Introducing 1061KONA: a unique, retro-themed concept store located near Skudai in Johor Bahru. Whether you're here to browse cute tableware like mugs, enjoy a sweet treat like Bu Tian sandwich cookies or a Dirty Latte, or simply here to lepak ("hang out/chill" in Malay) with friends, this is a space that has a little something for everyone.

1061KONA is located on the first floor at unit number "106-01", which I think is what inspired their name.

Side note - in Malaysia, in case you're not familiar, "first floor" refers to the level above the ground floor, which is the street level. Hence, you'll need to take a flight of stairs to reach 1061KONA.

Upon entering 1061KONA, you'll be greeted by a cosy space filled with cool, retro-themed decorations and gifts. I love the bold, vintage-inspired colours - they're so visually pleasing!

You can also find unique, fun, and cute gifts here. For example, check out these mugs with stripes or with cherry-, orange-, and apple-shaped handles below!

There are so many more gift options that I didn't capture - including tote bags, rugs, stationery, vase, and more. All of the designs are so retro-coded - check out their online store to see more! Better yet, drop by the physical store and experience the space for yourself.

In addition to unique gifts, 1061KONA also has its own café serving a variety of specialty coffee and matcha drinks, making it a perfect place to unwind.

Here are the drinks we ordered while hanging out in this cool spot:

Hot Matcha Latte

💸 MYR 14
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

A pretty tasty matcha latte: creamy and not too bitter, although I wish the portion was slightly bigger.

Dirty Latte

💸 MYR 18
⭐⭐ 2.8/5

Unfortunately, this fell a little short for me - again, the portion was on the smaller side, and it was a bit too sweet for my liking.

The staff did mention that their drinks are on the sweeter side, so I appreciate the heads-up--it's just not my personal preference.

There are still plenty of other drinks on the menu to try, though!

1061KONA is also an exclusive retailer for sandwich cookies from a well-known dessert brand in Kuala Lumpur, Bu Tian.

Bu Tian sandwich cookies come in three variations - the Nutty Cookie Box which contains hazelnut, pistachio and peanut praline, the Cocoa Sandwich Cookie Box that is crafted using Valrhona’s premium chocolates, and the Japanese Tea Cookie Box that is made with Niko Neko Matcha's premium powders.

Each sandwich cookie is thoughtfully created and presented in beautiful packaging, making them great for gifting. While they're cheaper at their headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, it's still convenient to purchase them here if you're in Johor Bahru. Do note that they are best stored for up to 7 days in the chiller.

Bu Tian Cocoa Sandwich Cookie Box (6 pieces)

💸 MYR 48
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5

I tried the Cocoa Sandwich Cookie Box, as I always have a soft spot for chocolate-based desserts. True to its name, "Bu Tian" (which means "not too sweet" in Chinese), the cream filling is indeed well-balanced and not overly sweet. I really enjoyed it.

There are 6 pieces in total, with 2 of each flavour: "Ivoire White", (milky and balanced), "Araguani Dark" (rich with woody notes), and "Dulcey Blond" (with caramelized tones).

My favourite was Dulcey Blond. I felt it had the best flavour of the three, with lovely subtle caramel notes. Somehow, I tasted a slight sour note in the Araguani Dark, which threw me off a little, making it my least favourite.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed these cookie sandwiches and would love to try their other flavours.

1061KONA describes themselves as "a hybrid café and curated craft store — a space where coffee, handmade goods, and creative culture meet. It’s not just a café, but a lifestyle spot for discovering original flavors, thoughtful design, and local creativity."

I can definitely see why it's a "lifestyle spot" - it's such a cosy little corner to relax in. There's also a decent number of seats available, making it a great place to drop by with friends and hang out.

What a unique spot in Johor Bahru!

1061KONA

📍106-01, Jln Pertama 1, Taman Tampoi Indah 2, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia