Pantai Hillpark is located near the residential enclaves of Bangsar South and Bukit Pantai. This hilltop residence is considered as one of the great successes of property development in the Klang Valley.
Continue Reading ⋅ 19 February 2022
Southern Marina Residences
Ahoy Southern Marina Residences!
Southern Marina Residences is the residential part of the Southern Marina Puteri Harbour project.
As the name of this serviced residence implies, there will be two marina-facing towers at 32 storeys and 34 storeys respectively. And as the project’s name indicates, it is located in the private marina of Puteri Harbour, Johor.
Phase 2 of the integrated development comprises of a 34-storey office tower while the third (and final phase) will be for a 38-storey seafront residences.
All 220 units for Tower 1 (the 32-storey one) and 236 units for Tower 2 (obviously, the 3-storey one) are expected to be completed by the end of 2018, while the whole project a year after that in 2019.
Want to know more? Well drop the anchor, and have a read on this review for Southern Marina Residences.
Project Details.
Address: Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya, Johor Bahru, Johor
Land Title: Residential
Tenure: Freehold
Site GPS Coordinates: 1°24’49″N 103°39’29″E
Website: http://www.southernmarina.com.my/
Expected Date of Completion: 2018
Property Type: Serviced Residence
Total Units: 456 (220 in Tower 1, and 236 in Tower 2)
No. of Lifts: 5 per block
Built Up in Sq. Ft.: 769, 840. 870, 1260, 1324, 1306, 2013, 2001, 3317 (penthouse)
Price per Sq. Ft.: Starts from RM1304.03
Maintenance Fee per Sq. Ft.: Starts from RM0.50
Special Features:
- Freehold
- Puteri Harbour’s Private Marina view
- Walking distance to Puteri Harbour (Marinas, Hello Kitty Theme Park, Ferry Terminal etc.)
Facilities:
- 50m Lap Pool
- Children’s Wading Pool & Interactive Water Play
- Jacuzzi
- Gymnasium
- Steam Room
- Children’s Playground
- BBQ Area
- Multi-Purpose Hall
- Tennis Court
- Half Basketball Court
- Wellness and Fitness Gazebos
- Leisure Pavillion
- Deck View to Marina
Unit Type:
- Type A1 – 1+1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, 769 Sq. Ft.
- Type A2 – 1+1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, 840 Sq. Ft.
- Type A3 – 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, 870 Sq. Ft.
- Type B1 – 2+1 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms, 1260 Sq. Ft.
- Type B2 – 2+1 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms, 1324 Sq. Ft.
- Type B3 – 2+1 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms, 1306 Sq. Ft.
- Type C1 – 3+1 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms, 2013 Sq. Ft.
- Type C2 – 3+1 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms, 2001 Sq. Ft.
Project Details
Southern Marina Residences: Living at the landing.
If you were to visit the website, you’ll be greeted with the line: An invitation to live by the serenity of the sea.
And so, if you were to accept the invitation, you can then choose from either of the three options: A 1+1 bedroom, a 2+1 bedroom, and a 3+1 bedroom, from the average price per square feet of RM1100, RM950, and RM880 respectively. Oh, not to forget the penthouse units as well.
Type A1, A2, and A3 are the smaller 1+1 units, followed by Type B1, B2, and B3, the medium-size 2+1 units, and the larger Type C1 and C2, 3+1 units. Except for the penthouse levels, this means that there will be 8 units all with different layouts per floor. This is good news for investors since one can then justify different rental prices depending on the unit’s respective level.
The smaller units come with a minimum of 2 car park bays, and can even go up to 3 or 4 for the bigger built-ups. There are two towers for Southern Marina Residences, namely Tower 1 at 32-storey and Tower 2 at 34-storey, both which will be served by 5 lifts each.
Southern Marina Residences – Bedroom
Southern Marina Residences – Living and Dining Area
The facilities offered though not that extensive as some other high-end condos, are still good enough. With the likes of a 50m lap pool, Jacuzzi, children’s wading pool & interactive water play,, tennis court, basketball court, multi-purpose hall, and children’s playground, there’s also a deck view to marina included which will give one an unobtrusive sight of the hot, sweaty sailors at work. At a price of course, and that price is RM0.50 per square feet for both maintenance fee and sinking fund.
Southern Marina Residences – Artist’s Impression of the Grand Lobby
Southern Marina Residences – Artist’s Impression of the Pool Deck
Southern Marina Residences – Artist’s Impression of the Swimming Pool
Then there are the freebies. Given for all units are built-in kitchen cabinet, cooking hood and hob, a fridge, an oven, air-conditioning system for all rooms (except for maid’s room) and hot-water system for all bathrooms (except for water closet and powder room). Not bad, eh? By the way, a water closet apparently is for the maid to use. It has a toilet and a sink but no shower. Now that’s tricky…
Southern Marina Residences – Specifications 1
Southern Marina Residences – Specifications 2
Around 80% of the units in Tower 1 has already been taken, and 20% for units in Tower 2.
Like other properties in the market, Southern Marina Residences is indeed pricey. Yet while the rest boasts about how it’s because of the convenient and prime location (near an LRT station, near a shopping mall, near a hospital etc.), how many can you find that boasts about being near a marina?
Exactly.
Location
Johor and Iskandar Malaysia Flagship Zone B.
There are two kinds of Malaysians.
One: The kind who takes pride from where they come from.
Two: Those born in Johor.
Giving a whole new meaning to the word ‘pride’, there’s actually quite a valid reason for that. After all, a Malaysian state that was once renowned for being a crime capital and is now starting to look like the rise of a successful ‘mini country’, is indeed something that its people can be proud of. Some are even saying that Johor and its Iskandar Malaysia project is on the right path in capitalising on the economic collaborations with Singapore, much like how it is now between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
But just like every success stories, there are bound to be lapses. For Johor, the most conspicuous is of course the state’s royal scandals. From stories of golf caddy to runaway lawyer to slapped ustaz, the more recent one is of the current Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ismail’s purchase of a Mack truck rumoured to cost well over $1 million USD said to be used to tow his speed boat. Oh well, to each his own I guess.
And yet despite all that, there’s no denying the fact that most Johoreans love the royal family. For a good reason too. The demise of Tunku Jalil (the younger brother of the crowned prince of Johor, TMJ Tunku Ismail, and Sultan Ibrahim Ismail’s fourth son with Permaisuri Raja Zarith Sofia) due to cancer recently is deeply mourned by many. Known for being a people’s prince, Tunku Jalil will always be remembered for his kindness, spirit, and humility. Let’s have a moment of silence for this one of a kind Tunku Laksamana of Johor.
Tunku Jalil, the people’s prince. Al-Fatihah. Pic taken from Tumblr.
Johor is a Malaysian state that’s financially strong, so much so that it has its own private army called the Royal Johor Military Force, and a heavily invested, well accomplished football team called JDT Club that recently won the AFC Asian Cup. It is also where the late Yasmin Ahmad, Malaysia’s treasured film maker was born.
With the Iskandar Malaysia project aimed to be finished by 2025, things are indeed looking up for Johor.
Established in 2006 and named after the late Sultan of Johor, Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, Iskandar Malaysia (formerly known as Iskandar Development Region) comprises of five flagship zones covering a land size of 2,217 square kilometres – roughly more than three times the land size of our neighbouring country, Singapore – with an expected total population of 3 million, a workforce of half of that (1.5 million) and a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of $31,100 by 2025.
The five flagship zones of Iskandar Malaysia are Flagship Zone A, Flagship Zone B, Flagship Zone C, Flagship Zone D, and Flagship Zone E.
The first flagship zone, Flagship Zone A, covers Johor Bahru City, Larkin, Mount Austin, Maju Jaya, and Kempas among others. Set to focus on financial and commercial activities, key offerings include Danga Bay and the Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim (BSI) CIQ Complex.
Southern Marina Residences – Flagship Zone A
The second flagship zone, Flagship Zone B, covers Nusajaya, Jelutong, Gelang Patah, and Pulai among others. Set to focus on mixed property development and Johor’s administrative, key offerings include Puteri Harbour, Kota Iskandar, Edu City, Legoland Malaysia, and Medini Iskandar Malaysia.
Southern Marina Residences – Flagship Zone B
The third flagship zone, Flagship Zone C, covers the Tanjung Pelepas area and is also known as the Western Gate Development. Set to focus on port and marine services, key offerings include Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Ramsar Heritage Park, and the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link.
Southern Marina Residences – Flagship Zone C
The fourth flagship zone, Flagship Zone D, covers Pasir Gudang, Masai, and Tanjung Langsat among others, and is also known as the Eastern Gate Development. Set to focus on industrial and manufacturing, key offerings include APTEC City, Johor Port, Tanjung Langsat Industrial Complex, and Pasir Gudang Circuit.
Southern Marina Residences – Flagship Zone D
The fifth flagship zone, Flagship Zone E, covers the Senai, Skudai, Saleng and Kangkar Pulai among others. Set to focus on airport services and electronics manufacturing, key offerings include the Sultan Ismail International Airport (Senai International Airport), MSC Malaysia Cyberport, Senai Airport City, and Johor Premium Outlet.
Southern Marina Residences – Flagship Zone E
Southern Marina Residences is set in the exclusive Flagship Zone B, Nusajaya and as mentioned, this project is more precisely developed in a private marina in Puteri Harbour Marina.
Located 25 kilometres away from the Johor-Singapore Causeway and the Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim (BSI) CIQ Complex, and roughly the same distance as that to Malaysia-Singapore Second Link and the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ Complex, this property is indeed positioned in a prime area.
Southern Marina Residences – Location
As Google Maps indicates, it will take one roughly 30 minutes to reach either places which is true… only at non-peak hours. So taking into account the traffic, toll fees, and gas money, if only there’s a better mean to commute for those residing in Puteri Harbour. Well guess what, there is.
Literally next door to the project is the ‘Port of Puteri Harbour Ferry Terminal’ which has commenced operation since 2013. Currently there are eight trips each daily between Puteri Harbour and Harbour Bay Batam, and Tanjung Balai Karimun both in Indonesia. The ferry services are expected to expand to include Singapore’s Harbour Front in the future. So just imagine sitting comfortably in a ferry on your way to work in Singapore, while pointing and laughing as you pass the bridge at those stuck in traffic… ah, that’s life!
Southern Marina Residences – Puteri Harbour Ferry Terminal
Southern Marina Residences – Puteri Harbour Ferry Terminal 2
Malaysia has become a growingly preferred destination for yachts enthusiasts with Puteri Harbour in the lead by having 771 yachts stopping there from the year 2004 to 2013, followed by Langkawi with 602, and Tawau at 169. There are three marinas in Puteri Harbour namely Public Marina, Mega Yacht Marina, and Private Marina which Southern Marina Residences will be facing.
To cater to these sailors (who are mostly from Australia, USA, United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, Canada, Netherlands and Germany) when they stop here, there are many other amenities in Puteri Harbour that future residents of Southern Marina Residences can benefit from.
For example, there’s the family-oriented shopping and entertainment mall, Little Red Cube located 200 meters away from Southern Marina Residences. Hello Kitty Town, Little Big Club (housing children’s characters like Barney, Bob the Builder, and Thomas & Friends) and LAT’s Place are all operating here, along with Hotel Jen (formerly known as Traders Hotel) that’s run by Shangri-la Hotels and Resorts.
Southern Marina Residences – Little Red Cube – Hello Kitty Town
Kota Iskandar, Johor state new administration centre (much like the Federal Government’s Putrajaya) is also in the vicinity, just 500 meters away. Open to visitors, one can go there to appreciate Johor’s heritage architecture and design. Plus, wherever there are government buildings, police security is sure to be abundant which means that Puteri Harbour is guaranteed to be a safe neighbourhood 24/7.
Southern Marina Residences – Kota Iskandar
The elite (in both standing and price) Raffles American School is also nearby, roughly 2.5 kilometres away offering pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school programs. A kid can opt to master all the international education programmes there along with a sassy American accent, or go with Marlborough College Malaysia (not to be confused with Marlboro the cigarette brand) next door and speak classy British.
Closer to home, Johor has indeed more to offer. One can drive to Kilang Bateri, a new hipster-like eatery place and shops located 20 kilometres away near JB city centre. Once an Eveready Battery Factory, it was opened sometime around September 2015 into a vintage, hangout place. The foods there are awesome, and the businesses offered are aplenty. A definite must checkout.
Southern Marina Residences -Kilang Bateri 1
Southern Marina Residences -Kilang Bateri 2
Southern Marina Residences has an excellent location no doubt. It offers just a tad of exclusivity and privacy without being too isolated, perfect to live in and enjoy the ocean sunset, hear the seagulls caw, watch the boats dock, and then head out for the night to mingle with American/British accent speaking, hipster government ministers.
Southern Marina Residences -Puteri Harbour Private Marina
Analysis
Southern Marina Residences: A sea pearl?
About 400 metres away from Southern Marina Residences is Imperia @ Puteri Harbour by UEM Sunrise that was launched in 2011 and was just recently completed. Let’s compare these two properties to get a better understanding on the overall worth of Puteri Harbour.
| Name | Tenure/Land Title | Price (per Sq. Ft.) | No of Blocks/ No of Units | Starting Built-up | Developer |
| Southern Marina Residences | Freehold/Residential | Starts from RM1304 | 2/456 | 769 Sq. Ft | Southern Marina Development Sdn Bhd |
| Imperia @ Puteri Harbour | Freehold/Residential | Starts from RM900 | 1/246 | 813 Sq. Ft. | UEM Sunrise |
Southern Marina Development Sdn Bhd.
This company is a joint-venture between PPB Group, Kuok Brothers Sdn Bhd, and Khazanah Nasional Berhad.
Kuok as in Robert Kuok, Malaysia’s richest man nicknamed the “Sugar King of Asia”? Yup, one and the same.
PPB Group was incorporated in 1968, now a major conglomerate listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. Kuok Brother Sdn Bhd was founded in 1949 and has quite the extensive portfolio including Taman Molek township development and Johor Bahru City Square. They also have interests in Shangri-La Hotels (Malaysia) Berhad among others. Khazanah Nasional Berhad is the Malaysian Government’s investment fund with portfolios like Telekom Malaysia, TNB, and CIMB Group.
The architect appointed for the development of Southern Marina project is P&T Group, one of the largest International Architectural and Engineering practices in the world. Walrus Design that was founded in 1999 has been appointed as the Landscape Architects, while 2nd Edition has been given the honour of leading the project’s interior design.
Summary
Southern Marina Residences: A parley.
Location-wise, Southern Marina Residences couldn’t have been developed in a more prime one. And the fact that it’s freehold is also a contributing factor to its steep price.
But think, to own a condo that faces a marina? Plus, one that gives you a ferry service nearby to Singapore?
Singaporeans especially should really consider this project.
