Johor Bahru Itinerary, Malaysia

My Short Trips in Johor Bahru ,Malaysia


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 message 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. 

Johor Bahru (also Johor Baru or Johore Baharu, but universally called JB) is the state capital of Johor in southern peninsular Malaysia. There are 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, it depends on the crowd especially in the immigration section so better head there during weekdays. It was Sunday and to avoid too many people we've gone there early and go home early too. Here's a few list of the short trips I made in Johor Bahru. 


What to do in Johor Bahru 

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 put 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 on shopping and there was no more time left to see the movie. Some parts of City Square Mall was under renovation so the mall was like a maze, we have to run some detour and analyzing if we've already gone there. I had a good time knowing I gone to another country which is still quite near thou. 

We found some interesting stuffs 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 is a small mountain, 510 meters above sea level, located in the heart of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. 

How to get there: (according my research) 2 options: bus/train
Address: Kluang, Johor, Semenanjung Malaysia

From Singapore to Kluang, Johor Bahru
Take a 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)

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. 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 riser so our food was ready in no time. The only thing my friend is so disappointed when we went to the bus stop was that she  forgot to packed her monopad. Ahahaa The age of selfie already has an impact on everyone lives, its getting me too so maybe I'll buy one too. Our bus ride was smooth, we passed by the check point, had the immigration officer checked and stamped our passports, then off we went to the base point to Gunung Lambak. They have a resort where you can stay overnight in the area. We didn't bother to do that our main priority is to reached the summit before lunch time. The trail was neatly laid out, there were root stairs, ropes and boulders. The hike was a good challenge for the leg muscles and even powered up 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 will go 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 in a different way.


3. Kota Tinggi Waterfalls, Johor Bahru Malaysia

How to get there: Singapore to JB Central

From the MRT Take 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 is only around 5pm. I was totally confused why but I guess its due to the holiday or the train might be under maintenance. My friend told me its still a month old and maybe operation is not running smoothly. Moving on. We proceeded all the way up to top level at the same building where the train to JB is situated. Passports checked and Money 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

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 its not worth the visit. I went there and the place looked wonderful. The place has been kept clean and safe for everyone. 

There 4 stations: The main entrance leads to a stream where all the kids play and go and 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 leads to the second station. 

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, try to avoid any holidays and weekends. Food is not allowed inside but the security was kind enough to allow to bring along our snacks with us. Just bare in mind not to leave anything behind especially any kind of rubbish from your bags. 

Kota Tinggi Waterfalls Resort back to Singapore

Take a cab back to Kota Tinggi Terminal, 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 to 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 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 all day long playing lego. We created different kind 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 Bus to Tuas

Bus Fare: S$4

Travel time: 30 minutes 

Bus drop-off at Kawasan Berhimpun Terminal

Take 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

- 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 legoland counter for bus timings. 

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. Ohmy! I considered those free damn tickets a gift from heaven. I decided to go to Legoland rain or shine, even if I'm going alone. Me and my drama. I told my brother about it and he was ecstatic to know that a certain place like that really exist. This is of course is not the first legoland ever built, we just never ponder that someday a place using our childhood toys will sprung to life. 

A friend of mine join 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 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

I call this Drop it like its hot Ride.  The chairs go all the way up then suddenly drops, sometimes it stays in the middle and bounces 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 made 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 its 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 fascinationg to see the world's famous tourist destination in lego blocks. Have fun and be safe ^__^


Booking.com


Itinerary Reminders:

1. Flight Details

Make sure to write down your booking reference number, be at the airport two hours before your flight and allocate time for your travel to the airport.

2. Accommodation Details

Write down your hotel/motel/resort/bnb booking number. Contact your place to inform them around when you'll be arriving — it really does help.  Also, ask if your accommodation has any discounted activities.  You'd be surprised!

3a. Transportation

List possible times your bus/train/boat arrives and leaves so you don't miss an activity.  Always give yourself an extra 30-45 minutes in case you get lost, get stuck in traffic, or are looking for parking.  Better early than late.  Of utmost importance: check for the last trip and fares!  So you still have time and money to get back.

3b. Car Rentals

Take note of your pick-up address and time allotted.  Our last car rental told us to bring the car back by a certain time with a certain amount of gas.  Allot money for fuel and parking.

4. Budgeting

Set aside a minimum and maximum spending amount for: meals, transportation, entrance fees, activities, souvenirs and emergencies.  3 meals a day + snacks adds up quickly, so keep track!  As well as tips for restaurants and activities.

5. Activities

Call to confirm your booking(s) a day or so beforehand.  Set alarms and/or calendar reminders for things you plan to do (i.e- bungee-jumping, river-rafting, or even city / food tours).

Do you want more adventure?

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

Where am I going next?
My next adventure is having a short weekend getaway at Batam, Indonesia.