Please note this travel happened way back November 2018.
In order to live life to the fullest, we extended our trip from Singapore to Malaysia. Since it’s doable to go to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by bus, why just settle in Singapore? We go all the way! Here’s a guide for you on how to cross the border from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia plus budget friendly accommodation tips.
The Crossing Border Process
- Book a bus ticket from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
- Ride the bus to the Singapore – KL border
- You need to get off the bus at the Singapore immigration either in Woodlands or Tuas location
- Exit Singapore
- Ride the same bus
- Get off the bus again and proceed to the Malaysia immigration in Johor Bahru
- Ride the same bus again
- Then continue travel to Kuala Lumpur
- Drop off at Berjaya Times Square or in Kuala Lumpur Sentral
Recommended Bus Line in Singapore Bound for KL
I can recommend StarMart Express and KKKL bus lines.
The bus terminal can be found at the Golden Mile Tower located at 6001 Beach Road, Singapore. Near Bugis MRT and Nicoll Highway MRT
Note: Golden Mile Complex is a bus terminal too going to KL but this is an old building and most bus lines can be found at Golden Mile Tower
Bus ticket cost is SGD 20.00
You can book online at Klook, RedBus or 12go.
The Immigration in Singapore
The process of immigration is fast since you just need to tap your passport in the machine. Sometimes the machine won’t work, and you need to go directly to an immigration officer.
Immigration Requirements To Exit Singapore
Valid passport (should be 6 months prior to expiration date)
Note: No other requirements since you will just exit Singapore
Next Step: Board the same bus
The bus will stop at the immigration in Tuas or Woodlands. All passengers will get off and pass the immigration to exit. The same bus will be waiting at the same spot where you get off.
Important Note: You need to take down the bus plate number so you can identify which bus you need to ride again. In some cases, the same bus line will park and wait for the passengers.
Johor Bahru Immigration
Boarding the same bus, the next stop is the immigration in Kuala Lumpur, in Johor Bahru. The same process, you need to get off the bus and pass through the immigration. The bus will wait for you on the same spot.
Immigration Requirements To Enter Kuala Lumpur
- Valid passport (should be 6 months prior to expiration date)
- Accommodation Booking
- A return ticket (flight home or your next destination)
The immigration is not very strict like in the Philippines that has so many questions. Here, you just present your passport, scan your luggage and walla! You’re all done.
Drop Off location in Kuala Lumpur
The common drop off location in Kuala Lumpur is in Berjaya Times Square or in KL Sentral. I have tried both drop off points. I can recommend either of the two. And it actually depends on where you book an accommodation, make sure it’s near your drop off area.
There are lots to see in KL Sentral Terminal. It’s a busy place in day time. KL Sentral terminal is huge and a lot of directions are you can see. You can get a train map too for easy navigation around Kuala Lumpur. The terminal is also near in NU Sentral Mall, which is just a connected building. We had a great time wandering around on this area.
Currency Exchange
You can exchange USD to Malaysian Ringgit at the drop off location in KL. The drop off area is near KL Sentral Mall. I recommend exchanging PHP into USD then exchanging USD to MR.
Budget Friendly Accommodation
We booked accommodation in Central Lodge in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur which is much closer to KL Sentral Berjaya Times Square.
If you are on a tight budget, you can choose a lodge or inn, it’s much cheaper than a hotel. And book in advance to get a cheaper deal and huge discounts.
If you are even more on a tight budget, you can choose a dorm type room but please note you will share a room with strangers, travelers mostly of course. You will have your own bed, it’s a typical bunk bed setup. If there are 4 beds in the room, you’ll be sharing it with 3 other travelers. This option is not for a picky person, please take note. But if you are the type of adventurous person and would like to try something different aside from the budget concern, then this option is for you. The advantage of this is that you can meet new traveler friends, new foreign traveler friends along the way. It’s fun actually if you look on the other side. I have tried this many times and encountered both great and bad experiences.
Another accommodation I can recommend is the My Hotel located very near Central Lodge. Same address in Jalan Tun Sambanthan 4, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. They have a decent room that is relaxing after a long trip from Singapore. They offer cheap room rates too if you book early.
And another decent hotel located on the same address and a budget friendly hotel as well is the Metro Hotel, located in KL Sentral.
Book Accommodation Online
I always book accommodation ahead once I confirm my ticket. I booked on Booking.com.
Additional note for you is that, do not pay for your accommodation booking yet. The reason is that, the bus ticket schedule may change, the flight details may change, the weather might change and probably you can’t be refunded and it’s a waste. I suggest filtering your search and looking for a feature that will accept room reservations and you just need to pay when you arrive at the hotel. It’s a safe play for you.
Estimated Travel Time
Singapore to Tuas Immigration: 45 mins to 1 hour
Tuas Immigration to Drop off in KL: 5-6 hours and if night time 4-5 hours only since no traffic.
Grab Taxi Recommendation
Install a grab app if you don’t have it yet. You can use this app and book a taxi in Kuala Lumpur. We only pay 8 Ringgit from Berjaya Time Square to Brickfields in Central Lodge. It’s 100 in PHP.
Travel Tips
- Book bus ahead via online
- Exchange currency ahead
- Book for accommodation ahead and select the pay upon arrival option
- Observe safety precautions where traveling e.g have your essentials secured
- Use grab app when booking a taxi
- Cross border at night time to avoid long queue and traffic
- Buy Malaysian sim card to use mobile data
Conclusion
This is one of my memorable international travels. Crossing the border is tiring and fun at the same time, especially if it’s your first time. You’ll encounter many amazing things for the first time in your life and I am thrilled by it. For first time travelers, just feel relaxed and no need to be scared with the immigration officers. They are plainly doing their job and just do your thing as travelers. Have a safe trip everyone. Thanks for reading!
