This was the first holiday in 2026 – and it was such a good start to the new year with a road trip! I felt free with no immediate worries because I was in funemployment mode before officially starting a new job. It was the kind of “I have nowhere to be and nothing to prove” energy that’s very hard to come by, and I wasn’t going to waste it.
The last KL family trip was back in 2019, which was also a lot of fun.
It was five days of pure bliss across the Causeway, as we locked in on trying as many new things as possible on this trip. We took a bus through immigration and then booked a Grab to pick up from CIQ to our rental car. While most of the places we visited were in Kuala Lumpur (KL), we also stopped by a few spots along the way including in Johor Bahru on this five-day weekday trip during early January 2026.

Day 1, Monday
WAHDAH Johor Bahru Hub

WAHDAH Johor Bahru Hub offers a wide selection of cars at affordable rates, and the cars are clean, includes Bluetooth, and service is fuss-free. The staff were flexible and they did not charge us extra for changing the pick-up timing at the last minute and allowed us to take the car at an earlier timing.
The whole process was smooth from booking to drop-off, and the staff checked the car and explained thoroughly on the usage. You can also pick-up the rental car near CIQ, at a slightly higher price and limited models.
Address: 7351, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Susur 2, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Other ways to reach KL also include flying over – this was the route during another KL trip that focuses on shopping for the millennials.
Onn Kitchen


We googled for a breakfast spot and this came up. There were a selection of kuih and nasi lemak as well as roti canai. Seems like a popular option is roti jantan, which is essentially two eggs for one roti. Regulars also love the nasi lemak sambal paru. We also spotted a busker setting up in the open space. Breakfast for three pax cost 19.30rm.
Address: 29A, Jalan Tarom, Kampung Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
R&R Pagoh Northbound
The toilets here were clean and spacious, so it was a good stop to take a break. The food options here were not bad, from a Ramly burger to other local dishes, fast food, and also a Baskin-Robbins. You could also take a quick stretch at the massage chairs and get any essentials at the mini mart.
Address: North-South Expy, Kampung Jawa, 50480, Johor, Malaysia
Double Eight Eight @ Kota Warisan

We stopped by this wholesale baking supplies shop on the way up to KL. It is well-regarded as a source for affordable baking materials with an offering of local baking brands.
Address: 107, Jalan Warisan Sentral 2, Kota Warisan, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Chinta Restaurant


If you want a throwback atmosphere with classic songs, antique flatware, cabinets and the family collection of stamps from colonial-era Malaya feature, you can find it in the modern street of Bangsar. Marketed as cosy, home-style Malay cooking, the cost is priced as a high-end restaurant, which does not feel justified because you could easily get similar-tasting equally-delicious dishes at home or in any other part of Malaysia. This was honestly an unfortunate choice on my part.

Here are other food options for the Malay palette in KL.
Address: 24, Jalan Kemuja, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Mid Valley Megamall
Who could ever skip Mid Valley? This megamall is huge, you could actually get tired just from walking in the mall. Luckily there are some seats placed around the mall for visitors. You could also rent a wheelchair if needed at the service counter for free.
There are tons of shops including fashion, lifestyle, home furnishings, cosmetics, and healthcare essentials (think Aeon, Padini, Popular Books, etc). With a myriad of eating joints too, you really can’t go wrong with this mall. Finally tried some Ben’s Cookies, Warabi Mochi and crepe cakes.
Address: Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Exchange TRX
Many international brands are here with lovely posters of their brand ambassadors, and you can spot your favorites. You could get all the trendy items from the latest Gentle Monster to Montigo water bottles and the latest electronics and also visit the big bookstore.



There are lots to see at this mall, and lots of food! Luckily the queue for the viral Mon Chinese Beef Roti was short and moved fast, so we managed to try some. The roti was crispy and oily, and it was fun seeing the experts making the roti on the spot. Also bought the iconic Tealive and some Korean food at Kfry. Wished we could eat more food like the Mil Toast House and check out a burger spot. One of my favourite wagyu beef is there too – Yakiniku Botan+.
Parking here can be confusing though since they have so many sections and various exits.
Address: Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Accommodation


We booked an apartment at Alfa Bangsar along Jalan Maarof, which is away from the hustle and bustle of the city center but still a few minutes’ ride away. It would also be easy to explore the Selangor area too. The apartment is spacious and clean and is well-equipped with essentials and comes with two bedrooms and two toilets. With minimalistic and modern decor and large windows, it is a space to unwind and relax.
The view from the swimming pool and gym was great, and there was also a roof that we could visit. There are a number of security guards as you drive up to the parking lot.
Day 2, Tuesday
Kota Darul Ehsan

Malaysia has beautiful structures along the road, including their rest stops. Since Day 2 was venturing towards Selangor area, we drove passed Kota Darul Ehsan, this beautiful border arch that symbolically marks the boundary of Selangor state and Kuala Lumpur, as it straddles the busy Federal Highway. I took a photo of it even before I knew what it was. The area is known for its bustling night markets, offering visitors the opportunity to find fantastic bargains on various items.
Address: Kota Darul Ehsan, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
bröom Artisan Bakery & Kitchen


This was an amazing breakfast spot for both its taste and ambience! The coffee tasted so good, and the best part is that they provide complimentary plant-based milk options.



Housed in a charming colonial shophouse, the space is filled with natural light, lush plants, and cobblestone pathways that create a calm and fresh atmosphere. The pastries were not dry or too oily at all, everything looks so good and are baked in-house daily. The cafe offers an array of freshly baked goods like sourdough bread, croissants, and cookies alongside lunch boxes and bowls with Malaysian and Japanese influences.
Address: 27, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
The Cap City


Jangan cakap kita tak payung! Had to visit this hot spot since we have a car. A parking lot is reserved for TCC customers outside their shop, which is great because finding parking was very challenging.
The Cap City is a household name when it comes to Malaysian streetwear. The caps can be customised on the spot based on your head size, and also molded into a flat cap or curved cap based on your preference.


Apart from designing caps, streetwear enthusiast and cap collector Nigel Sparks also ensured TCC also has other merchandise such as tote bags and apparel. It is more than just fashion, it is a statement to the culture and community for anyone and everyone. Definitely felt sold on the idea – the staff were so patient and friendly and treated us sincerely as customers and shared all their tips and knowhows. We ended up buying a lot more than expected!
We were hoping to also meet Nigel, but the staff shared that he usually comes in later in the day.
Address: Ground floor, 75G, Jalan SS 15/8a, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Kafe Caah’s Donut & Coffee


Yo, these milk donuts were fire! One of the donut shops that went viral online, we needed to try it. Famous Malaysian TikToker rated the milk donuts as Jason 7.8/10, which is honestly not a bad rating. It is served as bite-sized, freshly made and fried, and the dough itself was so soft and airy. The donuts did not have any strong dough smell or a strong yeast taste – definitely enjoyable. You can also purchase sugar-coated donuts instead of milk, which is also tasty – but milk is definitely better.
You could also watch the staff making the donuts in batches in the open kitchen, the workstations were clean and organised.
Address: AAG 28, PUSAT KOMERSIAL SEKSYEN 7, Jalan Plumbum Aa 7/Aa, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
House of Popiah


House of Popiah is a small stall set up at a food court. It is a popular snack amongst Malaysians, and became so popular that it also went viral for its cost, quality and taste. Everything is homemade from the filling to the popiah skin and the business has been around for more than two decades. They sell both popiah basah (non-fried) and popiah goreng (fried) – the filling is not soggy, and delicious with their special savory sauce. It is safe for kids to eat too because the sauce is not spicy. The fried popiah skin is not hard at all, so that was another plus point.
The humble chef usually does TikTok live while at the shop serving customers, and you can always see them being busy with a constant stream of customers. Besides that, he also shares his knowledge and tips by holding popiah-making classes for those interested.
Address: Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
2nd Street Lotus’s Setia Alam Bundle Shop
Besides visiting the huge Lotus supermarket in Shah Alam, also found a 2nd Street shop in the same mall. It is a secondhand and bundle clothing shop that originated from Japan and has multiple branches in Malaysia and around the world. The space felt more spacious than the other 2nd Street shops. You can get branded pieces at a discounted price. Best to always try out the clothing for any 2nd Street outlet, because it may look like it will fit, but certain parts might be too tight on different body types – though it does help reduce the number of items eventually bought, so that is a win for me.
Address: F58 2, Jalan Setia Prima U13, 3, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Elmina Lakeside Mall
Elmina Lakeside Mall is designed very similar to the malls in Australia and New Zealand – stretched out across a big piece of land, with big, tall shops charmingly spaced apart on ground floor. It features an open-concept layout integrated with nature, with shops, dining, fashion, sports, and gadget stores, as well as a Jaya Grocer, pharmacy, and barbershop. There were a few boutique stores selling beautiful, modest fashion pieces and baju Melayu like tiQaco, Aula, and Onura Atelier, Matase Sutera. More common brands like F.O.S, Bayu Somerset, Siti Khadijah, and Decathlon are also there. There’s actually a lot of food, snacks, and beverages here, so best to come on an empty stomach!
Just a short stroll away is the Elmina Urban Park, featuring a tiger-themed playground, picturesque cascading waterways, and a dragon bridge lookout point.
Address: West, 5, Persiaran Garcinia Elmina, Darul Ehsan, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Pasar Mini Paya Jaras
We drove past this very long pasar by the street which is like a farmer’s market in the morning, and a pasar malam at night. Wished we had the time to stop by for a visit, because it looked like there were lots of food options, and would probably taste authentic and nice since it is near the housing suburbs.
Address: lot 3064 b, Jalan kuala Selangor, lot 3064b, Jalan Haji Baie, Kampung Paya Jaras Hulu, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
St Rosyam Mart – Sungai Buloh
St Rosyam Mart is special because it is a modern wholesale and retail grocer that is open 24 hours, with actor Datuk Rosyam Nor as the director of ST Rosyam Mart.
They even have 21 complimentary public services, ensuring added convenience and value for every customer. It is well known for their exclusive customer rewards, including 100 free Umrah packages and RM1.5 million in giveaways. They have lots of promotions throughout the year too, with pledged donations to multiple places of worship, including mosques, temples, and religious organizations.
Address: Lot No, 21117, Jalan Besar Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh, Seksyen 20, 40160 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Alwi’s Food

We saved our stomachs for an early dinner at Chef Alwi’s restaurant. Chef Alwi is a popular Malaysian chef with over 30 years in the culinary world as a Chef and Chefpreneur. On TikTok, he often shares useful tips on cooking, how to pick fresh ingredients, and also shares how he teaches his interns at work. We managed to have a chat with the Chef himself and a photo after asking the staff if we could meet him!



This place has a relaxed and casual atmosphere when dining, suitable for the whole family. Alwi’s serves Western, and local cuisines which focuses highly on fresh and premium ingredients. We tried the black angus aglio olio, seabass fish and chips, and chicken chop with three drinks at 126rm – which was fresh, delicious, and at reasonable prices.
Address: 87, Jalan Nautika B U20/B, Pusat Komersial Tsb, 40160 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Cocolikes by Chef Alwi
We also ordered a homemade chendol from next door and they served it to us once we were done with the meal since they are sister companies. The dessert was not overly sweet and the ice was shaved like a bingsu-style which made it easy to eat.
Address: 89, Jalan Nautika B U20/B, Pusat Komersial Tsb, 40160 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Sate Kajang Hj Samuri, Petaling Jaya
We had a sudden craving for sate kajang, a popular Malaysian variation of satay, characterized by its larger, more substantial pieces of meat and a rich, flavorful marinade. We somehow managed to get the last order of sate at 9.15pm at Sate Kajang Hj Samuri with a takeaway order. The even more shocking thing other than the early closure was the ketupat – one packet was two hands big, huge!

Overall, the sate was tasty, and definitely meaty. While the peanut sauce was not spicy, they provided a sambal sauce that you can add to the sauce based on your preference.
They also sell ready-made sate and popiah and burger patties.
Address: 7 Jalan Yong Shook Lin, Seksyen 7, Pj New Town, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Day 3, Wednesday
Village Park Restaurant
Village Park Restaurant is a must-visit for nasi lemak, especially nasi lemak with ayam goreng berempah. This place is famous amongst locals and tourists alike, and their shop even has a picture of Tun Dr Mahathir eating at their shop hung on its wall. It is like everyone’s favourite nasi lemak place.
On my last visit to KL, we ordered it through GrabFood but this time we managed to visit and eat it when it is served fresh and hot.

This is a busy breakfast place, but service was fast and efficient (you may be intimidated by the rush hour, but brave through!). A nasi lemak set cost 13rm, and it comes with sambal that is moderately spicy with the right amount of sweet and savory. Do try the pulut serunding, it is simple but also tasty. Heard that the rendang is also nice.
Address: 5, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
WISMA D’HERBS HOLDINGS



Finally paid a visit to kedai Papa Terlajak Laris! If you are familiar with Malaysian entertainment news, you would be familiar with Dato’ Sri Aliff Syukri. Known for his bold and attention-grabbing style, he frequently appears in media and social platforms, often sparking discussion and controversy. Despite this, he remains a successful brand builder with a loyal following.
He is the owner of D’Herbs, a halal-certified Malaysian brand known for its natural herbal-based personal care and beauty products, ranging from healthy food, skincare to feminine care. Their Wisma D’Herbs is their flagship retail space — essentially a one-stop shop for the brand’s full range.


The space was unexpectedly bigger than I expected with sofas to rest and almost everything had available samples – kinda tried more than half of the products there. And with everything there priced at wholesale price, I bought A LOT more than I planned to. The staff there were very polite and helpful too.
There was a random durian stall outside their building too, I guess AS really sells everything. Do note that parking was very difficult to find, and it was crowded even though we went on a weekday.
Address: PRESTIJ, 6-1, JALAN PEKAKA,8/1D, PJU 5, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
DOPA – Donut Panas Shah Alam
DOPA went viral for its soft, fluffy hot donuts online. They also do sell beverages and other pastries. The size of the donut is huge, so it is great for sharing. The donut comes in classic and red velvet flavours and can be coated in either sugar or milk. It is always in demand, so you usually have to wait for a fresh batch that will be packed immediately for you. It is soft when hot.
Address: 17, Jalan Ceongsam 10/11, Seksyen 10, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Bangsar Village II
Bangsar Village II is part of a two-mall complex connected by a sky-bridge and caters to both locals and expats. While Bangsar Village focuses on family-oriented stores, Bangsar Village II offers an elegant experience with contemporary restaurants, curated boutique stores, and mid to high-tier fashion brands. Took a quick break at Siam Oasis for the mum who needed a massage.
Address: 2, Jln Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
TTDI Meat Point Steakhouse – حلال



We made reservations before visiting TTDI Meat Point for dinner, and we found out why. The place was packed in a short time with meat lovers who were presented with all sorts of meat of their choice. The menu features a variety of meats including grain or grass-fed tenderloin, ribeye, striploin, T-bone and wagyu beef.
Once you choose your preferred cut, you decide on the marination, sauce and two sides. While waiting for them to prepare your main, you will be served bread rolls as appetizer. It was cool that they provide a hot stone for the table so you could cook or heat up your meat on it directly. The drinks were served with dry ice to increase the novelty of the TTDI experience.
Address: 58, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Wilayah Persekutuan, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Pasar Malam Masjid India

We tried to find the usual night market at Masjid India, but it seems like it does not open on weekday nights anymore, with only a few scattered stalls along the road. On a lively day, it is typically packed with people and you can find a wide array of goods including groceries, clothing, toys, traditional health and beauty products, traditional food, trendy food, and more.
Address: Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman
Alas, the night market at Jalan TAR also did not exist on a weekday night. It is only open from 5 pm to 10 pm every Saturday. This is one of the largest night markets in Malaysia, with food sold at a cheap price.
Address: Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tōgeya 峠 とうげ (Muslim-friendly)
JDM-car lovers, this is a must-visit! This cafe is literally by the expressway, which is such a fitting location for Malaysia’s first Initial D-themed petrol station and café. This was the coolest cafe I’ve been to so far and opens till 2am. Its name is inspired by the Japanese word 峠 (tōge), meaning a mountain pass or narrow mountain road — a clear nod to its car culture theme.
The petrol-themed station had a display of the owner’s JDM cars and vintage motorcycles. You could take photos with the cars on display, which are kept in really good condition. There are also Initial-D decorations around the space, and you can choose to sit and sip at the outdoor tables. If not, there is an indoor space to relax, which you can also grab unique Initial D-themed souvenirs or use the race car simulator (with also another Initial D car displayed indoors!). They had a label to indicate that the cafe is Muslim-friendly, and they do not sell pork. There is also a car detailing workshop at the corner.
Address: 1471, Jln Kuching, Kampung Pasir Segambut, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Day 4, Thursday
Chow Kit Market


Morning markets are a must for any family trip. We visited Chow Kit Market, which is the largest wet and dry market in KL – it was indeed a vibrant array of very fresh produce, seafood, meat, and spices. Nearby parking can be difficult though.

There is also a food stall section near to the main road that sold rice, noodles and snacks. We never really came across kuih dangai and kuih pukis before. It had like an apam texture, and tasted soft and fluffy when it was just made, so ended up buying a bit more to bring home. The kuih can last three to four days at room temperature. But you don’t eat it with any sugar or shredded coconut.
Address: Jln Raja Alang, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Nasi Lemak Wanjo Kg Baru



This other viral nasi lemak shop here is known for its delicious flavors, with the sambal being more spicy than sweet, complementing the perfectly cooked rice. It is a nasi padang style where you can choose the dishes you want. A lot of fried dishes to choose from as well as a variety of malay dishes like rendang and sambal telur. The rice is richer in coconut as compared to Village Park’s.

There were also street food booths along the street – we bought some fried fritters because they looked good even though we just came out full from nasi lemak.
There is a parking area on the same street which is paid per entry.
Address: 8, Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We also visited this place a few years back – check out more food options here.
Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas Library, ISTAC
As someone who enjoys libraries and museums, I finally had the chance to explore the Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas Library, which is located in an Islamic university. I basically felt like a student being dropped off to school while they drove somewhere else. The campus itself includes a cafe that is opened to the public, but entry to the library is 20RM for international citizens. It was super empty in the library, with a few people studying there.
The space was so beautiful, perched on a hillside amidst tree-shaded grounds with a fountain and beautiful architecture. The location was quite hidden away from the city, and you have to drive through some landed properties and state buildings. Also, there is so much history behind the person the library was named after, a well-known scholar who has written lots of intriguing papers.
Address: 24, Persiaran Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, Bukit Tunku, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
For the more artsy ones, check out this other KL itinerary too.
Jalan Tunku Putra Lookout Point
While we were driving to ISTAC, we somehow drove on the Jalan Tunku Putra Road, which is said to have one of the stunning views of KL cityscape. The road reveals iconic landmarks like KLCC, KL Tower, and Merdeka 118 while while driving along the hill road.
Address: 21, Jalan Tunku Putra, Taman Duta, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Thong Bowl Publika


Publika is an up-scale food haven, but had always wanted to try Thong Bowl, a shop that went viral for the biggest serving of milk tea and boat noodles with premium Japanese Miyazaki beef. The boat noodles was indeed delicious. The spicy level 1 is already spicy, can’t imagine the higher levels. The creamy tom yam mama mee was also not bad. I suggest avoiding the rice bowls.
Address: Lot 35,Level G2,Block C5, Publika Shopping Gallery, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Grey Cafe


Ok the real reason for visiting Publika was to meet Sid Murshid in the flesh after a first failed attempt during my previous trip! Totally fangirled and he realised I was truly an OG fan since pisang goreng and nasi lemak days on YouTube. He is a singer, producer, and business owner all in one.
This cafe that he co-owns is a café with Japanese influences, offering café staples, fusion food, and seasonal sweet treats. There is a kitchen, but also an open drinks counter in the middle of the space. It was matcha and chocolate season then, but they also serve unexpectedly delicious mains which is definitely worth a try.
Address: A1-G2-01, SOLARIS DUTAMAS, 1, Jln Dutamas 1, WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Intrinsic Global Sdn Bhd
We visited a baking store, something like a Redman in Singapore. We visited because we heard the shop specializes in pure vanilla extract, vanilla beans, and alcohol-free, halal vanilla extract, and gourmet vanilla beans. But alas, it was sold out – just like every other shop that we had visited on this trip. Intrinsic Global is one of Malaysia’s biggest sellers of pure vanilla extract and a popular brand.
Address: 25, Lorong Setiabistari 4, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Bake With Yen Chow Kit
Bake With Yen is another go-to spot for baking needs, offering ingredients and equipment such as flours, nuts, dairy products, and more.
Address: No. 25, 27, 29, 31, 33 & 35, Lorong Haji Taib 1, Chow Kit, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Day 5, Friday
Chef Kecik Boulangerie @ Eco Majestic



Chef Kecik is another talented young chef who constantly shares his recipes with his followers – and the recipes shared that my mum tried turned out successfully and consistently tasted delicious. Thus, had to try out his restaurant here! This particular outlet is a two-storey flagship store, which sold bakes, beautiful pastries and desserts, as well as mains. Each dish was served beautifully on the plate and tasted so good! Our favourite was the Laksa Johor dish.


Some of the highlights include the Hazelnut Mix Berries Danish, Mix Berries Danish, and Biscoff Croissant, along with their signature Pain Au Chocolat and Sourdough, which have received rave reviews from local food bloggers. The café also emphasizes quality, freshly baked ingredients, with halal options giving it broad appeal within the local community.
They also sold bottled kuih, but their hard-to-get vanilla essence was out of stock unfortunately.
Address: Lot LG-01 & Lot G-06, Majestic Labs, 1, Jalan Eco Majestic 10/2, 43500 Beranang, Selangor, Malaysia
R&R Pagoh Southbound
After the scrumptious brunch, we started our drive down towards JB, and took a quick pit stop at Pagoh. The toilet here was clean.
Address: Rnr pagoh, 84600 Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Premium Outlets
If you have the time, you could do some last-minute shopping at the outlet mall in Johor.
Address: 81400, Johor, Malaysia
Awagyu Restaurant
Halal-certified Wagyu meat can never go wrong. Recommended by a friend, decided to check this out! It prides itself on serving the finest cuts of A5-graded (BMS8-12) Wagyu beef from a special farm in Tokushima, Japan. Since it was our first time there, they explained the types of cuts and demonstrated the best way to eat the meat. We ate it the yakiniku-style, but there were also soup dishes and teppanyaki-style options.
We made reservations the day before, and saw that the seats filled up fast for dinner, so making reservations would be safer.
Address: 25c, Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Taman Abad, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Once we were done with our dinner, we headed to Wardah to return the car and headed back to Singapore. We were definitely stuffed daily on this trip and wished we could try out even more food!
Overall, a road trip in Malaysia provides you with a more flexible itinerary, but not every space would be easy to find parking. This 5D4N trip proved that there are countless new finds waiting to be found in Malaysia.