Johor Bahru is popular destination for many Singaporeans who look for more affordable medical treatments or modalities they are restricted in their own country, such as ozone therapy. Johor is a day trip away and can easily be reached directly from Changi airport as well. Those flying in from other countries or over seas Singapore has better and more affordable flight connections that makes it many times better choice than Kuala Lumpur especially if you are heading straight to southern Malaysia. Especially as Johor Bahru is just one bridge crossing away from the tiny city state and it’s one of the medical tourism hubs in Malaysia besides Melaka, Penang and of course Kuala Lumpur.
So how to go from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Johor Bahru? When I started my last trip to Malaysia, Thailand and India I went to see how the connection works through Woodlands Checkpoint. It was easy apart from minor misunderstanding at the customs on how to go with the backpacks and how the buses will cross and how to get back in. The buses are not necessarily set to take in exactly the same passengers they dropped out on the Singaporean side so all luggages must be carried through the customs. There are multiple buses going the same way and if you miss the one you came with you can get a ride with another one to the Johor Bahru CIQ. But if you follow the crowds you will be fine.
There are two coaches TS1 and TS6A. I used the coach TS1 that departs at from of the Terminal 4 Arrival Hall Coach Bay Lot nr.7/8. And it runs more frequently. In case you happen to arrive at Terminal 2 it leaves at Arrival Hall Coach Bay Lot nr. 9/10. You can see in the pictures how the places look like so it makes it easier to visualize what to expect.
Outside of Arrival Hall at Terminal 4 in Changi Airport. Behind my back are the coach stands.
One minor issue to look out for was when the driver at Changi coach stand was almost about to leave me there as I was standing my back to the lots watching the terminal for a short time while waiting the coach at the lot nr. 7. He didn’t even give me a shout to ask whether I was waiting his bus when he arrived there silently. But fortunately I turned around just when he was about to back off and I managed to get in. So keep standing the right way, keep your eyes on the lots all the time so you don’t miss the bus leaving right behind your back!
The coach stand outside Terminal 4 Arrival Hall at Singapore Changi Airport.
Some walking has to be done before reaching the customs. The bus will drop you out like 100-150 meters from the customs. Pick up all your luggages.
Once you are through the border formalities this is the place to hop in again after coming down the escalators on Malaysian side. The picture is from inside the coach.
After crossing the bridge you can take a taxi or bus to move within the city or take a train or long haul bus to continue out of Johor Bahru from CIQ.
Happy travels!
