PROJECT WANDERLUST

It always sounds surreal for others whenever I share how much budget I allot myself when I travel. Like when I told them that I only spent less than AUD2,000 to backpack around Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. That includes airfare, tours, transport, accommodation, pocket money….everything! I mean, who wouldn’t be skeptical? I was gone from September to November. I’ve tried everything from hostels to hotels. Ate well from street food to fine dining. Have taken both their public transport and rented private vehicles. I was on a tight budget but I assured that I got to try (almost) everything the countries had to offer.

So really, how did I do it?

My favourite part about traveling around South East Asia is the fact that most countries are conveniently right next to each other. That leaves you with more options to wander around the continent without having to book a flight. Don’t get me wrong, airfares in Asia can be a bargain. I flew to Bangkok from Hanoi for only AUD80. But for my traveling lifestyle, I always seek the most economical way to get from point A to point B.

Staying in Singapore

I’ve been told a couple of times by my mates from Singapore how small the country is and how easy and convenient it is to travel to. They weren’t exaggerating. On my 4th day, I was able to tell mum that I’ve seen most that Singapore has to offer. (This is definitely a good thing because it reflects on their progressive transport system and accessible landmarks that makes it tourist friendly!) From the ‘Top Things to do in Singapore’ to your lowkey but definitely must see neighbourhood like Little India and Arab Street, all done in less than a week!

With some extra days left to kill before my next flight, I was itching to wander off the city for a bit. As aforementioned, Asia is blessed to have countries right next to each other. Exploring the map of Singapore, you can easily spot Malaysia bordering the island. So close guys! Just look how close it is to Johor Bahru!

But wait… Johor Bahru?

Johor Bahru (JB) may not ring a bell for most of you but it currently stands as Malaysia’s 3rd largest city next to Penang! And if it’s not enough reason for you to check it out, you should know that Legoland Malaysia is located in this city. Traveling with kids, familyor friends? JB also brings you Sanrio Hello Kitty Theme Park and other promising adventure parks.

If you’re like me who travels alone but keen to learn about the country’s culture—they have majestic temples, museums, and art galleries that exhibits a blast from the past and night markets that offer street foods you can’t get anywhere else.

Also something to note, being less popular compared to Kuala Lumphur also means less tourist and less crowded landmarks! 🙂

Convinced?

How To Get There:

For my accommodation, I stayed at an AirBNB room near Ang Mo Kio Station. So the most suitable terminals for me to travel are stations that are accessible by the same line, North South MRT. For my trip, I ended up taking my bus from Yishun Interchange.

Well, that’s only option 1. There are more coach companies that offers the same trip coming from and heading to different terminals. Choose the most convenient for you!  Prices and term of payment as follow:

1.*Advance Coach AC7
from Yishun Interchange to Kotaraya II Terminal

Fare: S$2 in Singapore (Cash and for ez-link card payments.) / RM2 in JB (Cash payment)
Take the North South Line (Red Line) and get off at Yishun Station. Take Exit B. Walk towads Yishun Central 1.

2. *Singapore-Johore Express
from Queen Street Terminal to Larkin Terminal.

Fare: S$2.40 in Singapore (Cash only) / RM2 in JB (Cash only)
Take the East West Line (Green Line) and get off at Bugis Station. Take Exit B. 6 min. walk heading to Ban San St.

3. Handal Indah Causeway Link CW3
from Jurong East Interchange to Perling Mall Terminal

Fare: S$4 (Cash only)
Head to Jurong East Station thru East West Line (Green Line) or North South Line (Red Line). Take Exit D. Head west towards Jurong Gateway Road.

4.Handal Indah Causeway Link CW3S & CW4S
from Jurong East Interchange to Sutera Mall Terminal

Fare: S$4 (Cash only)
Head to Jurong East Station thru East West Line (Green Line) or North South Line (Red Line). Take Exit D. Head west towards Jurong Gateway Road.

5.* Transtar Express TS1
from Changi Airport to Kotaraya II Terminal

Fare: S$3-S$7 in Singapore/ RM7 in JB (Cash only)
Take the East west Line (Green Line) heading to Changi Airport. Usually stops at Tanah Merah Interchange to switch trains directly heading to the airport.

6. *Transtar Express TS8
from Resorts World to Kotaraya II Terminal

Fare: S$3-S$5 in Singapore/ RM5 in JB (Cash Only)
Through the North East Line (purple line) or Orange Line (circle line), get off at Harbourfront to switch to Sentosa Station. Then with the Sentosa Express, get off at Imbiah Station. Resorts World is a 4 min. walk coming from north east.

 *= Buses that travel from Malaysia back to Singapore.

I went back the same day because my accommodation in Singapore was already paid for. That and because it would cost me more to stay in a hostel overnight in JB than pay for my fare so a day trip was in order. The travel time took approximately 2 hours. Not bad for traveling 2 countries minus the jet lag!