Cycling to JB is easy. It is faster than the long queue of cars!
The no1 question from friends is always
“Is it safe to cycle in Malaysia?”
Our Fun Cycling to JB clip (YouTube link)
Many well-intentioned friends will share why Johor cycling can be dangerous. My recommendation is to get first-hand feedback from those who have actually cycled across the causeway, then form your own opinion.
There is a certain element of risk in whatever we contemplate. Find a reliable and experienced partner to explore together. Start small, then expand your playground.
Referring image below, me and kakis have already covered Legoland, Forest City and Pekan Nanas. Next up will be cycling to Pontian, Melaka, Desaru…
There will be incidents, there will be punctures and falls. These are part and parcel of adventures. We manage the risks and adapt accordingly.
Today’s post will focus on what you can EAT and SEE within 3 hours 15km in JB downtown (JB is short for Johor Bahru ).
You will notice that 90% of the F&B are clustered together (refer Google Map F&B stops here)
Met up kakis at Esso Woodlands. Both of them have not crossed the causeway on two wheels yet.
The car jam is horrible during school holidays. Cyclists can always overtake them.
Novelty for cyclists to take a photo at the midpoint of causeway. The “container” behind is a temporary toilet (life saver for those dreaded car jams).
The attractions and F&B venues might not be listed in order or proximity.
Do Google Map and identify their respective locations.
Sultan’s Grand Palace (one of many). Singapore has an identical one at Nassim.
Zero Kilometre. We heard many cities have their own marker to indicate the start of a journey or adventure.
Many folks (especially Singaporeans) will take photos at this Red building (Marry Brown wording).
Just across the road, you must try the old school wanton noodle at Kedai Kopi Xuu Yau.
The famous Kam Long Curry Fish Head. The shop front is super indiscreet.
Banana cake shop which needs no introduction. Just expect long queue :p
Some shops open later. Would be returning to try TIP The Ice Cream Project. Too many options for JB cafes hopping.
Which chicken chop is nicer? IT Roo or Hwa Mui? If you are heading to Hwa Mui, get a seat on the 2nd storey.
We pop by a newly landscaped stretch next to Jalan Wong Ah Fook.
Gone are the black smelly drain.
You have flowing streams and even fishes now!
This is already a big improvement over yesteryears.
We are spoilt for choices as we had lunch at Restoran Ya Wang (鸭皇). Love the 当归 (herbal dang1 gui1) succulent duck! Moist and juicy.
After a fulfilling 3 hours, we are ready to head home.
We could not stay longer because our stomachs were full!
Newbies can always navigate to Pasar Malam CIQ !
(I am not sure whether this pasar malam is for real)
*Below route is safer for first timers. Route 1 would be dangerous and stressful for newbies.
Anyway, just follow the motorbike lane. I have shared the tips at this blog post (cycling to Legoland and Pekan Nanas) and YouTube (First 4 minutes and from 8 minutes onward).
At SG Custom, follow the red colour signage “Manual”. The other motorcycle lanes are for those with “Auto-pass” (ie with COEs).
Cyclists who get into the Auto-pass lanes will be asked to Uturn.
In June, the KTM trains between Singapore and Johor are running again!
KTM website has been revamped but the booking steps are still the same.
I hope to bring my foldie aboard the train one day, so that I can explore far flung corners like Kluang.
Refer our previous train experience between Singapore and Johor (booking tickets Woodlands and 2010 Tanjong Pagar)
Through cycling, you realised how BIG is Johor!
For average speed of 20kmh, a normal cyclist might cover up to 150km within a day.
50km ride in Singapore might be equivalent to 75km in Johor . You can expect more bridges and slopes in Malaysia. Factor in more time if you are scaling up hills and mountains.
If it helps, do take note that many bridges await you for the return trip. Climb baby climb!
One day, I hope to cover Round Island Malaysia.
That would require about 11, 12 days (100km ride per day).
Meanwhile, you may read about other cycling trips below:
– Cycle to Pekan Nanas and Legoland
– JB food hunt (3 hours 30km)
– Cycle to Forest City
– Cycle to Pontian (笨珍)
– Cycle to Elephant Rock (Bukit Batu Gajah)
– Cycling to Malacca (3D2N)
– Cycle to KL (2023 5D4N)
–2018 Cycling Hualien to Taitung (with two kiddos)
*Do follow our cycling adventures here -> https://sengkangbabies.com/tag/cycling
YouTube: 3 Hours in JB. Eat, see and Experience
YouTube: Chill at Pontian 笨珍
YouTube :Cycling to Forest City and boat ride (my best Johor trip yet)
YouTube: Cycling to Elephant Rock (Bukit Batu Gajeh)
YouTube: cycling to Malacca
YouTube:Cycling to Putuo Village
YouTube:2023 Cycle to KL (5D4N)
Cycle to Desaru and Sedili
Cycle East Coast Kuantan, Kelantan, Titiwangsa, Betong, Penang (preview)
Cycling In Taiwan (250km from Hualien to Taitung)
ps.. every 2nd Saturday is Cars-Free Day in downtown JB between 0700 to 1000 (to confirm again)
