After 2 years of not stepping out of the country, it was good to start with a cross-border trip since Singapore and Malaysia opened up the borders for a fuss-free travel between the 2 countries and other countries too. Not like the virus is gone but it is time to build back the economy after everything stand still for too long. And living with the virus.
Having the new passport stamped after renewing 2 years ago was a pleasant sight, be it any countries actually. The good and bad for our passport: the good being stamped and not wasting pages; the bad being wasted 2 years and left with 3 years validity. But also glad that no long wait like 6-7 weeks for processing and no need to join those crazy long queue for passport collection.
PREPARATION
Being well-trained to do things in advance when you already expecting it to do later. I downloaded MySejahtera app few months before my 1st trip out to Malaysia. Download early as you need to wait for Malaysia side to approve before you can proceed with using the app to upload your vaccination status and so on. Reminded my friends who are going with me too. Because we need to submit pre-departure form via the app before entering so do so early and Malaysia side will receive in their system to ensure a smooth process at their custom. Oh and change your money or use credit card for convenience. Long time never go The Arcade to walk from one money changer to another for the best rates.
CHECKPOINT CLEARANCE
Met my ladies at Woodlands Bus Interchange for a ride to Woodlands Checkpoint. Took bus 856 and walked a long way in to our custom. Not much of people on a Monday morning 9+am plus school holidays period (talking about Singapore's school holiday). Took a bus to Malaysia checkpoint and gotten cleared from immigration by 10am. That was a blessed 1st trip out after 2 years. Bless both countries!
THE START OF OUR JB TRIP
1st stop, brought my ladies to Jalan Tan Hiok Nee for breakfast. Found the exit out from Johor City Square's and walked a long stretch of shophouses before crossing over to Jalan Tan Hiok Nee.
The long queue on the left coming from Hiap Joo Bakery. The queue that never end even after we have hopped 2 cafes. Famous for their Banana Cakes. Was told that it would be nicer to have it while it was hot and fresh. But who will even do that on the spot?
Spotted this Roast & Coffee opened by 3 sisters. Decided that as our 1st breakfast place. Packed with patrons (expected) so we shared table with others. Why not, right?
We just gotten our seats and a elderly lady gave us a voucher of R&C, saying they won't be using already (finished their meal) so blessed us with that RM5 voucher. Can't be more thankful. Auntie, you will strike 4D if you buy! Huat ah!
Ordered our drinks and food. I didn't know they called 鸳鸯 as Cham. When they served my 鸳鸯, they said Cham. Question mark all over until we understood Cham = 鸳鸯. Hahaha...
Had my protein (softboiled eggs) and the ladies had Chwee Kueh and a wholemeal sandwich called 三姐妹. It was normal but a different taste. Kiap with slices of butter and peanut butter spread.
3 drinks + 3 different food items = RM23. Then minus RM5 from the voucher, total cost RM18 (SGD5.70). There is a 6% Service Charge in the bill.
Roast & Coffee
No. 62 & 63, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee,
Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000,
Johor Bahru, Johor.
We explored further after our 1st meal. Took some pictures of the mural arts at shophouses, illustrating the different culture in Malaysia. Nicely drawn and I loved it.
And my friend spotted a signboard which was very interesting as that was something we said when we found something that is worth buying. 走过，路过，请别错过 means don't miss it when you spotted it while passing or walking by.
I guess on sunny weather like this gives us a very good glimpse of the streets. It was torturing with the heat but still, worth it after 2 years.
On to our 2nd spot at Jimylicious. Guess how I spotted it? Was right across the road and spotted the keyword 'Cheesecake'. My love for Cheesecake so we ended up here for our 2nd stop. And happens that they just opened for business. Talk about being there at the right time.
Went up to level 2 and we had the whole place on our own. For sure sitting by the window was my choice for natural lightings for food pics. The environment was simple with a little European style of elegant.
Ordered a Burnt Matcha Cake, Avocado Cheesecake, Kombucha (Dragonfruit and Passionfruit) and Latte. Their cakes were firm and good plus sweetness at its perfect tone. Never come across Avocado Cheesecake so it was a must. A hint of Avocado taste and the creaminess from the cream cheese. Oh their staff recommended Avocado and Durian Cheesecake. I shall try the latter next trip.
Please try their Kombucha. It was so so good and beneficial for your health too. Shall try the original the next time. Oh... and they have main courses too so do try them if you are here.
Jimylicious Cheesecake & Cafe
14, Jalan Dhoby,
Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000,
Johor Bahru, Johor.
And so we made our way back to City Square and instead of going Southkey, we headed for Johor Premium Outlet via Grab that cost about RM52 (both ways same price each). From the journey, I can see it was quite far out and nearing 2nd Link.
Overall, nothing catches the eyes even with big brands like Prada, Fendi, Gucci, a few to name. Bought a Nike t-shirt for Mister for the sake of buying, shop for stuff at Watsons (limited items but cheaper than other Watsons) and had lunch at Souper Tang. And didn't understand why so many flies at the Outlet mall.
Truffle Scrambled Eggs with Shrimps (RM32.90): Kind of salty but you can taste the presence of truffle and perfect texture of the scrambled eggs, neither too watery or fully cooked type.
Sauteed Broccoli with Beancurd Knot (RM28.90): I'm Keto-ING so I thought this was a perfect dish for greens intake. Normal taste but the beancurd knots were kind of hard to chew.
Dried Scallop Porridge with Whitebait (RM19.90): This was a real small pot of porridge for 1 pax but shared between the 3 of us. It has the taste of sweetness from goji berries and dry scallops and saltiness from my fav silver fish. My taste bud was kind of confused at this time.
Brown Sugar Herbal Jelly (RM8.90): My dessert to end the lunch and perfect for crazy weathers, be it in Malaysia or Singapore. Cooling for the body and good for health too.
Total cost with service tax and charges: RM105.10 (SGD33.19)
Souper Tang
Suite No. 2000, Johor Premium Outlets,
Jalan Premium Outlets,
Indahpura, 81000 Kulai Jaya MY
Anyway, this would be my 1st and last visit to Johor Premium Outlet. Okay... this is expected as at outlet malls, they sell off season items (sometimes or maybe yes) and that explained the reduced price. I can't say it isn't a good place to come but unless you wanna pick up some branded at a cheaper price and it catches your eyes even with off-season items, then okay please go.
So in the evening, we GRAB back to Johor City Square for shopping and dinner before heading back to Singapore.
City Square wasn't as crowded like before or did I come at the wrong time where there isn't much crowd? But still it feels good to be back here, enjoying some JB vibes.
Went Komtar JBCC for dinner after we gotten all our shopping. Had Japanese meal because the ladies said they didn't had a proper meal for the day. It is like Carbs human versus Carbs Control human.
Ordered a Tofu and plain Udon soup for myself. Good enough for me as I always try not to have carbs at night. But tofu was good. A Protein-packed day for me.
And here are the ones the ladies ordered which were full of carbs and many carbs. Happy women. Overall, decent meal as I had a piece or bits of the sides. I liked when there is Chuka Wakame. Top Favourite.
Sushi Zanmai
Lot 209, Level 2, KOMTAR JBCC,
Johor Bahru City Centre,
80000 Johor Bahru.
So that was the end of a day in JB, boosting a little of their economy with my ladies. Both countries should help one another and yes I'm right! So our journey home through both sides of custom, bus waiting and etc, was considered a smooth and fast one especially around 8+pm. Happy and satisfied now. See you soon JB! Be back again to eat but not get fat! Oh and I never eat your chicken too. Hahaha...