Singaporeans relocating to Johor Bahru

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October 17th, 2009 admin

Singaporeans like to go into Johor Bahru (JB) to shop, eat and play a game of golf – but only over the weekend. When asked the question if they will like to reside in Johor Bahru, most will give a definite “NO”, due to the safety concerns, custom jams and perhaps lingering uneasiness of staying in a bumiputra country, where privileges are still accorded to specific races.

With the global financial crisis that started in Oct 2008, there is an increasing number of Singaporeans who actually made the decision to move out from Singapore and make Johor Bahru their permanent home. Money is usually the main consideration: The rental income from a 4-room HDB flat in Singapore will be able to sustain your living expenses in JB. There are also cases of whole family units moving into JB from Singapore; 5-room flat in Singapore is rented out, rental income is used to tide over family expenses while parents continue to look for employment in Singapore – children travel across the causeway daily to school.

Home across the causeway?

Irene is one of the growing number of Singaporeans who made such a decision to relocate into Johor Bahru. In the article below, she shares with us her thoughts and experience on making Johor Bahru home.

“Living” In Johor Bahru, by Irene

What do you do when you are somewhere in your mid-life, single, getting tired of the 9 to 5 routine office job, but still need some kind of income to sustain yourself?

Like many other Singaporeans, I, too, decided to rent my flat out and go live in JB. Perhaps the difference for me is in the process of looking for a place to stay in JB, when prices of houses in Singapore were escalating, the plan to rent out my flat turned to selling instead.

So, here I am who will soon be without a house to call my own, having found a place to live somewhere in JB and with a view!

I have also got myself a part-time job in Singapore, working only four days a week traveling during non-peak hours when I do not have to squeeze with the office hour crowd or experience the daily rush hour traffic jams at the causeway. As I do not drive, I have to rely on taxis as it is quite inconvenient to take the bus from where I live. Added to this, when you have so many people telling you to be careful and be safe, you just have to rely on taxis instead of waiting at some lonely make-shift bus stand for a bus that does not seem to show up. Although the traveling time takes almost an hour and a half, I have no complaints as the journey is quite a breeze. However, dealing with some cab drivers has its frustrations when they charge you more than the meter fare and you just have to pay when they appear rough and aggressive. This is a form of robbery too except that you are robbed of a couple of bucks (or depending on how much more they ask you to pay) and your confidence is a little shaken.

Right now, there is one big inconvenience I am experiencing in my own apartment. There have been a few evenings when I come home late and tired, switch the lights and fans on only to find nothing works. I am living in a new apartment and I have just found out that the power supply to my unit is not official yet. As a result, the building management staff has been removing the fuse in the electrical room to stop the power supply to my unit for fear that the department for power supply may do a check and find out I have been tapping electricity illegally! It is no fault of mine that I have actually been allowed to move into an apartment unit oblivious to the fact that the power supply is yet to be approved by the government department, and now I am subjected to living without electricity.

So, this is living in JB for me so far. It has its frustrations but then again, just like anything else in life, things cannot be perfect all the time. I do not know what other problems will come my way, but it helps to have an open mind and take it as it comes. I have been unduly worried about problems with immigration and customs for traveling in and out of JB too frequently but that cause for worry seems to be unfounded now.

Obviously, some sacrifices have to be made when making a shift to live elsewhere. For someone who is so used to simply going outside for a walk or exercise any time of the day or night, I have yet to pluck up the courage to do the same here as I have not seen any woman exercising in the open space in the neighborhood yet. I also miss the freedom of going out and returning home alone late at night without having to feel unsafe and to be cautious.

Having said that, I am also glad that I have got to know a few people who are living or working in the apartment premises and have been invited to join them for a night out in the town. I had the chance to mingle with the locals and it is nice to know that there are people you can turn to in times of need.

Living in JB has its highs and lows. For all the shortcomings, I am actually grateful that I have the option to make this move. After all, I had wanted a change and there was JB just right across the causeway offering a way out for me, at least for a while… Kudos to others – especially families who are also looking for a way out to solve a financial situation, for having the courage to make the same move and are straddling two countries.

Editor’s Note: This post is contributed by a Irene, who can be contacted at pirene1005@yahoo.com.sg. If you wish to contribute your article to us, please visit the post here

And see a response on this post by yet another of our reader, Kay Yap

I wandered into your website whilst taking a ‘walk’ in cyberspace after dinner and came across the article “Living” In Johor Bahru, by Irene. I read it with interest because for some time now, this topic of Singaporeans relocating to Johor Bahru has often been discussed with friends. We feel that given the suffocating pace in which Singaporeans must breathe to stay alive, Johor Bahru is the ideal place for those who want to live ‘slower and cheaper’ yet wish to be near to their relatives and/or friends in Singapore.
I am sorry that Irene had teething problems settling in her new place but as with relocation, it is inherent anywhere and not just limited to Johor Bahru. Even as a local, I have my share of being fleeced by taxi drivers, had my handbag snatched in bright day-light once, had my electrical power cut off in the dead of the night due to a blown main fuse and stewing (both literally and physically) until the next morning before it was fixed by the relevant authority. Such problems are not unique to outsiders.

In any place outside of your own country, the culture of the people and way of life are always different and it is indeed a learning experience albeit frustrating at times. Our Malaysian way of life is largely shaped by our very multi-racial society , the way things get done or undone and our knowing how local authorities function. Not that we happily expect less but that we accept that change is slow and comes with the passage of time. The key is to expect and accept frustrations as part and parcel of living in Johor Bahru because things do not move as efficiently, effectively and speedily as you are used to in Singapore.

Once you get the hang of things, you will find life in Johor Bahru not so bad afterall. There are good and affordable eating places, most housing estates have basic amenities nearby, shopping complexes and cinemas are within easy reach. If you don’t drive, you can dial for a cab. If you drive, roadsigns are adequate. If you are not sure of your way, google the map before you start. If you choose to stay at home, you can still tune into your Singapore television channels or subscribe to cable television. Find time to join the ladies in their morning exercise routine (most housing estates have such organised activity) and you will find yourself making new friends and getting invited to other events. Join a church, you will meet more people and find fellowship, company and help. In fact, in no time to come, you will find Johor Bahru liveable, affordable and comfortable.

~KayYap

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39 Comments Add your own

1. kit | October 27th, 2009 at 9:40 PM

I am quite surprised to know that there are Singaporeans who are actually relocating to Johor Bahru due to the financial crisis.

It will certainly be a rough time for the entire family to adapt. Hopefully, things will turn out well..
2. Ju hua | October 27th, 2009 at 10:34 PM

You never knows where life lead you to. Me too, I am a Singaporean who have made JB my home for the past 6 years. I consider myself nicely settled- I have a house with a proton saga and I am happy where I am. Like most people, it was really more of a push as I lost a lot of money in the stock Market, and I really want to get away from all the consolation, the news and need some peace. Jb is not the most ideal place to live in but I have really appreciated the life here.
3. Irene | October 29th, 2009 at 11:58 AM

Ju Hua, you are right to say that JB is not one of the most ideal places to live but it is good we have this option without having to travel far from Singapore. At least you drive a proton saga

And you have lived there for six years! Just curious to know whether you have encountered any problem of any kind during your stay there up to now…?

Someone emailed me to say/ask: there is a 180 days limit to stay in M’sia (cumulative in a year). Do you know anything about this?
4. Ju hua | October 29th, 2009 at 2:41 PM

Staying alone gets bad after a few months when you think back of what you could be doing back in sg and the things you miss out. you start wondering if you shld move back to sg. I have gone past that stage and have found solace from church friends here so it really helps. Need to be mentally strong to drive alone and encounter snatch thefts..

Regarding the 180 days limit, I am not aware if such limits and it is unlikely for the authorities to check.
5. Doris T | November 1st, 2009 at 9:39 PM

All who move to JB are ladies, going by the people who commented here?

Ju Hua, i am curious to know how you spend your time in JB. I assume the pace is really slow and you are alone most of the time? Really curious to know how you have been coping.
6. Azlan | November 6th, 2009 at 8:16 AM

I too have tought of it but I was wondering does NS liability will interupt in our stayed in JB while working or schooling in spore? My kids both male and are now age 9 n 10, will they have problems going in n out JB everyday..?? Do they need special pass..?? I’ve ask MIndef but no answer was given.. hmmmmmmmmm
7. Yi Lian | November 9th, 2009 at 8:49 AM

Hi Azlan, I do not think any special pass is required -

1. You are traveling to JB and as your boys still come out periodically, they do not require any VISA
2. As long as their passport are still valid and not expired, should not be an issue.
8. Yi Lian | November 9th, 2009 at 9:03 AM

To me, relocating to JB is an extreme measure.

Traveling in/out of JB takes at least 2 hours of your life everyday. Noted that many Malaysians do so but the returns is salary in SG dollar – much higher salary than what they will get in MY.

There are hidden cost – measurable ones like additional transport cost and non measurable ones like time, safety and relationships.
9. Eedgewhey | November 10th, 2009 at 2:30 PM

Of course living in JB is mainly cost driven, nobody could deny that. But I find many often miss to hightlight that JB people in general are more friendly, warmer, willing to help and not so money minded.

Since you guys have made your choice to call JB your home,do try your best to integrate to the way of life here in JB.

All the best.
10. Eda | November 24th, 2009 at 11:25 AM

Agree with Ju hua. Never knows how life can be tomorrow. Me too have been 3rd month now moved to JB. No other choice we rented out our 5rm HDB & we lived in 3rm apartment in JB with a very affordable rental fee for a family of 5 like us. Why? All I can say MONEY MATTERS. In & out checkpoints for working & schooling. The only stress that I can share, really have to bear with SG customs with the traffic, which recently always congested. Can someone help find out Why?
Have to be mentally & physically prepared. I always hope for the best with the choice we made.
11. benglee | November 25th, 2009 at 9:56 PM

hi,

does anyone know the taxi serivce from Queen st to JB still in operation? My frd told me no more?

thanks
12. admin | November 27th, 2009 at 9:10 AM

Hi Beng Lee, it is still operational.
13. benglee | November 28th, 2009 at 10:03 AM

Hi,

many thanks….1 more thing, where would the taxi drops us off? So i can arrange with my frd to meet me.

sorri, first time trying to go to JB by taxi.

many thanks

BL
14. Johnson Lam | December 12th, 2009 at 1:38 PM

Guess it is practical from a financial perspective. However, kids will suffer.
15. admin | December 13th, 2009 at 11:52 PM

Hi Johnson, I feel that the family got to pull through their financial crisis together. Kids have to make some sacrifice but I do not think they will suffer if they have more pocket $$ as a result of the move.

Importantly, the family can also stay together and bond through the crisis they are facing.

To all Singaporeans who made the move to JB, hope that you are doing well now after the shift.
16. florence | December 20th, 2009 at 8:24 PM

I have a 2rooms+2bathroom apartment with balcony about 1025 sq.feet would like to rent out at RM1400. Fully furnish with built in cabinet, 4 aircons, mattress, curtains, fridge, washing machine, dining table and sofa. Ready move in condition. The amenities within 2 km radius consists of New York Hotel, MAA Building, Grand Continental Hotel, Metropolis Tower, Holiday Plaza, Seri Mutiara Hotel, City Square Shopping Centre and Plaza Pelangi Shopping Centre. Therefore stay at Aster Court will make your life more fun. Interested please contact +6596228367.
17. chan | January 12th, 2010 at 11:40 AM

I am retiring soon. I have moved to JB for 3 years in preparation for taking up PR there when I retire.
Good things about JB:-
1. Car is cheap. I bought a 2nd hand Mercedes. Parking is cheap. I can eat and shop anywhere.
2. House is cheap and can park inside the gate.
3. I am staying at Bukit Indah, it is easy to take a CW3 bus direct to Jurong East MRT station to work.
4. The air here is very fresh and clean outside of JB city. The environment is clean, new and spacious.

I notice that there are many Singapore cars parked at Bukit Indah. I wonder if anybody here want to get to know each other to exchange views etc.
My email is hanyah1010@yahoo.com
18. Sri | January 19th, 2010 at 12:44 AM

Hi Mr.Chan,

Just enquiring. We Singaporeans can buy a car there ? I’m staying in JB early March n hopefully life will change for the best …
19. aleem | February 18th, 2010 at 10:49 AM

hi guys..jus womdering..1 of my fren told me tt singaporeans cant buy any apartments or semiD houses in jb..if tts d case how do u guys hav a place there? unless u rent it ..and abt buyin a car…can a singaporean buy a car in jb???thanks
20. nurul | March 5th, 2010 at 12:00 AM

HI guys , im malaysian who are working in jurong and commute daily via tuas link by bus waiting at b indah interchange every morning. If you happen to rent apartments near ciq by end of may or early june please let me know. I have an apartment at LAGENDA TASEK SUITES near jb town and it take 7 mins to drive to woodland ciq.THe apartment just received TOP recently and developemnt target for professional group and singaporean to stay. My contact no : 02947770444 @ +60197778203 (MS Nurul – architect )
21. aleem | March 8th, 2010 at 9:41 AM

hi nurul..how m,uch r u rentin out d apartment? do u have any website for the apartment?

warm regards,
22. Kumar | April 1st, 2010 at 12:29 PM

Hi… I have a Semi Detached house, 5400sqft in a one of the safest location in Johor Bahru. 4rooms with A/C
No.2, Jalan Chantek, Kolam Air
+60167164080
23. Kumar | April 1st, 2010 at 12:36 PM

Hi… There is a Semi Detached house for rent 5400sqft in a one of the safest location in Johor Bahru which is less than 10 minutes to S’pore CIQ at anytime of the day.
4rooms with A/C and spacious garden.
-Gated and with Security (Night) and in June will be 24hours. It is also one of the friendliest neighbourhood around.

No.2, Jalan Chantek, Kolam Air
+60167164080,
24. aleem | April 5th, 2010 at 3:01 PM

how much is the rent kumar??
25. ray | April 26th, 2010 at 9:57 PM

Hi, I have a 3 rooms unit at Straits View Condo. Do come and experience the resort life style!

Fully furnished with brand new furnishers and electrical appliances!Asking RM3,000

Interested please call me +6581128515
26. Raj | May 1st, 2010 at 12:42 AM

terrace house, 3 bed rooms, 2 kitchens , maid room, ..garden sapce of 1000sq ft,
have space for 2 cars to partk inside house……………
totally 3800 sq ft house….. partially furnished………….at bukit indah…nearer to JUSCO..shopping mall… Rental: RM3000

Contact: 81630391
27. Jafri | May 5th, 2010 at 10:04 AM

Hi Guys

Just want to find out, how long does it take to reach jurong east to bukit indah and vice versa using CW3 during rush hours. Will appreciate if anyone can update me on this.

Thanks
28. lim | May 24th, 2010 at 2:28 AM

Hi,
I am a malaysian who works and stay in singapore.I will be moving to JB next month,can anyone recommend me some reliable movers in JB to move my stuffs from singapore to JB?Many thanks in advance.
29. leo | May 29th, 2010 at 5:22 AM

Hi guys,

This is definitely a very informative site for folks relocating to Jb.

But can anyone tell me what’s the highest speed of internet connection in Jb? And which telco is providing it? Thanks a million!!!
30. leo | May 29th, 2010 at 5:25 AM

Hi Lim,

I have checked out the movers in singapore, it cost about S$500 to move a full 14 foot truck of stuff into Jb. That’s the cheapest rate I found. Hopes this helps!
31. admin | May 31st, 2010 at 11:02 PM

If you are asking about internet package for personal use, TMnet (Streamyx) offers Internet Speed up to 2.0Mps currently. 4.0Mps should be coming to Johor Bahru within the next 6 months.
32. leo | June 1st, 2010 at 1:10 AM

Thanks alot admin team for the info.
33. nor | June 2nd, 2010 at 7:44 PM

gg to stay in JB next yr?
know any cheap movers to move my stuff?
how do i get out/in of JB everyday for work w/o any problems at customs?
34. admin | June 6th, 2010 at 3:00 PM

Hi Nor, the easiest is to apply for MACS (Malaysia Automated Clearance System) pass.

http://www.imi.gov.my/images/Forms/info_macs.pdf
35. David Wong | June 14th, 2010 at 11:45 PM

Rent out your HDB and retire / stay in Horizon hills instead ?

2 1/2 Storey Cluster Semi D for rent at Horizon Hills The Gateway Golf Residence. ~ SDG$1500 / RM3500.

Fully Gated and Guarded with 24 hours security. huge Club house with Swimming Pool, Gym, Tennis Courts and Golf.

Few mins drive to AEON Jusco, Tesco and Giant (Bukit Indah). 15 mins to Tuas Checkpoint, Singapore.

Call 93391812
36. Singaporeans relocating t&hellip | July 24th, 2010 at 6:43 AM

[...] http://www.limsimi.com/johor-bahru-others/singaporeans-relocating-to-johor-bahru/ [...]
37. Peter | August 17th, 2010 at 10:31 AM

I’m almost 60 years old unemployed and find difficulty living here. I like the idea of retiring in Johor as the cost of living is much lower. There were many ideas in this forum and it has inspired me to look into this seriously. Many thanks to Ms Irene for initiating this forum. Hope to enjoy my old age peacefully and stretch my savings.

God Bless
38. admin | August 21st, 2010 at 12:23 AM

Hi Peter, glad you are able to draw some inspiration from this forum.

Making such a decision is never easy but there are many, like Irene, who had made a right decision for herself to move into JB. May you too, come to a decision that you will not look back on. There are still many years ahead, even at 60!
39. Mike | August 27th, 2010 at 1:33 PM

Thanks for this site.

My current job got me in & out of Malaysia so often these past 20 yrs and also going there for short breaks. I feel more a Malaysian then a local and very much at home there.

I’ll be hitting 50 in a couple of years and considering semi-retirement somewhere in Johor. Thought of MM2H but lack the funds.

Other then renting a place there, can anyone tell me if there’s a min. cost requirement for the purchase of a house in Johor by a foreigner?

I got an offer for a townhouse for under RM100K. Can I buy that? There are so much questions on my mind and just not sure where to start.

Anyone can give me some links/contacts & etc?

Regards