Crossing the Singapore-Malaysia border: Day Trip to Johor Bahru

[Read in 4 mins.]

Going to Johor Bahru (JB) from Singapore is a popular day trip or weekend trip for Singaporeans due to its close proximity and offers many great activities and entertainment. It is the closest Malaysian metropolitan city from Singapore so it is very convenient for them to drive or take the public transportation. It’s important to plan ahead and book tickets in advance, specially when it’s a public holiday.

This day trip was part of my 2 months South East Asia trip where I went to a lot of major destinations in the region. My first stop was Singapore where I spent five amazing days there! While in Singapore, I hangout with my Singaporean friend for some of those and did the one of the most local Singaporean thing to do – go to JB for a day! As I said, this day trip is quite common so plan ahead and book tickets if you plan to take public transportation like us. This is how I spent my time in JB like a local.

Crossing Border – Woodlands Train Checkpoint

Woke up early and went to Marsiling MRT to meet my friend. We bussed our way to Woodlands Train Checkpoint. It’s basically the border where all the immigration and to board the train to Malaysia is located. We arrived at around 9 am. There, you will line up for the immigration twice: (1) to get my exit stamp from Singapore and (2) entry stamp from Malaysia. Quite the experience because I was probably one of the few people where it wasn’t a quick stamp then go. I had a small talk interview with the Malaysian officer who also looked at my passport front quickly. It wasn’t one he recognized right away and probably wondered, ‘who this non-Singaporean crossing lady the border?!’ Lol!

We then boarded the train that took us to JB Sentral operated by KTMB railway. Tickets can be purchased from the KTMB website or Easybook. It’s a really quick ride 5 minutes or even less so when we boarded the train and there were no seats available, my friend said it’s alright to stand. Train!? For 5 minutes!? Great that we didn’t get knee cramps.

You can also go to JB from Singapore using the bus, boat, and even drive there. One thing to mind is that you cannot cross by foot. It’s prohibited.

JB Bound: Setting Up and Breakfast at Hua Mui

Arriving at JB Sentral, first things first is to get connected again to the world so you would need a SIM card. Remember that you’re in Malaysia now and not in Singapore. At the Sentral, there are many SIM card sellers and you would need to provide your passports details to purchase one. I’m pretty sure you would understand, I’m a millennial who enjoys sharing my travels in social media, so I did what I have to do similar to when I landed in Singapore and got this fast internet sim card at Changi Airport using this amazing easy to book platform courtesy of Klook.

Grabbed breakfast at Hua Mui. Kopi Os, butter toast (mmm, butter), and semi-boiled egg. Staple breakfast and this location is very popular. There’re line-ups but it’s pretty quick so we got a seat right away.

Explore: Food and Art

We made a quick pitstop for banana bread at Hiap Joo Bakery to take back to Singapore. This banana bread is no joke! Line up is serious and people wait for the next batch of bread to get baked. What’s so special about this place is that the banana bread are charcoal baked. So if you’re in town, make sure you grab some, you won’t miss it because there’s a line. Which is why we went right after breakfast because once they’re sold out, they are closed for the day.

Read Eula B.‘s review of Hiap Joo Bakery on Yelp

There are art installations embedded in their night market called Hookah District. Unfortunately, it was daytime but it was still pretty cool to still see during the day.

Also, I saw there in November and it was Deepavali so the city was vibrant and super festive. There was cool art to see as you walk around.

After sweating from the scorching heat outside Hiap Joo, we sat down at The Replacement Lodge and Kitchen. There are lots of cool cafes in the area so it’s great for a millennial hipster like me who likes hanging out at these places. Ordered a hazelnut latte and Unagi Bao sandwich for fuel.

Afternoon: Cat Cafe, Touristy Things, and Afternoon Tea

We made our way to CATS Cafe JB – Cats At Their Sanctuary. Spent a good couple of hours hanging out with cats. All I heard was ‘kucing kucing’ from the kids that were also there to hang out with them. This cafe isn’t exactly at the ‘city centre’ so I suggest taking a taxi or Grab.

We made our way towards Bukit Serene area to see the official residence of the Sultan of Johor, Serene Square, and the iconic Laman Mahkota. This is a very famous landmark and I recommend you visit this place. Don’t miss it! The area is very nice and surrounded by a beautiful garden and green lush trees.

Afternoon Tea turned out to be a fancy matcha latte ordered at Bev C. Another cafe that I was happy to check out. Coffee ice cubes and matcha drink that you pour over on the glass.

Night time: Dinner, shopping, and relaxation

Dinner was at Soon Soon Heng Bak Kut Teh at Taman Abad area to try Malaysian Bak Kut Teh, which, according to my Singaporean friend, is different from the Singaporean one. One of my favourite dishes, a definite must try local Malay food and a top Singaporean dish! I love bak kut teh so I’m up to try all the varieties out there. Malaysian bak kut teh is less pepper and garlic taste than it’s Singaporean counterpart.

After all the walking, eating, and cats, we went back to JB Sentral area to shop and relax as we wait for the night and the train time to go back to Singapore. Malls after malls around JB Sentral. Singaporeans shop in Malaysia because their dollar goes along way. My friend bought toiletries, food, and clothes here. I also did the same. It reminded me of the Niagara US-Can border which is also a popular trip that Canadians do.

After a long day of adventure, last stop was at Thai Odyssey for a massage. This is a chain and the one we went to was at JB City Square.

Heading back to Singapore, I got stamped before leaving Malaysia and boarded the train at JB Sentral. Plus points because we got seats for the 5 minute ride. Pro-tip, gate opens 30 minutes before departure and closes 10 minutes before departure.