A Comprehensive Guide to Taking the Bus from Singapore to Johor Bahru

Exploring Johor Bahru: Your Guide to a Perfect Getaway from Singapore

Johor Bahru is the closest Malaysian city to Singapore, separated by a mere 2.7km bridge over the Johor Straits from the Woodlands Checkpoint in the north of Singapore. This proximity makes Johor Bahru, affectionately known as JB, a favorite weekend destination for Singapore residents seeking a quick escape. With its vibrant culture, delicious food, and shopping opportunities, JB has much to offer those looking for a short getaway from the bustling city life of Singapore.

Crossing over to Johor Bahru is straightforward and convenient. In this guide, I will provide you with essential tips and information to ensure a smooth journey.

Tips for Crossing Over to Johor Bahru

Here are several key pointers to help you navigate your journey to JB seamlessly:

• Bring Your Passport with a Minimum of 6 Months Validity: Although the trip may feel short and uncomplicated, it is essential to remember you are entering another country. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months before your journey.
• Check Visa Requirements: If you hold a China or India passport, you will need to obtain a visa to enter Malaysia. It’s advisable to check the Malaysia visa requirements beforehand to avoid any last-minute surprises.
• Fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Starting January 1, 2024, most travelers (excluding Singapore passport holders and Malaysian long-term residents) will need to fill out the MDAC. Complete this form online within three days of your planned departure to Malaysia.
• Be Prepared for Queues at the Johor Bahru Checkpoint: While exiting Singapore is usually straightforward, long queues can be common at the Johor Bahru Checkpoint. If you find yourself waiting, look for counters 3-4, 7-8, 11-12, or 15-16, which are typically manned by two officers and may expedite your crossing. Ensure both officers are present before joining the line.
• Avoid Peak Times and Holidays: While crossing the border is generally easy, it can become a lengthy process during holidays, with wait times reaching up to four hours. It’s best to plan your trip during off-peak times for a more enjoyable experience.
• Utilize the E-Gate at Johor Bahru Checkpoint: Singapore passport holders can use the automated E-Gate for entry into Malaysia. On your first visit, however, you must visit the manual counter for passport verification. After your initial visit, you can enjoy the convenience of the E-Gate.
• Bring Cash and a Physical Credit Card: While many shops and restaurants accept credit cards, payment via digital wallets like Apple Wallet may not always work. To avoid inconvenience, carry cash and ensure you have a physical credit card on hand.
• Fill Out the Singapore Arrival Card: Non-residents returning to Singapore will need to complete the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC). You can fill this out online before your return.

Best Time to Visit Johor Bahru from Singapore

The border crossing between Singapore and Malaysia at Johor Bahru is one of the busiest in the world, due to the high volume of economic and tourism activities. Many Malaysian residents live in Johor Bahru and work in Singapore, creating a routine traffic pattern. On weekdays, most traffic flows from Johor Bahru to Singapore in the morning, while the reverse occurs in the afternoon. It’s common to encounter significant congestion from around 3 PM.

During weekends, the traffic dynamics shift, with many Singapore residents heading to JB for a short trip. The heaviest traffic usually occurs after 8 AM on Saturdays and during the return trip on Sunday around 4 PM. For the smoothest experience, plan your crossing during the following times:

• Weekdays: Travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru in the morning before 10 AM, and return in the afternoon around 4 PM.
• Weekends: Depart from Singapore as early as possible on Saturday (between 6 AM and 8 AM) and aim to cross back to Singapore on Sunday by 2 PM.

How to Get to Johor Bahru from Singapore

Traveling to Johor Bahru from Singapore is simple and efficient. Here are some convenient methods to make the journey:

1. Causeway Link Bus (My Preferred Option)

The fastest way to reach JB is by taking the Causeway Link Bus, which provides direct access from various locations in Singapore to the Johor Checkpoint without unnecessary stops. Here are some key boarding points:

• CW1: Departing from Kranji MRT.
• CW2: Leaving from Queen Street Terminal near Jalan Besar MRT. This route operates 24 hours, with a bus available every few minutes during the day and every 45 minutes after midnight.
• CW3 and CW4: Departing from Jurong East Bus Interchange.
• CW5: Departing from Newton Circus Carpark near Newton MRT Exit B.
• CW6: Departing from Boon Lay MRT.

Cost: The Causeway Link Bus fare ranges from $2.60 to $6.00 one way, depending on the route. You can conveniently use Visa Paywave for payment. Unlike Singapore public buses, you only need to tap your card once when boarding the Causeway Link Bus.

2. Singapore Public Transportation

If you prefer public transportation, it’s possible to cross the border using buses. Although slightly cheaper than the Causeway Link Bus, the fare is capped at $2.37 per journey. Here are some direct services to reach Woodlands Checkpoint:

• Take the MRT to Kranji MRT Station and then hop on Bus 170X.
• Take the MRT to Woodlands MRT Station and transfer to Bus 950.

These buses are popular and may have queues, but they run frequently. After clearing Woodlands Checkpoint, you can board any public bus to continue your journey to the Johor Checkpoint.

3. Private Car Transfer

If you are traveling with family or have a lot of luggage, consider arranging a private car transfer. While this option is more expensive, it offers comfort and convenience. You’ll be picked up from your location in Singapore and won’t need to exit the vehicle during the border crossing. All immigration checks occur while you remain seated in the car.

Recommendation: I had a positive experience with SG JB Taxi during a trip to Desaru. Alternatively, if you prefer to take the bus to JB but need a ride back, you can book a private transfer from JB to Singapore via Klook for your return journey.

How to Get Around in Johor Bahru

The easiest way to navigate Johor Bahru is by using Grab, a popular ride-hailing service. After clearing immigration at Johor Bahru Checkpoint, you can be picked up easily from JB Sentral at the CIQ Jalan Jim Quee pick-up point. Based on my experience, booking a Grab car is usually quick, often taking less than 10 minutes for the car to arrive. The fares are also relatively affordable compared to Singapore, with a typical 12 km journey costing around RM 26.

Your Journey to Johor Bahru: A Personal Experience

On my recent visit to JB, I opted for the CW2 bus from Queen Street Terminal on a Thursday morning. Boarding was seamless, and I used Visa Paywave via Apple Wallet for payment, which is charged in MYR since the bus is operated by a Malaysian company.

We boarded the CW2 bus at 9:47 AM, departing shortly after for Woodlands Checkpoint, arriving there by 10:19 AM. Clearing Singapore immigration was straightforward for us as residents, allowing us to use the automated gate. By 10:26 AM, we were back in the bus area, ready to catch the Causeway Link Bus to Johor Bahru Checkpoint.

After a brief wait, we boarded the bus and arrived at Johor Bahru Checkpoint at 10:48 AM. Despite a long queue, it moved quickly, and we cleared immigration at 11:09 AM. Following the signs to JB Sentral, I requested a Grab car for our upcoming adventures in JB.

On our return journey later that afternoon, we repeated the process in reverse. The Causeway Link Buses were readily available with minimal wait time. The entire experience was so efficient that it left me pondering why I hadn’t made this trip more often.

In conclusion, Johor Bahru presents a fantastic opportunity for Singapore residents to enjoy a quick getaway filled with diverse experiences. I hope this guide proves helpful as you plan your next visit to JB. Feel free to leave any questions or comments below. Safe travels!