Smart Parking Tips for JB City & CIQ Areas

Algyn Teo
3 days ago
2 min read

If you’ve ever driven into Johor Bahru (JB) city centre, you’ll know that finding a safe and convenient parking spot can be one of the biggest challenges. Between crowded malls, narrow streets, and the rush of cross-border traffic from Singapore, parking in JB often feels like a gamble. But with the right tips and tools, it doesn’t have to be stressful.

From large, guarded car parks like JBParking near CIQ, to the multi-storey bays at popular malls such as Mid Valley Southkey and Komtar JBCC, there are plenty of options if you know where to look. You can also make use of apps like MBJB Spot and ParkMax@Johor to pay for street parking without fumbling for coins.

Whether you’re in JB for shopping, dining, or a weekend stay, this guide will help you park smarter, safer, and with less hassle.

1. Use JBParking near CIQ (Jalan Lumba Kuda)

JBParking operates a large gated outdoor lot ~10–15 minutes’ walking distance from JB CIQ. It’s open 24/7, guarded, and offers monthly subscriptions.

Advantages: Security, ease of access, fixed monthly rates (RM 250 for standard, RM 380 VIP)
Disadvantages: Distance from CIQ still requires walking or shuttle. May be fully booked.

2. Attrus / Jalan Trus, KTM / Major / Public Bank Tower Car Parks

These are private lots close to City Square and Persada. The Attrus lot is especially popular and 24-hour, with CCTV, near central landmarks.

Advantages: Very convenient for downtown errands, walking distance to malls, central offices
Disadvantages: Limited shelter (some are open lots), and possibly higher hourly rates

3. Malls with large parking bays

Mid Valley Southkey offers some 6,500 parking bays including in basement levels.
Komtar JBCC has ~1,700 parking bays over multiple levels.
Many mall carparks allow longer stays though charge by hour or day.

Tip: In malls, look for entrances near service / loading zones — sometimes less crowded. Also check if they accept Touch ’n Go or app payments rather than tickets.

4. Street parking & MBJB / ParkMax apps

JB’s city council (MBJB) runs road-side parking in certain areas; you’ll need to use the MBJB Spot app or pay with pay machines.
In Iskandar / suburban zones, the ParkMax@Johor app may apply instead.
Be careful: using the wrong app in the wrong zone can get you fines.

5. Motorcycle / 2-wheel parking hacks

Many malls and downtown plazas provide motorbike bays with basic shelter and guard presence. As one user on Reddit said: Toppen / IKEA is cited as good for motorbike parking with security.
For greater safety, leave your bike in well-trafficked, guarded locations rather than isolated lots.

Checklist: How to Park Safely & Smartly in JB

Tip	Why it helps
Check parking signage carefully	Avoid fines (some areas are free at certain hours)
Use the correct app (MBJB, ParkMax)	Avoid paying with wrong system, which leads to summonses
Arrive early	The best spots fill fast (especially near CIQ or malls)
Park near elevators, lights, CCTV	Higher footfall = more safety and deterrent to theft
Use dedicated lots over street parking overnight	Street parking may be less secure and more likely to be ticketed