Getting a Haircut, Doing Laundry, and Running Errands Near Network School
Practical guide to everyday errands near Network School: barbers, laundromats, tailoring, phone repair, and other mundane necessities.
Haircuts and Grooming
Forest City has a few hair salons, mostly staffed by Chinese-speaking stylists.
Forest City has a few hair salons, mostly staffed by Chinese-speaking stylists. For English-speaking barbers, head to Gelang Patah or JB. A men's haircut costs RM15 to RM40 ($3.25 to $8.70) at local barbershops. Women's cuts and styling range from RM30 to RM100 depending on the salon. For premium cuts, JB has salons charging RM60 to RM150 that rival Western quality. Many NS members discover a regular barber within their first two weeks and stick with them. Bring reference photos on your phone — they transcend language barriers. For beard trims, Indian barbers in JB's Little India area are excellent and affordable at RM10 to RM20.
Laundry Options
NS includes basic laundry service, but many members use self-service laundromats for additional loads or specific garments. Self-service laundromats in Gelang Patah charge RM7 to RM12 per wash and RM7 to RM10 per dry cycle. Drop-off wash-and-fold services cost RM10 to RM15 per kilogram, with next-day pickup. For delicate items or business clothes, dry cleaning is available in JB at RM10 to RM30 per garment. Some NS members bring a small bottle of travel detergent for hand-washing quick items in their room sink. A retractable clothesline in the bathroom handles lightweight items overnight.
Phone and Electronics Repair
Cracked your phone screen? Phone repair shops in JB are fast and cheap. Screen replacements for iPhones cost RM150 to RM400 ($33 to $87), significantly less than Apple Store prices. Samsung and other Android repairs are even cheaper. Sim Lim Square equivalent shops are at Plaza Angsana JB and KOMTAR JBCC mall. For laptop repairs, IT shops in Taman Molek and JB city center handle most issues. Turnaround is typically same-day for common repairs. Bring your original receipt or proof of purchase in case customs questions arise if you ship parts.
Other Essential Errands
Tailoring alterations cost RM15 to RM50 at JB tailor shops — hemming pants, adjusting shirt fits, or fixing zippers. Shoe repair shops charge RM10 to RM30 for common fixes. Printing and shipping services are available at JB post offices and print shops. For package receiving, use your Forest City address with specific unit number and your name clearly marked. Key cutting costs RM5 to RM10 at hardware stores. Glasses can be made at optical shops in JB malls within 1 to 3 hours for RM100 to RM300 — frames and lenses included — significantly cheaper than in Western countries.
RM15-40 — men's haircut price range in JB
Source: Local barbershops
RM7-12 — self-service laundromat wash cycle cost
Source: Local laundromats
“The mundane logistics of life in a new country are the things that make or break your experience. Figure them out in week one so they never distract you again.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the nearest barbershop to Network School?
There are a few barbershops within Forest City's commercial area, though quality varies. The most recommended barbers among NS members are in Gelang Patah (10 minutes by Grab) and JB city center (25-30 minutes). Ask fellow members for specific recommendations — preferences change as shops open and close.
Can I get laundry done within Forest City?
Yes, NS includes a basic laundry service. For additional loads, there are self-service laundromats in Forest City and nearby Gelang Patah. Drop-off services with next-day return are available for about RM10-15 per kg. Most members do laundry once or twice a week combining the NS service with occasional outside visits.
Where do NS members get their phones repaired?
Plaza Angsana in JB and KOMTAR JBCC mall have multiple phone repair shops competing on price. Screen repairs are quick (30-60 minutes) and significantly cheaper than in Western countries. For Apple devices, there is no official Apple Store in JB — the nearest is in Singapore. Third-party repairs are reliable for common issues.
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