JB Travel Tips from First Post-Covid Trip by Johor Kaki on 7 Apr 2022

I did a day trip to Johor Bahru yesterday, my first since returning from JB in Mar 2020. It was a sort of dry run before my longer trips soon. Sharing my experience here for your reference.

About a week before departure, I downloaded the MySejahtera App which is like Singapore's TraceTogether App onto my handphone. I followed the instructions on the App and provided all the required information. I submitted my vaccination status documents as required and waited for the App to reflect my vaccinated status. 

As it was still not updated on the App on the day of departure, I brought along hardcopies of my vaccination certificates and also downloaded notarised versions of my vaccination certificates (which come with QR codes).

(Though not required for day trips via the Causeway) I had (annual plan) travel insurance with Covid coverage and checked that my passport had more than 6 months validity.

Got up and headed out earlier than planned because I was excited about the trip. Took a bus to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint. Had slight anxiety as my vaccination status was still not updated on MySejahtera App.

It was daybreak and already lots of people were at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint. Most were coming into Singapore.

I walked to the departure hall. Clearance was a breeze. There were not many people and clearance using the automated lanes took just a minute.

Took the escalator down to the bus concourse. There were ushers directing us to waiting shuttle buses. The single trip to Johor Bahru CIQ costs SGD$2. Bring along the required cash.

The Causeway was clear with little traffic in both directions. When we arrived at the Johor Bahru side of the Causeway, Malaysian officers requested to see our MySejahtera App as we disembarked the bus. I explained that I had submitted my information but it was not yet reflected in the App. The cheerful lady officer waved me on saying "It is okay".

Took the escalator up to the arrival hall of the JB CIQ. There were few travellers this morning. The immigration officer inspected my passport as usual and gave me the required visa stamp (chop). I was not asked to show my MySejahtera App, ART or PCR - it was just like pre-Covid.

It took me less than 30 minutes to travel by bus and clear immigration at both the Singapore and Johor Bahru side.

I took a short 10 minute slow walk to the Jalan Tan Hiok Nee area known as "Culture Street". There was a queue as I past Kam Long Curry Fish Head along Jalan Wong Ah Fook. Not quite its pre-Covid heyday yet but business was obviously picking up.

The famous banana cake at Hiap Joo bakery. Most people wore their masks responsibly even outdoors.

To enter shopping centres, banks and dining in at eateries etc., we were required to check in at the entrance by scanning the establishment's QR code using our MySejahtera App. One of the concerns I had was whether I need mobile data or WiFi to do so. I am not eager to use data roaming due to costs. I am glad that the MySejahtera check-in function actually works without data or Wifi. They also do not stop you from entering if your App shows Not Vaccinated status.

Got my wanton mee fix from Kedai Kopi Xuu Yau just beside the famous Red House on Jalan Tan Hiok Nee. I love the feel of their tender crunchy egg noodles and tasty lardy "white" sauce. Their wantons were very good too - meaty, flavourful and aromatic.

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Cooling my heels, nursing a Hainanese flat white kopi C kosong at Kin Wah coffee shop.

Passed by one of my favourite Indian mutton soup stalls at Meldrum Walk on my way to City Square Mall. (Note the MySejahtera check-in QR code at the top right hand corner of the photo.) The new boss told me that there were 5 mutton soup stalls at Meldrum Walk before Covid. Now, only 3 are still in business.

Walked around City Square Mall before going back to Singapore. Quieter than pre-Covid days partly also because today was a weekday (Thurs). Most of the popular restaurants in City Square Mall were in operation and business was picking up.

City Square Mall was already dressed up for Hari Raya shopping.

The journey home (was also a breeze). 

Before coming back to Singapore, go to the ICA website and fill up the SG Arrival Card with Health Declaration. It takes about a minute to fill. Once filled, you can use the automated clearance machines and will clear immigration in a jiffy minute. But, make sure to hit the "Confirm" button in the health declaration as otherwise your form is not submitted.

Cleared immigration at the departure hall of the Johor Bahru CIQ, and took the escalator down to the bus concourse. There were a few shuttle buses lined up waiting for passengers to load up. I just joined the queue and got into a bus in about a minute. Fare was RM2. Bring along the required cash. Five minutes later, the bus was filled and we moved off. Arrived at the Singapore side in a couple of minutes as the Causeway was clear.

At the Singapore side, we were directed to a lift that took us in batches up to the arrival hall. Just go to any of the automated clearance machines, scan your passport and you are on your way. After clearing immigration, clear the usual customs check and X-ray scanning machines before you are back in Singapore.

Travelling between Singapore and Johor Bahru by bus and on foot is pretty hassle free now. This was just my personal experience and yours' may differ. I would love any insights from you too.

I will be taking a car trip to Johor soon and will share my experience on that after returning to Singapore.

Wish you a good trip. Stay safe and healthy.

Useful links:

MySejahtera

Notarise SG

SG Arrival Card

Singapore Consulate in JB

Written by Tony Boey on 8 Apr 2022