Discover Alternative Ways to Travel Beyond the Roads
SINGAPORE: The reopening of land borders between Singapore and Malaysia on April 1 brought much joy to both Singaporeans and Malaysians. However, recent advisories from authorities have highlighted significant traffic congestion at the borders.
Since the full reopening, the number of travelers has surged, with more than 33,000 people clearing the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints on the first day. This number skyrocketed to 149,000 travelers daily during the Good Friday weekend in April, 224,000 during the Vesak Day weekend in May, and reached 267,000 over the June 10 to 12 weekend.
On June 15, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) cautioned travelers about the potential for heavy traffic throughout the June school holiday, advising adjustments to travel plans when possible. They also recommended using cross-border bus services as a means to avoid the dreaded jams. Additionally, train services between Johor Bahru and Woodlands will resume this Sunday, providing another travel alternative for those heading to Malaysia.
With just over two weeks left in the June holidays, here are several transport options to consider for a smoother journey.
BY TRAIN
If you’ve never taken the train to Malaysia, now’s your chance! The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service, also known as the Tebrau Shuttle, resumes this Sunday after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. The train takes just five minutes to travel from Woodlands station to Johor Bahru Sentral station.
Currently, 31 trips operate daily—18 from JB Sentral to Woodlands and 13 from Woodlands to JB Sentral. Tickets from JB Sentral to Woodlands cost RM5 (S$1.58), while those from Woodlands to JB Sentral are RM16.25.
The train has a maximum capacity of 320 passengers per trip, and about 7,000 passengers are expected to use the service daily, so be sure to plan ahead. Online ticket purchases allow a maximum of six tickets per transaction, and you’ll need to register your passport number when buying. If you purchase tickets at the counter, you can buy up to four tickets per transaction, but sales end 20 minutes before departure. Children under four years old travel for free but must register at the ticket counter before departure.
BY BUS
If you’re keen to steer clear of traffic jams, consider taking a cross-border bus service. This budget-friendly option also offers the chance to meet fellow travelers. Cross-border bus services resumed on May 1, two years after being suspended due to COVID-19.
You can take SBS Transit bus services 160, 170, and 170X, as well as SMRT bus service 950, to travel to Johor Bahru. Bus services operate between 5:20 AM and 12:30 AM, with service 160 connecting Jurong East bus interchange to JB Sentral. Service 170 runs from Queen Street Terminal to Larkin Terminal, while 170X connects Kranji MRT station to JB Sentral. SMRT bus service 950 operates between Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange and JB Sentral Terminal.
Buses 160, 170, and 950 operate every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 25 minutes during off-peak hours. Service 170X runs every nine minutes during peak times and up to 17 minutes during off-peak hours. Check the LTA’s MyTransport.SG app or the operators’ websites for the latest operating hours and arrival times.
BY TAXI
For those traveling with bulky luggage or seeking extra comfort, taking a taxi could be the way to go. Since cross-border taxi services resumed on May 1, you can catch a taxi from Queen Street taxi terminal or book a ride through licensed cross-border taxi companies.
While this option won’t necessarily help you avoid traffic during peak hours, you can relax and let someone else do the driving. Expect to pay around S$48 for a single trip from Ban San Street Terminal to Larkin Taxi & Bus Terminal, which breaks down to about S$12 per person if shared among four travelers.
BY PRIVATE CAR CHARTER
If you’re traveling with extended family, consider a private car charter service. These services pick you up from anywhere in Singapore and drop you off at your desired location in Johor Bahru.
For example, Limousine Transport offers a 10-seater economy minivan to JB city centre for a flat rate of S$140. A six-seater economy MPV costs S$100 for the same route. Rates include fuel, insurance, and toll charges, making this a convenient option for families with young children or elderly relatives, as it eliminates the need to switch vehicles for immigration clearance.
Another company, SGMYTRIPS, charges S$260 for a round trip from anywhere in Singapore to JB Sentral for a 10-seater charter service.
BY CAR
Lastly, if you prefer the convenience of your own vehicle, pack your favorite snacks and music to enjoy during the drive—just be prepared for potential traffic jams.
During the peak of the June school holidays in 2019, travelers faced waits of nearly two and a half hours at immigration, according to the ICA. To ease the journey, consider bringing entertainment for children to keep them occupied. For noise-sensitive passengers, earplugs might also be a wise addition.
Before leaving home, check traffic conditions at the land checkpoints via the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s One Motoring website or the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) along the BKE and AYE. You can also stay updated on the traffic situation through the ICA’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Don’t forget to allow extra time for immigration clearance, and ensure you have a valid Touch ‘n Go card for road charges, checkpoints, and highway tolls in Malaysia. Car owners should also make sure their fuel tanks are at least three-quarters full before reaching the checkpoints, as failing to do so could result in a composition fine of S$500 or even prosecution in court.
With these options in mind, your journey to Malaysia can be smoother and more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on the fun ahead!
