Unbelievable Forest City! Johor Bahru's Hidden Gem (05) Revealed!
Forest City: The Good, The Bad, And Why I Almost Ate Street Noodles (Then Didn't) - A Totally Honest Review!
Okay, friends, buckle up. This isn't your standard, sanitized hotel review. This is the real deal on Forest City, Johor Bahru's… well, their "hidden gem" according to them. (Spoiler: It’s not THAT hidden. I found it, and so can you!) I’m talking about Unbelievable Forest City! Johor Bahru's Hidden Gem (05) Revealed! Let’s dive in, shall we? Prepare for rambling, contradictions, and maybe a little bit of envy that you're not already there!
First Impressions: The "Wow" Factor… And Then… Huh?
Forest City is undeniably… visually striking. Imagine a futuristic cityscape, rising out of the sea, all gleaming towers and manicured landscaping. It’s like a video game rendered in real life! Accessibility is good for the most part, thankfully. Lots of ramps and elevators – which is a big win for someone like me who likes a good stroll (even if my legs sometimes disagree). BUT, and it’s a big but… navigating the place can be a bit of a maze. You'll definitely benefit from an airport transfer, or a taxi or car park [on-site] (all available, thankfully – no need to walk a million miles).
Getting Comfortable: The Room & Amenities Avalanche!
My room? Available in all rooms: you get Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Yeah, it's the full monty. So, basically, everything you'd expect in a modern hotel. The Wi-Fi [free] in the room was a godsend! Internet access – wireless was super strong, which is crucial for me. I got lost in a work vortex one afternoon then suddenly, poof! Dinner time! The Daily housekeeping was spotless, and they even left a complimentary bottle of water! (Always a win.)
Food, Glorious Food (And the Potential for Regret…)
Okay, so I had this whole plan. I was going to be adventurous. I was going to embrace the local street food scene. I was going to eat authentic Malaysian dishes! Then I saw the Restaurants…and the Buffet in restaurant, with Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant options. I felt that familiar hunger pang coupled with the fear of the unknown. You see, the walk to the “outside” food scene looked… substantial.
I ended up caving.
The buffet was… okay. Nothing to write home about, but completely edible. And the comfort of knowing exactly what I was eating, and that it wouldn't likely lead to a rapid bathroom visit? Priceless. I did manage to order the Salad in restaurant, and the Soup in restaurant, which, again, was good. I was particularly fond of the Coffee/tea in restaurant and the Bottle of water. There’s a Poolside bar and a Snack bar, too, though I didn't try them. In hindsight, the Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Breakfast takeaway service meant I didn’t starve… but that street food? I'm still dreaming of it. And I’m kicking myself a little. (Next time, I swear!)
(Rambling slightly…) A Quick Word on the "Things to Do" (and the Gym I Never Used)
Forest City does have some serious perks. There's a lovely Swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with view - I spent a good afternoon floating around, just completely Zen (ish). They boast about a Fitness center, Gym/fitness, but… let's just say my exercise routine involved mostly walking to get snacks. I heard about a Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath, along with Body scrub and Body wrap services… all perfect if you're into that sort of thing. (I confess, I kind of am, which is why I wish I'd actually used them! Next time, definitely.)
De-Stressing and Getting Pampered
The spa options were a definite draw. I did, finally, treat myself to a Massage. The masseuse was a wonder, and I emerged feeling like a new person. It was glorious!
Cleanliness and Safety: My Obsession is Real…
This is where Forest City really shines. Seriously, the Cleanliness and safety is impeccable. They’re on it! I was particularly impressed by their commitment to hygiene. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, all of it. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, and I felt completely at ease. They even had a Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit which is always a plus.
The Tiny Details That Made a Difference
- Contactless check-in/out: Smooth and efficient.
- Cashless payment service: Super convenient.
- Luggage storage: Handy when the flight is later.
- Doorman: Made you feel very welcome.
- Elevator Essential for my lazy self.
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because Honesty Is the Best Policy)
Okay, some minor gripes, though not deal-breakers:
- The "Hidden Gem" Marketing: Okay, it's cool, but it's also huge. Not exactly a hidden secret at this point.
- The Food Choices (Again): More authentic options within easy walking distance would be a huge improvement.
For the Kids (and Grown-Up Kids!)
They seem to cater well for families, with Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, Babysitting service. I didn't have kids with me, but I saw a few happy families.
Amenities for Events
For those of you looking to host events, they've got you covered. There are Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Projector/LED display, Wi-Fi for special events, available.
Accessibility and other Features
For special needs or other requests, they do provide Facilities for disabled guests, Exterior corridor, Couple's room and Non-smoking rooms are available.
Services and Conveniences (the things you can use):
Air conditioning in public area, Airport transfer, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Babysitting service, Bicycle parking, Business facilities, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Cash withdrawal, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Front desk [24-hour], Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Non-smoking rooms, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Proposal spot, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Smoking area, Taxi service, Terrace, Valet parking, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center
The Verdict: Should You Go?
YES! Absolutely, you should. Despite my minor quibbles, Forest City is a unique and enjoyable experience. The rooms are great, the pool is amazing, they’re on top of their cleanliness game, and the staff were fantastic. I’d highly recommend it, especially if you're looking for a relaxing getaway with a touch of futuristic flair.
My Recommendation: Embrace the adventure! Take the plunge, book your stay, and get ready to be… well, not quite “unbelievably” blown away, but certainly pleasantly surprised. And, for goodness sake… venture out and find those street noodles! You’ll thank me later.
My Personal Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars. (Knocking off half a
Escape to Paradise: Amamoor Homestead's Luxurious B&B & Cottages
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is me trying to survive… nay, thrive in Forest City, 05 Johor Bahru, Malaysia. And let me tell you, just getting there felt like a logistical nightmare orchestrated by a particularly grumpy octopus.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Condo Conundrum
- Morning (Seriously, Too Early): Landed at Senai International Airport. Jet lag? More like "Get-me-a-coffee-before-I-snap" lag. The immigration process was… well, let's just say I saw more bored faces than a mime convention. Picked up a pre-booked Grab (Thank God! Navigating Malaysian roads is like playing Frogger on meth).
- Mid-morning: Forest City Arrival and Initial Disappointment: Forest City looked impressive in the brochures. Gleaming towers! Artificial beaches! Paradise! The reality? A bit… sterile. Like a futuristic ghost town designed by a committee that hated personality. Finding my Airbnb was a mini-odyssey. The instructions were vague, the security guard looked suspicious, and the elevator… well, let's just say I took the stairs a few times.
- Lunch (The Hunger Games): Found a little hawker stall. Tried to order in broken Malay, resulting in a plate of something that looked suspiciously like chicken feet. (I bravely ate it. Surprisingly delicious, actually!)
- Afternoon: Condo Chaos & Poolside Paranoia: The Airbnb, let's say, was… intimate. The "sea view" was mostly a view of other condos and the constant hum of construction. I finally found my condo, The pool was… sparklingly empty. The heat was oppressive, and I spent a good hour just staring at the water, contemplating the meaning of life and whether I should have packed a different swimsuit. Then, I saw a tiny, rogue lizard. Yep, I didn't even bother to walk over.
- Evening: Dinner and Existential Dread: Faced with a lack of readily available restaurants… I found the ONLY Western fast-food restaurant. The food was familiar, the staff were nice, but I felt overwhelmingly out of place. I walked back to my apartment, wondering if this was all a terrible mistake. A lonely, beautiful sunset.
Day 2: The Great Legoland Debacle and Deep-Fried Doughnuts of Despair
- Morning (Legoland, Here We Come!): Woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. Legoland was the goal! I hopped on a public bus (Adventure! Excitement! Possibly getting lost for a week!)- I did indeed get lost for a bit. After that, I somehow found myself in a huge, busy terminal of people and buses. From there, a bus was the answer.
- Mid-morning: Legoland Meltdown: Okay, Legoland. It's… a lot. Kids everywhere, screams, lines, and the inescapable feeling of being a giant (I am short), overcharged for everything. The rides were okay, but the heat… oh, the heat! I swear, I shed a pound in sweat every five minutes. I bought a Lego-shaped ice cream that melted before I could even take a picture.
- Lunch (Legoland's Culinary Catastrophe): The choice was limited. I paid an obscene amount of money for a soggy burger and some lukewarm fries. The culinary experience was as disappointing as my bank balance.
- Afternoon: Doughnuts and Despair: Decided I needed a pick-me-up. Found a small, independent doughnut shop selling everything you can imagine. I ordered one… I had to take a second. And another, and another, because I'm weak and delicious fried dough… and then another. That was not good. My pants certainly knew the truth.
- Evening: Back to Forest City, with Regret: Back at the condo, facing the setting sun, it began to rain. The rain was all I needed to accept that I overstayed my welcome at Legoland. My soul? I need to go to the next destination to find it. The day has not made the best of me.
Day 3: The Search for Authenticity and a Spicy Revelation
- Morning (Trying to Be Less Tourist-y): Decided to venture out of the condo complex. Walked to the nearest local shops. I was the only tourist for miles. I had to take a deep breath. I saw the things I wouldn't typically find in Forest City.
- Mid-morning: Markets Madness: Decided to find a market. I went through a few options. The noise! The smells! The sheer vibrant chaos was overwhelming. I wanted to buy everything. I bought things I can't remember.
- Lunch (Spice, Spice, Baby!): Brave the hawker stall, I did. This time I asked for something spicy, and boy, did I get it! My tastebuds went on a rollercoaster, but it was exhilarating and delicious. I loved it.
- Afternoon: A Beach Day (sort of): Forest City boasts artificial beaches. I sought it out. The water was murky, the sand, kinda gross. I felt a little disappointed - again. I gave up and headed back, wishing I had an actual beach.
- Evening: Reflective Dinner & a Twist of Fate: I managed to find a restaurant, small but delicious. I met a family and we talked about the world. It changed my perspective! I felt like I understood why there was something special.
Day 4: (Optional) A Singapore Day Trip (If I'm Feeling Brave)
- The main reason I'm here is for a taste of Malaysia and Singapore. If I can get my lazy self up, I'll cross the border today. If not, I might have to extend my stay.
Day 5: Leaving (And Maybe Actually Missing It?)
- Morning (Farewell): Breakfast at the hawker stall. One last plate, one last taste. Goodbye, chicken feet. Farewell, heat.
- Mid-morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping (because, of course).
- Afternoon: Departure: Head to the airport. Reflecting on the adventure.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions:
- The Sun: It's relentlessly, aggressively sunny. Sunscreen is a must, but I feel like I'm constantly fighting a losing battle.
- Air Conditioning: A love-hate relationship. Blissfully cool indoors, but the shock going outside is brutal.
- The People: Universally friendly and helpful, even when I'm butchering their language. Their kindness made the tough parts easier.
- My Mood: This has been an emotional rollercoaster, from initial skepticism to frustration to moments of genuine joy.
- The Food: Spicy food makes everything better.
- Forest City: A place where hope goes to die. Yet, there is still something there.
Imperfections:
- I'm a terrible planner. This itinerary is more of a suggestion than a rigid structure.
- I get lost. A lot.
- I'm prone to impulsive food purchases.
- I probably spent too much time in my condo.
- I'm not sure many days, weeks, or months later, what to make of this trip.
Final Thoughts (Probably):
Forest City is an experience. It's flawed, it's sometimes frustrating, but it's also undeniably memorable. It's a lesson in embracing chaos, accepting the imperfections, and maybe, just maybe, finding a little bit of yourself along the way. And the best doughnuts of my life…
(That wasn't the final thought, and I hope I got a good grade for that. Next time, I would like to explore more local villages)
Unbelievable Agnantema Villas: Your Alonnisos Dream Awaits!
Okay, but *seriously*, why ice cream?
Look, sometimes you just *need* ice cream, alright? Like, the kind of need that gnaws at your soul in the late afternoon, whispering promises of sweet, creamy oblivion. It's a universal truth, I swear. Plus, it's a good stand-in for the larger, more terrifying questions of life. *Mint chocolate chip?* Existential crisis number one. *Strawberry?* Existential crisis number two, because are you *really* sure about your life choices? You get the picture.
What's the *worst* ice cream flavor? And don't tell me it's anything boring like "plain vanilla."
Okay, okay, deep breaths. This is a sensitive subject. But... *butter pecan*. I'm sorry, I know people *love* it. But the *texture*! Those weird, chewy pecans just ruin the whole experience for me. It's like biting into a sugary, vaguely-nutty obstacle course. And the aftertaste? It lingers... like a regretful ex-lover. I once, in a moment of weakness (and severe sugar cravings), ordered a butter pecan milkshake. It was a mistake. An *existential* mistake. I spent the next hour questioning every decision that led me to that moment. Don't judge me. We all have weaknesses.
What's the *best* ice cream flavor, then? Are we just here to complain?
Alright, alright, let's get positive! Best flavor? Ooh, that's tough...It really depends on the *mood*. But generally? I'd say it's gotta be something with chunks. Like, proper, delightful, *messy* chunks. Maybe a chocolate peanut butter swirl. Or cookies and cream, with actual, legit cookie pieces, not those sad, pulverized crumbs. You know? The ones that get stuck in your teeth in the best way possible. Now *that's* living. And don't get me started on the texture of a good cookie crumble.
Okay, fine. But what about the *science* of ice cream? Like, how does it *work*?
Look, I'm not a scientist. Honestly, I barely passed high school chemistry. But I *know* that ice cream is a magical concoction of air, fat, sugar, and, you know, *magic*. (Probably the absence of actual magic, replaced with science.) I'm pretty sure it involves freezing stuff real fast and stirring it constantly so it doesn't become a giant ice cube. But the details? Beyond me. I just enjoy it. And I'm pretty sure that's all that matters. If you want the real science, google it. But honestly, I'd rather be eating ice cream than reading about the physics of it.
What if I'm lactose intolerant?! The world is a cruel mistress, I tell you!
Oh honey, *I feel you*. The plight of the lactose intolerant ice cream lover is a tragedy for the ages. But fear not, because the world has finally, finally, caught up! Now there's *tons* of dairy-free ice cream options! Coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk...the possibilities are endless! And honestly? Some of them are actually *really* good. Like, almost as good as the real deal. (Don't tell the dairy industry I said that.) Experiment! Find your flavor! Embrace the plant-based deliciousness! Just... maybe start with a small bowl. You know, in case it doesn't agree with you. We've all been there. *shudders*
What are the unwritten rules of ice cream consumption? Like, social norms?
Okay, pay attention, because this is crucial: 1. *Never* judge someone else's ice cream choice. Unless they are eating butter pecan. Then quietly judge from afar. 2. Always offer a bite (even if you secretly don't want them to have any). 3. Don't double-dip unless it's your own cone, and even then, maybe don't. 4. If you drop your ice cream, your internal screams of agony are mandatory. Then, if it's your fault, offer to re buy a replacement. (Or at least, that's the right thing to do.) 5. And most importantly: savor every single bite. Because you only get so many scoops in this life, people. Savor them.
Cone or cup? The eternal debate!
Oh, the question that has torn friendships apart! Okay, here's my take: cones are *superior*. The crunch. The ritual. The *experience*! But... they're messy. *Oh so messy*. You'll get dripped on. Your hands will be sticky. Those tiny, delicious shards of cone will end up everywhere. But... *it's worth it*. The joy! The simple, pure joy! Cups are practical. Safe. But… they lack the *drama*. The excitement. The tiny, delicious suffering! You just don't get the same build up. So, me? Cone, every time. Even when I know, *deep down*, I'm going to regret it and end up looking like a toddler who's been finger-painting with chocolate. It's the price of happiness, I guess.
Okay, but what about toppings? Like, do *you* do toppings? (And what is the best?)
Toppings are a dangerous game. I generally lean towards "less is more". Because think about it! All that extra stuff just gets in the way of the pure, unadulterated ice cream goodness. But, if I *must*, then here are my rules: 1) Hot Fudge. Gotta have it. The viscosity! The decadence! The way it hardens just slightly on contact. Magic. 2) Sprinkles. The more the better. I'm a kid at heart. 3) That's it. No nuts. (Those are optional, I'm not judging. Just not for me.) No bananas (Sorry not sorry). No extra whipped cream (that's going to make a mess!) And no... *marshmallow fluff* (I just can't, too much sweetness) That's my strategy: A delightful chaotic dance of flavor. That's a balanced approach, right?
What's your biggest ice cream related regret?
