- 0845 train now changed to 0800
- Price increased from $3 to $13! Refer to timetable at end of page.
- JB to SG price no change, still $3
*** *** *** ***
Following our trip to Tanjong Pagar Railway station, we embark on our maiden train trip to Johor. (we have only taken MRT and LRTs in Singapore)
We can hear the whistle, and we boarded the 0845 train.
(for short trips, tickets are only on sale on the day itself)
Train is noisy, air is a bit stuffy, but hey, this is a NEW experience :)
Daddy would prefer to have a non-aircondition cabin, so we can smell the dungs, the soot, the "outdoor freshness".
Video : Choo choo setoff !
Some familiar landmarks, nice perspectives from the train's angle.
Do you know that the kiddos at Alexandra Hospital's childcare can view the trains from their school? Cool.
History has forgotten about Bukit Timah railway station.
We did not know this station even Exist !
After numerous vegetation, we reach Woodlands for immigration checks.
Daddy was caught snapping photos, and had to "delete" them on the spot.
We normally cross the causeway on buses or car :)
Arrival Johor Sentral station. Time is 0930, our train ride took only 45 min.
Hassle free and jam free!
Since shopping centres open at 1000, we went searching for breakfast.
Two shopping centres are nearby, Kotaraya and City Square.
.. we suggest you skip Kotaraya :p
As Deepavali (festival of lights) is near, a lot of stalls were selling flower garlands. We head back to City Square.
Shopping and eating will keep you occupied.
Mummy got some children's clothing, and Daddy bought
some photography book (9Rm only).
The donuts and PapaBeards are famous at this shopping complex.
We settled at Swenson (Malaysia call it Season) for lunch.
Food is nice, and very economical, due to exchange rate :)
We did not forget to buy some souvenirs for Yi and Xin (whom we conveniently left behind in Singapore's childcare hee hee). Very bad correct keke.
Heading back, we can only get the tickets 30 min before train arrival.
If train is full house, we might have to take bus 171 back to Kranji MRT, or even hire a taxi back to Woodlands.
We took some more photos of Johor's historic railway station.
Coincidentally, today is also Johor Sentral's last day of operation.
Balek Kampong (back home to Singapore)
Video : Train departs for Singapore
Some more sightings along the way.
Wei and Kang had enjoyed their journey. They get a train ride, buy toys, and can skip school! (Wei's primary school is actually close for PSLE Primary-6 markings)
We had a lot of fun on this trip, mostly savouring the railway experience.
Maybe we will go further KL, or Kuantan next time :)
(Daddy told kids maybe they can ride all the way to Tibet in 20 years)
(Daddy told kids maybe they can ride all the way to Tibet in 20 years)
Video : Locomotive is very loud !
Back home, after dinner, babies get to savour sweet cream puffs from PaPa beard :)
Singapore's TV5 and Malaysian tourism is also promoting railway travel+homestay programmes -->
Singapore's TV5 and Malaysian tourism is also promoting railway travel+homestay programmes -->
Additional travel tips and maps are available here -->
1) http://www.limsimi.com/leisure-entertainment-johor-bahru/johor-bahru-shopping/map-of-danga-city-mall-relative-to-johor-ciq-city-square-and-plaza-pelangi/
2) http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2009/09/from-singapore-to-johor-bahru-for.html
Contact KTMB for more information :
- phone -- nobody will pickup - 62225165/ 62213390
- Fanpage -- http://www.facebook.com/pages/KTM-Berhad/142724092456860
Tips :
1.
2. If driving, carpark rate at Tanjong Pagar is $6 per entry, and $10 if you exceed 6 hours.
3. We need to disembark at Woodlands custom for immigration checks.
4. Remember to stamp your passport and white cards at Johor customs (we forgot, but were let off with a warning..phew)..
5. Return tickets are only available 30min before train stops.
6. For first time visit, we recommend you hop on the 0845, and 1530 rides.
7. More info here -- http://wikitravel.org/en/Johor_Bahru
-- Click to browse our Tanjong Pagar Railway station tour.
##updated 2011Jan -Do you have any railway experience to share?
Support "Green Corridor" group, as they are proposing that we preserve the railway tracks for eco purposes (no more condominiums !)
## updated 2011May20 - 40days to go before Tanjong Pagar says bye bye
http://sengkangbabies.blogspot.com/2011/05/30jun2011-last-train-will-leave-tanjong.html
##updated 29Jun2011 - we walk along Upper Bukit Timah Railway
**updated 25Apr2011 ** the new train pricing and schedules
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.... and I see that you bought the Malaysian Difital Photography mag too .... one of the major reasons I go over each month, purely to pick up that magazine!!
ReplyDeleteSo much cheaper eh?
Thanks for visiting my blog too. :-)
haha Leone, definitely not my last trip to Johor. My SG-->Johor blog is now getting more hits too (just like u). thank you :)
ReplyDeletethanks for the info.
ReplyDeletewas just reminding myself recently to go for a walkabout to and around the train station.
:)
hi Kole, take note of train timing, so your kids can "pose" :)
ReplyDeletethanks, just in time. was trying to go there by rail (first time). info was great . gonna try it.
ReplyDeletehi Anonymous, train derail just yesterday. Removed already? Have Fun !
ReplyDeleteHi, can i know whether they stamp our passport in Johore Bahru Sentral or Tg Pagar railway station or Woodland ?
ReplyDeletehi.
ReplyDeleteTanjongPajar (Malaysia side) - only check passport
Woodland (Singapore custom) - only check passport,
and key into computer system
Johor Sentral - In theory should chop. But I am hearing some people say chop, some other say no need. I am also confused. Pls enquire once u disembark at Sentral.
Hi
ReplyDeleteThe Rail Story. A total of 3 episodes, will start telecasting on 14/12/2010 every tuesday, 1030pm, channel 8.
Thankyou
thank you Annoymous for your quick response. I will share this info with friends :)
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your guide it was useful to me!
Take note that the train timing has changed refer to http://wikitravel.org/en/Johor_Bahru
and the ticket from tanjong pagar to JB sentral is now $13 lol except for the 7.15am one
hi,
ReplyDeleteglad our post was useful. But $13 ticket is 400% increase, justifiction?
cheers,andy
Hey this is really nice blog.. I would consider ask my hubby to bring my little one along to try ... but she has motion sickness.. hope the ride is not too harsh ..
ReplyDeletenot to worry LovelyLady :) the trainride is actually very smooth, just like MRT :)
ReplyDeletest train stop in JB, opprosite city square still?
ReplyDeleteyes, still the same overhead bridge to City Square
ReplyDeletehi.. are the passports chopped at all for the outbound trip?
ReplyDeleteSG-custom will chop at W'land station.
ReplyDeleteMY-custom will stamp at JB.
If MY-customs forget, it is your duty to highlight to them asap.
hi, I'm planning to take the 1pm train in and return via the 3.39pm train tomo. May I know if there's enough turn around time if I don't shop? I was told we need to alight at the woodlands customs for immigration checks - same place where other bus/coach travellers go to. Is it true? I thought there is a dedicated counter for KTM travellers...
ReplyDeletehi, it takes 50 min to reach JB Sentral, so u can reach there, and buy your tickets 30min before 3:39PM.
ReplyDeleteThere is a dedicated counter for KTM travellers at W'land.
You might want to visit "Fanpage" http://www.facebook.com/thegreencorridor for latest updates.
Thanks Andy :)
ReplyDeleteWell done, Andy & wife!
ReplyDeleteI see your kids will grow to love savouring life as their parents brought them - through travels!
Few years ago, my wife & I brought our teen nephews to Taipei. Once back, they began going out of SG to Msia, HK.. They caught the travel bug (love of life actually we hope ha!) from uncle & aunty!
Thanks for sharing yr rail trip. :-)
hi Dave, u are most welcome. We want our kids to grow up independent, and what better way then to explore the wide world :)
ReplyDelete