Before I get branded a good-for-nothing blogger by the powers-that-be, here’s my contribution to the government’s Visit Malaysia Year campaign: a piece on my beloved hometown Johor Bahru (JB); home of Mee Rebus, Mawi and the biggest Valentino Rossi billboard ever (probably).
But let me start by saying that some 20 years ago, JB kinda, um, sucked. There were only two major shopping complexes, a couple of discos (friends told me, I wouldn’t know) and a zoo with animals that looked like they’d taken oaths to fast forever.
And JB’s only major attraction was… Singapore.
But today, JB gets an A for its happening-ness. Entertainment and shopping outlets are aplenty now, and even the animals are eating well.
For architecture nuts, there’s plenty of old and interesting buildings to go ga-ga over, including the State Government building, the Abu Bakar Mosque and even my old school, English College. Just look at these shots from my Nokia 6680 ...
But let me start by saying that some 20 years ago, JB kinda, um, sucked. There were only two major shopping complexes, a couple of discos (friends told me, I wouldn’t know) and a zoo with animals that looked like they’d taken oaths to fast forever.
And JB’s only major attraction was… Singapore.
But today, JB gets an A for its happening-ness. Entertainment and shopping outlets are aplenty now, and even the animals are eating well.
For architecture nuts, there’s plenty of old and interesting buildings to go ga-ga over, including the State Government building, the Abu Bakar Mosque and even my old school, English College. Just look at these shots from my Nokia 6680 ...
And for greenery lovers, there are a few cool parks, like the Hutan Bandar below, scattered all over the city that are perfect for picnics, photography and general bumming around.
Then of course, there’s the glorious food. Two must-tries in JB are mee rebus (noodles that don’t really look impressive but tastes oh-so-yummy) and otak-otak ("brain-brain" when literally translated, but it’s actually grilled spicy fish paste).
Mee Rebus. Gooood...
Brain-brain. Also gooood...
But the mother of all JB attractions is of course, DANGA BAY, located at Lido beach opposite the Palace on Bukit Serene (just look at the map lah).
It’s a circus of an attraction that includes, until recently, a circus (seriously!), amusement rides, a skateboard park, paddle boat rides,
all sorts of bicycles for you to ride and fall from...
flashy tram rides...
restaurants for all sorts of budget...
and cool traditional houses...
So what are you waiting for? This weekend, have a jolly good time in JB! But please don't forget the zoo...
PS: Here’s the humongous Valentino Rossi billboard on Jalan Wong Ah Fook (Yeah, I wasn't kidding!)
2 comments:
Zul!!
long time no hear - how are u lah???
wat u doin?
tell all :)
hey yin,
i'm around lah. at sri pentas plotting world domination. and for real!
hey, you still write stuff?
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