Johor Bahru

March 01, 2024

Johor Bahru

A few days ago, I came to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, from Singapore by riding on the 170 bus from Bukit Panjang station. The Singapore immigration checkpoint was smooth like the time when I entered Singapore at Changi Airport. All I had to do was scan my passport and I’ve exited Singapore.

I got on the 170 bus again to go across the bridge to Malaysia and the immigration checkpoint there was terrible. After the agent scanned my passport he informed me I had to scan a QR code to fill out the arrival card on a website. It’s a newly implemented procedure that started in January. However, the website won’t load on my phone. At first I thought it was my internet connection, but it wasn’t. Then I tried to open the website using my laptop, still didn’t work. I asked the agent if there’s a physical arrival card I can fill out. He told me there isn’t. As it turned out, someone who had an iPhone was able to access the website. I was able to borrow her phone to fill out the form. I was thankful that a stranger helped me. It took me about 45 minutes to finally pass immigration.

I was a bit pissed off by the whole thing and it took me a while to walk from Johor Bahru Checkpoint to the Maco Inn Century, where I was staying. Google Maps walking directions brought me to an express way where there aren’t any sidewalks. As I navigated myself in Johor Bahru I realized that the city is very car-centric, not pedestrian friendly at all.

I stayed for three nights in JB, as the locals call it. In hindsight I only needed two nights. The second day I took the bus to downtown. I found my way to Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple. There was some sort of event there so I just took some photos since the temple is made out of glass, which I found to be very unique. Some lady insisted that I pay 10 MYR (~$2), which I didn’t since I wasn’t participating in the event.

Next I walked to Chinatown and saw the Johor Ancient Temple. I wasn’t impressed by it since the building wasn’t that grand. Again, there was some event going on there. A bystander told me they are preparing for a festival.

I continue to walk in downtown and decided to visit Zaharah Botanic Gardens. When I got there I found out the gardens is owned by the sultan and is a private property. Frustrated and exhausted by the heat, I found a place for lunch nearby before taking a Grab taxi back to the hotel.

I rested for a while then got a haircut at a barbershop that’s next to the hotel. I didn’t want to do any more exploring in JB afterward.

The next day, I didn’t do anything except some administrative work on the computer. However, in the afternoon another traveler came in. His name is Nate and he’s a long distance cyclist from Germany. I was very excited to talk to him since I was thinking of doing a bike tour from Europe to Asia. He didn’t actually bike all the way to Asia since he took a plane that flew over central Asia. Nevertheless, we had a great conversation.

At night, I went to the Aeon Mall Tebrau City to meet a date and to have dinner at the food court. I had a decent time, but I didn’t feel a strong connection. But it was good to talk to a local about the food and the sight-seeing opportunities in Malaysia.

The next morning I checked out. I was lucky that I didn’t stay in Singapore for too long since Nate told me the hostel prices have gone up to over $100 per night due to the Taylor Swift concert that’s occurring on March 2.

I waited for the T13 bus to Larkin Sentral bus terminal, but it never came. I ended up taking a Grab to get there. At the terminal, I bought a 11:30 AM bus ticket to Malacca for 22 MYR (~$4.50) and waited at the gate for the bus. I watched the departure monitor carefully and my bus never appeared. Finally, I asked the agent where is my bus. He told me that there was an announcement and the bus had already left. I was in disbelief. This was the first time on this trip that I missed my transport. I didn’t understand the announcement because it was in Malay. I ended up spending another 22 MYR for the 12:30 PM bus. At least the bus ticket isn’t that expensive. This time I asked the agent several times to check for my bus and got on the Malacca bus on time.

There’s something interesting about coming into JB and leaving JB. Both times I was deterred and in the end everything worked out. I guess the lesson is to not get too frustrated and impatient, which is hard to do for me sometimes. I view these unfortunate events as tests of my character.

I arrived in Malacca around 4:30 PM yesterday. I had planned to stay for two night, but I might stay for three. I have plenty of time in Malaysia since I can stay a maximum of 90 days without a visa. I think three weeks or so is enough to see most things.