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Sunday, February 5, 2023

Discovering the Best of Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide from Johor Bharu

Greetings, Adventure-Seekers! Are you ready to hit the road and explore new destinations? After the Covid pandemic, many of us have been eager to travel again, both near and far. And, we're excited to share our own travels with you all. This time, we're taking you on a journey to the bustling city-state of Singapore, via Johor Bahru, for a 2-day 1-night adventure. Join us as we embark on this exciting journey to Singapore. Get ready to soak up the city's vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning architecture. Happy travels!

1. Let's Start Planning Your Trip to Singapore

Before embarking on your journey, there are a few important things to keep in mind. The entry checkpoint into Singapore from Johor Bahru is the Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex (also known as the Johor Bahru Checkpoint). It may seem overwhelming, but don't worry, just follow the signs and you'll make it to the Malaysian immigration checkpoint in no time. We arrived at around 10 AM and the process took only 20 minutes. It's worth noting that phone service is not available on the immigration floor, so be sure to do your research beforehand.

2. Travel Requirements for Singapore

Good news! There's no need for a PCR test or quarantine. And, while previously, all travelers had to download the TraceTogether app, this is no longer a requirement. You can fill out the arrival card 3 days before arriving in Singapore at https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/. And, you can do a digital verification of your vaccine status at https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/STO1/VCP by submitting a pdf copy of your vaccine certificate. If you're planning to travel by your own vehicle, don't forget to apply for an autopass or vehicle permit, though be aware that it can only be collected 5 days after approval.

3. From CIQ JB to Woodlands, Singapore

After clearing immigration, we headed to the bus terminal and took the Causeway Link bus to Woodlands. It cost 2.6SGD and the payment was made directly to the bus uncle. This was the only option available at the time, but it may be worth checking if there are other options available.

After a smooth 10-minute bus ride, we arrived at the Woodlands Checkpoint where the passport verification process was carried out by the Singapore immigration. Don't forget to keep a note of your bus number and the type of bus you're on, as they'll ask for it. Once you're cleared, it's time to start exploring the city!

Gone are the days of manual passport copying - in Singapore, everything is now digital. Although it was a bit sad to miss out on a physical copy of our passports as a keepsake, the process was efficient and quick. With Woodlands as our starting point, we had the option to take the bus or MRT to our next destination.

4. Travel for Free with a Debit or Credit Card

Who doesn't love the word "free"? We were pleasantly surprised when we found out we could travel unlimited throughout Singapore with just our debit card. We had initially planned to purchase a 3-day travel pass worth SGD 25, which can only be obtained at select MRT stations, including Changi Airport Terminal 3. Despite entering Singapore by road, we made our way to the airport to pick up our pass, as we were determined to visit the Jewel.

With the travel pass in hand, we had the freedom to travel anywhere in the city using public transportation. The best part? Before leaving Singapore, we could return the pass and get SGD 10 refunded. Unfortunately, my travel pass went missing after just one use, and despite our efforts, we couldn't find it.

But no worries, I hopped on a bus as usual, ready to pay with cash. That was until the bus uncle asked, "Don't you have a debit card? It's easier." In the midst of the rush of passengers, I quickly tapped my Maybank debit card and were on our way. After using the card multiple times, I was taken aback when there were no notification messages on my phone. To my pleasant surprise, it was completely free of charge! Unlike my friends' cards, mine simply said "simply go" at the machine. Through reading others' travel experiences, I learned that this is a common way for travelers to commute for free in the city. What a blessing to have found a replacement for my lost travel pass, saving me extra money in the process. Although I'm not sure if this is always the case, it's definitely worth trying out.

During our visit to Sentosa Express, en route to Sentosa Island and USS, we were fortunate to experience a promotion and were able to travel for free. Our trip to Singapore was focused solely on visiting USS, as we had already explored other tourist hotspots in the past.

5. Navigating Singapore with Moovit

Traveling can often be stressful, but with the help of Moovit, a travel app, it's a breeze. This app is similar to Waze but with added perks. With its ability to detect your location, simply type in your destination and Moovit will guide you from A to Z. It even shows you the walking directions to the nearest bus stop. The best part is that it detects when you get on and off the bus or MRT, so you don't have to keep track yourself. If you're traveling to Singapore, Moovit is a must-have app.

6. Departing Singapore for CIQ JB

Leaving Singapore for CIQ JB can be a bit more complex, especially if your last stop was USS, as we experienced. We had to travel from Sentosa Island to Woodlands and then cross over to JB. For a more straightforward option, one can take a direct bus from Sentosa to Woodlands checkpoint. However, our timing didn't match the bus schedule, so we had to commute via several buses and MRTs to reach Woodlands. Despite the challenges, we made it to our destination, Alhamdulillah. The process of entering JB was similar, taking a bus for SGD 2.6 from Woodlands to CIQ JB. The journey was smooth, but it's always wise to keep in mind that every experience may differ.

7. Rush Hour Woes at the Malaysia Checkpoint

Travelling can be stressful, especially when you're on a tight schedule. My friend and I learned this the hard way during our trip to Singapore. Our immigration process at the Malaysia checkpoint took forever, and we were left scrambling to find a Grab to the airport. Unfortunately, the drivers were avoiding the area due to the heavy traffic and high volume of people. It was a mad dash to Senai Airport and we were grateful to have a friend who could give us a ride, but we were definitely cutting it close.

If you're planning a trip to Malaysia and need to catch a flight from Senai Airport, keep in mind the timing and transportation options. The rush hour traffic can be intense and finding a reliable ride can be a challenge.

Looking for a hassle-free way to book your bus tickets? Look no further than 12GO Asia! Their website is fast, easy, cheap and efficient, making the booking process a breeze. Click the link to book now!




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