Cheap Apartment Stays In Johor Bahru

GREAT VALUE AT D'INSPIRE RESIDENCE

Sandwiched Between Aeon Bukit Indah, Sutera Mall, Danga Bay & Legoland - Perfect!

I know of many relatives and friends who live in Singapore make day trips into Malaysia, Johor Bahru for their Rest & Relax days.  They would come bright and early in the mornings and then by early evenings, they would be making a beeline either at the vehicle crossings into Singapore, or at the respective CW bus stations whose buses ply several parts of JB to pick up day trippers back into Singapore.

But why rush back to Singapore when you had already taken the trouble to get to JB, especially after those horrendous customs queues? Why not spend the night and make it a full two-day trip? I guess the logical answer is that most want to save on the hotel rates, which have been steadily rising with the advent of day-trip-in-Johor-Bahru concept taking root in value-seeking Singapore residents.

If my supposition is correct, then why not stay at a cheaper serviced apartment instead of spending on pricier hotels at Puteri Harbor or Danga Bay locales?  There is a proliferation of serviced apartments or condo hotels in Johor Bahru and day trippers are now spoit for choice should they choose to stay the night.  One such serviced apartment I always bring my friends or relatives to stay is D'Inspire Residence by KSL Resorts.  Not only do I trust the quality of the developer, the location is fantastic as it truly sits at the heart of Johor Bahru action.

Kids Will Go Buck Wild Over The Huge Pool

D’Inspire Residence is located in the prime district of Nusajaya and is close proximity to the shopping belt at Nusajaya and surrounded by major tourist attractions, and eateries.  At the rate my partner drives (zippy!) you can be Aeon Jusco in 5 minutes, Sutera Mall in 10 minutes, the new Downtown Puteri Harbor area in just 15 minutes and the old Downtown Danga Bay area in under 20 minutes!

They offer daily rates like a Condotel, as well as short stay packages if you (like me) would love to experience how life is spent in relaxing Johor Bahru. 

• 2-3 Minutes Drive to Nusa Bestari Giant / Tesco Hypermarket
• 10 Minutes Drive to Legoland Malaysia Themepark
• 20 Minutes Drive to Johor Premium Outlet

Be Inspired By D'Inspire Family Suite

It also has a huge 4 Bedroom fully furnished apartment built from 1238 square feet and comprises a master bedroom with 1-king size bed with attached bathroom, second and third bedroom with 1 queen-size bed and the fourth bedroom with 1 single-size bed. Great for families, leisure and business travelers who may have brought their family members along to soak in all JB has to offert.  If that is not good reason enough to stay at D'Inspire, check out its amenities:

• Fitness Station
• Pool
• Wading Pool/Child Pool
• Children Playground
• Jogging Track
• Sauna Room
• Lockers / Shower Facilities at Poolside
• Golf Simulator (charges apply)
• Multipurpose Hall
• Coach/Bus Parking Area
• BBQ Pit (charges apply)
• Complimentary WiFi is available at The Lobby Reception Area

Do give Johor Bahru a chance the next time you plan your trip here.  By staying a night or two, you would be able to explore more of the night markets, late night eats and not forgeting the glorious brunches at Taman Pelangi.

Call the number in the photo below for their promotional rate! Daily rates start from MR238 and if you stay beyond 14 days in a stretch, it starts from just MR150 a day.  Monthly rates can be negotiable if you are staying mid to long term.  Happy Jalan Jalan!

D'Inspire Serviced Residence by KSL Resort

Taman Nusa Bestari
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel:  +607 288 2999   +607 570 1333

Brunch Out In JB

BRUNCHING ROOT & BRANCH @ TAMAN PELANGI


Faking a European Brunch in Our Little Dempsey Hill - Precious!

One of the few things that make us miss relocating from Singapore is the copious number of brunch options on the weekends in the city state.  When we first moved to Malaysia, I must say our weekend brunches were mostly composed of home-made pancakes, scrambled eggs and cereals.  Then we started getting adventurous and ventured out for a taste of local breakfast delights - before long we were tucking in for brunch on the likes of roti prata, wonton noodles and nasi lemak. 

We chanced upon the Pelangi area several years back - and now this is the only area we go when we feel like going root and branch for a great drawn-out brunch.  It is our little Dempsey Hill if you will - not quite as lush and posh as the Singaporean go-to for laid back weekend brunches, but certainly a piece of that in good old Johor Bahru.  The best thing is that the entire family loves it and we do not have to vote on it when it comes to "Little Dempsey" in JB. 

After plying our  “Little Dempsey” for the past years, we find that we almost always ended up at the following three brunch cafes when we go in seek of late morning grub, and we have never spent over MR120 or S$40+ for four of us on each seating of brunch!

Lavender - "Luxe" Flagship



L.Patisserie Mouth Watering Treats

We have been fans of Lavender from years back when we used to visit their café-restaurant at Molek and Bukit Indah.  It has always kept up its quality of food and bakes.  Its owner also strives to be always ahead of the F&B competition in terms of menu offering and store concept.  You can imagine my family's absolute joy when she opened her flagship store at Pelangi last year.

Take A Break at L.Cafe or L.Bistro

L.Table Presents A Lofty Dining Experience

So last year on our wedding anniversary, we celebrated an anniversary brunch there with the kids on a Sunday – spending a lazy afternoon just lounging at its cozy L.Table, then saunter down to its opulent L.Patisserie which boasts a wide selection and almost French-cafe-esque presentation of breads, pastries and desserts that would wow even a non-sweet tooth person.  If you do not wish to brunch, you can just get your coffee and bakery items and enjoy them outback at L.Cafe section.  

Or fancy a chill out? Then hangout at L.Bistro.  The entire place is so huge that my partner and I could relax and read upstairs at L.Table while the kids run down to choose their favorite bakery items, chow them down at their own table at L.Cafe, surf on their cellphones - all in the comfort of the bakery-cafe-restaurant without disturbing our couple time.  Life cannot be more perfect than this!

Foodie Wedding - Haute Cafe 

Our Usual Favorite European Breakfast

At Foodie Wedding - owner Gucci Wong - presents great food in what my daughter calls a Fashionista setting, replete with wedding photos and wedding gowns on mannequins.  This should come as no surprise as Wong is a photographer by profession who now turns to his other passion - FOOD.  When you first enter the cafe, the aroma of fresh brewed coffee immediately accosts you and immediately puts you in the mood for its delectable brunch spread. The plates come in pretty big servings, so you may want to share if you eat like a bird.  Even though the serving portions are huge, we will always end our brunch with drinks to go with their delicious maple berries waffle and warm lava chocolate desserts. What is a brunch if there's no sweet endings?

Poppy Seed Bagels, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Rocket Salad, YUM!

And the good news is that they serve breakfast all day or at least until items sold out!



Three Lattes & One Smoothie For The Family

Chef's Table - Breakfast Beneath Crystals

Brunch & Dine With Chandeliers

Along the same street as Foodie Wedding cafe (and just across from Lavender "Luxe") sits the Chef's Table restaurant in a non-descript building.  In fact the entire stretch of Taman Perling is lined by old bungalows and shophouses that have seen better days.  In recent years, enterprising business owners are starting to take over the buildings and renovating them into trendy hangouts.  Chef's Table from the exterior may be spartan, but when you enter the premises, you will be taken by its eclectic mix of Baroque decor and Scandinavian wood furnishings.  The chandeliers and the moulin-rouge-esque ambience surely aim to transport you far away from the hot and balmy Johor Bahru.

At Chef's Table, we will order different items on the menu (as their portions are generous), just so that our family of four could have sample bites of various dishes.  Their delectable french toast comes with myriad fruit bits coated with caramel syrup and whipped cream - which is why this scrumptious menu item is my daughters' top pick even until today.

Daughter's Big Breakfast For Tiny Tummy

Perfectly Poached Egg Over Sausage & Roasted Fungi

You can see the breakfast plate above is a healthy serving of brunch delights that will surely keep your tummy satisfied until early dinner time.  And just look at the variety of menu items below and you would understand why we come back time and again for brunch.  If you forget yourself amidst the epicurean ecstasy at Chef's Table - you just may think the presentation of your platter is from a Venetian cafe or some snooty eatery in Le Gai Paris?

Gourmet Menu - What's There Not To Like

TOP FAVORITE BRUNCH CAFES IN OUR LITTLE DEMPSEY HILL IN JB

Lavender Luxe

 68, Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor.  Tel:  +607 335 9966

       

Foodie Wedding

43, Jalan Serampang, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru, Johor.  Tel: +607 333 3223

Chef's Table 

 33, Jalan Serampang Taman Sri Tebrau 80050 Johor Bahru District.  Tel: +607 331 8162



Leisure Farm

Sprawling Vistas With Varied Homestyles

 



Bungalow Homes with ready built swimming pools

Equestrian Club for the riding enthusiasts

In my previous posts I had featured some noteworthy properties which I thought you should look into if you are looking at properties in Malaysia, and specifically Johor.  You can read more on Forest City, East Ledang & Country Garden developments by clicking on them.

 

Leisure Farm must have been the first major developer who saw the potential of building an upscale residential cum golf resort near to Singapore in Nusajaya to attract the high net worth retirees and expatriate community to live and play in Malaysia, while working in Singapore.  In the last 20 odd years when I lived and worked in Singapore, we must have visited (and then contemplated buying a villa in Leisure Farm) the resort living development umpteenth times for its Leisure Farm villa stays - an initiative which we thought was very innovative in marketing its products to would-be buyers.  Alas, given that it is an upscale precinct, our bank account just was not fat enough to buy into Leisure Farm - but all's well that ended well - as we are very happy with our kampung home nearby.

 

What is different in Leisure Farm is it caters to the rich's varied home configuration preference - from acre-lot homes with sprawling backyard and flowing creek to townhomes with lake views.  We stayed in several of the model homes leased from our very friendly sales manager Ms Poreen - as we were then seriously contemplating living in Leisure Farm.  Our weekends were spent lounging by the poot or having teas at the Equestrian Club while the kids rode on Dolly the mare.

 Source: Leisure Farm

 Over the years, we had also organized many a gatherings and parties at the above facilities - from our anniversaries, birthdays to festive holiday get-togethers like Christmas and New Year's Eve coutdowns - at the upscale Bale clubhouse.  The staff mostly speak English as the expat community there is rather large - and they are very helpful and diligent in getting all the facilities and equipment in place within a short notice.  However, you would need to go to the venue at least once or twice before the event to ensure what they are offering tally with what you need and expect - email communication or phone conversation may not work so well in terms on both parties being on the same page.

 

USEFUL INFORMATION

Going there is best by driving your private car or rental vehicle.  From Singapore Woodslands Causeway, take the new Coastal Highway towards Nusajaya or Legoland.  Look for Gelang Petah and follow the "Leisure Farm" signs to destination. 

 

From Singapore Tuas 2nd Crossing, it is just 10 minutes' drive after the Malaysian toll.  Look for the Gelang Petah exit on your left (it will be just after the Rest Stop as you pass the toll) and then follow the "Leisure Farm" signs to destination.

 

If you are not buying into Leisure Farm - do go Jalan Jalan there, your idea of lux living will be sublimed by this haven.

 

Why Singapore Malaysia Thailand?

3 Pronged Strategy To Passive Income

My last few posts detailed how I had applied my 3-pronged approach to achieving my current ability to live in and commute between my three adopted homeland - Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.  




Imperial Garden of Tokyo - Autumn Splendor...LOVE IT!

In STEP ONE, I had given you my story on how to maximize money income from high net worth Singapore through the purchase of low cost government housing.

In STEP TWO, I had detailed how NOT to live in the investment home in the high net worth country, but move yourself off shore to a country where you can find cheaper housing - which I find both Thailand and Malaysia appealing in this respect. I am happy to see one of my adopted home countries - Malaysia - voted 3rd best country to retire in by expatriates - according to a survey by International Living. 

Even the King of Johor - Sultan Ibrahaim Sultan Iskandar - reiterated his wish in a recent news interview that Singaporeans will buy homes in Johor and live in Johor while working in Singapore.

 

Visiting Africa For My Friend's Wedding

This page will focus on what I mean in STEP THREE - Let Your Hair Down And Enjoy The World!  I know it sounds contradictory - how could one travel and enjoy the world when there is no fat corporate account to charge to?  No more flying business? - there is now no dearth of budget airlines which are not half as bad as full fare carriers.  No more fine dining and all night drinking? - there are so many more interesting street food places and quaint drinking holes than you would ever imagine.  All you have to do is approach life with an open mind.

With the initial hefty profit from STEP ONE, you could afford to buy a home in a low cost location - bear in mind that for STEP TWO to work - the main objective is a safe low cost home as your base.  This is the base from which you look after your investments in high net worth country - in my case Singapore, and from which you fly off to enjoy the world!



Enjoying Our Yuzawa Hot Spring Water Filtered Coffee & Cakes

Budget Family Ski Holiday @ Mount Naeba

I use STEP THREE to not only take vacations, but also use the travel opportunity to go for medical treatments (like annual check ups in Thailand) or shopping for car parts and other big ticket items that will give me high value savings (like Taipei for parts & accessories).

I know it sounds simple, but that is how I had arrived at my current lifestyle arrangement (1)MAKE SINGAPORE WORK FOR YOU (or you can work in Singapore), (2)LIVE IN MALAYSIA WHERE HOUSING IS CHEAP (or Batam or anywhere you find cheap housing) & (3)PLAY IN THAILAND (and the world over ) WHERE FUN & MEDICAL SERVICES ARE CHEAP & GOOD! 

All the best in your pursuit of financial freedom, now go Jalan Jalan around the world.


With Friends In America - Revelry On The Street

Singapore Real Estate - Really?

Property Prices At A Rebound...Finally

The Boon Keng HDB on 40th Floor With An Expansive & Expensive $1M view 

 

I remember when I first relocated from the West to Singapore with my then Singaporean spouse, we were lucky enough to have a roof over our heads due to the good system of affordable government-subsidized housing for the lower and middle income populace.  On the advice of our real estate agent, we bought the lowest priced apartment in the least preferred locale on the island (trust me, even then the location was safe and well served by the island's efficient transport system).  We could only afford a simple unrenovated S$350,000 HDB (government) flat.

 

Fast forward a few decades later, we were able to monetize the flat at a hefty profit, split the difference, which allowed my current arrangement of simple living in and commuting between Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand and reinvesting in small investment properties for passive income.  More on property investment in the latter 2 countries in my later posts, let me opine on the real estate scenario in Singapore island now.

 

I believe it was Li Ka Shing who once said any tiny country in the world situated in a great location is a real estate gold mine.  Why you ask?  Well real estate is location location location, so that takes care of Li's the latter half of his statement.  Singapore is a tiny tiny nation compared to its vast neighbors like Indonesia and further north China.  So land is scarce and hence properties will be pricey.  Hong Kong is yet another prime example.

 

I have always advised my friends back in Europe to invest in Singapore because I am a good resource for them in Asia.  The last few years were doldrum years for properties worldwide - rental and sale of real estate in Singapore felt the heat as well.  But I advise all to start buying when you see your dream home as the rebound is already happening as we speak!  The government is right to say that buying a HDB is a good first step towards financial freedom and independence.  I benefited from a HDB for sure.

On The 3rd Floor & Over 4000sq ft Costing S$16m+

 

The recent Seven Palms Sentosa apartment is another jaw dropper.  Sure it has fun and sun with Sentosa Resort Island in its backyard.  Sure you feel like a million bucks each time you drive home on that private access road over the sea to your abode.  Sure you have the biggest mall in Singapore - VivoCity - within a stone throw away.  But at over S$3700 per sq ft?  Only for the uber rich I say.

 

So things are beginning to stir in Singapore.  Stocks are seeing sunnier days - and we all know property trends with the stock market performance.  I say call your agents and go house hunting if you had been holding out for the great deal.  Mark my words, the next property wave is coming, or may already be here!

 

Read more on the over S$1m Boon Keng HDB Sale

 

Read more on the S$26m Sentosa Island Apartment Sale

Trendy Hotels II

MALAYSIA'S PIONEERING CAPSULE 

 

I featured the burgeoning hotel concept of capsules and pods in Thailand.  And look like the same is catching on in Malaysia, with its very first note-worthy Capsule transit hotel being set up at Malalysia's capital city Kuala Lumpur.  It is situated conveniently near the KLIA airport - which I was told was in line with the owner's concept of "transit guests" who may not stay the night, but just for a few hours' rest. 

 I love the edgy interior design

 

Because guests in transit come in and out at all hours, this hotel do not have any specific check in or check out times. However, there are a few creative rates available which are categorised into the hours you choose to stay or just shower:

 

 3 hours stay at RM45

6 hours stay at RM70 

 12 hours stay at RM90

 Clean modern bathrooms

 

Full board starts from RM100



Shower Only at RM15

Although the hotel is slightly bigger than 3000 sq ft in total area, it manages nearly 80 capsules - which are mostly rather small with one single bed.  I tried the bed even though I am not an overnight guest, and it was surprisingly comfortable - even if I were to stay overnight.   

 

 Be ready to be capsulated

 

Each well air-conditioned room is fitted with basic necessities of 2 pillows, hanger, power socket, reading light, phone with alarms, foldable table with mirror and personal locker. Privacy comes in the form of a blind, but ladies should not be worried as the rooms are separated into female and male areas -  although I have to caution that toilets and bath facilities are shared.  To add to its attractiveness to the trend-setter crowd, the materials used to separate the rooms are made of recycled container walls - kudos for saving the environment!  Other amenities include shower towels and slippers, free WiFi and communal lounge with TV.

Various drinks are available at the Capsule bar and you can book a Capsule room from AsiaTravel, Booking, Traveloka, or Agoda.

NOTE:
 

This hotel operates 24 hours a day.

1 guest per room while children under 12 years old stay for free using the same room.

 

 

 

Trendy Hotels

BE EN-CAPSULE-LATED BY SIMPLICITY

 We met up with an investment banker relative recently who used to work for an established financial institution in Singapore for many years.  An epiphany had him pitch some investors together to start a luxe capsule hotel,  I shall feature it as soon as the establishment is up and operating.  His USP for his venture is that "oxy moron" trend sells in today's idiosyncratic lifestyle trends.  So by adding a sybaritic touch to the supposedly no-frills capsule trend, his business proposal bowled over the investors and voila - a vision is being materialized.  That's life!  

That brings me to the topic of capsule hotel.  I first read about it when Japan was raging with the concept many years back.  The Japanese are always ahead in such space-constraint lifestyle innovations.

THAILAND'S BURGEONING CAPSULE 

Then in my last few years of traversing between Bangkok and my kampung, I tried staying in some that were popping up.  I mostly book my hotels with booking.com because they had never disappointed in delivery, and once even helped me get out of a hairy situation with a Bangkok hotel without penalty.  I find the new Luz Triple Capsule - which actually slept 4 of

 Our family of 4 fits just perfect in the Triple Capsule

  us in a family nicely.  We paid around THB1000 per night and are surrounded by many local shopping centers and eateries along Sukhumvit Road and only 400 m away from Arab Street (Nana).  It is only a short walk to the nearest BTS Phloen Chit station (600 m) or Nana BTS Station (800 m). We are surrounded by many local shopping centers and eateries along Sukhumvit Road and only 400 m away from Arab Street (Nana), with swanky shopping at Central Embassy(600 m), Gaysorn Plaza(1.1 km), Central World(1.4 km), Terminal 21 and the EmDistrict.

 You may book direct with Luz.  Or you may want to try MyBed Capsule which is just next to Ladprao Station (where you can take the MRT to next stop Pahon Yohtin for the youth mall called Union Mall and then indulge in upscale shopping at Central Ladprao). 

Wishing you Sabai Sabai on your next Bangkok trip! 



Survival 101

How Not To Get Jumped In JB

Many tourists and day trippers come to Johor Bahru with a little trepidation on getting their cars burgled or their handbags or backpacks snatched by passing petty theives on motorbikes.  Hell, my partner and I even have friends and relatives who do not come to JB as they are fixated with sensationalized news in the media on street crime.  Well, I dare say London, New York and several major Asian cities like Bangkok and Taipei all have their fair share of urban decay.  I also dare say I feel safer in JB than some tourist cities I had visited...and the fact that my kampung (village home) and cars have not been burgled once is testament to how safe JB can be, even for an Asing (foreigner) like me.

Having said that, there are a few golden rules I observe all these years of living in my adopted homeland:

DRIVERS BEWARE!  Observe my Lock Stock Block rule of thumb: 

LOCK

I never leave my car without a steering wheel lock. Even when I stop for gas at a gas station and I leave the car to pay or buy a drink at the gas station mini mart - that is how  you deter car hijacks!  I got wheelocks for all my cars...they cost only MYR50 at Tesco KL.

STOCK

Have you taken stock of things inside the car and make sure nothing is in sight?  By that I mean ALL ITEMS THAT DO NOT COME WITH THE CAR when you bought the car.  Yes I am anal retentive to the point that my children's pencil cases have to be stored in the trunk when we exit the car. Why, you ask? Because like one man's meat is another's poison, one child's pencil case may be a burglar's hunch for an unattended purse. You get my drift.  My neighbor once told me his car got broken into all because his girlfriend thought nobody would want her crummy makeup case left underneath the car seat.  Well,  she was wrong.

BLOCK

By block I mean park your ride in a visible spot along the busiest thoroughfare where it would not be blocked off for the convenience of the wayward ones.  Trust me, having lived in London and New York, I have always seen cars parked in dark alleys and remote areas being broken into, because there is not a car thief who would not love more for a car to be left in a desolate space.

DAY TRIPPERS BE ALERT!

Thousands of day trippers throng the JB area on the weekends, and of late, even the weekdays, although the latter is made up of mostly Singaporean retirees shunning the weekend crowd.  No matter the case, we see day trippers making themselves targets of snatch theft because they speak loudly (the accent is quite obvious that you are not local hello?), dress differently (the ubiquitous cap/hat, backpack & comfy sneakers!!!) and are mostly demanding due to the high standards they hold as Singaporeans which some local service personnel may find hard to comprehend.

My advice would be to dress extreme casual because JB is a laid back city compared to metropolis Singapore, tone down the excitement especially when you come as a group, and lastly, do as the Romans do and enjoy what the locals have to offer in their own unique ways.  This way you will fit in rather than raising red flags to the would-be criminals.

Happy Jalan Jalan in JB and Malaysia!

Tun Aminah Car Wash & Supper

Singaporeans will Love 1818 Car Wash

You will find most weekend visitors and weekday trippers flocking to Johor Bahru's old city center of Sentosa, KSL and City Square area - where they will shop and makan (eat) while their rides are being washed and detailed.

Well that's for the local city slikers and Singapore visitors who do not wish to venture from the beaten path.  For Asings like us who are living in JB for years now, we find the Tun Aminah neighborhood even more affordable, with service just as detailed and friendly - if not better than what you get in old JB and the ever-popular Bukit Indah neighborhood.

It's run by a group of Indian asings (foreigners) who operates 1818 Car wash from 10am to 10pm (or even later if the queue is long).  For just MYR10, I get snow wash, interior vacuum, tire shine and wipe down.  At other  popular car washes frequented by Singaporeans, I was charged MYR20 to MYR25 for similar quality of service, and sometimes worse when they rush the detailing as they are just too many cars waiting. 

At 1818, I  sometimes add another MYR10 for the wax pad with which  they use to bring the factory paint back to life again. I prefer that to the long tedious waxing process - as my patience is not one of my partner's virtue!



Did I mention scrumptious FOOD?

I know Singaporeans and Malaysian foodies with get a kick out of this.  While waiting for your ride to be washed and detailed, you can saunter over (it is literally right next door) to the street food haven - well to an Asing like me at least.  I do not have to fly to Bangkok to get my  authenticTom Yum Kung anymore! 

At Samira Seafood, the owners were Thai Muslims from Thailand's restive south, and they now run a very happening eatery - existing symbiotically with 1818 car wash and the rest of the stalls along the road.  There is a satay stall, rojak vendor, and halal zhi char (wok cooked dishes).  Locals bring their families (kids in their jammies) to have late night supper while their cars get washed.  The kampung spirit is well and alive here, we love it!

The GPS coordinates are 1.5249012, 103.6668544.  Drivers can take the Skudai highway and exit at Tun Aminah - and it is just 1 min from the exit.  It is on intersection of Jalan Tun Teja and Jalan Pahlawan 2, near 53 Jalan Laksamana 2.

Selemat Jalan and Makan!