29/11, Friday
It was a normal situation where inside or outside of the UiTM were so crowded especially on Fridays because all the Muslim performed their prayers. As I described like the title above, we're heading to Johor Premium Outlets where it is located in Johor of course. Most probably of the Malaysians must have been heard of it (JPO). Johor Premium Outlets is a collection of 130 designer and name brand outlet stores featuring saving of 25% to 65% every day. Yes, every and each day!. Located
at the intersection of the North-South Expressway and the Second Link
Expressway, officially opened on December 11, 2011. The center is highly
accessible to all traffic going to and from Johor and Singapore. It is about an
hour drive from the City of Singapore, about 3 hours from Kuala Lumpur and only
a short distance from Senai International Airport. Since it was a study tour, we came up with empty handed but then returned with the objective of learning and shopping goods!. According to the tentative program, we're supposedly gathered at 3 p.m. at the bus stop near the Business Management Faculty. As we reached at the bus stop, the safety committee member, Ashril, was assigned to take care and count the number of students (classmates) including the lecturer who had accompanied us throughout the trip. While we're waiting for the bus to come, we managed to pose and took photos before we start travelling. Not to forget, before the journey, Mustaqim recited du'a may Allah protect us as we go and safely return. Then the bus arrived at the place where we gathered after a few moments and we departed about 4 p.m. It was a very long way and tiring journey but after all we enjoyed it.
The Arrivals
We arrived at the Zen Zeng Hotel and checked-in about 9 p.m. Before we entered into our rooms, Hazman the head of program briefed us to gather again at 10 p.m in the lobby before we went to Pasar Karat for our free activities which is located at Jalan Segget. Well, the location of Pasar Karat wasn't that far from our hotel. So it took about 10 to 15 minutes time before we reached there, which is also depends on traffic of the road. It is a flea market, full with accessories stores and an event space. It's a place where the domestic business is conducted. Malaysian citizen who are interested to join and very keen to sell any kind of allowed goods, they need to pay only for RM5 to the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB). No extra or hidden cost will be charged. I think it is the time for small businesses to grab this golden opportunity to start or expand their business. According to MBJB, the business hours are from Monday to Friday 6 p.m to 12 a.m and on Saturday to Sunday from 7.30 a.m to 12 a.m.. It was an amazing and perfect place for those who are searching for vintage stuff lovers. The most thing that I love about flea market is, you can bargain for a lower price from the dealers. There are variety and array of shops which you can choose and compared the price with other dealers. What we've learned from domestic business was, it is about a limited territory. Even there are so many businesses in different kind of places, the trading activities are still boundaries within the business itself. It is not like the international business where the scope is wider than domestic. Before we continued our goods hunting, we've stopped at food stalls for dinner because we were so starving on that time. While waiting for the food, we were served first by our two friends, Fazrin and Hazman at the event's area where it's an open and most viewed by public. They had performed one song every each of them. It was an impressive moment I must say!. As for myself, it's not easy to gain your own guts just to outperformed in front of the public. We've also entertained by two elderly women where they keep on dancing every time the music plays. They are known as the artist of 'Pasar Karat' by people who reside there. After we enjoyed our meals, we went back to our mission. However, we've made it for a short period only since the bus drivers were waiting for us. Even we were so tired of walking, eyewash and goods hunting in a limited time, indeed we enjoyed and it was a totally great experience.
to be continued ...
