Ready to brave the JB crowds for your CNY goodies? You are not alone this week. Thousands are heading across the causeway right now. Is your QR code ready for the new customs system? Or are you worried about the massive human jams? We have the latest ground updates for you.
The Festive Shopping Rush
The CNY spirit is in full swing across Johor Bahru. Sutera Mall is currently at full blast with festive treats. Many Singaporeans are already hunting for their favorite seasonal snacks. One forum member noted that many aunties are spotted with huge luggage bags. They are filling them up with goodies to bring home. Sutera Mall is the current hotspot for these festive shoppers.
“Lai Sutera mall full blast cny goodies. Can claim lucky draw also. Many aunties w luggage & decathlon bags.”
Beyond the festive snacks, grocery runs are still a major draw. Econsave Tama Daya is emerging as a favorite for locals and savvy Singaporeans. It offers free parking and free use of trolleys. Prices for drinks like 100plus are hitting low points of RM28.78 for 28 cans. However, popular items like eggs are selling out fast. NSK remains the go-to place for the cheapest egg prices according to the community.
“I bought a tub of ice cream, put in a thermal bag with ice packs, managed to keep it frozen till I reach home.”
The new MyNIISe QR system is also being actively tested. Many travelers are trying to use screenshots to speed up the process. Most officers seem to allow this if you give them a heads-up. The community is finding this system much faster than traditional passport stamping. Just be sure your selfie on the app is updated for easy verification.
The Real Travel Struggles
Crossing the border is rarely a smooth experience for everyone. Queue cutters remain a major source of frustration at the checkpoints. One member shared a story of being cut twice by elderly uncles. This happened at both BSI and Woodlands checkpoints. Dealing with these situations requires a mix of patience and tactical positioning. You must leave a very small gap while queuing for the bus.
“I got cut in the queue both at BSI and woodlands checkpoint by 2 different elderly uncles. I chose not to engage them for fear of being stomp.”
There are also technical hurdles with the new QR lanes. Not all lanes at Zone B have QR scanners yet. This forces some drivers to revert to passport stamping at the last minute. This can lead to confusion and delays in the car lanes. Additionally, certain grocery items are facing shortages. 30-egg trays were reported empty at popular spots like Econsave during peak hours.
“I entered Zone B which is correct zone and drove to counter 5 but there is no qrcode scanner. Ended up have use passport.”
Transport frequency is another headache for those taking the bus. Between 1pm and 2pm, the number of buses usually drops. You might end up waiting 20 minutes or more in the heat. Those heading to Sunway Big Box face even longer waiting times. It is a test of endurance for even the most seasoned JB traveler.
Smart Action Steps
To have a successful trip, you need the right tools. Download the Lugo app to check real-time bus arrival times. This gives you much-needed predictability for your journey back to Singapore. It helps you decide if you should wait or find another route. Knowledge is power when you are stuck at the terminal.
“Use the Lugo app to give you the ETA. It is very useful as it gives you predictability.”
Consider using the Second Link at Tuas for a quieter experience. Many users find it a breeze compared to the Woodlands human jam. The custom counters at KSAB are often right at the doorstep when you alight. If you are heading to Sunway Big Box or NSK Trade City, this is the superior route. It saves you time and keeps your stress levels low during the CNY rush.
“Hate the human jam when taking bus in via woodlands. I am closer to tuas checkpoint than woodlands checkpoint.”
Always carry a thermal bag with ice packs for cold items. This allows you to shop for frozen food without it melting on the way home. For foodies, skip the sweet noodles and try Tian Xin Lou for dim sum. It is located behind Plaza Pelangi and is highly recommended by the community. Finally, keep a fresh MyNIISe QR code ready on your phone for the smoothest clearance.
“I tried the dim sum Tian Xin Lou… behind Plaza Pelangi. The dim sum taste good, better than D Shanghai.”
Plan your trip early and stay alert. The CNY crowd will only get bigger as the date approaches. With the right apps and routes, you can still enjoy your JB trip. Happy shopping and stay safe on the roads!
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