Crayon Shin-chan's Johor Bahru Haven: B1610 Austin Height Home Stay!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the chaotic goodness that is Crayon Shin-chan's Johor Bahru Haven: B1610 Austin Height Home Stay! This ain't your grandma's hotel review, honey. We're talking raw, unfiltered, and probably a little bit messy. Because let's be honest, life is messy.
First Impressions and the Uber-Important Accessibility (and my clumsy self)
Okay, so getting there. Accessibility… well, it's in Johor Bahru, which is a whole adventure in itself if you're not local. We're talking crossing the causeway, which can be a nightmare depending on the time of day. The home stay itself is in Austin Heights, and I found it easy enough to get to with Grab. The car park [free of charge] is a definite plus, 'cause driving in JB can be… interesting.
Wheelchair accessible? I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I did notice an elevator, so that's a good sign! I didn't see any specific ramps or info, but that's something to clarify directly with them if you need it.
Now, about that entrance… I almost stacked it getting in. Which, let's be honest, sums up my life in general. Elevator? Definitely a selling point for my gimpy ankles.
The Tech Stuff (because, you know, the Internet)
Okay, so the internet. This is SERIOUS business. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet Access – Wireless? Thank goodness! I need my fix. Because, honestly, what's life without Instagram updates and endless YouTube rabbit holes? I'm a journalist, I mean, I need it for work. Ahem. I checked my email, which was fine. I didn't test the Internet [LAN]. But the Wi-Fi held up. Honestly, I didn't pay TOO much attention. Had to focus on things like, y'know, relaxing!
The Room: My Private Hideaway (with a few quirks)
The room itself was pretty decent. They had air conditioning and it WORKED, praise the gods! The bed was comfy - important! The bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary tea & coffee maker were nice touches. But, let's be real, I'm more of a coffee shop person.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (didn't even know they still made those!), Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (thankfully not a ground-floor apartment). 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 (eek!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella (thank god, it rained!), Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. That’s a lot of options! I did NOT test all of these, but I was able to get a full sleep and shower, which is more than I can ask for.
I did have one minor gripe: the TV signal kept cutting out. This meant that I had to miss an episode of… let's just say a trashy show. But I let it slide.
The shower was good. The water was hot. The separate shower/bathtub was great. The toiletries were… well, they were there. I don't think anyone's writing home about the shampoo quality, but, whatever. Got clean!
Things to Do and Ways to (Attempt to) Relax
Okay, now we get to the fun stuff.
Things to do and relax: So, first, the swimming pool [outdoor]! Amazing! Took the plunge and swam some laps. The picture I took was awesome! Pool with view is a definite, and I have proof, in my phone (later I found out that taking pictures with the pool and my phone was kind of a bad idea, but that is a story for another time).
Ways to relax. The hotel seemed to have a spa. I did not try this out, but I did like the area.
Massage: No massage. Maybe next time?
Fitness center: There was a Gym/fitness, I was too tired to get there.
The Food: Fueling the Adventure
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Okay, this is where things get interesting.
Restaurants : There are Restaurants! Breakfast [buffet] was served. There's also Asian cuisine in restaurant, but I sadly did not get try it.
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. A lot to take in!
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Pandemic – A Real World Look
Here's the part that really matters. The Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, 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, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. They seemed to be taking it seriously. I felt relatively safe. The rooms felt clean.
Some minor, subjective points:
- The Staff: The staff were friendly and helpful. But I had to get their attention a few times. I had to ask a couple of times to get towels, and even the simplest questions felt like I was an idiot.
The Verdict: Is Crayon Shin-chan's Johor Bahru Haven Worth It?
Okay, here's the thing: The overall experience was pretty good. For the price, it's a solid option. It’s conveniently located near some great food and shopping, and the pool is a fantastic perk.
Things I Loved:
- The Pool. Seriously, it was a lifesaver in the Johor heat.
- Free parking. A massive win for anyone driving.
- The AC. Absolute necessity.
- The room. Generally spacious and comfortable.
Things That Could Be Better:
- The TV signal sometimes. Minor, but annoying.
- More consistent upkeep. (Small things; a burnt-out lightbulb here, a wobbly chair there.)
Final Rating:
I'd give it a solid 7/10. Definitely recommend it for a quick getaway.
Now, for the SALES PITCH (and why YOU should book it):
Tired of the same old boring hotel routine? Craving a fun, relaxing escape without breaking the bank? Then pack your bags and say Olé! to Crayon Shin-chan's Johor Bahru Haven: B1610 Austin Height Home Stay!
Here's why you NEED to book NOW:
- Beat the Heat: Take a refreshing dip in the sparkling outdoor swimming pool.
- Stay Connected: Enjoy free Wi-Fi in all rooms to stay connected to the world. We have Internet Access – Wireless.
- Convenience is King: Free on-site parking means you can ditch the parking woes.
- Clean and Safe: We uphold the highest standards of cleanliness with anti-viral cleaning products and rooms sanitized between stays.
- Fuel Your Adventures: Start your day right with our delicious Breakfast [buffet] or relax with our Poolside bar.
- Easy Access: The home stay is easily accessible.
But wait, there's more!
Book within the next 24 hours and get:
- A complimentary bottle of water on arrival!
- A local discount for a massage at a near by shop (if you would like)
- The peace of mind knowing you're getting a incredible deal on a memorable vacation!
Click the link and book your stay now! Don't miss out on the fun!
Goa's Hidden Gem: FabHotel Peak Stay - Mall De Goa Luxury!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is a chaotic, probably ill-conceived, and utterly delightful exploration of a questionable Airbnb (Crayon Shin-chan Home! Are we sure about this?) in Johor Bahru. Prepare for the glorious train wreck that is ME trying to "travel."
ITINERARY: Johor Bahru, Malaysia – Operation Shin-chan Sleepover (and Survival)
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic (Or, "Where Did I Park My Brain?")
Time: Before Noon (hopefully)
Event: Arrival at Senai International Airport (JHB). Oh god, I'm actually here. My meticulously researched (read: skimmed Wikipedia) plan involves grabbing a Grab (like Uber, but Malaysian!) to B1610 Austin Heights Crayon Shin-chan Home By Stay. Pray for no traffic. And that I remember the address. Did I actually book the right place? This whole Shin-chan thing…it's a lot.
Emotion: A heady mix of excitement, jet lag, and a low-grade fear that I’ve accidentally signed myself up for a cult. The airport smells like…well, airport. And faint durian. Let’s not talk about it.
Rambles: I’m already forgetting things. Like, where are my sunglasses? Did I pack insect repellent? (Malaysia, I'm thinking, mosquito heaven). Did I really think this was a good idea? The pressure of being a "traveler" is already crushing me. Why did I choose a themed Airbnb again? Was it because I thought it would be quirky? Probably. God, I hate myself.
Action: Find Grab. Navigate traffic. Pray the driver understands my terrible pronunciation of "Austin Heights."
Minor Category: First impressions: The drive is… green. So, so green. And the buildings? A fascinating blend of generic and…well, generic. But hey, at least the roads (so far) aren’t too riddled with potholes. Still slightly concerned I’m going to end up in a cardboard box.
Time: Mid-afternoon (hopefully, if Grab co-operation holds)
Event: Check-in to the Crayon Shin-chan Home. Prepare for… well, anything. Expectation: Over-the-top, cartoon-saturated interior. Reality: Unknown.
Emotion: A frisson of childish glee. This is what I came for (probably). I really hope it's as insane as the pictures promised.
Quirky Observation: Okay, the building lobby is definitely not Shin-chan-themed. I'm starting to suspect the "Home" part is a lie. Like, a beautiful, perfect lie.
Action: Locate apartment. Find the key (hopefully not hidden in a weird place). Take photos. Send obligatory, "I'm here!" photo to chosen victim (usually my mother).
Minor Category: The Apartment: Aaaand… it's… glorious. Seriously, whoever designed this place deserves a medal. Shin-chan EVERYTHING. From the curtains to the toilet seat, it's a riot of color and questionable taste. I love it. I love it. However, the air-con is struggling, and the wifi is slower than a Shin-chan chase scene.
Time: Late Afternoon (or whatever time zone I’ve successfully adopted).
- Event: Unpack. Immediately regret not packing more snacks. And maybe a hazmat suit. (kidding. mostly.)
- Emotion: Mildly overwhelmed. So. Much. Shin-chan. But also, a weird sense of…calm? Maybe it’s the air-con finally kicking in.
- Rambles: I need food. And maybe a nap. And a large glass of something cold. I’m already questioning everything I’ve ever done up to this point. This apartment is a portal to a world of…well, Japanese animation. And questionable dietary decisions.
Action: Locate the nearest convenience store (7-Eleven, probably). Buy everything. Pretend I'm not judging the local culinary wonders.
Minor Category: Food Procurement. Found a 7-Eleven. Grabbed some… interesting snacks. Ramly Burger (heard great things!). Some kind of weird melon-flavored soda. And a bag of chips that claims to be “spicy.” We shall see!
Time: Nighttime
Event: Dinner. Experimenting with local food. Trying not to get food poisoning (crossing fingers!).
Emotion: A bit shaky, but curious. I'm a sucker for a cultural experience.
Quirky Observation: The spicy chips are REALLY spicy. My face is on fire. Worth it. Dinner was delicious! Well, mostly. There was… something… that looked like a chicken foot. I ate it. It was… an experience.
Action: Eat the food. Pray. Document everything with photos. (Gotta prove I went through this). Start planning day 2.
Minor Category: Local Flavor. The restaurant I'm in, I think, it seems to be a local joint. The people are lovely. But they're all staring at me eating this chicken foot. Maybe a cultural faux pas. Probably. Oh well. Day 2: Water park and the existential dread of being a tourist
Time: Morning
Event: Head to a water park! This is what I do on vacations… I hate water, but I feel like I have to. (Legoland water park is the plan!).
Emotion: Mild dread. Sunburn. chlorine. The usual.
Rambles: Why do I do this to myself? I'm not a water park person. I’m a person who enjoys reading in bed. But, "tourist" and "experience"! Ugh. Pray for rain, maybe?
Action: Find transportation to the water park. Buy sunscreen. (Remember the never missing the sunglasses thing? Yeah…)
Minor Category: Transportation Fail: Okay, Grab decided to randomly cancel on me. After waiting for 20 minutes. Because of course. Eventually flagged down a taxi, which was an experience in itself. "Legoland?" I said. "Yes!" the driver smiled. He clearly didn't understand a word. We got there, though!
Time: Afternoon
Event: Water park. I regret everything.
Emotion: Wet and sticky and regretting my life choices. My swimsuit! It’s… it's not meant to be seen.
- Quirky Observation: The lines. The screaming children. The sheer number of fluorescent rash guards. Oh god, the rash guards. It's like a rainbow apocalypse.
Action: Ride some rides (or attempt to). Avoid drowning. Try not to lose my dignity.
Minor Category: Water Park Mayhem. Survived the slides. Conquered the wave pool. Almost died on a tube ride. My swimsuit has officially given up. I think I’m going to need therapy after this. It was, in a word, overwhelming.
Time: Evening
Event: Dinner. Try to clean up the human garbage that is now me. Head to a restaurant in the area.
Emotion: Exhaustion. I need… a stiff drink. And a long shower (I'm still wet).
Rambles: Is this what it feels like to get old? This is a lot. Definitely need sleep. And snacks…
Action: Eat. Relax. Plan to… maybe actually leave the apartment tomorrow? Decide on a food destination.
Minor Category: Dinner Dilemma. Found a restaurant. I was going to choose something easy, but got tempted by the "local special". I am a sucker for a local special. Let's see if I live through it!
Day 3: Culture Shock and Early Departure (Maybe?)
Time: Morning.
Event: Visit some cultural sights in JB. Okay, maybe. Or maybe just sleep in.
Emotion: The thought of culture is exhausting. If there's more screaming children, I will riot.
Rambles: I really need a vacation from this vacation. The hotel… apartment… is great, but this whole "travel" thing is a LOT.
Action: See how I feel when I wake up.
Minor Category: Potential Catastrophe: The local special was delicious, but I feel like my body is under some kind of attack. Let's pray for the best.
Time: Around Noon (If I survive).
Event: Check out. Goodbye Shin-chan! I'll miss you (maybe).
Emotion: Sad that it's over.
Rambles: I've learned a lot. About myself. About the world. About the limits of my bladder in a water park. And how to avoid chicken feet.
Action: Actually get to the airport.
**Minor
Crayon Shin-chan's Johor Bahru Haven: B1610 Austin Height Home Stay - FAQ (and My Brain Dump)
Okay, first things first: Is this place actually *good*? Like, is it worth the hassle of crossing the Causeway? (And the probable customs line anxiety?!)
Alright, buckle up, because the answer isn't a simple "yes" or "no." It's more like, "Mostly yes, with a side of 'OMG, did I forget my passport?!'"
Here's the deal: B1610 Austin Heights is, at its core, a *fun* place. It's got that Crayon Shin-chan theme going on, which, let's be honest, is pure nostalgia gold if you grew up with the little rascal. The apartment itself is... spacious, to put it kindly. We went in expecting something cramped, especially after seeing all the photos, but it’s actually quite roomy! We had like, *FIVE* people rolling around in there, and didn't feel like sardines.
The downside? Well, it’s not exactly a five-star resort. Think more like, a really well-decorated, slightly creaky apartment that your quirky friend with good taste would own. Some of the furniture feels a bit…well-loved. And that aircon in the main living area? It was a *little* on the noisy side. But hey, at least it *worked*! (Unlike the time I stayed at a place in Bangkok…don't even get me started!)
So, is it worth it? If you're going for a fun, themed experience and are prepared for a few minor imperfections, then absolutely. If you are a complete princess and expect absolute perfection, don't go. Go elsewhere, complain about the price, and miss out on some fun.
What's the *actual* theme like? Is it just plastered with Shin-chan images, or is there more to it? (And is that life-sized Shin-chan a good thing, or a terrifying thing?)
Okay, the Shin-chan theme? Glorious. It's not just some slapped-on decorations. This place is *immersed* in the world of Kasukabe's favorite five-year-old. You've got murals, cushion covers, even the towels had Shin-chan on them! Seriously, everywhere you looked, there was Shin-chan. You would think it would be overwhelming, but it’s honestly just… wholesome.
The life-sized Shin-chan? Initially, I was a little freaked out. Like, "Is he going to come alive at 3 AM and start dancing?" But honestly? By the end of the first day, I was posing for selfies with it. The kids (and let's be honest, the *adults*) absolutely loved it.
They even managed to get the little details right. The way they decorated it, the colours used, all of it, felt authentic to the show. You know, the little touches that really make a space feel special. It's clear the owner puts a lot of love into this place.
About the space; how many people can *realistically* fit in there? Did that pull-out sofa actually work? (Because pull-out sofas are usually the devil.)
Ah, the age old question: the dreaded space conundrum. The listing says it can sleep X amount, but reality… well, reality is often stranger than fiction. Let's be honest, hotel listings always lowball or lie!
For our group of five? Perfect. We had two double beds, then that pull-out sofa. Now, I went in fully expecting the pull-out sofa to be a bone-jarring torture device. You know, the kind that gives you back cramps and makes you question all your life choices. But... it was actually surprisingly comfy! Not five-star hotel comfy, more like "I can actually sleep through the night" comfy. The kids loved sleeping there. And, it meant the adults didn't have to share a bed.
So, if you're a group of, say, six or seven? Yeah, you’re going to be cosy. Maybe bring some extra blankets. But for a family of four or five? Absolutely doable. Just don't expect a ballroom. It's an apartment, not a castle. It's all about fun, right?
Location, Location, Location! How easy is it to get to from the Causeway and around Johor Bahru? (Bus? Taxi? Do I need to sell a kidney for a Grab?)
Okay, the location is a bit of a mixed bag. It's in Austin Heights, which is known for its cafes and restaurants. That's a *huge* plus. Seriously, there's some fantastic food nearby. I'm drooling just thinking about it.
Getting there from the Causeway? Taxi or Grab is probably the easiest. Public transport? Ugh, depending on the time of day / traffic, it can be an absolute nightmare. We took a Grab, and it was surprisingly affordable. But getting a Grab *out* of the apartment at peak hours? Can be a nail-biter. (Think: frantically refreshing the app, praying to the Grab gods.)
Getting around Johor Bahru from there is pretty easy using either Grab or the local taxis. We never rented a car, so you have to rely on those, but it was easy enough. Just remember to factor in travel time. Traffic in JB can be… unpredictable. Avoid the Causeway crossing on weekends at all costs. Unless you enjoy queueing for hours.
The Kitchen! (Because instant noodles and snacks are essential. Seriously, are there utensils? A kettle?)
Kitchen! Yes, YES! And yes, there are utensils. Relief! I mean, sure, you aren't going to be able to whip up a five-course meal, but it's definitely equipped for the essentials.
There's a fridge (essential for keeping the beer cold!), a microwave for reheating leftovers (also essential!), and a kettle for your instant noodles and tea. Which, let me tell you, after a long day of shopping and exploring, is the single greatest thing on earth. I used the microwave to heat up leftovers after a pretty long day, and the food was good! It's good and it's convenient. And I wasn't hungry!
They provide the basics – plates, bowls, cutlery, cups. Don't expect a full-blown professional kitchen, but it's enough to make your own breakfast, snacks, and even heat up some takeaway. It's a good, comfortable place. A good place to stay.
The Cleanliness Factor: Is it sparkling? Or, you know, are there mystery stains? (And are the sheets clean? Because I’m a total sheet snob.)
Okay, let’s be brutally honest here. The cleanliness wasn't *perfect*. It wasn't disgustingly dirty,Ocean View Inn
