Living in JB

[vincentck]

Guys (and ladies),

Recently, I managed to get a metal guy(Shop name: Iron Man, nice name!!!) for grills at 3.5k just for ground level considering a good rate (Initial quote, I got from ID at more than 10k, what a joke!).

I just hope to share. No commission. Should you need his quote, its just you and him.

After reading this thread, I start to worry. Grills or no grills. I'm still considering but I felt it's a good rate. I had engaged him on the house extension already. (He is a nice guy!)

His name is Sam. Mobile at 019-7411320.

Hi, thanks for sharing... always good to know more sources.

 

[vincentck]

Just to share with u guys the grills for my 3 storey semis cost about RM 11K, which is all-inclusive + two shelter ( one on 2nd floor and the other at the backyard ).

I find it quite reasonable as the first fellow quoted me RM 22K. RM 10,000 difference. Can u believe it?

Hi horizonhills, what kind of grill did you do for your house? I guess it was not stainless steel of wrought iron... since it's only RM11k for a 3-storey semi-d.

 

[vincentck]

What?? RM 2.396?? Today ( 12 Apr ) I change at a shopping centre in the north I get only RM 239 and when I called up Perling money changer, they gave RM 2.388. I change about S$3000. I really think that Arcade give VERY good rates

I went to change some Thai Baht today (13/4) at 5.30pm; managed to get 23.91 when XE.com was showing 24.01. Only 2-3 people in front of me, so I didn't have to wait long. MYR rate was 2.400... pretty high, but it has yet to hit the high of 2.43 back in Q4 '09. Nevertheless, pretty good rates... highest in the past 1 year.

 

[wuqi256]

Originally Posted by BalikKampung
Hi AP

I have seen the schedule previously. But it is more or less a guideline. Was asking around to see if anyone had the practical experience with CW3.
----------------------

BalikKampung,

There was an earlier write up about this but here goes a short one:

Actually i have taken the CW3 from both ends for a few times, not more than 20 times though its definitely more than 10. Its good enough for those who wants to come in but don't want to drive, etc. Although it stops at (odd places you never thought it will) and it gets quite crowded. Its quite regular though but sometimes, you get more than 20 minutes between buses.

Once onboard, its quite fast, 1 hour to 1.5 hours to get to Bukit Indah. In the morning though, it will be very packed. Also, once you get down from the CW3 to get your passport stamped, remember the bus will not pick you up where it dropped you.

Instead, follow one of those who took the bus with you pass the immigration counters and (i have tried MACS and got "waved through") then wait at the CW3 bus stop (don't have to pay again) to take the bus.

It might be a different CW3 bus depending on how long it took to clear customs. Not to worry, as long as you kept your ticket (sometimes they don't check too), you just show to them before boarding.

For those living near Bukit Indah, it will be useful as you can stop outside the Jusco area without going to the end terminal. There are also CW1 and CW2 services for the 1st link area.

There is a new CW4 by the way and it has already started. Still
terminates at Jurong East MRT station. This goes all the way to Pontian, Gelang Patah is the nearest for those who live in LF area.

Pontian (Malaysia)
Gelang Patah (Malaysia)
Sultan Abu Bakar Custom (Malaysia)
Jurong East (Singapore)

There is a CW3S and it goes straight to Sutera Mall where Carrefour is:
CW3SSutera Mall <--> Jurong East

Sutera Mall (Malaysia)
Taman Bukit Indah (Malaysia)
Sultan Abu Bakar Custom (Malaysia)
Jurong East (Singapore)

 

[wuqi256]

I went to change some Thai Baht today (13/4) at 5.30pm; managed to get 23.91 when XE.com was showing 24.01. Only 2-3 people in front of me, so I didn't have to wait long. MYR rate was 2.400... pretty high, but it has yet to hit the high of 2.43 back in Q4 '09. Nevertheless, pretty good rates... highest in the past 1 year.

Good for you Vincent.

 

[wuqi256]

Just to share with u guys the grills for my 3 storey semis cost about RM 11K, which is all-inclusive + two shelter ( one on 2nd floor and the other at the backyard ).

I find it quite reasonable as the first fellow quoted me RM 22K. RM 10,000 difference. Can u believe it?

Thanks HH, its a bit too far a difference, can you see if you knock on it with the wider end (back) of a metal house key and see if its hollow? $11k is about there if yours is the type that is hollow inside(but still thicker than the cheapest ones)

Actually sometimes its not just the strength of the bars as to a very determined person, he will still get in once your first few levels of security are breached (anti climb fencing/guards/patrol/patrol dogs/guard posts/guard dogs)

It becomes then a matter of how long he/she/it takes to get into your house. Normally in a gated/guarded place, no matter how they got in, they are pretty anxious to get things and get out.

They will look for easy/quick/soft targets and from a series of factors such as:
(Not a comprehensive source of crime prevention)
1. Perceived chance that loot is high
2. Perceived time and effort to get into house
3. Perceived chance of not being spotted and alarm is raised
4. Perceived chance of being able to get away from the house easily once 1-3 is satisfied.

So if your place has grilles, it will be better than those without as the would be thieves would be more keen on this.
If yours has solid stainless steel, alarms, dogs and security cameras, it just adds on to the deterrence level until they
either give up or look for easier targets.

Also, if your place is hard to access without having a vehicle (such as on top of a hill), then likely they will move only
the smaller items (unless they steal your car)

Forget those invisible grilles if you are living in ungated/unguarded areas. If a place gets me so rattled that i need to harden my house to the extent of having all of the ones below:

Multiple dogs, stainless steel grilles, tall gates/fencing, electrified fences, hardened doors, unplugged/locked external power points, reinforced windows, etc then probably in the first place i would not have picked it at all.

Its normal to be jittery especially in a foreign place but don't let fear control you.
In the beginning though when i first moved out here, i did lock all the doors and
left many "nice presents" for potential thieves indoors when i wasn't staying there.

Now i still lock the doors and never get complacent but i do feel its actually ok here as long
as one remains vigilant.

I got stopped by the police manning the road blocks just now when i drove home. The police guy asked me why i never turned on my main headlights, i sheepishly apologised and he asked me to be more careful. Then he asked me where i stayed, i told him and he said, you guys are so lucky to live here. Be careful with your lights next time. Then he waved me off and even told me to "drive safe, ok"

The trip from CBD to home took me a grand total of 50 minutes when i went in at 10 plus.

 

[euphony]

after looking at various developments for the past few months, i have finally settled for a unit at bayou water village within LF. whilst i do agree the lonely road to the development leaves much to be desired, I also see it as potential as well hoping that entrances be made either into 2nd link or coastal highway via medini. Once this opens I guess the home values may possibly see appreciation since geographically speaking it is closer to the 2nd link. If it doesn't well, I guess I just need extra precaution as always. The size seems perfect for me as a singleton and my mum plus the house is pretty well furnished. and its built and its wysiwyg! I was also looking at EL and lovvvvved the semi-Ds. they were much bigger, very well finished and designed but I can't afford it and the terraces were long gone too. Seems they were pretty hot, when I asked there were 4 units left but just a few days later, sold out.

the sales lady was very friendly and brought me around the huge development a bit. I went to the highest point overlooking LH and EL it was breath-taking. And I now know what wealthy is. I passed by a bungalow who has a chambermaid in uniform and a gardener tending to its lawn. phew! i am already over the hill with my comparatively mediocre sized terrace. Hope it all works out in time to come. =)

 

[KrisSpot23]

A quick enquiry to all the experienced bros and sis staying in JB. What's the best internet service to get? I just bought a new place at Taman Pelangi; very convenient cos only 5 mins from Causeway CIQ. Already installed ASTRO and moving over soon. But not yet solve the internet issue. And also water filter. Any suggestions? Thank you all in advance.

 

[whiteoak]

Any of you guys looking at the property along Puteri Harbour?

 

[GorengPisang]

Hey, congrats on your purchase at LF, i have been looking at JB properties in recent weeks too, visited a few estates specifically;

1) EL - Very good sized houses and equally impressive quality/finishing
2) HH - I love the clubhouse more than the houses, of course great relaxing views from those facing the golf course
3) Nusa Duta & Sutera - Apart frm EL & HH, these 2 are pretty good as well, what do you guys think? Anyone bought units at Duta/Sutera?

Also i noticed, or rather im quite shocked at how prices for mid-high end properties in JB have jumped in the last 6 mths, im just wondering if these are real demands? Any1 here actually bought the new terraces at HH? i was at the sales gallery last week and was told that the new Hills phase is open for registration, and when i return to SG and came online at night, i noticed sm1 here mentioned that most of the corner units have been snapped up, some even taking on multiple units....at approximately RM800k - RM1m each, and these are inter terraces.....

anyway shall observe and recce more properties, still trying to take a grasp on Jb property landscape, which in my opinion is very very different frm what we are used to in SG. And of course this forum has been a great help specifically on general things like food and shoppng places, and i've just manage to randomly pick a few out of the 180 pages ! Looking forward to seeing some future neighbours here

 

[BalikKampung]

Hi Euphony

I was looking at the semi D in East Ledang as well over the weekend. It was going for 1.25m. Not intending to take it and was more interested in the terraces too but sold out :(

Don't mind me asking but how much was the bayou water village unit that you bought? From developer or resale? My impression was that bayou was long sold out when it was released ard 4 yrs ago? Do correct me if im wrong

after looking at various developments for the past few months, i have finally settled for a unit at bayou water village within LF. whilst i do agree the lonely road to the development leaves much to be desired, I also see it as potential as well hoping that entrances be made either into 2nd link or coastal highway via medini. Once this opens I guess the home values may possibly see appreciation since geographically speaking it is closer to the 2nd link. If it doesn't well, I guess I just need extra precaution as always. The size seems perfect for me as a singleton and my mum plus the house is pretty well furnished. and its built and its wysiwyg! I was also looking at EL and lovvvvved the semi-Ds. they were much bigger, very well finished and designed but I can't afford it and the terraces were long gone too. Seems they were pretty hot, when I asked there were 4 units left but just a few days later, sold out.

the sales lady was very friendly and brought me around the huge development a bit. I went to the highest point overlooking LH and EL it was breath-taking. And I now know what wealthy is. I passed by a bungalow who has a chambermaid in uniform and a gardener tending to its lawn. phew! i am already over the hill with my comparatively mediocre sized terrace. Hope it all works out in time to come. =)

 

[BalikKampung]

Sharing something that I read in the New Straits Times today

"Iskandar regional development authority is mulling various modes of connectivity between the region and Singapore. Chief Executive Ismail Ibrahim said mass rapid, transit, water taxis, expanding the causeway and second link are some options being considered

"But we've not approached the Singapore authorities or made any decision yet. We will meet members of Authority next month" said Ismail on the sidelines of Invest Malaysia 2011. Members of Authority are co-chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman."

Could not find any web link so I typed the entire extract out

 

[euphony]

Hi all

I am driving into JB with friends this sat to view their bungalow at Seita Orion (Bukit Indah), which is still under renovation. Thereafter, I would be staying overnight so that I could meet an agent the next morning to view a terrace at Horizon Hills.

Appreciate if you could answer 2 questions here:

1. Is there any place to stay overnight where I can safely park my car?
Best if I can stay at HH so that I can get a feel of staying there?
I am open towards paying if there is such lobang here.

2. What do you think of Seita Orion as compared to HH? Me and my boyfriend are interested in buying a terrace there as well but are unsure of its security.

Thanks a mil! =)

i think the HH residents will vouch for the security there 2 thumbs up although caution is always warranted. I looked at a few units in BI under setia, imho (take with pinch of salt) - although they're G&G its mostly just fenced with guard room. Pretty rudimentary and high density with established public roads around each sub-development. Places like HH its pretty isolated with hardly any public roads surrounding each precinct so even if those nutjobs want to go in and steal they get lost trying to get out (lest they pass through the guard house which is tough and also perimeter units). Having said that I see a number of SG plated residents too in the earlier developments perhaps there is safety in numbers. You've got to personally observe when you visit to form your own opinion. Happy hunting!

 

[euphony]

Any of you guys looking at the property along Puteri Harbour?

think its still a bit early for now. Medini condo is launching within these few months I think. Because its a golden piece of land in nusajaya (even though its still pretty undeveloped for now) I think the properties there are coming in the guise of leasehold.

 

[euphony]

Hey, congrats on your purchase at LF, i have been looking at JB properties in recent weeks too, visited a few estates specifically;

1) EL - Very good sized houses and equally impressive quality/finishing
2) HH - I love the clubhouse more than the houses, of course great relaxing views from those facing the golf course
3) Nusa Duta & Sutera - Apart frm EL & HH, these 2 are pretty good as well, what do you guys think? Anyone bought units at Duta/Sutera?

Also i noticed, or rather im quite shocked at how prices for mid-high end properties in JB have jumped in the last 6 mths, im just wondering if these are real demands? Any1 here actually bought the new terraces at HH? i was at the sales gallery last week and was told that the new Hills phase is open for registration, and when i return to SG and came online at night, i noticed sm1 here mentioned that most of the corner units have been snapped up, some even taking on multiple units....at approximately RM800k - RM1m each, and these are inter terraces.....

anyway shall observe and recce more properties, still trying to take a grasp on Jb property landscape, which in my opinion is very very different frm what we are used to in SG. And of course this forum has been a great help specifically on general things like food and shoppng places, and i've just manage to randomly pick a few out of the 180 pages ! Looking forward to seeing some future neighbours here

thanks! =)
I guess there are pros and cons about each development. So I guess you need to collate these together for an informed decision. EL has very good security, fencing, guards and even panic buttons linking to security. For now its closest to 2nd link (comparable developments) and has a lot going for it. however residents are querying about the size of clubhouse as future phases come into fruition and more residents shift in. HH has beautiful landscaping and yes the clubhouse is droolsome to say the least! It is also on high grounds as you drive inwards, and also very exclusive being hidden in the midst of valleys and hills very nice feeling. I was abit unhappy about their sales though not very forthcoming nor informative. Perhaps I am a small time buyer or there were too many people then with screaming kids running and breaking the nice model pieces. taman sutera is it? I think this one has a solid reputation involving a JV with keppel land, it is located in a very nice area with easy access to loads of amenities but commuting to SG may potentially be a bit tedious. Am not sure whether it'll have easy access to the new coastal highway?

Me thinks the jump in prices is factoring in the increasingly visible infrastructure of nusajaya with high profile news of big entities making frequent announcements about progress and start date - e.g. reports of legoland with pictures of staff working on models. Most developers though are saying there is a big jump in construction and materials costs. I guess there will still be demand though a good handful are foreign since is comparatively cheap still hoping to use it as part of their investment portfolio e.g. renting to execs who will relocate once such big projects become functional (e.g. medicity/educity etc). Actual residents will form another portion although most are commuting to SG for work. I have a feeling most common JB folks are priced out of action even from developments like NI.

Hope you'll find your dream home in time to come!

 

[euphony]

Hi Euphony

I was looking at the semi D in East Ledang as well over the weekend. It was going for 1.25m. Not intending to take it and was more interested in the terraces too but sold out :(

Don't mind me asking but how much was the bayou water village unit that you bought? From developer or resale? My impression was that bayou was long sold out when it was released ard 4 yrs ago? Do correct me if im wrong

yeah, EL is very hot currently but i guess they have proven their worth. The bwv unit was ~$583k excluding cash rebate from developer. According to the sales, there are about 20 units left thereabouts from 200+. only terraces. All bungalows/semi-D sold out. They are fully furnishing a few lots now and selling them as a package (at a higher price) soon. The sales is slower there I guess mainly due to the entrance so if you're interested must go in with eyes wide open and see if it will matter to you. Hope you find what you want! If you do go down for a visit look for Juslyn. She's very warm, informative and neutral.

 

[house]

I am going to get another unit at Nusa idaman phase 7A. I think its a good buy for my own stay. ^o^ on the hill side.
any things to highlight???

 

[Analytical Professor]

Security wise within your community you just cant beat HH. Its as good as you can get.

Hi all



2. What do you think of Seita Orion as compared to HH? Me and my boyfriend are interested in buying a terrace there as well but are unsure of its security.

Thanks a mil! =)

 

[Analytical Professor]

Any updates on this bro?

Cause you mentioned for several weeks that i spoke about crime in Bukit Indah. So we need to close this issue.

Prof, i am working now, will try to find and post later on. I didn't want to needle you at all. Some parts were because i just wanted to clarify as i understood you posted in good faith, the rest must be a misunderstanding! I read through some of your other posts but i did not point you as hijacking or politicking! Its not you at all.

I will refrain from remotely mentioning/referring to anything about you from now on as its never my intention to offend.

I dun think i ever mentioned crime in Bukit Indah. Please point that out. And if i did i am sorry. I have already apologised. But if i did not... I am not going to ask you to apologise cause I have learned a lot from you

There are lots of things you wanna say about me playing politics, criticising, harping and so on. I will let you do that.

For the moment i will not harp on the things you have said/discussed and which in my opinion may not be right cause you have helped me a lot. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions right?

Lets try not to force our ideas on anyone or suggest that this is how forummers must participate. Let forummers say whatever they wanna say as long as they talk about IM.

I think if you have noticed i have given you lots of credit many times. You still needle me? Why?

 

[Investor]

Medini condo is launching within these few months I think. Because its a golden piece of land in nusajaya (even though its still pretty undeveloped for now) I think the properties there are coming in the guise of leasehold.

It could be freehold in a way but the prices are gota be VERY expensive. 10-20 years down the road, this place will be like our River Valley, Clarke Quay, Merlion park etc.

I heard that 1 Medini condo is 99 years leasehold. Quite possible since it is located right in the heart of Iskandar's Financial district - Medini(Just like The Sail or One Shenton in Shenton way). Based on distance from financial district, East Ledang and Horizon Hill are like Tanjong Rhu and Tanjong Katong respectively.