KSL City Mall isn’t just an ordinary mall, it’s practically a Singaporean weekend ritual.
Just a 10-minute drive from the JB checkpoint, KSL City Mall offers affordable shopping, comfort food, and everything from go-karts to haircuts.
The strong exchange rate makes it even more appealing. For many Singaporeans, it’s the ideal “half-day” getaway , no flights, no planning stress, just one solid Grab ride away from great value.
Regardless if you are there for food, massage, go-carts or a relaxing afternoon in a KSL hair salon, we will show you how to get to the causeway most happening mall.
How to Cross the Woodlands Border Without the Hassle
Leave after 10 am on Saturday and avoid Sunday evening returns. Use Beat The Jam or Checkpoint.sg / SG Traffic Cameras to check live waits and camera feeds
If you’re going by public transport, hop onto the 170, CW2 or TS1 bus from Kranji or Queen Street, then clear customs and Grab to KSL.
Public transport options from Singapore
Mode | Route | Estimated Time | Cost |
Bus | CW2 (Queen Street) / 170 (Queen Street) via Woodlands | 1.5–2 hrs | S$3–$5 (service-dependent) |
Train + Walk | KTM Shuttle Tebrau (Woodlands Train Checkpoint → JB Sentral), then 10–15 min Grab or short bus to KSL | 20–45 min total (5-min train + immigration/boarding) | S$5 (SG→JB) / RM5 (JB→SG) |
Private Car | Grab/Taxi via Woodlands | 45–90 min depending on traffic | Fares vary, check the app |
From JB Sentral to KSL: 5–10 min by bus/taxi, bus fare typically RM1–2 to stops near KSL.
We also recommend to change a small amount of ringgit at Woodlands first, rates in JB are better for large sums.
1. Hair & Beauty Services
Once you arrive, begin your trip with a fresh cut at the best hair salon in JB, a Singaporean favourite for high-quality hair services at Malaysian prices.
Located on Level 1 (L1-122) of KSL City Mall, REDS Hair Salon is the go-to for Singaporeans who want high-quality hair services without overpaying across the border.
Their stylists are professional, fluent in English/Mandarin, and most importantly, don’t upsell you unnecessarily.
Category | Service | Price (from) |
Hair Cut | Female Hair Cut (Shampoo + Blow) | RM65 onwards |
Perming | RM188 onwards | |
Hair Colouring | 1-Tone Colour | RM138 onwards |
Rebonding | Keratin Rebonding | RM248 onwards |
Hair Treatment | Keratin Treatment | RM258 onwards |
Scalp Treatment | Scalp Rejuvenation (Hair Loss/Oily) | RM108 onwards |
Muslimah-friendly: REDS offers private haircut rooms for hijab-wearing customers at selected branches, including KSL.
Location: L1-122, Level 1
Phone: 011-8888 7643
Opening Hours: Daily, 10 am–10 pm
Weekends fill up fast, so book your slot via WhatsApp before heading over. That way, you’ll skip the queue and head back to SG with fabulous hair and zero regrets.
2. Movie Marathon at GSC Cinema
After a great hair cut, watching the latest blockbusters sounds like a great idea.
GSC KSL shows the latest films in English, Mandarin and Malay, with some premieres even coming earlier than in Singapore.
Ticket promos at KSL start from RM17 (2D) while hall configurations vary. So make sure to check the app for seat types when booking.
Location: Level 2 (L2-128), KSL City Mall
Price: From RM13 (Standard), RM18+ (Recliner)
3. Classic KSL Chicken Chop (Food Court Special)
Feeling peckish after the movie? Head straight to the LG-level food court for a Singaporean cult favourite, the chicken chop with black pepper sauce (RM14) in the LG-level food court is a classic JB meal.
Crispy fried chicken, fried egg, pepper sauce, and coleslaw, simple, satisfying, and less than SGD$5. Pair that with a teh peng and life doesn’t get better than that.
Location: KSL Food Court, Lower Ground (LG)
Price: RM14 (cash or QR pay accepted)
4. Scalp or Foot Massage (Reflexology Centres)
What’s a JB trip without a massage?
You’ll find dozens of massage parlours inside and around KSL, most offering foot reflexology, shoulder massage or back rubs from RM75–88/hour.
Popular spots include Thai Odyssey and Dr. Stretch with some even open till midnight on weekends.
Tip: Walk-in slots available, but book in advance for peak hours
Location and Operating house: Thai Odyssey (L2-001, 10 am–10 pm)
Read more: 10 Best Things to Do at KSL City Mall (Just Across the Causeway)
5. Grocery & Snack Grab at Guardian/Watsons/Giant
It’s practically tradition to stock up on JB essentials like Old Town white coffee, Maggi mee, Milo tins, and Watsons skincare before heading home, and you won’t be breaking the bank either.
With prices up to 30–40% cheaper than in Singapore, KSL makes it easy with all the major chains under one roof.
Category | Must-Buys |
Groceries | Milo, Old Town coffee, instant noodles |
Toiletries | Sunscreen, hair serum, face masks (Watsons/KCARE) |
Snacks | Dried cuttlefish, salted egg chips, Munchy’s biscuits |
Hair Products | Local serums, REDS aftercare kits, Milbon |
Prices are often lower than SG thanks to the exchange rate (SGD=MYR 3.30 as of Aug 2025), but actual savings vary by item.
Be sure to bring a reusable bag as many retailers in Malaysia charge a minimum 20-sen fee under state “No Plastic Bag” policies.
One Mall, One Weekend, Sorted
From a stylish new haircut to a sizzling chicken chop, a calming massage to a blockbuster movie, KSL City Mall delivers the perfect weekend escape in one place.
So the next time you’re planning a quick getaway without the stress of flying, skip the long-haul queues, plan smartly, and make KSL JB your go-to ritual.
And if you really want to maximise your trip, start it right by booking an appointment at REDS Hair Salon and you’ll step out ready to enjoy the rest of your KSL relaxation in style.
We even provide FREE consultation, refreshments and of course wifi while you wait, not bad right?
Find us here at KSL City Mall!
Frequently Asked Questions About Singaporeans Visiting KSL City Mall
Take a bus like CW2/170 via Woodlands, or KTM Shuttle Tebrau (5-min ride). From JB Sentral, take a bus or Grab to KSL which will take you to 5–10 min.
The local bus costs around RM2–3 per person. But most Singaporeans prefer Grab from JB Sentral, especially if travelling in groups or carrying shopping bags, it’s quicker and easier.
Yes. With affordable hair salons like REDS Hair Salon, budget-friendly meals, massage centres, movies, and last-minute grocery shopping, it’s one of the best-value malls near the border. Prices are often 30–40% cheaper than in Singapore.
Avoid peak hours. Leave after 10am on Saturday and before 5pm on Sunday to skip jams at Woodlands Checkpoint. Weekday mornings are also smooth if you’re sneaking in a quick trip.
Most Singaporeans spend 4–6 hours at KSL. That’s enough time for a haircut, a movie, a meal at the food court, a massage, and some quick shopping before heading back. If you want to explore the Monday night market, plan to stay later into the evening.
Just outside KSL, you’ll find plenty of cafés, massage parlours, and boutique shops within walking distance. For a change of scenery, City Square Mall and Komtar JBCC are only a short Grab ride away from KSL.