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!