Quick answer: Senai and Kulai, just north of Johor Bahru, are best known for Hakka food. Try lei cha (Hakka "thunder tea" rice) in Kulai town, visit the Hakka community of Kelapa Sawit and its mural street, and shop at Johor Premium Outlets, about 10 minutes from Skudai R&R. It all makes an easy half-day or one-day trip from JB or Singapore.
Where are Senai and Kulai?
Senai and Kulai are towns in the Kulai district of Johor, just north of Johor Bahru along the North-South Expressway (NSE). Senai is home to Senai International Airport, and Kulai has its own NSE interchange. Skudai R&R Southbound, at KM16.5 near Skudai toll, is right on the doorstep: about 15 to 20 minutes from Senai Airport and about 10 minutes from Johor Premium Outlets.
What is lei cha, and where can I try it in Kulai?
Lei cha is a traditional Hakka dish made from ground tea leaves, herbs, roasted nuts and seeds, usually poured over rice with vegetables, tofu and other toppings. It is green, fragrant and surprisingly filling.
Kulai is known for lei cha because of its sizeable Hakka community, as a Malay Mail food feature on Kulai's lei cha scene explains. Locals often point visitors to a well-known shop in Taman Nam Tak, identified by the large tree beside it, which is also popular for its yong tau foo counter. Opening hours of small family-run shops can change, so check Google Maps before you go and arrive early on weekends.
What is the Hakka village of Kelapa Sawit?
Kelapa Sawit is a small town in the Kulai district with a predominantly Hakka community that dates back to the 1950s, according to local travel guides. It is known for its mural street and for simple, home-style Hakka food.
One of the names that comes up most in reviews is Kedai Makanan Hakka Sawit, near the mural street. Reviewers mention dishes such as lei cha, yong tau foo, Hakka-style fried pork and Hakka dumplings (cai ban), and several advise visiting early because it can get very crowded on Saturdays. As with any small eatery, confirm opening times before making a special trip.
What else is there to do near Senai and Kulai?
Johor Premium Outlets: a large outlet mall about 10 minutes from Skudai R&R, popular with Singaporean and Malaysian shoppers.
Hakka food crawl: combine lei cha, yong tau foo and kopi in Kulai town and Kelapa Sawit.
Mural spotting: Kelapa Sawit's wall art makes for easy family photos.
A relaxed stop at Skudai R&R: our landscaped grounds, 50+ plant varieties and Starbucks glasshouse are a pleasant break before or after your day out.
For more ideas, read our earlier guide: 7 best things to do in Kulai.
How do I plan a one-day trip to Kulai from Singapore?
Cross early. ICA advises travelling at non-peak times such as early morning. Foreign-registered cars need a valid VEP before the SG Arrival Card can be submitted (from 6 October 2026, as reported by The Star and SAYS).
Breakfast in Kulai: lei cha or kopi and toast.
Late morning in Kelapa Sawit: murals and an early Hakka lunch.
Afternoon at Johor Premium Outlets.
Head home via the NSE southbound and stop at Skudai R&R to refuel, charge, grab a Starbucks and use the toilets before the Causeway.
When is the best time to visit Kulai?
Weekday mornings are the quietest. Small Hakka eateries are often busiest at weekend lunchtime, and some close early once their food sells out, so an early start pays off. If you are coming from Singapore, avoid the Friday evening and Saturday morning rush into Johor and the Sunday evening return where possible. During festive long weekends such as Deepavali (7 to 9 November 2026) and the December school holidays, expect heavier traffic on the NSE and at the checkpoints, and plan your return stop at Skudai R&R before joining the Causeway queue.
Why stop at Skudai R&R on the way back?
Four petrol stations: Shell, Petron, Caltex and BHPetrol, open 24 hours
EV charging: Tesla V4 Supercharger (up to 250 kW) and JomCharge 120 kW DC
Food: Starbucks (with drive-thru), Texas Chicken and Burger King
Award-winning garden toilets, ranked third cleanest in Malaysia
200+ free parking lots and 24/7 security
Full details on our Facilities page.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kulai famous for?
Kulai is especially known for Hakka food, including lei cha (thunder tea rice) and yong tau foo, thanks to its large Hakka community.
Where is the Hakka village near Kulai?
Kelapa Sawit, a small town in the Kulai district with a Hakka community dating to the 1950s and a mural street.
Is Kulai a good day trip from Singapore?
Yes. It is a short drive north of Johor Bahru, and you can combine Hakka food, murals and outlet shopping in one day.
How far is Johor Premium Outlets from Skudai R&R?
About 10 minutes.
Is there a place to rest near Kulai on the NSE?
Yes. Skudai R&R Southbound at KM16.5 is open 24 hours. Read the Skudai R&R FAQ.
Skudai R&R Southbound, 8, Jalan R&R Skudai Kawasan R&R Skudai, 81400 Senai, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia. Tel 011-6076 5277. Open 24 hours.
