7 Best Things to Do in Kulai — An Underrated Getaway Less Than an Hour from JB

Don't get me wrong—I love Johor Bahru. But after countless visits and doing the same things over and over, it can feel a bit repetitive. That’s why I was thrilled to stumble upon a new getaway less than an hour from the JB checkpoint!

Welcome to Kulai, a charming town filled with Instagram-worthy spots and cozy cafes. It’s also home to a large Hakka Chinese community, making it a go-to destination for authentic Hakka cuisine, especially lei cha (thunder tea rice).

Kulai is perfect for a day trip from JB, and here are some exciting things you can do there!

Kelapa Sawit Wall Art

Explore the Kelapa Sawit Wall Art, a long stretch of nostalgic art murals drawn by locals to revitalise the area and attract tourists.

Rainforest Tree House

Besides the cafe, there are actual tree houses where you can stay overnight! Amenities such as mattresses, blankets and even bathrooms are provided. After a good night’s rest, explore the area and hike 20 minutes to the nearby Gunung Pulai Waterfall.

Putuo Village

Located in a bamboo forest on the outskirts of Kulai, Putuo Village spans 43 acres and consists of a Bodhi Sanctuary and Purple Bamboo Valley. The Bodhi Sanctuary houses Southeast Asia’s largest indoor statue of Zhunti Bodhisattva!

Gunung Pulai

Get your hiking gear on and conquer Kulai’s 654m-tall Gunung Pulai! For beginners, opt for the short hike.

Have authentic Hakka food at Kedai Makanan Hakka Sawit

No words needed here.

Shop till you drop at Johor Premium Outlets

Nike, Adidas, Madam Kwan, Lululemon.. Just go for it.

FUEL UP before going back to Singapore - Skudai R&R Southbound

Skudai R&R is the most family friendly rest stop with the largest carpark from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. This R&R is near Tol Skudai and serves as the largest EV Charging Hub with more than 10 Fast Chargers and 4 Charge Point Operators.

Chargeplus is also present here! With more than 1,200 charging points in Singapore, most EV car owners will have a Chargeplus App that can be used at Skudai R&R.