Seventh Post: Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur has been a very important landmark in the South East Asian map. The capital city of Malaysia seem so close to Singapore on the map, yet it felt so distant to many at the same time.

Many shrug at the thought of going the distance. Most would even opt for the option of flying between the two major cities instead.

As for myself, I did not give much thought to whether or not the journey on a humble underpowered motorcycle would be tough or even treacherous. The immense freedom the two wheeler gave was my only motivating factor. The decision was set, and I'm on my way. I headed to Kuala Lumpur for lunch and was back before the day ended on the 8th June, 2016.

All set and ready to go!

My Odometer's Reading before Setting Off for KL.

Odometer Reading: 6552KM. 

My Travelogue is as follows:

Kuala Lumpur Bound.

Total Time Taken: 5 Hours.

09:45 - Point A - Depart from Home for Tuas Causeway.

10:05 - Point B - Reached Tuas Checkpoint

11:22 - Point C - Reached Machap Northbound R&R for Petrol. - Topped 6RM of Petrol, 2.9L.

13:00 - Point D - Reached Ayer Keroh Northbound R&R for Petrol. - Topped 7.2RM of Petrol, 3.5L.

14:15 - Point E - Reached Petaling Puchong Petrol Kiosk after Plaza Tol Sungai Besi. Topped 5RM of Petrol, 2.4L.

Fuel Stop at Petaling Puchong, Petronas, KL.

14:40 - Point F - Reached KLCC... and Parked!

KLCC Parking Ticket for Motorcycles. 

Parked Safely in KLCC!

There is something quite peculiar about KLCC that I don't get everywhere else. Every single motorcycles you see here are locked with more than one disc lock and a chain. Some of them also have a sticker stating that they're equipped with GPS tracker and alarm. Not sure if they're real or fake, but the security of this complex does send chills down my spine.

At every corner, there are more than one CCTV and there are also quite a number of security guards patrolling the area. Despite all these security, and the 2 bicycle locks that I have brought with me, I somehow don't feel safe having my Grom parked within the complex. So I headed off for a short ride around central KL for food!

15:00 - Left KLCC.

You can't go to KL without a selfie with the Twin Towers! 

The Twin Towers are too tall for a combined shot with the Grom despite me kneeling down at a very weird angle. This is the best of my ability - a shot with half the tower.

My Humble Grom has made it!

Had the luxury to ride around aimlessly given the not-so-heavy traffic when I was there. The weather was perfect with slight drizzles but all was well! In the end, I decided that I will ride to KL Tower and make do with lunch at a touristy spot.

15:15 - Reached KL Towers.

The Grom is here at KL Tower! 

A Trip is Never Complete without a Selfie 

Parked at KL Tower, right next to the security post. Yes, I've still got my locks just in case. 

Lunch: - Nasi Goreng Kampung & Teh Tarik Iced

Not as fantastic though but, I'll make do.

Visited the Upside Down House, KL, right beside the KL Tower. 

They have a really nice garden! 

One last photo before I depart from KL Tower.

Do refer to Map Below for the Detailed Locations of the Points Indicated for my Return Ride.

16:30 - Point A - Departed form KL Tower.

Upon departing, I was immediately roped into the unforgiving KL peak hours traffic.

That's the Petronas Twin Towers in the distance. Traffic was almost standstill.

The return trip was extremely exhausting. Especially, after a long day of riding, my body is starting to feel the physical strain. I took breaks whenever I desperately needed them but throughout the rest of the ride, I simply pushed on.

Note: Motorcycles are not allowed into the SMART Tunnels of Kuala Lumpur. For this ride, I accidentally ventured into one (no photos taken because it was too much of a traumatising experience). The speed limit of the Tunnel if my memory served me well was 60kph. I was riding at 80kph and all vehicles are horning, flashing, and speeding past me within it. Additional note: there's no road shoulder to ride on either within the tunnel. That's got to be the scariest part of my KL ride, ever.

Because of the awesome agility of the Grom, I was allowed to pass by the toll booth without paying nor the Toll Officer lifting the swing arm for me.

16:50 - Finally cleared the traffic and departed from KL.

17:35 - Point B - R&R Nilai Southbound, 5 minutes short break.

5 minutes short break at R&R Nilai

17:50 - Point C - R&R Seremban Southbound, Petrol Stop. 3RM, 1.47L.

18:55 - Point D - Kampung Bemban Layby Southbound, 5 minutes short break.

5 minutes short break at Kampung Bemban Layby Southbound.

19:40 - Point E - R&R Pagoh Southbound, Petrol Stop. 7.20RM, 3.5L.

Petrol Stop at BHP Petrol, Pagoh R&R Southbound.

21:20 - Point F - Somewhere in Pulai. Disaster struck.

Somewhere in Pulai, my IU mounting bracket broke in half, probably due to Metal Fatigue.

I guess, this was caused by excessive vibrations and the constant pushing of the machine at 7.5K RPM and higher that have caused this incident to happen. Either way, I was panicking to find a solution to handle this IU that is hanging by a thread. In the end, I emptied my china made handphone pouch off its foam and stuffed my IU into it, hoping that it wouldn't fall out... Well it did not!

Just to add: this mounting bracket which I later found out, is only unique to MAH Motors Pte Ltd. When I wanted to have it changed, LTA was already closed so MAH was the only option for me at the time. But I highly recommend riders to have their mounting brackets changed if you intend to ride long distances. It was pretty dang scary to have the IU bracket snapping and the IU hanging loose at 100kph.

Just another point to add: After a few days, I've realized that my bracket for my rear top box has also cracked. Yes, it was also from MAH Pte Ltd. I've nothing against them really. They knew themselves that it was pretty weak. But then again, if you're attempting to travel long distances like I do, these brackets are prone to suffer from metal fatigue probably due to the intense vibrations that are present throughout the long ride. So if you ever intend to travel far, get firmer, stronger brackets...!

21:40 - Point G - Reached Gelang Patah Shell and pumped the Grom with 10RM worth of Petrol.

21:55 - Crossed Tuas Causeway.

22:18 - Point H - Reached Home!

Finally Home! My Odometer Reading: 7269KM.

That is how I stuffed my IU into the handphone pouch.

T'was concluded my day ride to KL for lunch and how I returned before the day ended! Total Distance Travelled for the Ride: 717KM.

Home Bound.

Total Time Taken: 5.5 Hours.

Got to say, this trip was really about the pushing of my own personally limit. To ride further and longer than I have ever done before. To know my own personal physical limits as well as to realize that there is no such thing as boundaries. Boundaries are all in the mind. You will only know what you're capable of when you break them.

Thank God for this experience and for journey mercies. :)

Sixth Post: The Leap of Faith - Malacca

Many people speak of Malacca as a distant place that one will never think of going unless the journey was made by coaches or by train. Even for those who drives, the journey of about 230km seems daunting, impossible, or even dangerous.

For me, it has been a distance I've been so keen on crossing. So one fine day, on the 28th May, 2016, I've decided after lunch that I'll grab my things, take my Humble underpowered Grom, and headed for the City of Malacca... For the fun of it.

I honestly have to say that there is absolutely nothing I could have done to prepare myself for the ride up to Malacca. The speed of all the vehicles on Highway E2 (North South Highway) forced me to the road shoulder. Riding at a constant speed of 95-105kph have also taught me humility. Letting cars and other vehicles overtake and keeping a safe distances throughout the ride. Problem about the Grom: I will never be able to reach the stipulated speed limit, let alone match those vehicles that are driving alongside me. This made me extremely aware of how vulnerable I am on the open road. 

People often ask me how did I manage the whole journey, staying alert throughout the entire ride, and making sure I'm 101% safe. No, there's nothing I could do but to pray. Let's put it this way: along the highway in a foreign land, it's just you, your bike, and God.

Along North South Highway, near Jorak / Pagoh.

I stopped for a drink and took this photo. I was overwhelmed by exhaustion. I didn't think this would be dangerous until very much later. But thank God, I'm still safe.

Riding alone is a really awesome experience. It is somewhat, spiritual, if you were to ask me. The long journey gave me adequate time to reflect and think about life: whatever that's past and whatever that is to come. The long journey also gave "experiencing God" a whole new meaning. I was forced into "prayer mode" for an extended period of time, appreciating nature as how it is and just doing my personal quiet time on the move.

Riding alone also allowed me to push myself to the limit. By limit, I meant, my personal physical limit and not the bike's. Being alone meant I am not required to stop at every R&R / toilet stops. I was able to push myself further than I ever did before. Personally, I prefer to have my tank topped every time I see a petrol kiosk. But after the trip and after being amazed by the machine over and over again, most of the breaks I took was for me to recuperate.

And just to add, Motorcycles are exempted from tolls in Malaysia. Yay!

My Journey to Malacca in a Nutshell

My route goes like this:

1530H - Reached Tuas Causeway (and realise that the Jam got worse than what was shown on google map / onemotoring...!)

1630H - Finally managed to crossed the causeway.

Somewhere in between (I never took down the time) - Pumped Petrol at Machap R&R North Bound Petronas. 3L, 6.3RM.

1855H - Reached Ayer Keroh Exit

1915H - Pumped Petrol at Shell, Ayer Keroh (opp AEON Melaka). 2.8L, 5.88RM.

1930H - Reached Malacca City.

The Grom has Arrived! Malacca, Malaysia.

I roamed around the city for quite some time, passing by Christ Church Malacca, and other nice touristy spots, and realizing to my astonishment that the jam was beyond comprehension. Most of the streets there were one-way, one-lane. Most jams were caused by tour buses stopping and tourist crossing the road. Thank God I'm on a Grom.

Went to a few places around Malacca and finding myself completely lost. Thanks to the narrow one-way, one-lane streets, if I ever missed a turn, I'm in for some form of trouble. Either I go against the traffic (which isn't a wise thing to do), or I take a freaking huge detour...

Because of this mistake, I did not manage to take a photo of Christ Church Malacca. Okay, it was too crowded there with tourists anyway. But I did take a photo of the Maritime Museum! :D

Maritime Museum, Malacca, Malaysia.

Because of this awesome city layout, I've gotten so lost that I eventually found it more worth it  to explore the city blindly instead of being fixated on getting to a destination. So below are some of my photos from my little adventure around Malacca!

Muzium Umno, Malacca, Malaysia. 

Just to add, this is restricted road. I didn't know it was restricted but I ventured in anyway. Funny why the police(s) in the vicinity never stop me. I only figured that out afterwards when I saw a signboard nearby saying "do not enter".

 Jonker Walk, Malacca, Malaysia.

Malacca River with Melaka Tower in the distance, Malacca, Malaysia 

The trip around town took me roughly 1.5 hours before I eventually settled for a hawker near Jonker. Partly because of its cool street name - Jalan Laksamania. And guess what, their signature dish is actually Laksa! 

Laksa at Jalan Laksamania! How cool is that!

Jonker Street Hawker Centre, Malacca, Malaysia.

 Selfie while waiting for Food.

Jonker Street Hawker Centre, Malacca, Malaysia.

After food, I decided to wonder around the City for the remaining bit of time I've left. That brought me to Malacca River once more. This time, further inland.

 Malacca River near Hotel Sri Kota overlooking De'Shores Residences, Malacca, Malaysia.

Map of all the Places I've been to in Malacca.

My journey back to Singapore was pretty much the same as how I came here. I just followed the exact  same route back to NSH and then headed back home. Below is the break down of my journey back:

2150H - Left Malacca River (the spot shown in the above photo)

2230H - Reached Ayer Keroh Exit, now I'm truly heading home!

2318H - Pumped Petrol at Pagoh R&R Southbound. 2L, 4.10RM.

0035H - Kulai R&R, took 5 mins break.

0110H - Pumped Petrol at Gelang Patah Shell.

0120H - Reached Singapore Custom

0150H - Home!

For this trip, I did not take down the total distance travelled. Neither did really did my proper research prior to attempting the trip. By faith, I left, and I returned safely! Praise God! :)

Nothing could have prepared me for the awesome sight as I entered NSH at night too. The amount of stars that are actually present... If only I could just stop by and count the stars. Really. It is because of this Grom that I get to appreciate the awesome sight at night (I did not get to appreciate any of this riding the 400x).

Given the opportunity, I'll definitely embark on this journey again. But maybe not on the NSH if I were to use the Grom. Maybe I'll take the trunk roads. :)

Either way, the spiritual journey has shown me how amazing this Humble Little Underpowered Machine is. Though it is slow and compact, as long as you have the determination, whatever distance you wish to cover, the Grom will bring you there.

Thank God for the amazing ride! :)

Fifth Post: The Expanding Horizon

My short trip into Bukit Indah not just sparked my ambition to push further. It has also ignited the desire to pursue greater heights through acquiring licenses that will enable me to ride bigger, faster bikes: Class 2A.

Life took a turn, and within a short span of 1 month, I've seen myself crossing the border ever more frequently.

Through these short trips, I've gained multiple experiences and have increased my desire to push myself further. The fear of the unknown diminishes and the drive to push for greater heights ensued.

The ability to share this passion with someone followed quickly. I'm really glad to be able to share my passion for travelling with the ones I love so dearly. Friends and family alike.

MSX at Moonlight Cake Cafe 

MSX at Euro Fun Park, Sutera (near Moonlight Cake Cafe) 

Sharing the Joy of Mini Road Trips with Mum, at Sutera

Sharing the Joy of Road Trips with Dad, at Pontian Kecil

Singaporean Motorcycle Nomad Terence Tay once said, "It's one thing to be able to do something you're passionate about. To share that passion with the person you love, priceless."

Yes, it is indeed priceless. To see the joy in their faces, the enjoyment they felt. To see how my dad stood in awe as he looked upon the open waters of the malacca strait. To feel the joy my mum had when I brought her to Sutera just for a meal on a random trip... Priceless.

It is these trips that helped the people around me realise just how it is like to pull through these feats; to experience what you experience: the sights, the sounds, the smell, the tears, the effort, the pain, and the pushing of limits of our own physical endurance.

It is these trips that gained my parents' approval for me to travel further. To see the World as how it should be experienced - the World we so easily disregard with the busyness of our daily lives.

The Expanding Horizon 1.

In order how my visitations:

From closest to the furthest in the month of April 2016.

1 - Red Marker: Jalan Susur Idaman

2 - Green Marker: Bukit Indah

3 - Yellow Marker: Sutera, Moonlight Cake House

4 - Blue Marker: Pontian Kecil

My short trips have also taught me the importance of speed and safety. It has taught me self reliance and our ultimate dependency on God. In all honesty, on foreign soil, all we have are but the bike, ourselves, and God.

Sure, we have the locals. However, they are people you would not want to depend on given the countless horror stories told by Singaporeans and Malaysians alike. (My apologies if I've offended anyone by saying this. What I meant was, the high theft and robbery rates give Malaysia and JB more specifically, a bad name.)

These short trips have also opened my eyes to see the needs of the World around me. The multiple kampungs that we often neglect. The third-world situations in the countrysides of Malaysia. 

A house in a typical housing estate, Yong Peng. (Taken on my most recent trip with my 400x).

I will share about this in a later post. But this picture is to show the type of houses that I often pass by as I drive pass the kampungs of Malaysia. Note: Not all houses are as dilapidated as this but I've seen many like it.

These trips taught me the importance of contentment. To appreciate the World around me, whatever I enjoy and whatever we have in Singapore. To understand how the World is like on the other side. To see that the pastures are not always as green as one would imagine at the other side.

Standing in Awe of the Spectacle - Lightning and Thunder without Rain.

Tambak Seaside, Pontian Kecil, Johor, Malaysia

In a short time, my rides have given me multiple valuable lessons about humanity. There are simply so much out there for us to see and experience. The awesome sceneries that you don't get in Singapore. The joy of sharing what you love doing. The passion to go further. The pushing of my physical limits. The awesome experiences that awaits to awaken our senses.

But much more than that... There are the many people out there that are less fortunate than us that we often forget to even pray about... No, I did not stop by to talk to the locals. I didn't dare to. But the lesson is burdensome.

With this, I shall end this post with a quote from one of my favourite songs:

"Give me Your eyes so I can see

Everything that I keep missing

Give me Your love for humanity

Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted

The ones that are far beyond my reach

Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten

Give me Your eyes so I can see"

 - Give me Your Eyes, Brandon Heath.

I thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to see the World as how we have so frequently chose to ignore. To see the needs of the people out there, their struggles and the state they are in. I'm also grateful to be able to experience how it is to drive through the night, the mountain roads, the trunk roads, and the kampungs; seeing the World like I've never seen before.

Cheers to the many rides to come.

Fourth Post: Building Confidence in Johor.

I did not get accustomed to riding in Malaysia so quickly as many would have expected. It took me a great deal of time, courage, and motivation before I was even ready to embark on my first "long distance" ride to Pontian Kecil.

As Vanga would have noticed, I was probably the most paranoid biker ever. That was last year when I accepted, and then subsequently declined the invitation to ride to Thailand. (I'm so sorry...! I chickened out.) I knew absolutely nothing about riding on foreign soil, how my bike would perform, what are the things I would face,... Look, I don't even how to pump petrol in Malaysia.

So, I took my first step into foreign territory on a September afternoon last year with my old problem-stricken Vespa GT200. I was headed for the newly opened Vespa Shop to have my bike checked. I was fed up with the weird noises I'm hearing and all other shops I've went to in Singapore was of no good.

Bella Vespa Sdn Bhd,  3 Jalan Idaman 9/2, Nusa Idaman, 82100 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia

My Vespa GT200 being worked on and examined.

It was determined that my Vespa was in a bad shape and the mechanic, though really helpful, was unable to have it fixed due to the lack of parts for this particular ancient model. So I headed back. It was quite a trip, really.

For my first ever trip, I did not top up my petrol. I took the Tuas Causeway and quickly realized I wasn't prepared for the tolls that I'm required to pay. My pillion and I had to dismount to purchase a T&G card somewhere. But what I've got to say was that we've bumped into countless helpful Malaysians along the way who helped us! One even asked me to tailgate him in order for me to pass the toll gantry to buy the T&G card which was at the other side of the toll station. To that fella who helped me, I'm eternally grateful!

3 months later (December 2015), I took to the roads of Johor again. Having arranged an oil change appointment and then failed to show up because of causeway jams, mum and I headed for dinner at Bella Vespa's vicinity.

Very quickly, the road conditions that I previously wasn't aware of started to surface. Portholes and other dangers everywhere. Tailgaters at every corner, trying to overtake me while I avoid the portholes. There, I met my very first accident.

Somewhere along Jalan Ceria, Johor, Malaysia

My Vespa flew over the porthole, landed safely, and suffered great damage.

Thank God, mum and I was safe! I had a quick fill up at Gelang Patah before crossing the causeway. Filling up at Gelang Patah Shell is pretty much the same as how things would be like in Singapore. You top up prior to payment.

It took me over three months for me to muster the courage to head back to Malaysia again on a motorcycle. Yes, I was that scared.

March, 2016. This time, I went with a friend who so willingly came with me despite my lack of experience. We headed to the very same spot I had the accident previously with my newly acquired MSX. Now guess what stupid mistake I've made during this trip...

Aifa Cafe, Jalan Susur Idaman, Johor, Malaysia

My brand new MSX 125 at Aifa Cafe, parking like a boss.

Yes, I forgot to stop for our passport to be stamped. It's kind of funny when we spoke the truth and the immigration officers refused to listen. Note: All the Malaysian bikers did not have to stop but Singaporeans must. It was a long stop at the immigration office but praise be to God the immigration officers let us off! :D

Few weeks after this (April 2016), I motivated myself for yet another try at entering Malaysia. Running through all the immigration procedures in my head, memorising every single turn and signboards I must see, I headed for Malaysia again. But this time, I've a goal in mind. A goal to head further...

Restoran Ho Zi, 41 Jalan Indah, 8/13 Taman Bukit Indah, 81200 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

Praise be to God, I went and returned without a hitch. I successfully memorised all the routes, there and back. I had my petrol topped off at Gelang Patah on my return leg just before the immigration. Everything was smooth. This, my friends, was the spark that ignited the fire of exploration. 

Side Note: All these trips, I did not prepare additional locks because I had it parked right beside me. I was paranoid but I was too concerned about other aspects of riding that I totally disregarded the possibility of theft. Please do not learn from me. It was only after this that I started bringing locks to prevent any form of theft from happening.

Honestly, every trip into Malaysia will surely have its problems. But one thing I've learnt through all these was that God has been with me, wherever I go. Without the protection from God, I wouldn't be able to motivate myself to take these first steps, let alone to overcome all these challenges.

Every ride is a challenge to myself. Every ride is a lesson to push further. Every ride is God telling me, that He is watching over me. Every ride is a testimony.

To God be the Glory.

Third Post: Riding into Johor!

Riding into Johor isn't as hard as how everyone thought it is.

However, we are still required to pass through the much dreaded immigration checkpoint!

Most people would avoid crossing the border simply because they'd want to avoid the hassle they will face when crossing the border. However, the truth is, it really isn't as bad as you'd think it is! ;)

So... New riders / riders who fear the customs so much / riders who find all sorts of excuses to not ride across the border, this post is for you!

In relation to my first post, choosing between the causeways will come in handy especially when you're planning your trip! Personally, I would prefer to head for Tuas checkpoint because I know that it will lead me to a vast open road upon exiting the Malaysian custom. Woodlands on the hand has 4 lanes, each lanes goes to a different road. Signs are only displayed after you crossed the "nothing to declare" lane. Normally, by then, you'll be faced with tailgaters from everywhere trying to rush you / cut you while you decide which lane to go. That's the reason why I avoided Woodlands until recently.

Note: To get to the North South Highway (Highway E2), head towards the lane at the extreme right upon exiting the Malaysian customs. To get to Desaru / Mersing / Kota Tinggi, use the same highway as well.

Step-by-step guide for border crossings:

1. Before heading to the causeway (while planning your trip), do checkout google map traffic conditions as well as onemotoring. They give a very good gauge of the jam (if there is one) and how long the jam will be (if you really needed to cross at your chosen time). I will talk more about this below! :)
2. Before reaching the causeway, do ensure you have the following items:
1. Your own passport (have it somewhere handy because you'll need to grab it without dismounting the bike).
2. T&G card (for those headed for Tuas).
3. Cashcard (last check at Woodlands Checkpoint a few days ago, a custom officer told me that I didn't have to pay despite signs saying Singaporean bikes are required to pay toll too). - Seasoned riders, please correct me?
4. Cashcard is required for Tuas...! Take note!
3. As you approach the causeway (both Tuas / Woodlands), do slow down if you're unsure of the road. As you near the primary clearance, there will be a huge hump that you will definitely not want to ram through. Note: Woodlands have rather uneven roads as you approach the primary clearance. There are 2 stretch of dent marks left by bikes that run parallel to each other. New riders do take note! I almost slipped the last two times I was there.
4. At the primary clearance, do take note that you'll have to have your helmet removed and your passport ready! Do take note: riders are required to pay a toll of $0.50 using your cashcard at Tuas. Do insert your cashcard into the machine and select motorcycle. If the machine is down, you'll be directed by immigration officers to pay your toll manually elsewhere. I would personally advice riders to have them prepared: helmet removed, passport in hand, and your cashcard somewhere within reach (for Tuas), while waiting in the queue. This would be my personal contribution to help speed up the jam. :P
5. When the immigration checked your face, you'll be able to wear your helmets! There's a small parking lot at Tuas checkpoint just after the primary clearance for you to keep all your important documents before crossing the bridge. At Woodlands, you're allowed to stop at the side after the clearance.

What to do at the Malaysian checkpoint:

DO NOTE THAT YOU HAVE TO STOP. Malaysian bikes will not stop at the Malaysian checkpoint but Singaporeans must remember to stop for our passports to be stamped. I've made a mistake here once. Thank God I wasn't charged with "illegal immigrant". But honestly, it is really confusing especially for a first timer.

1. Stop at the booth(s) with the green arrow!
2. Have your passport stamped (some times you don't have to remove your helmets here, just listen to the instructions by the custom officers).
3. If you're using the Tuas Checkpoint, do note that all Motorcyclists are subjected to a toll charge of RM1.20. Prepare your T&G card prior to reaching the toll station that is after the checkpoint. (Note: Whenever you see a toll station, motorcyclists are to keep left and enter the motorcycle lane). For those who have no T&G card, you are able to purchase a card at the last booth (or at the car booth) at RM20. RM10 for the card, RM10 for the value.
4. If you're using the Woodlands Checkpoint, no toll is required! :)
5. And... You're done! Enjoy the ride!

Do note that the return procedure is just about the same, only opposite.

However, at the Singaporean clearance, do note that on your return trip, you'll have to dismount (you and your pillion, if you have any), off your engines, and open your boxes (if you have) for checking purposes at the "nothing to declare" lane.

Many people ask me whether there would be jams and when would I make my crossings. So this is my public service portion, analyzed and written just for you. =)

Timing to cross into Johor:

Weekdays:

Timing to avoid: 4pm - 10pm.

Saturdays:

Timing to avoid: 2pm - 7:30pm. (Do check onemotoring / google map. Sometimes the queue starts as early as 1pm. Sometimes as late as 3-4pm).

Sundays and Public Holidays:

Just make the crossing already. It's unpredictable. (Do check onemotoring / google map prior to crossing).

Timing to return to Singapore:

Weekdays:

Timing to avoid: 6am - 10am (some times 12 noon for Woodlands)

Saturdays:

Timing to avoid: 6am - 9am (Do check. It's unpredictable as well but this is generally my observation).

Sunday and Public Holidays:

Totally unpredictable. Do check before embarking on your return trip.

Things to Check:

1. Google map! Yes! Google map! This screenshot was taken while I am writing this post. Weekday, 9:30pm. Do note, I've indicated earlier to avoid crossing till 10pm? I was generous. This is a very good gauge for those who are planning to make the crossing. However, this only shows the state of jam for cars and larger vehicles. Bikes go on bike lanes / we lanesplit. Most of the time, we will not be affected. That's when you'd need to check onemotoring for a more detailed picture of the jam.
2. Onemotoring. 

https://www.onemotoring.com.sg/content/onemotoring/en/on_the_roads/traffic_cameras0/woodlands.html

Screenshot of the traffic conditions at Onemotoring.

Do note: The massive jam shown in google map is not indicative of the conditions for bikers. Take a look at the view from Tuas Checkpoint, if you look clearly enough, you'll be able to see an empty lane on the left. That's the bike lane. Empty, yea? But don't be fooled. The jam is (if there is) further down the road. But it isn't as bad as it is during the peak hours.

Take a look at the View from Woodlands Checkpoint (towards BKE). Both bike lane and car lanes are jammed really badly.

So, while planning your route, do take this into consideration. It will surely safe you a lot of time, perspiration, effort (pushing), and annoyance! :)

Have a great ride!