First peek into Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast

 

Over the years, I have cherished a long and enduring relationship with Desaru, a beachfront development on the south-eastern coast of Johor, that started in the 1970’s with frequent family staycations and more recently, to working in partnership with Desaru Coast, a premium destination resort in this region.

 

Front entrance into the Mandarin Oriental,
Desaru Coast in Johor, West Malaysia

I count it my privilege to witness how Desaru Coast gradually developed into an international resort destination and was thrilled when Desaru Coast was named one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2021, in the third annual edition of the list published on 20 July 2021.

 

Desaru Coast was curated as a premium destination resort with a portfolio of globally renowned hotels and resorts like Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas and One&Only Desaru Coast as well as the Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast and Els Club Desaru Coast.

 

Signage by Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast

I treasure the memory of meeting with the then Group Chief Executive Officer of Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels, the master developer of Desaru Coast, at Riverside during the Ombak Festival to commemorate the official opening of Desaru Coast in July 2019 and her assurance that My Johor Stories will go a long way as a compliment to the destination.

 

What followed was the pleasure of working in partnership with these hotels and resorts on various projects and events, including the super luxurious One&Only Desaru Coast, where My Johor Stories books were placed in the villas and suites for their guests’ reading pleasure.

 

The reception desk, Mandarin Oriental,
Desaru Coast

After the global pandemic, when the borders were reopened for travel, many seized the opportunity to enjoy a welcome retreat at the resorts in Desaru Coast. Among them was one, Tan Mei Ling, who wrote me after reading a My Johor Stories book during her stay with the One&Only Desaru Coast.

 

She introduced herself and asked me to help her write a book as a precious tribute to her father. My exciting experience in this meaningful book project with the Tan family in 2023 was documented in, The Tan family’s book tribute.

 

Then when this property was rebranded as the Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast, I was delighted to receive an enquiry about My Johor Stories books. While Book One and Book Two were already sold out, I managed to arrange for a stock of Book Three, My Johor Stories 3: Proudly Johor, Then and Now, delivered to the Housekeeping Manager.

 

View of their signature swimming pool
Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast

Incidentally, Desaru Coast was officially declared opened in July 2019, so it was timely for me to receive an invitation in July 2026 to meet the General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Desaru Coast for a chat over lunch at the resort.

 

This arrangement was made with Dharshini Ramu, an undergraduate from University Utara Malaysia who was doing her internship, attached to the resort’s Executive Office. A day ahead of the appointment, she sent a reminder message with a request to show that message to the security guard at the gated entrance, who should then permit me to enter.

 

I followed her instructions and when I said that my appointment was with the General Manager, the security guard directed me to the carpark to park my car.

 

Group shot: Dharshini, Shafiq, Emmi and Ros,
with me [seated] and My Johor Stories 3:
Proudly Johor, Then and Now

Dharshini, dressed in a patterned Salwar suit, welcomed me into the resort and did well to show me around as we made our way to the restaurant where the lunch was being hosted.

 

She politely waited as I took my time to pause and appreciate the charming resort, from its entrance to the front lobby and reception, to their signature swimming pool and beyond.

 

Some guests were chilling-out, seated in the shade of wide canopies by the pool and balconies while some young children were posing for photographs with their parents.

 

Adding value to the book
with an autograph

In the restaurant, we were being shown to our table when we were joined by General Manager, Fiona Hagan, and team members, Director of People & Culture, Emmi Lee, Commercial Director, Cerelle Gooding, and Director of Rooms, Sutthichai Kaewgun, better known as Khun X.

 

Over a convivial lunch of pizza and salads, I had the pleasure to introduce My Johor Stories to them while sharing some of my experiences from the early years when this destination was first developed to when the all-new Desaru Coast took shape.

 

Emmi discreetly requested her office to send over a copy of, My Johor Stories 3: Proudly Johor, Then and Now, and when it was delivered to our table, she said that she wanted the book to be autographed for the resort.

 

Photographs of the dusky monkeys
displayed at the Dusky Monkey bar

Among the many topics in our chat, Fiona and her team discussed ideas on how the resort can do more to create elevated experiences and exclusive escapades for guests to have meaningful and memorable moments with the resort.

 

Fiona was pleasantly surprised that I have not had the pleasure to visit the resort – until that day – and graciously offered to host my stay experience at the resort.

 

With telephone meetings scheduled after lunch, Fiona, Cerelle and Khun X had to leave the table while Emmi and Dharshini stayed with me to enjoy our dessert.

 

The landmark banyan tree in the
Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast

Emmi then invited her team from People & Culture (also known as Human Resources!) Rosmiyati Rudy and Muhammad Syafiq A. Amir Burhanuddin, to join us for dessert and have a chat with me.

 

No, we did not linger over our sweet treats as the team had to get back to work. Escorted by Emmi and Dharshini, I continued with the next part of my resort tour.

 

It was interesting to learn that the Dusky Monkey earned its name from the legendary dusky monkeys which felt so at home in this popular bar. Photographs of these monkeys, captured during their “visits,” were displayed on the bar counter.

 

The bar overlooked a section of the resort where rows of guest villas were located behind high walls. Emmi explained that the walls offered privacy as each villa was designed with its own plunge pool. She also explained that to preserve the “wow” factor, my visit into the villa will be reserved for later.

 

Panoramic view of part of the Els Club golf
course, the beach and the horizon

When I heard her brief description of their villa, I had a sudden flashback and shared with them about The Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat in Tambun, Perak, where I enjoyed an exquisite stay with spa treatment and bar experience within a limestone cave.

 

Emmi and Dharshini then led me to the resort library where the shelves were filled with a range of books. Three pairs of eyes searched closely for any My Johor Stories books and Emmi let out a shout of success when she found one copy of, My Johor Stories 2: Interesting Places and Inspirational People.

 

Lounge chairs to chill-out on the terrace

Then we headed to the resort spa. Emmi was keen to show me their landmark banyan tree which was carefully preserved when the architect, Kerry Hill Architects, designed the resort around it.

 

They led me pass the spa treatment rooms to the outdoor terrace which overlooked a section of the Els Club golf course and the beach. Lounge seats were arranged on the terrace for guests to enjoy a panoramic view and watch the sun set.

 

Our resort tour should aptly end at the souvenir shop and as we walked along a corridor, I saw a lady approaching from the opposite direction.

 

Dharshini and Dhayalini;
Can you tell who is who?

And when she was close enough, my eyes widened when I saw that she looked exactly like Dharshini – dressed in the same Salwar suit, completely similar from hairstyle to footwear – that I had to stop and check if I was seeing double.

 

By this time Emmi and Dharshini were laughing at my surprise and assured me that there was nothing wrong with my eyesight. The “double” was also laughing at my reaction so Dharshini did not hesitate to introduce me to her twin sister, Dhayalini or Dhaya in short, who was also doing her internship, attached to Learning & Development (Training department) in the resort.

 

I am sure this pair of identical twins have a lot of fun dressing up in similar outfits just to evoke some reaction from others – like me – who were confused when they saw double. After recovering sufficiently from this surprise encounter, we walked on to the souvenir shop to see a range of quality apparel, accessories and collectibles.

 

On my drive back to Johor Bahru, I thought it was indeed a very pleasant first peek into this seaside rainforest retreat. Meanwhile I can look forward to my next visit to experience the refined comfort and curated moments, promised by such a resort stay.

 

The Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast is located at Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor. For enquiries and reservations, Tel: +607 878 3400 or send email to: modes-reservations@mohg.com

A peek into the Dato' Jaafar Building

 

The Dato’ Jaafar Building on Bukit Senyum in Johor Bahru, now home to Muzium Tokoh Johor or the Museum for Johor Notable Personalities, was the official residence of the first Menteri Besar of Johor, Dato’ Jaafar Haji Muhammad.

 

Archive photo of the Dato' Jaafar Building
from the 1800s used with my story on
Johor's Historic Hills and Palaces

In my story on Johor’s Historic Hills and Palaces first published in Life & Times, a section of The New Straits Times in March 2015, I shared that the official residence of Johor’s first Menteri Besar, Dato’ Jaafar Haji Muhammad was Sri Gambir, located on Jalan Dato Menteri 1/1 at Bukit Gambir, a site between Jalan Yahya Awal, Jalan Gertak Merah and Jalan Mahmoodiah.  

 

In 1893, Dato’ Jaafar built another home on 100 acres of land at Bukit Senyum which was modelled after Hardwick Hall, an Elizabethan country mansion with four square towers in Derbyshire that belonged to the Duke of Devonshire.  

 

A section of the building facade
as it looks now

It is believed that he named the mansion, Senyum (Malay word for 'smile') because when he sought permission from Sultan Abu Bakar, the Sultan conveyed his approval with a smile.

 

After the demise of Dato Jaafar in 1919, the building was renamed Dato’ Jaafar Building and used for various purposes before turning into Muzium Tokoh Johor.

 

This charming old building in the city should not be mistaken for another new building by a similar name, designed and built in Kota Iskandar, the new State administrative centre in Iskandar Puteri.

 

Dubbed, the Dato’ Jaafar Muhammad Building, this building complex houses the office of the Johor Chief Minister, the offices of the State Executive Council, the State Secretary’s office and other government departments.

 

The ticket counter on the Left wing 
of the Ground floor of the building

This sprawling building designed with five floors in Kota Iskandar, was also named after Johor’s first Menteri Besar, Dato’ Jaafar Haji Muhammad, the father of Dato’ Onn Jaafar.

 

Johoreans who are familiar with the Dato’ Jaafar Building on Bukit Senyum may have passed this grand old mansion countless times but have never been inside simply because, for many years, public entry was restricted. Another reason was probably due to the urban legends linked to this historical building.

 

In fact, I only stepped into part of the Dato’ Jaafar Building in 2018 [only for a refreshment break!] when I attended a Johor Heritage Foundation event, Bicarawara Tokoh – Lada Hitam dan Gambir, which was held in the adjacent building.

 

A flight of wooden stairs in the
Dato' Jaafar Building

Regardless of urban legends, students of architecture will still find this building fascinating and an interesting subject for study.

 

I discovered this when I joined an event in 2023, organised by UTM in partnership with KALAM, the shortform for Pusat Kajian Alam Bina Dunia Melayu or the Centre for the Study of Built Environment in the Malay World. My experience at this interesting event was documented in, Passion to Preserve Heritage Buildings.

 

Recently, after the Dato’ Jaafar Building closed for renovation and upgrading work in the Muzium Tokoh Johor, I received an invitation from Curator of the Museum, Haziera Ramlan, to a preview of the Museum before it opened to the public.

 

She explained that this invitation was for a Simulation Tour and Curatorial Advisory Session that aimed to gather feedback to help them enhance their storytelling approach, improve historical accuracy and visitor engagement strategies.

 

Interesting flights of
central stairs in the building

 

I was delighted to accept this invite, ready to share my knowledge and experience to help position Muzium Tokoh Johor as a centre for authoritative and well-curated historical presentation.

 

Museums and heritage galleries are a favourite destination of mine and among the most memorable were my experiences at the British Museum in London, the National Museum of Singapore, the Singapore Chinatown Heritage Centre and the Images of Singapore Museum on Sentosa Island.

 

More recently, I had the privilege to experience the National Museum of Australia and the very well-curated Australian War Memorial, a must-visit site in Canberra.

 

Dato' Onn Jaafar was the
seventh Menteri Besar of Johor

On the drive to the museum that afternoon, I was mindful to exit the Inner-Ring Road to Jalan Tebrau and across to the slip road that bordered the MBJB building before comfortably reaching the entrance to the Muzium Tokoh Johor.

 

Escorted by Hazeira and her team on a tour of the museum from the Ground Level to the two levels above, we lost track of time as we were deeply engaged with discussing areas of improvement for visitors to benefit from exploring and having a meaningful experience in the museum.

 

It was interesting to observe that the museum had employed modern technology in various parts of the exhibits to narrate history and heritage, and even brought to life, an animated figure that represented Dato’ Jaafar Muhammad!

 

In addition to Johor history and Royal family members, among the sections in the museum were galleries for Notable Johor Personalities in Politics, in the Chinese community as well as in Sports achievements, and a separate gallery for team JDT.

 

A section of the gallery for Notable
Personalities in Chinese community

Among the Notable Personalities in the Chinese gallery were Wong Ah Fook and Tan Hiok Nee, Johor pioneers whose contributions to developing Johor in a bygone era were honoured by roads and heritage quarters in Johor Bahru named after them.

 

I was pleased to share with Hazeira and her team that the family of Tan Hiok Nee had got in touch with me last year because they are organizing a grand Bicentennial Celebration for Mejar Cina Tan Hiok Nee, planned for 2027.

 

When I shared with them that the Tan family was already connected with the Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association and the Johor Bahru Teochew Association in the plans for a city celebration for the Tan Hiok Nee Bicentennial event, Hazeira expressed interest that Muzium Tokoh was also keen to participate in this celebration.

 

In the gallery for Notable Sports Personalities, I was pleased to see that my aunt, Dato’ Sylvia Ng, was featured among other Johor sports personalities whose achievements in sports brought much pride to Johor and the nation.

 

Beautiful bannisters on the staircase

Readers of My Johor Stories are familiar with my stories on our family’s badminton achievements that started with, Where Champions were Born about grandfather’s house at Jalan Ngee Heng that featured our grandfather, a four-time Johor State badminton champion in the 1930’s.

 

A summary of the family’s sports achievements is documented in, Badminton Glory Days, compiled under Memories among the collection of stories in My Johor Stories 3: Proudly Johor, Then and Now, the third and final instalment that completed the trilogy of My Johor Stories books.

 

As Hazeira led me up and down the ancient staircases, around the verandahs and through to the various galleries in opposite wings of this symmetrical building, I saw how the exhibits were organized in the building and suggested that more directional signs are needed to guide visitors to the various sections and galleries.

 

During my visit, I saw a technical team testing out an elevator installed in the old building to facilitate transfer of the elderly and physically challenged to reach the upper levels. While access ramps were constructed across some of the doorways, I observed that they seemed too steep for the comfortable movement of wheelchairs.

 

Do not be surprised when the image of
Dato' Jaafar Haji Muhammad waves at you!

Even as I learnt that the curating team had worked hard throughout the recent Ramadan and Hari Raya seasons, we agreed that there was still much room for improvement before visitors can have a beneficial experience in the museum.

 

My visit to the museum ended at the rear courtyard on the Ground level where a souvenir shop, prayer rooms, restrooms and a café are located.

 

For your own experience at Muzium Tokoh Johor, look out for updates on social media about the dates and times for pre-opening visits and guided tours.

 

Muzium Tokoh Johor is located at Jalan Lingkaran Dalam, Bukit Senyum, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.

A sneak peek into The Straits

 

Last month, I received an invitation to visit The Straits Medini but I had to decline as I was still abroad. This month, my Marketing Communications friend, M S Bobby, followed-up with me to seek a mutually agreeable date for tea at The Straits Medini.

 

Facade of the entrance to The Straits Medini

I have had the pleasure to work with M S Bobby in recent years while she was attached to international brand hotels, opened in Johor Bahru. After a brief hiatus in her hometown, she was back in Johor again and keen to let me have a sneak peek into a resort opened in Afiniti Medini, that aims to redefine senior living here.

 

Having participated in various events held in the Afiniti Medini since its opening in 2016, I am familiar with this integrated development in Medini designed for premium wellness living, established in a strategic joint-venture between Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd and Khazanah National Berhad.

 

I thought that the location of The Straits Medini within Afiniti Medini was ideal as it was complimented by the presence of the Gleneagles Hospital Medini, the Mall of Medini and Legoland Malaysia resort, all just a few minutes walking distance away.

 

Front entrance into the lobby
at The Straits Medini

Johor Bahru certainly needs a premium standard senior care facility for independent and assisted living in well-designed premises and I looked forward to my sneak peek into what was ready to meet the quality of life our seniors deserve.

 

My thoughts were on the seniors who worked hard to provide for their families, supported their children’s education and sent them abroad for further studies. These children achieved their education goals and went on to promising careers but many also decided to settle down abroad.

 

A turntable to play favourite vinyl
records to enjoy music together

While globe-trotting seniors may travel abroad to visit with their children and enjoy holidays together, there will come a time when seniors no longer wished to travel. Similarly, as young people get on with busy careers, their visits with parents may be less often.

 

For all couples, one partner will leave before the other and the surviving spouse will then live alone or in the company of a helper. Many seniors are highly-accomplished people who are still full of life and able to contribute to the community. But the lack of social connection may result in loneliness and mental health issues.

 

In their sunset years, these seniors who had worked hard and saved hard, deserved comfort and a quality of life with proper healthcare. They deserved a place where the elderly and retirees may continue to be active and where high-quality life and care was provided for those who are semi-dependent or needing some social life.

 

A comfortable lounge for tea
or a cosy chit-chat time

With these thoughts in mind, I made my way to The Straits Medini to meet with Bobby for my peek into the resort that promises to redefine the art of senior living.

 

It was good to reconnect with Bobby again and be introduced to the team led by CEO, Elvira Tan, who warmly welcomed me in.

 

From the lobby to the lounge and reception area, the ambiance was distinctly charming with Straits-born or Peranakan elements that reflected its Straits identity.

 

A guided walk-through of the premises gave me the impression that this was a boutique senior care facility that matches with the tastes of seniors who know how to enjoy their retirement.

 

Cosy nooks to rest and relax

The well-appointed furnishing and fixtures in the residential suites featured resort quality amenities and cutting-edge technology, designed for the safety of residents.

 

Each suite offers open-plan living and dining areas, a well-equipped kitchenette, spacious bedroom and stylish ensuite bathroom.

 

I liked that the bathroom, in particular, was installed with safely handles and sensors that are electronically linked to a closely monitored system that will ensure swift emergency responses.

 

Safety handles and sensors
are installed in the bathrooms

Elvira told me that residents are free to customize their own spaces to meet with their own tastes and are welcome to cook their own meals. Alternatively, they may order-in from the in-house kitchen or dine with other residents in the brasserie.

 

There was also a wellness center for residents to pamper themselves at the spa and stay well-groomed with the services provided by the nail spa and hair-dresser. A gym that features exercise equipment suitable for seniors, was provided for residents to stay fit.

 

This resort aims to provide a safe haven for seniors that welcomes multi-generational interaction in the Games rooms for board games and mahjong, and karaoke sing-along sessions. Yes, there was also a theatre to screen shows while viewers relaxed, stretched out on comfortable armchairs.

 

Wide corridor that links the 
brasserie to the activity rooms

As we chatted over cups of tea, I learnt that while this was just the pre-opening stage, the resort was already hosting weekend staycations with groups who were keen to explore and experience this premium standard of senior living that was now available in Johor.

 

Elvira shared briefly that this was Phase One of the resort with plans ahead to open The Straits in Penang and also abroad. With what was already in place in Johor, we look forward with eager anticipation, to how this resort will serve our seniors here.

 

The Straits Medini is located within the Afiniti Medini, No. 3 Jalan Medini Utara 1, Medini Iskandar, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia.

 

For enquiries and appointments to view the show units, send your message via WhatsApp to Tel: +65 8819 7222 or send email to: contact@thestraitsresorts.com

 

For more information, visit website: thestraitsresorts.com

Craggy cliffs at Kamay Botany Bay

 

It rained ever so heavily the night before, the first time during my stay in Sydney that I saw the rain come down much like the tropical monsoons we have in Malaysia.

 

Craggy cliffs and rocky shores at
Kamay Botany Bay National Park

And then next morning, there were reports of flooding and damage in some low-lying areas in and around the city. The skies were overcast and cloudy while temperatures cooled down substantially compared to the past few weeks of scorching sunshine.

 

I was having breakfast when Malcolm told me that we will go for a drive later. With the weather forecast for cloudy skies, I was relieved that his idea was for a drive rather than for a walk.

 

Last month, when we met with his friend, Geradine and daughter, Natasha, and visited St Charbel church, he wanted to take us to the Southern shores to show us the craggy cliffs at Kamay Botany Bay National Park. However, due to time constraints, he changed the plan and brought us to the La Perouse beach instead.

 

No pets allowed!

Malcolm was determined to show me this southern part of Sydney which he thinks is raw and wild yet very scenic compared to the more densely populated Northern Beaches.

 

While La Perouse is the northern headland of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, the Kurnell area near Cronulla, is at the southern headland of this National Park, renowned for NSW’s most significant heritage sites and an ideal lookout point for whale-watching.

 

Botany Bay, specifically Kamay Botany Bay National Park, is renowned as it was where Captain James Cook first landed in Australia in 1770, marking the start of the history of modern Australia.

 

The whale migrating season for humpback whales was June and July as they migrate to warmer waters but they may also be spotted between May and October. Some whales have even come as close to 200 meters from the coast.

 

A panoramic view of Kamay Botany Bay

We were however, not in any of the whale-spotting seasons, so I was going to be content just to experience the wild and wonderful natural beauty of this site.

 

The wind was whipping around me...

So we set off for a drive in a light drizzle, heading to Cape Solander in the Kurnell suburb. Along the route, I enjoyed reading the road names and as I saw that many were similar to road names in England, Malcolm and I had a chat about it.

 

He said that in almost every main city in Australia, there were streets, roads and lanes named after royalty as in King, Queen, Prince or Princess and their names like, George, Edward and Elizabeth. We agreed that this was probably because the British who first came to Australia decided on these names which were familiar to them.

 

On the comfortable track for a walk

When we arrived at the entrance to the Park in Cape Solander, the staff in a guardhouse said a one-time car entry fee was required. Malcolm remembered that in the past, cars were allowed to enter and required to pay parking fees at designated areas but the system has now been changed.

 

When we drove in, he discovered that the Visitor Centre was closed while parts of the Park was undergoing infrastructure upgrades. We parked near the main pavilion at the lookout point, got out of the car and was instantly whipped by gusty winds.

 

Malcolm told me that this sheltered pavilion as well as much of the paved walkway, designed with several blocks of concrete benches, were new structures provided for visitors to be more comfortable while whale-watching.

 

There were several walking trails throughout the Park but overlooking the cliffs, walking tracks have been marked out for a comfortable walk along the coast.

 

The rocky ledge with an edge to a sheer
drop to the restless sea below

Signs put up at clearly visible points reminded visitors that these were unfenced cliffs and people should stick to walking on the marked walking tracks.

 

However, if recalcitrant visitors did venture onto the rocks, it made sense not to walk close to the cliff edges as the overhanging rocks may be very thin due to erosion. Any extra weight on these brittle rocks may just cause it to break.

 

A rocky ledge looked deceptively safe but over its edge was a sheer drop below to the restless sea. In the distance, we saw wild waves crashing onto the rocky sides of the cliffs.

 

As we walked along the track, the wind that whipped around us was so strong that it threatened to knock me off my feet so I walked carefully to keep my balance.

 

Malcolm captured some good videos and panoramic photos of the vista and when we reviewed the videos, we could even hear the vibrating sound of the wild winds.

 

It was almost the end of summer in Australia so there were just a few others like us who ventured out this far south to explore and experience the rugged beauty of these mighty cliffs.

 

A we-fie with the rugged coast in background

As we enjoyed the wild and rustic views, I can understand why Botany Bay is a popular film location used for productions from BBC dramas to Tamil action films, along with being the backdrop for music videos and commercials.

 

After having our fill of the panoramic views of sea, sky and soaring cliffs, we left the Park and drove on to Cronulla for a drive-through to see this charming sea-side suburb.

 

Then onward to Hurstville where we stopped for a light lunch* and a walkabout in the shops before heading back slowly through after-school traffic.

 

*Only a light lunch because in these two days, we have family dinners lined up and we should ‘keep some space’ for feasting together again. My stay in Sydney is drawing to a close and I would like to dine with the family here before I leave.

 

#MyJohorStoriesTravelogue

#MyJohorStoriesFebruary2026