DAY 3 @ Mid Valley
We checked out of the hotel in the morning to maximise our time with minimal travelling. Since we were driving, we could leave our luggage in the car while exploring for the rest of the day. Our final stop? Mid Valley (again)!
Antipodean Johor
Kpo Kia Papa knows I love Instagrammable dining spots, so we decided to try a Western cafe this time.
It took us a while (again!) to locate the place. The entrance is actually outside the mall, facing the main road—took this directionless family a while to find it.
The cafe has a cosy vibe, but what excited Kpo Kia the most was the kids’ play area! We got a table near the play corner, which is set a little deeper inside the cafe and away from the rest of the tables. I found this to be a thoughtful design – only two tables are near the play zone, so families can sit close by without disturbing other diners.
It’s an open-space concept, so it can get a little warm during hot weather, but Kpo Kia was super happy with her own little corner—complete with a video screen, rocking chair, and loads of soft toys!
We were pleasantly surprised by the generous portions. And most importantly—everything tasted good! I love how the waffle is crisp and crunchy on the outside, and airy and soft on the inside.
I can’t speak for all the mains, but I really enjoyed the desserts. Definitely worth a visit for a tea session. Come with a bigger group or an empty stomach—the portions are BIG!
Antipodean Johor
Lot G-072 (Ground Floor) The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey 1 Persiaran Southkey 1,Southkey 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: +607 332 0025
Opening hours: Daily 8AM to 10PM
Website: https://antipodeancoffee.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066892525414
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antipodean_my
We walked around the mall for a bit to stock up on our usual snacks—Famous Amos cookies and popcorn! Then it was time for more arcade fun before splitting up: Kpo Kia and Papa went for her indoor go-kart ride, while I went for a massage session.
Siam Oasis 泰皇鼎
Since I wasn’t sure of our schedule, I didn’t book in advance and only managed to get a walk-in slot at Siam Oasis. Many of their services were unavailable due to facility requirements, so I went for the Royal Aromatherapy (皇室精油按摩) – RM156 for 60 mins.
It started with a basic foot rinse at the entrance, then I was brought to a room to change into disposable panties. My belongings were stored in a cabinet inside the room. No spa robe was provided, just a towel to wrap around myself.
The therapist patiently waited outside while I changed. She didn’t speak to me much (unlike my regular spa therapists in SG)—maybe due to the language barrier? But honestly, I appreciated the peace and quiet. She did comment that my left shoulder was tight, so I guess I made the right decision getting that massage.
After the massage, she served me a cup of tea that tasted like houjicha (I was expecting lemongrass though, since it’s a Thai spa, lol).
Strangely, my back felt sore for the next two days. No scary “claw marks” like my previous Javanese massage experience, but definitely a lingering ache.
Siam Oasis 泰皇鼎
Lot TM-005 & 006, 3rd Mezzanine Floor, The Mall, Mid Valley, Persiaran Southkey 1, Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: +607 332 0168 / WhatsApp: +6012 580 0634
Opening hours: Daily 8AM to 10PM
FYI, there’s another Siam Oasis outlet just beside it at:
Lot TM-018, 3rd Mezzanine Floor, The Mall, Mid Valley, Persiaran Southkey 1, Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: +607 291 0687 / WhatsApp : +6012 437 3100
I overheard the receptionist explaining to another customer that if your appointment is with Lot TM-018, you must go to that specific outlet—you can’t walk into TM-005/006 instead.
Website: https://siamoasis.com.my
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiamOasisMY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siamoasis
We left the mall slightly after 6pm to avoid peak traffic back to Singapore. Thankfully, the queue at customs wasn’t too bad—we cleared Malaysian customs in about an hour.
And just like that, our 3D2N JB trip came to an end.