KSL Pasar Malam Archives - Sengkang Babies

Train to JB, why not 🙂
In this post, we share why Train might be the alternate (or best) option to travel to Johor.

We can order our train tickets online at https://online.ktmb.com.my . Infact, online order is preferred in case tickets are sold out over the counter (especially on weekends).

Do take note KTM system only allow for booking of one-direction ticket, no return ( ie, need to buy to and fro tickets separately). Yes, we are bewildered too.

KTM train ticket cost only Rm16 and Rm5, to and fro respectively. Train to JB is so cheap 🙂

Free seating. After booking your tickets, print out your tickets receipt. Return trip will need the QR code.

Head towards Woodlands Train Checkpoint, many folks would be taking a bus from Woodlands Interchange.

A) At the information counter (level 1), you will need to show your passport and printed ticket receipt to exchange for real tickets. Sometimes, the counter staff will just stamp (acknowledge) your hardcopy receipts email (no tickets).

B) Queue for your train. Do arrive early (maybe 30minutes, expect bigger crowd over weekends). We need to queue for tickets collection, baggage scan etc

B1) At Singapore side, you will pass through both Singapore and Malaysia customs. All baggages will be scanned.

Immigration checkin is relatively fast and efficient, minimum hassle.

C) Your Train to JB is only 10 minutes, one stop. (Cars might take up to 1 or 2 hours )

Arrive at JB sentral, and you can walk across bridge to City Square.
(no more custom checks, since we have scanned our details at Singapore side already)

The FUN Starts now! SGD and RM exchange rate is still 1:3 🙂

This is where you GRAB to your next stop. We should mention that Grab taxis are everywhere, and fares start from only Rm5 (for 10 minutes ride!)

Both City Square and KSL Mall are very popular with Singaporeans.

In case you need more assistance, Google will share nearest Restaurant, Cafe, Massage spots. Do read these posts :

– Johor Good Food (and GPS)
– Google Map Hacks
– KSL Pasar Malam (if you are new to JB Pasar Malam, only on Mon)

Example, Google highlighted Massage joints (link ) are concentrated near KSL and Taman Sentosa areas.

Please read the reviews for the “real” massage joints. Some are sleazy, while others hard-sell to top up your package.

Massage was our first activity 🙂

We decided on either Sabye Sabye or Let’s Relax Spa (Different from the Bangkok franchise). Both are side by side, popular and located at Plaza Sentosa. There are more tips from Vanessa’s blog or get SengkangBabies blog recommendations on our blog (2019).

We opted for Let’s Relax Spa (GPS 1.492031, 103.769116). Rm55 for 90 minutes, shoulder and leg and head. We recommend massage should be minimum 60 minutes, 30 minutes are only for warm up :p

We heard Thai massage are popular too. Our masseurs are from Thailand.

Soothing. Shoik. Rejuvenated.

.. and HUNGRY. We walk 5 min to some delicious paper wrapped chicken (Teck Sing).

Rm28 for a delicious tandalising chicken 🙂
Soft and tender, with a tinge of herbal goodness

Do order the bittergourd egg too.

More shopping for the Mrs, I was the porter. We also package some goodies for the hungry kids.

While she shops, I detour to buy famous banana cake. Hiap Joo is 7 min walk from City Square.

Mission achieved, if Darling happy, I am happy. 满载而归 🙂

On the return trip, head back to JB Sentral for your return train. Again, do arrive early, as you do not want to miss you train.

In worse case, you may still purchase tickets over the counter. Photo below-right, use the “printed QR Code” to enter the transit area.

Your luggage (and souvenirs) will undergo one more round of security scans.

So why do we recommend Train to JB for you?

-Convenient, avoid the jams, and it is a cheap mode of transport.
-Some folks might hesitate to drive into Johor for security reasons.

Additional tips.

*No photo taking in immigration areas
-Toilet facilities are available in immigration sections
-If you are driving around Taman Sentosa (at night), do be careful as this area is notorious hot spot for car smash and theft (read some tips on car protection)

Take the train to avoid the jams 🙂

ps.. Follow our Instagram tag #SengkangBabiesJohor for more JB adventures

Johor Massage recommendations -> https://sengkangbabies.com/holiday/johor-massage-recommendations

*Can we bring our foldies to Kluang to cycle the hills?
(NST article from 2016)

ps.. updated 2019Oct – We can only use Malaysia Banks to book train tickets now. KTM will announce once Singapore Banks can be used

We talk about Johor Bahru’s fabulous street food in our first post. If you are still clueless about where to start your Johor Food trail, let it be Monday evening, at KSL’s Pasar Malam (Night market).

You will get to taste everything, just bring along an empty stomach 🙂
If in doubt, consult Heng Family’s extensive Pasar Malam experience.

Every Monday from 4.30PM onwards, the street next to KSL Resorts Hotel start buzzing.
It will transform into a gourmet Pasar Malam.

Fried Chicken cutlet at the start of the Pasar Malam. Crispy treats for the kiddos.

Fried fritters (you2 tiao2), fishball or fishcake never fails to calm a grumpy hungry child.

This White truck serves Penang Laksa and Cendol, the sour and sweet complements each other. Denver’s favourite drink.

Mixed rice anyone? More food variety.

The Satay looks appealing ! and if you love fruit Rojak, we heard this Rojak-on-Motorcycle is a must try!

(middle pic below) The Green colour cylinder building is Grand Paragon, and it is the Pasar Malam’s end point. take your time, enjoy a slow 45mins eat and walk trip to satisfy your cravings. The food is cheap too !

Cakes, Tim sum, Fruits, everything is on display. We saw more stalls which are converted from trucks.

Kids are as curious as the adults, they find everything fascinating. If they are not picky, the Pasar Malam walk will offer tons of eye and food candies 🙂

Do expect jams at certain junctions (near to popular stalls), locals are out with their baskets to buy farm produce and even poultry.

Chui2 Kueh4 (水粿) and Muah3 Chee2, who interested?
Pasar Malam means we Walk See Shop, and we Eat along the way haha 🙂

It is definitely a Fun adventure for the little ones.

They get to see sugarcane remains pile HIGH up like a hill, you do not see this in Singapore.

Minimum 20min queue for the popular carrot cake. The sweet black carrot cake is 100% worth the queue.
Next to carrot cake stall was someone selling Hong Kong’s Salt Baked chicken. The marinated chicken is wrapped and heated with charcoal, will try it next time.

Xio1 Bak3 (燒肉), this is the No1 recommendation by Heng family 🙂
Crispy and addictive, we were lucky that Uncle Barry manage to grab the last batch.

All 燒肉 were sold out within the first 2 hours !

Sushi? Yes Sushi and Japanese pancake are in the market too haha. The Sushi packaging are very popular with youngsters.

If you are still hungry, welcome to tabao (takeaway) some cakes, pancakes or even Ramee burgers 🙂

Map of Johor Bahru Pasar Malam, distance of KSL Pasar Malam — KSL Pasar Malam map

This is a map of KSL’s Pasar Malam, it stretches from KSL City (South) to Grand Paragon. (GPS start point at KSL 1.485974, 103.763145 )

As we left at around 7pm, more crowds are streaming in. Pasar Malam will open all the way till 10pm.

Additional tips :

1) Do set your expectations accordingly, this is Johor Bahru’s side street, and you cannot expect Singapore’s level of hygiene. The sidewalks might be dirtier, the food display less appealing, get over this minor sights and you will truly enjoy your Pasar Malam Trail 🙂

2) It is safe to bring the kids along for the Pasar Malam. Do stop every few steps to ensure no one has stopped for hamburger :p
The first stretch will have cars moving in the opposite direction, hold on to the kids. Just be vigilant and ensure your belongings are secured.

3) Leave your stroller behind as the pavement might be uneven will also be jam packed at certain stretches.
4) There is minimum seating places or stools. BE prepared to stand and eat your dinner.

5) If we are popping by again, Daddy or Mummy will consider takeaway to dine in the comfort of our Room 🙂
Easier, less hassle, more comfortable, the same good food, but there would be a 30% discount in the Pasar Malam experience.

On our maiden KSL Pasar Malam trip, it was a nice experience for our families’ kiddos. Food, laughter, sharing of good food and newly acquired taste. More food photos are on SengkangBabies Fanpage to whet your appetite 🙂

Our JB 3D2N blog posts and photos are listed below :
– Johor Street Food
– KSL City’s Pasar Malam (Mon only)
– KSL Resort pool and shopping
– Safety driving tips in Malaysia

In our final post, we will share KSL’s happening pool.

ps.. Follow our Instagram tag #SengkangBabiesJohor for more JB adventures