Johor Bahru is mainly famous for Legoland. But in addition to that, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town is also a great attraction for kids. If you happen to visit Legoland, keep some spare time at hand to visit this indoor theme park. Along with Hello Kitty it also houses Thomas Town. Since my little girl was not familiar with the characters of Thomas Town and we were short on time, we skipped it and went straight to Hello Kitty Town; which is literally Every Girls Dreamland (no matter the age).
Puteri Harbour
Puteri Harbour is also a perfect destination to spend a day out with kids. Puteri Harbour is an award winning water front destination which houses the two indoor theme parks Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and Thomas Town. Since we were at Johor Bahru for three days we decided to visit Puteri Harbour. It is about 10 minutes drive from Legoland. Shuttle buses also ply between the two attractions. The first impression of Puteri Harbour is of course the waterfront with a welcoming cool breeze. It also has many dining options and a great place Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour to stay.
Hello Kitty Town
This is the first Sanrio Hello Kitty Town outside of Japan. The same building houses Hello Kitty and Thomas Town. The tickets of both these attractions can be taken separately or can be clubbed for a discounted rate. The ground floor is where you can buy the tickets but we skipped this part and got them at an offer online. This floor also has the merchandise store and a cafe. Hello Kitty is at the first floor and Thomas Town on the second.
Once you reach the entrance of Hello Kitty Town you are transported to to a different world literally! The entire decor is made with different shades of pink and is every girls dreamland. My girl was captivated and so was I.
The Kitty Tea Cup Ride is the only ride here and is more enjoyable for young kids. The colors and the decor of the ride sure is captivating.
There is also a soft play area where kids love jumping around.
Next is the life size house of Hello Kitty and her sister Mimmy. The house is tastefully decorated and turned out to be a dream house for my girl. My daughter was fascinated with the cute little rooms complete with equally cute furniture.
Hello Kitty in Oz is an interactive family adventure filled with activities. We loved these games even though they were too easy. But nevertheless appealing to the eyes. The best part about this section was the mirror maze.
There is more in store for some family time. The Wishful Studios is where little workshops are conducted and you can make your own book marks, design badges and decorate cookies.
Apart from this, like all other theme parks, Hello Kitty Town also has a meet and greet session. where you can pose and click photographs with Hello Kitty and her friends. You can even dress up like her and pose for the camera.
The Purrfect Stage is the place for dance shows.
Our Review
Overall it is a great attraction if your daughter is in the age group that enjoys Hello Kitty. Boys will not be enthralled by this but the Thomas Town upstairs will make up for it. Thomas Town has more rides and characters but since my daughter was not familiar with them we decided to skip it. This theme park is better suited for younger kids. If you have some spare time in Johor Bahru, this is a great place to keep the kids entertained, though it is a little on the expensive side. We visited this park at its opening time and were glad that there were hardly and people around. So plan your visit accordingly and avoid school holidays.
Where To Stay
Amari, Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is hardly any distance from Singapore so Legoland can be covered in one day. This can be daunting with young kids. However, we were travelling from Langkawi so we planned a two day visit. We stayed at Amari. Located in the heart of the city, it had all the amenities of a 5 Star Hotel. The rooms were excellent. My kid loved chilling out in the kids pool after a long day at Legoland. The kids menu kept her satisfied. Overall had a great stay so will surely recommend it. The only drawback is that it was a good half an hour drive to Legoland. However Grab Cars are easily available and travelling to and fro did not pose us any problem.
Legoland Resort
In case you want to skip the travelling part then stay at Legoland Resort which is just opposite the park. The hotel too is built on Lego theme which will surely entice the kids. Check out the details here.
How cute is this! I would love to visit Hello Kitty town, brings me back to my childhood.Thanks for sharing your experience there and these great photos.
Oh my goodness! I had no idea that Hello Kitty Town was a thing! I’m instantly transported back to my childhood. I have a few nieces that love Hello Kitty and would love to visit. On a side note – I had no idea that there was another Legoland! We have one in California in the US!
I am sure that young girls would love to visit Hello Kitty. Good to know you can get discounted tickets for the two attractions. I love when kid’s attactions have play areas where kids can burn off some of the energy they get from being excited. A crafty corner so they can make something will help them to remember the experience.
Oh my gosh, I’m an adult and Hello Kitty Town looks like so much fun, lol! I would enjoy walking through the life size Hello Kitty house. I can definitely see how little girls would be captivated by Hello Kitty Town. That’s nice that Thomas Town is there too and there is a combined ticket option.
What a way to relive one’s childhood. I did not know that this is in Malaysia , my homeland. I will plan a visit on my next visits home. I would like to pay a visit Hello Kitty’s home. Its really pink and my niece would like it. Also get a photo with Hello Kitty and friends.
Oh my god! I don’t even know if I should tell my young daughter about this place. She be like a kid in a candy store going all crazy! How do parents cope in there? 😀
Haha! That place is definitely adorable! I’m yet to take my toddler to such places and I’m looking forward to take her to both Legoland and Hello Kitty Town soon! The cup road is adorable! I’m sure my gal would love it too.
The life size house is adorable. Is it a see-only place or touch & feel place? Can she sleep on that bed or play with the utensils?
The mirror maze is always amusing. I’m yet to take my gal to one!
Oh my gosh, I’ve never seen so much pink before! I love that they even thought through an option for the brothers who are not fans of Hello Kitty so that they can visit Thomas instead. My nieces and nephews would lose their mind over these both and topping it off with Legoland would be a complete dream for them!
Hello Kitty town seems like straight from the childhood days. So pink, so girlish. Brought back many childhood memories. The life-size house looks so cool. I am sure the little big girl would have enjoyed a lot there. At least, her smile says that.