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Getting Here

Singapore to Johor Bahru

Everything Singaporean travellers need to know about crossing the border, the upcoming RTS Link, MyNIISe QR immigration, and getting to Pelangi Capsule Hostel.

Crossing the Border from Singapore

Two land crossings connect Singapore and Johor Bahru

Causeway (Woodlands)

Most popular — 24 hours

  • Bus CW1: JB Sentral ↔ Kranji MRT — RM 2.50 / SGD 1
  • Bus 170: Larkin → Queen St, Singapore
  • Grab/Taxi: RM 40–60 one-way to SG city
  • Peak hours: 7–9 AM and 5–8 PM weekdays
  • Weekend peak: Fri evening & Sun evening

Second Link (Tuas)

Less crowded, faster clearance

  • Bus CW2: JB Sentral → Tuas — RM 3.50
  • Best for: Private car or during Causeway jams
  • Nearest MRT: Tuas Link (East-West line)
  • Grab: ~30% cheaper than Causeway route at peak
  • Travel time: 20–40 min depending on traffic
Immigration tip: Have your passport ready before reaching the counter. Malaysia exit and Singapore entry are separate checkpoints — stay on the bus between them. Off-peak, the whole crossing takes 30–45 minutes.

MyNIISe QR Immigration

Faster border clearance with Malaysia’s digital immigration system

How to set up MyNIISe QR (step-by-step)

  1. 1

    Download the MyNIISe app

    Available on iOS App Store and Google Play Store. Search for “MyNIISe” by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

  2. 2

    Register your account

    Create an account using your passport number, nationality, and a valid email address. Malaysian citizens can use MyKad.

  3. 3

    Complete your traveller profile

    Enter your passport details, upload a passport photo, and fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) information.

  4. 4

    Generate your QR code

    Before travelling, open the app and generate your entry/exit QR code. This replaces the paper arrival card.

  5. 5

    Scan at the border

    At JB CIQ, use the dedicated MyNIISe QR lanes (marked with signs). Scan your QR code at the e-gate — no more queuing at manual counters.

Benefits

  • ✓ Skip the manual counter queue
  • ✓ No paper arrival card to fill
  • ✓ Works for all nationalities
  • ✓ Free to use

Good to know

  • • Set up before you travel (needs internet)
  • • Keep your passport handy — still required
  • • QR lanes may have shorter wait times
  • • App works offline once QR is generated

Transport to Pelangi Hostel

From any JB entry point to our doorstep

CIQ / JB Sentral

~15 min
  • Grab: RM 10–15 — fastest and most convenient
  • Taxi: RM 12–18 — insist on the meter
  • Bus P101: RM 1.20 — alight at Pelangi Leisure Mall, then 2 min walk

RTS Link (Bukit Chagar)

~15 min
  • Grab: RM 10–15 — pickup from station exit
  • Bus: Routes TBC once station opens
  • Walk + Bus: Short walk to JB Sentral, then P101 bus

Larkin Bus Terminal

~15 min
  • Grab: RM 10–15 — from pickup area
  • Bus P101: RM 1.20 — towards JB Sentral, alight at Pelangi Leisure Mall

Senai Airport (JHB)

~35 min
  • Grab: RM 45–60 — direct from arrivals hall
  • Airport Taxi: RM 50–70 — fixed rate counters at arrivals
  • Shuttle + Grab: Shuttle to JB Sentral, then Grab to hostel

DuitNow–PayNow Cross-Border Payments

Pay in Malaysia directly from your Singapore bank account

How it works

  • 1. Open your Singapore banking app (DBS PayLah!, OCBC, UOB, etc.)
  • 2. Scan the Malaysian merchant’s DuitNow QR code
  • 3. Amount converts automatically at bank rate (SGD → MYR)
  • 4. Payment is instant — no cash or money changer needed

Where you can use it

  • ✓ Most restaurants and cafes displaying DuitNow QR
  • ✓ Convenience stores (7-Eleven, KK Mart)
  • ✓ Shopping malls and retail shops
  • ✓ Some Grab rides and food delivery
  • ✓ Pelangi Capsule Hostel — we accept DuitNow QR
Singaporean guests: DuitNow–PayNow QR interoperability means you can pay at most Malaysian shops without exchanging cash. The exchange rate is your bank’s live rate — usually better than airport money changers.

Quick Reference

30 min

From Singapore

via CIQ Causeway

~5 min

RTS Link

Bukit Chagar to Woodlands North

35 min

From Airport

Senai (JHB) by Grab

2 min

Walk to Mall

Pelangi Leisure Mall

From Method Cost Time
Singapore (Causeway) Bus CW1 + Grab RM 2.50 + RM 12 45–75 min
Singapore (Causeway) Direct Grab RM 40–60 30–60 min
RTS Link (future) RTS + Grab ~RM 15–20 ~20 min
JB Sentral / CIQ Grab RM 10–15 15 min
Larkin Terminal Bus P101 RM 1.20 20 min
Senai Airport Grab RM 45–60 35 min

Ready to visit Johor Bahru?

Pelangi Capsule Hostel is in the heart of Taman Pelangi — 15 minutes from CIQ by Grab, from RM 30/night.

Book Direct & Save Read Our JB Guide →