- Johor Bahru's BEST Studio: SKS Pavilion Suites - CIQ Views!
- Okay, so, SKS Pavilion Suites - CIQ Views... Is it *actually* got CIQ views? Like, good ones?
- How's the location? Super convenient, or a total pain in the… well, you get it?
- What about the rooms? Are they nice? Clean? Or… something else entirely?
- Is there reliable Wi-Fi? 'Cause, you know, gotta stay connected… or at least, pretend to.
- What about the amenities? Pool? Gym? Can you actually *use* them?
- Is it noisy? I can NOT handle noise.
- What's the biggest pro of staying there, in your totally honest opinion?
- And the biggest CON? Spill the tea!
- Would you stay there again? Be honest!

Johor Bahru's BEST Studio: SKS Pavilion Suites - CIQ Views!
Alright, buckle up folks, because we're diving headfirst into the, shall we say, vibrant world of Johor Bahru's SKS Pavilion Suites - CIQ Views! Don't expect a perfectly polished review, because, frankly, life isn't polished. This is the real deal, warts and all. Prepare for a rollercoaster!
First Impressions and the CIQ View Hype (or Lack Thereof)
Okay, so SKS Pavilion Suites – CIQ Views! (That's a mouthful, right?) – the name screams "luxury!", but let's be real, "CIQ Views" had me picturing a majestic panorama of… well, the border crossing. My expectations? Low. Turns out, the "view" is… present. It's not the Eiffel Tower, but hey, you see the CIQ. Maybe you appreciate the constant flow of traffic, the logistics of international travel, the… uh… (pauses, searching for a diplomatic word) activity? Still, the building itself, particularly the lobby, is pretty sleek. Clean lines, a welcoming (and air-conditioned – hallelujah!) space. Immediate props for the Air conditioning in public area, a godsend considering JB's humidity.
Accessibility: The Ups, the Downs, and the Unseen
Now, this is crucial for some (and I applaud SKS Suites for trying). Facilities for disabled guests are listed, and there is an elevator, which is a must. The list mentions Accessibility: which I am assuming includes the facilities for disabled guests, and could be expanded upon, if any. I desperately hope the hotel has truly thought about its accessibility. I didn't get a chance to thoroughly check, but I'm hoping more information available.
Rooms: Did I Dream of Comfort?
My room. My room. The studio… it was… okay. Let's start with the good! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! And it worked! Air conditioning – again, vital! Blackout curtains: a lifesaver for a light sleeper like myself. Comfortable bed with extra long bed. Also Daily housekeeping. The little details? Complimentary tea and Free bottled water: appreciated. Though I'm still trying to figure out that scale in the bathroom. Is it a subtle hint?
But… then we get to the less shiny: The overall style is a little dated. Not terribly, but it's a step back from the modern lobby. Is that carpeting? It's clean, yes, but the charm… not quite there. Amenities and the Quest for Relaxation
Okay, this is where SKS Pavilion Suites tries to flex. They have a Fitness center. I attempted to go. (My fitness journey is… on-going, let's say.) They boast a Pool with view. I saw it. It’s nice! Definitely a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. There's also a Spa, a Sauna, a Steamroom and a Massage!! And a Poolside bar! My idea of relaxation right there. I did not partake because, well- I was too exhausted from, you know, life. Maybe next time.
Breakfast: The Morning Ritual (and My Mild Disappointment)
The Breakfast [buffet] was listed. They also offered Breakfast in room and the option of Breakfast takeaway service. I went with eating in the restaurant. They offered, let's say, the essentials. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast and Western cuisine in restaurant… It wasn’t bad. But it wasn’t the kind of breakfast that makes you want to write home about it. Maybe I'm spoiled, or maybe my expectations are just too high. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, at least.
Dining, Drinking and Snacking – The Hunger Games Edition
There's a restaurant, a coffee shop, a snack bar, and a Poolside bar. The availability of Room service [24-hour] is definitely a plus. I didn’t get a chance to try all options.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe-ish
Okay, I have some mixed feelings here. They claim to prioritize cleanliness, which is a huge selling point these days. The Anti-viral cleaning products are a good sign. The fact that there is Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays. The Hand sanitizer are everywhere! And they certainly advertise Staff trained in safety protocol.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and the Pitfalls
They've got some great things! Cash withdrawal, Concierge were there (and helpful) and Laundry service. The Elevator saved my legs. And Daily housekeeping, of course. But there are also things that are missing. They mention Business facilities which, I suppose, is okay for business travellers.
Things to Do and Getting Around: The Outside World
Taxi service is available. Car park [free of charge] (score!). Car park [on-site] as well. The location is… decent. You're not right in the thick of things, but a short taxi or Grab ride gets you where you need to go.
For the Kids
There are indications for Babysitting service and Family/child friendly which are great for families!
The Verdict (and the Absurd Offer!)
SKS Pavilion Suites – CIQ Views! is… a solid contender. It’s not perfect. It has its quirks, and it has a few areas where it could step up its game.
NOW, here's my ridiculously ambitious offer:
Book your stay at SKS Pavilion Suites - CIQ Views! today and get…
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a slightly more interesting CIQ view! (Because, let's be honest, that's what we're all here for.)
- A free, no-judgement pass to the fitness center. Go on, give it a go. Or don't. Seriously, no one's judging.
- A voucher for a guaranteed decent cup of coffee from the coffee shop. Because you deserve it.
- And, most importantly, a sincere promise that you'll have a stay that’s, at the very least, interesting. (Hey, I'm not promising a life-altering experience, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be boring.)
Why choose SKS Pavilion Suites - CIQ Views!? Because it’s honest (as I've proved!). The location is decent, and the hotel has something for everyone. Book now! You know you want to!
Unbelievable Udaipur Luxury: Hotel Dayal's Hidden Paradise Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your perfectly polished travel brochure. This is MY trip to SKS Pavilion Suites @ Studio, JB Town Near CIQ Johor Bahru Malaysia. Prepare for glorious chaos.
My Slightly-Unhinged Itinerary (and my sanity? We’ll see…)
Day 1: Arrival – The Great Malaysian Mismatch
- 14:00 – Arrival at Senai International Airport (JHB): Okay, so I thought I’d planned this meticulously. Booked a Grab car. Turns out, "meticulously" is a strong word for my life. The driver was cool, but my internal monologue was already screaming about the humidity. Seriously, it hits you like a warm, damp blanket. (And I love blankets, but not when they're sweaty blankets!)
- 15:00 – Check-in at SKS Pavilion Suites @ Studio: The lobby? Gorgeous, Instagrammable. My room? Smaller than I expected, but hey, it's clean, the aircon blasts (bless you, aircon!), and the view… checks notes…mostly other buildings. Not quite the tropical vista I’d conjured in my head, but I can live with it. Still, the smell of freshly cleaned sheets is glorious. I may or may not have spent five minutes just inhaling. Don't judge.
- 16:00 – Exploring the immediate surroundings (aka, "Where's the darn coffee?!"): Okay, gotta find caffeine. Desperate times, desperate measures. Wandered around, got delightfully lost. Saw a cool little street with some shops, but the coffee shop was closed. Closed! At 4 pm! The injustice! Found a 7-Eleven though (a lifesaver!), and fuelled up on… whatever sugary concoction looked least likely to kill me. My first official Malaysian purchase.
- 17:00 – Dinner at a random hawker stall: Took a deep breath and ventured out. Found a place with a huge crowd, always a good sign, right? Ordered something that looked vaguely like chicken and rice. The language barrier meant I just pointed frantically at the menu. Turns out, it was spicy. Really spicy. My mouth felt like it was on fire, but it was also… delicious. And that's the charm of the chaos, the unknown, and the thrill of potentially setting your tastebuds ablaze.
- 19:00 – "Attempting" to relax: Back in the room. Watched some TV. Tried to read a book. Failed miserably. Kept getting distracted by the sounds of the city (a symphony of car horns and melodic chatter), but I wasn't mad—there's something strangely comforting about being surrounded by a culture that is so different from your own.
Day 2: City Exploration - The Great "Lost" Adventure
- 09:00 – Breakfast Fiasco: Woke up ravenous. Went to the hotel's "breakfast included" situation. Let's just say, the buffet was… interesting. A lot of fried things. Tried a mysterious green pancake thing. Regret. A bit. At least the coffee was passable. (Note to self: pack emergency coffee sachets for future trips.)
- 10:00 – Johor Bahru City Centre (and getting utterly, gloriously lost): Planned to take a bus, but ended up walking instead. Because, adventure! And because I'm directionally challenged. Wandered around, gawking at the architecture. The old buildings in the old part of town are an absolute delight, vibrant colors, and a palpable sense of history.
- 11:30 – Central Market: Oh. My. Goodness. This place. A sensory overload in the best possible way. The smells! The sounds! The sheer joy of haggling with vendors over ridiculously cheap souvenirs! Bought way too many things I didn't need, but who cares? I'm in Malaysia!
- 13:00 – Lunch at a hidden gem (aka, the place with the longest queue): Spotted a place packed with locals. Waited patiently (ish) in line. Ordered something delicious (and thankfully, not too spicy this time). The food was so good, I nearly wept. It's moments like these that make travel worthwhile.
- 14:30 – Shopping Spree (or, "How I maxed out my credit card"): Hit up the shopping malls. Spent way too much money on stuff I don't need. Blame the air conditioning, the sheer variety, and the fact that I'm weak. (This is my confession.)
- 17:00 – Tea Time: Found a charming little café. Ordered tea, because I like tea. It came with cakes. A really good cake. I ate three. Don't tell my doctor.
- 19:00 – Dinner and a little culture (sort of): Tried to find a specific restaurant my friend recommended. Got hopelessly lost again. Ended up at another hawker stall. Enjoyed yet another spicy meal. Attempted, and failed, to understand the local news playing on a nearby TV.
Day 3: The Great CIQ Crossing, and Farewell (for now…)
- 08:00 – Breakfast, and packing (aka, “The great souvenir struggle”): This is where I was regretting all the stuff I'd impulsively bought. Trying to fit everything into my suitcase was a comedy routine in itself.
- 09:00 – Explore the CIQ, and Prepare for the Border Crossing (AKA, the Great Escape):
- My main goal here was not to get lost during the crossing, and learn a little more about the country by doing some general shopping.
- 11:00 – Check-out & Departure: Farewell, SKS Pavilion Suites! The stay has been great.
- 12:00 – Grab ride to Senai International Airport (JHB) for my flight home: Waved goodbye to the city.
- Reflecting on the experience, I'm left with a sense of awe and nostalgia. It was all so memorable, and I am hoping for more adventures to come.
Quirky Observations & Reactions:
- The humidity is a persistent force. It's a character in the story.
- Malaysians are incredibly friendly and helpful, even when I'm making a complete fool of myself trying to communicate in broken English and hand gestures.
- The food is incredible. My tastebuds are on an adventure of their own.
- I've lost all sense of time, and it's the best feeling ever.
- I'm definitely coming back. And next time, I’m packing backup coffee.
Imperfections & Messiness:
- Didn't go to that one specific temple everyone raves about. (Next time!)
- Got lost approximately 17 times. Probably more.
- Spent way too much money on souvenirs. (But hey, souvenirs!)
- Probably ate something that I wasn't supposed to. (Worth it.)
Emotional Reactions:
- Pure, unadulterated joy at the sheer difference of everything.
- Minor panic attacks about getting lost. (Multiple.)
- Overwhelming gratitude for the friendliness of the locals.
- Slight sadness that it's already over.
In summary: This wasn't a perfectly planned, curated experience. It was messy, imperfect, and completely, utterly me. And it was glorious. Malaysia, you magnificent, chaotic, spicy, vibrant place. I’ll be back. Just you wait.
Jaisalmer's Hidden Gem: Registhan Resort – Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, so, SKS Pavilion Suites - CIQ Views... Is it *actually* got CIQ views? Like, good ones?
Alright, let's cut the crap, yeah? The "CIQ Views" part? Yeah, it's there. You *see* the border. You see the mess, the lights, the *traffic*... which, let's be honest, is half the experience of being in JB, right? I remember one time, I was trying to check out the view at sunrise – thought, "Romantic!" – and instead, I got a face full of the smell of diesel fumes. Romantic-ish. Still, it *is* a view, officially. Just... manage your expectations, yeah? It's not sweeping, majestic Mount Everest. It's a view of the grind, the hustle. It's honest, I'll give it that.
How's the location? Super convenient, or a total pain in the… well, you get it?
Okay, so the location is *the* thing. You're literally a stone's throw from the Causeway. Legit, like a five-minute walk. That's AMAZING when you're trying to escape the madness of Singapore (or, you know, *enter* the slightly less insane madness of Malaysia). Buuuuut… here’s the thing, walking in the JB heat? Not always the most glamorous experience. I went once in my best dress, and then I started sweating like I'd been running a marathon. My makeup melted off, I looked like a swamp monster by the time I got to immigration. Lesson learned: Function over fashion, people. Function over fashion.
What about the rooms? Are they nice? Clean? Or… something else entirely?
The rooms… look, they’re what you expect. They’re decent. They’re *fine*. Cleanliness? Generally okay. I'm not a total germaphobe, but I always give the bathroom a quick once-over. You know? Just in case. The beds are comfy enough, the aircon works, which is crucial. I remember one time though… (this is where the stream of consciousness kicks in, sorry, not sorry). I saw one tiny little mosquito. ONE. And I swear, it ruined the whole experience. I couldn't sleep, I was convinced it would bite me, and I ended up spending half the night swatting at shadows. So, you know... bring bug spray. And maybe a small weapon. Just in case. You're welcome.
Is there reliable Wi-Fi? 'Cause, you know, gotta stay connected… or at least, pretend to.
Wi-Fi? It exists. Sometimes it's fast. Sometimes it crawls. Sometimes it vanishes into the ether entirely. Honestly, it’s a gamble, like everything in life. I've had days where I could stream like a queen, bing-watching shows. Other times, I’ve wanted to throw my laptop out the window. Just… be prepared to tether to your phone. It's the modern way, yeah? Embrace the chaos.
What about the amenities? Pool? Gym? Can you actually *use* them?
Alright, the pool? Pretty decent. I’ve actually used it. And, confession: I’m more of a "lounge by the pool with a book and a G&T" type. The gym? I peeked in once. Looked… gym-y. Didn't feel the urge to actually *enter*. But, hey, if you're into that sort of thing, go for it! Remember, sometimes the best amenity is just… relaxation. Okay? Okay.
Is it noisy? I can NOT handle noise.
Noise… ah, yes. This is where the reality of border life hits you. Sometimes it's quiet. Sometimes you hear the distant hum of traffic, the occasional siren, kids playing, or a dog barking incessantly at 3 AM (true story, happened to me). I swear, that dog was *personally* attacking my sleep. I wanted out! You have to remember, you're in a bustling city. If you NEED silence, you should bring earplugs. Or move to a remote island. I'm not sure what else to tell you.
What's the biggest pro of staying there, in your totally honest opinion?
The location, location, LOCATION! Seriously. Being able to walk to the Causeway is HUGE. Saves you on taxis and the hassle of traffic. I've walked to JB Sentral (which is a *mess* in itself, but hey, it's part of the adventure), popped over to City Square Mall, and even grabbed a durian (smelly but worth it!) all within a few minutes. That convenience is what makes it worth it. And let's be honest, cheaper than Singapore. You’re basically paying for convenience and a chance to wander around, seeing the world as you go!
And the biggest CON? Spill the tea!
The noise, the unpredictable Wi-Fi, and um… the lingering feeling that you might need a shower after walking in the area. It's not a luxury resort, okay? It's functional. It's *convenient*. But it's not perfect. Sometimes, I've felt a little overwhelmed by the sheer *intensity* of it all. That's the biggest con, I guess. But, you know what? It's part of the charm. It's JB. It's messy, it's chaotic, and it's often downright hilarious. And I wouldn't trade it for the world… maybe just a slightly less smelly world.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Hell yes, I would. Look, I might complain a bit. I might rant about the mosquito. I might secretly wish I had a private pool. But, honestly, for the price, the location, and the pure, unadulterated *experience* of it all? Absolutely. I'll probably be back next month. Just you wait. I might even bring bug spray this time. Maybe.

