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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.

Family travelling from Singapore to Johor Bahru with children, luggage and onward transport options

Singapore to JB With Kids: RTS vs Private Car (2027)

Date: August 28, 2026 By admin Categories: Tips Transport Service No comments

Singapore to JB With Kids (2027): RTS vs Private Car for Families

Travelling from Singapore to Johor Bahru with children is very different from making the same journey alone.

A five-minute train ride may sound like the obvious choice, but parents usually have more to think about: a stroller, backpacks, milk bottles, shopping bags, sleepy children and the journey from the station to the actual destination.

With the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link targeted to begin passenger service around the end of 2026, families travelling in 2027 will have another useful cross-border option. The RTS will connect Woodlands North in Singapore with Bukit Chagar in central Johor Bahru, with both countries’ immigration clearance handled at the point of departure.

So which is easier for a family: RTS or a private cross-border car?

The answer depends less on the border crossing itself and more on where your family starts, where you are going after crossing, how much you are carrying and how many children are travelling with you.

RTS vs Private Car for Families: Quick Answer

Family situation	Usually the easier starting choice
Couple with one older child, travelling light to central JB	RTS
Parents with baby, stroller and several bags	Private car
Family going directly to Legoland Malaysia	Private car
Family spending the day around JB City Square and central JB	RTS
Large family or multi-generation group	Private MPV or larger vehicle
Family visiting several Johor attractions in one day	RTS + private Johor day transport, or direct private car

This is only a practical starting point. The best option for your family depends on the complete door-to-door journey, not simply which vehicle crosses the border fastest.

What Changes With the RTS Link?

The RTS Link is designed to connect Woodlands North with Bukit Chagar in approximately five minutes by train. According to Singapore’s Land Transport Authority, the system will have capacity for up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction during peak periods.

One of the most important features for families is the co-located Customs, Immigration and Quarantine arrangement. Travellers will clear both Singapore and Malaysian immigration authorities at their point of departure rather than completing another immigration process after arriving at the other end.

You can check the latest official information on the Land Transport Authority RTS Link page.

For families whose destination is central Johor Bahru, this could make the RTS extremely convenient.

But Bukit Chagar is still a station, not the final destination for many visitors.

When the RTS May Be Better for Families

1. You are travelling light

If your children are old enough to walk comfortably and everyone has only a small bag, using public transport becomes much easier.

A family staying near Singapore’s Thomson-East Coast Line could travel towards Woodlands North, take the RTS and arrive at Bukit Chagar before continuing into central JB.

2. Your destination is central Johor Bahru

If the plan is simply to eat, shop and explore around the city centre, the RTS could be one of the most convenient ways to make the crossing.

You may not need a vehicle for the entire day. Once you arrive at Bukit Chagar RTS, you can decide whether to continue locally by public transport, ride-hailing or a pre-arranged vehicle.

3. Your children enjoy travelling by train

For some families, the journey itself is part of the experience. A cross-border rail trip can be exciting for children and removes the need to sit in road traffic during the rail portion of the journey.

When a Private Car May Be Easier

Travelling with a baby or toddler

Parents of very young children tend to carry more than they expect: stroller, nappies, milk, spare clothes, snacks and sometimes a child carrier as well.

The RTS journey itself may be short, but the total trip can involve getting from home or hotel to Woodlands North, entering the station, clearing immigration, boarding the train, arriving at Bukit Chagar and then arranging onward transportation.

A private cross-border vehicle can reduce the number of separate transport stages because pickup can be arranged closer to your home, hotel or airport and the family can be taken towards the final Johor destination.

Travelling with a stroller

A stroller is manageable on public transport, but it changes how a family moves through stations, lifts and walkways—especially when one parent is also carrying luggage.

For a short central-JB visit, this may be perfectly acceptable. For a full-day family trip involving several destinations, keeping the stroller and bags with one vehicle can be considerably more convenient.

Travelling with lots of luggage

This matters particularly for families arriving from Changi Airport, returning from an overseas holiday or checking into a Johor hotel.

Compare the whole journey:

Public transport + RTS: Airport or hotel → Singapore rail journey → Woodlands North → RTS → Bukit Chagar → onward vehicle → hotel.

Private transfer: Pickup → border crossing → destination.

The RTS may have the faster rail crossing, while the private vehicle may involve fewer changes. For parents, those are two different definitions of convenience.

Going to Legoland Malaysia With Children

This is one of the clearest examples of why families should compare the complete journey rather than only the border crossing.

Legoland Malaysia is in Iskandar Puteri, not beside Bukit Chagar.

A family using the RTS will therefore still need to travel from Bukit Chagar to Legoland after arriving in Johor Bahru.

That is not necessarily a disadvantage. Families who want to experience the RTS can combine the train with a pre-arranged Johor vehicle:

Singapore → Woodlands North → RTS → Bukit Chagar → private vehicle → Legoland Malaysia.

However, parents with two or three young children, a stroller and bags may prefer a direct private transfer from their Singapore pickup point to Legoland.

Neither option is automatically better. The question is whether your family values the RTS experience or the simplicity of reducing transport changes.

What About a Large Family Group?

The calculation changes again when grandparents, cousins or several children are travelling together.

A group of six, eight or ten passengers may find it difficult to stay together when repeatedly changing vehicles.

For larger groups, booking a suitable MPV or larger vehicle can allow everyone to follow the same itinerary while keeping luggage together.

This is particularly useful for:

multi-generation family holidays;
families celebrating birthdays in Johor;
groups travelling to theme parks;
airport transfers with multiple suitcases;
wedding or family-event travel; and
several families travelling together.

RTS Plus a Johor Day Vehicle: A Useful Third Option

The decision does not always have to be RTS versus private car.

For many travellers, the most useful combination may be:

RTS to Bukit Chagar + a private vehicle for the Johor portion of the day.

This allows your family to use the new rail connection for the cross-border journey while having a vehicle available once you reach Malaysia.

For example, a family could arrange:

Bukit Chagar pickup;
breakfast in Johor Bahru;
Legoland Malaysia;
dinner in central JB; and
return to Bukit Chagar for the RTS journey back to Singapore.

Alternatively, a shopping-focused family might combine central JB with Johor Premium Outlets.

Families spending more time in Johor could travel onwards to Desaru or arrange hotel and airport transfers.

Three Family Journeys Compared

Family A: Parents + two school-age children visiting City Square

They live near an MRT connection, have no stroller and carry only small backpacks.

Likely choice: RTS.

Their destination is central JB, so the benefit of a direct road vehicle is relatively small.

Family B: Parents + toddler + baby travelling to Legoland

They have a stroller, changing bag, backpacks and an overnight suitcase.

Likely choice: Private car.

The convenience of a more direct pickup-to-destination journey may outweigh the benefit of the short RTS crossing.

Family C: Eight relatives planning food, shopping and sightseeing

They want breakfast in central JB, shopping later in the day and dinner before returning to Singapore.

Likely choice: Larger private vehicle or RTS combined with a Johor day booking.

Keeping the group together is likely to matter more than choosing the cheapest individual ticket.

Family with children and luggage being welcomed on arrival in Johor Bahru — A smooth family journey continues beyond the border with pre-arranged onward transport and local assistance in Johor Bahru.

Family Travel Tips Before Leaving Singapore

Check passports early. Do not wait until travel day to discover that a child’s travel document needs attention.
Check current immigration requirements. Border procedures can change, so confirm official requirements before travelling.
Pack a small children’s essentials bag. Keep snacks, wipes, medication and spare clothing easy to reach.
Consider your final destination. Bukit Chagar is convenient for central JB, but Legoland, JPO and Desaru require additional travel.
Choose the vehicle based on passengers plus luggage. A vehicle that seats everyone may still be unsuitable if every passenger has a large suitcase.
Avoid over-planning. Children often enjoy three relaxed stops more than six rushed ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the RTS better than a private car from Singapore to JB with children?

It depends on the family’s starting point and final destination. The RTS is likely to be very convenient for families travelling light to central Johor Bahru. A private vehicle may be easier for families with babies, strollers, substantial luggage or destinations outside central JB.

Can I take the RTS from Singapore directly to Legoland Malaysia?

No. The RTS terminates at Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru. Families heading to Legoland Malaysia will need onward transport from Bukit Chagar to Iskandar Puteri.

Is the RTS useful if we have a stroller?

It can be. The main consideration is not simply whether a stroller can be taken on the journey, but how comfortable your family is moving the stroller and other belongings through the complete door-to-door trip.

What if we want to take the RTS but still have a driver in Johor?

You can combine both. Travel by RTS to Bukit Chagar and arrange a Johor day vehicle for the destinations you want to visit after arrival.

What is easiest for a large family?

If several adults and children are travelling together, a private MPV or larger vehicle can make it easier to keep the group and luggage together, particularly when the itinerary includes multiple stops.

So, Which Should Your Family Choose in 2027?

The RTS Link will give families an important new way to travel between Singapore and Johor Bahru. For a light, simple trip to central JB, it may become the most attractive option for many visitors.

But families rarely travel under identical circumstances.

A parent with two young children and a stroller has different priorities from a couple travelling with a teenager. A family going to City Square has a very different journey from one heading straight to Legoland or Desaru.

The useful question is therefore not simply “Which crosses the border faster?”

Ask instead:

“Which option makes our entire family journey easier?”

Family enjoying a relaxed Johor Bahru day trip with local transport support — Private day transport gives families more flexibility to enjoy food, shopping and attractions around Johor Bahru at their own pace.

If the RTS suits the cross-border part of your journey but you still need transport after arriving in Johor, BookMyTaxi.my can arrange private onward transportation from Bukit Chagar. Families who prefer a direct journey from Singapore can also arrange cross-border transport based on their passenger count, luggage and destination.

Plan the route around your family—not the other way around.

Planning a family trip from Singapore to Johor Bahru and not sure which transport option suits your group best? Contact BookMyTaxi.my for help arranging private cross-border transfers, Bukit Chagar RTS pickups, day transport, airport transfers and customised multi-stop journeys around Johor. Simply send us your travel date, pickup point, destination, number of passengers and luggage details, and we can recommend a suitable transport arrangement for your trip. WhatsApp us at +60 11-2183 8820 or contact us online for a quote.

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.