JB CNY Chaos: SG Guide to Malls, Food, & Hacks 2025

Going to Johor Bahru for CNY? Singaporeans love a good JB trip, but festive periods can be a real headache. This post breaks down the recent HardwareZone forum buzz about JB, covering the CNY period in 2025, to help you navigate the crowds and make the most of your trip. We’ve got the lowdown on what’s open, what’s not, and how to avoid the worst jams. Let’s get started!

JB During CNY: What’s Really Open?

Let’s dive into the current situation based on forum insights:

• Mall Openings: Big malls like Aeon Tebrau reported 91% of shops open on Day 1 of CNY, while Aeon Bukit Indah had about 80% open on Day 2. This suggests that malls generally maintain a high level of operation during the festive period, but some smaller shops or restaurants may be closed.
• Shop Closures: Standalone shophouses, especially in areas like Taman Sentosa, experienced more widespread closures, with some reporting as much as 90% of shops closed. This is in contrast to the malls where most retailers are bound by lease agreements to stay open.
• Commute Chaos: The causeways are experiencing heavy traffic, especially during peak hours, with some commuters facing 2-hour delays to clear customs. Kranji MRT station is also experiencing heavy congestion due to rain and bus diversions.
• Staffing & Surcharges: Some businesses, particularly those serving Singaporeans, imposed a 15% surcharge for service during CNY, sparking debate about whether this is fair. While some businesses closed on the first two days, many chose to remain open, indicating a varied approach to the holiday.
• Food Scene: While some Chinese restaurants and bakeries closed, others such as Korean BBQ, pubs, and even some Western eateries remained open. Some local kopitiams might also be closed, but alternatives like Hock Kee Kopitiam were recommended.

The Real Problems with JB Trips Over CNY

Here are the most common frustrations expressed by forum users:

1. Unpredictable Opening Hours: The lack of consistent opening hours during CNY was a major issue. One user noted,
   

   “Taman Sentosa many shops still closed… JB city square many shops open… fast food open… southkey mid valley many shops open…”

   Can Or Not (January 2025)

   This makes planning difficult and leads to disappointment.

2. Long Queues and Jams: Heavy traffic at the causeways and train stations caused significant delays. As one user mentioned,
   

   “Tomorrow need to go work… I mentally prepare to spend 2hrs to clear custom…eg 4pm go back 6pm reach Sg”

   Can Or Not (February 2025)

   These delays are a constant source of stress for commuters.

3. Service Surcharges: The extra charge imposed by some businesses on the first two days of CNY was not well-received. Many felt this was unfair and that businesses should either absorb the cost or close. One user pointed out,
   

   “I don’t see why the extra cost needs to be passed to the customers tbh ? If the company doesn’t want to pay the workers OT for day 1 and day 2, then just closed shop lor ? Problem solved right. But no, they want to open as usual but have customers pay for it.”

   Meemoosaa (January 2025)

4. Communication Issues: Lack of clear communication from businesses about their holiday operating hours caused confusion. One user, acting as a “CEO” jokingly complained,
   

   “Huge festive season like that should communicate clearly right ? Shouldn’t they be blasting the info left right center ? Really hor… they think tiger is sleeping cat.”

   Meemoosaa (January 2025)

5. Queue Cutting: Some forum members observed queue cutting at the bus bays towards Singapore, which caused frustration among those waiting patiently. One user recounted an incident,
   

   “Yesterday a sinkie became DL and said ‘eh don’t cut queue’ but of course got ignored.”

   Meemoosaa (February 2025)

Smart Ways to Handle JB During CNY

Here are some practical tips based on the forum discussions:

• Plan Ahead: Check specific mall and shop opening hours before your trip. Relying on general assumptions might lead to disappointment. Use social media or call ahead if possible.
• Go Early or Late: Try to avoid peak travel times at the causeways. Consider travelling very early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the worst jams. A user shared,
  

  “7:10am kranji mrt 7:40am cleared jb immigration No jam at all 3.25 at jb sentral”

  oceanpriest (January 2025)

• Explore Alternative Transport: If possible, use alternative routes such as the Woodlands checkpoint or consider walking across the causeway if necessary. One user described a workaround,
  

  “I went across the street, walked up one bus stop and to definitely board 160”

  Aaagogo (January 2025)

• Use Translator Apps: For those who aren’t fluent in Malay, use translation apps with voice-to-speech capabilities. This can make communication much easier in local shops and eateries. One user suggested,
  

  “Translator apps with voice to speech to voice would resolve all that”

  SantyBalls (February 2025)

• Be Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your plans if some places are closed or crowded. Have backup options in mind, and don’t be afraid to try new places. Focus on enjoying the experience rather than rigidly sticking to a plan.

Source Threads

Read the original discussions on HardwareZone:

• Johor Bahru Share Is Caring Part 2