An early Christmas celebration across the causeway, to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, yet again. There’s something oddly comforting about returning to our neighbouring city: familiar routes, reliable indulgences, and new little gems waiting to be discovered. If you haven’t already, do check out my previous post on my recommended food spots and a petting zoo in Johor Bahru.
Travelling to Johor Bahru by train is always a breeze, when you manage to secure tickets, that is. Seats sell out fast so a huge shoutout to Joslyn for once again pulling off the impossible and snagging tickets for us. Can’t wait for the upcoming RTS train service! With logistics sorted, all that was left was to eat, play, and wander.
Antipodean, Mid Valley Southkey
Conveniently located in Mid Valley Southkey, Antipodean is a café that needs little introduction. Known for its Antipodean roots, the café serves Western classics with a confident, polished touch. Award-winning and especially renowned for its coffee, Antipodean is one of those places where you know your stomach will be warmly filled with great food.
The brunch spread was comforting yet worldly. From indulgent French toast to Mediterranean plates like shakshuka, every dish felt thoughtfully executed. The shakshuka stood out, a rich Ottoman-style tomato stew that was tangy and robust, crowned with poached eggs, avocado, and creamy feta.
We also shared the Tuscan tomato orzo risotto, which was warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying; the orzo cooked to a tender bite, soaking up the sweet acidity of tomatoes and herbs. The sweet paprika chicken was another highlight: tender chicken fillet marinated in Spanish paprika, served alongside a refreshing chickpea salad that balanced spice with earthiness.
To round it off, we had the red soup: an oven-roasted red capsicum, tomato, and onion purée that was velvety, slightly sweet, and comforting without being heavy. Paired with an iced coffee that was smooth and refreshing, it was the perfect way to ease into the afternoon.
Escape Room Adventures at Lost in JB
I’ve always loved a good game. Give me puzzles, hidden clues, and a ticking clock, and I’m sold, which makes escape room one of my favourite leisure activities. Originating in Japan, escape rooms combine physical puzzles, immersive storytelling, and team-based problem-solving, often with theatrical elements that heighten the experience.
Lost in JB‘s Project Noah did not disappoint. This was my second game at their Eco Palladium outlet, and while we were unfortunately caught in traffic on the way there, resulting in a shortened game duration, our game master was incredibly gracious. He guided us through the experience, helping us speed-run the second half without compromising the thrill.
In the year 2086, a rapidly spreading “Virus V” broke out on Earth, causing human cells to age quickly, leading to death. The Earth’s population plummeted, and humanity faced the threat of extinction.
Through the tireless research by the world’s top scientists, it was discovered that “Element X” could resist this powerful virus. The element can be found in plant cells on “The Titan”, which is a planet in the Butterfly Galaxy. The Global International Alliance decided to gather a special team of astronauts and build one last spaceship, the goal being to travel to what could potentially be the next most suitable planet for human habitation, “The Titan”. The project is named “Project Noah”.
What I really loved was how immersive the game was. A 3D aircraft simulation woven into the storyline? Check. Mental puzzles that tested both logic and general knowledge? Check. Physical movement that kept us on our toes? Also check. It was engaging, fast-paced, and surprisingly cinematic.
And of course, no escape room experience is complete without a photo-op at the end, proof that we survived the apocalypse.
Before Winding the Day Down…
Before heading off for our usual shopping spree, and eventually home, we made a pit stop for a refreshing soya bean dessert at Beans Factory. Light, silky, and subtly sweet, it was exactly what we needed after a day of indulgence and adrenaline.
Johor Bahru remains one of my favourite day-trip escapes, familiar yet never boring, indulgent without feeling excessive. And honestly? I’ll never get tired of crossing the causeway for good food, good company, and little pockets of joy.
Not a sponsored post.
