First of all, we hope that it is not too late for us to wish JBCool.com Chinese readers a prosperous Chinese New Year. Let’s hope and pray that our city Johor Bahru will be a peaceful and pleasant place to live in.

As usual, here is the latest fresh February 2011 Johor Bahru Updates. Hope you can have a better information on the events running in JB.

• 3 Jan- 6 Feb, China Art Paper Cutting Demonstration and Exhibition, Sutera Mall
• 5-6 Feb – Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industries (CACCI)  – Iskandar Malaysia.
• 27 Jan-7 Feb, Gala Seri  Pesona Ratu Sehari Ke-15, Plaza Angsana
• 1-29 Feb, Larian Bandaraya Johor Bahru 2012, Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru
• 8-9 Feb, Training on Performance Improvement Plan, TBA
• 11-13 Feb, Pesta Perarakan Chingay 2012, Johor Bahru
• 12 Feb, Nusa Iskandar MTB Adventure Ride 2012, Setia Eco Garden, Gelang Patah, Johor Bahru, Johor
• 18 Feb, Pertandingan Memancing GP Joran Bagus, Muar No. 8 & 10, Jalan Niaga 5 Kota Tinggi Johor
• 14-19 Feb, Festival Layang-Layang Sedunia Pasir Gudang 2012 ke-17, Bukit Layang-Layang, Tmn Bandar, Pasir Gudang
• 26-27 Feb, Le Tour De Langkawi 2012, Batu Pahat & Muar Johor

If you want to share any Johor Bahru event updates or information, please kindly contact us.

The image shown above is the newest Senai-Desaru Highway Bridge that was recently opened.

We drove our way from Johor Bahru to Melaka via PLUS highway. We exited the highway at Air Keroh, Melaka at about 8pm and find our way with the help of the Garmin GPS installed in my wife’s Nokia handphone. Travelling in Melaka at night seems to be very interesting. There are so many colourful lighting decorations and buildings. We saw some trees on the road sides decorated nicely with colourful lights, looking just like I-City in Shah Alam. It seems that there are so many places to visit here. These interesting attractions in Melaka are clearly visible and not hidden (located far away from the city). We saw a huge Mydin which looks like a Mega Store. In fact it is the biggest Mydin in Malaysia. There are also Dataran Pahlawan, Menara Taming Sari, Kota A Famosa, Muzium Istana Kesultanan Melaka, Planetarium, Dutch Square, Kampung Morten, Melaka River Cruise, Taman Mini Malaysia, Taman Rama-rama, Taman Buaya and Zoo Melaka. There are also traditional beautifully and creatively decorated trishaws in Bandar Hilir Melaka that we can hire to circle the town. There are many interesting attraction that I do not list here. “Wow, there are many interesting places here in Melaka. We should check them out”, I said to my wife in our MPV as we maneuvered to the hotel. “Yes, indeed there are”, my wife responded, agreeing with me.

Please don’t get me wrong. I am not at all favouring Melaka. I am however impressed with the rapid development and growth that Melaka City had achieved. I am truly a proud Johor Bahru dweller and I love the town I live in. What I am trying to highlight here is that I hope and wish Johor Bahru will be a better city than other cities in Malaysia. I hope there will be many more places of attraction developed and available in my home town.

Occasionally, when some relatives or family friends from outside Johor Bahru come to visit us, the normal question asked will be “So, what are the interesting places that you recommend us to visit in Johor Bahru?” Well, in most cases we spontaneously answered “You need to check out Danga Bay.” Then they will respond “Oh, we have already been to Danga Bay. Is there any other interesting places to visit?” Then, we have to think for a while before suggesting them some other places like Tanjung Piai, Desaru, Kota Tinggi Waterfall (which are quite far from Johor Bahru). If we think a little harder, we may then add the Royal Museum, Taman Istana, State Zoo, Plaza Angsana etc. The truth is in most occasions, we run out of idea on the significant places of attraction in our home town.

The map of Nusajaya Town Planning in Iskandar Malaysia Office in Nusajaya

Newcastle Medical University has been opened in Malaysia and has attracted medical students

This is now the heart of Johor’s Administration

However, if we really know the plan that has been set-up for Johor Bahru under the Iskandar Malaysia development, I am sure we will be happier. There are simply too many projects either completed, currently under construction or will be under construction soon. In Nusajaya, we already have Kota Iskandar which is Johor state administrative center. The building’s architecture and environment are amazingly unique. Then there is also the beautiful Puteri Harbour where yatches and boats are docked. Besides that, the famous and long awaited Lego Land will soon be opened by next year. When Lego Land is opened, I personally believe that it will be among the strong motivating factor for more people to come and visit Johor Bahru. The Newcastle Medical University has also been officially opened earlier this year and will contribute to Nusajaya in being an Edu-city besides other higher learning institutions in its surrounding district.

Sooner, Johor will also have its own MRT that will possibly connect to important locations within Johor Bahru and Singapore. Although I’m not sure of the real fact/planning of this project, if this is true, this will be interesting as we are going to have a reliable and efficient transportation alternative. The new Senai-Desaru Expressway has also been officially opened to motorist and has resulted in faster travelling from Johor Bahru Tengah to the east part of Johor Bahru areas such as Ulu Tiram, Pasir Gudang and Desaru.

We can see that this year Johor Bahru has already had three 3D cinemas. Remember 2 or 3 years ago, we don’t have any 3D cinemas. We also have an indoor water theme park in Today’s Mall in Ulu Tiram which is a place that we can also visit and let the kids have some fun. Last July, the annual event of Johor Bahru Art Festival took place. Various activities, shows, theaters, competitions and exhibitions were showcased. Johor Bahru also has what is famous in the UK which is Car Boot Sale (CBS). The CBS is a monthly event organized by JOHO, a brand that promotes arts and creativity in Johor Bahru. All of these are definitely good signs of development in entertainment and recreational industries in Johor Bahru.

Actually there are plenty more projects under development in Johor Bahru vicinity. I have not mentioned the likes of Danga Island, East Ledang, Johor Premium Outlet and Senibong Cove. KSL City, located in the heart of Johor Bahru itself will be an integrated shopping complex, hotel, condominium and if I am not mistaken will also provide golfing facility. That’s really cool-playing golf several meters above the sea level.

Basically, Johor Bahru will be there. It will be a fantastic, superb and magnificent city to live in. It’s just about time. I am proud to be a Johorean.

About the author:

This article is contributed by Zaki. He is a normal Johor Bahru family guy and often contributes article to JBCool.com, a website serving Johor Bahru event updates. This article was published in WAVES magazine July 2011 edition and republished in JBCool.com.

]]> http://jbcool.com/hopes-johor-bahru-city/feed/ 0 http://jbcool.com/get-legoland-annual-pass-at-discounted-pre-opening-rates-for-limited-time-only/ http://jbcool.com/get-legoland-annual-pass-at-discounted-pre-opening-rates-for-limited-time-only/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:49:36 +0000 admin http://jbcool.com/?p=4375

Just to get the word spreading. For Johorean, I believe, it is a wonderful opportunity to grab hold of the Legoland Annual Pass at Discounted Pre-Opening Rates. Why? This is because we can get to visit Legoland Johor not only one time, but more than that. We have that advantage, so why waste it. I’m personally planning to purchase Legoland Johor Anual Pass as soon as they are open. For the time being we are not sure yet the exact date of the Legoland opening. So, we just need to stay tune and wait for the release of this discounted pre-opening annual pass.

Following are some details about the Legoland tickets and fees. The information are taken from official Legoland website.

Lego land ~ Annual Pass

Purchase your unlimited entry to LEGOLAND® Malaysia now and enjoy unlimited entry on all regular opening days up to 3 months in year 2012 and the entire year 2013!

SPECIAL PROMOTION PRICE (for a limited time only)

Adult: RM 195.00
Children (age 3-11): RM 150
Senior Citizen (age 60 and above): RM 150

Frequently Asked Questions

1.0 PARK OPERATION HOURS

1.1 When will LEGOLAND Malaysia open?

Announcement of the grand opening day will take place in the 2nd quarter 2012. Tentatively the theme park is set to open in 4th quarter 2012.

1.2 What are the parks regular opening hours?

Once we announce the grand opening date we will communicate the opening hours and days via our website.

1.3 Will all the rides in the park be available once it is opened or will it open in stages?

All the rides and attraction announced now will be available when the park opens.

2.0 LEGOLAND MALAYSIA ANNUAL PASS – SALES AND PRICE

2.1 What is the LEGOLAND Malaysia Annual Pass?

The LEGOLAND Malaysia annual pass entitles the pass holder to enter the theme park on unlimited days for the whole year after its redemption date.

2.2  How much is the LEGOLAND Malaysia Annual Pass?

2.3 What if my child is only 2 years old in the year 2012. Will they have to buy a kids annual pass?

No, children younger than 3 years do not have to pay any entrance fee. However if the child turns 3 before the time of redemption, he/she will have to purchase the Kids annual pass. This applies to kids who turn 12 before the time of redemption; he/she will have to purchase the Adult annual pass.

2.4 Can I upgrade my kids annual pass to an adult annual pass later?

Yes, you can pay the difference at the time of redemption.

2.5 If a senior citizen is 59 years old in the year 2012. Which pass will they be entitled for?

They would have to purchase the Adult Annual Pass as they are not above 60 at the time of redemption.

2.6 What is the benefit of the Pre-Opening Annual Pass Promotion?

You get to enjoy the park from the grand opening date (in 2012) and a full whole year of 2013.

2.7 How long is the Pre-Opening Annual Pass Promotion available?

The promotion is available for a limited time only. LEGOLAND Malaysia has the right to stop selling on discounted rates at any time without further announcement.

2.8 What is the one-day ticket price for LEGOLAND Malaysia?

2.9 Are there further discounts for the Annual Pass if I am a Malaysian?

The current Pre-opening Annual Pass Voucher (pre-opening promotion) is already an extremely heavily discounted package.

2.10 How many Annual Passes can I purchase?

You can purchase up to 10 annual passes per transaction.

2.11 Where can I purchase the Pre-opening Annual Pass Voucher?

You can purchase the Pre-opening Annual Pass Voucher via our website, www.LEGOLAND.my and it will direct you to our authorised ticket agent: Airasia RedTix for the final purchase.

2.12 Can I purchase the Pre-opening Annual Pass Voucher anywhere else?

At the moment you can only purchase it over AirAsia RedTix. Other sales locations will be announced on the LEGOLAND Malaysia website soon.

2.13 If I have problems with my online transaction, who do I contact?

You can contact the AirAsia RedTix Ticketing Hotline at +603 – 8775 4666. The Hotline is operational from 9am-6pm on weekdays or email AirAsia RedTix at support_redtix@airasia.com.

2.14 Why are there extra charges during my final purchase at AirAsia RedTix?

Kindly note that AirAsia RedTix will be charging RM3 for each annual pass and a flat RM5 as convenience fees.

3.0 LEGOLAND MALAYSIA PRE-Opening ANNUAL PASS VOUCHER – REDEMPTION

3.1 When is the redemption period for the Pre- opening Annual Pass Voucher?

The official redemption period will be announced on our website. It will be at least from the official opening day until 31st of December 2012.

3.2 Where can I redeem the Pre-opening Annual Pass Voucher?

When booking the Pre- opening Annual Pass online you will receive a voucher for the LEGOLAND Pre-opening Annual Pass that is valid for one visit to LEGOLAND Malaysia in the 2012 season. Please go to the Annual Pass office in the BEGINNING zone when you visit LEGOLAND® for the first time and exchange your voucher into an annual pass photo ID.

3.3 Is the Annual Pass transferable?

No, the Annual Pass is personal and not transferable. It will be a photo ID pass dedicated to one individual per pass. The terms and conditions for the LEGOLAND Annual Pass apply. However, the Pre-opening Annual Pass VOUCHER is transferable until it is redeemed and exchanged into the official annual pass photo ID.

3.4 Is the Annual Pass refundable?

No, the pass is not refundable upon purchase

3.5 Can I purchase the Pre-opening Annual Pass for my friends or family?

Yes you can. Kindly ensure that the person who attends the park redeem the Pre-opening Annual Pass Voucher. This is because it will be exchanged into a non-transferable photo ID.

4.0 OTHERS

For ticketing, purchase and transaction queries, please contact

AirAsia RedTix
HOTLINE : +603 – 8775 4666 (9am-6pm on weekdays)
EMAIL : support_redtix@airasia.com.

For all other queries, feel free to contact us at

LEGOLAND Malaysia
TEL : +607 597 8888 (9am-6pm on weekdays)
EMAIL : info@LEGOLAND.my

Read the Tutti Frutti Taman Gaya flyers below to learn more about it.

I had previously driven on part of this highway when the concession holder partially opened the Senai to Tanjung Langsat stretch. In the end of October 2011, I had some free time and decided to take my maiden drive on the new suspension bridge. There was no particular reason for the trip except to try out the new route but the leisurely drive to Johor’s east coast gave me the chance to visit Teluk Sengat and Johor Lama. The place now is easily accessible by car since authorities paved and upgraded the track that connects to the KT-Desaru trunk road. Previously, the land route to Teluk Sengat meant driving on earth tracks through palm oil estates. Not too long ago, the primary form of transport used by the villagers was boats.

I was prompted to drop by Johor Lama because I was reminded of history lessons. When I was a young boy doing the daily commute by bus from our house in Singapore to school in Johor Bahru, I would walk past a small unimpressive signpost located underneath the flyover just outside the Immigration and Customs checkpoint. The signboard is a short description of how the city of JB got its name. Originally called Tanjung Puteri (if I recall correctly, spelled as Petrie on the signboard), the then small town was renamed Johor Bahru by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866.

The signboard is of course, no longer there, since the construction of the new CIQ complex. In those days, it crossed my mind that if there is a place called Johor Bahru, then there must be another place somewhere called Johor Lama. Indeed there is… and upon studying a bit of history in school, I learned that the remains Johor Lama, considered as the first capital of the Johor state, can be found on the eastern bank of Sungai Johor within the district of Kota Tinggi. It has taken me more than 30 years since that classroom history lesson to make my first visit to the place.

The brief history of Kota Johor Lama written here

I wasn’t particularly good at history while in school. I somehow find it difficult to memorize dates, so when history and geography became elective subjects as we entered Form 4 of secondary school, I naturally chose geography.

According to historical notes, the village known as Johor Lama was established by Sultan Alaudin Riayat Shah II in 1540. Sultan Alaudin was the son of Sultan Mahmud Shah, the last sultan of Melaka. When Sultan Mahmud was ousted by the Portuguese in 1511, he escaped to Muar and then to a few other places, where he assembled troops to try re-capture Melaka (which he did not succeed). Depending on your point of view, it can be said that the last king of Melaka became the first king of Johor, although I note that most historians would place Alaudin Riayat Shah as the first sultan. This first sultan’s real name is Raja Ali. The official name of Alaudin Riayat Shah the Second was taken when he ascended the throne. The first ARS was the second ARS’s grandfather who ruled Melaka up to 1488, before the Portuguese invasion. Confusing, no? That’s why I didn’t do too well in history.

Mahmud Shah the last sultan, was also linked to the legend of Puteri Gunung Ledang. He was the king who really wanted to marry the mysterious beauty living somewhere up a mountain to the extent of agreeing to most of the practically-impossible pre-conditions set by the princess. This story is an extremely colourful legend… and as legends go, there is no way that it can be verified. Perhaps, that’s the way it is meant to be.

On the hand, if we are to go down further in the succession line of Johor kings, we will come to another sultan with similar name whose history is probably the next most well-known and no less colourful. Sultan Mahmud Shah II was the grandson of Alaudin Riayat Shah II, and therefore the great-grandson of the last sultan of Melaka. He was also the last king of Johor to have direct lineage to the royal Melaka bloodline, having no offspring of his own. Mahmud Shah the Second was said to have ruled his kingdom with a cruel hand. When Dang Anum, the pregnant wife of his trusted admiral Laksamana Bentan, ate a slice of jackfruit from the king’s garden without his permission, Sultan Mahmud Shah became very furious. Dang Anum tried to appeal to the sultan by saying that her craving for the jackfruit was because of the baby in her belly. The king became even angrier and ordered Dang Anum’s womb be cut open. Legend has it that they found the baby with a piece of the jackfruit in his mouth. I know it’s stretching the imagination a bit… but hey, legends wouldn’t be colourful without some form of exaggeration.

Laksamana Bentan, who was away at sea fighting off pirates, returned to find that his wife and unborn child had been killed by the king. The admiral swore to avenge the deaths and plotted to murder the sultan. He did so, one afternoon while the king was on his way back after Friday prayers. Laksamana Bentan was then killed by the sultan’s guards. This incident led to another name being given to the king : Sultan Mahmud Mangkat Dijulang.

The graves of both Sultan Mahmud Shah and Laksamana Bentan can still be found in Kota Tinggi. The sultan’s mausoleum is located at Kg Makam on the eastern bank of Sungai Johor. A few kilometres upstream on the same side of the river at Kg Kelantan is where we can find Bentan’s final resting place.

Ok then… enough of history. Back to the present.

The village of Johor Lama is also known as Johor Kampung to the locals. The old fort (or `kota’ in Malay) was located on a hill next to the river. There aren’t any stone walls that remain today but for some earth mounds that do indicate some form of protective structure. If the present overgrown trees are cleared, I can imagine the fort having a commanding view of the Johor river-mouth.

Entrance to the Johor Lama historical site

View of Sungai Johor

The museum building

The area is now under the maintenance of the Muzeums Department and there is a muzeum there. Unfortunately I arrived late and the muzeum was aready closed. But if you wish to take a peek of what’s inside, then have a look at their website here - Muzium Kota Johor Lama.

Note : This article is from by Fadhil Isma who also writes as Oldstock in his blog “Just Observations…”. Fadhil is a civil engineer who resides in Majidee, Johor Bahru and presently works in Pasir Gudang.

If you want to share something about Johor, you are welcome to be our guest blogger at JBCool, check out our guest blogger guidelines.

First of all, we hope that it is not too late for us to wish all of you a prosperous Happy New Year 2012. Let’s hope and pray that our city Johor Bahru will be a peaceful and pleasant place to live in.

As usual, here is the latest fresh January 2011 Johor Bahru Updates. Hope you can have a better information on the events running in JB.

January 2012

• 28 Dec 2011- 8 Jan 2012, Dinor Road Show (Toshiba), Dinor Jalan Perdagangan Damai Bandar Baru Nusa Damai Pasir Gudang
• 5-7 Jan, International Conference on Enabling Science and Nanotechnology, Persada Johor International Convention Centre,Johor
• 6-8 Jan, Monsoon Mayhem Surf Challenge 2012, Pantai Desaru
• 7-8 Jan, UCTI Roadshow@Johor Bahru, Puteri Pacific Hotel
• 7-8 Jan, JB BAZZ 2012, Johor Bahru
• 11-12 Jan, FMM Johor Safety Conference 2012 – Conference, Grand Blue Wave Hotel, Johor Bahru
• 12 Jan, Spring Fair, EXPO @ Danga City Mall
• 14-15 Jan, BM Youth Home, Persada Johor
• 14-15 Jan, “Azura” Movie Promo Tour, Plaza Angsana
• 15 Jan, CNY JB shopping tour by Serangoon division
• 17 Jan, Seminar on the Approach to Handle Labour Cases & Overview Latest EA 1955, FMM Johor Branch
• 28 Jan, Chinese New Year Open House Celebration, Johor Bahru

If you want to share any Johor Bahru event updates or information, please kindly contact us.

The image shown above is the newest Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) that was recently opened in Kulai, Johor.

• Luxury 26-seater executive coach with spacious seats and on-board video entertainment.
• Drops passengers right at the doorstep of First World Hotel.
• Drivers with more than five years experience on JB-Genting route.

WATCH OUT!!! The greatest Photography Contest this decade!!!

REWARD: total RM22,500

Tarikh: 20 Dis 2011 hingga ke 20 Jan 2012, 5.30 ptg

Tema: “The Colours of Iskandar Malaysia”

Kategori: Perpaduan dan Integrasi antara Kaum, Bangunan Warisan, dan Pembangunan Ikonik di ISKANDAR MALAYSIA contoh : Bangunan CIQ, Pelabuhan Tg. Langsat, Ramsar, Pusat Janakuasa Tg. Bin, Lapangan Terbang, Kota Iskandar dll.

Hadiah setiap kategori:

Pertama : RM 3000 + sijil

Kedua : RM 2000 + sijil

Ketiga : RM 1000 + sijil

Hadiah saguhati : RM500 x 3 + sijil

Download the forms now!!!

Photography Contest Form (English)

Photography Contest Form (Malay)

Bagi mereka yang tidak ada apa-apa aktiviti mulai besok sehingga hujung minggu ini, apa kata hadirkan diri ke Fiesta Taman Merdeka Johor 2011/2012. Program yang julung-julung kali di adakan di Taman Merdeka Johor (berhadapan Stesyen Penyiaran Sultan Iskandar – RTM) akan bermula dari Jumaat (30 Disember 2011) sehingga Ahad (1 Januari 2012) bermula dari pukul 8 pagi sehingga 12 malam. Fiesta Taman Merdeka ini adalah anjuran MBJB dan EventKios. Penaja bersama adalah IRDA dan UEM Land

Program-program

Pelbagai program menarik seperti persembahan artis jemputan (Bandi Amuk/Raja Lawak), battle of the band, pertunjukan bunga api, sambutan tahun baru, pelbagai pameran dan demonstrasi akan dilangsungkan.

Untuk pertanyaan lanjut, sila hubungi info@eventkios.com atau 017-7099102.

Bagaimana ke Fiesta Taman Merdeka Johor Bahru?

Sila rujuk peta di bawah (klik untuk besarkan) atau klik sini.

]]> http://jbcool.com/fiesta-taman-merdeka-johor-20112012/feed/ 0 http://jbcool.com/pasaraya-songmart-cash-carry-sdn-bhd-in-desa-cemerlang-johor/ http://jbcool.com/pasaraya-songmart-cash-carry-sdn-bhd-in-desa-cemerlang-johor/#comments Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:56:28 +0000 admin http://jbcool.com/?p=4266

Wet Market, Supermarket in (JB), Johor Bahru, Malaysia (Desa Cemerlang) – Pasaraya SongMart Cash & Carry SDN BHD

SongMart first Wet Market in (JB), Desa Cemerlang, Johor, Malaysia, Shop for fresh food at excellent prices. A wide range of fresh vegetables, fruit, meats, fish or spices can be bought at Desa Cemerlang, Johor outlet.

SongMart sell everything from fresh meat, fish, fresh farm vegetables, fruit, dry foods, spices, crackers , as well as dry food stuffs, grocery and household items. Especially those fish that sell in the wet market are direct from fish port in the early morning.

They are opened daily from 10am to 11pm, serve you the best and the freshest fish, meat and organic vegetables as we guaranteed. Experience it yourself now!

In case you are not aware, Song Mart is an established business with its head quarters in Ulu Tiram plus 7 subsidiaries scattered in Johor.

Here are some information about the business:

Tan Lee Heng (M) Sdn Bhd has many pasaraya branches in Malaysia. These hypermart or hypermarkets are called Songmart and they are the local supermarkets for the local folks. Songmart Cash & Carry Sdn. Bhd. is a wholesale supermarket in Malaysia.

For further information and to know where other branches are located, please visit: www.net-profit-marketing.com/pasaraya-malaysia-1.html

Jobs opportunities:- You can also visit the same site to check for any jobs available at SongMart market.