Johor Bahru City Square — Attraction in Johor

Had the most infuriating 15 minutes during my short visit to JB. This management has the most unreasonable, calculative and frugal policy with their parking rules. Given how rundown the place seemed, I don't foresee them to be open for much longer. Even major shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur has more gracious rules.

It was my first time visiting JB in a decade, being unfamiliar with the layout and parking, I had accidentally entered the wrong parking lot while trying to get the the Holiday Inn parking next door.

I tried to exit immediately after I entered the parking, probably in less than a minute or two, since it wasn't a big car park. To my surprise they immediately charged my RM2 for that. I am very surprised there is no 10-15 minutes grace period to enter the parking.

There was a security guard at the entrance, who speaks limited English limited Malay and limited Chinese, so the purpose he serves there is questionable. He saw me entered the parking as I was enquiring about Holiday Inn car park when I enter, but he was unable to understand me. When I tried exiting immediately, he offered no sympathy but asked me to find a machine to pay. He refused to let me out unless I have paid.

There was a phone number on the exit booth explained that I could phone a parking supervisor for assistance. Again, this parking supervisor could barely speak English and responded to me in Malay. I conversed with him in Malay explaining the situation, but he became very hostile and asked me to pay just because I had entered the parking lot.

The autopay machine was also not situated in a convenient and obvious location. I had to stop my car somewhere to go indoor and look for the autopay machine. Next to the autopay machine there is another lady working there with a manual parking counter saw me and shouted to me 'cash only!' even though I did not ask her for assistance in the first place. I ignored her and proceeded to the machine.

I am baffled as of why is everyone working there behaving so hostile and unfriendly. Definitely not going to spend a cent in that place ever again unless...

Internet connectivity is intermittent. Making payment when internet connection is required can leave you in a dilemna as their mall internet connection can disconnect anytime. Happened several times with me on their app. Shoppers use at own risk.

Prices of goods almost matching that in Singapore. Makes one wonder how they stay competitive or is already losing their competitive edge. The locals simply don't frequent the mall often. Prices of goods is not in good standing for obvious reasons tourists can see. Used to be the place for economic daily items, not anymore. Especially for the depreciating economy and financial depression. Some things there are more costly then in capital Kuala Lumpur.

Air conditioning almost not working at crowded areas in the mall. Stuffy with non circulating air. Breath deep and you smell the stranger beside. Their toilets can freeze you to immobility.

Mall service at their respective stores moderate. Can be better considering it's a tourist spot with almost more then 90% shoppers from Singapore.

Cleanliness of mall common areas is excellent.

Safety at mall common area outside of the mall perimeter; be careful as there are strange people lurking outside. They can stare at you, watch your belongings and keep your bags to the front of you.

Definitely unsafe to walk alone with expensive watches or plenty of gold bangles, diamond rings on, or just walking around with your latest iphone. Their public safety standard and enforcement has much to be desired. Be cleared eye and mindful. Don't assume everything will be well and safe for you and your family. Stay indoors if possible as mall security is generally good with many CCTV around. Same cannot be assumed outdoors.

Generally a place for shoppers due to its strategic convenience. Makes one wonder how long this will last when majority of the SGP shoppers ditch the place when SGD depreciates again the RINGGIT.

Stay safe, enjoy...

👍BEST TRIP OF THE DAY🤗

BOOMING economy JB (Johore Bahru ) is so close to Singapore so why not catch a bus ( also for the purpose of sightseeing of Singapore scenery, I took Public Bus 170 & cost me only S$4.40 return fare otherwise you may go for the Johore Bahru Express Private Bus service ) just like increasing number of Singaporeans enjoying daily on ONE DAY return trip just for their favourite yummy breakfast, lunch, dinner and even supper as well as shopping for unbelievable eye POPPING DEALS. CITY SQ is the first shopping centre (my future next trip will be KSL MALL) to visit after Malaysian Custom Clearance. Honestly speaking, I am highly Impressed with the 100% authentic Malay and Indian foods as well as the yummy 😋 and awesome traditional local Chinese treats and snacks in JB. Also some GOOD deals in ADDIDAS store with 30% on selected merchandises in additional to the weaker Malaysian Ringgit will definitely make you SMILE all the way home 😊🤗 . REMEMBER to complete your details online via Malaysia Digital Arrival Card prior to your JB trip otherwise you may have to do it in front of Custom Officer which will be a slow process due to weak wifi or mobile roaming. Frankly speaking, if you’re touring in Singapore, you SHOULD visit JB just for a day return trip. NO WORRIES 🤗…… It’s as safe as Singapore as Malaysians are beautiful & kind people, friendly, and welcoming folks. Anyway GO FOR IT MATE 👍and enjoy the beauty...