbabies.com/holiday/train-to-jb

Massage near KSL Johor
Massage near KSL Johor

Like most of you, the No1 turn-off for me during a massage session is HARD-SELLING! Some will pester you to sign up a package, tips or even special service. You are in the wrong blog if you are searching for “happy ending” :p

Go for 60 minutes or more, if time permits. 30 minutes package is just enough for warm up. And Thai Massage 2 hours is the most therapeutic.

Johor massage
Johor massage

Our 4th and 5th recommendations are side by side at Plaza Sentosa.
Skill-wise, both are as good as Kaki Kaki, but their package is almost 50% cheaper!

4) Let’s Relax Spa (4.25/5)

Let’s Relax Spa (GPS 1.492031, 103.769116) is more posh compared to Sabye Sabye. The environment (LCD, and reclining chair ) are more comfortable.

This outlet is not affiliated with Bangkok’s famous franchise.

Wow! 90 minutes session, RM55 is less than SGD 20!

Let's relax massage Johor
Let’s relax massage Johor

5) Sabye Sabye (4.25/5)

Somehow, we prefer the massage services at Sabye Sabye. Mrs commented that the masseurs at Sabye Sabye are better.

You will not be disappointed with either Sabye Sabye or Let’s Relax. Both offer similar package and pricing. If one is full house, just go to the other one.

Sabye Sabye massage
Sabye Sabye massage

Enjoy yummy paper wrapped chicken at (Teck Sing) after your pampering.

We hope the above recommendations would give you a head start to Massage in JB.

We normally bring our kids along. While adults massage, they will just play their phones at the waiting area. Some will join us for the occasional massage sessions 🙂

Somehow, we have not visited those massage outlets in shopping malls like KSL and City Square yet. Do share your favourite massage joints (or experience) with us too.

Hint: The oil aromatherapy packages (香精油按摩) are very popular with Singaporeans too.

Additional tips for JB:

If you do not wish to drive to Johor, just book a train and Grab everywhere. Taxi fees are RM5 or RM6 only. Follow our train blog and just Grab in Malaysia

ps.. Follow our Instagram tag #SengkangBabiesJohor for more JB adventures

JB exploration and Sky Habitat stay

On our last JB exploration, we visited two new malls. Both R&F Mall and Midvalley Southkey are relatively new in Johor scene.

First, let us share more about our cosy Airbnb apartment.

 

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Staycation at Sky Habitat (Artsy Guesthouse)

Apartment was spacious and well equipped. Comfortable beds and functioning kitchen.

Our apartment is managed by host Andrew, his response is prompt and friendly. You may visit more curated Airbnb units under Placefu.com .

The primary reason for choosing “Artsy Guesthouse” (GPS 1.462067, 103.769407) is due to the close proximity to CIQ, and we wanted to visit new corners in Johor.

R&F mall is just 5 min away, and CIQ (customs) 10 min on sheltered bridge. Refer Google Map link below. (Hiap Joo Bakery is the famous banana cake)

Our unit feels like an art gallery, so many paintings and posters. You can even scan the QR codes to discover the story behind the paintings!

Yup, paintings can be purchased too, some are 3D like and abstract. Andrew happens to be an artist 🙂

Our family always choose apartments, as hotels require us to book two rooms due to our family size.

Our Airbnb unit comes with gym and pool. We got to enjoy all these facilities for under $50 per night.

Playground and Pool on level 9 is always windy (and cold).

View from the other side of condominium.

We can see Senoko Energy’s chimneys across the Straits.

Do go up to Skypark 33rd floor for more panoramic views, and splendid sunsets. We can spot the cars crawling over the causeway towards JB custom too.

JB exploration
JB exploration

Sky Habitat (the white one) is just 5min across from R&F Mall.  Do take note this “shortcut” might not be safe for young families as cars can be fast especially at night.

Strollers or PMD users need to walk another 5 min to reach this traffic junction (Google Map here). There is an overhead bridge too.

For everywhere and anything else, we just Grab to our destination. Our trips seldom exceed RM11 (6 seater), 4 seater will cost RM5 or RM6 only.

We travel light for this trip, no luggage. Just pack and go.

R&F Mall (GPS 1.459579, 103.768219)

R&F mall is pretty new, we noticed a lot of shops are still under renovating.not open for business.

R&F Mall
R&F Mall

D SHANGHAI (大上海点心) for dim sum breakfast. Not bad, lesser crowd compared to KSL branch.

We caught a show at the new Emperor Cinema too. This is a new cinema chain in Johor, offering more atas (aka superior) experience (with luxurious seats).

A pity “Angel has Fallen” is PG18, so we chose the fireman show “The Bravest”.

R&F Mall Emperor Cinema
R&F Mall Emperor Cinema
R&F Food options
R&F Food options

Delicious 士林炸雞排 anyone?

R&F dinner and supper options are still limited as most F&B closed by 10pm.

We had our supper at 24-hours At-Taqwa restaurant (GPS 1.460753, 103.768225). Prata is good, Nasi Goreng and Bee Hoon are nice too, but a bit spicy.

We would have love to visit Food Truck corner just downstairs of Sky Habitat. It should be chill to dine among the trucks and under the tree illumination.

For breakfast, we recommend Bak Ku Teh at Hwa Mei (GPS 1.460933, 103.767541), just 5 min walk away. Read our previous BKT blog post.

Yummy 🙂

Bak Ku teh Johor
Bak Ku teh Johor

Mid Valley SouthKey (GPS 1.501529, 103.777172)

MidValley is slightly smaller than Paradigm but less crowded. We can spend the whole day here, eating and shopping.

Half the mall is occupied by SOGO. We will be back soon.

Midvalley Southkey mall
Midvalley Southkey mall

Sushi King for lunch. Kids love the food variety.

Tired after all the walking, we went back to our favourite massage joint at Sabye Sabye (Taman Sentosa). Five pax (90min and 60min) came up to RM245 only.

Johor Massage
Johor Massage

Hungry after massage, our JB exploration Grab us to Pelangi area for our favourite cheesecake. (Cheelicious GPS 1.477584, 103.767890).

Hint : Neighbour Warakuya Japanese is very popular too

Original or Oreo cheesecake, all are delicious. (Below right) The pan-fried chicken is surprisingly good.

Bubble tea and deserts at 茶社 Chatto (GPS 1.478306, 103.766924).

“Chatto – Handcrafted Tea Bar”has some house brand, example 灰灰的又怎样, a grey oolong tea. We still prefer the unhealthy brown sugar tea :p

(bottom right) The 鲷鱼烧 (Croissant Taiyaki) fish-like snack is sweet and delicious, very addictive. Crispy with sugar coating on the outside, but the ingredients (can be chocolate or ham/cheese) simply melts in our mouth.

Time to head back. Our train is waiting for us.
Estimated 10min walk or 650m from R&F Mall back to CIQ.

We are sheltered from rain and sun.

Just follow the bridge and walk back to CIQ. Surprisingly, this path is not yet mapped on Google Map. I wonder why?

Just walk towards the Green building.

As you walk along the bridge, some sights look familiar. (Below-left) The low-rise blocks house Hwa Mei Bak Ku Teh.

(Below-right) Those driving or taking buses will identify with the “merging” lane for cars and buses on the overhead highway.

If you have time to spare, City Square has more food and shop options.

We caught the 1630 train, easy and fuss-free, no jams. We can see R&F mall out of the train window.

This is our 3D2N itinerary around CIQ, we hope you will have Fun exploring more of JB too. If possible, book the train tickets in advance as they sold out fast (especially weekends).

-Read our previous blog on Train Tips (link)
-All our Johor adventures are here ->  https://sengkangbabies.com/tag/johor

Previous Johor adventures
Mount Austin
Johor Food trail with GPS (eg Banana cake)

Follow our Instagram tag #SengkangBabiesJohor for more JB exploration

ps.. Our Airbnb unit is sponsored.