Weekend @ Johor Bahru

Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in southeast Asia. It's buoyant and wealthy, and has moved towards a pluralist culture based on a vibrant and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs.
Most visitors to Malaysia stick to the insane headlong rush of Kuala Lumpur, the colonially soothing Cameron Highlands Hill Station or the hedonistic torpor of Langkawi. However, we decided to make a trip to Johor Bahru for a shopping spree & treat ourselves to hair grooming sessions & treatments.

The 4 of us met on a saturday morning and took a bus down to Johor Bahru.There was a traffic jam near the causeway but traffic was cleared after 15 mins.the custom officers were very efficient that day and we managed to get out from the crowd in less than 20 mins.
We walked down to Pan Pacific.On our way,taxi drivers were hogging us,asking if were singaporeans,where our destination is and suggesting the hot shopping spots to us.
We arrived at Pan Pacific at about 1pm and headed to the reception.Though the receptionist claimed that the hotel did not receive our online reservation,he explained to us the current package and gave us a room promptly.

The Puteri Pan Pacific
J o h o r B a h r u

ADDRESS
Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, Johor Bahru.

INFORMATION
Rating : 5 star
Check-in time - 12:00pm
Check-out time - 12:00nn

ROOM AMENITIES
Guests will be delighted with all The Puteri Pan Pacific Hotel has to offer. There are 500 guestrooms, apartments and suites, with amenities including : IDD telephone with bathroom extension, individually controlled air-conditioning, colour TV with CNN International news service and in-house videos, well-stocked mini-bar, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities and an electronic safe in every room for personal documents and valuables.
The bathrooms have been designed to combine the luxurious with the practical. The marble vanity counters have well-lit mirrors with de-mister, wall-mounted hair dryer and a thoughtful selection of toiletries. All have a long bath with shower attachment.
Two rooms have been specially designed to meet the needs of physically challenged guests. No-smoking and no-alcohol floors are also available.
Pacific FloorGuests on the exclusive Pacific Floor enjoy extensive facilities and privileges.

FACILITIES
The Puteri Pan Pacific Hotel offers a wealth of recreational options. You can relax by the swimming pool, enjoy a game of tennis or squash, or work out in the best equipped sports and fitness centre in town. The centre, managed by Clark Hatch International, comes complete with gym, male and female saunas, Jacuzzis, a steam room, spa and a relaxation lounge.
The swimming pools,however, were a little small.The adult pool is only 1/3 the size of an olympic pool.The baby pool,which we had mistaken for a jacuzzi from the 13th floor, is even smaller. Guest Services at The Puteri Pan Pacific Hotel - Assistant manager on duty 24 hours, 24-hour room service, business centre, limousine service, currency exchange, laundry and dry cleaning, deposit boxes, kiosk, valet and self-parking facilities, babysitting on request, car hire, florist and CCTV.

FOOD & BEVERAGE
Selasih Restaurant - The finest Malay cuisine is showcased at the Selasih restaurant. The menu offers an inspired selection of dishes imbued with the flavours of Malaysia's 13 states. Traditionally dressed staff offer attentive yet discreet service both in the main restaurant and in the private dining rooms.
Paolo Mediterranean Restaurant - The Paolo Restaurant offers exotic cuisine from the Mediterranean region in a cosy ambience. Paolo's specialities include seafood such as prawns, lobsters, oysters and fish, grilled meats and pizzas.
The Hai-Tien-Lo, Chinese restaurant, provides a sophisticated setting in which to enjoy the best Malaysian Chinese cuisine. Skillfully created, its menu encompasses a generous choice of seafood, shark's fin, abalone, barbecued and roast meats, soups, noodles, desserts and even dim sum.
The Newsroom Café is just the place for a business meeting or a social rendezvous. Bright and airy, this popular coffee shop offers an attractive spread of international selections and local favourites.
Lobby Lounge
The Puteri Pan Pacific Hotel's Lobby Lounge is the perfect place to sit back and relax after a hard day's work. Sink into comfortable chairs and enjoy the best easy- listening music in the city as you sip your favourite drink.

GETTING AROUND
From Sultan Ismail Airport drive west towards Senai town (signboards also show Johor Bahru) then drive south towards Johor Bahru. Drive onto Jalan Yahya Awal, then left onto Jalan Khalid Abdullah and then right onto Jalan Dato' Dalam. Drive straight on and you will arrive at The Puteri Pan Pacific Hotel.
Located in the heart of the city's commercial and government centre. Overlooks the Straits of Johor and 5 minutes drive from the Causeway to Singapore.Sultan Ismail (domestic) Airport - 32 kilometers (20 miles)Singapore Changi International Airport - 40 kilometers (25 miles)

After feeling refreshed,we took a cab to Holiday Plaza and scouted for hair salons offering a good deal.We decided on Colour Innovative Studio eventually.
Janet had a haircut and a new hair colour.
Elain had a haircut,hair dyed & highlighted for RM 189
Adeline had her hair trimmed and treated for RM 70
I had my hair trimmed and treated for RM 58
We were rather satisfied with the results.

















We went on a shopping spree at City Square then had dinner at some hawker stall situated at the back alleys.The food was great and we enjoyed ourselves,indulging in fried mee hoon kuey,oyster omelette,sambal stingray,fried kway tiao.
We headed back to the hotel after dinner,showered and started playing card games.loser had to drink the bottle of Carona that we bought.it tasted disgusting but the choice of alcohol was limited,being a muslim country.

Janet rumaged through her great deals while Adeline calculated how much we spent and how much pool money we had left for our meals.

Sunday morning,we lazed in bed for quite some time before we decided to go to Newsroom Cafe for complimentary breakfast for 2 people.2 of us decided to pay initially,but changed our minds after seeing hotel guests walking in and out without paying.
Elain quoted "There may not be free lunches in this world,but there are free breakfasts".