JB - The Southern Gateway

Johor Bahru – the southern gateway to Malaysia. This is the first sight of Malaysia for visitors coming in through Singapore. Of course, as an entry point, the authorities have indeed done a good job in making sure that the city greets its visitors with enthusiasm, warmth and the likes. Of course, in true Malaysian culture, we have the famous traffic crawl on the causeway and greeted by a superbly rundown piece of architecture called the ‘JB Kastam’. Also, the road conditions after the architecture is sure to entice all first-time visitors. As you travel along the main street of JB, fondly called ‘Jalan Ah Fook’, you’ll have a great sense of security, that it is absolutely safe to roam around town and not be mugged by some small-time thief, which they call ‘Ah Chak Ko’. Of course, as I say it is safe, and therefore I’ve never met an ‘Ah Chak Ko’ before. The town is teeming with life as night falls. There is lots of ‘Kedai Minuman’ aka pubs and nightclubs. These healthy nightspots are sadly often mistaken for being dens of sins. However, for KL-ites, it’ll be quite difficult to get any good Mamak stalls here.

The roads are marvelous in JB. Try the Pasir Gudang Highway. This state-of-the-art highway has potholes of all sizes, guaranteeing you a free horse ride all the way. Surely tantalizes the taste buds of all horse-loving creatures. The bushes, lalang, weed and voids all along the way provides a scenery not to be missed. In fact, you may want to try driving at night. This will surely give you a complimentary test on your eyesight. Do note too, that there are streetlights along most of the highway, which are interestingly seldom lit. Also, don’t bother much about nice people who seem to like to cross the road at various stretches.

When it comes to shopping, you are in shopper’s paradise. Drop by at the most happening mall – Giant Hypermarket… Wooo! In fact there are three Giants in JB, and counting. Or if you like something more quiet, visit the Waterfront, Best World or Pacific Mall, which are all famous for empty lots. No crowds, no parking charges… what else do you want? Then for all those Taiwanese-fashion-sense-inclined people, a stop at Holiday Plaza is a must. Duty-free liquor? Try Eden Garden!

As you see, there are so many things to see in JB. So grab your bags and visit this truly beautiful city. Ohhh… have I mentioned the beautiful beaches, the ones that you’ll never know what you can see when you are in the sea? So… come on down for a fun-filled holiday.