Johor Bahru: The Perfect Guide for a One-Day Trip from Singapore
Just across the border, Johor Bahru sits at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula – the closest overseas destination to Singapore.
Its convenient location—just a 40-minute journey from Singapore’s city centre—combined with much lower prices makes it a popular weekend getaway for many Singaporeans.
This guide breaks down how to get to Johor Bahru and what to do there – especially useful for first-time visitors.
Time for a fun-filled day trip to Johor Bahru!
- Travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru
- Jalan-Jalan in JB’s Old Town
- Wander Through Vintage Local Gems
- Hop Around Trendy Spots in Old Town
- Must-Do at JB City Square
- Returning to Singapore
Travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru
Requirements for Johor Bahru Trip
When travelling from Singapore to Johor Bahru, the following are required:
- Passport
- SG Arrival Card (online) – for re-entry to Singapore
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (online) – for entry to Malaysia
SG Arrival Card
For foreigners, SG Arrival Card is typically submitted upon initial arrival in Singapore. Even for a day trip, travelling to Johor Bahru and returning to Singapore requires another SG Arrival Card to be submitted before re-entry.
To submit your SG Arrival Card, please visit the official ICA website below.
SG Arrival Card
Websiteeservices.ica.gov.sg/
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
Since 2024, Malaysia has made it mandatory for foreign travellers (except Singaporean citizens) to submit a Digital Arrival Card. This can be done through the official website provided below.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card（MDAC）
Websiteimigresen-online.imi.gov.my/
As the arrival cards for both countries can be submitted up to three days before the arrival date, it’s advisable to complete them while you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Cross-Border Buses from Queen Street Bus Terminal
There are several ways to get to Johor Bahru from Singapore, but for tourists, the easiest and quickest option is a direct cross-border bus.
There are several bus departure points across Singapore, but the Queen Street Bus Terminal is the closest to the city centre.
It’s just a 3–4 minute walk from Exit A of Jalan Besar MRT Station (Downtown Line), and about 6–7 minutes from Exit A of Bugis MRT Station (East–West / Downtown lines).
This terminal is a major hub for cross-border buses and taxis linking Singapore and Johor Bahru. (Note: Regular taxis are not allowed to cross the border.)
Queen Street Bus Terminal
Bus Fare and Payment Options
From Queen Street Bus Terminal, two bus companies operate direct services to Johor Bahru.
- Causeway Link
- Singapore–Johore Express
Buses typically run every 15–20 minutes, with reduced frequency during late-night hours — around every 45 minutes between 11pm and 4am.
Both services offer:
- One-way fare of $4.8
- Direct service to Johor Bahru
- Air-conditioned and comfortable seating
Since the conditions and services are the same, you can simply hop on whichever bus arrives first.
The ticket counters for both companies are just before the boarding area. If you’re using an EZ-Link card or paying with cash, you can buy your ticket when you board.
Make sure to hold onto the ticket you receive—you’ll need it when re-boarding the bus after clearing Singapore immigration.
What’s more, Causeway Link buses now support Visa contactless payments, making travel even more convenient. There’s no need for a bus ticket – simply tap your Visa card on the reader inside the bus as you board.
- Tap when boarding and re-boarding
- No tap required when alighting
For more details, please refer to the Causeway Link website.
| Bus Company | Causeway Link | Singapore-Johore Express (SJE) |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | CW2 | SJE |
| Fare | $4.80 | $4.80 |
| Payment Methods | VISA Contactless, EZ-Link, NETS, Cash | EZ-Link, Cash |
| Bus Body Colour | Yellow | Red and Silver |
Approx. 30–40 Minutes to the Border
Hop on the bus—your journey to Malaysia starts now!
Keep an eye out for the bright yellow buses of Causeway Link. The Singapore–Johore Express, meanwhile, comes in a silver and red colour scheme.
The ride from Queen Street Bus Terminal to Woodlands CIQ, located at Singapore’s northern tip, usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
Immigration Process at Border Checkpoints
The bus will stop at Woodlands CIQ, Singapore’s border checkpoint. All passengers will need to disembark and go through departure immigration inside the building (Don’t leave your luggage on the bus).
Photography isn’t permitted in the immigration area, so there are no photos. But, here’s a general idea of what to expect:
One important thing to note: after clearing immigration on the Singapore side, make sure to reboard a bus operated by the same company you travelled with at Queen Street Bus Terminal to cross the border.
- If you arrived on a Causeway Link bus, get on another Causeway Link bus→CW2
- If you came on a Singapore-Johore Express bus, board another Singapore-Johore Express bus→SJE
The bus boarding areas have clear signs with abbreviations such as “CW2” and “SJE,” making it easy to identify the correct bus.”
When re-boarding, simply present the ticket you purchased at Queen Street Bus Terminal. If you used Visa contactless payment, just tap your card or device on the reader again.
Other than that, everything should be pretty straightforward.
Currency Exchange Near the Checkpoint
While credit cards are widely accepted in Johor Bahru, some establishments may only take cash.
Several money changers are located just outside the CIQ immigration exit and inside the adjoining JB Sentral station building. If you need Malaysian Ringgit, it’s a good idea to exchange money near the CIQ checkpoint before heading into town.
Jalan-Jalan in Johor Bahru’s Old Town
Johor Bahru offers a wealth of attractions, but this guide focuses on the basics, making it especially useful for beginners. Kick things off with a relaxed stroll through Johor Bahru’s Old Town, just 15 minutes on foot from CIQ and JB Sentral station.
Jalan Tan Hiok Nee & Jalan Dhoby
The heart of Johor Bahru’s Old Town lies along two lively streets — Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Dhoby.
Decorated with traditional Chinese archways and lanterns, these vibrant streets offer a charming blend of old and new.
Go for a “jalan-jalan” — a Malay phrase meaning “to stroll around”—and take in the mix of heritage and modern flair.
Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Unexpected Art in Hidden Corners
As you wander through the Old Town, keep an eye out for colourful street art tucked away in unexpected corners.
From walls and shutters to second-storey walls, vibrant murals pop up all around — even along narrow back alleys.
This playful piece turns a humble utility box into a quirky little robot — just brilliant.
Coming across street art is part of what makes exploring the Old Town such a joy.
Wander Through Vintage Local Gems
Hiap Joo Bakery: Famous Banana Cake
Hiap Joo Bakery, a beloved old-school bakery, is best known for its banana cake. Even on weekday mornings, queues can be long and it often sells out, so it’s best to make this your first stop when you arrive in the Old Town.
Established in 1919, the bakery exudes nostalgic charm — its weathered façade quietly tells the story of decades gone by.
In addition to the signature banana cake, they also offer a selection of buns filled with red bean, kaya, coconut, and other traditional flavours.
Here’s the banana cake, finally secured after a 30-minute wait. It’s a light and fluffy sponge with a gentle banana aroma and natural sweetness — delicious whether eaten fresh or chilled.
Each box contains 10 slices and costs just RM15 (around S$4.60), making it a real bargain.
Please note: cash payments only.
Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory
IT Roo Cafe: Chicken Chop
A long-time local favourite, IT Roo Cafe buzzes with locals and tourists as soon as it opens.
The signature chicken chop – often hailed as the best in town – is served either fried or grilled, with your choice of black pepper or mushroom sauce.
Hop Around Trendy Spots in Old Town
Flowers in the Window
The historic quarter has seen a wave of trendy cafes opening in beautifully restored old buildings.
Among them, Flowers in the Window stands out with its lush, greenery-covered façade.
A charming spot known for wholesome food and drink, all crafted with carefully sourced ingredients.
Flowers in the Window
Ah Ma Teochew Kueh: Retro-Modern Cafe
With three outlets across the Johor Bahru area, Ah Ma Teochew Kueh is a popular spot to savour authentic Teochew flavours and other local favourites, all in a charming retro-modern café setting.
A colourful assortment of traditional kueh (sweet treats) is displayed in a trolley at the front of the shop.
The Teochew porridge comes with a choice of three side dishes, making it a hearty meal.
Opening at 7:30 am, it’s the perfect place to grab breakfast when you arrive early in Johor Bahru.
Ah Ma TeoChew Kuih
Tom & Danny: Chic Coffee Sips in Old Town
At the southern edge of Johor Bahru’s old town sits a stylish café — part of Tom & Danny, a third-wave coffee chain with multiple locations across Malaysia.
You might mistake it for % Arabica at first glance, but look again — the defining symbol is an ampersand, not a percent sign.
The two-storey café features a spacious, minimalist interior that blends simplicity with style.
The Sea Salt Oreo Basque Cheesecake is a real treat, especially when paired with their carefully crafted coffee.
The menu includes savoury dishes as well, making it an ideal spot for lunch or a laid-back coffee break.
Tom & Danny Coffee
Must-Do at JB City Square
After exploring the old town, you’re now back at JB City Square, right next to the CIQ. Before heading back to Singapore, here are a few must-do activities at this popular shopping mall.”
Din Tai Fung: Taste of Taiwan on a Budget
Din Tai Fung is a popular Taiwanese restaurant chain known for offering delicious dishes in a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere.
While the rumour that its Malaysian outlets are the “most affordable in the world” remains unconfirmed, it’s certainly true that it offers better value for money than in Singapore.
Indulge in the famous Xiao Long Bao and a wide range of dim sum, noodle and rice dishes—classic flavours of Taiwanese-Chinese cuisine, served to your heart’s content.
Din Tai Fung at JB City Square
Affordable Bliss at Spa & Massage Havens
Thai Odyssey
Located on the third floor of City Square is Thai Odyssey, where authentic Thai massages offer welcome relief for weary feet after a day of exploring.
A 60-minute foot massage costs just RM93.3 (around S$30) — an absolute bargain.
Given its popularity, advance booking is recommended.
Thai Odyssey
Siam Oasis
Following the pandemic, Siam Oasis, a new spa located right next to Thai Odyssey, opened its doors.
The beautifully designed decor has a relaxed resort vibe, complemented by skilful massages and attentive service.
With this new addition, it’s a real plus to have more massage options right inside City Square, just steps from the checkpoint.
Siam Oasis
Little Pleasures at Lavender Bakery
Located on the second floor of City Square, Lavender is a popular bakery with 21 outlets across Malaysia and another three in Singapore.
A stark contrast to the traditional bakeries found in the old town, Lavender offers a sleek, modern atmosphere, with display cases brimming with a tempting selection of breads and pastries.
Picking up some baked goods here is one of the little pleasures on a Johor Bahru trip.
Lavender
Returning to Singapore
Heading Towards Woodlands
When returning to Singapore from Malaysia, simply follow the immigration and customs procedures in reverse.
Head towards “Woodlands,” which marks the Singapore border.
Return to Queen Street with CW2
Once you’ve cleared Malaysian immigration at Johor Bahru CIQ, you’ll need to take a bus to cross the border. Just like on the way in, you can hop on either a Causeway Link or Singapore–Johor Express bus.
Keep in mind that Causeway Link operates buses with multiple destinations, each with a different fare. If you’re heading back to Queen Street Bus Terminal in Singapore, be sure to board a bus displaying the “CW2” sign.
| Abbreviation | Destination | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| CW2 | Queen Street | RM4.8 |
| CW1 | Kranji | RM2.6 |
| CW5 | Newton | RM4.6 |
The return bus fare is RM4.8, the same as the outbound fare. However, it will be charged in Malaysian Ringgit, coming to about S$1.50 – less than a third of the outbound fare (S$4.80).
If you take a Causeway Link bus, you can easily use Visa contactless payment.
Later, when checking the card statement, the charge was correct at RM4.8 (automatically converted to S$1.48 on a Singapore-issued card).
A round trip across the border costs just S$6.30 from Singapore. Thanks to its easy accessibility, affordable prices, and vibrant streets, Johor Bahru is hugely popular as a weekend getaway for Singaporeans. Come and discover a charm that sets it apart from Singapore!
FYI, buses and immigration can get extremely crowded during weekends and public holidays, when lots of people are travelling. If possible, it’s best to travel on a regular weekday.
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