Singapore to Johor Bahru: The Ultimate Day Trip & Weekend Guide

Just across the Johor-Singapore Causeway lies one of Malaysia's most dynamic cities — and one of Southeast Asia's most visited border towns. Johor Bahru (JB) is Singapore's closest neighbour, and for good reason, it draws millions of Singaporean visitors every year for its food, shopping, and surprisingly rich culture.

The Journey

Distance: ~27 km from central Singapore

Estimated Drive Time: 30–60 minutes (excluding border wait times)

Border Crossings:

• Woodlands Checkpoint (Johor-Singapore Causeway) — the main crossing; can be congested during weekends, public holidays, and school holidays. Aim for early morning (before 8am) or midday (11am–1pm) for shorter queues.
• Tuas Second Link — the western crossing, often less congested, particularly useful if departing from the west of Singapore.

VenQ Cross-Border Transfer: All VenQ vehicles are approved for cross-border travel to Malaysia. Your chauffeur handles all checkpoint procedures — simply present your passport and relax.

Must-Visit in Johor Bahru

Food — JB is All About Eating

1. Muar Otak Otak — The seaside town of Muar, 90 minutes north of JB, produces the gold standard of otak otak (spiced fish paste grilled in banana leaf). Several outlets in JB sell the real thing.

2. Kluang Rail Coffee (Hiap Joo) — Kluang, 90 km north of JB, is famous for its charcoal-roasted coffee and banana cake. Worth the detour or buy the packaged version in JB.

3. Hiap Joo Bakery — 13 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, JB. Famous for old-school banana cake baked in a wood-fired oven since 1943.

4. JB Hawker Food — Pasar Malam (night markets) around Jalan Wong Ah Fook and the City Square area offer excellent Malay, Chinese, and Indian street food.

Culture & Sightseeing

Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple — One of Asia's most extraordinary temples, constructed entirely from glass mosaic. 364 Jalan Tebrau, JB.

Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque — A magnificent Victorian-Moorish mosque completed in 1900, overlooking the Straits of Johor. Free entry outside prayer times.

Istana Besar (Royal Abu Bakar Museum) — The grand palace of the Sultan of Johor, open as a museum displaying 19th-century royal treasures.

Shopping

AEON Tebrau City & KSL City Mall — Two of JB's largest malls, popular with Singaporeans for grocery shopping, household goods, and F&B at Malaysian ringgit prices.

Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) — 40 minutes from the Causeway; major international brands at outlet prices (Coach, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Adidas, Nike). Well worth the drive.

Suggested Day Itinerary

VenQ operates approved cross-border vehicles with experienced chauffeurs familiar with all Johor checkpoint procedures. Contact us for cross-border transfer rates.