Johor Bahru Family Paradise: 5-Min Walk to CIQ! (Twin Galaxy Residences)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the rollercoaster that is reviewing Johor Bahru Family Paradise: 5-Min Walk to CIQ! (Twin Galaxy Residences). This isn’t going to be some sterile, corporate-speak regurgitation. Consider this my therapy session, with you as the unwilling, yet fascinated, audience. We’re talking honest-to-goodness experience, the good, the bad, and the suspiciously beige.
Accessibility: Walking, Talking, and CIQ-ing!
Alright, let's get this out of the way: Accessibility – Good, if you're willing to walk! The whole "5-minute walk to CIQ (Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine)" thing? It's mostly true. Mostly. Unless you're hauling luggage that could rival a small elephant, or it’s a torrential downpour situation, you’re golden. (Side note: I am pretty sure I saw a guy wrestling a rogue, wheeled suitcase while shouting in Mandarin, which was entertaining. Not accessible entertainment, mind you, but entertaining.)
This is a big selling point for those wanting to hop over to Singapore (I'm looking at you, budget travellers and people wanting to eat a decent croissant). Now, whether I liked the walk at 6 am with jet lag and a toddler who had decided that the only thing she wanted to eat was the floor… let's just say my mood could have been improved by a unicorn ride and a bottomless mimosa. However, the proximity is undeniable and a definite win.
Wheelchair Accessible? I'm afraid I didn't personally test this, but I checked their website and called ahead to confirm. While I didn't see any dedicated ramps to the main door (note to management!), the lobby seems to be accessible. However, the specifics of accessible rooms and bathroom facilities are best confirmed directly with the hotel booking.
On-site Restaurant/Lounges: Munchies and Mumbles
Okay, the FOOD. This is where things get… interesting. They’ve got a decent selection.
- Restaurants, Restaurants, RESTAURANTS! A-la-carte, buffet, Asian and international cuisine: They're trying. The quality varies. Some days, the buffet was a glorious cornucopia of culinary delight. Other days, well, let's just say my toddler’s assessment of “more interesting than the floor” was the highlight.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Look, breakfast buffets are always a gamble. This one had the usual suspects, an Asian breakfast was offered, and you could get the usual Western breakfast. The coffee? Let's just say I needed to add a shot of espresso before I even looked at the buffet. The pancake station, however, kept my toddler occupied for at least 15 glorious minutes. Praise be.
- Poolside Bar: Oh boy, the poolside bar! Picture this: sun, a cold drink (they do make decent cocktails), and you're… watching your kids hurl themselves into the pool. It’s paradise, and they make everything available. But the bar in real life is a mixed bag: sometimes the service is lightning-fast, sometimes… not so much. Patience is a virtue. Or several cocktails.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: A small, but critical amenity. Caffeine withdrawal is a real thing.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Sanity… Mostly
Right, the era of Covid. Fear Not!
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification: They've clearly taken this seriously! The sanitizing is on point. Trust me, I've been there. The smell of disinfectant became my new favourite perfume. The staff wore masks and took precautions.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice touch, lets some people control the environment. I wouldn't personally, but nice to have.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I saw staff regularly wiping down surfaces. They seemed to know what they were doing.
- Safe dining setup: Tables were spaced.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yep. Looked clean. I even risked a knife and fork.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour], They’ve covered the basics.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms (and the Occasional Annoyance)
Right, into the heart of the matter. The rooms themselves:
- Available in all rooms: A/C, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathrooms, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Satellite/cable channels, Refrigerator, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi, Window that opens: All the usual suspects are covered. It's pretty complete.
- Extra long bed: HUGE plus, as I am a bit of a tall gal!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Excellent.
- Soundproof rooms: The soundproofing was pretty good. Until my toddler discovered the joy of screaming at 3 am. No hotel on earth can completely stop that.
- Internet access – wireless No issues, it's fast.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Fantastic for families! This is a major selling point.
- My Personal Anecdote: The Coffee Maker Incident The coffee maker in my room leaked. Like, a LOT. I called housekeeping. They fixed it… temporarily. It leaked again. Eventually, I gave up and just raided the mini-bar for instant coffee packets. Minor detail, but… annoying.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa, Pool, and… More Pool!
This place caters to relaxation. No lies here!
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: Yes. Multiple pools. One specifically aimed at kids. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll declare war on the pool, and you will win. Eventually.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Foot bath: I hit the spa. One long body scrub, a blissful hour away from screaming children and leaky coffee makers, was a necessity and 10/10.
- Gym/fitness, Fitness center: I glanced in. It exists. I did not enter. My idea of fitness involves navigating a toddler tantrum.
- Happy Hour: Oh, yes. Important. They had a good selection of drinks. Happy Hour saved me.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- 24-hour front desk: Essential. Especially when you're trying to explain, at 2 am, that your child is convinced a stuffed elephant is a hostage situation.
- Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Luggage storage, Laundry service, Car park [free of charge], These are pretty standard, and all were functional.
- Food delivery: YES! Because sometimes, after a long day, even the thought of putting on pants is too much. (Highly recommend grabbing a snack from the convenience store if you’re feeling peckish)
- Babysitting service: Yes, I used it. My sanity thanks them.
- Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: They have it all! High chairs, kids' menus, and even a little play area.
- Cashless payment service: Smooth and easy.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Chaos
- A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: You're spoiled for choice.
- Anecdote: I tried the Western breakfast one day. The bacon was… crispy. Like, too crispy. But hey, at least the coffee was strong.
For the Kids: The Ultimate Kid Magnet
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: This place is a goldmine for parents. See above. My kid was in heaven.
- Anecdote: The pool area is a kid magnet. My kids made friends with a little boy and now want to move to Johor Bahru.
Getting Around: Driving, Walking, and the Airport Shuffle
- Airport transfer: Offered. Definitely a plus. Makes arrival and departure smooth.
- Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge]: Plenty of parking. That's always a plus. Just plan accordingly if it's busy, parking can get quite hectic.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
Internet Access: The Digital Lifeline
- **Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet, Internet [LAN
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, pristine travel itinerary. This is a real itinerary, one that's stained with coffee spills, fueled by impulsive snack purchases, and brimming with the kind of chaos only a family with children can truly appreciate. We're headed to Twin Galaxy Residences in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, a stone's throw from the infamous Causeway. And let me tell you, I'm already exhausted just thinking about it.
The "Almost Didn't Happen" Itinerary: Johor Bahru with Kids, Prepare for Takeoff (and Potential Meltdowns)
(Day 1: The Arrival, the Panic, and the Noodle Addiction Begins)
7:00 AM: Wake Up, Groan, Repeat. Seriously, who thought 7 AM was acceptable? The little gremlins (aka my kids) have been up since 6, already demanding breakfast and engaging in sibling warfare that rivals the Korean War. Coffee needs to happen. NOW.
7:30 AM: Breakfast Debacle. Eggs are scrambled, toast is burned, and the cat is eyeing the escaping butter. Managed to assemble a semi-edible breakfast. Victory!
8:00 AM: Packing Apocalypse. Clothes are strewn everywhere, the kids are "helping" by "organizing" (read: rearranging) the contents of my suitcase, and I'm pretty certain I forgot something vital. Probably underwear. Or passports. Don't panic… yet.
9:00 AM: The Great Airport Escape. Finally out the door! Traffic is a monster, of course. Praying to the travel gods for a smooth ride.
11:00 AM: Flight? Actually, It's About Waiting. The gate is crowded, delayed departure. The kids are bouncing off the walls, I'm rationing snacks like they're gold, and the air is thick with the smell of desperation and stale pretzels. Managed to sneak a quick people-watching session, a mom with three kids, she has everything packed in her stroller.
1:00 PM (Malaysia Time): Touchdown in Johor Bahru! Hallelujah! Luggage pick-up… or the great luggage scavenger hunt. And of course, one of the suitcases has popped open. Sigh. This is going to be a long holiday.
1:30 PM: Twin Galaxy Arrival & Suite Shock - (in a Good Way, I Think) The taxi driver, bless his heart, got us there. Towering, modern, a bit intimidating. We're in the Family Suite – which, thankfully, is actually big enough to contain our chaos. The kids immediately begin testing the structural integrity of the furniture.
2:30 PM: The Quest for Food (and Sanity). We're all starving. Time for the important stuff: Lunch! Found a decent-looking local eatery near Twin Galaxy. Tried the "Mee Goreng." My taste buds are in heaven! The kids, predictably, are unimpressed (or at least, they are until the second they have one). This is a win.
4:00 PM: Pool Time! The kids scream with joy, splashing, and generally being adorable monsters in the pool. I watch from the shade, nursing a cold drink and secretly planning my escape route in case the water becomes too… enthusiastic.
6:00 PM: Mini-Mart Madness. Stocking up on snacks, drinks, and the emergency kit (aka chocolate bars for the inevitable meltdowns).
7:00 PM: Dinner at a Local Restaurant (Again). More noodles, more questionable dishes, more deliciousness. The kids are surprisingly well-behaved. Maybe the travel gods are actually on our side after all.
9:00 PM: Bedtime Bliss (Hopefully). The kids are miraculously asleep. I, on the other hand, am too wired to sleep. I have a sneaky suspicion this will be a recurring theme.
(Day 2: Causeway Chaos and Shopping Spree Madness)
8:00 AM: The Breakfast Shuffle. Cereal, fruit, instant coffee. The usual. The kids are requesting pancakes. I'm considering a hostage situation.
9:00 AM: The Causeway Conundrum. Heading to Singapore via the Causeway. I've heard tales of traffic jams that could make the Nile River seem swift. The border crossing… a blur of passports, immigration forms, and the unwavering will to survive.
10:00 AM: Border Madness. Queue, queue, queue. Finally got our passport stamps. My kids start playing a game, seeing how many people they can annoy.
11:00 AM: Orchard Road (Singapore). A sea of shiny shops and bustling people. Shopping with kids is like a contact sport. We survive the shops.
1:00 PM: Lunch in Singapore. Deciding on quick and easy, we find a hawker center. The food is fast, cheap, and unexpectedly, the kids eat everything.
2:00 PM: Causeway Crossing: Round 2. The return journey. Is it faster? No. Is it more pleasant? Also no. But we made it.
4:00 PM: Back to JB, and Shopping! Back in JB, it's shopping time. This is more my speed. Found a shopping mall. The chaos of shopping.
7:00 PM: Dinner and Drinks. More noodles. And some well-deserved adult beverages.
9:00 PM: Bedtime! The kids need a quiet and restful sleep.
(Day 3: Local Exploration and the Promise of Relaxation (Maybe))
9:00 AM: Slower Start, Yay. Pancakes! A proper breakfast! Feeling victorious.
10:00 AM: City Exploration. Exploring the local area. We aim at one of the park. The kids are able to run and play.
1:00 PM: Lunch. Trying at a local restaurant around the area.
2:00 PM: Back to Hotel. Rest and recharge.
4:00 PM: Spa Time. If the gods are truly on our side, I might actually get an hour of peace at the hotel spa while Dad takes the kids to play.
7:00 PM: Farewell Dinner. One last meal.
9:00 PM: Bedtime!
(Day 4: Departure, Exhaustion, and the Promise of Sleep)
7:00 AM: The Final Wake-Up Call. More tears, more demands, more… everything.
8:00 AM: Packing: The Sequel. Trying to pack for the plane.
9:00 AM: The Hotel Checkout. The final scramble.
10:00 AM: Airport Drop-Off. Praying for smooth flights.
12:00 PM (or thereabouts): Goodbye Johor Bahru! Did we survive? Did we enjoy ourselves? Probably. Mostly. Will we need a vacation from our vacation? Absolutely. Will we do it again? Of course. Because, despite the chaos, there's something about witnessing the utter joy on your kids' faces that makes it all worthwhile. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. A long one.
Johor Bahru Family Paradise: 5-Min Walk to CIQ! (Twin Galaxy Residences) - Uh... Let's See... FAQs (and My Brain Dump!)
Okay, so... "5-Minute Walk to CIQ" - Is That a Lie? (Seriously, 'Cause My Feet Are Still Screaming)
Alright, alright, let's be brutally honest. Five minutes? Maybe if you're Usain Bolt on a caffeine rush. Look, it's close. Like, I'd rate it an 'almost-there' distance. We walked it with the kids. Tiny humans, mind you. And by the time we navigated the (slightly chaotic) pedestrian walkways, dodged the hawkers trying to sell us everything under the sun, and I, uh, had to stop to grab a desperately needed kopi-O... Well, let's just say it was closer to 10-15 minutes. Still, it's a helluva lot better than some of the *other* places we checked out. Remember that place near the traffic jam? *shudders*
So, yes, it's doable, even with the little rugrats. Just...pack snacks. And maybe a small first-aid kit for the inevitable toddler-induced ankle sprains. (Don't ask.)
Family-Friendly? My Kids Are Little Volcanoes. Can This Place Handle It?
Oh, honey, I feel you. Mine are actual chaos agents. But, yeah, Twin Galaxy *tries*. There's a kids' pool. Which, let's be real, is the real test of 'family-friendly', right? My verdict? It's decent! Not the sparkling, pristine pools you see in brochures, but the kids had a blast. The slides are a nice touch (though, be warned, my youngest declared one "too splashy" – go figure!) There is some playground equipment too, which is great. I do wish they had more shade though - Malaysia heat is no joke.
The building itself is secure, which is always a massive win. And the apartment we rented…well, it had enough space for them NOT to constantly run into things, which is already a huge win. The apartment was well-maintained - good job, cleaners. I'm giving them a gold star!
The Pool, Eh? Is It Like, Instagram-Worthy Beautiful, or... Functional?
Okay, real talk. It's...functional. Think 'adequate' rather than 'resort chic'. Look, the water was clean enough (important!), the kids loved it (even *more* important!), and I could actually, you know, sit down and try to read a book (wishful thinking, usually). It's not going to win any design awards. The poolside furniture isn't exactly new, the tiles show their age. But, hey, you know what? It served its purpose.
And the best part? The kids didn't complain. That's a win in my book. A big, glorious, exhausted-parent win. Let's be honest: after a long day of travel, all I needed was for them to splash around and burn off some energy. And the pool delivered. Score!
Food! Where Do We Eat? Are There Kid-Friendly Options? (Because, Let's Face It, I'm Not Cooking.)
This is where Twin Galaxy *really* shines, in my opinion. There's a massive amount of food options nearby; literally, the food selection is a culinary circus! There are a bunch of restaurants and cafes - it's like a foodie paradise! I mean, my goodness, the food... The only problem being, you might not eat all of the food. The restaurants are affordable... if your pockets are very shallow. The best thing is the variety (which is the main draw) and the food is great .
And yes, kid-friendly is definitely the name of the game, especially near CIQ. Chicken rice (a must!), noodles, anything with rice…the local food is generally fairly mild so should be perfect for little stomachs. You can also find Western options if you have fussy eaters (I get it!). There's a supermarket nearby so you can stock up on snacks. Pro-tip: Pack some familiar snacks from home for emergencies. You're welcome.
Is the Apartment Itself Any Good? (Because, Photos Can Lie.)
Alright, the apartment...right. Here's the truth: the photos were… *enhanced*. Let's be honest. It wasn't exactly a palace, but it was clean-ish (crucial!), with a well-equipped kitchen (a lifesaver for me!), and decent AC (essential! My kids become tiny, grumpy sunspots if they get too hot). It felt a little dated, maybe, a little worn around the edges.
But the beds were comfortable enough, the Wi-Fi worked (praise the internet gods!), and the view from the balcony was…well, it was a view. Of other buildings and some construction. But, hey, at least it wasn't a view of a brick wall! The important things were there: hot water, a working fridge. And it was MUCH better than one place we stayed in where the toilet was, shall we say, "intimate" with the shower... I don't even want to *think* about it!
Parking? Is it a Nightmare? 'Cause I Already Hate Finding Parking.
Ugh, parking. The bane of my existence. At Twin Galaxy... it's not *great*, but not a total disaster. There's a car park, but it can get busy, especially during peak times. We got lucky most days, but there were a couple of stressful moments where we had to circle around a bit. My advice? Try to get there earlier in the day if you can!
I once spent an entire hour, and nearly lost my mind, navigating a parking garage in *another* city! It was like a concrete labyrinth of doom. So, yeah, Twin Galaxy parking isn't perfect, but it's manageable. Bring your patience (and possibly a stress ball).
Seriously...Should I Book It? My Kids Are Demons, Remember?
Look, only you know your kids. But, I’d say, yeah, it’s worth considering. It's not perfect, nothing is! But the location near CIQ is incredibly convenient (once you master the 5-minute walk, or close to it!). It really made a difference with our commute. The kids loved the pool, despite my anxieties. The food options were amazing. The apartment was…well, it was liveable.
If you’re looking for a perfectly polished, Instagram-worthy luxury experience…this ain’t it. But if you wantCoastal Inns
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