Johor Bahru: Day Trips and Tours from Singapore

Johor Bahru, or JB for short, is a shopper's paradise, where many Singaporeans flock on the weekends to find deals on everything from designer brands and houseware to beauty treatments and massages.

Johor Bahru day trips from Singapore offer a convenient way to cross the border into Malaysia and enjoy a day full of shopping and relaxation.

Scroll down to learn more about Johor Bahru, one of the best shopping day trips from Singapore.

How to get to Johor Bahru from Singapore?

Johor Bahru, or JB for short, is the first major city when you cross the border from Singapore to Malaysia. It's located about 30 kilometers north of downtown Singapore.

From Singapore to Johor Bahru by car

Take the PIE to the Bukit Timah Expressway and continue north until reaching the Malaysia Border. The drive is about an hour depending on the traffic.

From Singapore to Johor Bahru by public transport

You need to go by MRT and bus to get to the Singapore-Malaysia border by public transport. The most convenient route is to take the MRT North South Line to Marsiling and then take Bus 950 to Woodlands Checkpoint.

Guided tour to Johor Bahru from Singapore

The easiest and fastest way to get there is by booking a guided tour to Johor Bahru from Singapore. The driver will pick you up from the airport or your hotel and either drop you off at your accommodation in Johor Bahru or take you around to the best shopping centers in Johor Bahru.

What does a typical day trip look like?

Your private driver will pick you up from Changi Airport or any hotel in Singapore. Please note there's a waiting time of 90 minutes for airport pickup and 20 minutes for hotel pickup, so do your best to meet your driver within that timeframe.

After pickup, you'll head straight for the Singapore-Malaysia border. Once you pass through passport control at Woodlands Checkpoint, you'll get back into the vehicle and your driver will continue your Johor Bahru day trip.

Depending on the type of tour you book, you'll either be dropped off at your hotel or you'll be shuttled around to the best shopping outlets, eateries and landmarks in Johor Bahru before being brought back to Singapore in the evening.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Johor Bahru?

There are two main types of tours to Johor Bahru from Singapore. The first is a one-way transfer to Johor Bahru from Singapore, so this will not include a guided tour of the city or a return trip to Singapore.

The second option includes roundtrip transfer to Johor Bahru from Singapore and a guided tour of Johor Bahru, where your driver will take you to the best places for shopping, eating and sightseeing around the city.

One-way shuttle transfer to Johor Bahru from Singapore

A one-way shuttle transfer to Johor Bahru from Singapore is the cheapest option, but only provides transport from Changi Airport or your hotel in Singapore to your accommodation in Malaysia.

Private tour to Johor Bahru from Singapore

On a private tour to Johor Bahru from Singapore, you'll have roundtrip transportation from your hotels in Malaysia and Singapore. You'll also have a guide to take you to the must-see locations in Johor Bahru.

You can completely customize your private day trip to meet your needs and interests. Whether you want to shop until you drop, sample the tastiest Malaysian cuisine or check out cultural landmarks, your private driver and guide has got you covered.

What's the typical price for a day trip to Johor Bahru from Singapore?

A day trip to Johor Bahru from Singapore ranges from US$100 to US$400 dollars. The main factors in the price difference are the number of passengers and if it's a one-way transfer or a roundtrip guided full-day tour.

For some tours, you have the choice between a standard, luxury or spacious minivan. The standard and luxury vehicles can transport up to 5 guests, whereas the spacious vehicle can carry up to 10 passengers at a time.

What can you see and do in JB?

Shopping is one of the main attractions in Johor Bahru, where you can find many products from designer clothing to electronics at much cheaper prices compared to Singapore.

Some of the most popular shopping centers to visit include Sunway Big Box, The Mall at Mid Valley Southkey and Johor Premium Outlets, which boasts over 130 designer and name brand outlet stores.

You may also stroll through Eco Botanic City, known for its retro modern style, Pasar Karat, or Bazar JB, which is a popular night bazaar with plenty of stalls offering clothing, housewares and street food at bargain prices.

What's the best time of year to see Johor Bahru?

The best time to visit Johor Bahru in terms of weather is during the dry season from June to October. The days are sunnier, and there's less rainfall compared to other months. It's a good period for outdoor activities and exploring.

Johor Bahru experiences monsoon season from November to February. There's a higher chance of rainfall, which can sometimes be heavy. If you don't mind the occasional rain, it can still be a pleasant time to visit as the city looks fresh and is less crowded.

Are there any tours to other cities in Malaysia from Singapore?

Yes, there are tours to other cities in Malaysia departing from Singapore:

• Day Trips to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore
• Day Trips to Malacca from Singapore

Travel tips

• Don't forget your passport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned date of entry.
• Exchange Currency. While many places in JB accept Singapore Dollars (SGD), it's recommended to have some Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) for better rates.
• Travel on a weekday. Avoid weekends and public holidays if you can as there'll be longer queues at the Singapore-Malaysia border.