The month of fasting is here, and if you need to spend some me-time during this period to recharge, why not book yourself a staycation with ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri, that has a really attractive package curated for you.
I had the honour to simulate the experience of their Ramadan Stay Package, also known as Rest & Rasa Ramadan or R&R Ramadan, by the invitation of Eddy Zulhilmi, Marketing & Communications.
The check-in was swift at ibis especially with ample of parking bays around the hotel. I was greeted and anticipated, and had a very warm welcome at the reception, assuring me that my room was ready and I could rest right away.
At the Standard Room with a Queen-Size Bed, a cute towel turtle greeted me on the bed, and to my delight, the room is soothing to the eye complete with ammenities. It’s perfectly optimised for the use of a room, yet comfortable and did not trigger claustrophobia or the likes.
Upon entering, you will see the sink and mirror on your left and the toilet and shower in separate cubicles on the right; then right away you get to your bed, the wardrobe that doubles as the table for the complimentary tea and coffee, and a huge window that overlooks the vast industrial park of Iskandar Puteri.
The part that I loved the most about the room is that there are no plastic bottles for water, and that greatly contributes to less plastic waste. If I need water, there’s a communal drinking fountain at every level of the building, named ‘The Oasis’, to fill my own bottle or their provided jug, or alternatively, I can boil the tap water in the kettle for a quick fix of hot drink.
That’s for the ‘Rest’ part. After getting myself refreshed, I headed down to the cocoa-themed StrEats Restaurant located at Level 1 for the ‘Rasa’ bit, where the buka puasa buffet is held under the theme ‘Rasa Radiant Ramadan, Shine, Savour and Spark’.
I’m familiar with the restaurant, known for their Buffet Boss lunch offer, probably the most value for money and great for taste with the hospitality of an international hotel that one could find in Johor Bahru. And to my surprise, they are also offering one of the most affordable buffet prices per pax, just RM68+ per adult and RM38+ per child aged 6 to 12 years old and senior citizens aged 60 and above. The buffet is from 6pm to 9.30pm and is available for bookings until 19th March 2026.
Here, you have to try the must-have Roasted Lamb, best paired with their Biryani, plus an
array of tantalising dishes like Paru Berlado, Ayam Panggang Palembang, and Masak Lemak Udang and most families’ favourite fritters such as Samosas, Popiah, and Goreng Pisang.
My personal favourite had to be their Laksa Johor, a dish that is craved by many but is not catered easily due to its extensive preparation. After speaking with their true blue Johorean Head Chef Mohd Nizam, I understood that he is doing his best to align his dishes with the Visit Johor Year 2026 and would love for this iconic Johor dish to be served to as many people as possible.
Part of what made the food and the stay at ibis Styles unique to me is the hospitality and the way all the personnel in the building were happy to be approached and assist. Although a pretty standard thing to do, I noted that the much happier people are doing better in service, and I think ibis must have done something right to create this environment that is pleasant to have. I have to commend them on this.
I did catch up with their General Manager, Charanita Gill, who is just the same joyous person I’ve met before, welcoming the month of Ramadan. She also shared that she wishes more people to be able to enjoy the hospitality of a hotel for their buka puasa, hence the reasonable prices. A noble cause, if I may add, and a good reflection for the holy month that helps us be humble.
After savouring their refreshing desserts of DIY Ais Kacang and a fun version of Apam Balik in a shot glass, I went back to my room to settle-in for the night. As the building is further from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet just a stone away from some of the best eateries in town, it gets pretty quiet at night, perfect for hibernating after an entire day of hard work. It is of no wonder that it’s a choice of many athletes with sports tournaments happening around Johor Bahru.
As for those who would like to join the tarawih congregation after the meal, the nearest mosque would be Masjid Ar-Raudhah Taman Nusantara, and after returning from the prayers, you can take a breather at The Fix Cafe and Deli bar for coffee with your family and friends until midnight. Alternatively, there is also a space for activities like board games near the lift, if the night is still young and there is some time before drowsiness hits.
When the clock hit 4.30am, I crawled out of my bed, reluctant to leave the plush pillows and bed after a good night sleep but the motivation to check out their sahur spread made me dash out of my room!
I was made to understand that StrEats Restaurant offered their usual breakfast food for the dawn’s meal, so I gleefully got the freshly cooked Omelette with Cheese and Nasi Lemak with sausages and hard-boiled eggs. I put together my own breakfast sandwich with toast and their salads and salamis from the cold section. To keep me hydrated, I chose fruit juices, and they also have local favourites like Congee with condiments, Roti Canai and Dhal curry, Putu Mayam and Red Bean Chinese buns in the steamer!
That’s definitely the heartiest sahur I’ve ever had. I then returned to my room with a full tummy to sustain till the rest of the day, but first, with a bit of rest until the checkout time at 12pm.
Thinking of staying with sahur? Try ibis Styles Iskandar Puteri’s package of R & R Ramadan for 2 days and 1 night, priced at RM308+ which includes a buka puasa buffet and sahur for 2 persons available until 19th March 2026.
For bookings and enquiries on both Rasa Radiant Ramadan buffet and R&R Ramadan stay package, you can send a text to their WhatsApp at +6012 484 3352.
Please note that during the month of fasting, the lunch buffet and their hi-tea are taking a short hiatus until further notice. Follow ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri on their social media for more updates.
