Escape to Paradise: Ataraxia 2B1R Condo in Forest City, Johor Bahru!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of… (drumroll please)… let's call it the Grand Horizon Resort! (Totally made that name up, but we're rolling with it.) This ain't your dry-as-a-desert-pea, bullet-point hotel review. We're going deep. We're talking emotional baggage unpacked levels of honest.
First Impressions (and the Initial Panic):
Walking into – ahem, the Grand Horizon – was… an experience. First, a quick shout-out to the 24-hour front desk. Lifesaver. Arrived at 3 AM (thanks, delayed flight!), and the lovely person (whose name I forget, but she had fantastic eyebrows) greeted me with a smile. Contactless check-in/out? Smooth. (Though, honestly, I still fumble with it every time. Technology, man. It hates me.) The elevator was a welcome sight. After hauling my suitcase – and the emotional weight of a week of meetings – up any stairs would have been the end of me.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (and My Clumsiness):
Right. Let's get the accessibility stuff out of the way. The Grand Horizon seemed to try. Listed as having facilities for disabled guests, which is… something. I didn't personally need anything specific, but the presence of an elevator is HUGE. Crucial. (For the record, Wheelchair accessible is listed, but I’d need a proper inspection from someone who utilizes a wheelchair to confirm.) The exterior corridor was good for easy in-and-out. Now, here comes the slightly embarrassing part which goes to show my clumsiness: I'm fairly sure I tripped over the welcome mat. Twice. So… yeah. Make of that what you will.
The Room – My Temporary Fortress (and My Constant Mess):
Okay, the room. Where do I begin? The Grand Horizon boasts non-smoking rooms (thank the heavens), and mine, thankfully, didn't smell faintly of burnt cigarettes and regret. The air conditioning was a godsend, especially after the airport sauna adventure. Blackout curtains? YES! Sleep is precious, people. The complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker? Brilliant. My sanity depended on that first, desperate cup of coffee. The extra long bed was a dream. I'm 6'3", and finally, a bed that didn't require me to sleep sideways! I immediately claimed my space as "king of the bed". The in-room safe box was a nice touch, though I mostly used it to store my emergency stash of chocolate. Internet access – wireless – Wi-Fi [free] – excellent. And, oh my, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! I didn't manage to get too much from the Internet [LAN] but maybe I am not an expert in that field.
Now, on to the slightly less glamorous bits. The daily housekeeping did a valiant job of battling my tornado of luggage, but the room sanitization opt-out available is also a good thing. Between stays Rooms sanitized between stays is also a good feature that is worth pointing out. But the truth? My room, by day three, looked like a bomb had exploded in a laundry basket. Don't judge.
Food, Glorious Food (and My Unhealthy Obsession):
Food. My kryptonite. Let's start with breakfast. Breakfast [buffet]: plentiful! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast – you name it, they had it. The buffet in restaurant was a bit chaotic, but hey, I’m not complaining. The a la carte in restaurant, coffee/tea in restaurant, and alternative meal arrangement did give a feeling that they are flexible and accommodating. I ate… a lot. The snack bar was a lifesaver for those late-night cravings. The bar was decent; they make a mean (and strong!) margarita. The poolside bar was the ultimate, perfect setting that made me feel like I was on vacation. Room service [24-hour]? YES! I may or may not have ordered fries at 2 AM on multiple occasions. Vegetarian restaurant: I am not a vegetarian, but I did enjoy the offering from time to time. There were Bottle of water in the room which was perfect.
Things to Do (and My Lazy Attempts at Relaxation):
Things to do… Well, there's a swimming pool [outdoor], which I did try (the water was lovely). A pool with view is also worth noting. I attempted the fitness center once. Emphasis on the "attempted". I lasted about 20 minutes before retreating to the sauna – ah, peace! (They also have a steamroom, which I chickened out of. Too hot for this pale, pasty Brit.) I heard great things about the spa, but I was too busy recovering from the "fitness center" to actually get myself to it. They had massage, body scrub, and body wrap, all of which sounded AMAZING. Next time, I promise.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Grown-Up Stuff (and My Slight Paranoia):
Alright, let's get serious. The Grand Horizon seems to take Cleanliness and safety seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment are all listed. They even had hand sanitizer everywhere! Hand sanitizer! I always carry one, but it’s a good thing to know they do as well. All of that gave me some peace of mind. I still took my own wipes and wiped everything down, because, well, 2024. Rooms sanitized between stays – good. Doctor/nurse on call. Fire extinguisher. Smoke alarms – good. CCTV in common areas. CCTV outside property. Security [24-hour]. It all felt reassuring without being overbearing.
Services and Creature Comforts (and My Inability to Pack Light):
Daily housekeeping? Stellar. Laundry service and dry cleaning – essential, especially considering the state of my suitcase. Luggage storage – again, essential. Concierge? Helpful. Currency exchange? Useful. Gift/souvenir shop? Tempting (bought three keychains I definitely didn't need). Hair dryer? My hair thanks them. The ironing service was used on one of my shirts. All other clothing items were either crumpled beyond recognition or worn. I also enjoyed the doorman.
For the Kids (and My Persistent Child-Like Wonder):
Family/child friendly is listed! They also have babysitting service and kids facilities, but I have no kids so I just looked at them curiously. This gives me pause because… Well, I get it.
The Bottom Line (and My Heartfelt Recommendation):
The Grand Horizon Resort isn't perfect. But it's a solid choice. Is it a place you would book, or would you not recommend it? I would recommend it! The staff is genuinely friendly, and the location is excellent. The free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a major win. The rooms are comfortable, and the food is plentiful (maybe a little too plentiful in my case). The accessibility is a start, but improvements could always be made. The Spa / sauna, and poolside bar experiences were simply outstanding!
My Grand Horizon Experience - The Emotional Rollercoaster:
The Grand Horizon Resort offers a good mix of amenities. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a nice experience. I was able to enjoy the Happy hour. The Room decorations have a good appeal. They also have Couple's room should you desire to celebrate your love. I enjoyed the Pool with view. The Massage and Spa were excellent.
The Offer – Because You Deserve a Getaway!
Book your stay at the Grand Horizon Resort today and experience the ultimate blend of comfort, convenience, and relaxation! Use code "GETAWAY2024" at checkout for a special discount! The Grand Horizon Resort awaits!
Escape the Udupi Heat: Maanyatha's Luxurious AC Rooms Await!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a real travel itinerary for Ataraxia Park, 2B1R in Forest City, Johor Bahru. And I'm not going to give you some sterile, templated thing. This is my potential day, and it's bound to be a glorious, chaotic mess.
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (Kidding! Mostly.)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival and Condo Initial Assessment: Okay, so the flight (or drive, depending on you) got me in a bit earlier than expected. Check-in, key pick-up, all that jazz. First impressions of the 2B1R? Honestly? It's… shiny. Borderline too shiny. Like a showroom. I'm gonna have to mess it up a bit, you know? Leave some dirty socks lying around, maybe spill some coffee. Gotta make it mine. The view from the balcony? Stunning. Forest City looks like a sci-fi movie set. This is kind of overwhelming. I want to go back to a life where I'm not here!
- 2:00 PM - Exploring the "Forest" (AKA The Man-Made Beach): Alright, time to get my bearings. I'm heading out for a wander. Forest City is… well, it's unique. I think the term "forest" is being used very generously. More along the lines of "well-manicured landscaping adjacent to a fake beach". But hey, the sea breeze is nice, and the whole place does have a certain sterile, futuristic charm. I swear, I think I saw a robot sweeping the sand earlier. Don't get me wrong, it is pretty!
- 3:00 PM – Grocery Shopping in the Local Supermarket (Or, my Personal Hell): Time to stock up the fridge. I am looking forward to it. I mean, how hard can it be? Wrong. Navigating a new supermarket in a new country is a feat of endurance. Everything's different! Brands I've never seen, ingredients I can't pronounce, and the language barrier? Don't even get me started. I wander around aimlessly searching for the basics: milk (they have a milk lake), eggs (what's up with so many colors?), bread (where is the bread?). Eventually, I'm armed with a bag of questionable groceries and a healthy dose of anxiety.
- 4:00 PM - Condo Relaxation (and Internet Shenanigans): Okay, back to base camp. Gotta get this wifi working before I lose my mind. Time to figure out the TV channels. I'll watch some local TV shows and make fun of the local news anchor.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Hawker Stall: Tonight, I'm braving the local food scene. I have already done my research, so I know that some street food in Malaysia is a must try experience. I have to take a Grab or taxi to the street food location because I am feeling a bit like a hermit right now. Trying to figure what is what is going to be a challenge. This is where I am going to have a proper meal. I will have to ask for recommendations. I will try to be brave and eat something that doesn't look like it was designed in a lab. Wish me luck!
- 8:00 PM - Evening Walk (and Possibly Regret): Gotta burn off those calories, right? A walk around the area to try to get any good night views. This is a perfect time to get lost which is probably what I will do. I also have to figure out the best way of transport. Hopefully I will have a good, relaxing, and peaceful sleep.
Day 2: More Exploration, More Food, and a Tiny Meltdown… Maybe
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast at the Condo: Okay, time to try and assemble a breakfast from my questionable grocery haul. Wish me luck! I am not sure what I'm going to make because I don't want to get sick.
- 10:00 AM - A Venture to the "City" (if you can call it that): I'm ready, I think. I'm heading out to Forest City's "commercial area". Honestly, I have no expectations. I'm hoping for a coffee shop that isn't Starbucks, and maybe a place to buy some basic toiletries. This commercial street has a lot of shops. I am pretty sure I need a massage so if I find a place, I am going to book it!
- 12:00 PM - Lunch Adventure: I am going to have another local food adventure! A proper meal is needed. My goal is to eat something new.
- 1:00 PM - Massage: It is time to get a massage!
- 3:00 PM - A Real Beach: The fake beach was nice, but I want the real deal. So, I will book a taxi and travel to the beach. I can probably chill and relax here.
- 6:00 PM - Another Dinner at Local Hawker Stall: Time to get a proper dinner! I am going to go to a hawker stall again! I do like this!
- 8:00 PM - Condo Relaxation (and Journaling): Time to make some more coffee and figure out how my day went. Reflect on what has happened today.
Day 3: Leaving (With a Mixture of Relief and Nostalgia)
- 9:00 AM - Final Breakfast at the Condo: Another breakfast day. I eat whatever I have.
- 10:00 AM - Last Look and Packing: Checking for anything I have left behind. Time to say goodbye to the condo and all its shiny, sterile glory.
- 11:00 AM - Departure: Heading out!
That’s the itinerary, folks! It's flexible, it's imperfect, and it's totally me. Enjoy your own adventures in Forest City, and maybe, just maybe, you'll have a few moments of pure, unadulterated, wonderfully messy humanity.
Unbelievable Happy House Cam Ranh: Nha Trang's BEST Kept Secret!
So, like, what *is* this whole thing anyway? Seriously, I'm lost.
Ugh, good question. Even *I* don't fully understand. It's supposed to be a...a guide? A resource? More like a chaotic collection of thoughts surrounding... well, let's just say "stuff." The stuff of *life*, man. The good, the bad, the utterly bewildering. It’s like I'm throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. Mostly, it's the meatball... the ugly, messy meatball.
And sometimes, it's just me, rambling. Forgive me, I'm still learning how to adult.
Okay, *that's* vague. Let's get practical. What's the *point* of all this?
The *point*? Honestly? I'm not entirely sure. Maybe to process things. Maybe to connect. Maybe to justify all the time I spend staring at a screen. There was this one time when I was 12, and I tried to build a treehouse. It was going great! Until the squirrels and termites arrived. This is sort of like that, minus the wood splinters and the (literal) collapse. I'm hoping to see what can be built eventually.
Look, I’ve had some…experiences, let's leave it at that. And I figured, if I'm going through it, maybe *someone* else is too. Or, at the very least, someone will read this and think, "Well, at least *I'm* not *that* unhinged." And honestly? That's a win for me.
Alright. Fine. But if someone asked, what is it NOT?
Good question. It's *not* a get-rich-quick scheme. It's *not* a relationship guide (unless you want to learn how *not* to do things, in which case, buckle up!). It's *not* a definitive answer to life's big questions. (I barely know what I ate for lunch yesterday, okay?)
Also, avoid using this as a primary reason to make important life decisions. I once tried to pick a new hair color based on a dream. Just...don't do that. Trust me.
This is kinda all over the place. What even are the *topics* covered here?
Ugh, the topics! I wouldn't even try to put a neat heading on it. Think of it like a really, REALLY messy closet. Like, the kind where you just shove everything in and hope the door closes before the avalanche hits.
It'll probably involve:
- My rambling thoughts.
- The mess in my life.
- Experiences, big and small that have been "experienced".
- Things I'm passionate about. (Which changes weekly, fyi.)
- Maybe some half-baked advice. No guarantees.
So, give me an example of a crazy experience. Something that'll hook me.
Okay, okay… buckle up. Let me tell you about the Time I Tried to Learn to Knit. Sounds innocent, right? WRONG. My neighbor, Mrs. Gable, bless her heart, was determined to teach me. She had been knitting since the dawn of time. She looked like a benevolent spider with needles.
It started innocently enough. Cast on, knit stitch, purl stitch. I was feeling pretty smug. Then the yarn got tangled. Then I dropped a stitch. Then I dropped, like, ten stitches and didn't even notice until an hour passed. Then Mrs. Gable, sweet as she was, gently took the needles and proceeded to *undo* what I had "created." It was like watching a surgeon meticulously dissect a…well, a disaster zone. I felt like some kind of crime had occurred.
Then, my cat decided the yarn was a personal invitation to a wrestling match. This created, I kid you not, a yarn-spiderweb-tangle-of-cat-hair-and-woe that I'm pretty sure ended up being a small-ish black hole. The next morning, the yarn was gone. I've never been able to knit since.
The emotional cost was high. Very high.
What about... what kind of things excite you, then?
Oh, boy. Where to start?! Lately, I'm really into… okay, this is embarrassing. Let’s be honest, I'm a sucker for a good story, doesn’t matter if it’s in books or life or television. Characters that make me laugh, cry and shout at them for not being their best.
Anything with a good plot twist. I once finished a book, thought it was just okay, then realized the whole thing had been a dream sequence. It was a mess. But I love it. Also a good cup of coffee and rainy days. And sometimes, the absurdity of life itself. It's a chaotic mix, I know. Don't judge!
Do you ever... regret any of this?
Regret? Oh, honey, are you even *kidding*? I regret everything on a semi-regular basis. My entire life could probably be summed up as a series of regrets. But, here's the thing. If you are not making mistakes, you aren't trying things. And, if you don't try... what's the point?
So while I occasionally die a little inside remembering that time I wore those neon green pants, I embrace them. They are reminders that I do stuff. And that’s... something. Maybe? Look, I'm constantly trying to figure it all out. It's a work in progress, just like me (and my terrible knitting skills).
