What’s it like living in Senibong Cove, JB?

Brit EDWARD ROEBUCK and his wife Katie live in a house in Senibong Cove, Malaysia. Edward’s a financial adviser at Lawsons Wealth where he helps international expats invest their money and plan for retirement. We asked him what he likes about this area on the east coast of Johor Bahru. If you’re thinking of moving to this area, read on for his recommendations, including some his favourite places to eat and drink in JB.

# An overview of your Johor Bahru neighbourhood

What’s the name of your street?

Senibong Cove.

What’s a common myth or misconception about Senibong Cove?

A lot of expats live on the other (western) side of town, at Puteri Harbour, so they’ve have often not heard of Senibong Cove or visited. Many people have the idea it’s very quiet, but it’s probably one of the livelier areas to be and there’s so much nearby.

How long have you lived in this house Senibong Cove? Why this part of Johor?

Just over a year. Senibong Cove was highly recommended by people we knew in the area. The biggest decision maker for us was the swimming pool, good-sized properties, and the Marina with several restaurants nearby.

# Out and about in Senibong Cove

When you walk out of your place, what’s the first thing you see?

Trees. The area is incredibly green, with lots of parks and outdoor space. It’s common to see monkey, monitor lizards and otters swimming in the river.

What’s the closest store to your front door?

There’s a 7-Eleven a two-minute walk away, within the community. But for anything else you need to drive five minutes to another suburb, Permas Jaya, or 20 minutes to the Mid Valley Southkey shopping mall.

We’re sure your neighbours are great, but is there anything you wouldn’t mind a little less of?

There always seems to be a lot of renovation work going on in the older houses. It’s not a big deal, but there’s sometimes a bit of noise during the day.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street?

There was a monitor lizard in the swimming pool one morning. I didn’t fancy joining it for a swim, so we managed to chase it away after trying for about 20 minutes.

# The best things about living in Senibong Cove

What are your favourite places in Johor Bahru to eat and drink?

There are so many choices nearby – within a five-minute drive, there’s about 30 or 40 restaurants of all varieties.

Senibong Cove Marina is a short walk from our house, with lots of Western restaurants and a few Chinese ones. It’s hard to pick one specifically, but we always seem to end up in La Olla or Harvests.

There’s great street food at Old Street in Permas Jaya, five minutes away, if you really want to feel like you’re in Malaysia.

And there’s a fantastic dim sum restaurant called PMX about five minutes away too.

What are the best places to shop?

The mall at Mid Valley Southkey is the best place for shopping. It’s a 15-minute drive for us and is the nearest spot with big brands.

What are some fun or interesting things to do in Senibong Cove?

There’s lots of space for outdoor recreation here. I love our swimming pool, which has a view over the river. There’s a great yoga studio a two-minute drive away called Infinity Yoga & Fitness. You can also do jet ski tours from Senibong Cove Marina; I haven’t tried one yet, but they look great.

What’s one thing you’d never change?

How much greenery there is; it makes the area very peaceful.

How about one thing you would change?

We could do with a few speed bumps on the main road – there’s always one person driving home from the bar as fast as they can.

It’s a shame you can’t swim in the sea here because of the crocodiles. It would be amazing if there was a beach nearby.

If the city gave you a million dollars to spend on the area, how would you use it?

I’d open a supermarket within the complex, or maybe a beach club on the seafront.

# Exploring other parts of Johor Bahru

 What are your favourite spots for taking out-of-town guests?

A little further out from Senibong Cove, a 10-minute drive, is an amazing American barbecue restaurant called Project Smoked. It’s owned by a local guy who travelled to America to learn the craft of smoking meat. We take everyone who visits there!

Jalan Dhoby is great to explore; there’s lots of street art, a few temples and some great coffee shops.

Desaru is the nearest beach, about an hour and half away.

When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go?

It’s everywhere in Malaysia, you don’t have to go far.

If you’re missing home, what do you do?

We go for breakfast at Antipodean in Mid Valley. The owner is from New Zealand, and the menu is fantastic if you’re missing food from home.

If you also love your own Johor Bahru neighbourhood and want to share the best of it with others, just email us at contribute@expatliving.net with “Street Talk” in the subject line. Include your name and street, and we’ll be in touch.