How to Cross from Singapore to Johor Bahru: 6 Easy Steps

Introduction

Crossing the border from Singapore to Johor Bahru, Malaysia can be a quick and easy process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your journey:

1. Choose Your Crossing Point

There are two main crossing points between Singapore and Johor Bahru:

• Woodlands Checkpoint: The most popular crossing point, located in the northern part of Singapore.
• Tuas Second Link: A less crowded crossing point, located in the western part of Singapore.

2. Prepare Your Documents

To cross the border, you will need:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• A visa if required (check the Malaysian Immigration Department website for details)

3. Arrive at the Departure Checkpoint

• Woodlands Checkpoint: Take the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) to Woodlands MRT Station, then follow the signs to the checkpoint.
• Tuas Second Link: Take a bus or taxi to the checkpoint.

4. Go Through Immigration

At the departure checkpoint, present your passport and visa (if required) to the immigration officer. They will stamp your passport and allow you to proceed.

5. Cross the Border

After clearing immigration, you will walk across the causeway or bridge into Johor Bahru.

6. Arrive at the Arrival Checkpoint

Once in Johor Bahru, follow the signs to the arrival checkpoint. Here, you will need to present your passport and visa (if required) to the Malaysian immigration officer.

7. Activate Your Malaysian SIM Card (Optional)

If you plan to use your mobile phone in Malaysia, you can purchase a local SIM card at the checkpoint.

8. Complete Your Journey

Once you have cleared immigration, you can continue your journey by taxi, bus, or train.

9. Tips for a Smooth Crossing

• Arrive at the checkpoint well in advance, especially during peak hours.
• Have your documents ready to present to the immigration officers.
• Be aware of the customs regulations of both Singapore and Malaysia.
• Check the latest travel advisories and border crossing updates before your trip.

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting your passport or visa
• Not having enough time to cross during peak hours
• Not being aware of the customs regulations
• Trying to cross with prohibited items

How to Get from Singapore to Johor Bahru

• By MRT and Causeway: Take the MRT to Woodlands MRT Station (NS9), then walk across the Causeway into Johor Bahru.
• By Bus: Take a bus from Singapore to Johor Bahru at the following locations:
  • Woodlands Checkpoint: SBS Transit Service 170
  • Tuas Second Link: Causeway Link Service CW2
• By Train: Take a KTM train from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral Station in Johor Bahru.
• By Taxi: Take a taxi from Singapore to Johor Bahru (approximately SGD $40-$60).

How to Get from Johor Bahru to Singapore

• By MRT and Causeway: Take the MRT from JB Sentral Station to Woodlands MRT Station (NS9), then walk across the Causeway into Singapore.
• By Bus: Take a bus from Johor Bahru to Singapore at the following locations:
  • JB Sentral Station: SBS Transit Service 170
  • Larkin Bus Terminal: Causeway Link Service CW2
• By Train: Take a KTM train from JB Sentral Station to Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
• By Taxi: Take a taxi from Johor Bahru to Singapore (approximately MYR $50-$70).

How to Get Around in Johor Bahru

• By Bus: Johor Bahru has an extensive bus network that connects all major areas of the city.
• By Taxi: Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable in Johor Bahru.
• By Grab: Grab is a ride-hailing service that operates in Johor Bahru.
• By Rental Car: You can rent a car from various companies in Johor Bahru to explore the city at your own pace.

What to Do in Johor Bahru

• Visit Legoland Malaysia, a popular theme park with rides and attractions for all ages.
• Go shopping at Johor Bahru City Square, one of the largest shopping malls in Malaysia.
• Explore the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, a beautiful and historic mosque in the heart of the city.
• Visit the Johor Zoo, home to over 100 species of animals.
• Take a day trip to Desaru Coast, a newly developed resort area with beaches, waterparks, and golf courses.

Where to Stay in Johor Bahru

• Budget: Hotel Sentral Johor Bahru, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru, The Crowne Plaza Johor Bahru
• Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre, Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel, Grand Paragon Hotel Johor Bahru
• Luxury: The Puteri Pacific Johor Bahru, The St. Regis Johor Bahru, The Westin Johor Bahru

Cost of Crossing the Border

The cost of crossing the border from Singapore to Johor Bahru varies depending on the mode of transportation you choose:

• By MRT and Causeway: Approximately SGD $5 (one-way)
• By Bus: Approximately SGD $2-$5 (one-way)
• By Train: Approximately SGD $8 (one-way)
• By Taxi: Approximately SGD $40-$60 (one-way)

FAQs

• Can I walk across the border?
  Yes, you can walk across the Causeway or bridge into Johor Bahru.

• Is there a fee to cross the border?
  No, there is no fee to cross the border.

• How long will it take to cross the border?
  The time it takes to cross the border depends on the time of day and the mode of transportation you choose. During peak hours, it can take up to 2 hours to cross.

• Can I use my Singapore passport to cross the border?
  Yes, you can use your Singapore passport to cross the border into Johor Bahru.

• Do I need a visa to cross the border?
  Singaporean citizens do not need a visa to cross the border into Johor Bahru. Citizens of other countries may need a visa depending on their nationality.

• What is the best time to cross the border?
  The best time to cross the border is during off-peak hours (weekdays between 10am-4pm).

• What are the customs regulations for crossing the border?
  The customs regulations for crossing the border are similar to those of any other airport or border crossing. You are allowed to bring in a limited amount of duty-free goods, and you may be required to declare any items you purchase in Malaysia when you return to Singapore.

• What should I do if I have any questions or concerns?
  If you have any questions or concerns, you can visit the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website or the Malaysian Immigration Department website. You can also call the ICA hotline at +65 6391-7698 or the Malaysian Immigration Department hotline at +603-8888-5566.