Backpacking from Malaysia to Singapore is a popular choice for travelers due to the close proximity and affordable transportation options between the two countries. Here are five ways you can travel from Malaysia to Singapore as a backpacker, including taking the train, ferry, bus, taxi, and plane, along with practical tips and guides for each method.
1. By Train
If you want to avoid traffic jams during weekends or national holidays, taking the train is the most practical option for traveling from Singapore to Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The train allows you to carry more luggage compared to the bus.
To take the train to Johor Bahru, head to Woodlands Train Checkpoint (WTCP) in northern Singapore. From there, you can board the Shuttle Tebrau, operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM). Tickets cost SGD 5 (around IDR 59,000) and can be booked on the KTM Shuttle Tebrau website. Make sure to pass through the Woodlands Train Checkpoint and have your train ticket ready before the gates close 10 minutes before departure.
This KTM route is one of the shortest train routes in the world, taking just five minutes to reach Malaysia. Upon arrival at JB Sentral, you will go through immigration and customs checks. After that, you can continue your journey by bus, taxi, or ride-hailing service.
For those departing from Kuala Lumpur, you can take the ETS (Electric Train Service). Although a direct ETS route from KL to Singapore is still under future expansion plans, you can take the ETS to Gemas, transfer to the Ekspres Selatan shuttle service to JB Sentral, and then switch to the Shuttle Tebrau from JB Sentral to Woodlands, Singapore. The entire train journey from KL Sentral to Woodlands, including the two transfers, takes about 7 hours and 20 minutes. If departing from Penang, the travel time will increase by approximately 4.5 hours on the ETS route.
2. By Ferry
Another alternative for traveling from Malaysia to Singapore is by ferry, with fares starting from SGD 25 (around IDR 295,000). There are two ferry routes operating between Malaysia and Singapore. The closest route is from Tanah Merah Port in Singapore to Tanjung Pengelih Port in Malaysia, taking about 45 minutes. The other route is from Tanah Merah to Desaru, Malaysia, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours.
Ferries are a great choice if you want to enjoy sea views during your journey. Traveling by ferry is also more comfortable and can be a pleasant experience, especially if you are carrying a significant amount of luggage.
3. By Bus
Taking a bus is a favorite option for backpackers traveling from Singapore to Johor Bahru, the main gateway to Malaysia, due to its convenience and lower cost. Bus tickets from Singapore to Johor Bahru vary depending on the departure schedule, with prices starting from SGD 1.90 (around IDR 22,500) to SGD 6 (around IDR 71,000). Payments can be made using EZ-Link, ManjaLink (for Causeway buses), or cash.
One recommended route is to depart from Woodlands. To get to Woodlands, you can take the MRT from central Singapore to Jurong East and alight at Woodlands, then head to the Causeway bus stop. From there, you can continue your journey by bus number 950 (direct) or 856, 903, 911, 911T, 912, 912B (indirect). Buses are also available directly from Changi Airport.
Keep in mind that travelers must pass through Singapore immigration at Woodlands Checkpoint and Johor Bahru at JB Checkpoint in Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI). At the checkpoint, travelers need to disembark and queue at immigration before continuing their journey on the same bus or switching buses according to their destination in Johor Bahru. It’s advisable to avoid traveling during peak hours, as the roads can be congested and immigration queues longer.
4. By Taxi
Another more comfortable option is taking a taxi from Singapore to Malaysia. Although more expensive, taxis offer convenience since you don’t need to get out during immigration checks, which are conducted inside the vehicle. Fares vary depending on the departure point and destination, but they typically average around SGD 90 (approximately IDR 1 million). The fare may be higher or lower depending on negotiations and distance.
Taking a taxi is the best option if you’re traveling with family or carrying a significant amount of luggage. Taxis are also faster and more comfortable than other modes of transportation.
5. By Plane
The easiest and fastest way to travel to Singapore is by flying. You can fly from various cities in Malaysia to Singapore, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Ipoh, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu.
Flights from Kuala Lumpur and most destinations in Peninsular Malaysia take about an hour, while flights from Kota Kinabalu take about 2.5 hours. Although flying can be more expensive than other modes of transportation, it is the most efficient way if you have a tight schedule or don’t want to spend too much time on the road.
Additional Tips for Backpacking
- eck TraChvel Documents: Ensure your passport and other travel documents are ready before departure.
- Prepare Local Currency: Carry enough cash in SGD for emergency needs.
- Look for Free Tourist Attractions: Singapore offers many interesting free attractions.
- Use Public Transportation: Take advantage of the EZ-Link or Singapore Tourist Pass for easy travel.
- Eat at Affordable Places: Hawker Centres are great spots to enjoy local cuisine at affordable prices in Singapore.
- Utilize Free Wi-Fi: Many places in Singapore offer free Wi-Fi, which can help you save on data costs.
With these various transportation options and budget-saving tips, your backpacking journey from Malaysia to Singapore can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Happy traveling!