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Illustration of a family walking along a sandy beach on a Desaru day trip

Desaru & Sungai Rengit One Day Tour – Farms, Seafood & Beach

Date: October 6, 2026 By admin Categories: Road trips Transport Service Tags: Desaru, Family Travel, Pengerang, Sungai Rengit No comments

Desaru & Sungai Rengit One Day Tour – Farms, Seafood & A Little Time By The Sea

Feel like going somewhere other than the shopping malls this weekend ?

Desaru is a good place to spend a day with the family. You can meet the animals, stop in Sungai Rengit for seafood and spend the afternoon by the sea, without packing an overnight bag. Leave early, choose a few stops and give yourself enough time to enjoy them.

Located in south-eastern Johor, around Bandar Penawar, Desaru is a favourite weekend destination for Singaporeans and Malaysians. In our Desaru Coast guide, we introduced the beach resorts and the different ways to get there. This time, let us help you plan a one day tour through Desaru and Sungai Rengit !

Our suggested Desaru & Sungai Rengit one day itinerary

We suggest starting on the Pengerang side, having lunch in Sungai Rengit, then continuing towards Desaru for the afternoon. Choose one main animal attraction for the morning. You can always change it to the fruit farm if that is what the family prefers.

Before arrival: Have breakfast and leave early, especially if you are travelling from Singapore.
10:00 AM: Desaru Mini Zoo or Desaru Ostrich Farm.
12:30 PM: Seafood lunch in Sungai Rengit.
2:00 PM: A drink at Yard & Co., with time for a short look around town.
3:30 PM: Continue towards Desaru Beach for a walk and some time on the sand.
5:30 PM: Early dinner around Desaru or Bandar Penawar.
6:30 PM: Begin your journey home, or stay later for a pre-booked Sungai Lebam firefly cruise.

These are suggested arrival times, rather than a fixed tour schedule. Your departure from Singapore or Johor Bahru will depend on your pickup point and traffic. If lunch runs late, keep the café stop short. If the children are enjoying the animals, there is no need to hurry them just to fit in another stop.

1. Breakfast before the day begins

Have breakfast before leaving, or stop somewhere convenient along your chosen route. Aim to reach your first attraction in the morning, while everyone still has the energy to walk around. If your morning starts in Sungai Rengit or Pengerang, save Bandar Penawar for later rather than driving back and forth.

Pick somewhere that suits everyone in the car. A simple breakfast, a toilet stop and a chance for the children to stretch their legs will make the next part of the journey more comfortable. Save the long lunch for later !

If you are travelling from Singapore, check the checkpoint live traffic cameras before departure. The border crossing can take longer on weekends and public holidays, so keep your first activity flexible where possible.

2. Desaru Mini Zoo or Desaru Ostrich Farm

Desaru Mini Zoo – a family stop in Pengerang

Travelling with children who enjoy feeding animals ? Desaru Mini Zoo is a useful addition to the old farm-and-beach itinerary. It is in Kampung Sungai Kapal, Pengerang, so check the location when planning your route rather than assuming it is beside the Desaru Coast hotels.

The operator lists animal encounters, feeding activities and play areas, together with activities such as horse riding and ATV rides. Its website also promotes newer additions including an outdoor playground and an outdoor train. Allow about two hours as a planning estimate, depending on what your family chooses to do.

Check the Desaru Mini Zoo website for the activities available on your date and what your ticket includes. Animal feed, ride arrangements and age or height restrictions are worth confirming before you promise the children a particular activity !

Desaru Ostrich Farm – an old favourite near Teluk Ramunia

For a different animal visit, choose Desaru Ostrich Farm near Teluk Ramunia. The ostriches are the reason to come, and it makes a natural morning stop before a meal in Sungai Rengit.

Check the farm’s official channels for current opening arrangements and tickets. Follow the staff’s instructions around the birds and ask which feeding or supervised activities are available. We suggest choosing this farm or the mini zoo for the main route, so there is still plenty of time for lunch and the coast.

Prefer Desaru Fruit Farm ?

You can also keep the fruit farm as your morning outing and continue to Sungai Rengit for lunch afterwards. The guided farm tour introduces tropical fruits and farming. Wear comfortable shoes, bring drinking water and check which seasonal fruits and activities are included in your package.

There is now more to consider than the traditional fruit tour. Tourism Malaysia lists an indoor petting experience at Desaru Fruit Farm, featuring animals such as alpacas and capybaras. Ask the farm about the current animal lineup and book the right package; do not assume indoor encounters are included in every farm ticket.

Visit the Desaru Fruit Farm website to confirm your visit. Choose the experiences that interest your family rather than trying to fit the full farm tour and every add-on into a short morning.

3. Seafood lunch in Sungai Rengit

By lunchtime, head into Sungai Rengit, also known to many Chinese-speaking visitors as 四湾岛. This is the stop for those who have been thinking about lobster since breakfast !

Super Lobster Restaurant is one option to consider. Its official website lists the restaurant at 7, 9 & 11, Jalan Jenahak 1, Kampung Sungai Rengit. It is an established seafood restaurant, rather than a newly opened attraction, and remains a reason to include the town in your trip.

Order to suit your group and budget. Ask about the available lobster or fish, the weight, price and cooking style before confirming the order. A seafood lunch does not have to mean a large lobster for every person; you can choose a few dishes to share and leave room for a drink later.

Reserve ahead for weekends or a larger group. Let the restaurant know about dietary requirements, and check prices for seafood sold by weight.

4. Coffee by the sea at Yard & Co.

If you have only been to Sungai Rengit for seafood, leave a little time for a café stop on this visit. Yard & Co. is a coastal café listed in Johor’s current tourism directory, at Lot 4785, Jalan Siakap, Kampung Sungai Rengit.

A coffee, something sweet and a seat after lunch can be a welcome break before continuing to Desaru. If the café is busy, decide how long you are happy to wait. You still have the beach ahead, and there is no need to spend the whole afternoon in a queue.

Check Yard & Co.’s official links for its menu and online waitlist. The Visit Johor listing gives its location. This is a café worth considering for your route, rather than a claim that it has just opened.

If everyone is still full from lunch, take a short look around the town and continue to the beach instead.

Prefer a break around Desaru Coast ?

You can skip the café and have a drink or meal nearer the beach. Our Desaru hotel guide introduces the resorts around the coast. Contact your chosen restaurant before travelling to confirm reservations and access for non-staying guests. Restaurant access does not automatically include hotel pools or other guest facilities.

5. An afternoon at Desaru Beach

This is the part of the day to slow down. Take a walk, let the children play on the sand or find a suitable spot to sit and enjoy the sea breeze.

Bring a change of clothes, a towel and a bag for wet or sandy items. Even a short beach stop has a way of ending with sand in everyone’s shoes ! Sunscreen and drinking water will also come in handy.

Choose a beach access point with facilities that suit your group. Keep children close, follow local safety signs and check the sea conditions before entering the water. If the weather turns, swap the beach stop for a meal or café break rather than trying to squeeze it in.

6. Early dinner before heading home

By late afternoon, you may be ready for dinner. Eating before the return journey is often more comfortable than looking for food when everyone is already tired.

Keep your dinner stop convenient for the journey back, and agree on the pickup point and time if you have arranged a driver. If you are returning to Singapore, allow for traffic and immigration queues. A planned departure time is useful, but your arrival time will still depend on the road and checkpoint conditions.

Stay a little later for the fireflies

The older family-tour idea ends with fireflies, and you can still plan an evening river outing. JungleWalla currently offers an after-dark firefly cruise around Sungai Lebam, with a guided trip through the mangroves.

This is an optional extension for a group happy to return home late. Have dinner before your agreed meeting time, and confirm the exact jetty, check-in time and tour duration with the operator. Do not use an old guide’s evening schedule for your booking.

Bring insect repellent and follow the guide’s instructions, including avoiding flash photography near the fireflies. Sightings depend on natural conditions. See JungleWalla’s current tour details before arranging your transport.

What about Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm ?

Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm is another stop from the older Desaru itinerary. It is in Teluk Sengat, away from the Sungai Rengit coastal stops, so discuss the route before adding it.

If this is the attraction your family most wants to visit, make it your main morning outing and reduce the other stops. Check current visiting arrangements through the operator’s channels; Tourism Johor’s listing provides a reference. The ticket prices in the old blog should not be treated as today’s prices.

Prefer a day at Adventure Waterpark ?

If the children have their hearts set on the slides and pools, make Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast the main stop for the day. Have breakfast, head to the park and leave the fruit farm for another visit. You will have more time to enjoy the waterpark without watching the clock.

The park currently lists opening hours of 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a usual Tuesday closure. Operating days may change during public and school holidays. Check the official Adventure Waterpark website for your travel date, tickets and ride requirements before booking.

Pack swimwear, towels and dry clothes. After a day in the water, a meal and the journey home may be all the family needs. The beach can be an optional short stop if everyone still has the energy.

How to arrange transport for a Desaru one day tour ?

You can self-drive or arrange a private vehicle through BOOKMYTAXI.MY. For a day with several stops, tell us that you would like a one day service when asking for a quotation. A transfer to Desaru and a vehicle arranged for your full itinerary are different bookings.

Send us your pickup location, travel date, preferred departure time and the places you would like to visit. Please include the number of adults and children, along with any luggage or stroller, so we can discuss a suitable vehicle.

Our vehicle and services page includes MPVs and larger vehicles for different group sizes. The suitable seating arrangement depends on passengers and luggage. Let us know early if you need a child seat or have other requests.

Ask us to confirm the service duration, planned stops, waiting arrangements, return destination and any additional charges before booking. Attraction tickets and meals should be checked separately unless they are expressly included in your quotation.

You can book my taxi services online or email us at booking@bookmytaxi.my with your proposed itinerary. For more information, visit our Singapore to Malaysia transport FAQ.

A morning with the animals, seafood in Sungai Rengit and some time by the sea — that is already a lovely day in Desaru. Tell us what your family would enjoy, and we can discuss the transport for your trip.

We look forward to hearing from you soon !

RTS Link Delayed to February 2027: What Singapore–JB Travellers Need to Know

Date: October 5, 2026 By admin Categories: Road trips Tips Transport Service No comments

RTS Link Delayed to February 2027: What Singapore–JB Travellers Need to Know

If you were counting on the RTS Link for your year-end JB trip, keep your current crossing plan. With the RTS Link delayed to February 2027, December holidays and January visits need another transport option. February is a target, too: avoid making a non-refundable booking that depends on riding the new service.

This guide reflects the official update available on 5 October 2026. The useful question now is how to plan your next journey, and what to check before switching to the new rail connection.

RTS Link delayed to February 2027: what is confirmed?

In their 2 October joint announcement, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority and Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport said RTS Operations expects passenger service to begin in February 2027. This replaces the earlier end-2026 target.

Infrastructure on both sides is substantially complete, but testing and commissioning still need time. Final system tests and trial runs are expected to finish by 31 December 2026. Independent safety certification and regulatory approvals must follow before passengers can use the service.

No specific opening day was given. Treat February as a planning milestone and wait for confirmation before arranging a trip around the launch.

What should you do about an existing JB booking?

A hotel reservation or family visit does not automatically need to change. Start by checking whether the trip works with an existing crossing option. If it does, you can keep the itinerary and adjust the transport.

The tighter your schedule, the more useful it is to simplify. A late departure from Singapore, a fixed lunch reservation and several shopping stops leave little room for a slow crossing. Keep one main activity and make the rest optional.

For December 2026 and January 2027, plan without the RTS Link. For February, keep a backup that you can actually book and afford. Read hotel and activity cancellation terms before assuming you can move everything at short notice.

If travelling with friends, agree on the fallback together. One person expecting a train journey while another has arranged a car can create a last-minute scramble. Set a date to review official announcements and decide when you will commit to transport.

Your crossing options while you wait

Cross-border buses

A bus is worth comparing if you want to keep spending down and can manage the transfers. Check the operator’s current departure point, route and return arrangements before leaving. Choose based on where you start in Singapore and where you need to go in JB, rather than the fare alone.

Pack so that you can handle your belongings during the journey. A light day bag is easier than several shopping bags and a suitcase. With children or older relatives, consider how comfortable everyone will be with waiting, walking and moving luggage.

KTM Shuttle Tebrau

The Shuttle Tebrau is a separate rail option between Woodlands Train Checkpoint and JB Sentral. Check KTMB’s current timetable and Shuttle Tebrau information, then verify ticket availability and boarding requirements for your dates.

Check the return journey before building a day trip around an outward ticket. Also allow time to reach the departure station: the train booking does not cover the journey from your home or hotel. Follow the reporting instructions supplied with your booking.

Do not assume the RTS delay establishes how long Shuttle Tebrau will continue after the new line opens. Future service arrangements need their own official confirmation.

Private transfers and self-drive

A private transfer can make sense when your group has luggage, needs a particular pickup point or wants to continue beyond central JB. Compare a full vehicle quotation with the combined cost and effort of separate journeys for everyone.

Ask about passenger and luggage capacity, child-seat availability, waiting charges and the return pickup. A vehicle’s advertised seat count does not tell you how much space remains once everyone’s bags are loaded.

Road travel still depends on traffic and checkpoint clearance. A booked vehicle can reduce the number of transfers; it cannot guarantee a border crossing time. If driving yourself, check current vehicle-entry, insurance and documentation requirements before departure.

What will the RTS Link change when it opens?

The planned connection runs between Woodlands North in Singapore and Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru. LTA describes a train ride of about five minutes and peak capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. Its RTS Link project overview explains the design; use the newer October announcement for the revised opening target.

Co-located customs, immigration and quarantine facilities are intended to let passengers clear both countries’ authorities at departure, without repeating immigration clearance on arrival.

That five-minute figure describes the train ride. Your complete journey will also include getting to the station, clearance, waiting and onward travel. It is too early to promise a particular door-to-door duration.

The route also means that Woodlands North, Woodlands Train Checkpoint and JB Sentral should not be treated as interchangeable pickup locations. When arranging any connection, use the exact station name and confirm the meeting point.

Plan the Johor part of the journey as carefully as the crossing

For a central JB visit, start with the places you most want to reach and group nearby stops together. Check their locations against your arrival point. A short list can give you more time for lunch or shopping than an ambitious itinerary spread across the city.

A trip to Desaru needs a separate onward-travel plan. The future RTS connection ends in JB; it will not take you directly to your resort. Compare a rail crossing plus a Johor transfer with a direct road journey from your starting address.

For a family carrying suitcases and a pushchair, fewer vehicle changes may be worth paying for. For two adults travelling light, separate transport legs may be manageable. Make the comparison using the whole journey and your group’s needs.

BookMyTaxi.my can help you enquire about private cross-border transfers or transport within Johor. Share your exact destination, passenger count and luggage needs so the proposed arrangement fits the trip. For future RTS onward pickups, confirm availability and the meeting location once passenger access arrangements are clear.

Keep documents and the return journey on your checklist

A new train connection will still cross an international border. Check each traveller’s passport, visa needs and applicable arrival declarations before booking. Requirements can differ within the same family or group.

For entry into Singapore, consult ICA’s current entry requirements, including SG Arrival Card rules and exemptions. Check Malaysia’s official immigration guidance separately for the outward journey. Avoid using an old travel article as your only document checklist.

Keep booking details accessible offline, charge your phone and save the address of your accommodation. Agree on a meeting point if your group becomes separated. These small preparations are especially useful when changing between transport services.

Give the return journey its own time allowance. If you need to catch a flight or attend a fixed appointment in Singapore, leave a generous margin. A flexible afternoon in JB is easier to rearrange than a missed departure.

Before you book an RTS-dependent trip

Watch for information you can use to make a booking, rather than relying on construction photos or trial-run footage. Before changing your plans, check:

A confirmed passenger opening date and any launch restrictions.
Official fares, ticket purchase methods and operating hours.
Station access, clearance instructions and luggage rules.
Available onward transport and a workable return journey.

The delay leaves travellers using existing options for longer, but you can still plan a useful JB visit. Choose transport that suits your dates and group, keep the day realistic and revisit the rail option when confirmed passenger information is available.

Contact BookMyTaxi.my to plan your transfer

If a direct transfer or a planned day of transport would make your itinerary easier, contact BookMyTaxi.my for a quotation. Share your travel date, pickup address, destination, number of adults and children, luggage needs and return plan so you can compare an arrangement that fits your whole journey.

WhatsApp (Malaysia): +60 11-2183 8820 — chat about your trip
Online enquiry: request a quotation from BookMyTaxi.my

For future RTS Link onward transfers, check availability and confirm the pickup point once passenger access arrangements are announced.

Singapore to Johor Bahru private car, bus, train and RTS Link travel options in 2027

Singapore to Johor Bahru: Private Car vs Bus vs Train vs RTS Link — Which Is Best in 2027?

Date: August 24, 2026 By admin Categories: Road trips Tips Transport Service No comments

Singapore to Johor Bahru: Private Car vs Bus vs Train vs RTS Link — Which Is Best in 2027?

Travelling from Singapore to Johor Bahru has always involved a choice between convenience, cost and time. In 2027, however, travellers will have another major option to consider: the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, better known as the RTS Link.

With the RTS expected to connect Woodlands North in Singapore directly with Bukit Chagar in central Johor Bahru, travelling across the border may become easier than ever.

But does that mean the RTS will automatically be the best way to travel from Singapore to JB?

Not necessarily.

A solo traveller heading to City Square may make a very different choice from a family travelling to Legoland with children and luggage. Likewise, someone travelling directly from Changi Airport to a hotel in Johor may value door-to-door convenience more than the lowest possible fare.

This guide compares the main ways to travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru in 2027: private car, bus, KTM train and the new RTS Link.

Singapore to Johor Bahru Transport Options at a Glance

Transport	Best For	Main Advantage	Main Disadvantage
Private cross-border car	Families, groups, luggage, door-to-door journeys	Direct pickup and drop-off	Costs more than public transport
RTS Link	Solo travellers, couples and central JB trips	Fast cross-border rail journey	Requires transport to and from the stations
Cross-border bus	Budget travellers	Low cost and many services	Queues and transfers can be tiring
KTM Shuttle Tebrau	Travellers who secure tickets	Short rail crossing	Limited capacity and expected to cease after RTS begins

There is no single winner for every traveller. The best option depends on where your journey begins, where you are going in Johor and who you are travelling with.

Option 1: RTS Link From Singapore to Johor Bahru

The biggest change to Singapore–Johor travel in 2027 is expected to be the RTS Link.

The approximately 4km rail connection links Woodlands North in Singapore with Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru.

According to Singapore’s Land Transport Authority, the train journey itself is designed to take about five minutes, with capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction during peak periods.

One particularly important feature is the use of co-located Customs, Immigration and Quarantine facilities.

Instead of clearing immigration separately after arriving on the other side of the border, passengers are expected to complete both Singapore and Malaysia immigration procedures at the departure station before boarding.

This should make the actual border crossing considerably more straightforward.

Official RTS Link information can be found on the Singapore Land Transport Authority RTS Link page.

Travellers arriving at Bukit Chagar RTS station in Johor Bahru

The RTS Link connects Woodlands North with Bukit Chagar, creating a new starting point for Johor Bahru trips.

Who is the RTS best for?

The RTS should be particularly attractive if:

You are travelling alone or as a couple.
You are travelling light.
Your destination is around central Johor Bahru.
You can conveniently reach Woodlands North MRT.
You want to reduce your exposure to Causeway road congestion.

For example, a Singapore traveller who wants to spend the afternoon around City Square, Komtar JBCC or Jalan Tan Hiok Nee may find the RTS extremely convenient.

The RTS does not solve the entire journey

Remember that the five-minute figure refers to the train journey between the two RTS stations. Your total travel time will still include travelling to Woodlands North, immigration and boarding procedures, and onward transport after reaching Bukit Chagar.

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If your final destination is Legoland Malaysia, Johor Premium Outlets, Mount Austin, Eco Botanic, Desaru or another part of Johor, you will still need onward transport.

This is why travellers may increasingly combine the RTS with a private day vehicle from Bukit Chagar.

Option 2: Private Car From Singapore to Johor Bahru

Private cross-border transport remains the most straightforward option for travellers who value convenience.

Instead of travelling to a station or bus terminal, your driver can collect you from your preferred pickup location in Singapore and take you directly to your destination in Johor.

This makes private transport particularly useful for journeys such as:

Singapore hotel to Johor Bahru hotel
Changi Airport to Johor Bahru
Singapore to Legoland Malaysia
Singapore to Desaru Coast
Singapore to Senai International Airport
Family trips with children or elderly passengers

With suitable cross-border private vehicles, passengers can also remain inside the vehicle during land immigration clearance, making the journey considerably easier when travelling with children, elderly family members or substantial luggage.

Singapore travellers can view the available BookMyTaxi.my private transport services, including MPVs, luxury MPVs, larger vehicles and day transport.

When is a private car better than the RTS?

Consider a family of four staying in eastern Singapore and heading to Legoland Malaysia.

Using the RTS could mean travelling across Singapore to Woodlands North, completing immigration, taking the RTS to Bukit Chagar and then arranging another vehicle for the journey to Iskandar Puteri.

A private cross-border transfer can instead collect the family from home or hotel and take everyone directly to Legoland.

The RTS journey itself may be faster, but the door-to-door journey is what travellers should compare.

Example: Singapore to central JB

If you live near the Thomson-East Coast Line and are visiting central Johor Bahru, the RTS could be extremely convenient.

Likely winner: RTS Link.

Example: Changi Airport to a JB hotel

Travelling from Changi to Woodlands North with suitcases, taking the RTS and then arranging another transfer in Johor Bahru adds multiple journey stages.

A direct airport pickup may be much easier.

Likely winner: Private transfer.

Example: Family travelling to Legoland

Parents travelling with children, a pushchair and bags to Legoland Malaysia may value a single vehicle from pickup to destination more than shaving minutes off the border crossing.

Likely winner: Private transfer.

A New Way to Think About Singapore–Johor Travel

The arrival of the RTS Link does not mean travellers have to choose between rail and private transport for every journey.

In fact, one of the most useful combinations in 2027 may be:

Singapore → RTS Link → Bukit Chagar → private Johor day transport.

A traveller could use the RTS for the border crossing, meet a pre-arranged driver at Bukit Chagar and spend the rest of the day visiting several destinations across Johor.

This can work particularly well for itineraries involving places such as Legoland Malaysia, Johor Premium Outlets, Mount Austin or other attractions outside central JB.

Travellers planning a longer journey can also continue from Bukit Chagar to destinations such as Desaru Coast or Senai International Airport.

Read our Bukit Chagar RTS Johor Bahru day-trip and transport guide for ideas on what to do after arriving in Johor.

So, Which Is the Best Way From Singapore to JB in 2027?

The answer is simple: the best transport option is the one that makes your entire journey easier, not merely the border crossing.

For solo travellers visiting central Johor Bahru, the RTS Link is likely to be difficult to beat for speed and convenience.

For budget travellers, buses should remain an economical choice.

For families, groups, airport passengers and travellers heading beyond central JB to destinations such as Legoland Malaysia, Desaru, Johor Premium Outlets or Senai Airport, direct private transport may continue to provide the simplest door-to-door experience.

And for travellers who want the best of both worlds, taking the RTS to Bukit Chagar before continuing around Johor with a private day vehicle could become one of the most convenient ways to explore Johor in 2027.

BookMyTaxi.my provides Singapore–Malaysia private transfers as well as pre-arranged transport from Bukit Chagar for travellers who prefer to spend less time organising transport and more time enjoying their trip.

Cross the RTS. We’ll handle the rest.

Need Help Planning Your Singapore–Johor Bahru Journey?

Not sure whether the RTS Link, private transfer, bus or train is the best option for your trip?

Speak directly with the BookMyTaxi.my team for help with your itinerary, private transfer arrangements, Bukit Chagar pickup, day transport or journeys to destinations across Johor and Malaysia.

WhatsApp us: +60 11-2183 8820

Contact us online

Tell us your pickup location, destination, travel date, number of passengers and luggage requirements, and we’ll help you find a suitable transport option.

Travellers arriving at Bukit Chagar RTS in Johor Bahru with private MPV transport

Bukit Chagar RTS to Johor Bahru: Best Day Trips & Transport Guide

Date: August 19, 2026 By admin Categories: Road trips Transport Service 1 Comment

Bukit Chagar RTS to Johor Bahru: Best Day Trips & Transport Guide

For Singapore travellers, getting into Johor Bahru is set to become much easier with the arrival of the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System, better known as the RTS Link.

The new cross-border rail connection will link Woodlands North in Singapore directly with Bukit Chagar in the heart of Johor Bahru. According to Singapore’s Land Transport Authority, the approximately 4 km journey is expected to take about five minutes by train, with passenger service targeted to begin around the end of 2026.

For many travellers, however, arriving at Bukit Chagar will only be the beginning of the trip.

Johor Bahru and the surrounding areas have grown into a destination for food, shopping, family attractions, resorts and short weekend escapes. Once you have cleared immigration and stepped out of the RTS station, the next question is likely to be: where should you go from Bukit Chagar?

This guide looks at some of the best ways to turn an RTS journey into a comfortable Johor Bahru day trip, whether you have only a few hours or an entire day to explore.

Why Bukit Chagar Will Change Johor Bahru Day Trips

The RTS Link connects Woodlands North in Singapore with Bukit Chagar on the Malaysian side of the border. Both countries’ customs, immigration and quarantine arrangements are designed to be co-located at the point of departure, simplifying the cross-border rail journey.

Singapore’s Land Transport Authority says the system is designed to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction during peak periods. The official project information can be viewed on the Land Transport Authority RTS Link page and MRT Corp’s RTS Link website.

For leisure travellers, the biggest change may be convenience. Instead of planning an entire day around road congestion at the Causeway, visitors will have another way of reaching central Johor Bahru before continuing to restaurants, shopping centres, attractions or destinations farther afield.

Bukit Chagar is therefore likely to become not merely an arrival station, but an important starting point for Johor day trips.

Option 1: Spend the Day Exploring Central Johor Bahru

If this is your first visit after arriving by RTS, there is no need to travel far. Central Johor Bahru has enough food, shopping and sightseeing to fill several hours comfortably.

Start with breakfast or brunch

One of the pleasures of visiting JB is starting the morning with Malaysian favourites such as roti canai, nasi lemak, kaya toast, wantan mee or a local kopitiam breakfast.

Rather than rushing straight to a major attraction, a relaxed breakfast makes a good first stop after crossing the border.

Explore the old city area

Parts of downtown Johor Bahru are best experienced slowly. The traditional shopfronts, cafés and heritage streets around the old city offer a contrast to the modern shopping centres nearby.

Travellers who enjoy café hopping can easily spend part of the morning moving between the heritage district, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and nearby streets before continuing to lunch or shopping.

Leave time for shopping

Shopping remains one of the most popular reasons Singapore residents make short trips to Johor Bahru. Depending on your itinerary, you can combine malls, local shops, dining and a massage or spa session without travelling far outside the city.

This type of itinerary is ideal if you want an easy RTS day trip rather than trying to cover large distances.

Family travelling around Johor Bahru by private MPV after arriving from Singapore — A private day vehicle makes it easier to combine food, shopping and attractions in one Johor Bahru itinerary.

Option 2: Bukit Chagar RTS to Legoland Malaysia

Families arriving through Bukit Chagar can also use the RTS as the starting point for a day at Legoland Malaysia.

Legoland is located in Iskandar Puteri rather than central JB, so you will still need onward transport after reaching Bukit Chagar.

For families with children, this is where planning the final part of the journey becomes particularly important. Carrying backpacks, pushchairs and shopping bags while changing between several forms of transport can quickly turn a simple day trip into a tiring one.

A pre-arranged vehicle allows the family to meet the driver after leaving the station and travel directly to the attraction. At the end of the day, the same arrangement can be made for the return journey to Bukit Chagar or for dinner elsewhere in Johor Bahru before returning to Singapore.

For larger families, a private MPV or larger vehicle can also be more practical than separating the group between multiple cars.

Option 3: Shopping at Johor Premium Outlets

Travellers whose main objective is shopping may prefer to continue from Bukit Chagar to Johor Premium Outlets, commonly known as JPO.

JPO is outside central Johor Bahru, near Kulai, so it makes more sense as a planned excursion than an impromptu walk from the RTS station.

A typical day could look like this:

Morning RTS journey from Singapore to Bukit Chagar.
Meet your pre-arranged driver after arrival.
Travel to Johor Premium Outlets.
Spend several hours shopping and having lunch.
Continue to central JB for dinner, or return directly to Bukit Chagar.

This arrangement is particularly convenient if you expect to return with several shopping bags, as you will not need to carry everything between multiple transport connections throughout the day.

Option 4: Make It a Desaru Day Trip

If you have a full day available and want to get beyond the city, Desaru offers a very different Johor experience.

The coastal area is known for resorts, beaches and family-oriented attractions. Because Desaru is considerably farther from Bukit Chagar than central JB attractions, it is best treated as a full-day excursion or overnight stay.

For a day trip, an early start is useful. Travellers can arrive at Bukit Chagar in the morning, meet a driver and head directly towards Desaru, then arrange a return to Johor Bahru later in the day.

If you are staying overnight at a Desaru resort, the same arrangement can work as a direct hotel transfer from Bukit Chagar without having to return to JB Sentral to search for onward transportation.

Option 5: Build Your Own Multi-Stop Johor Day Trip

Not every Johor trip needs to revolve around a single attraction.

In fact, one of the advantages of arranging a vehicle for the day is the ability to create your own itinerary.

For example:

9:00am: Arrive at Bukit Chagar and meet your driver.
9:30am: Local Johor breakfast.
11:00am: Shopping or sightseeing.
1:00pm: Lunch at a restaurant outside the immediate city centre.
2:30pm: Family attraction, café stop or massage.
5:30pm: Shopping and dinner.
8:00pm: Return to Bukit Chagar for the journey back to Singapore.

The actual itinerary can be adjusted according to your interests, available time and the opening hours of the places you intend to visit.

Public Transport, Ride-Hailing or a Private Day Vehicle?

There will not be one correct transport choice for every RTS passenger.

If you are staying around the centre of JB and travelling light, public transport or local ride-hailing services may be perfectly suitable.

A private day vehicle becomes more useful when your itinerary includes several stops, destinations outside central Johor Bahru, young children, elderly family members or significant luggage.

It can also remove the need to repeatedly search for another vehicle after every meal, attraction or shopping stop.

Private day transport can make sense when:

You are travelling as a family or larger group.
You want to visit several places in one day.
Your destinations are spread across different parts of Johor.
You are carrying luggage, a pushchair or shopping bags.
You want the driver to pick you up again after each stop.
You are travelling to Legoland, Desaru, JPO or other locations outside central JB.

BookMyTaxi.my provides pre-arranged private vehicles for travellers who prefer this type of itinerary, including day transportation from the Bukit Chagar RTS area.

The intention is not to replace the RTS journey itself. Instead, the vehicle handles the part of the trip that comes after you arrive in Johor Bahru.

Arriving at Bukit Chagar with Luggage

The RTS will not only be useful for day visitors. Travellers staying in Johor may use it as the first stage of a longer Malaysian holiday.

For example, passengers arriving with suitcases could continue directly from Bukit Chagar to a JB hotel, resort, Legoland area accommodation or another Johor destination.

Those flying from Senai International Airport can similarly arrange onward transportation instead of treating the RTS station as the final destination.

When booking any onward transport, provide the number of passengers and an indication of your luggage quantity so that an appropriately sized vehicle can be arranged.

Private MPV for a multi-stop Johor day trip from Bukit Chagar RTS — Travellers can plan a customised Johor itinerary instead of arranging a new ride at every stop.

Tips for Planning Your RTS Johor Bahru Day Trip

Don’t overfill the itinerary

Johor may look compact on a map, but driving between locations takes time. Three enjoyable stops are often better than trying to squeeze six attractions into one day.

Keep your return journey in mind

Once the RTS begins passenger operations, check the official operating hours and ticket arrangements before travelling. These details may be updated as the opening approaches.

Allow extra time for popular periods

Weekends, Singapore public holidays and Malaysian public holidays can create heavier visitor traffic around major attractions and shopping areas.

Book ahead if your itinerary depends on a vehicle

If you are travelling with a family or need a specific vehicle size, pre-arranging your transport reduces the risk of finding that the vehicle you need is unavailable after arrival.

The RTS Gets You to Johor Bahru — What Comes Next Is Up to You

The RTS Link is set to transform one of the busiest cross-border travel corridors in the region. A train journey between Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar will make central Johor Bahru more accessible to travellers who want to visit without driving across the Causeway.

But Johor has much more to offer beyond the RTS station itself.

You might spend the morning exploring central JB, take the children to Legoland, fill the boot with shopping bags at JPO, escape to Desaru or design a completely customised food-and-shopping itinerary.

For travellers who prefer not to organise separate rides throughout the day, BookMyTaxi.my can arrange a private MPV or larger vehicle to meet you around Bukit Chagar and continue your journey around Johor.

The RTS can handle the border crossing. Your Johor adventure can begin from there.