SINGAPORE: Are you thinking of a trip across the Causeway for some shopping, makan, or maybe a restful time of Vitamin Sea?
More and more, Johor Bahru (JB) is turning out to be THE place to go for a weekend getaway, thanks to the strong SingDollar and a tourism push from Malaysia’s government.
However, since thousands of other Singaporeans may have the same idea, when and how to go may be key to making sure your vacay, whether a day trip or a few days’ stay, is enjoyable.
Worry not, fam, we gotchu. Here are our best tips and tricks for your next enjoyable journey to JB.
Best months to go to JB
Because JB is so close to Singapore, you can expect weather conditions to be pretty similar. This means it’s hot all year round, but some months are hotter than others, so dress accordingly.
If you’re hitting the beach, you can go practically any time, but the best months for beachgoers are between June and September.
Check the weather for rain before you make plans. November and December, and sometimes April, are the rainiest months.
Tourism in JB is highest in December, March, and April, and you can expect flight and accommodation prices to be higher in these months. November is the month with the fewest tourists.
Read also: 5 best hotel rates in JB await you! — Leap into Malaysia for your next post-leap day getaway
Best time to leave if you’re driving
It’s well documented that the traffic to JB can last four hours or even longer of your precious time, so planning well is important.
On weekdays, your best bet is to leave early; around 5am would be optimal.
Remember that more than 300,000 people cross the land border between Singapore and Malaysia daily, making it one of the busiest in the world.
There is a traffic dip between 12 noon and 3 pm, however, in case you want to take advantage of that.
The worst time to go would be between 5 and 9 pm.
On Saturdays, before 5 am is also the safest time to go, and traffic is usually light on Sundays.
When returning from JB, you might want to head to Singapore between 1pm and 3 pm on weekdays, and after 8pm, to avoid the crush.
Saturday mornings to Sunday early afternoon should not be a problem, BUT by 2pm on Sundays, traffic builds up significantly and, at times, does not let up until past 11pm.
Pro-tip: Check the One Motoring website or the ICA Facebook page for real-time traffic info before you go.
Travel hack: Take the ferry or a shuttle
Did you know you can take a painless, traffic-less ferry ride to JB and be there in 45 minutes? It’s the perfect solution for day-trippers; you can read it all here.
Then there’s also the KTM Shuttle Tebrau that brings Singaporeans to JB for less than S$5 in a five-minute trip. Tickets for the shuttle, which can be booked here, are largely sold out on weekends and holidays, so make sure to plan ahead! /TISG
Read related: Where to go in JB for shopping, eating, sightseeing and more!
