As you get ready to spend the next two weeks at home, fret not as we’ve prepared a list of our favourite lockdown activities!
We’ve carefully designed Southern Marina Residences to be you and your family’s personal sanctuary and an escape from the rest of the world. Especially now, with all of us spending more time at home during this movement control order (MCO) 2.0, this is the best time for all of us to create new memories with our loved ones.
We know being stuck at home for the next two weeks can be stressful. Worry not with our list of favourite lockdown activities that can help these difficult days fly by.
Gardening on our spacious balconies
Our extra spacious balconies were designed to fully immerse our residents into the stunning seaside views and gentle sea breezes. Instead of leaving it bare, why not try out our hand at gardening during this time?
Fun fact: gardening improves your mood and increases your self-esteem! When people spend time in a garden, their anxiety levels drop and they feel less depressed, which is especially important during these stressful times.
Beyond that, studies have found that your skin uses sunlight to create vitamin D, a powerful essential vitamin. As little as half an hour gardening outdoors also helps boost your immune system and strengthens your bones by improving your body’s ability to absorb calcium.
What are you waiting for? Time to get your hands dirty!
Meditate or do some yoga
If you’re not a fan of gardening, you can always try out some simple yoga or meditation on the balcony to create a deep sense of relaxation and serenity. If you’re unsure of how to begin, start off easy with some YouTube videos that can get you kick started.
Image source: https://www.wearebrain.com/our-work/older-bolder-better-after-50
Caring for your mental health is equally as important as your physical health. Take 15 minutes each morning to start your day on a positive, uplifting note. Studies have shown that meditation and yoga can help people manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, insomnia and many more.
Couple meditation with an extraordinary view of the sea and marina, we promise complete serenity and relaxation.
Especially with many working from home these days, creating a routine that you can stick to everyday can help increase focus and allow you to work more quickly and productively for the rest of the day.
Home workouts
As 2021 comes knocking, many of us would have the resolution to get fit or lose weight in this new year. If you’re a beginner on your fitness journey, there are thousands of easy, at-home workouts available online that you can do without any expensive equipment.
Image source: https://www.wearebrain.com/our-work/older-bolder-better-after-50
Find an empty space (which shouldn’t be too hard in our extra spacious units) and roll out a yoga mat if you will be doing any floor exercises. Then get started kicking and punching your way to a healthier version of yourself!
We won’t preach the hundreds of health benefits to getting in shape but know when you’ve reached your limits and don’t overwork yourself. While you may be excited about getting in shape, you should keep in mind that you don’t need to injure yourself in the process. Remember to take a break and take deep breaths if you need to.
Perfect to get your entire family involved for extra fun and extra motivation!
Stay connected to family and friends
While lockdown can feel very isolating, especially if you are alone, staying in touch with your loved ones through video calls, phone calls or even a quick text can be extremely comforting.
Image source: https://parade.com/1021595/stephanieosmanski/virtual-games-to-play-over-zoom/
Arrange weekly video calls with friends or family as a fun way to keep in touch, no matter how far you may be from them. It’s especially important to ensure you don’t feel alone if you are struggling during these times.
Maybe it’s time to catch up with that long-lost friend you haven’t spoken to in a while! You’ll never know if your loved ones might need your support and love as much as you do unless you reach out.
Practice self care
A simple pamper session by taking a bubble bath or doing a fun face mask can be surprisingly therapeutic if you’re feeling down or stressed.
Take this time to put on your favourite music or indulge in binging the latest show on Netflix! Put aside 30 to 45 minutes at the end of your day to relax or simply enjoy doing nothing on the sofa. Some of us may tend of bottle things up so this is a good way to de-stress.
We promise that 30 minutes will do wonders for your self-esteem and state of mind. And trust us, men can practice self-care too – try out some calming exercises like taking deep breaths, stretching and taking some time to reflect on your day.
Cooking with your family
With many picking up their woks and spatulas during the previous MCO, it’s never too late to learn how to cook with your family in Southern Marina Residences’ spacious designer kitchens.
This activity is especially fun as an interactive way to encourage your children to get involved in the kitchen and learn a universal life skill they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Instead of opting for takeaways or food deliveries all the time, you can begin learning to cook healthier recipes that benefit your entire family. Maybe you might discover your inner Gordon Ramsay.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even delve into the world of baking. Whether its breads, cakes or cookies, you’ll be able to indulge your sweet tooth with the help of the entire family and maybe even master your favourite cookie recipes for the upcoming Chinese New Year!
All in all, while this may be a difficult time for everyone, we can definitely get through this together. While you’re home, don’t forget to maintain good personal hygiene including washing your hands often, avoid touching your face and regularly sanitise all the common surfaces like doorknobs, remotes and even your cellphone!
Stay safe!
Kick back and indulge in some delicious coffee while satisfying your sweet tooth at these top picks
If residents of Southern Marina Residences are ever unsure of where to go to find good coffee and yummy treats, rest assured we have you covered! All these picks are a stone’s throw away and are perfect weekend hangouts with friends and family. While you’re there, don’t forget to snap some photos to cherish these sweet memories.
Miyakori Coffee
Located less than 10 minutes away from Southern Marina Residences, drop by this adorable café in Sunway Iskandar that showcases the best very coffee and cakes in the area.
With a huge array of Instagrammable spots, spend an afternoon posing for the perfect selfie or photo with family and friends. Then get cozy and relax while enjoying a cup of coffee, whether you like it icy cold or steaming hot. prepared by these passionate baristas, enjoy maximum satisfaction!
If you have a sweet tooth, Miyakori Coffee also features an extensive menu of delectable desserts that will have every craving satisfied. With desserts like brownies topped with ice cream, a variety of yummy cheesecake flavours and piping hot waffles, bring a partner to share the sweet treats!
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/miyakoricoffee/
Best yet, they’re running an exclusive 12.12 promotion on the 12th December 2020, where customers can buy 2 free 1 for their drinks – but do note that terms and conditions apply, so check out their Facebook page for more up to date info.
Kokoro Flower and Dessert Café
This hidden gem is both a florist and patisserie offering beautifully handcrafted floral arrangements and unique French desserts. Try their signature French fruit tarts and fruit mousse cakes for maximum satisfaction.
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/Kokoro-FlowerDessert
Each of Kokoro’s desserts are stunning works of art with ingredients directly imported from France – you almost don’t want to ruin it by eating them. We promise you have plenty of desserts to choose from, which will not disappoint! The café is also perfect for that Instagram post with their cozy interiors.
Catch up with friends and family over a cup of coffee and savor their delicious desserts. Remember to admire the baristas’ beautiful latte designs before taking a sip!
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/Kokoro-FlowerDessert
You don’t even have to worry about food while celebrating the festive holidays with your loved ones. Kokoro has you covered with their full Christmas & New Year menu available from 24th to 1st January 2020.
Le Petit Prince
This café aims to bring out the creative spirit in everyone! Even the most artistically challenged with its weekly painting class held every Sunday and its unique bookstore concept.
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/xiaowangzistudyroom/
Spend hours curled up with a good book from the café’s extensive book collection. While enjoying their one-of-a-kind latte art designs that is unique for every single cup and other sweet treats. It’s also the perfect Instagram-worthy stop while you’re in the area!
Customers will get the unique opportunity to play their favorite musical pieces too, with a stunning grand piano in the middle of the café. If you’re lucky, you might be able to listen to some live music during your visit!
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/xiaowangzistudyroom/
Explore the excitement of living at Southern Marina Residences’ glorious waterfront residences
Celebrity Evan Chin dives into the experience of living at Southern Marina Residences, a luxury freehold waterfront residence in Puteri Harbour, Johor that boasts panoramic sea views and strategically located within a short distance to restaurants, schools, healthcare and retail stores.
Join her as she explores all the best that the gem of Puteri Harbour has to offer!
If you’re a shopaholic, you’ll love Southern Marina Residences’ close proximity to a huge variety of retail stores and luxury outlets.
The first shopping haven is the iconic Johor Premium Outlets, which is only a 30-minute drive away, offering a plethora of luxury brands in one stop. Bring your entire family for a weekend shopping spree with hundreds of international premium brands such as Prada, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Jimmy Choo and many more at discounted prices.
The outdoor concept also allows shoppers to enjoy the blue skies in a unique blend of indoors and outdoors. Whatever the weather, rest assured you’ll be able to shop till you drop here!
Image source: https://business.simon.com/leasing/johor
Not only that, Evan Chin also visited EduCity Iskandar Johor, a fully-integrated education hub that houses a multitude of prestigious international universities and schools in one place, including University of Southampton Malaysia, University of Reading Malaysia, Raffles American School and Marlborough College Malaysia.
Image source: https://themalaysianreserve.com/2020/08/18/educity-iskandar-targets-to-have-15000-students/
No matter what age your children are, Southern Marina Residences’ close proximity (less than 15 minutes drive!) to this educational hub promises your family the very best education.
Next up, she explored a few of Southern Marina Residences’ spacious units, nestled on the waterfront of a peaceful cove with spectacular views of the sea and the three marinas; the private marina, the Puteri Harbour Mega-Yacht Marina and the public marina.
With all units offering breath-taking panoramic views, fall in love with our luxurious units of various sizes ranging from 1+1 bedroom units with 769 sq.ft. up to 3+ 1 bedroom units offering 2,013 sq.ft. Its low density design, carefully designed with over 70% corner units ensures residents uninterrupted sea views and gentle breezes.
One can indulge in the lap of luxury with the top-grade finish and imported fittings fit for kings and queens. All units at Southern Marina offers a host of luxurious appointments, ranging from fully fitted designer kitchen, European branded electrical appliances and imported sanitary ware and fittings.
Wake up revitalized each day in our luxurious bedrooms with glorious, one-of-a-kind views of the serene cove and exquisite yachts parked in the marinas.
Watch as Evan Chin explores our dazzling variety of facilities that provide endless hours of fun for the entire family, including a 50m saltwater lap pool, a gymnasium, BBQ area, tennis and basketball courts and many more amidst lush landscaped gardens.
Whether you’re working out, having fun, or simply basking in the seaside ambiance, the stunning views of the ocean and marina will be there to keep you company.
Don’t just take our word for it. Let us transport you to an exclusive waterfront vacation experience by watching the full vlog!
Never have another dull day with a plethora of things to do for all ages, all located a short drive away.
Strategically located within the award-winning township of Iskandar Puteri, Johor among a myriad of restaurants, retail shops, healthcare, schools and many more, residents of Southern Marina Residences will be spoilt for choice on things to do.
Visitors can bring their little ones to visit the iconic Legoland Malaysia Resort, which hosts four different parks and hundreds of interactive rides and attractions that will keep your entire family entertained for days within the Legoland Theme Park, Legoland Water Park, SEA Life Aquarium and the Legoland Hotel.
Image source: https://www.mapsofworld.com/travel/destinations/malaysia/legoland-malaysia
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping rides, splashing around on various water rides on a hot day or admiring spectacular ocean life at the aquarium, this expansive resort covers it all.
Avid shoppers will love the easy access to an array of shopping malls, such as Sunway Big Box Retail Park which is just a 10-minute drive, offering a multitude of restaurants, retail stores, entertainment and recreational choices including its very own Xtreme Park.
Image source: https://johorfoodie.com/sunway-big-box-johor-bahru/
One of the must-visits at Sunway Big Box Retail Park is Book Xcess’s mammoth Box of Knowledge which boasts over 32,000-square feet of floor space and over 1 million books. It is the largest bookstore in Malaysia, which also features a café and a large children’s area to foster a love for reading amongst young children.
Big Box Retail Park also contains a supermarket and hundreds of retail stores that allow shoppers to shop till you drop.
Another shopping mall conveniently located less than 10 minutes away is Mall of Medini, which was designed to be a one-stop leisure and lifestyle entertainment centre a stone’s throw away from Legoland.
If you’ve ever been tempted to try out virtual reality for yourself, look no further than the brand-new virtual reality amusement centre, VRinity at the mall. With dozens of games that appeal to all types of gamers, dive into a super-realistic alternate universe at its multiple VR rooms.
Image source: https://www.theiskandarian.com/live-play/enter-a-different-reality-in-medini-iskandar-puteri/
Another shopping haven is the iconic Johor Premium Outlets, which is only a 30-minute drive away, offering a plethora of luxury brands in one stop. Bring your entire family for a weekend shopping spree with hundreds of international premium brands such as Prada, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Jimmy Choo and many more at discounted prices.
Image source: https://business.simon.com/leasing/johor
The outdoor concept also allows shoppers to enjoy the blue skies in a unique blend of indoors and outdoors. If you’re seeking a quick coffee break or get hungry while shopping, rest assured this mall also contains dozens of food and beverage outlets which will surely satisfy any foodie.
Residents can also spend the day in the sun, teeing off with your friends and family at Ponderosa Golf and Country Club, located just 30 minutes away from Southern Marina Residences. Offering various world-class amenities like badminton courts, swimming pool, tennis courts and a gymnasium, it will provide plenty of entertainment for the rest of the family.
Image source: https://www.klook.com/en-IN/activity/40030-2d1n-stay-play-golf-package-ponderosa-country-club/
Image source: https://www.ponderosagolf.com/web/index.php
If you’re unable to get away during the day, Ponderosa also offers the only night golfing facility in Johor Bahru with its championship 18-hole golf course and four signature holes.
Newly remodeled by the world-renowned golf architect Ronald Fream, strategic thinking will be key at this course with its multiple sand and water hazards and smart maneuvers that will ensure a challenging yet interesting playground for players of all skill levels.