Jams are better suited for your sandwiches. Here’s our handy guide to dealing with traffic while remaining cool if you plan to visit our neighbour.
“Shall we go to Johor Bahru soon?” You might’ve been inundated with such requests from time to time, and you’ve come close to entertaining them. But we know what’s holding you back: the traffic. Whether you’re the designated driver or passenger princess, it’s no fun being stuck in gridlock for a few hours, waiting for your vehicle to inch towards the checkpoint. Are there any ways to get around it? Of course! Presenting our ultimate guide to beating the Causeway jam, where we guarantee you’ll never lose your cool when travelling from Singapore to Malaysia.
So near yet so far: How to beat the Causeway jam when travelling from Singapore
If you’re travelling by car or motorcycle
The idea of going to Malaysia via your own vehicle sounds good. When it comes to execution, not so much. Everyone’s more than aware of the horrors of the Causeway jam. But here’s the thing: you just need to know the best time to drive in. Our first recommendation is to take a day off between Monday and Thursday (maximise your annual leave!). You don’t have to worry about traffic as waiting time is minimal. At most, you’ll probably be stuck for an hour.
However, if you can only go in on the weekends, discuss with your travel partners about making the journey earlier. How does 5am sound for everyone? While we can’t guarantee there won’t be a queue, fingers crossed you won’t wait too long compared to going in at 8am.
The real bottleneck occurs as you approach the checkpoint. That’s right, it’s the dreaded ‘passport dance’. Well, you can forget about this routine now that our government has implemented a new system. All you have to do is download the MyICA app, fill in your passport details, and generate the QR code. For those travelling in a group (up to 10 people in the same vehicle), everyone must be registered on one person’s phone. Scan the code when you’ve reached the checkpoint, and an immigration officer will conduct face-to-face checks to verify the information.
P.S. First-time users and those using a different passport from their last visit will still need to present their passports for clearance; after that, you can use the QR code. As of now, the system is not implemented for motorcycles. Pro tip: when clearing the Biometric Identification of Motorbikers (BIKES) System gantry, make sure you press your thumb down hard on the machine. It’s a hassle having to wait for the immigration officer to unlock the gantry, let your bike pass, and get your passport manually verified.
If you’re travelling by public transport
So, you’ve deduced that public transport is the best way to get there. That’s great, but this presents other challenges in beating the jam at the Singapore-Malaysia Causeway. Train tickets sell out fast, so get yours in advance to avoid disappointment. The fare is $10 for a two-way trip if you purchase at Woodlands or online. Remember to arrive early! Gates close 20 minutes before departure at Woodlands and 10 minutes at JB Sentral.
The good thing about taking the train is that you’ll clear immigration via a separate route. Do you recall those snaking queues you often see on social media? You won’t be subjected to those horrors. Each train trip is limited to 320 passengers, so you won’t have to jostle with the crowds to cross over and say hello from the other side.
Now, if you decide to change your plans at the last minute, you can cancel your ticket for a partial refund. You’ll get 75% of your money back for cancellations made more than three days before departure; if done within 72 hours of your trip, you get up to a 50% refund.
While the bus may be a wallet-friendly option, it tests your patience. Everyone knows about buses 160, 170x, and 950, which go directly into Malaysia from Singapore. But here’s a Honey Hack to beat the crowd: head to Woodlands bus interchange and take bus 856. Get off six stops later and walk towards Woodlands Checkpoint. It’s a trek but think of it as you clocking your daily steps.
When you arrive at customs, head straight for the electronic gates at the further left lanes. These are similar to the ones at Changi Airport and are reserved for Singaporeans, permanent residents, and Malaysian citizens. Ensure that your passport has three months’ validity and that you’re at least 120 centimetres tall.
Other handy tips to beat the Causeway jam when travelling from Singapore
We’ve covered all the major things you should know if you visit our neighbour in the north. But of course, there are other nitty-gritty details that you must be aware of. Ready to take notes? Here we go:
1. Avoid peak periods
This is a given. Saturdays between 8am and 8pm are the worst times as trucks, containers, and shift workers are entering Johor Bahru too. The eve of public holidays and long weekends are treacherous times as well. It may be forgiving for motorcycles, as they can easily squeeze through, but if patience is not your strongest suit, we say skip the trip entirely. Plan for another day – Malaysia’s not going anywhere.
2. Skip Woodlands and head to Tuas
Everyone knows how crowded the Woodlands Checkpoint can get. That’s why those living in the west are encouraged to take the Second Link if they head into Malaysia. While traffic is less extreme here (as it’s out of the way and not many people are willing to make the journey), the con is that it also leads you further away from Johor Bahru. Unless your intention is to visit Legoland or play golf.
3. Remain updated on the traffic situation
It’s advisable to keep tabs so you’re aware of the sitch in real time. Bookmark the One Motoring website and download the Checkpoint.sg app to check the traffic cams at checkpoints. Beat the Jam is a useful app that provides accurate data and traffic jam estimates. If you’re driving or riding in JB, refer to MBJB (online or through the app) for traffic situations there. Don’t be in a jam – beat the Causeway jam!
Did you know that you can also track traffic through social media? Join the JB/SG Human Traffic’s Facebook and Telegram groups to keep abreast of the situation at the customs. JB Tracer II: Johor Bahru Traffic, Crime and Community Service Report and Custom & Msia Road are other useful places as they provide crowdsourced, on-the-ground updates.
4. Have a Touch ‘n Go card with you
Given the current exchange rate, cash may still be king, but this card is essential for Malaysian trips. Touch ‘n Go is used for road charges, checkpoints, and highway tolls. The card can also be used to make payments in many other places. Make sure there’s enough value in it so you’re not caught in a pickle. You can get yours on Shopee or at any petrol kiosk in Malaysia. Download the Touch ‘n Go app, which allows you to check your card’s value and top up when necessary.
5. Prepare sustenance and entertainment
Make sure your phones are fully charged (remember to pack your power banks and cables), get someone to curate a suitable playlist to keep everyone sane, and keep a bag of snacks that can be easily eaten while you play the waiting game. Sip water intermittently instead of taking huge swigs. You don’t want to be holding your pee in… or worse, relieve yourself into an empty bottle or plastic bag. It’s not a cute look!
6. Leave the luggage at home
While it may be tempting to bring luggage, it’ll be subjected to scanning through the X-ray machine. The immigration officers might even request you open your baggage for further inspection. So leave those at home, pack light, and don’t forget your reusable totes.
Good luck beating the jam at the Causeway when travelling from Singapore! DM us if you have more tips to share.
