TRAV N BOOK : April 2015

Johor Premium Outlets or more popularly known as JPO is a shopping mall opened in the year 2011 with a concept of every well-known BRANDS under one roof. It is located at Kulaijaya district in the state of Johor.

JPO can be accessed from two highways, North-South Highway (PLUS) and Malaysia-Singapore second link (LINKEDUA). The distance between KL and JPO is about 300 KM.

We were there on Friday and because of the vastness of the place, there is no worry about parking space.

Are we too early, again?

Premium outlets follow the idea of shopping places like Bandung and it should give discounted prices to the goods sold. That should be achievable by putting all brands in one huge place and most probably also giving specific designation to the land area. This concept is rather new in Malaysia and I wanted to see if there is any obvious different in prices.

Most of the photo are from outside of the outlets but I didn't see much of banner or signage attracting 'shoppers' in. I wonder how would this place be during weekend or public holidays. Unfortunately I didn't have the luxury of time to find out.

We didn't buy much goods, maybe because the competition wasn't there. Competition from other shoppers, that is.

Major improvement should be in order, and I have seen other places facing difficulty attracting shoppers. I believe the main target is shoppers from across the causeway but where are they? All the best to JPO.

As this is the continuation of what have been done before, I found that planning this trip is a little easier. The only thing that cannot be planned is the weather. It was extremely hot and humid in KL. To make it worst, we left Gombak at mid day and taking the road from Gombak towards Kuala Kubu Baru.

About 20 km from Kuala Kubu Baru, there is a gigantic reservoir operated by SPLASH for water treatment supply. Just after the reservoir, another popular tourist site called Chiling Waterfalls can be found.

Water everywhere.

The Gap

After the tiring winding road, and few headache, roughly about 20 km, we arrived at the GAP, a name given to the starting point for the final climb to the Fraser's hill. The distance, 8 km. The ascend and descend is using two different roads so there is no worry of oncoming vehicles but as a result, the road both ways tend to be narrow.

The Clock Tower

Surprise surprise, as we near the Fraser's hill entrance, there was quite a heavy rain. You know what would be the result? Yes extreme drop in temperature, which is far cry from the hot and humid condition that we have left behind. As any other tourist, the first joy is to see the clock tower. Still blanketed by the green plant.

The ever wonderful Little England.

We took a bit of direction check and head for our first tourist spot.

Allan's Water

Water activities are here!! That's what I thought in the beginning, if only they are more excited. Oo I forgot, it was a little drizzle so they don't seem too excited to do water activities.

The size of the pond or lake is not too big and this is used to be water catchment for Fraser's hill usage in the old days.

Extreme, anyone?

You can find extreme balloon-type of game but there was no takers at that time. What a shame.

The Family Park

Look at that mist.

This is where you will find most of the restaurant and souvenir shops. Our favourite as always been is nasi lemak but it ran out very very fast.

View towards the mosque.

See the mist?

Frustrated for not getting enough nasi lemak, we bury our frustration by hitting golf balls. Who cares if that miniature golf course is suppose for kids. We all used to be kids at one point.

1,2.......and out.

Let me show you how.

Ball-chasing Syakir?

Check the video HERE

The energetic guys don't seem too pleased and wanting more adventurous sports. I have to figure out something here.

The Paddock

Paddock here we come. If adventurous is what you are looking for, they do have one, or two. Grab that horse and let's ride...... Something lacking though, no boots, no hat. That must be Malaysian cowboy.

Isn't this too fast?

Horse riding? What for? I will collect entrance fee instead.

This is how you ride.....eeehaa.....

Still they are not satisfied with horse-riding. Further challenge in store. Here come archery!!

After checking the price for shooting 10 arrows is only RM10, everyone seem to form a queue. But then, can they really perform?

That's the target, not the bush ya.

Junior category first.

Senior category.

Adzim.

Finally the lady archer take the show by surprise.
Check the video HERE

Time to see the result. Most arrows are out of the circle, two arrows in the yellow circle was shot by the trainer, the rest of the arrows ended up in the bush. What a record.....

Archery what for? Let me park my horse first....

Strawberry park

Let's take a breathing for now and go to the strawberry field. The strawberry is planted in a greenhouse with rows of potted plant.

I wouldn't say the strawberry's size as fat and red, but tasting it on the spot gives the pleasant feeling of eating something fresh,.....and free.

The strawberry is packed in the morning so you can buy starting at 8:30am. When we were there, they have plucked 10 packs priced at RM10 each, so we bought just three packs. The rest are for those coming after us, I am sure will be gone in a flash.

Yummy yummy.

There are cabbages as well which they sell at RM10 for four pieces. Not bad ha.

He must be local Fraser's.

Jeriau Waterfall

Still with the issue of adventure, we drove downwards to Jeriau waterfall. It's located on the north west very much on the edge of Fraser's hill vicinity.

I remember this sign. A little upgraded.

While walking towards the waterfall, you will find smaller stream.

There are two locations of landslide so you either walk through it or take a detour. But that's only for the first landslide. As for the second, which is nearer to the waterfall, you have to climb over it. A bit challenging, so three of us given up.