If there’s one place Singaporeans love heading to on weekends, it’s JB. Not only are the exchange rates favourable right now, there’s also a myriad of goods, services, and retail therapy options that drive us to brave the snaking queues at the Causeway.
But that’s not all that JB has to offer. The city has no shortage of lighting stores, both well-known and under-the-radar, that you can check out if you’re tired of standard-issue IKEA lights. Here are 9 lighting stores in JB that you can consider putting on your itinerary during your next trip across the Causeway.
1. Tampoi Lighting – Well-known store with large variety
Image credit: Tampoi Lighting
Ask anyone to recommend a lighting store in JB and there’s a good chance they’d bring up Tampoi Lighting. The store and its striking yellow facade have been around since 1994, and while their prices may be on the higher end, they boast a wide range of lighting options.
Some of their more popular offerings include luxe pendant lights and recessed downlights, which you can view via their online store before heading down to take a look in person.
Image credit: Tampoi Lighting Facebook
While Tampoi does have multiple outlets dotted around Johor, its flagship store in Taman Tampoi Indah is the most well-known and only a quick 15-minute drive from the checkpoint.
And if you’re wondering how you’re supposed to haul your bulky purchases back home, you’ll be glad to hear that they deliver to Singapore with the help of a third-party courier company.
Address: 2, 4 & 6, Jalan Titiwangsa 3/1, Taman Tampoi Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily
Contact: Tampoi Lighting Facebook | Tampoi Lighting website
2. Yako Lighting Centre – 10-minute drive from the checkpoint
Image adapted from: Google Street View
After braving long waits at the checkpoint, some of us may just want to quickly get their shopping done and return home for a nap. Thankfully, there’s Yako Lighting, which is located just 10 minutes away from the Causeway. This also makes it a great place to check out if you’re particularly short on time.
Compared to most of the other entries on our list, Yako Lighting is much more accessible. It doesn’t hurt that the store offers a smorgasbord of lighting options. Examples include track lights, down lights, pendants, and – if you’re going for a particularly snazzy vibe – custom-made chandeliers.
Do note that you’ll have to reach out to the company via their website if you want to order a custom chandelier.
While most of their products can easily be transported back to Singapore on your own, you may want to arrange for alternate delivery options for larger items.
Address: 399A, Batu 3 1/2, Jalan Tebrau, 80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Yako Lighting Centre website
3. Starworld Lighting – Affordable and close to Tampoi
Image adapted from: Google Street View
Starworld Lighting is located just a few minutes’ walk from Tampoi Lighting. Like their neighbour-cum-competitor, Starworld boasts a generous variety of affordable lighting options to choose from. Besides magnetic track lights, pendants, wall lamps, and eyeball lights, they also sell bulbs, track accessories, and LEDs for those who want to zhng their existing lighting system at home.
Starworld has you covered when it comes to deliveries, too. The store offers free delivery to Singapore with a minimum spend of MYR2000 (~S$600).
Address: 01, 26-01, 28, 28, Jalan Titiwangsa 3/1, Taman Tampoi Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily
Contact: Starworld Lighting Facebook | Starworld Lighting website
4. VIP Lighting – Spacious showroom with luxe lamps
Those on a hunt for luxe lights for a modern-themed home will have to look no further than VIP Lighting, which lives up to its name. After all, they carry an extensive collection of fancy lighting options.
Besides selling typical pendants and track lights, VIP Lighting stands out from the crowd by offering a variety of floor lamps and table lamps. These range from simple Nordic-style desk lamps to fancy steel floor lamps that would look right at home in a luxury hotel suite.
Some of the floor lights and desk lamps available at VIP Lighting.
Image credit: VIP Lighting Facebook
Before you make your trip down to VIP Lighting, make sure to book a slot as all visits are by appointment only. You can book an appointment via the VIP Lighting contact form, or reach out to them on WhatsApp at +60 18-227 5339.
Address: A-03-12 Block A, Pusat Perdagangan Ekoflora, Jalan Ekoflora 7/3, Taman Ekoflora, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm (Closed on Sundays & selected PH)
Contact: +60 18-227 5339 | VIP Lighting Facebook | VIP Lighting website
5. HT Lighting – Multiple branches and wide range of wall lights
Image credit: HT Lighting
If you’re hunting for unique wall lights, consider giving HT Lighting a visit. They are located under 10 minutes away from the Causeway, and before you visit, you can browse through the extensive catalogue on their website. Key highlights include a wall light that looks like an earring, and one shaped like the Batman logo.
They also have steampunk-style lights that look like they came out of Howl’s Moving Castle, or an anachronistic episode of Doctor Who.
HT Lighting offers options for all kinds of aesthetics, from modern to industrial.
Image credit: HT Lighting, HT Lighting
While the store’s website doesn’t state if they offer delivery to Singapore, you can drop them an enquiry via a form on their website, or contact them via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat. But since it’s only 10 minutes away from the Causeway, transporting your purchases back home shouldn’t be an issue.
Address: 3, Jalan Permas 10/10, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9.30am-7pm, Daily
Contact: HT Lighting website
6. iLightShop JB – Near IKEA Tebrau
Image adapted from: Google Street View
If you plan on doing some furniture shopping at IKEA Tebrau, consider dropping by iLightShop as well. The store is only a 5-minute drive away from IKEA Tebrau, and it is worth checking out if IKEA’s options just aren’t doing it for you.
A collection of lights available at the store.
Image credit: iLightShop JB
From architectural lights to pendants to floor lamps, this store has a bit of everything. Stepping into this store is like entering a candy shop, but for tired Millennials trying to furnish their BTOs on a budget. And while they don’t state if they deliver to Singapore, you can always drop them a message to check via Facebook Messenger – you’re unlikely to be the first to ask, anyway.
Address: 100, Jalan Dedap 13, Taman Johor Jaya 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Contact: iLightShop JB Facebook | iLightShop website
7. Luxcent Lightings – Frequent promotions and sales
Image adapted from: Google Street View
While the current exchange rate is looking pretty good for us right now, who could say no to more savings in the form of sales and discounts? Luxcent Lighting frequently announces seasonal sales on their Facebook page, which is something rarely done by their contemporaries.
They are currently having a Hari Raya sale, and items such as colourful lights for the festive season, pendant lights, and even track lights are going for cheap.
Furthermore, Luxcent is also located pretty near IKEA Tebrau – a 5-minute drive away, in fact. If you’re planning to go all-out with light-hunting and have some time to spare, try dropping by iLightshop, Luxcent, and IKEA in one day to make the most out of your trip.
Address: No. 41, 43, 45 & 47, Jalan Bakawali 37, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
Contact: Luxcent Facebook | Luxcent website
8. GC Lighting – Near AEON Bukit Indah
Image adapted from: Google Street View
Located in the Bukit Indah area, GC Lighting sells a variety of luxe pendant lights and architectural lights for any home, and they even offer overseas delivery service for customers.
They also happen to be located close to AEON Bukit Indah, so you can drive over to grab a meal or do some grocery shopping once you’re done looking around GC Lighting. Alternatively, give the numerous eateries located behind the store a try if you’re in the mood for authentic Malaysian fare.
Address: 35 & 37, Jalan Indah 16/12, Taman Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-6.30pm daily, 10am-5pm on Sundays
Contact: +60 12-789 5778 | GC Lighting Facebook | GC Lighting website
9. Big Lamp – Geometric lamps and smart lights
Image adapted from: Google Street View
When it comes to unconventional and funky lighting options, Big Lamp has you covered. They carry an extensive range of smart lights, classic wall lamps, chandeliers, and even geometric pendant lights. And to top things off, the store’s only 20 minutes away from the Causeway.
Their website boasts a huge portfolio of successful jobs well done for homeowners and local businesses, so rest assured that they’ll have just the right solution for you.
Address: 33, 33-01 & 33-02, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10.30am-7pm, Daily
Contact: Big Lamp Facebook | Big Lamp website
Why should I visit lighting shops in JB?
Prices of goods and services in Malaysia tend to be a lot more affordable compared to Singapore, thanks to the exchange rate. For example, a pendant light from the aforementioned Starworld Lighting would set you back MYR188 (~S$56), while a similar pendant light from a local retailer would cost you S$88. The same applies for smaller items such as bulbs and down lights.
On top of that, stores in JB may have more variety compared to Singapore. Some of the stores listed have more unconventional options such as smart lights and steampunk-style lamps, which may either be hard to find here or come with a heftier price tag.
How do I transport my items back to SG?
Smaller items such as desk lights can be easily transported home, but what about bulkier items such as a chandelier or floor lamp?
Some stores on our list offer free delivery services to Singapore, while others may only offer it on a case-by-case basis. In case of doubt, always check with the staff before making your purchase.
Moreover, it is important to note that all goods brought into Singapore are subject to 8% GST if it exceeds the GST import relief limits. Travellers who have spent less than 48 hours outside Singapore will be charged GST in excess of $100, while those who have spent more than 48 hours will be charged GST in excess of $500.
For more information, visit the Singapore Customs website.
The best lighting shops in JB
Having to brave the snaking queues at customs checkpoints can be a pain, but perhaps the savings buying big-ticket items in JB will be a balm to soothe your soul. Better yet, think of it as a treasure hunt and you may very well derive some fun from driving around JB in search for the perfect light.
Note: The time it takes to get to the lighting shops in JB on our list will depend on the time and day you choose to visit these stores. The estimated durations listed here are not fully indicative of the actual time you’d take to get there.
All conversions are accurate as of 3rd March 2023.
Read more about buying home decor:
- Best furniture stores in JB
- Extendable furniture from Taobao
- Best homeware items to buy from Standard Products
Cover image adapted from: Tampoi Lighting, iLightShop JB
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