Saturday, November 20, 2010

First month in East Ledang

Sorry for going M.I.A for 2 weeks. Work's been extremely busy and I've been doing a bit of travelling as well.

Wow time really flies, without us realising, it's been a month since we relocated from Singapore to Johor. We're settling well into our neighborhood. We have met some more new neighbours (mostly weekend visitors), interior designers, visited furniture and design shops, but unfortunately, we have not had the time to explore much in the greater area of Johor. I hope that we will be doing more of this towards the later part of December when my husband, Ian completes his work project.

We've had our first visitors (my colleagues Ruth & Jeanie - thanks guys for visiting) and looking forward to welcoming more!

With regards the daily commute, I've been driving back and forth to work everyday myself and I'm pleasantly surprised (& proud) of this since I did not drive for many many many years before this move.

The time to commute each way varies depending on time of the day and weather. The fastest commute for us has been 30 minutes (from Chinatown to East ledang) but this is on a weekday late evening leaving Chinatown at 11 pm. On the other hand, the longest commute for me is 1 hour 40 minutes (from East Ledang to Tanjong Pagar) during a heavy rainy morning. Most of this held up was on AYE. On average, my commute is around 1 hour 10 minutes (including parking) per trip.

Some learnings that I can share from my 1 month of commute between Johor-Singapore:

- Avoid early Monday morning rush as there are many Singaporeans who stay over the weekend in Johor and go back to Singapore on Monday morning. I'd usually leave at a later time on Monday morning - around 8.30ish.

- Most of the time, if I leave at 6.45 am, I can reach my office (including parking etc) in 50 minutes. Plus I can avoid ERPs in Singapore. Though it takes some getting used to waking up so early.

- When heading back after work, I take the Westcoast highway and exit at Jurong Town Hall road to head to Tuas. There is hardly any traffic on this route.

- Sometimes you'll get through MY checkpoint faster if you show them your MAC pass.

- There tends to be lots of "kiasusm" in the checkpoint queues, so I'm still learning on how to deal with this and how to pick the right lane.

- When heading back to East Ledang, if you can reach Tuas checkpoint before 6.30 pm, I think you can avoid most of the traffic.

- Check your fuel tank everyday, remember the 3/4 tank rule in Singapore.

For me, the best part of the drive home is when I reach East Ledang gate and I just feel a great relief. The area is quiet and I feel like I am far away from all the mad traffic rush and work problems. :)

Owww not forgetting to mention about my husband's experience when I was away overseas. A lightning struck close to our current place, caused lots of panic attacks and damaged a couple of our electronic items (my poor Microwave). Interesting experience! We're covered by home content insurance, so my advice would be make sure your insurance cover lightning strike and check that you use surge protectors for important power points. I hope we won't experience this again, it was quite scary.

The second month (& for the next few months I'm sure) of our lives here will be filled with renovation, renovation and renovation (well it's actually interior design more than renovation). We've been busy meeting a few interior designers and we're hoping to finalise the design team over the next couple of weeks. We've heard some horror stories of unreliable designers/contractors from our neighbours so we are going to have to be very picky and careful. So far we've met 4 interior designer companies (they call it "ID" here), ranging from the arty designer to the engineering focused designer company. I'm sure you'll hear more from me as we go through this selection process.

So to sum up, 1st month has been a success. I don't have any regrets in moving here. I'm looking forward to 2nd month, 3rd month & beyond, most importantly to designing and moving into our own Balinese/Zen modern house in a few months time.

33 comments:

  1. Hi Erika,

    Thank you for interesting posts and it is nice to see that there are some people out there at East Ledang already.

    I'll be moving to East Ledang later on this weekend.

    Best regards,
    Ruslan (your Russian neighbor)

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  2. Hi Ruslan,

    Sorry for the belated reply. Welcome to the neighborhood. You must have moved into your place by now. We'd love to meet and greet you & your family. Do drop by our area when you're more settled :).

    Best regards,
    EO

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great blog Erika!

    Hi Ruslan, we've met! You live 5 houses from us! we should all catch up one of the weekend. It's nice to get to know all the neighbors! Welcome to the neighborhood :)

    Fiona

    ReplyDelete
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  5. Thanks for all your helpful posts, Erika. My wife and I will be going to visit East Ledang tomorrow to check it out. I understand that only Phase 8 Harmony is left, and selling out fast at a pre-launch here in Singapore. I am wondering... Is buying subsale more expensive? The only problem facing us acquiring a unit here is that my wife is extremely concerned about security in Johore Baru. And since she does not drive, it is problematic too. I read in your other posts that there is a bus service outside the main gate now... so that should help somewhat. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Danny,

    No worries, I'm happy to share my experience.
    I've not been keeping up to date on the latest releases, but my friend purchased a linked townhouse (smaller unit) from phase 8 a couple of months ago and that phase was apparently almost sold out.

    We actually purchased a phase I subsale unit. The subsale price we paid is pretty much equivalent to the phase II release price, so the original owner has made est. MYR400K in just 2 years....not a bad sum of profit.

    We've not experienced any issues during our 2 months stay here. We've gone away for overseas holiday for a week and left the house empty. However, having said that, I think it's important to do take some precautions and prudent for your own security (but this is the same as any other countries - perhaps except for Singapore) :)

    You should ask the management office about the bus service. I've not tried it before, but it should come quite handy. Perhaps it's time for your wife to learn how to drive? :) Does she work in Singapore. You could talk to neighbours about car pooling. There are a quite a no of residents who commute to Singapore everyday.

    My advice would be to have an open mind and find out what sort of living you're really looking for.

    Happy viewing!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Erika,

    I happen to chance upon your blog after searching intensively for East Ledang. It's the first ever project in JB that fascinates me. I really love the layout of phase 7 - type 28 and type 30. But like what you said, i've checked out with the developer, UEM and was told phase 7 and phase 8 were all sold out. So i am waiting for possible drop outs or those who are unable to get bank loans. But it's down to luck now! Phew i hate to say that I should have gone to take a look at this project much earlier. To be honest, you have provided very cool much needed information for me to consider whether my husband and i would like to get out of bird cages (maybe lease out our current apartment in Spore) and live in bigger spaces and closer to nature. We too have a doggie, golden retriever. But Erika, i would like to understand there aren't any gates to the individual villa/terrace/bunglow at all? The main entrances seem without gates (from your pictures)

    cheers,
    Saber

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Saber,

    Thanks for reading my blog. I wanted to share my experience and the reasons for us moving here to anyone out there who would be considering moving to this side of the world. There are actually a lot of dog owners in this complex as there are a lot of expats (both Singaporeans and Western expats).

    For villas & bungalows, there's gated grass area at the sides of the buildings, but not in front of the buildings. If you'd like to come visit, I'll be happy to host and show you around.

    Cheers,
    Erika

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Erika,

    Yea you have been sharing very good information. *wink.

    Thank you so much for the invitation. I would be doing abit of work travelling these 2 months. I plan to visit East Ledang around end of Feb. My husband and I plan to drive in to East Ledang. hehe maybe if you are free, it will be lovely if we can drop by and see the surroundings and your home. By the way, my mum's house in Sri Pulai Perdana 2 (further up as compared to East Ledang) would be ready in April 2011 too. But honestly, East Ledang's quality is really way above my expectations and above Sri Pulai Perdana 2's. It's wonderful that you have such a beautiful house. Hey do post some pictures of your lovely house when your reno is done :-D

    cheers,
    Saber

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Saber,

    Definitely we will post more pictures as we start the renovation :)

    I've not heard of Sri Pulai Perdana, but I know there are quite a no of developments in Nusajaya, though I haven't seen any development which is this close to Tuas and is of this calibre.

    Drop me a note a few days before your trip and I can meet you at the Sales office and tour around this area.

    Have a great week ahead!

    Cheers,
    Erika

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Erika,

    Thanks alot! By the way which exit should one exit if one drives in via Tuas 2nd link and on the highway called Lebuhraya Hubungan Kedua Malaysia? My parents would be driving in this friday while i have to fly overseas this weekend. So just wish to get some correct directions for my parents as my father got lost today :-(

    cheers,
    Saber

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Saber,

    Sorry for my late reply. It's so built in me that I can't remember exactly the exits, but I found you this map: http://www.eastledang.com/images/dl_DirectionalMap.pdf

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Erika,

    Sorry for my late reply. just came back from workshop only. Ahh how could i have missed this pdf file on east ledang website. Thank you my dear, it's very useful. :-)

    My mum is alittle worried about the transportation as she's the only one without a car in the household. So i guess i would have to check out what is the plan for public transportation over there.

    Hope you had a great weekend!

    cheers,
    Saber

    ReplyDelete
  14. No worries Saber! Your mom can always car pool with neighbours too - we're all friendly helpful people :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Erika, I am considering re-locating to East Ledang (rent a house) for a year and experience living in Malaysia; while the kids school and we work here in Singapore :p Any pointers on good places to rent? which street is better? which unit with the best view etc? Would definitely look forward to your Gem of advice ;) also, We have a Golden Retriever :p

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Rover,

    Thanks for reading my blog & welcome to our neighbourhood.

    There are a few houses which are available for rent. I believe that there are a few terrace houses available for rent. You can call Norhaneesa from the sales office (details in one of my articles) to ask for information. She's a very helpful lady.

    There are quite a no of neighbours with dogs, myself included. One of our neighbours even have 6 dogs :)

    I hope this helps, feel free to post your questions if you have any further questions.

    Have a good evening,
    Erika

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi my future East Ledang friends,
    planning to rent a place in the first phase, any recommendations for transporting our furniture from Singapore??
    Regards, Pat

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Pat,

    Thanks for reading my blog. We engaged and used to recommend Tong Carriage, but we decided to never recommend them again due to very bad experience from our neighbour and our recent move. If I know of any other reliable removalist, I'll drop you a note.

    Cheers,
    Erika

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Erika,

    Found your blog and its soo nice of you to share it here! Making me feel at home and peace like as though we're not alone to move to another habitat!

    But actually, I'm still looking around some places in JB (after many2 years of trying to make my husband agree to stay here! :P)

    Finally found your blog.. (Developer of East Ledang should pay you this so called AD! LOL) and make me want to come to a final decision! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Erika

    Agree with the other posters - you have a great blog! We are considering buying a place at East Ledang but would love to know, is it noisy with all the building work? Do they build in Saturdays?

    Helen

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  21. Wow! after hearing your testimonial, I think you must be staying full-time in Johor but working most of the time in Singapore still.

    It is better to stay in Johor full-time once u decided to retire or semi-retired. I am planning to buy a twin-villa with a budget of $500k Sing dollars. I am semi-retiring and will stay in Johor because of this amazing development and beautiful green environment nearby.

    Of course I will come to Singapore twice a week to meet old friends and network. Is good to be something like this.

    ReplyDelete
  22. @helen - thanks for reading my blog, apologies for my late reply :) building work does happen on sat, but we do not get too much noise where we are. I think it depends on the house location, which one are you looking at?

    ReplyDelete
  23. @Monster, thanks for reading my blog. Agree with your point :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Erika,

    Glad to read some infor from your blag.

    I am a singapore PR, malaysia origin but left malaysia for many years. I have a link house in Horizon hills and it is under renovation now,I am thinking of going back on weekend but open to travel everyday to work in Singapore since I am driving.

    I am interested to get another one but do not sure if I should buy in Horizon hills or east ledang ( i have not been to east ledang but my friend toldme it is very nice ) I know currently they are lauching a bunglow and Imy agent will sent me some info.

    May I have your kind opinion regards Horizon hills versus East ledang ?

    Your opinion is very much appreciated.

    Reagrds,
    Eva

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Eva,

      Thanks for reading my blog. We had a look at Leisure Farm, HH, Nusa idaman, Ledang Heights and East Ledang when we were browsing for house in Johor. I personally like Leisure Farm because it's a lot more established but the compound is too big and too far (add another ~15 mins travel time). We didn't like HH because (i) it was a lot further than 2nd link at that time (ii) didn't like the house design and we felt the houses are too clustered. Nusa idaman was out, we didn;t like it. We shortlisted Ledang Heights and EL, decided to go with EL because we didn't have time to wait for a house to be built and we preferred the structure of EL (gated, more community feeling etc).

      I think it's really depends on your personal style and prefence, e.g. are you after a property for investment? What type of budget, type of houses, etc. HH is definitely more established than EL & LH, so that's a plus point. However, you may want to diversify your portfolio.

      These are my 2cents and personal opinion. I hope it helps :)

      All the best in your decision, happy to connect you to our contact in UEM if you;re keen to xplore LH and EL.

      Have a great Sun,
      Erika

      Delete
  25. Hi Erika,

    Thank you so much for your opinion, it definately worth much much more than 2 cents :)

    I am going to view the new cluster house in HH tomorrow and if time allow, I may go to El for a look. I checked property guru and realise EL is lauching the apartment now.

    I also saw some units put up on sale in Leisure farm, I love the resort country style fro own staying , however I remember 7, 8 years ago when Leisure farm marketed the properties in Singapore,the price was about RM 8ook to RM 1 mil, and now the semi-D is asking for less RM 1.2Mil, it does not look attractive as compare to HH and EL for investment purpose.

    The nevertheless, I Will check your blog from time to time to see some update and info , you are doing a great job to help the community :) Keep in up :)

    Regards,
    Eva

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    Replies
    1. Hi Eva, thanks again for reading my blog. No worries, I'm happy to help. All the best for your house hunting :)

      Have a great weekend,
      Erika

      Delete
  26. Hi Erika,

    How are you ? it's being a while since I last wrote to you ..I noticed the price in East Ledang drop as compare to HH, the Semi D in HH for resale market is now about 25%-30% higher the East Ledang now, can I have your thoughs please?

    Regards,
    Eva

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Eva, thanks for reading my blog and for your message. I haven't been following prices on both development. I'll try to check on and it and post if I hear any insights. Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  27. Hi Erika,

    Enjoyed, Thanks sharing nice story , post on Johor - SG travelling. Agreed great saving.

    Pls help check out too, if any interest Professional people there, working near Austin Heights Site to consider below.

    Thks in adv.


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    ReplyDelete