A Solo Staycation in R&F Princess Cove, Johor Bahru
This article details a short solo staycation in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, focusing on the experience of living in a condo and exploring the local food scene.
Arrival and Brunch at Manzanita
The journey begins at JB Sentral, with the intention of staying at R&F Princess Cove for three days. Check-in isn't until 3 pm, so the first stop is Manzanita, a favorite local bakery. The classic shakshuka with sourdough toast is ordered. The runny egg yolk and smoky, sweet-savory shakshuka prove to be a delicious surprise, especially paired with the crusty sourdough. The meal cost RM30/SGD9.10, considered reasonable.
Beauty Salon Visit
Since early check-in isn't possible, a trip to a beauty salon is next on the agenda. A Grab car is hailed. Upon arrival at Skinwork Aesthetics, a questionnaire is filled out before beginning a facial treatment. The pricing is considered very competitive, and the treatment room, while basic, is comfortable.
Checking into the Studio Apartment
After the facial, it's finally time to check into the studio apartment in R&F Princess Cove. After some initial trouble with the door, the apartment is revealed to be quite nice.
Apartment Features
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Kitchen: Spacious for a studio, with an island and basic appliances like a washer and microwave oven. The fridge, however, is empty.
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Living Area: Includes bay windows and a large sofa, which seems disproportionate for the size of the studio. The desk is compact.
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Wardrobe: Peculiarly located next to the washroom, potentially serving as a changing room.
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Bathroom: Features a striking design.
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Amenities: Only two mini tubes of shampoo & shower gel are provided. Carpentry is noted as being slightly flimsy. The ceiling fan is a retractable model, a first-time encounter.
The initial tasks involve unpacking, sanitizing the furniture, and settling in for the next two nights.
Dinner at R&F Mall
After settling in, it's time for dinner at R&F Mall. Initial impressions are that the mall is vibrant, contrary to reviews suggesting it is "dead". A mini pasar malam is also spotted. While some upper floors do have empty shops, the ground floor boasts plenty of food options.
Jubilee's Nanyang Coffee
The chosen dinner spot is Jubilee's Nanyang Coffee, where bee hoon is the main craving. Ayam Goreng is ordered. The fried chicken is well-marinated with bold turmeric and lemongrass flavors.
Errand Run at Night
Following dinner, a trip to Mr. DIY is needed to purchase shower caps, shower gel and slippers. A simple pair of slippers is chosen.
Late Night Snackies
Next is a return to the pasar malam for snacks. Thai-style honey grilled pork and Taiwanese sausage are ordered and enjoyed. A stop at a fruit juice stall for watermelon juice requires a 25-minute wait. A quick trip to Jaya Grocer, a small grocery store within R&F Mall, is made for toiletries and other essentials. Prices are considered high for locals.
Night Routine
Back at the studio, slippers are put on, groceries are put away, and the TV's Netflix is set up.
Breakfast at Pacific Kopi
The next morning starts with breakfast at Pacific Kopi. The kopi is more bitter and sweeter than the Singaporean version. Laoshufen (stir-fried noodles) and a soft-boiled egg are ordered. The meal costs RM24.15/SGD7.30.
Hair Salon Visit in Permas Jaya
An afternoon appointment at a hair salon in Permas Jaya, found on Google Maps, is kept. The salon visit lasts five hours.
Dinner at Hosay Food
After the salon, dinner is at Hosay Food in Permas Jaya. Black sauce noodles with curry Yong Tau Foo are ordered. The curry is delicious but overpowers the noodles. The set costs RM14.30/SGD4.30.
Evening Activities
Back at the studio, the video from the trip is edited. The husband arrives from Kuala Lumpur by bus. They grab supper from a 24/7 Chinese restaurant downstairs. Chicken cutlet and dumpling soup are ordered.
Day 3 Breakfast at Uncle Five Coffee
The final day begins with breakfast at Uncle Five Coffee in R&F Mall.
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Drinks: Butter kopi is ordered
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Food: Chicken sando, century egg porridge, and Hainan western breakfast are all shared. The century egg porridge is the favorite.
This concludes the solo staycation in Johor Bahru.