It was a quick drop to Malaysia before our plane sends us to Singapore and I was totally blown away by the rush of people – of different colors and of different languages. If not of the translations and symbols, I probably have lost myself.

And it starts to get to me – I am totally far away from the Philippines – heading to somewhere where I could be foreign.

*AirAsias main hub is in Malaysia – at this airport.

The trip to Johor Bahru – Malaysia was supposed to be part of our tour package from Reliable Travel and Tours but they pulled out the place’ inclusion as we fall short of number 2 days before our trip. The close proximity of Singapore to Johor Bahru – we crossed the country for 30 minutes by bus – has intensified my eagerness to see the place even just for 4 hours and even without the tour – YES 4 hours was all I got for Malaysia with travelmate Rejolene, good friend Rey and my sheet of paper with the 12 places we could possibly enjoy.

Honestly, I know nothing of the place, haven’t even done long hours of research – all I’m certain is it’s near Singapore and I have to see it.

So what my short visit to Johor Bahru has dashed me into?

1.The Town.

2. The Hindu Temples.

Temple it is!

I could have took a lot more photos but I was a bit disturbed by the arrival of Indians and their suspicious stare – OPS!

3. The Foods.

Local dishes in Johor Bahru could almost appear entirely the same as the one’s we have at home if not of the added spices. With noodles to get first on the menu, their list can be a challenge to your active taste buds.

4. The Structures.

While it’s true that each place has its own beauty and attraction, Johor International Convention Centre could be just a perfect welcome to someone who doesn’t know where to go.

5. The People.

These creative caricaturists have impressed me with their talent to create an outstanding colored sketches amidst the noisy and curious crowd. As I glanced to how quick and detailed their brush has laid on the thin sheet of paper, I was thinking of getting my own piece too. *suyaon.com ko diri. But time was short so ba-bye caricature.

LEGOLAND MALAYSIA

We opted to visit Legoland Malaysia – a famous theme park in Johor Bahru from among all the remaining temples on my list. The $15MR taxi fare and approximately 10-minute drive wasn’t that bad as I get to see not only the lively side of the town but also the mix of various races.

For interested adventure-goers, other prices and tickets are FOUND HERE.

That was the entire 4 hours of our visit to Johor Bahru – quick but fulfilling. As we pushed ourselves to our smooth return to Singapore, there comes my smile again as I get stamps from crossing 2 borders just in one day.

We were supposed to spend the remaining hours in Sentosa – to pursue our plans to go inside Universal Studios but the long line and limited time have detoured us to Chinatown – the famous pasalubong area for all those who are skimping on their budget,

We ended the day here and returned home exhausted but happy.

Special Thanks:

1. Ang Super Maasahan Friend – Rey

2. My Travelmate Rejolene

Travel Tips:

1. Don’t get a tour – you can go around the place with the taxi or better yet walk.

2. Go to Woodlands MRT station to catch a ride to Johor Bahru – bus fare is $3.

3. Legoland is much less than Universal Studios – so decide wisely whether to go inside and pay almost the same price as Universal.

4. Walk the town – it is more fun.

5. Fashion is not too much in the place – so your jeans and shirt might just be right.

6. Have your passports ready for another set of stamps.

7. ENJOY – it’s fun to stroll a place you know nothing about.

Days: 1 day (4 hours to be exact)

Transportation: Bus

Expense: 2,000

Enjoyed most: Walking without any hints of where to go and how

Missed: Legoland

Overall Impression: 8 stars