Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Johor Bahru campus is no longer just an institute of higher learning. For the past few years, the university management has been promoting UTM as an eco-tourism destination. I'd say their efforts have been rather successful as the campus has received thousands of visitors to date. With a total land size of ... continue reading »

This quaint little house turned show gallery is actually also the retail store of Johor's artist community who goes by the brand, JOHO, the slang for Johor. I understand that the conception of P.O.R.T. in Ipoh was inspired by JOHO, with the common belief that artists have to help themselves by creating a platform to promote ... continue reading »

Only 17 months old, this resort, a short drive from Renaissance Johor Bahru, is actually an investment property, where some owners lease their units to the hotel for a guaranteed annual return. Hence, besides being a resort, it is also a hotel and residence. There are a total of 193 units of suites, consisting of studio, ... continue reading »

This unique boutique hotel sports a Balinese decor, with all fittings imported from Jepara, Central Java, Indonesia. The owner, Johar Arif, who owns JA Residence Hotel in Johor Bahru town centre, and whose initials now form part of the name of this establishment, had initially planned to construct this large villa for his own family. But while ... continue reading »

When touring a city, there's no escaping the exploration of local food. Seafood is definitely one of the most famous cuisines in Johor. One of our dinners was at this seafood restaurant that goes by the name '6 Corner' in a seafood village, just at the fringe of the Straits of Johor , looking out to ... continue reading »

This night market in the centre of Johor Bahru, along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Jalan Sengget and spilled over to adjacent streets, is known locally as 'pasar karat' or flea market. I personally won't consider it a flea market in the real sense of the word because many of the items sold here are new. However, ... continue reading »

Opened just this year in April, Renaissance Johor Bahru, one of the newest hotels in town, is owned by Marriott International, Inc. Interestingly, this 5-star luxury hotel was refurbished from a building that was abandoned for some 13 years! But I have to say, its location between the city centre and Pasir Gudang is definitely strategic! There ... continue reading »