October 17th, 2009
http://www.limsimi.com/johor-bahru-others/singaporeans-relocating-to-johor-bahru/
Singaporeans like to go into Johor Bahru (JB) to shop, eat and play a game of golf – but only over the weekend. When asked the question if they will like to reside in Johor Bahru, most will give a definite “NO”, due to the safety concerns, custom jams and perhaps lingering uneasiness of staying in a bumiputra country, where privileges are still accorded to specific races.
With the global financial crisis that started in Oct 2008, there is an increasing number of Singaporeans who actually made the decision to move out from Singapore and make Johor Bahru their permanent home. Money is usually the main consideration: The rental income from a 4-room HDB flat in Singapore will be able to sustain your living expenses in JB. There are also cases of whole family units moving into JB from Singapore; 5-room flat in Singapore is rented out, rental income is used to tide over family expenses while parents continue to look for employment in Singapore – children travel across the causeway daily to school.
Irene is one of the growing number of Singaporeans who made such a decision to relocate into Johor Bahru. In the article below, she shares with us her thoughts and experience on making Johor Bahru home.
“Living” In Johor Bahru, by Irene
What do you do when you are somewhere in your mid-life, single, getting tired of the 9 to 5 routine office job, but still need some kind of income to sustain yourself?
Like many other Singaporeans, I, too, decided to rent my flat out and go live in JB. Perhaps the difference for me is in the process of looking for a place to stay in JB, when prices of houses in Singapore were escalating, the plan to rent out my flat turned to selling instead.
So, here I am who will soon be without a house to call my own, having found a place to live somewhere in JB and with a view!
I have also got myself a part-time job in Singapore, working only four days a week traveling during non-peak hours when I do not have to squeeze with the office hour crowd or experience the daily rush hour traffic jams at the causeway. As I do not drive, I have to rely on taxis as it is quite inconvenient to take the bus from where I live. Added to this, when you have so many people telling you to be careful and be safe, you just have to rely on taxis instead of waiting at some lonely make-shift bus stand for a bus that does not seem to show up. Although the traveling time takes almost an hour and a half, I have no complaints as the journey is quite a breeze. However, dealing with some cab drivers has its frustrations when they charge you more than the meter fare and you just have to pay when they appear rough and aggressive. This is a form of robbery too except that you are robbed of a couple of bucks (or depending on how much more they ask you to pay) and your confidence is a little shaken.
Right now, there is one big inconvenience I am experiencing in my own apartment. There have been a few evenings when I come home late and tired, switch the lights and fans on only to find nothing works. I am living in a new apartment and I have just found out that the power supply to my unit is not official yet. As a result, the building management staff has been removing the fuse in the electrical room to stop the power supply to my unit for fear that the department for power supply may do a check and find out I have been tapping electricity illegally! It is no fault of mine that I have actually been allowed to move into an apartment unit oblivious to the fact that the power supply is yet to be approved by the government department, and now I am subjected to living without electricity.
So, this is living in JB for me so far. It has its frustrations but then again, just like anything else in life, things cannot be perfect all the time. I do not know what other problems will come my way, but it helps to have an open mind and take it as it comes. I have been unduly worried about problems with immigration and customs for traveling in and out of JB too frequently but that cause for worry seems to be unfounded now.
Obviously, some sacrifices have to be made when making a shift to live elsewhere. For someone who is so used to simply going outside for a walk or exercise any time of the day or night, I have yet to pluck up the courage to do the same here as I have not seen any woman exercising in the open space in the neighborhood yet. I also miss the freedom of going out and returning home alone late at night without having to feel unsafe and to be cautious.
Having said that, I am also glad that I have got to know a few people who are living or working in the apartment premises and have been invited to join them for a night out in the town. I had the chance to mingle with the locals and it is nice to know that there are people you can turn to in times of need.
Living in JB has its highs and lows. For all the shortcomings, I am actually grateful that I have the option to make this move. After all, I had wanted a change and there was JB just right across the causeway offering a way out for me, at least for a while… Kudos to others – especially families who are also looking for a way out to solve a financial situation, for having the courage to make the same move and are straddling two countries.
Editor’s Note: This post is contributed by a Irene, who can be contacted at pirene1005@yahoo.com.sg. If you wish to contribute your article to us, please visit the post here
And see a response on this post by yet another of our reader, Kay Yap
I wandered into your website whilst taking a ‘walk’ in cyberspace after dinner and came across the article “Living” In Johor Bahru, by Irene. I read it with interest because for some time now, this topic of Singaporeans relocating to Johor Bahru has often been discussed with friends. We feel that given the suffocating pace in which Singaporeans must breathe to stay alive, Johor Bahru is the ideal place for those who want to live ‘slower and cheaper’ yet wish to be near to their relatives and/or friends in Singapore.
I am sorry that Irene had teething problems settling in her new place but as with relocation, it is inherent anywhere and not just limited to Johor Bahru. Even as a local, I have my share of being fleeced by taxi drivers, had my handbag snatched in bright day-light once, had my electrical power cut off in the dead of the night due to a blown main fuse and stewing (both literally and physically) until the next morning before it was fixed by the relevant authority. Such problems are not unique to outsiders.
In any place outside of your own country, the culture of the people and way of life are always different and it is indeed a learning experience albeit frustrating at times. Our Malaysian way of life is largely shaped by our very multi-racial society , the way things get done or undone and our knowing how local authorities function. Not that we happily expect less but that we accept that change is slow and comes with the passage of time. The key is to expect and accept frustrations as part and parcel of living in Johor Bahru because things do not move as efficiently, effectively and speedily as you are used to in Singapore.
Once you get the hang of things, you will find life in Johor Bahru not so bad afterall. There are good and affordable eating places, most housing estates have basic amenities nearby, shopping complexes and cinemas are within easy reach. If you don’t drive, you can dial for a cab. If you drive, roadsigns are adequate. If you are not sure of your way, google the map before you start. If you choose to stay at home, you can still tune into your Singapore television channels or subscribe to cable television. Find time to join the ladies in their morning exercise routine (most housing estates have such organised activity) and you will find yourself making new friends and getting invited to other events. Join a church, you will meet more people and find fellowship, company and help. In fact, in no time to come, you will find Johor Bahru liveable, affordable and comfortable.
~KayYap
Living in JB for long term is very simple really. Besides a house in a relatively safe estate, we also need a car, it is not expensive.
Food from wet market is very cheap too. Having stayed here for coming to half a year, I feel the pace is slower and more “basic”. It is not really that complicated. In Singapore, I used to receive bills bills and more bills, here only my telecom and utilities. In Singapore, I sometimes find the driver for work is to pay for bills and loans, that’s quite mentally unhealthy. Want to take a break? dozen of organisations are coming after your back in 1 month’s time…
So in a nutshell, the pros I like about JB are;
- cheaper food
).
- simpler life
- freedom: feels like no rules when walking on the street unlike Singapore (wait for the green man
The cons are;
- inefficiency: but ok as I don’t deal with the government on a daily basis
- lack of a completely safe nightlife environment like clubbing in Singapore
As long as we can find a mean to finance expenses, that should be fine. Also, as my priorities are different, so all those that I didn’t mention probably ain’t that important to me, such as whether is the hygiene level of how that BBQ stingray prepared satisfactory enough or not.
Hi All,
I’m thinking of renting a car once i got a home in jb. Anyone has any contact?
Thanks.
Just wondering.. if you’re singaporean and want to stay in johor do you have to apply for any special pass or anything? because clearly if you go in and out of singapore everyday you’re bond to run out of passport pages extremely quickly, not to mention the immigration officers start asking loads of unneccessary questions.
^^
Hi, you can apply for fast clearance at Iskandar Bldg, operating 24 hrs.
I’m thinking of relocating to jb. Can anyone advice which location if i need to travel to work in SIngapore?
hi, i bought a house in jb in 2009 and i am glad i bought as the price went up 20% more for my landed property. buying at a price of a 4 bedroom hdb in singapore, made my dollar worth it. i hv a home with four bed rooms + a maid room + two living rooms +dining room + a four car front porch + a garden ….. and a pool in the plan. my home will be ready only in 2012. currently i hv recently moved in to a condo unit in jb, 15mins drive to customs even during peak and enjoying the laid back life… even at a condo, i dont have to worry abt my kids not having enough space to swim. i have a reat view facing singapore where i used o live. the daily morning shuttling for work and kids to school, seem to make me healthier and more disciplined. they reach sch in time and all else is well that they look forward to an evening in our jb house rather than singapore. we have a living in tranquility and so many channels to choose from on cable. our dinner for a family of five cost us less than rm 30.00 daily. and weekends, we have malls to shop, go cart racing, golfing all in rm… living in jb is nothing to worry abt. we just have to take life at its pace.
Hi Linda,
Where to you and kids go for cart racing? what’s the charges like? wld like to send my kids there to try out. sounds fun!
Rgds.
I think about time the govt on both side of the causeway to make things easier for resident who want to live in Sg or JB,, vice versa.. Don,t you think we should make the jam at the causeway an issue?
Have been living in JB for the last 7 years. I do agree that it is cheaper and definitely affordable. The only problem we are facing is finding transport for my daughter to go to school. Currently my husband drives her to and fro and its becoming too taxing for him. My daughter studies in Serangoon Gardens and we stay in town.
Any suggestions? Thanks Mrs Singh
Hi there!
Just want to ask, when buying property in JB, do you have a HDB flat as well? Just asking coz we tot of downgrading our HDB flat and buy property in JB.
Regards
Nura
MBT created a rule…..HDB property owner are not allow to own Overseas Property. Please check this out 1st.
I have about 40 websites with a different topic. I have “how to” articles placed on the first page of google for certain keywords. Are these articles can be monetized with amazon products? How do I optimize those pages?
Hello, I am planning to move to JB in next three-six months time. My concern is sending my kids to school in Singapore (from JB) – one in primary and the other is in secondary. Any suggestion from your experiences that I should consider before it’s too late. My wife and I are convinced about location, and amenities.
Regards
Sayeed
Guess we are in the same boat. I am planning and preparing to move with my family to Johor Bahru in 3 months time. I am also concerned about the issue of my child travelling to school. If it suits you, you might want to consider using a JB’s private bus services that specialize in transporting school children from their residences in JB directly to select schools in Singapore. Email me patlowcm@yahoo.com.sg if you cannot find one.
I have talked to a few school bus operators, but need to wait to get a seat – seems that demand is high.
If any of you want to share, I would like to explore the possibility of hiring a transporter to bring kids from JB to SG (via 2nd link) and send them back. Contact me at 011 1479 4460
I will be moving to JB soon too. I am also worried about my children’s long journey to Singapore schools. Luckily, I or my hubby can drive them there. Anyone needs car-pooling can give me a call at +65-91550998.
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how I wish there will be a school style school being setup in JB.
Can a singaporean work legally in JB ?
how long must a singaporean staying in jb go back to singapore to have his passport chop ?
Hi,
Finally, we are going to stay at East Ledang from 1st March, and my kids will use a private car to attend schools at SG. If you would like to know more about it, please contact me at 97698680.
regards
Hi Sayeed
I like to find out more of the transport using 2nd link to Singapore school becos I am looking for one. Could you share with me more. Appreciate your help.
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Hi,
I am moving to JB and like to shift my furniture in Singapore to JB.
Do anybody have house movers to recommend?
Thanks!
Hi, I am planning to move to JB. There are many questions I want to ask. Anyone that can share/chat or be friend? Do email me at y27u@yahoo.com.sg
Any forum/community to share? Thank you.
Im doing a limousine service on full time basis.
I drive a 7 seater Alphard. Im considering ferrying
students studying in Woodland area. Its for my extra
income, due to the high cost standards in Spore.
Please email me at norfik1999@yahoo.com for more
info. Please lists no of child, age, which school, time to
be pick up, single or round trip, if you are interested.
Regards
Taufik
Mobile 92208749
Ps: please text name n purpose if not answer.
Hi, im thinking of moving to jb in dis few mths. But, ive got a maid wif me now. Would be it posible to bring my maid along to jb and bring her out of jb once a week?
Hi Min, I stayed in JB now for about 6 months and i dont regret my decision to move there.
I have a maid and I did a MAC for her so she can travel up & down with me. No questions asked.
as for the MOM side, i guess you still need to maintain a Singapore address.
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Dear all,
We are a mover company in singapore & Malaysia.
We provide moving services between singapore & Malaysia and we have more than 20 years experience in moving services, Cheap and Efficient !! We will pack all your thins nicely and provide free boxes for your needs.
Enquiry please call: 9085 6665 or 016-7833914
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Hi,
MOVING SERVICE / Transport services ~
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Hi,
Got a very bad experience to share. Me n familly rent a semi d house at Horrizon Hills a very prestigious place to live. Too bad we got cheated by d owner as well as d agent. Now me n famili are homeless since we already sold our hdb flat. While we face these critical moment we got no one to turn to for advice. Now we been chased out of d house n all our belongings had been confiscated. To make a police report we are so helpless as we r not locals. Anybody who read these please reply or contact me at 83391449. Really need help as wat should i do now.
Hi Aquagal
I hope your issue is settled by now. I stayed in HH as well. BEfore staying in HH, I too got cheated by owner & agent @ d Grande so our deposit was gone by the wind.. But thank god it happen a week before we move in. Alternatively we got a place in HH. Let me know if you need help.. U can reach me at 96172654.
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hello.
after reading the article,
looks like staying in JB not bad – in terms of economy sense.
so, like to know,
for a newbie like me,
to live in JB, other than pocket with $,
what else is needed?
so can plan accordingly.
thanks
Jack
Anyone knows of any school bus service from Bukit Indah (Nusa Duta) to singapore schools in either woodlands or jurong?
Hi,
MOVING SERVICE / Transport services ~
FROM SINGAPORE TO JB (Johor Bahru Malaysia)
Malaysia Johor Bahru JB TO SINGAPORE
Malaysia to Singapore (Any part of Malaysia)
Singapore to Malaysia (Any Part of Singapore)
We are a mover company in singapore & Malaysia.
We provide moving services between singapore & Malaysia and we have more than 20 years experience in moving services, Cheap and Efficient !! We will pack all your thins nicely and provide free boxes for your needs.
Call now: +65 90856665 or +60167833914
Thank you.
hi Idah,
what is MAC as i have a maid in singapore and intended to bring her to JB
hi grace..jus in case if u haven got the answer….mac(malaysian auto clearence)ur passport will have no more stamping…..but even if ur maid do not apply mac…she still can travel to n fro as long she have a valid work permit in spore,but of course passport pages will run out very fast…..max stay in malaysia for not more than the given time normally wud be 1 month,i hav a maid myself accompanying my wife n kids to spore n jb evryday wifout any problems….cheers
Can anyone advise me or recommend me agent to prosess my application PR in Malaysia right now I’m living in Johor more 5 years and we have small business and mine own property as well
Many thanks do hope to hear soon
thanks noname for answering MAC, i have another question hope u can help, i’m currently in the process of buying a house in horizon hill, I have the S and P agreeement now but full transaction will take another two months to complete, because of the urgent need to move, the seller agreed to rent it to me for this two months, so i’m intending to move very soon on 10/10, i have a truck of furniture to move in, do u think there is problem as i only have the s and p with the clause i’m renting for this two months ?? need the answer for this question asap. pls help
grace
I will be moving to JB on Dec during the school holidays. I will be driving my children’s to Singapore schools every day starting in January 2013. Anyone needs car-pooling can drop me a mail:hansteven79@yahoo.com.sg
Only for schools in Woodlands area.
My son is studying at sembawangsec ….how much …and how…. Pls email me..thanks
Hi all, appreciate all the help and advice. Have been surfing many sites and am bit confused.
Can a Singaporean with no ties in Malaysia:
1) Buy a private property in JB
2) Apply for MACs (think i got that right) to travel back and forth with no issues for immigration or passport (so everyday and im assuming sometimes more then twice a day)
3) Is MACs a dedicated auto card swipe thing or will we still need to queue up if travelling by car to get in and out of JB?
4) On Singapore side assume Singapore passport will get rapidly filled up with re-entry chops?
Are the answers for this same if you are a Singapore PR/Australian citizen?
Appreciate any help with this. Thanks. Regards Clare
[...] 9.Singaporeans relocating to Johor Bahru | Support Site for The … Jul 24, 2010 … Salaries of our fresh graduates 2010 – salary.sg – 108,910 views … There are also cases of whole family units moving into JB from Singapore; … In the article below, she shares with us her thoughts and experience … looking for a place to stay in JB, when prices of houses in Singapore ….. Recent Comments … http://www.transitioning.org/2010/07/24/singaporeans-relocating-to-johor-bahru-2/ [...]
Hi Guys …just wan to share me n family will be moving to jb soon…bought a house at bukit indah through internet advertisement…so far so good…everything is legal tru proper lawyer …
Again it’s me….go to my face book to c my photo regarding my house…Emmy.mohd
Amazing issues here. I’m very happy to see your post. Thanks a lot and I am looking forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a mail?
Hi All,
There are rooms for rent in Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru.
Interested, please contact WeiYee at 0167701982 or (02) 92990822.
Regards,
WeiYee
Hi All,
There are rooms for rent in Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru.
Interested, please contact WeiYee at 0167701982 or (02) 92990822.
Regards,
WeiYee
Hi, I’ve just bought a house in Taman Gaya. Will be ready early next year.
Can someone advise any relaible moving company and any problems with Malaysian Customs in moving some new and old personal effects ?
Thanks