Malaysia

10 THINGS TO DO IN JOHOR BAHRU

July 10, 2018 by Little Miss Honey 2,236 Comments

One of the great things in living in Singapore is its proximity to neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. So if you are living in Singapore, you are just several minutes away from Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Surprisingly, this proximity hasn’t been taken to full advantage by people residing in Singapore. I have been to Johor Bahru approximately 5x. In my recent trip to Johor with my family, I got better acquainted with the place after a local gave us some recommendations of things to do and places to go.

Here are a few things you can do in Johor Bahru, Malaysia:

1. Stay in Hotel Jen

Staycations are a trend right now. People like to book a hotel and just enjoy the amenities & comfort of a hotel. We loved staying at Hotel Jen at Puteri Harbour. It is very kid-friendly with its spacious space for kids to play in the lobby with big pillows, a large TV, several iMac to use while I check in the hotel. I am happy that we get to do an early check-in when we upgraded our room to the harbour view. We loved our room and the aesthetics of the hotel. Our kids were particularly happy and comfortable at Hotel Jen.

We love that our room is overlooking the harbour and kids enjoying seeing the yachts below. We like the location of the hotel. There are lots of nearby restaurants and there are pharmacies, convenience store and boutiques as well. The hotel provides free shuttle bus to Legoland and it is just walking distance to Hello Kitty Town and Thomas & Friends. The hotel staff were all so friendly and accommodating. When we plan to stay for a night or two in Johor Bahru, we know that we will be staying at Hotel Jen.

2. Enjoy a day of fun & rides with your kids at LegoLand

Of course, when you speak of Johor Bahru, it is often synonymous to Legoland Malaysia. So you must visit Legoland when you have young kids when you are in Johor Bahru. Our eldest celebrated his birthday there twice when he turned 2 years and recently when he turned 4. Kids would surely love it there. For younger kids below 4, they will enjoy the playgrounds while 4 years and older will love the rides.

If you opt to stay in Legoland Hotel, it would be an awesome experience too. Their themed hotel rooms are so cool and spacious with a treasure box for you to figure out how to unlock. We had a fun time when we stayed in Legoland Hotel too.

3. Ride the Thomas & Friends train or Have a Nice Afternoon Tea with Hello Kitty

Thomas & Friends Train is currently our kids’ favourite cartoon especially our second-born. Naj and Fynn were so excited that they get to ride the Thomas & Friends’ Train. Thomas Town is found 3rd and 4th floor of building while Hello Kitty Town is at the 2nd floor. We are happy that it is just a few steps from Hotel Jen. Since we got boys, we didn’t visit Hello Kitty and opted to just visit the Thomas Town. There were several kiddies rides. Afterwards, our kids get to enjoy the large playground while my hubby and I stayed at the Parents’ Lounge to enjoy some armchair massage.

Hello Kitty Town

Thomas Town

4. Go shopping at Johor Premium Outlets

If you like shopping branded stuff, try visiting Johor Bahru Premium Outlets. You will find great deals there. You will enjoying spending a half day walking around the area searching for items that would attract your fancy.

Credit: sgtojb

5. Enjoy some cakes & hang out at TreeSea by 3C Cafe

Someone from JB suggested this cafe to me for its yummy cakes. It is found inside Horizon Hills. The place looks very instagrammable. People would love to hang out there for a chill afternoon away from the sun. My family and I had lunch there before we headed back to Singapore.

6. Have a tall glass of Old Town White Coffee

If I don’t reach out for my favourite Singaporean kopi peng, my next best thing is the 3-in-1 Old Town White Coffee in Hazelnut. In Johor, they have cafe that serve the Old Town White Coffee bought as 3-in -1 here in Singapore. They also serve meals for their customers.

7. Buy some yummy breads at Lavender

If you want to buy some breads to munch on going back to Singapore, I suggest you drop by Lavender bakery. You can find one in City Square. Must try their Pandan Sponge Cake, Macaroons, Corn Peppers and Chicken Ham & Cheese Bun.

8. Pamper your nails at Cynbolic Nail Bar

You can also have a pampering treat at the lovely posh Cynbolic Nail Bar. It is definitely worth the trip. My nails looks so pretty and nice after they did their 5-step Cynbolic Treatment on my poor nails.

I love how pretty the place looks and that they are very particular with their hygienic practices to provide clean and high quality service to their customers. They also serve refreshments for their customers. They have a mini-retail store area upfront, selling cute stuff that you would be tempted to buy.

9. Stroll around to shop or eat at JBCC Komtar or City Square Mall

If you are in Johor to just shop and eat, visit City Square Mall or JBCC Komtar Mall. You can just stroll around and enjoy your favourite boutiques and restaurants that are usually half the price cheaper than in Singapore. Once my galpal and I chance upon a sale in Padini and shop ’til we drop. It was perfect time because it was near Christmas season and we bought our Christmas gifts to our families there. My gall also love the KFC in Johor and would always buy a bucket of chicken there. She says it takes way better in Johor than in Singapore for some reason. While my family and I would often have dinner at Tony Roma at JBCC.

10. Enjoy a beach stroll or the evening lights at Danga Bay

Danga Bay is a a new recreational park in Johor which was opened in 2017. We noticed it on a taxi-trip back to our hotel when we say bright lights from what looks like a carousel. Danga Bay got a theme park for families to enjoy. Nearby also is the Dang Bay Beach which you can have a quiet stroll or you can take a cruise ride which can accommodate up to 12 people. There are nearby cafes and restaurants too.

Credit: blog.tunehotels

So for the next long weekend, you might consider trying out exploring Johor Bahru, Malaysia if you are living in Singapore. Let me know if you have other discoveries in JB too.

CYNBOLIC NAIL BAR: A WORTH-IT NAIL-PAMPERING DESTINATION TO JOHOR BAHRU

June 22, 2018 by Little Miss Honey 4,557 Comments

One of the great things in living in Singapore is its proximity to neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. You can go on a quick visit to these countries as easy as 1-2-3. Early this month, my family planned a trip to Johor Bahru, Malaysia for a little relaxing get-away – a pampering treat for me, a fun day at an indoor playground for the kids and a chill day of no work for hubby.

After giving birth, I always look forward for a pampering treat like a manicure & pedicure or hair colouring. I heard of lots of Singaporeans travel to nearby Johor Bahru for their mani-pedi session. But I didn’t just want to go to any nail salon. I wanted a nail salon that emphasizes on hygiene. Being a doctor, I am aware that you can contract infections through unhygienic practices in salons. Who would want that, right? It would be a plus if the place is aesthetically pleasing and relaxing. I would love my pampering sessions be it a nail, hair or facial treatment to be an experience and not purely service.

So on our trip to Johor, I came to know of a nail bar in Johor Bahru that delivers what I been looking for in a nail salon. I was excited to visit Cynbolic Nail Bar. We stayed for a night at Hotel Jen at Puteri Harbour. So in the afternoon while my hubby & kids are taking a nap in the hotel, I booked a Grab vehicle to Cynbolic Nail Bar which cost me only RM 8 ($3 SGD). It is just nearby Legoland Malaysia, Hello Kitty Town, Horizon Hills and Leisure Farm. As my Grab vehicle was almost reaching Cynbolic Nail Bar, I was impressed with the vicinity. The area looks so posh with a neighbouring good-looking estate. The place have several cool shops beside each other. There were still a few spaces that are vacant. And of course, there was a Starbucks in one corner.

Cynbolic Nail Bar is a stylish nail salon that just open early this year. They require you to book appointments for nail services. I rang the bell of the shop and left my shoes outside the shop with the rest of the shoes of the customers. I was loving the vibe of the place as I entered. It was like entering into a posh cool summer resort. The place is very spacious and aesthetically on point like magically fairy of interior design showers her fairy dust all over the place. Upon entering the front area of the nail bar, there is a space for retail products displayed that was carefully curated. There were lovely accessories, rattan bags that are so in right now, slippers and beauty products.

I was greeted by the owner of the nail bar, Cynthia, who gave me a little tour of the place. There was a long rectangle table for manicure and inner part of the salon, are comfy chairs with pretty circular basins for pedicures and foot soaks. The theme of the place gives out a sanctuary for relaxation and pampering. I was asked to choose from the menu of refreshments. There were choices of hot beverages for me to choose from. I chose the Just Jasmine Tea (RM 10).

I opted to have a gelish manicure and a regular manicure for my toes. I was given choices of what Aroma Soak I prefer for my fingers and toes. They have Peppermint, Lavender and Rose. For my fingers, I opted for Rose Soak while I chose the Lavender Soak for my feet. They use Young Living Essential Oils to provide customer the therapeutic experience. Being a fan of essential oils, particularly Young Living, I was happy to know that they are incorporating it in their treatment.

I met the two lovely therapists who did my manicure and pedicure. They made sure I was comfortable as they were doing my manicure and pedicure. They introduced me to the 5-Step Cynbolic Treatment for my nails that ensures nourishing treatment for weak nails with application of keratin, macademia serum, centella rapid, ecrinal vitamin and ecrinal fortifying cream.

I truly enjoyed the service. The therapists were very meticulous and careful while during my manicure and pedicure. I somehow can tell if therapists are rushing and are not attuned with their customers. I was satisfied with their service. My treatment included nail shaping and buff, cuticle care, lotion application and gentle massage. I loved my candy-coloured nails.

I was surprised that after my mani-pedi, they gave me the file, buffer & toe separators they used on me placed in its pre-sterlised plastic. They have a strict use-once policy on file, buffer & toe separators. I can keep the file, buffer & toe separators and bring along in Cynbolic Nail Bar when I come back. They showed me their steriliser for their nail tools. They ensure that all nail tools that are to be used are pre-sterlised.

I hang out for a while at Cynbolic Nail Bar, drinking my tea and indulged in some snacks that was offered to me. I browsed around their mini retail area and chatted with the owner and therapists. Besides their regular and gelish nail services, they also have nail spa. manicure & pedicure for kids under 10 years old, nail extension and nail art. They also provide waxing services, eyebrow trimming and henna art. The place looks great for a bachelorette party or girly-pampering birthday party.

I am so glad I got to visit Cynbolic Nail Bar. I would definitely come back again. I highly recommend it to people living in Johor Bahru and for those living in Singapore, planning a day trip to Johor or if staying a night of two in Johor. If you are coming to Johor to visit Legoland or Hello Kitty Town, I suggest you pre-book an appointment with Cynbolic Nail Bar as well. It would be a wonderful treat for you to visit Cynbolic Nail Bar .

Their services and prices are shown below:

Manicure/Pedicure & Spa

The Cynbolic

Nail Spa

TRYING AUTHENTIC PERANAKAN CUISINE AT THE PERANAKAN SINGAPORE

July 31, 2017 by Little Miss Honey 1,201 Comments

In my first few months in Singapore, I met a beautiful Malaysian Chinese lady. That is when I was introduced to the word: Peranakan. She is a Peranakan.

Based on Wikipedia, Peranakan refers to the descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to Malaysia and Singapore. They are also referred to as Baba-Nyonya. Many were the elites of Singapore. Most have lived for generations along the straits of Malacca. They are known to be good cooks hence, the Peranakan cuisine came about.

I was always curious of Peranakan dishes. I have always wanted to know what are Peranakan foods. I might have tried some of them without me knowing those are actually Peranakan dishes. Eversince, I have always wanted to try out the Peranakan cuisine.

It couldn’t been more appropriate to try out authentic Peranakan cuisine for the first time at a restaurant called The Peranakan, which is conveniently found in Claymore Connect at Orchard Road.

It was a nice sunny Saturday afternoon in Singapore just perfect for a high tea treat.

What is a better way to experience the Peranakan cuisine if not to try out every bit of the dishes in moderate quantities. We tried the The Peranakan High Tea Set. This is good for sharing for two persons.

This set consists of:

1. Kuek Pie Tee – a thin and crispy pastry shell filled with spicy sweet mixture of thinly sliced sauteed radish, mixed of vegetables and prawn

2. Satay Babi Kong Bau Pao – Pork Satay Braised Buns

3. Hai Bee Yam Open Sandwich – Spicy Minced Prawn Sandwich

4. Prawn Ngoh Hiang – Deep Fried Beancurd Skin wrap with minced pork and prawn

5. Mee Siam – Stir Fried Vermicelli with Egg, Chives and Chili Paste

6. Nasi Ulam – Cold Rice with finely cut herbs, spices and slivers of fried and salted fish

7. Kueh Ko Swee – Steam Palm Sugar Cake smothered in coconut

8. Pulot Enti Kelapa – Blue glutinous rice served with coconut mixed with gula melaka syrup

9. Pulot Enti Durian – Glutinous rice with Durian paste

10. Thick Toast served with pure Malaysian Durian puree

11. Goreng Pisang with Gula Melaka drizzle – Deep Fried Banana Fritters

12. Pineapple Tarts – The Peranakan’s signature tarts are also available for takeaways.

The high tea set consists of a selection of traditional Peranakan favourite dishes and desserts which are a mix of sweet and savoury items. These items, however, may change regularly. It is available daily from 11 AM to 5:30 PM, $48 per set on weekdays and $56 per set on weekends.

I enjoyed every item of the set especially the satay babi, pulot enti kelapa, prawn ngoh hiang and mee siam.

A good news for Durian-lovers, The Peranakan also offers a wonderful set of dishes from appetisers, starters, main course and desserts all made of durian. Gila Durian is a pure indulgence of 8 course feast made of pure Malaysian Kanpong, D24 and Maosan Wang durians.

Appetisers
Toasties with Durian Puree
D24 Durian Pengat

Starters
Pandan Chiffon Cake with D24 and Kampung Durian Puree

Main Course
Pulot Enti D24
Fragrant Rice with Maosan Wang Durian

Dessert
D24 Durian Chendol

This durian feast cost $38 per pax (with minimum of 2 pax). This includes free flowing of hot pandan/ lemongrass tea.

I didn’t realize you can make a wide variety of dishes using durian. I wasn’t really a durian fan but living in Singapore, I have gotten use to eating loads of durian and has gotten to love this pungent ‘King of Fruits’. I especially love the toasties dip in durian puree and the decadent durian chendol.

Toasties with Durian Puree

D24 Durian Pengat

Pandan Chiffon Cake with D24 and Kampung Durian Puree

D24 Durian Chendol

Visiting and trying out the dishes at Peranakan restaurant is indeed get the complete Peranakan experience from the authentic dishes, the interior decor and the splashes of memorabilia all around the restaurant.

Do visit them and experience it for yourself too just in time for the National Day celebration this coming August.

The Peranakan

442 Orchard Road
Level 2 Claymore Connect
Singapore 238879

Email: friends@theperanakan.com

Tel. No. 65 6262 4428

Website / Facebook / Instagram

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored food tasting invitation in collaboration hosted by Ken Poon and Singapore Food Listing.