Monday, 20 January 2025

Group Getaway to Muar Malaysia

 “A journey is measured with love, rather than miles.”

Muar, often referred to as "Bandar Maharani," is a gem in Johor, Malaysia. Its rich history and cultural blend make it a fascinating place to explore. Here are some interesting highlights about Muar. Muar's designation as the Royal Town of Johor adds to its charm and historical significance. The town features an array of pre-war buildings that showcase a unique fusion of British colonial and Middle Eastern architectural influences. Muar's historical roots date back even before the well-known Melaka, making it a treasure trove for historians and culture enthusiasts. The town is also famous for its local food, which we will spend an afternoon hunting for yummies in the infamous "Glutton Street".


We start the journey at the early hours of Boxing Day - at 6am, we are picking up Ms Piggy & Mr Dane.

We crossed over to JB side by 0715hrs and our first stop is to have a good breakfast at Eco Botanic in JB.

Tang Ren 糖人 （传统糖水&手工糕点）
This is a popular eatery located in the JB Eco Botanic area in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. There are many parking space nearby, so not to worry much. 


It offers a wide range of Asian cuisine, including noodles, nasi lemak, coffee, and tea. 


They even offer a wide selection of handmade kuehs that is made by the lady boss from her personal kitchen at her own house. 
The service is superb, the aunty was very patient and attempted to introduce all the kuehs to me one by one, I stopped her because by the time she introduced to the 6th one, my plate is already nearly full.


The main dishes we ordered were all very delicious - wok hei filled fried kway teow, fragrance nasi lemak, thick and good curry.. 





My favourite kueh is this grey one - the fillings is preserved radish, tasted heavenly. 






It's a great spot to enjoy a variety of flavourful and comforting meals.
Happily, we continued our journey to Muar with Ms Piggy talking non-stop and all of us laughing non-stop. 


MUO Resorts

MUO Resort is a charming boutique resort located in Muar, Johor, Malaysia. It offers a range of comfortable and tastefully furnished accommodations, reflecting the local culture and story of Muar. 

The resort offers various room types, including Superior Double, Premium Suite, Deluxe Quad, and Family Suites. 

Each room is equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning, complimentary WiFi, and private bathrooms. 
The resort is centrally located in Muar City Center, making it convenient for exploring the area. 
The main gate will be down from 0000-0700hrs with 24hrs staff on duty, not bad ya for the security..


The staff are very flexible, allow us to get the keys at 1400hrs which we were delighted that we can have a short rest as we woke up at 4am this morning. 
Aside from the keys, per room is given a paper bag that is fill with titbits and coffee. 

The resort will allocate one parking lot to per room, we are lucky to have the parking lot right outside of our door.

Once we open the door to our room, it is a "one look see all".
A queen size bed with white crispy linen, clean floor and almost dustfree. 


There is a small storage rack by the door that come with an in-house slipper which I did not use.


A desk with a small mirror and boiling kettle. 

There is no wardrobe but several hanging hooks. 


Storage shelves are minimal but enough for us to use. 
Toilet is very basic type, basin area is considered sophisticated that come with body wash and shampoo, the shower area is "just like that".


Stayed in this room for 3 nights, all good !


MUO Resort in Muar does have a mini zoo! Located at the back of the resort, the mini zoo allows guests to interact with various animals such as rabbits, goats, sheep, deer, and cats. It's a fun and unique feature that makes the resort especially appealing for families with children. 









If you are looking for 5 stars hotel or resort service, this is not the one.
But if you are like me, looking for some laid back and "do nothing" feel - then this is the one. 





There are several lounge points here in this resort, glad that we have a "laid-back' one just next to our room.




ZUZU Coffee at MUO
Located in Muar, within the area of MUO resort, to be precise, it is located at the same building as the resort's reception.

Though located in MUO but it is not affiliated to MUO so I guessed it is the kind of landlord and tenant relationship.

Cats roam around here freely, this is Kitty lazing around here. 


It's known for its artisanal coffee and a variety of unique beverages. They offer a range of drinks, including espresso-based options like ZUZU BLACK (espresso + water) and ZUZU WHITE (espresso + milk), as well as specialty drinks like ZUZU Coconut American Style (espresso + coconut water) and ZUZU Coconut Milk Latte (espresso + coconut milk).


In addition to coffee, they also sell coffee beans, matcha, chocolate, and small coffee equipment. The shop has a modern vibe and is popular among locals and visitors who appreciate a good cup of coffee.


Here to introduce the 2 friends I just made here - the mascots of MUO.
The orange one is Simba and the tri-coloured one is Kitty, they are very friendly and approachable to everyone.
They will be found roaming the resort from morning to night and will whisk home at dusk. 



I fed them with wet food almost twice daily, and at the third day, Simba was waiting for me near my door.

There is a 7-11 opposite and sell wet cat food, if you happen to be in MUO, please do buy them some wet food.
I asked the staff and was told usually fed them with dried food, they are happy to have some wet food, especially various fish flavours.


 The night feel of this place is nice and cozy. 



Muar Glutton Street
Muar Glutton Street, also known as Food Street Jalan Haji Abu, is a delightful 100-meter stretch teeming with food stalls. 


Located between Jalan Meriam at the northern end and Jalan Ali in the south, this street offers a variety of delicious local hawker fare.



Each stall has its unique specialties and charm, so exploring them all can be a delightful culinary adventure. 

Don't forget to look out for passing cars and motorbikes as you enjoy your food walk!



Ah Choy Wan Tan Mee 亚才云吞面
Ah Choy Wan Tan Mee is a well-known restaurant located in Muar, Malaysia. It specializes in Wan Tan Mee, a popular Chinese noodle dish. The dish typically consists of egg noodles served with succulent chicken, fresh greens, and delicate dumplings filled with seasoned meat and vegetables. It's often served in a savory broth or with a soy sauce-based topping.





Ah Kaw Satay 亚九美味沙爹
Satay Ah Kow is a popular satay stall located in Muar, Malaysia. It's known for its 40 years of experience and is famous for its chicken, pork, and pork intestine satay. They also serve cockle satay, which is salty and sweet, and pairs perfectly with their homemade peanut sauce. The stall is a local favorite and has been in business since the 1970s We ordered 20 sticks of pork for the start, upon the first bite, it just went "wowwowwow", Ms Piggy said this is the best satay she ever had. There is no fats at ll in this stall, it is like mini moo ping but it is much sweeter. In the end, we ordered another round of 20 sticks.




Otak Otak 
Muar is the best spot for Otak lovers and usually we will only patron one particular brand which is just 5 minutes' drive away from this Glutton Street. 
We give it a try on the Otak-Otak we found along the coffee shop we dined in. 
Otak-otak is a traditional Malaysian dish made from mackerel fish mixed with a blend of spices and coconut milk, then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled to perfection.




Tian Tian BBQ 
Tian Tian BBQ is a well-known eatery located in Muar.
The establishment offers a variety of BBQ and soup dishes, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

There is only outdoor seatings available here, so it is best to visit after sun set and good to avoid when it rains. 




The BBQ items we ordered are average taste but the lok lok are pretty good. 







Heng Mui Coffeeshop 
Heng Mui Coffeeshop, also known as Heng Mui Kopitiam, is a beloved local coffee shop in Muar, Johor. It's a small, old-school establishment known for its Hainanese coffee and tea, which are both aromatic and smooth. The coffeeshop is famous for its kaya toast, with crunchy toast spread with homemade kaya that's aromatic and sweet. 


Despite its simple appearance, Heng Mui Coffeeshop is a favourite spot among locals and often crowded with customers. This coffeeshop is perfect to the laid back MUO resort.


There are choices of packets nasi lemak, mee siam, fried kway teow, curry puffs and various kuehs.

The coffee is indeed powerful and sent a kick to my brain! 


Nasi lemak - though simple but the rice and chilli are good. 
Mee siam is up to expectations.




Soft boiled eggs were all boiled to the perfect texture, much better than some well known brands in Singapore!

Today is our day 2 here and we are heading to Malacca for massage, but before I go off, I must feed my 2 friends first. 


Okay, here we are, we are all ready for the 45 minutes ride to Malacca. 



Scent & Senses - A Touch of Thai
Siam Oriental is a wellness center located in Muar, Johor, offering a range of Thai massage and spa services. 

The center provides an authentic and rejuvenating Thai massage experience, combining ancient techniques with modern comfort whose service aim to promote relaxation, balance and overall wellness.

The lobby of the Spa is very beautiful and relaxing with a good touch of Thai Feel.


All the staff that I came across are all from Thailand where I can converse with them with my limited Thai, anyway they are good English speakers.



We start the service with foot spa where your masseuse will serve you from start to the end.

So far, we are very impressed with the place and service and were looking forward to the relaxing service in the room.


The room is the basic kind, with whole row of little "rooms" that are divided by curtains. The "room" interior is decent and clean with few pillows, though it does look super relaxing but I am confident that I will get a satisfying result. 
My masseuse is Sorn, she is in her 40s and she is very experience in this line. She came from ChaingRai where we just visited last month, she asked me about the situation and weather there, it is obvious she missed her hometown and has not been back for long. 
Back to Sorn, with her good experience, she knows  where was wrong, what need to be correct and how to apply the right pressure.
True enough, after 2 hours, I am fully charged ! I am hooked; I will come back again next time. 




Aunty Nance Laksa 1961
The name of the shop said it all - the core of this eatery is "laksa' and that is the reason of our visit after our 2hr massage.


It is regret that by the time we placed our orders, laksa is already sold out and it was before 2pm!
This eatery is known for their curry laksa served with crispy crackers and cockles; we will come again. 


We opted for alternative offered by the eatery - 4 prawn noodles with different noodles base. 
The noodles are served with a generous amount of toppings, including pork slices, full-sized prawns, kang kung, and fish cakes, the special sauces which all adds to the overall deliciousness of the dish.
Something special about this prawn noodles is that they added crispy crackers too.  


The broth is rich and full of prawn flavour, making it a must-try for prawn lovers


Mr Dane was so happy with it that he ordered second bowl.
My MR ordered fishballs noodles for his second bowl.



Chop Hua Bee
Chop Hua Bee is a well-known bakery and confectionery shop located at 10 Jalan Solok, Tangkak, Johor, Malaysia. It's famous for its traditional Chinese biscuits and pastries, including green bean paste biscuits, sesame-coated yam biscuits, and mooncakes.


 The shop has been around for quite some time and is popular among both locals and visitors.



The tau sar piah (TSP) is "to-die-for', last time I came, they have a special time slot for the TSP at 12pm, and I managed to get them as I came at about 1145am.
This round, it was about 3pm when we visited, I was not hopeful for TSP but I just trying my luck and asked .. And they have stocks!

 I ordered a box of 12 small TSP - the size of the TSP for small size is much larger than the usual Malaysia's BIG brands.
It tastes as good as before, the best TSP to my taste, the size, the price, the quality keeps make me come back for more. The problem is, this yummy Chop Hua Bee is located in Tangkak, the last town of Johore. BTW, I already gave up on the TSP on that popular brand in JB as the tsp keep shrinking though the price did not increase! 


I did not see Kueh Lapis on my last trip, I saw that stamp of the shop on the lapis and assured that it is their product, and I bought 1.
And it is also very good which my family of 3 nearly finish them upon opening.  Next time I must buy more. 
This "toilet paper roll" biscuit is Heung Piah, it is a "to-die-for" to my mum, she has been bugging me for it for quite some time and I am glad to make the trip this round.





MCA Bentayan Food Court (Muar)
This food court has been around since 1980 and is known for its wide variety of delicious and affordable food.
There are around 20-30 stalls offering a range of local favourites like fried oysters, seafood, chicken satay, and various beverages. The food court is "free seating', meaning you'll need to find your own seat and then go to the stalls to order your food.

The MCA Bentayan Food Court is a popular food court located in Muar, Johor, Malaysia. It's situated on Jalan Bakri, Taman Sri Emas.  We arrived before 6pm, just to avoid dinner crowds but the crowds were already starting to form. Luckily, we got a table easily and Miss Piggy and I went hunting for food while the two lazy boys prefer to sit and chill.


We have very good impression of the food court as It's a clean, bright, and spacious environment with enough seating for everyone.
Some of the stall will served you your order to your table where is also the point to pay for your order.
Some stalls will opt for full self service system where you order from the stall & queue for your order at the stall itself.
There are also some high tech kind where a buzzer will be given to you once you made your order, go back to collect when the buzzer sound.


Fried Hokkien mee is loaded with umami taste and wok hei, this is a beloved and flavourful dish that hails from Malaysia and Singapore. 


It's a stir-fried noodle dish that combines both thick yellow egg noodles and thin rice vermicelli that usually includes a mix of pork belly or lard, prawns, squid, and fish cake. It's cooked with a rich stock made from prawn shells, which infuses the noodles with an intense, savoury flavours. 

Fried oyster omelette and fried carrot cake are from the same stall, saw 3 generations manning the stall. The father is resting at a table nearby, the son is holding the wok, the grandson is managing the basic cooking. 

The carrot cake is not bad, with the taste of fried dried radish exploding in my mouth.

The oyster omelette is OMG! Generous share of big fat oysters with good wok hei and some crispiness. 


Hong Kong style chee cheong fun (CCF) is the one that give us buzzer upon order. There is something different on the menu that we never had before which is CCF stuffed with minced pork! In the end we ordered minced pork and prawn CCF which is adored for its silky, smooth texture and light, savory flavor.

The rolls are made from a thin layer of rice flour batter that's steamed until soft and slightly translucent. Inside, you might find various fillings like shrimp, barbecued pork (char siu), beef, or vegetables. 


The rice noodle rolls are typically served with a light, savory sauce made from a mix of soy sauce, sometimes with a touch of sugar, sesame oil, and occasionally hoisin sauce. This sauce seeps into the noodles, adding to their flavours without overpowering the delicate rolls.


40 sticks of pork satay with ketupats. The satay is normal and flavourful, the ketupats is very good. 





Glacier by Sylvester Ice-cream 
Glacier by Sylvester is an artisanal ice cream shop located in Muar, Johor. They specialize in handmade ice creams and a variety of pastries and desserts. It's a great spot to indulge in some delicious, creamy treats if you're in the area.


The cafe offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to relax and indulge in sweet treats.


We came around 7pm, after our early dinner at a local food court, there is no much people in the ice cream parlour and we are happy to have the place by ourselves. Crowds start to pour in around 830pm where people come for dessert after dinner.

Aside from selling ice cream, this cafe also offers a range of freshly baked cakes, crepes, and coffee cakes with a crispy waffle texture. Specialty coffees and aromatic teas are listed on the menu for individual's preference. 







Bao Ye Pork Noodles Soup (宝爷猪肉粉) 
Another popular noodle soup dish in Muar, Johor. It features succulent pork slices in a flavorful broth, served with noodles. The soup is often seasoned with a blend of spices, giving it a rich and savory taste. It's a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for noodle lovers.









Kedai Kopi See Hoi (wood fire coffee & toast)
Kedai Kopi See Hoi is a nostalgic eatery located in Muar. This charming coffee shop has been serving coffee and toast using a wood fire for over 50 years, been operating since 1970. Currently run by the second generation, who continues to hold on to the tradition of using wood-burning stove to maintain the authentic taste and ambience.

It is a favourite spot for breakfast among both locals and tourists. The nostalgic atmosphere and the dedication to traditional methods make it a must-visit when in Muar. 


The eatery is known for its delicious coffee, toast, and boiled eggs, there are even choices of nasi lemak, noodles and various kuehs are available too.



The sight of the stove is "priceless", the last time I saw something like this was my "finding my roots trip to Fujian".

Food cooked on a wood fire stove has a distinct, rich flavor that's hard to replicate with modern cooking methods. The wood smoke infuses the food with a unique, smoky taste that adds depth and complexity. Wood fire stoves provide consistent, even heat, which can enhance the texture and flavor of the food. The high, direct heat from the fire can create a beautiful char and crispness, especially on meats and vegetables. The aroma of burning wood contributes to the overall sensory experience, making the food smell as good as it tastes.


Overall, cooking with a wood fire stove can elevate the flavors of your dishes, making them more robust and aromatic.

The place was pretty packed when we arrived at 930am, boss showed us a VIP table right at the back of the shop. 
Just only 1 table in the rustic backyard, we have the whole place by ourselves. 
On and off, we were greeting by the sounds of zinc fence dancing in the breeze.


The coffee has a after taste of "roasted" feel and very slight touch of "sourish' but it is very comforting to my taste buds. 


The toasts were grilled over the wood fire stove as well, the texture is perfect, crispy on the outside and soft in the inside with an aftertaste of sight "burnt" feel.
My MR ordered nasi lemak and yam cake which the nasi lemak is not bad but the yam cake is slightly bland, not much taste of hay bee. 


Mr Dane is an eggs killer - he ordered soft boiled egg which is as good as what he had the day before in Muar too. Not all ang mo will appreciate soft boiled eggs. 


Right next to the coffeeshop, this old house caught our eyes and we find it charming, standing here , tested through the times. 


New Eastern Restaurant
The New Eastern Restaurant in Muar is a charming spot with a lot of history. It has been around since 1936 and retains a nostalgic 60s vibe with its wooden tables and chairs. 


The restaurant also has a unique ambiance, with decorations and furniture unchanged since its early days.

 It's a great place to experience a taste of Muar's culinary history and enjoy some delicious traditional dishes.





The restaurant is known for its Hainanese Chicken Chop, which has maintained its original taste over the years.
Other popular dishes include Hainanese fish & chips, fried rice, Hainanese noodles, Sambal prawn, fried sotong, and spiced chicken.


Kooma Cafe
Kooma Cafe, also known as Kooma Tea, is a popular spot in Muar, Johor. Located at Jalan Bakri, it's known for its cozy ambiance and a wide variety of beverages and snacks. They even have "drive-thru’ service which really impresses us.
They offer a range of drinks, including their signature milk teas, smoothies, and iced beverages. The cafe also serves a selection of light bites like cakes, sandwiches, and snacks. 









There is also out-door seatings too where customers can feel the different atmosphere as they made a effort to do up the place.



The cakes selections are all so mouth-watering and I feel like to order all! 




For the hungry ones, they serve lunch and dinner with choices of local and western food too. The fruit teas that we ordered are refreshing and fresh, ideal for such weather. 


We are here for dinner, so we choose meals like mamite chicken rice, salted egg chicken rice, chicken chop and chicken baked rice. 





The interior is designed with a modern touch, featuring comfortable seating arrangements and plenty of greenery, which adds a refreshing vibe to the space



The moment of the night is to celebrate Mr Dane's birthday, he ordered a chocolate cake, a grape cake for myself and my MR ordered a cream brulee. I asked for a candle and the staff made an effort to present the cake on a pizza board and "birthday greetings". Well, the cakes are all very good, so does the latte and the americano.





It's a great place to relax, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or tea. The cafe has a modern and inviting atmosphere, making it a favorite hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. The crew are all very accommodating and helpful, I like to being around here. 


Ramly Burger - Fendy's Fast Food
Located right next to the 7-11 that is just opposite of the entrance of MUO resort, this kiosk opens only evening to late night.


They are known for their delicious burgers, including their signature Fendy Burger. The kiosk offers a variety of fast food items, making it a go-to place for a quick and satisfying meal.



Love the fact that the seller is making the patties all by themselves, no wonderr it taste so juicy and flavourful.



Unlike some other similar kiosk seller that selling similar items, the Ramly burger we ordered is not "over-fused‘ with sauces. 



Good Place Kopitiam好地方茶餐室
It's a great spot for enjoying local Chinese cuisine and special fruit juice drinks. The restaurant has a good reputation for its delicious food and friendly service. 
We are here today for our breakfast on our fourth day in Muar. 


Duck noodles is tasty and comfortable.


WTM is up to expectations, not bad. 


Fried kway teow is normal but there is no hum which was a disappointment.


Roti Prata is another OMG!, it has been ages since I ate this and this Chinese uncle got the power!
He has been here for near 30 years, it is really very delicious to everyone's liking.





After a hearty breakfast, we will be checking out and head towards South, where we will spend some good hours in JB before heading Singapore. 

While they are busying loading the car, I went to my new friends and feed them for the last time.



 Not sure if I still have the chance to see them, I wish them grow up well and blessed. 



Cheng Boi Otak
Stopped by and grabbed some really good otak from this legendary shop.
Otak-otak is a traditional Malaysian dish made from fish paste mixed with spices, wrapped in banana or coconut leaves, and then grilled or steamed. Cheng Boi Otak is famous for its flavourful and aromatic otak-otak, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.



Hua Mui Austin
Restoran Hua Mui in Johor Bahru (JB) is a well-known eatery that has been serving delicious Hainanese cuisine since 1946.


Hua Mui is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. It’s not uncommon to see a line forming outside, especially during peak hours. 


Despite the crowd, the service is generally quick and efficient.
It's famous for its Hainanese Chicken Chop, Kaya Toast, and other local favourites like Mee Siam and Nasi Lemak.


We ordered salted egg chicken fried rice, fried bee hoon, fried kway teow & curry noodles.
All the food we ordered were up to expectation, they are delicious. 






My Liberica Coffee
My Liberica Coffee is a specialty coffee shop, farm, and roastery located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. They specialize in Liberica coffee, which is one of the rarest and sweetest coffee species in the world
. My Liberica Coffee follows a "seed-to-cup" concept, meaning they handle every step of the coffee production process, from growing the beans to roasting and brewing them.



The cafe offers a cozy and friendly atmosphere, with great ambience and music that isn't overly intrusive. 

They serve coffee made from their own beans grown in Johor, and you can also enjoy treats like the Smoked Duck croissant and Red Velvet cake made from beetroot. 





Hei Huang BBQ 
This is our third and last visit to this supposed yummy BBQ.





First time ordered this BBQ chicken wings and they are well marinated and are tasty.


The sambal on the stingray seems to be not as fragrance as before too.
But I admit, the seafood is very fresh. 

It seems, once they got a strong foothold, they started to use lower grade of ingredients. 

Here we are together with many Singapore cars, it took us 45 minutes to reach Tuas. We are very lucky as I ever stucked here for 6hrs! 


We have come to the end on the finale trip of 2024.
2024 is a blessed year for us that we travelled quite a bit, here to share some of the links of the blogs:




Between 2022 to 2023, we visited The Netherlands & Belgium, here to share :  Amsterdam, The Hague , Rotterdam , Kinderdijk , Naarden ,Muiden , Haarlem , Nijmegan, Brussel, Bruges 
and Antwerp.
We even moved to stay in Denmark during the peak of Covid : Relocation from Singapore to Aalborg, Denmark

Feel free, you are most welcome to browse through my other blogs to France, Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia and cruises etc.

We are having plannings for Shanghai again, Tokyo & Osaka, as well as Beijing in 2025.
Please stay tune by liking my Facebook page: followblueginger, Instagram page : followblueginger , TikTok page: bluegingerkaren and Tumblr page :followblueginger.
Thanks, and Cheers

"I travel because seeing photos in books and brochures was not good enough for me, To be there, that was everything"
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