Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Security Question in East Ledang

I just read about the recent robbery incident at Bukit Indah. Security is definitely something that we take super seriously.

When we first considered moving to East Ledang, our main and no 1 concern was security. I spent many hours researching and reading many many blogs which were discussing about security in Johor. Some of the comments were quite scary, some even wrote: "I've not been to Johor for over 20 years and I don't plan to visit" while others even suggested carrying guns for self-protection.

Since we've been living here for almost 6 months now, I feel obliged to share our experience and learnings about the security of living in Johor.

A few important points for me on why we chose East Ledang:
- The East Ledang complex is surrounded by fences equipped with movement sensitive infra-red cameras, coupled with guard patrols throughout the day on regular intervals. Visitors entrance into the complex is tightly controlled (Before moving here, we've tried to visit this complex a couple of times but were not allowed to drive in).
- Each house is armed with CHUBB Alarm system which is super sensitive and super loud (you'll definitely wake up the entire neighbourhood if the alarm goes off)
- Police station is located at Anjung, which is the foodcourt area just outside of East Ledang.

Overall, I feel safe in East Ledang and we've not heard any complaints from neighbours so far. I also drive home late quite often from work, but I feel safe driving on the LebuhRaya highway in the evening. There are usually still lots of traffic in the evening.

I use my common sense and take precautions if we go to other places in Johor. For examples: not to show off and wear too many expensive jewellery pieces, not to display cash in public, always using a steering wheel lock, be mindful of where we park the car, etc. I think these are again common sense that you would apply everyday when you live anywhere else in this world (OK - maybe except for Singapore - yes there's no place else I feel in the world as safe as Singapore). Also, residents should act as a community to ensure that we keep the area safe and secured.

So in a nutshell, yes I do agree that Johor is not as safe as Singapore - but where else is as safe as Singapore really? Each of us play a part to be prudent and watch out for our community. I think this will lead to a better and safer environment.

Iskandar Malaysia to Create 1.4 Million Employment Opportunities

Iskandar Malaysia is projected to create 1.4 million employment opportunities by the time the economic growth region reaches maturity in 2025.

More about this article - here.

Firefly identifies new hub users

Managing director Datuk Eddy Leong said with Iskandar Malaysia progressing well, the airline expected air travel to pick up in the long run.

“We foresee great potential for growth in the leisure and tourism sectors in Iskandar which, in turn, will require better air linkages between Senai Airport and the region,'' he said on Saturday.

Firefly identifies new hub users

Sunday, March 27, 2011

2 Days of Heavy Rain in East Ledang

Some pictures we took during the recent heavy downpour which lasted for 2 days.



Expats residents gathering @ Leisure Farm

A few weekends ago, we were invited to a potluck (held once every couple of months) by expats residents in this area.

There were about 20+ adults and quite a number of children (ranging from babies to teenagers).

It was very very fun to meet so many people who are in the same situation as us (i.e. moved from Singapore and are now living in Johor). Most people in the group are living in Leisure Farm and many commute to Singapore daily for work and/or to drop their kids to schools.

There were Australians, English, Germans, Canadians, South Africans, Americans, Malaysians and many more nationalities. We had an awesome time and look forward to the next gathering.

Soul Asia - Little Thailand in Nusa Bestari, Johor

We finally had the chance to check out Soul Asia, a Thai massage shop in Taman Nusa Bestari. We tried the 60 minutes traditional Thai massage and had dinner at the restaurant after massage.

I must say I felt like we were back in Health Land Bangkok. The room was very nice and clean. The massage ladies were Thais who have been in Johor for over 3 years. There are apparently over 30 Thai massage ladies in this place.

The total cost of our massages was RM106 (including tax) - SG$50 equivalent for 2 people. In Singapore, the cheapest Thai massage I can find is in Golden Mile, which is still more expensive than this and the place wasn't very nice.

So needless to say, we will be going back to this place for sure. I'd like to try the Thai aromatherapy next, which cost RM110 (for 90 minutes).

Here are some pictures we took of the ground floor area:


Pictures of 3rd floor - our massage room:



After the great massage, we also had dinner at the Soul Asia bistro.



We ordered Coconut cream tom yum chicken soup, Thai style steamed prawns, kai lan with Oyster Sauce, pineapple fried rice, stir fried chicken. Though not as authentic as First Thai or Diandin Leluk Thai restaurants in Singapore, I did enjoy the meal and it was nice. The dinner cost RM90 (SGD38 est. equivalent).



Overall, we spent less than SGD100 for the relaxing evening (massage, food & drinks), so I was very happy.

The place is very clean, nice, cheap and very Thai - so if you like Thai massage, I highly recommend this place :)

Soul Asia is located at No 3G, Jalan Bestari 3/5, Taman Nusa Bestari, 81300 Nusajaya, Johor.

Contact No: 07-511 1000/2000, Open Daily from 11 am to 1 am.


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Monday, March 14, 2011

Legoland Malaysia set to open in 2012

Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, president and chief executive officer of Iskandar Investment Group and chairman of IDR Resorts, said next year would be a significant year for Iskandar Investment with the launch of completed projects such as Legoland Malaysia under the company's first phase of development in Iskandar Malaysia. "There will be more job opportunities for all," he said in a statement today.

Legoland Malaysia set to open in 2012

Asian Legoland in the works


Builders are putting together 15,000 models for Legoland Malaysia, set to open in Johor Baru next year.

Asian Legoland in the works

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Steps to Purchase a Property from East Ledang (Developer Purchase)

This is the information we received initially. Since I have received quite a few questions about purchasing in East Ledang phase II etc, I thought this would be very useful to those who are keen on East Ledang properties.

If you have any questions, please feel free to drop us a note and we'll be happy to help.

Here are the steps to purchasing a property in East Ledang from UEM:

1. Booking
- RM10, 000

2. Within 14 days
-Have to sign the Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA)
-Make sure the loan application has been approved and signed the Letter of Offer with the bank
- Balance of 1st 10% Deposit : Once sign the SPA, pay the balance of first 10%
-If customer wants to pay cash: Just pay 1st 10% then waiting for the bungalow reach the 50% construction and approval for state consent then pay the balance as follow the progress billing.

Miscellaneous:

1. Maintenance fees monthly
a. Resort Bungalow – RM450.00 per month
b. Twin Villa – RM350.00 per month

End Financier
• Loan Term –Until the age of 65 or a maximum tenure of 30 years (Can use your own banker or Sales Exec. can suggest the local banker)

Documents needed for loan application:

*6 month latest bank statement
*Copy of Passport
*IR8A statement / Income tax statement/ Notice of Assessment
*Copy of Identity Card
*Employment confirmation letter
*6 months salary slip

Other Fees:
• Legal Fees, Stamp Duty, Memorandum of Transfer & Disbursement for house only will cover by developer.
• State Approval - RM12, 000.00 ++ will pay by customer to panel lawyer.
*Using developer panel lawyer only.