Ever since land borders opened on 1 April 2022, we’ve flocked to Johor Bahru (JB) three times.
I am a typical Singaporean who is constantly on a bargain hunt.
That’s why I often head over to Johor Bahru to do everything that I feel costs way too much in Singapore, such as getting a massage and my nails done. Other activities in JB favoured by most Singapore also include eating until their stomachs burst, pumping petrol and buying home groceries.
However, stuff like eating and shopping in JB is just scratching the tip of the iceberg. I’ve gone there with my colleagues, friends and family so many times pre and post-COVID, we think it’s safe to say that we’ve achieved in-depth knowledge of other crazy bargains you can get there.
If you are planning on making a trip down to JB and want to do/buy more things than your usual groceries (understandably, since the border has been closed for two years after all), here are some recommendations of everything you might want to include in your list that is confirm plus chop cheaper in JB, tried and tested by yours truly.
Pro tip: Trust us and go ASAP. The queues at the border aren’t that bad... yet.
14 things that are cheaper in Johor Bahru, besides food, groceries and petrol
Massage
Even if you go for the no-frills massage palours in Singapore, an hour of foot massage will cost you around S$35 to S$40. However, you’ll only need to shell out RM62 (S$20~) for one hour of foot reflexology at the famous Bangkok Spa in JB.
And for the cherry on top, Bangkok Spa opens till 5am and even provides free two-way transportation to surrounding areas such as KSL, City Square Mall and CIQ.
Nails
Girls pay at least S$50 to get a decent classic gel manicure done in Singapore. When you cross over, it’s only RM68 (S$21~) for a classic gel mani, including removal, nail hardener and a mini massage at Sasa Nails House.
Contact lenses/glasses
It’s crazy how you need to pay to see. A pair of glasses in Singapore can cost at least S$100 to S$200, while monthly contact lenses come in at around S$30 per box with six lenses.
When I went to JB, a box of six monthly contact lenses cost me merely RM65 (S$20~) at MOG Eyewear.
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Receive an Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2 Wifi 64GB (worth S$503.65) or Dyson Supersonic (worth S$699) or Dyson V8 Slim Fluffy (worth S$509) or S$300 cash via PayNow upon activating and spending (min. S$500 spend) within 30 days of card approval. Valid till 30 November 2023. T&Cs apply.
Plus, enjoy up to 2% cashback on all qualifying spend and up to S$656 cash when you apply for the Citi Cash Back+ card and join Citi Plus. T&Cs apply.
Our Best Deal Guarantee promises you the best deal only with SingSaver. If you find a better offer elsewhere, submit a claim, and we'll reward you with double the difference. Valid till 7 January 2024. T&Cs apply.
Drugstore make-up
If you’re a fan of affordable drugstore make-up in Singapore such as Maybelline, check out Watsons/Guardian in JB.
For example:
- Maybelline Fit Me Concealer costs S$15.90 in Singapore, but only RM26 (S$8~) at Malaysia’s Guardian
- Maybelline’s Colossal Big Shot Waterproof Volumizing Mascara costs S$19.90 in Singapore, but only RM34 (S$10~) at Malaysia’a Guardian
Housewares
Daiso raised their prices in Singapore? No problem. Hop on over to Eco Shop and Ninso across the causeway.
Eco Shop: RM2.20 (S$0.70) per item
Ninso: RM2.10 (S$0.67) per item
They have everything that Daiso has, but with more variety and much better prices. Both shops offer hardware, hangers, drinks, snacks, toys, stationery, plasticware, kitchenware and so much more.
The best thing is, credit cards are accepted there. We’d recommend you use YouTrip or Instarem's Amaze Card for the best exchange rates while chalking up your miles/cashback.
Private-hire vehicles
Getting around JB isn’t an issue at all. The most popular and cheapest ride-hailing apps in Malaysia that locals use are Grab and Airasia Ride.
Just to give you a hint of how affordable Grab rides can be in JB: a 20 to 30 minute ride from CIQ to Mount Austin costs RM14 (S$4.40~). Even with a huge surge (I once took a RM30 Grab back to CIQ from Mount Austin), it’s still very affordable.
Sanitary pads
Besides Batam, JB’s the next best place to stock up on femine care products.
A packet of pads in Singapore averages out to around S$5 to S$6 per pack. The last time I went to JB, it was around RM6 for a pack of Kotex pads.
Birth control/emergency contraception
In Singapore, you can only get emergency contraception from your GP or gynecologist. And even if you do so, it’s very expensive at S$40 to S$50 a pill.
In JB, you can get emergency contraception at the pharmacy without having to see the doctor and the ridiculous price tag. I went with a friend who bought the ESCAPELLE morning-after pill for only RM16 (S$5~) at Caring Pharmacy.
Condoms
Said friend also bought ONE condoms from Guardian, which costs RM5.44 (S$1.70~) for a pack of three. Whereas in Singapore, a pack of three condoms costs around S$5 to S$6.
Over-the-counter medicines
Panadol is one of the top buys in JB for many Singaporeans. It’s ridiculous how expensive the pain-killer is in Singapore, with a box of 20 Panadol Actifast tablets costing S$10.50 at Guardian. Malaysia’s guardian? Only RM12.90 (S$4~) for the exact same thing.
Karaoke
Even though KTVs have reopened in Singapore, I will not be going back anytime soon due to its cost. What used to be S$15++ (if I remember correctly) for a three-hour session at Cash Studio on a weekday night has inflated to $22.90++ for two hours.
On the other side of the causeway, a three-hour karaoke session on a weekday afternoon at Sing V KTV costs RM0.50 (S$0.16) per person, if you’re a member. Non-members pay RM12 (S$3.80~), but it is still worth it considering that it includes unlimited drinks. Say what now?
Watch a movie
We cannot emphasise how affordable movie tickets are in Malaysia. At MBO Cinema, expect to spend RM18 (S$5.70~) for a standard adult movie ticket. Even with student promotions, buying movie tickets in Singapore costs significantly more.
Dental care
You’re going to want to take care of your teeth, because even with insurance, dental care in Singapore can cost you hundreds of dollars per visit.
To save money, consider crossing the causeway and finding a dentist over at JB.
You’ll have to shop around to find the right dentist, though. In general, however, the quality of service and care is comparable to Singapore’s.
A dental crown costs around RM800 (S$253~) compared to S$600 in Singapore, while braces cost RM2,500 to RM3,000 (S$792~ to S$950~) compared to S$4,000 to S$5,000 in Singapore.
Savings this great makes bearing the causeway traffic completely worth it.
Car wash
Check out Brothers Car Wash located near Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh in Skudai. A full car wash package including snow wash, polish, wax, water repellent coating, dash box wax and more costs only RM50 (S$15.85).
It’s not on Google Maps, so I guess you can consider this a hidden gem.
Conclusion
The Malaysian ringgit continues to depreciate against the Singapore dollar, with the recent exchange rate hitting a new record high of S$1 to RM3.1786.
Needless to say, now’s the best time to head into JB to eat, shop, get a massage, sing karaoke, pump petrol, wash your vehicle and so much more.
Save more with these overseas credit cards
If you are one of those people who did not manage to exchange cash from money changers, do not fret, for similar exchange rates are available when you charge your bill to various credit cards.
One card we’d recommend is the Instarem Amaze Card. The exchange rate is almost the same as Google, and you do not need to worry about transaction fees because there are no annoying FX fees or charges. Also, there is no need to top up your card like YouTrip. When you charge your Instarem card (which is linked to your Mastercard), it immediately reflects the amount of SGD you’ve paid.
SingSaver's Best Price Travel Campaign: All successful applicants of participating Travel Insurance products will receive 1x (single trip) or 3x (annual trip) draw chance to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed (up to a maximum of $2,000) and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
| Travel Insurance | Premium for Individual Cover | Covid-19 Coverage | Promotion |
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Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance
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from S$11.05 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
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Yes
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Get up to $50 Grab Vouchers (min. Premium $30) and get 40% off when you use promo code SS40. Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply. Plus, till 31 December, every applicant will also score an Apple AirTag — perfect for keeping tabs on your luggage on your next trip — or a ReboundTag. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw. 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply.
|
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MSIG Travel Easy
|
from S$34.10 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Enjoy 40% off when you apply for Single Trips and 20% off for Annual Plan plus get up to $38 Grab Vouchers when you purchase now!! Valid till 30 November 2023. T&Cs apply. Plus, till 31 December, every applicant will also score an Apple AirTag — perfect for keeping tabs on your luggage on your next trip — or a ReboundTag. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply. |
|
Allianz Travel Insurance
|
from S$34.10 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Use promo code SSV45 to get 45% discount, up to $35 Grab Vouchers, and 1x Airalo eSim with up to 3GB data (minimum premium of $60) when you apply NOW! Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
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FWD Travel Insurance
|
from S$22.50 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Use the promo code BFCM23 to get a 25% discount on Single Trip and Annual Trip plans! Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply. Also receive: 1x Apple AirTag (worth $45) for the first 3,800 applicants. Valid till 5 January 2024. T&Cs apply. Additionally, be included in the following draws below: Best Price TI weekly draw: Enjoy 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.
101! Milestone Giveaway: Enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply.
FWD Black Friday Cyber Monday 2023 Lucky Draw: Enjoy 1x chance to win Apple iPhone 15 worth $1,299. T&Cs apply. |
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Etiqa (TIQ) Travel Insurance |
from S$39 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 48% off. Valid till 25 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Use promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 60% off COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, stand to win S$3,000 in TIQ Travel Insurance Monthly Lucky Draw Campaign 2023 (Fulfillment by TIQ). Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Singlife Travel Insurance
|
from S$46.20 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Score an Airalo eSIM with up to 3GB data and receive it before you fly when you apply now! Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
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Allied World Travel Insurance
|
from S$45 (for one week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Enjoy a 45% discount for Single Trip and 15% discount for Annual Trip when you apply now! Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply |
|
AIG Travel Guard® Direct
|
from S$30 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Apply now and get $20 PayNow! (minimum premium of $80). Plus, every 11th customer gets an additional $45 Paynow. Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Get up to S$200 PayNow with the promo code SSTGD when you apply NOW! Plus, every 11th customer gets an additional $45 Paynow. Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Great Eastern Travel Insurance
|
from S$52 (for one week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Get an 30% discount when you use the promo code TSP30S. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Get an 10% discount when you use the promo code TSP10A. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. Discount is only valid for Elite and Classic plans. Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Seedly Travel Insurance
|
from S$49.80 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
No
|
Receive 25% off and 1x Airalo eSIM worth up to 3GB data when you apply NOW! Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. Win the equivalent of a return flight for 2 to Bali (via S$600 Klook voucher). T&Cs apply. |
SingSaver's Best Price Travel Campaign: All successful applicants of participating Travel Insurance products will receive 1x (single trip) or 3x (annual trip) draw chance to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed (up to a maximum of $2,000) and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
| Travel Insurance | Premium for Individual Cover | Covid-19 Coverage | Promotion |
|
Etiqa (TIQ) Travel Insurance
|
from S$39 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 48% off. T&Cs apply. Valid till 24 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Use promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 60% off COVID-19 add-on + $20 cashback. Fulfillment by TIQ. Valid till 31 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, stand to win S$3,000 in TIQ Travel Insurance Monthly Lucky Draw Campaign 2023 (Fulfillment by TIQ). Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance
|
from S$11.05 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Get up to $50 Grab Vouchers (min. Premium $30) and get 35% off when you use promo code SSVTL35. Valid till 31 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Plus, till 31 October, every 2nd successful applicant will score an Apple AirTag worth S$45 on top of our weekly lucky draw.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw. 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply.
|
|
Allianz Travel Insurance
|
from S$34.10 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Use promo code SSV45 to get 45% discount plus get up to $35 Grab Vouchers when you apply NOW! Valid till 31 October 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
MSIG Travel Easy
|
from S$34.10 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Enjoy 40% off when you apply for Single Trips and 20% off for Annual Plan plus get up to $38 Grab Vouchers when you purchase now!! Valid till 31 October 2023. T&Cs apply
Plus, till 31 October, every 2nd successful applicant will score an Apple AirTag worth S$45 on top of our weekly lucky draw.
Enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply. |
|
FWD Travel Insurance
|
from S$22.50 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Use the promo code OCT23 to get 35% off on Single Trip and 30% off on Annual Trip plans. Valid till 25 October 2023. T&Cs apply.
Receive 1x Airalo eSim with up to 3GB data (minimum premium $60). Valid till 31 October 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply. |
|
Singlife Travel Insurance
|
from S$46.20 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Score an Airalo eSIM with up to 3GB data and receive it before you fly when you apply now! Valid till 31 October 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
|
|
Allied World Travel Insurance
|
from S$45 (for one week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Enjoy a 45% discount for Single Trip and 15% discount for Annual Trip when you apply now! Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply |
|
AIG Travel Guard® Direct
|
from S$30 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Apply promo code SS20OFF to receive 20% discount and receive up to S$50 Grab vouchers on AIG Single Trip Travel Insurance (minimum premium $100, fulfillment by AIG). Valid till 31 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Get up to 6 Plaza Premium Lounge Access Passes with the promo code SSTGD when you apply NOW! Fulfillment by AIG. Valid till 31 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Great Eastern Travel Insurance
|
from S$52 (for one week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Get an 30% discount when you use the promo code TSP30S. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Get an 10% discount when you use the promo code TSP10A. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. Discount is only valid for Elite and Classic plans.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
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