If you want to explore a nearby city in Singapore, Johor Bahru can be on top of your list. Johor Bahru, the capital of the Malaysia state of Johor, is the nearest city to Singapore. It is situated at the southern tip of Malay Peninsula. On this city can be found the royal palace built by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866, which is now called the Royal Abu Bakar Museum.
So my husband and I decided to spend a day in Johor Bahru during a holiday. If you plan to go there on Singapore holidays, you need to think on the best routes to take. For us, who didn't really plan this trip in the beginning, it took us 4 hours to finally leave the causeway. So instead of spending the day there, we decided to have our overnight stay in Johor Bahru.
Johor Bahru was different 5 years ago. Now, you could see huge malls nearby the causeway, such as KOMTAR JBCC and City Square Johor Bahru. I can only remember City Square Mall when we first set foot there.
As we didn't pack much, we went to the malls to do our shopping. You'll notice that the price is lower compared to Singapore, which is your advantage when you are there. However, if you go to a branded outlet store, I suggest that you just do your shopping in Singapore. Apparently, the prices aren't that different.
It was a stroke of luck that we managed to get a hotel booking at V8 hotel on the same day.
Our stay at V8 Hotel
The hotel is new and nifty. It isn't that big but the receiving area is impressive. You are welcomed by a charming chandelier and by the friendly receptionists. The pool, restaurant and waiting area look a bit small, but are all well embellished.
Our room is the standard deluxe room. Although they do not have any room with a balcony, the hotel room was not cramped and small.
马来西亚美食城 333 Food Court
What I liked most about V8 hotel is it's impeccable location. There's sizeable food court right next to it and the food are cheap. The 马来西亚美食城 333 Food Court offers variety of food choices from Satay, seafood, steamboat, claypot chicken to Thai and Chinese dishes!
You can also spend the whole night there and have your Al Fresco dining.
This wasn't our first time there. On our previous trips, we went to these well-known destinations in Johor, such as Legoland Malaysia, Johor Premium Outlets and to their famous Dimsum restaurants . You can also try to visit the other recommendations such as are Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, Angry Birds Activity Park, Johor Zoo, Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park.
I hope you'll have a great time in Johor Bahru like we did.