This Singapore content creator went viral for exploring JB by bus — Here are the beauty treatments in Johor Bahru she recommends

For 30-year-old marketing executive and content creator Clara Chang, Johor Bahru has become something of a second home. Better known to her TikTok followers as @redxkisses, Clara has built a following for her Johor Bahru-focused content, documenting everything from bus routes and border crossings to her beauty and wellness finds across the Causeway.

But the content creator didn’t set out to become an expert on travelling to Johor Bahru. It happened almost by accident.

As someone who frequently travels to JB for manicures, spa treatments and other beauty appointments, Clara started her “JB by Bus” series after discovering just how convenient the city’s bus network could be. She was also keen not to be restricted to a single mode of transport, particularly during periods of rising prices.

This became the catalyst for her to start documenting her travels — and, in the process, discover a side of JB that extends well beyond the usual shopping malls and food haunts.

“As someone who often travels solo, I sometimes also feel more comfortable using public transport because there is something reassuring about being in a public environment rather than being ‘trapped alone in a car’ with a stranger,” she tells Her World.

“Over the past year, there were some incidents involving female passengers and private-hire rides in JB which also reinforced that preference for me, although, of course, I still use ride-hailing apps when a destination isn’t easily accessible by public transport.”

Why Clara goes to JB for beauty and wellness treatments

One of Clara’s biggest discoveries has been that there is far more to Johor Bahru than Singaporeans typically associate it with.

“The bus network still has its limitations and isn’t as comprehensive as Singapore’s, but I’ve also seen significant improvements even within the one year since I started making these videos — newer buses and new bus stops.”

“I also wanted to share from a Singaporean perspective that there are more options and experiences available across the border if you’re willing to explore.”

Beauty and wellness eventually became part of that exploration.

“There are so many different treatments, salons, spas and wellness concepts that are quite different from what we typically experience in Singapore, and I became increasingly curious to try them for myself.”

And she has certainly done her research. Clara has tried a wide range of beauty and wellness treatments in Johor Bahru, including dental services such as scaling and polishing, carbon laser facials, sponge spicules facial treatments and misty eyebrow embroidery.

For her hair, she has tried everything from perming and keratin treatments to Japanese Bioma, scalp care and custom colouring. Her wellness experiences include Balinese aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, cupping, Totok Wajah — a traditional Javanese acupressure and deep-tissue facial massage — and Pilates classes. She has also tried sweat therapy, as well as numerous manicures and pedicures.

While cost is certainly one factor, Clara says the lower price point in JB has made her more willing to experiment.

“I think the lower price point in JB has also made me much more willing to experiment. There are so many different treatments and concepts that I probably wouldn’t actively seek out in Singapore.”

“Because there is such a wide range of options and different price points, I feel more comfortable trying something new and deciding for myself whether I like it.”

Why Singaporeans are travelling to Johor Bahru for beauty and wellness treatmentsIt

For Clara, one of the biggest draws of getting beauty and wellness treatments in JB isn’t necessarily the lower price tag. It is the experience that comes with it.

She recommends getting beauty and wellness treatments in JB for the “spatial experience and holistic wellness”.

“I really enjoy the experience and environment that some of these establishments offer, which can be quite different from what we typically get in Singapore.”

Singapore’s geographical and urban constraints, along with higher rental costs, often mean beauty establishments operate within relatively compact spaces. In JB, Clara has found that many establishments make much greater use of their available space, creating immersive, resort-style environments where the treatment is just one part of the experience.

“For example, one of the places where I had a Totok facial lift and massage doesn’t feel like a conventional spa from the moment you arrive.”

“It is a sprawling multi-storey compound whereby the entrance itself feels like you’ve been transported somewhere else — you walk through a garden with Balinese elements before even reaching the main door.”

“Inside, the establishment spans across multiple levels, with different areas dedicated to different treatments and facilities. There is even space for jacuzzi and steam room etc.”

That changes the way she views a spa appointment.

“Instead of simply going to an establishment for a one-hour appointment, it feels more like visiting an all-rounded wellness destination where the treatment is only one part of the experience.”

“The whole experience can be much slower and more leisurely. That’s something I particularly enjoy about JB.”

“Sometimes I’m not just paying for a treatment; I’m paying for the opportunity/a getaway, to slow down and spend a few hours in a space that feels like an escape from my usual city routine in Singapore.”

How Clara Chang (@redxkisses) found the best JB beauty and wellness spots

Another reason Clara keeps returning is the sheer variety of beauty and wellness concepts available.

“JB has a really interesting mixture of traditional treatments, Malaysian beauty culture, Chinese-style spa concepts, Korean/Japanese-inspired treatments, aesthetic clinics and large-scale wellness centres.”

“Sometimes I don’t even know what the treatment does — I see something interesting that I haven’t tried before and want to experience it.”

She has also found that the operating hours can be surprisingly flexible.

“I’ve been to places that operate late into the night, and I’ve even ended up at a 24-hour spa. That flexibility works really well for Singaporeans who might want to cross over after work or avoid the daytime border traffic.”

Clara wouldn’t describe herself as “loyal” to any particular beauty establishment. Instead, she enjoys seeking out different treatments at different places depending on her skin, body and schedule.

These are some of the treatments she’s particularly enjoyed. 

For manicures: Little Nail Cottage, Permas Jaya

“I really liked how clean the place was, and the manicurist was very meticulous and detailed with the work.”

For a Balinese spa experience: Spa Manja

“This is the one I mentioned earlier for the Balinese spa and Totok facial treatment. I really enjoyed the overall experience and the Balinese environment, which felt very different from a typical spa.”

“I have shared my experience at the spa before. I was impressed and satisfied with the appointment, service and the facility.”

For an all-in-one wellness experience: Natural Asia Health, Holiday Plaza

One of Clara’s most memorable JB spa experiences happened completely by chance.

“It was the Labour Day long weekend, and my friends and I had booked an Airbnb for a 3D2N staycation. We wanted to avoid the morning heavy traffic heading into JB over the long weekend, so we decided to cross the border at around 4am instead, and I happened to find a spa that operates 24 hours.”

“We were just looking for a place to pass time before our Airbnb check-in.”

They booked a 1.5-hour massage, but the experience extended well beyond the treatment itself.

“We booked a 1.5-hour massage, but the experience didn’t end when the massage was over. After the massage, we got another 2.5 hrs to use a whole range of facilities.”

“There was hot tub, arcade room, cinema room and gym, and there was even a free-flow buffet for customers to use freely.”

“Considering the amount of space, facilities and how clean everything was, I thought it was surprisingly reasonable for what we got.”

The experience also changed what Clara looks for when choosing a spa.

“That experience fundamentally shifted my evaluation criteria. I realised that the value proposition in JB has evolved from focusing on quality and price of the treatment itself to paying attention to what the establishment offers beyond the treatment.”

“Now, I seek out places that act as functional sanctuaries, where the treatment is just one element of a broader, high-value ecosystem designed for rest and productivity.”

“Sometimes it’s about getting an experience that would be difficult to replicate in Singapore.”

“I actually pinned the experience on my TikTok as well because it was such a memorable experience.”

For eyebrow embroidery: VV Beauty Group

“I found the whole experience very comfortable, to the point that I actually fell asleep during the appointment!”

“I’ve also recently shared my experience there too! (The price is slightly steep and a bit far but I was satisfied by the service and environment.)”

Clara’s tips for Singaporeans getting beauty treatments in JB

If you’re planning to cross the Causeway for a facial, manicure, massage or other beauty treatment, Clara has a few words of advice.

1. Stand firm against hard selling

“Do not feel pressured into signing multi-session packages on your first visit.”

“There are so many beauty establishments in JB, and because there are so many options, I think it’s worth taking your time to figure out what you actually like before committing to one place or signing up for multiple sessions.”

“If you’re faced with hard-selling, don’t be afraid to say no. You don’t have to feel pressured into buying a package simply because you’re there for one treatment. Stand firm about what you came for and what you’re comfortable spending.”

And if you’re living in Singapore, Clara points out that you have a perfectly valid reason for declining a package.

“Coming from Singapore, we always have a very valid ‘excuse’: we don’t come to JB that often! You can always say that it’s not convenient to commit to a package because crossing the border can be unpredictable, especially with the traffic and long jams.”

“There’s really no need to feel bad about saying no — take your time, try different places and see what actually works for you before committing.”

2. Look beyond the treatment itself

“I also think it’s important to understand that not every establishment is trying to offer the same experience.”

“Some places specialise very heavily in one particular treatment, while others are more like full-service wellness centres with multiple treatments and additional facilities.”

Clara has also noticed more establishments taking inspiration from the larger spa-centre model popular in China.

“Increasingly, I’ve also noticed establishments taking inspiration from the larger spa-centre model that you see in China. Some spas now have facilities such as jacuzzis, steam rooms, recreational areas and even free-flow buffets.”

“I’ve come across places with arcade rooms, cinemas, gyms and spaces where you can simply sit and relax after your treatment without rushing you out the door.”

3. Match the venue to your goal

Before booking, Clara recommends deciding what kind of experience you actually want.

“Decide whether you want a specialised treatment or a multi-hour relaxation experience with added facilities, then pick accordingly.”

That has changed the way she chooses where to spend her time and money in JB.

“I don’t necessarily ask myself, ‘Where can I get this treatment cheapest?’ anymore.”

“I’m increasingly looking at the whole experience — what the establishment specialises in, what facilities it offers, how long I can comfortably spend there, and whether the overall experience feels worth my time and money.”