Taman Pelangi Morning Market (Opposite Atelier Hotel) @ Johor Bahru in Malaysia

I chose to stay at Atelier Hotel at Johor Bahru simply because of its red-brick, European inspired facade. What I didn't know then was that there's also a morning market that takes place opposite the hotel every Monday and Thursday.

Let's check it out! Unlike urbanized Singapore, where fresh produces are, more often than not, imported, and such temporary, makeshift markets are controlled, it's refreshing to see the items on sale, and often at a fraction of Singapore's prices! 

Problem was, I am lazy to haul fruits back to Singapore, despite my deep love for them, including mangosteens and longans! Thanks to the Lau sisters, I had learnt how to choose mangosteens! 

The name of the wallets is hilarious in my opinion as it means the wallet that wouldn't let you lose a fortune. In the Chinese mentality, that's a good omen as it means protecting your fortune should you decide to keep your money in the wallet.

Prices of the fruits; do note that Malaysia does not farm apples and oranges; hence, the prices for such fruits might not be cheaper than Singapore as both countries would rely on imports.

Market was bustling on a Monday morning and it's obvious you see a lot more locals, unlike markets like the KSL night market which attracts a lot of foreigners given the proximity to KSL Hotel, Holiday Villa Hotel etc. 

I am not kidding; I almost bought this fan! 

Pricing for comparison; corn at RM5.00 for three cobs and 2 bags of abalone mushrooms for RM 5.00. I am unaware of the market price in Singapore but put them out here for those who might be interested to know. Of course, do note that prices fluctuate according to demand and supply.

Canes; the most hated tool for children across Asia! While physical punishment isn't as popular nowadays, I recall that back in my days, kids would start sobbing upon seeing either of their parents whipping out a cane! For kids in my family, our sole purpose when the parents are not around was to seek out the hidden canes, and throw them down the rubbish chute!

Pirated songs from USBs! 

Gone were the days when CDs were the norm. 

It was nearing mid-autumn festival when I visited last August; hence the sale of mooncakes, and even lanterns. Nowadays as I get older, I don't quite celebrate such festivals, which are not public holidays in Singapore, although I do make an effort to have meals with my parents. 

Muar Otak; known to chunkier than its competitors.

Freshly baked egg tarts! 

No, shall resist. 

An insect repellent from Korea that was said to be natural. Alex got a 3 for RM 50 but I am unsure if it works well since my house isn't that popular with cockroaches / lizards. It's more the ants that were irritating and I could still find them.

Almost can't resist the satays!

But satays in the morning!? 

I caved in to the pancakes that cost between RM 1.40 and RM 1.80 for the small and between RM 5.00 and RM 6.00 for the large. 

While cheaper than Singapore by a lot, the batter was also marginally lesser and while it gave lesser satisfaction, I really can't complain for a peanut pancake that cost just Singapore 40 cents. 

Having traditional Nanyang coffee and toast at a coffee shop alongside the morning market. Not fantastic but would do as a simple breakfast to kick start the morning. 

Jackfruits! A lot of people didn't realize that to get the edible fruits out of it is a very tiring process, as it's very sticky! That's what I heard from my mom as I have never attempted. 

Cockles; till today, I still don't understand why people love cockles. I dislike oysters too but I could at least stomach them. Not cockles, which are known as see-hum among Singaporeans of Chinese ethnicity. 

Nice pose, boss!

Dumplings and swiss rolls; two vastly different food as one captivates my parents generation whereas the other would appeal to my generation as comfort food. 

Household products; now that I am a homeowner, some items would draw my attention, like the kitchen roll holder! I have one at home but is it time to replace? Answer: not yet! 

Chwee Kueh! 

Alex's fav but he didn't see.

Fruits again! I think the price of the blueberries was comparable to what we can get from NTUC. Anyway, if craving hits, any prices would actually be fine.

Roast pork and char siew! 

Petai, also known as stinky beans! I don't know how to cook it but I would order it whenever I have nasi padang. Only thing, I don't find them stinky although I have friends who absolutely can't stand eating them.

The stools were so low; I think only Vietnamese would buy them! p.s. such low stools are common in Vietnam, especially for eateries with streetside dining. 

Raw chicken!

In the hot and humid climate, the sale of portable fans is always essential! For me, I prefer the good old fan that requires manual labor as I often forget to charge. 

Picture of Alex with the tree that was blossoming pink!

Penang acar; acar is like a salad dish in Singapore / Malaysia, albeit more a side dish like Korean kimchi, to be eaten with rice, porridge etc. However, it's not really considered healthy.

Anyone still wearing masks? Oh well, with the ongoing flu season, it's best to don on one if you are not feeling well. Remember, social distancing will also help to reduce the spread. 

Freshly baked pastries....

No, have to double down my will!

Hm..... any people from my generation or younger still using wooden chopping boards? I asked really out of curiosity since we have been taught so much that it's quite unhygienic to use chopping boards made from wood.

Ginger from Bentong; said to be very spicy, and nutritional!

Crystal corn; sweetness unknown as my family would usually buy the white ones! Another corn I love would be the ones from Cameron Highlands, which you can eat raw! 

Containers of soya milk, I think.

Anyone knows what vegetables are the above as I don't recall having them as a dish? Or maybe they are herbs to be used as traditional medicine?

In addition to fans, a cup of iced sugar cane would definitely help you to navigate the hot and humid climate in both Singapore and Malaysia! Not today though as it has been raining since yesterday and the temperature now is a cool 25 degrees.

Putu Mayam; I used to love this so much as a kid! It's literally stringy cooked rice flour that you eat with grated coconut and red sugar! 

End of the market; with fish and crabs for sale! 

 

More photographs for your viewing pleasure. Would this kind of morning markets continue? I sure hope so as it's definitely a heritage worth preserving! 

Let's end the post with the above.

A super 'nasty' motorbike!

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Map

As above.

Operating Days

Mondays and Thursdays.

From 6.30am till 10.00 pm.