Johor Bahru’s newest shopping destination opens near Legoland, featuring green spaces, Japanese brands, and a drive-thru Starbucks.
Just weeks after the highly anticipated SKS City Mall opened its doors near the Johor Bahru checkpoint, another major retail destination has emerged across the Causeway. Horizon Mall, located in the upscale Horizon Hills integrated township in Iskandar Puteri, is poised to draw crowds seeking a different kind of shopping experience—one rooted in nature-inspired design and family-friendly amenities.
Developed by Gamuda Land, Horizon Mall distinguishes itself with a biophilic architectural approach. Artist renderings show a mix of air-conditioned interiors and semi-open spaces designed to flood the complex with natural light and fresh air. Wooden fixtures and abundant greenery are woven throughout the property, creating communal gathering spots where visitors can relax. The concept evokes comparisons to Singapore’s Geneo lifestyle hub at Kent Ridge, though Horizon Mall forgoes the cathedral-like architecture and industrial aesthetics of its Singapore counterpart.
Dining and Retail Lineup
Food lovers will find plenty to explore. Confirmed F&B tenants include:
- Zus Coffee for specialty brews
- Padi House, serving traditional Malaysian fare
- ChaTraMue, the iconic Thai tea brand
- Llao Llao for frozen yogurt
- Starbucks with a drive-thru option
Additional tenants include Village Grocer supermarket, family-friendly karaoke chain Loud Speaker, and Jungle Gym, an indoor playground designed for young children. More tenants are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Opening Timeline
Horizon Mall’s launch date has shifted. Initial reports pointed to May 2026, but other sources now suggest an opening closer to the end of the year. However, a teaser posted May 7 on Horizon Hills’ Instagram page—showing the mall’s facade—has fueled speculation that the debut may come sooner than originally planned.
For Singaporean visitors, the mall’s location near Legoland Malaysia offers a convenient stop for a day trip. Cross-border travel has also become easier: as of early May, cross-border taxis can now drop passengers anywhere in Singapore and Johor Bahru, eliminating the need for designated drop-off points.
Broader Implications
Horizon Mall represents a growing trend in Malaysian retail development: blending commercial spaces with environmental design to attract the increasingly experience-driven Malaysian and Singaporean shopper. As Johor’s retail landscape expands—with SKS City Mall already drawing weekend crowds and Horizon Mall poised to follow—the region is cementing its status as a cross-border shopping hub. For families and design enthusiasts alike, the new mall offers a reason to explore beyond the usual JB hotspots.
For more on cross-border travel and lifestyle updates, check out our coverage of new taxi services and Singapore’s upcoming Starlink-powered Wi-Fi.