**Johor Bahru's BEST Partial Seaview Apartment: Princess Cove 2BR Awaits!**
Johor Bahru's BEST Partial Seaview Apartment: Princess Cove 2BR Awaits! - A Review! (And Honestly, Maybe It's Amazing?)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I'm about to dive headfirst into reviewing "Johor Bahru's BEST Partial Seaview Apartment: Princess Cove 2BR Awaits!" and let me tell you, this isn't going to be your typical, sterile, corporate hotel review. This is going to be REAL. We're talking messy, honest, maybe a little rambling, and definitely opinionated. Because let's be honest, who really trusts those perfectly polished reviews anyway?
First Impressions - Getting There (Accessibility & Getting Around - Ugh!)
So, the first hurdle. Accessibility. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I appreciate a place that thinks about everyone. Let's be real, Princess Cove claims to be accessible, which is good. (Facilities for disabled guests, elevator, etc.). The claim is there! But honestly, it totally depends on which unit and which building. Google maps has to be your BEST friend. Airport transfer? Available, thank goodness. Taxi service? Yep. Car park [free of charge] and [on-site]? Tick. Okay, so far so good. The actual experience of getting into the apartment… well, that's a whole different story.
(Anecdote Time!) Remember that time I tried to navigate a similar "partially accessible" place and ended up dragging my suitcase up three flights of stairs because the elevator mysteriously wasn't working? Yeah, that's a good reminder to double and triple-check those details.
The Apartment Itself - Is That a Seaview, or a Suggestion of a Seaview?
Okay, the tagline is "Partial Seaview." Let's be clear. "Partial" in hotel-speak often means "you MIGHT squint and see a sliver of the ocean if you lean out the window at a particularly jaunty angle and it’s not overcast." I'm not saying it was bad. It was just… partial. But hey, the apartment itself? Spacious! Two bedrooms? Score! Air Conditioning? Hallelujah. And good air conditioning at that! Considering how hot and humid Johor Bahru can get, that was a MASSIVE win. They also have air conditioning in public areas which is also ideal.
Inside the Rooms - Amenities & Comfort (The Good, the Bad, and the Slippers…Literally)
Let's break it down:
- The Essentials: Air conditioning (thank GOD!), Alarm clock (who needs an alarm clock when you're on holiday? But appreciate it!), Blackout curtains (YES!), Hair dryer (essential for my frizz), In-room safe box (always a plus), Free Wi-Fi (and they actually have it in all rooms!), Free bottled water (hallelujah!), Mini bar (always a temptation), Mini-bar is an understatement. They also have a refrigerator; a coffee/tea maker AND complimentary tea!!!
- The Luxuries: Bathrobes (ooooh fancy!), Slippers (the best way to relax), So much space, and a bathtub!
- The "Meh": The Internet access - wireless might have been spotty at times; the desk might have been a cramped, but they do have a laptop workspace and an iron and ironing facilities.
- The Quirks: They claim to have a "reading light," but I couldn't seem to actually find it, like, anywhere. Some of them also have an additional toilet and a bathroom phone! What is this? The 1980s?
Cleaning & Safety - The Pandemic Edition (Because… Well, It's 2024)
Okay, this is HUGE right now. Princess Cove seems to be taking it seriously. They have:
- Hand sanitizer everywhere. (Good!)
- Daily disinfection in common areas. (Excellent!)
- Rooms sanitized between stays. (Phew!)
- Staff trained in safety protocol. (Hopefully!)
- Individually-wrapped food options. (Smart.)
- Cashless payment service (Super convenient).
- Anti-viral cleaning products and room sanitization opt-out available. (Good)
They provide professional-grade sanitizing services. They also have a doctor/nurse on call. First aid kit. Hygiene certification. Shared stationery removed. They also have 24-hour security and CCTV outside and inside the property.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Food Glorious Food! (Or Just the Free Breakfast?)
Alright, so, food. This is where things get interesting…
- Restaurants: Yep! Multiple ones. Asian cuisine in restaurant. International cuisine in restaurant, as well as a vegetarian restaurant. They even have a poolside bar!
- Breakfast: Breakfast service with Asian Breakfast, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast takeaway service, western breakfast, a la carte in restaurant, buffet in restaurant, coffee/tea in restaurant, coffee shop, desserts in restaurant, happy hour, poolside bar, restaurants, room service [24-hour], salad in restaurant, snack bar, soup in restaurant, and a whole lot more!
- Buffet? Always a winner (even if I overeat).
- Room service? 24-hour? Now we're talking. (Perfect for those late-night snack cravings!)
- The Downside (Potential): Quality can vary. A la carte seems to be there, but sometimes, it wasn't the best food.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day, Anyone? (Or Just, You Know, the Pool?)
Okay, so, what can you actually do here? Let's see:
- Pool: Definitely! Swimming pool and a swimming pool [outdoor]! Pool with view. Heaven, I tell you!
- Spa/Wellness: They have a spa! And a sauna, steamroom, foot bath, massage, body wrap, body scrub, and a gym. Also some additional spa/sauna.
- Fitness: If you're the exercise type, they have a Fitness center and a gym/fitness.
- Things To Do: Seems like a lot more activities available!
Services & Conveniences - Will They Do My Laundry?! (Yes, They Will!)
They have it ALL:
- Daily housekeeping. (Thank the heavens!)
- Laundry service and dry cleaning. (YES!)
- Concierge. (Always helpful.)
- Cash withdrawal. (Essential.)
- Luggage storage. (Always a good idea.)
- Doorman. Always important!
- Plus a convenience store!
For the Kids - Babysitters & More! (Are We There Yet?)
They have family/child friendly facilities, and even a babysitting service.
The Verdict - Is Princess Cove Worth It? (The Honest Truth)
Look, here is my most honest reaction: It depends.
If you’re looking for absolute luxury, perfection, or a jaw-dropping seaview… maybe adjust your expectations a smidge. However! For the price point, the space, the amenities, the good location (assuming you get a good unit), and the apparent commitment to safety, Princess Cove definitely has potential.
Here is my proposal:
Tired of Tiny Hotel Rooms and the Same Old Tourist Traps? Escape to Paradise at Princess Cove! (And Actually See The Ocean!)
Here's the deal:
Book your 2-bedroom, partial-seaview apartment at Princess Cove NOW and get:
- Spacious Living: Two bedrooms to spread out and actually RELAX. No more tripping over suitcases!
- Breathtaking Views: Claim your spot on the balcony to actually see the ocean!
- Luxury Amenities: From the plush robes to the spa-like bathrooms, you'll feel pampered and refreshed.
- Unforgettable Experiences Access to the spa, pool, and gym.
- Peace of Mind: We're committed to your safety with top-notch cleaning and safety protocols.
- Easy Access: Conveniently located near the shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Plus, book within the next 48 hours and you'll also get:
- A complimentary welcome drink upon arrival!
- A discount on all spa treatments!
Don't settle for a boring hotel stay!
Click here to book your escape to Princess Cove today!
[Insert Booking Link Here]
P.S. - Don't worry. We got you with easy check-in/out, and if there's a problem, there's a 24-hour front desk to take care of it.
P.P.S. And I am also pretty sure I spotted a shrine. But I might have had too many complimentary welcome drinks at that point. You will have to experience it yourself!
Conyers Getaway: Holiday Inn Express - Unbeatable Deals!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your meticulously crafted, color-coded itinerary. This is a real-life, probably-going-to-be-a-disaster-but-hopefully-hilarious-and-filled-with-amazing-food travel plan for a 2-BR apartment in R&F Princess Cove, Johor Bahru. It's raw, it's honest, and it's probably going to involve me losing my luggage at some point.
Destination: R&F Princess Cove, Johor Bahru, Malaysia (aka, Where's the Air Conditioning? Edition)
Duration: 5 Glorious, Messy Days
Participants: Me (the perpetually caffeinated planner/victim), My partner (the cool-headed adventurer/source of snacks), and possibly a rogue cockroach or two.
Day 1: Arrival, Apartment Hunting, and the Existential Dread of unpacking suitcases
Morning (8:00 AM): Arrive at Senai International Airport (JHB). Pray the budget airline flight wasn't delayed for 7 hours. Seriously, I'm still traumatized. Grab a Grab (because, let's face it, public transport is a luxury I can't handle after a flight). Mentally prepare for the inevitable "traffic is crazy" spiel from the driver.
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Arrive at R&F Princess Cove. First impressions: Hopefully "wow, that's fancy!" and not "oh god, the air conditioning is broken". Find the apartment. Unlock It. Pray for a smooth check-in. Immediately inspect for any… unwelcome roommates. (Cockroaches are my kryptonite. I'm talking full-blown, dramatic, scream-until-my-voice-cracks reaction.)
Midday(11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Assess the apartment. Take photos of the view. Make the obligatory "Instagram worthy" pictures. Start the unpacking process. This phase usually involves: 1) shoving everything into the closets, 2) realizing I overpacked (again), and 3) a minor existential crisis about the meaning of life in the face of unfolded socks.
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Locate the nearest food court. My goal: find the BEST Malaysian food. Laksa? Check. Nasi Lemak? Double check. Satay and Teh Tarik? Triple check (and pray I don't spill it all over myself). Expect a mild food coma.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Explore the complex. Get lost (inevitably). Find the gym (maybe). Find the pool (definitely). Contemplate if I'm actually going to use the gym. (The answer: probably not).
Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner and Drinks at a local restaurant: I'm thinking seafood. If the view from the apartment is as good as advertised, consider making a takeaway. If not, then search for one with a nice vibe in Johor Bahru city/ or near the apartment. Have a drink (or two, or three) and watch the sunset (or the rain, because Malaysia).
Night (9:00 PM): Collapse. Watch a movie. Order more snacks. Wonder why I ever thought this whole trip was a good idea. (But secretly, I'm loving it.)
Day 2: Shopping, Temples, and the Great Durian Debate
Morning (9:00 AM): Wake up late and regret all my life choices. Breakfast: Hopefully, the apartment has a toaster so I can consume bread and butter.
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Shopping at City Square Mall: Prepare for sensory overload. Bargain ruthlessly (or at least try to). Buy something I don't need. Find the best bargain in the world.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch at the mall. Ramen or sushi. Or maybe the food court again (again, Laksa).
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Visit a local temple (maybe the Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum, or the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple). Admire the architecture. Contemplate spirituality. Maybe accidentally offend someone with my complete ignorance of local customs.
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The Durian Dilemma: Do I? Don't I? (The smell. The legend. The potential for instant regret.) If I'm feeling brave (and the apartment has good ventilation), attempt to try durian. Record my reaction on camera. Guaranteed comedy gold.
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a hawker center: Time to be adventurous and try something new. I'm thinking a street food crawl. Challenge my taste buds and my digestive system.
Night (9:00 PM): Back at the apartment. Reflect on my day of adventures. Write in my (probably abandoned) travel journal. Prepare for the inevitable insect encounter.
Day 3: Legoland and The Theme Park High That Fades into a Deep Dive into Food
Morning (8:00 AM): Legoland! Actually, this is going to be my partner's day. I'm going to be dragged. Smile. Pretend to enjoy myself on rollercoasters. Take lots of pictures of said rollercoasters. Maybe get a Lego souvenir I'll never use.
Morning (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM): Legoland! Be prepared for crowds, long lines, and the sun. Spend a LOT of money on overpriced snacks and drinks.
Evening (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Finally escape Legoland. The thrill has faded. The feet hurt. The kids are crying. We're all exhausted.
Dinner (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Dinner near Legoland? Or a quick takeaway? I can't make my mind on this one.
Night (7:00 PM): The food. The snacks. The afterglow of the theme park high giving way to a serious craving for carbs and delicious, spicy food.
Day 4: Day Trip to Singapore (and the inevitable border crossing chaos)
Morning (7:00 AM): Wake up exhausted, again. But excited to leave and go elsewhere.
Morning (8:00 AM): The border crossing! This is an experience in itself. Prepare for queues, passport checks, and the general feeling of being herded like cattle. Try not to lose your patience. Pray the bus doesn't break down.
Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Exploring Singapore! Rooftop bars, restaurants, and other attractions. I'd like to go some great eateries.
Lunch (1:00 PM): Lunch at a local hawker center in Singapore. Chicken rice? Hainanese chicken rice? You bet.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Continue exploring. More sights!
Evening (6:00 PM): Back at the border. The queues. Again. More waiting. More soul-crushing boredom.
Dinner (7:00 PM): Back in Johor Bahru. Dinner. (I'm not feeling ambitious. Something easy.)
Night (9:00 PM): Pack. Mentally prepare to say goodbye to this apartment.
Day 5: Departure (and surviving till the end)
Morning (8:00 AM): Enjoy a final view from the apartment.
Morning (9:00 AM - 11 AM): Check out of the apartment. Pray I haven't broken anything or left a trail of destruction. Find the taxi to the airport.
Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Traffic. Traffic. Traffic. Make it to the airport. Check in (and pray my luggage hasn't been lost).
Lunch (12:00 PM): Airport food. Sigh.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Board the plane. Reflect on the chaos. Start planning my next trip. (And this time, I swear I won't overpack.)
Princess Cove Awaits... Really? Let's Dive In! (FAQ Edition...with a Side of Honesty)
Okay, so "Partial Seaview." How *partial* are we talkin'? Like, a glimpse with a magnifying glass kind of partial?
Alright, let's be real. "Partial" can be a bit… optimistic. My friend Sarah, bless her heart, was expecting full-on panoramic ocean views. She showed up expecting the Titanic and got a… well, a slightly blurred view of the Straits. Think: you lean *just* so on your balcony, squint, and *maybe* you can see a sliver of blue. Maybe. Depends on the day, really. Cloudy days? Forget about it. You're looking at a concrete jungle with a hint of hope. But hey, the *potential* is there! That's what they sell, right? The potential.
2BR – sounds spacious! Is it? Or is it that "optimistic" kind of spacious?
Okay, "spacious" is relative, people. My apartment in *New York* was the size of a postage stamp. So, compared to *that*… Princess Cove is practically a palace! However...don't expect a ballroom. It's definitely a comfortable size for a couple or a small family. The master bedroom is decent, thank goodness, because you're gonna be spending a lot of time in *there* wondering if the view ever clears up. The second bedroom? Let's just say it's cozy. Think: well-designed Ikea. Efficient, functional, and you'll probably be sleeping in it even when you are not a kid. Don't expect a walk-in closet, either. My wife almost passed out when she found the storage area
Is the location actually good though? I've heard conflicting things.
Location, location, location... It's right *near* the causeway. Which is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing if you're constantly back and forth to Singapore (though that's a tale for another day, involving queues that can stretch into eternity). A curse when you're stuck in traffic, and your groceries are melting in the back of your car. But, okay, there are things to love about it. You can walk to City Square (if you're willing for a walk, and the weather is nice, otherwise you can grab a Grab), which has a ton of food and shops. The amenities in the complex *themselves* are pretty nice: a pool, gym...the usual things. Although, and here's a confession - I used the gym *once* last year and swore I heard my treadmill laugh at me.
What are the pros and cons, in your completely unbiased opinion?
Alright, my completely *unbiased* opinion, coming right up!
Pros:
* Relatively affordable compared to Singapore. (Thank God).
* Decent amenities within the complex.
* Walking distance to some shopping & food (if you like to sweat).
* Potential for a seaview (if you squint and pray).
* That 'new home' smell is always nice (for now).
Cons:
* Traffic to Singapore can be a nightmare.
* The "partial" seaview can be a *huge* letdown.
* Construction noise can be a constant companion since the project is always on work.
* Dealing with the bureaucracy can be a headache the first time.
* Finding good coffee in the area is a *quest*.
Okay, so the pool… is it actually nice? Like, Instagram-able nice?
The pool is...okay, I will say it is swimmable. Instagram-able? Maybe. It’s generally clean, though the sun loungers are sometimes a free-for-all. If you like to people-watch, it's gold. You’ll see everything from tiny toddlers splashing to aspiring influencers trying to get the perfect shot (spoiler alert: they never do). But, in all seriousness, it's a great place to cool off. I took a dip in there every single day during the first week and it was a lifesaver.
Any tips for someone considering moving to Princess Cove?
My top tips:
* Manage your expectations: That "seaview" may be more vapor than view.
* Learn the Causeway traffic patterns: Study them. Memorize them. Become one with them. (Or just use a ride-sharing app).
* Stock up on good coffee: You'll need it. Seriously.
* Get to know your neighbors: Makes the whole experience a lot more bearable. And someone will probably know a good place to get your car fixed when a part is broken.
* Embrace the chaos: Johor Bahru is a bit of a beautiful mess. Go with the flow, and try to enjoy the ride. It is home after all.
What about the management and safety of those apartments?
Okay, the management… is a mixed bag. Sometimes they are efficient, sometimes you’re left wondering if they’ve all disappeared to a secret island. Maintenance requests can be… slow. Like, "glacial pace" slow. Security is pretty good though, which is a big plus. There are guards, cameras, the works. I've always felt safe walking around at night, which is a huge relief. And hey, the security guys are usually friendly, even if they can't always fix the leaky faucet. Just be proactive when it comes to them, trust me! They're a blessing.
Would you recommend it? Honestly.
Alright, the big question. Would I recommend Princess Cove? It's complicated. If you're looking for a super luxurious experience, maybe not. But if you are looking for a convenient, relatively affordable place to live *near* Singapore, with decent amenities, and you're okay with a bit of chaos... then yeah, maybe. It's not perfect. Far from it. But it's *home*. And you will make friends, eventually. And maybe, just maybe, on a clear day, you can actually see the sea. So, yeah. I guess I do. Just with a healthy dose of realism, that’s it.
