Johor Bahru Itinerary, Malaysia

What To Do In Johor Bahru: Crossing the Border from Singapore to Malaysia

For the past few days I was feeling miserable and so damn tired of work, so I decided to have a little break. The best remedy for this kind of situation is to leave the country, as much as I want to go far away we only have limited time and budget. I messaged my friends and off we went to Johor Bahru, Malaysia just a border away from Singapore. It's also quite convenient as we can use our EZ Link to pay the bus fare to JB. Let’s go! 

"This site contains Affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases of a product/service at no added cost to you." ^_^

Travel Tips

• For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.

• For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.

• Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.

• For tried-and-true travel and hiking gear, check out our Amazon Storefront.

How to get there: Singapore to Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Johor Bahru (also Johor Baru or Johore Baharu, but universally called JB) is the state capital of Johor in southern peninsular Malaysia. There are a lot of ways to get there: by road trip, you can take the bus stop opposite Kranji MRT station/Queen Street Terminal/Jurong bus interchange/Boon Lay MRT station. We headed to another point much nearer to JB at Woodlands Bus Interchange, near Woodlands MRT and Causeway Mall. Travel time would be around 30-45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the crowd especially in the immigration section so better head there during weekdays. It was Sunday and to avoid too many people we went there early and went home early too. Here's a list of the short trips I made in Johor Bahru. 

What to do in Johor Bahru: 4 Short Getaways from the Border

1. City Square Mall

They have a nice terminal for arriving passengers and security was all around even when we're out they're still there lurking around. Outside feels like I'm back home in the Philippines and that just puts a smile on my face. We decided to actually watch a movie because Singapore money doubles up there, 1 Singaporean Dollar=2.45 Ringet, but we occupied ourselves with more shopping and there was no more time left to see the movie. Some parts of City Square Mall were under renovation so the mall was like a maze, we had to run some detours and analyse if we'd already gone there. I had a good time knowing I had gone to another country which is still quite near thou. 

We found some interesting stuff there like this cute juice bar, a lip gloss with a Coca-Cola twist which is also available here in Singapore and of course, you can't smoke anywhere you want. We bought some earrings and slippers along the way and good thing my friend took a shot of it and now I have something to share, and our last stop was at Starbucks- nothing beats a great coffee on a wonderful chillin' out day. It was a short fun trip to Johor Bahru, Malaysia and next on our list, we'll be heading to Kuala Lumpur.

2. Gunung Lambak 

Gunung Lambak is a small mountain, 510 meters above sea level, in the heart of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. 

How to get there: (according to my research) 2 options: bus/train

Address: Kluang, Johor, Semenanjung Malaysia

From Singapore to Kluang, Johor Bahru

Take bus 170 from Singapore to Larkin terminal in Johor Bahru

Take an Express bus from Larkin to Kluang

Bus service: ORCHARD EXPRESS (Platform 41)

Frequency: Hourly

Cost: Rm 6.40 per person

Duration: 1hr 40mins

OR By Train, (either from Tanjong Pagar Railway station in Singapore or from Johor Bahru) to Kluang. Check out train timing: http://www.ktmb.com.my

From Johor Bahru: departure from J.B at 10:36AM

Cost: RM4 (lowest class, may not have seats)

Duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Budget: less than 100 SGD (including lunch)

-running/hiking shoes

-breathable top and shorts, or with  leggings

-hat

-1 litres water

-packed lunch

-change clothes

first aid kit (with whistle)

The Hike

We woke up early for our coach transfer with the group. They booked ahead of time for our tickets to Johor Bahru and Vice Versa. The meet-up point was in Red Line Marsiling MRT around  5:30 in the early morning of Saturday. It was a weekend hike I've been looking forward to. The night before we've cooked our packed lunch, fried chicken and siomai, our steamed rice will be prepared the next morning by the earliest bird. Good thing, all three of us were early risers so our food was ready in no time. The only thing my friend was so disappointed about when we went to the bus stop was that she forgot to pack her monopod. Ahahaa The age of selfies already has an impact on everyone's lives, it's getting me too so I'll buy one too. Our bus ride was smooth, we passed by the checkpoint, had the immigration officer check and stamp our passports, and then off we went to the base point to Gunung Lambak. They have a resort where you can stay overnight in the area. We should have bothered to do that our main priority is to reach the summit before lunchtime. The trail was neatly laid out, there were root stairs, ropes and boulders. The hike was a good challenge for my leg muscles and even powered my will to climb more mountains. 

We reached the summit and had a quick lunch, the hike master invited everyone to go further and see the big tree. It will take another 30 minutes to reach the tree and an even more steeper trail. I immediately took the challenge and one friend of mine came along too, and another new friend from the hike. The rest stayed in the small hut to continue having their lunch and went down first ahead of us. The trail to the big tree was going through muddy terrain and holding on to more ropes. However, the hike master was not able to locate the big tree, according to him, there were a lot of changes to the trail and the slope going down was crazily dangerous too. We were all pretty excited to see this magnificent big tree but maybe due to soil erosion, the trail was not safe anymore to go further. We went back to the old trail and found that the other part of our group was still there, in the end, all of us went back together. Going down was faster and even more fun. It was not that dangerous thanks to the ropes provided on the sides of the trail. 

The best thing about going on a hike is the muscle sore, you read that right! The pain simply reminds you that you did something great and fun. Let's look at things differently.

3. Kota Tinggi Waterfalls

How to get there: Singapore to JB Central

From the MRT Take the Red line to Woodlands Station. Outside the station proceed to the Woodlands bus interchange and take the bus going to JB Central. 

We wanted to try the new train ride to JB which is more faster, so we took Bus 912 from Woodlands Interchange. However, when we got there the latest train bound to JB was only around 5pm. I was totally confused why but I guess it's due to the holiday or the train might be under maintenance. My friend told me its still a month old and maybe the operation is not running smoothly. Moving on. We proceeded up to the top level at the same building where the train to JB is situated. Passports were checked and Money was changed. The money changer is just right outside the immigration counters. 

Take the escalator down to Jb Central Bus Terminal 

Take bus 41 to Kota Tinggi (ask the driver for assurance) 

Bus fare: 5 Ringgit

Alight at the last bus stop in Kota Tinggi Bus Terminal

Then take a cab to Kota Tinggi Waterfalls Resort

Taxi fare: 25 Ringgit (one-way ride)

Entrance Fee: 10 Ringgit

Four Waterfall Stations

The water was cold, refreshing and invigorating. It was a perfect environment to get away from the bustling city life in Singapore. I read a few reviews saying the place is filthy and it's not worth the visit. I went there and the place looked wonderful. The place has been kept clean and safe for everyone. 

These 4 stations: The main entrance leads to a stream where all the kids play and go down a long water slide. The first station of the waterfall is the most crowded area and the best place for a free back massage. While going up further the stairs lead to the second station. 

My Favorite 

The third station was our favorite stop where it has a jacuzzi-like tub and we stayed in that area till it was time to get back on the road. The last spot is right beside the jacuzzi tub which is the main waterfall but swimming is not allowed there, the thin net barricading the area says it all. If you want the waterfalls all to yourself then better go there during the weekdays, and try to avoid any holidays and weekends. Food is not allowed inside but the security was kind enough to allow us to bring along our snacks with us. Just keep in mind not to leave anything behind especially any kind of rubbish from your bags. 

Kota Tinggi Waterfalls Resort back in Singapore

Take a cab back to Kota Tinggi Terminal, and from the bus terminal take the bus to Jb Central. In Jb Central have your passports checked and take the bus to Woodlands in the Bus terminal to get back to Singapore. Follow the crowd, everyone is heading in the same direction and you'll be safe back home in no time. 

4. Legoland, Malaysia

LEt’s GO LAND!

I grew up with Lego even thou I lived in a small town in the Philippines. My father brought one pail of these small colorful boxes and my imagination went overboard while playing. Those were the days when me and my brother would stay up all day long playing Lego. We created different kinds of things and made funny stories along with it. 

How to get there: Singapore to Malaysia

Address: 7, Jalan Legoland, Bandar Medini,, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia

Phone:+60 7-597 8888

Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Legoland, Johor Bahru Malaysia

From Jurong East Bus Interchange

Berth 1 

Take the Bus to Tuas

Bus Fare: S$4

Travel time: 30 minutes 

Bus drop-off at Kawasan Berhimpun Terminal

Take the Bus bound for Legoland

Bus Fare: S$1 = RM 2

Bus Timing: 13:01, 

Travel time: 30 minutes

What to bring checklist:

- ringgit money for snacks and games

- child's smile

- a taste of childish adventure

- extra clothing especially if you're planning to ride the waterboat. 

Reminders: Make sure to research ahead of time for any changes in bus schedules or approach the Legoland counter for bus timings. 

What To Do In Legoland

When I heard that there's Legoland in Malaysia I was excited to be there. Fortunately, my roommate was able to retrieve free tickets from a friend. Oh my! I considered those free damn tickets a gift from heaven. I decided to go to Legoland rain or shine, even if I go alone. Me and my drama. I told my brother about it and he was ecstatic to know that a certain place like that really existed. This is of course not the first Legoland ever built, we just never ponder that someday a place using our childhood toys will spring to life. 

A friend of mine joined my craze and we went to Legoland with all smiles. In an hour we arrived at our destination. It was a sunny day, a perfect day to have some fun. We went immediately to the very first ride we laid our eyes on. Check out Einstein's Lego Face around the area too.

Spinning Bolts

Legoland Kingdoms - The Dragon Palace

Dragon Training Academy

Check out Imagination Section: Pulley Ride, Food Section, Lost Kingdom Adventure and Tower Ride

Conquer the Dragon Rollercoaster

Memorable Ride

I call this Drop it like it's Hot Ride.  The chairs go all the way up and then suddenly drop, sometimes they stay in the middle and bounce up and down again. The controller is just having the time of his life, giving ecstatic joy to everyone. 

This ride is the most memorable one because my and I had some crazy antics. It's a normal thing to be shouting for your life on a rollercoaster ride instead we decided to post in the camera fast asleep ahahaa Then on the second shot we just acted normal like it was the end of the world drama. Don't forget to get on the Watersplash Ride.

See the world in 10 minutes with Legoland's creativity. It was fascinating to see the world's famous tourist destination in Lego blocks. 

Have fun and be safe ^__^

Do you want more adventure?

If you still have one more day to spare why not take a bus to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and see the World's tallest twin tower, also known as Petronas Tower.

Where am I going next?

My next adventure will take me to the other side border of Singapore – A short Getaway to Batam, Indonesia, 

Related articles you may find interesting:

Travels

• Beginner's Guide to Travel
• Travel Abroad Essentials 
• Find Cheap Flights
• Find Cheap Hotel/Hostel 

Hiking and Camping

• 10 Safety Tips For Hikers
• 10 Reliable Hiking Gears
• Ultimate Camping List