Johor Bahru's BEST Sunrise View: Netflix & Chill at Almas Suites!
Okay, strap in folks, because we're about to get REAL. Forget those polished hotel reviews that feel like they were written by robots. This is about Almas Suites in Johor Bahru, and specifically, "Netflix & Chill at Almas Suites" – which, by the way, had me at "Netflix." Let's break this down, because honestly, after my stay, my brain feels like a delicious, messy, but ultimately satisfying plate of nasi lemak.
The Hook: Sunrise & Suites – Sounds Fancy, Right? But Is It Worth It?
Right, SO…Almas Suites. The promise? A killer sunrise view, a comfy bed, and the holy grail of hotel experiences: Netflix. My initial thought? “Okay, sounds a little… basic.” I mean, sunsets are cool, but sunrises? Early mornings? My internal grumpy cat almost nixed the whole thing. But hey, the promise of a weekend without adulting (and with a good TV watching) – and a good price point – won out.
Accessibility & Getting There: Surprisingly Smooth
Okay, let's get the practical stuff out of the way. Accessibility seemed pretty good. There's an elevator, which is a lifesaver, and the website hints at facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't delve deep into that. Car park [free of charge] – a huge plus in JB, because parking is a nightmare. Getting there was easy enough; they offer airport transfer, which I didn't use, but good to know it's an option. Taxi service is readily available too.
First Impressions: Swanky-ish, but Not Pretension
The Almas Suites building itself is…well, let's call it stylish-adjacent. Think modern, clean lines, and a lobby that isn't trying too hard to be overly luxurious. It's got that “newly built” smell, a good sign, in my book. The Concierge were friendly, and the Check-in/out [express] was, thank god, actually express. No agonizing lines after a long journey. They also provide Contactless check-in/out, a major plus these days.
The Room: Netflix Nirvana & Beyond
And now, the moment of truth: the room. The Non-smoking rooms are a must, and my room was spotless. The Air conditioning kicked in immediately, which was a godsend in the JB heat. The bed? Heaven. Seriously, the Extra long bed was perfect for sprawling and the provided Bathrobes were an invitation to pure laziness.
The Internet access – wireless was SOLID. I mean, I streamed Netflix like it was my job (which, for that weekend, it kinda was). They also tout Internet access – LAN, but who uses LAN anymore, honestly? The Wi-Fi [free] was a lifesaver, and the Laptop workspace was legit, though I mostly used it to order room service…
The "Netflix & Chill" Promise: DELIVERED!
Okay, here's the juicy part. Netflix. Was it seamless? Yes. Brilliant? Yes. The highlight of my stay? ABSOLUTELY!! The On-demand movies were a nice touch, but the pre-loaded Netflix on the big screen was what I was really after. I spent a glorious afternoon in my seating area, wrapped in a bathrobe with a cup of coffee, and binged a show I'd been craving for ages. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
Sunrise, Seriously? Did I Mention the View?
Now, about that sunrise…I’m not a morning person, AT ALL. But, I forced myself to get up (thanks to the Wake-up service, also a plus), because, well, the promise. And… WOW. The High floor room provided, indeed, a breathtaking view. The sky exploded with color, and the city below slowly woke up. It makes you feel like you're right there, and the window that opens let in the fresh air. Okay, okay, it was pretty damn magical. I even took a photo, which I promptly posted on Instagram, hashtagging it #AlmasSuitesSunrise. I will say though, I wish the room had a balcony.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drink!)
Okay, fuel is important. Restaurants? They've got them. A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant…options galore. The Coffee shop was a godsend for caffeine addicts like myself. I had a surprisingly good bowl of noodles for lunch, and the breakfast service made things easy, and offered a Breakfast [buffet] full of international delights. The Poolside bar also offered a very good selection of cocktails. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after my Netflix marathons. The Snack bar was there for cravings. They also offer Bottle of water and Complimentary tea/coffee, which is always a nice touch.
The Relaxing Bits (Minus the Spa? The Truth!)
Okay, so the really relaxing bits. Pool with view? Yes! Beautiful, chilled, and perfect for a quick swim. They've got a Fitness center, if you're into that sort of thing (I, um, skipped that…). The Sauna and Spa/sauna seemed a bit off-limits due to the current situation, which was a bummer. But, hey, you can't win ‘em all.
Now, onto the Spa. This is where it gets a bit…weird.
They advertised a spa. The website did, so I was pumped to order a Body scrub, and maybe a Body wrap I needed after all that relaxing I did.
The Spa? Non-existent.
They have a small room with a massage table. That's it, so I had to go elsewhere.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe, But Here Are the Quirks
Okay, serious business. Cleanliness and safety: they seemed to be taking it seriously. Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. Daily disinfection in common areas. The Rooms sanitized between stays, which is reassuring. They offered Room sanitization opt-out available, if that's your jam. They used Anti-viral cleaning products. I saw CCTV in common areas, which provided peace of mind.
However, I have to admit that their implementation was a little…uneven. I saw some staff wearing masks properly, some not. The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was attempted, but not always enforced. Still, I felt safe overall.
The Little Things (and the Random Stuff)
- Cashless payment service – a plus.
- Laundry service and Dry cleaning: very convenient.
- A Convenience store in the lobby – perfect for snacks and water.
- Gift/souvenir shop: a good option to grab a last minute gift
- They offer Car power charging station
The Downside? The Small Stuff
Okay, no hotel is perfect. A few tiny gripes:
- The breakfast buffet could get a little crowded at peak hours.
- The elevator music, at times, was…questionable. (Seriously, is anyone listening to muzak in 2024?)
- The Smoking area wasn't very well-defined.
Overall Vibe: Netflix & Chill…With a View
Almas Suites is a solid choice. It’s clean, comfortable, and delivers on its promise of a relaxing stay. It's not the most luxurious hotel in JB, but it's got a certain charm and a great vibe. The price point is right, the location is convenient, and the Netflix situation? Chef's kiss.
The Verdict? Book it. Especially if you're looking for a chill getaway.
My Honest-to-Goodness Recommendation: Almas Suites is mostly Great.
Now for the sales pitch – with feeling!
STOP SCROLLING! Your Weekend of Pure Bliss Awaits at Almas Suites!
Are you tired of the same old weekend routine? Craving a break from the chaos? Then ditch the stress and head to Almas Suites in Johor Bahru! (Yes, the one with the killer sunrise views).
Here's the deal:
- Netflix & Chill (For Real): We're talking crisp, on-demand entertainment on a massive screen in your room. Forget those tiny phone screens – we're talking binge-watching bliss from the second you hit the sheets.
- That Sunrise, Though: Wake up, throw open the curtains, and BAM! Witness a sunrise that will make you forget all your troubles. Seriously. It's Instagram-worthy, mood-boosting, and totally worth getting out of bed for (even if you're a grump like me).
- Comfort & Convenience: Cozy up in our super-comfy beds, enjoy the free Wi-Fi, and take advantage of our top-notch amenities (think: pool with a view, fitness center – if you’re feeling ambitious – and a
Alright, here's my attempt at a Johor Bahru itinerary for Almas Suites Warm Sunrise Homestay, Netflix BySTAY, that's less "robots write itinerary" and more "me, a slightly frazzled human, tries to make plans and then probably messes them up gloriously":
The Johor Bahru Jamboree: A Semi-Coherent Adventure (Maybe)
Overall Vibe: Think less "perfect Instagram feed" and more "chaotic energy disguised as organized relaxation." I'm aiming for chill, but let's be honest, I'll probably be running late and hangry at least twice.
Accommodation: Almas Suites Warm Sunrise Homestay, Netflix BySTAY – Okay, let's be real, the "Netflix BySTAY" part is already a massive win. I'm packing ALL THE SNACKS. And a good book for that one moment I actually manage to relax.
Day 1: Arrival, Acclimatization, and Attempted Culture
- Morning (Let's be Optimistic):
- Flight/Travel: Ugh, the journey itself. Hope the plane/bus isn't delayed. Because I'm already picturing my stomach turning with that pre-travel anxiety right now.
- Arrival & Check-In (Potential Catastrophe Zone): Arrive. Get through customs (praying I don't accidentally pack something illegal like, I don't know, a giant rubber duck). Hopefully, the check-in is smooth. I'm prepared for the dreaded "it's not ready yet" scenario.
- First Impressions & Room Reconnaissance: After navigating the lobby (gasp!), I’m going to give my room a thorough inspection. Is the shower pressure decent? Is the air conditioning working? And most importantly, is THERE REALLY NETFLIX?!
- Afternoon (Post-Nap Recovery):
- Lunch (The First Food Adventure): After some deep research (aka, scrolling through Instagram and Google Maps), I'm heading to… (TBD based on what looks good right now). I'm craving Nasi Lemak, I hear they have it there. I'm ready to sweat a little from the chili, it's part of the experience, right?
- Exploring (Attempt #1): I'll venture out, armed with my phone and a vague sense of direction. I'm thinking a wander through a local market. If it’s too crowded, I'll probably retreat. I'll blame the crowds on me having a sensitive personality.
- Evening (Netflix & Chill… Literally):
- Dinner (Maybe I'll cook, maybe I won't): Either I'll attempt to cook something simple at the homestay (wish me luck, I can sometimes burn toast), or I'll order takeout. Again, research is key. What’s good, what's easy, and what won't require me to talk to a lot of people (social anxiety, anyone?).
- Netflix & Savasana: This is the real goal of the day. A long, hot shower (fingers crossed for good water pressure), then, a big plate of my favourite snacks, and a marathon session on Netflix, maybe with the lights off, the A/C way up, and the whole world in a state of perfect peace.
- Emotional Moment (If I'm lucky and/or tired): I'll probably cry at a rom-com, just because I can.
Day 2: More Food, More Exploring, and The Meltdown (Probably)
- Morning (Trying Again!):
- Breakfast (The Most Important Meal): Breakfast at the homestay? If so, I'll make it an experience. If not, what would be considered the most instagramable cafe in Johor Bahru (I'm going to take a bunch of pics and try to make my family jealous, or at least, not feel sorry for me. No, scratch that, I want them to feel some jealousy, just a little).
- Exploring (Round Two - Slightly Less Lost): I've heard there's a beautiful temple/park/museum (fill in the blank with whatever actually sounds interesting to me). I'll attempt to find it. There's a good chance I'll wander off track.
- Afternoon (The Great Food Hunt, Part Deux):
- Lunch (The Great Food Hunt): This is where things could go very wrong. I’m tempted to try durian. I've heard it's a love-it-or-hate-it thing. Maybe I'll find a nice place with clean bathrooms since, let's be honest, that's really important for surviving food adventure.
- Shopping (Maybe): I'll check out a mall. If I'm feeling brave, I'll try to get a souvenir.
- Evening (The Meltdown - Possibly):
- Dinner (Panic-Induced Decision): This is where things get real. If I've had successful adventures, it will be celebratory. If I've been lost all day (very likely), I'll probably settle for the first thing that looks edible.
- Emotional Rollercoaster (or, Meltdown): I can be extremely emotional around travel and holidays. There might be a moment of frustration, existential thought, or just pure joy. I'm expecting a mix of feelings.
Day 3: Departure (And a Quick Breakdown)
- Morning (Waking Up and Regretting Something):
- Breakfast (One Last Hurrah): Simple and easy. A repeat of the first breakfast or something similar.
- Last-Minute Shopping: I'll scurry around looking for things I forgot I needed.
- Check-Out (The Final Hurdle): Hope it goes smoothly. I am determined to not oversleep this day.
- Afternoon (Goodbye, Johor Bahru!)
- Travel Home (A bittersweet goodbye): The homeward journey. Travel, planes, buses; no matter how comfortable they seem, they always seem to feel like an adventure.
- Recollection: Sitting with the memories and making plans to return.
Notes & Ramblings:
- Transportation: I'm probably going to use Grab/taxi a lot. Walking is great… when I actually feel like it.
- Budget: Hoping to be semi-economical, but food is a priority, so… yeah.
- Imperfections: I am guaranteed to make mistakes. I will get lost. I will overpack. I will probably buy something I don't need. I'm not doing this to impress. I'm doing this for ME.
- Most Important Thing: Relax and be present. No matter what happens, it makes for a great story.
This is my attempt at a real-life itinerary. It might work out. It might not. Either way, it's going to be an adventure, probably a messy one, and I'm okay with that. Wish me luck! And maybe send snacks.
Penang Paradise: Unbelievably Comfy Stays Await!
Netflix & Chill at Almas Suites: Sunrise Edition - Let's Get Real! (FAQ-ish, Maybe?)
Okay, spill the tea: Is the sunrise *really* amazing from Almas Suites? Like, Instagram-worthy amazing?
Oof, okay, the pressure! Let's be honest, my Instagram feed is a curated lie, just like everyone else's. "Instagram-worthy" depends on your standards, right? Look, sometimes it's breathtaking. Think: fiery oranges, purples melting into blues, the kind of view that makes you almost emotional. (Don't tell anyone, I'm trying to keep my reputation as a cynical jerk intact!). Other times? It’s a bit…meh. Cloudy days happen. You might see a blurry blob of sunrise fighting through the smog. It’s Johor Bahru, after all, not the Swiss Alps. But even on a "meh" day, being high up, sipping coffee in your PJs? Still pretty damn good.
What's the BEST time to catch the sunrise? Don't make me look like a total idiot here.
Alright, Captain Obvious, but I'll play along. Sunrise changes throughout the year, ya know? I'd recommend *at least* half an hour before the official sunrise time. That way, you can catch the pre-sunrise glow that’s often the most stunning. I usually set my alarm for like, 6:45 AM, even though sunrise is supposedly at 7:15 AM. And look, I've been there. Completely slept through the alarm, woke up to a fully lit-up sky feeling like a total chump. It's happened to everyone. Just…try not to make it a habit. Pro tip: check a sunrise app the night before! Seriously. It's a lifesaver. Or, you know, just wing it and blame the clouds.
Okay, I'm sold. But seriously, Almas Suites? What's the *deal* with the actual hotel? Is it decent?
Decent is a good word. It's not the Ritz, folks. Let's just say it's… functional. Cleanish. Okay-ish. I've stayed in some rooms where I swore the ghosts of past guests were still lurking… but generally, it's fine. The beds are comfortable enough after a long day trip to Singapore. The amenities are the usual: gym (which I’ve never actually used, because… sunrise!), pool (ditto), and a passable breakfast. The location's good, near the CIQ (Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine complex) which is super convenient, but also means traffic can be a nightmare at any time of the day. Honestly, you're there for the view, right? So, don’t expect perfection. Lower your expectations, and you might even be pleasantly surprised. The staff, bless their souls, are generally trying their best.
Netflix & Chill? Seriously? What about the TV situation? Is the internet actually usable?
Alright, the crux of the matter, right? Yes, there *is* a TV. And yes, you *can* (usually) connect to Netflix. The Wi-Fi is… inconsistent. Sometimes it's lightning fast, and you're streaming HD while munching on your nasi lemak. Other times? It's slower than a snail in molasses. I've spent valuable sunrise viewing time yelling at the router, restarting it, and questioning my life choices. My advice? Download your content beforehand. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. And maybe bring a book. Just in case. And, oh God... the remote. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I swear they have a remote black hole in that place.
Okay, so you said view. What *kind* of view are we talking about? Cityscape? Water? Both? Am I staring at some random office building?
You get a pretty sweet cityscape view! From the higher floors, you get a good panorama. You see the city sprawling out below you, the Causeway Bridge, the water... all that Johor Bahru glory. It’s great when the weather is clear. Sometimes, when it's a bit hazy, it's like an abstract painting of buildings and mist. A bit moody. A bit… mysterious. Less Instagrammable, perhaps, but still kinda cool. And no, you’re (usually) not staring directly at another office building. Though, I did once have a room that had a direct line of sight into someone's apartment. Awkward. So, book a room that faces east. Or ask for a high floor, overlooking the water. Trust me. Do your research!
Any specific room recommendations? Or is it all just a crapshoot?
It's partially a crapshoot, yeah. But... I've got a few insider tips, allegedly. Ask for a higher floor (duh!). The higher you are, the less the view is obstructed by other buildings. Some rooms have balconies, which is AMAZING for sunrise viewing (and for feeling like a total baller). Definitely check the room maps online before you book. And if you can, request a corner room. More windows, more views, more everything! Also, I've heard (from a very unreliable source, me) that the rooms ending in '07' are generally pretty good. But seriously, don't blame me if you get a dud room. I'm just some guy on the internet.
What about parking? Is it a nightmare like everything else in JB?
Ugh, parking. Yes and No. The hotel *has* parking, which is a definite plus. But… it can get crowded. Especially during peak times. You might have to circle a few times. Sometimes, I end up just leaving my car in some random spot, hoping for the best. (Don’t do that. Seriously. I’m a bad influence.) My advice? Go early. Or, even better, take a Grab. Then you don't have to worry about parking or the crazy Johor Bahru traffic. It's a lifesaver. Trust me. Less stress means more time spent staring at the sunrise! Because, that's the goal, right? Not getting a parking ticket.
Is it worth the effort? Seriously, is this whole thing worth waking up early for?
Here's the thing: It's *sometimes* worth it, and it *often* almost isn't. It depends on a few factors. The weather is the biggest one. The cloud cover will make or break your experience. Your mood matters too. If you're already in a grouchy mood, even the most spectacular sunrise won't save you.Sleep Stop Guide
