Jalan Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street @ Johore Bahru (Near City Square) [Malaysia]

Jalan Tan Hiok Nee should be familiar to those who always travel to Johore Bahru in Malaysia but I guarantee that out of 100%, over 95% would know it simply as the street where you can buy banana cake from the Hiap Joo bakery! 

To be totally honest, I was part of the 95% before the day trip I took a few weeks ago. Taking its name from a Chinese merchant who was bestowed the title "Chinese major" and then datukship, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee has transformed into a heritage arena with trees lining up both sides of the about 250-meter long street. 

It's also the location of Roast & Coffee, where we had our first breakfast on foreign land after a hiatus of more than two years; no thanks to the pandemic! 

Most famous stall had to be Hiap Joo bakery. Aside from the queue, which only disappeared when the shop was closed / they had sold out, another telling sign was the irresistible aroma of its signature banana cake! 

Those who drive can consider parking at this area, which was just a few meters away from Hiap Joo bakery. I think only daytime parking though. 

With eateries converted from containers, I presume this place would come alive only at night, and likely the now-carpark area converted into alfresco, dining-under-the-stars seating. 

My elder sister, who was a monthly visitor to Johore Bahru before the pandemic, and has since visited Malaysia no less than five times since the borders reopened in April, told me that the wanton mee from the above eatery was good. Shall keep that in mind the next time I step in! 

Said to be the most famous building along the street, I guess it helps to have such a striking color! According to online search, it was supposed to be a place for arts and heritage. Capitalism wins though, with a Marrybrown signage. 

Unlike many heritage streets, which are likely taken over by cafes, restaurants, shops selling expensive souvenirs etc, some of the commercial entities here still retained businesses that catered to the basic needs of residents. Like the one above, with slippers, brooms, umbrellas for sale.

Such old school signage right?! Despite the shop name, I would have guessed this would be a repair shop for household electronics or where I could get second hand electronics. 

A nursery; if there's one industry that boomed due to the pandemic, it would have been the horticultural industry! A friend who resides in Bangkok earned quite a bit when Thailand went into lockdown. Even in Yishun, there were, at one time, about five plant nurseries just in small place like Chong Pang! 

Retro outlook but it's a modern fashion store. Sadly, traditional shops are no longer as popular and it's inevitable that new entrants would have to be admitted to inject new blood, so as to attract more crowds.

Interesting - mutton noodle soup! It's unfortunate that I don't quite crave for mutton, unless it's in the form of mutton satay or lamb steak. Furthermore, there were just too many eateries for me to choose from! 

Entry to Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum! Those who are keen in knowing more about the history of the Chinese community in Johore can pay this a visit.

We were happy to be just goofing around. 

Restoran 80000 - newly opened in January this year, this two-floor cafe served brunch, meals, croffles, cakes and of course, coffee! As my elder sister needed to wait for her banana cake, Alex and I decided to just chill out in the cafe, and use their free WIFI! 

Scan for menu.

I would love to try their 80000 big breakfast and their croffles but I needed to save space! A cup of mocha first and I will definitely be back to check out the the rest of the food at Restoran 80000. p.s. superb service; after we were done with the coffee, the staff actually served us plain water. Most cafes in Singapore would have prayed for us to get out. 

How ancient is this wooden bench!? 

Such metal folding gates were common when I was a kid; nowadays, the more convenient roller shutters are the norm. In the past, the metal grilles can be pretty hard to pull although as a kid, I was more worried my fingers would get caught in between the grille. 

This kind was quite popular for home renovation but the practical me could never understand as it would be a magnet for dust once the novelty wears off! 

The iconic five-foot walkway that's prevalent in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. For a Singaporean, it's something we are accustomed to seeing. 

Wall murals; to me, Malaysia should be named the capital of wall murals. The first started in Penang and there's even one in the small town of Kluang! 

Queue outside Hiap Joo bakery!

Much longer than earlier! 

To know more about my day trip to Johore Bahru, the first since border closure in April 2020, click here!