After two lively days in JB, we were ready for a slower pace — and Kluang was the perfect stop. We packed up, checked out of DoubleTree after breakfast, and drove about two hours north to this charming old town.
Best known for its coffee, murals, and nostalgic small-town vibes, Kluang has a laid-back charm that instantly slows your pace. The roads are lined with low-rise shophouses, and there’s a comforting mix of old-school kopitiams, family-run bakeries and colourful signage that feels frozen in time.
Amazing coffee at Kluang Rail Coffee
We had a couple of hours before check-in, so we drove straight to Kluang Town that’s around 15 minutes away. First stop: Kluang Rail Coffee. Located right by the railway track, this iconic old-school kopitiam has been serving locals for generations. We had the classic kaya toast (it was amazing!) and iced kopi to beat the heat. This is one of the best iced kopi I had in a while – I forgot to take a photo before I gulped down almost half a mug!
We also ordered the Laksa Johor and Wan Tan Mee to try. The laksa was interesting — like a cross between curry noodles and Penang-style assam laksa, with a thick, aromatic gravy and a mix of herbs. It’s a flavourful, slightly tangy bowl that might not be for everyone, but worth a taste if you’re curious. The Wan Tan Mee, on the other hand, was a hit with the kids — a non-spicy, dark-sauced version served with springy noodles and just enough sweetness.
Tong Huat Tau Sar Piah!
No trip to Kluang is complete without picking up some tau sar piah, and Tong Huat Confectionery is one of the town’s most beloved old-school bakeries. Tucked in a quiet row of shophouses, it was easy to spot with its yellow signage.
We’ve heard about its long queues when batches of piah comes out at 9.30am and 2.30pm. So we called about a week ahead to pre-booked two bags of tau sar piah (18 salty + 2 sweet). The auntie told us to just pick up at 11.30am and the process was super fast and fuss-free.
This is some seriously good old-school tau sar piah. Each one was expertly baked: crisp and golden on the outside, with a flaky, layered interior that practically melted in the mouth. The filling was just the right balance of savoury and subtly sweet — not too dry, not too oily, just right. Honestly, it beats some of the more famous Penang chains we’ve tried.
Talula Hills: A hilltop retreat
After Kluang town, we made our way to Talula Hills — a peaceful hilltop retreat tucked just outside the bustle of town. The drive up was scenic, with rolling greenery and the kind of winding road that makes you wind down too.
Talula Hills is a boutique farm stay that blends nature, comfort and sustainable design.
We arrived way earlier than the check-in time. While waiting for check-in, we admired the views and also spent time in the lounge. Thankful for the space and complimentary snacks that kept my kids occupied while I settled the admin.
So we decided to pop downstairs to Kefi Farm Café for some light bites and good views. Nestled amid lush greenery, the café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, including a bar-style ledge overlooking the cabins and rolling hills. This was the perfect spot for IG-worthy pix!
No pix for the mango-banana smoothie, but it was yums!
Finally, our loft cabin was ready. So while I went to collect our key cards, the kids played a little at the nature playground outside. They were so happy to find a mimosa patch!
This Little Season 