First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

[Bandu W]

I had been to Malaysia many times but this was my first driving trip. I was bit worried about various horror stories. Got few advices from other drivers in Singapore, and finally made the trip in my two months old 318i, just after the breaking-in run.

This was the super long weekend with National day. Thought of posting some important things to note for anyone else who wants to drive to East for the first time.

I joined the queue at second link checkpoint at 7am on Saturday (long weekend). It took me about 45 minutes to cross Singapore border. Then, I hit the nasty surprise! One km long queue on Malaysian immigration. It took 90 minutes to cross. I figured out the delay is caused mostly due to filling arrival cards – lot of writing!

Lesson learnt: if it is a long weekend, join the queue by 5am!

I took E3(N) and E3(E) to join Route 3 (Jln Pandan / Jln Kota Tinggi). There I got my next surprise! It took one hour to cross Tampoi (7-8 km stretch). There was no accident or anything out of ordinary, so, I assume that is normal traffic – terrible.

Lesson learnt: Go to bathroom at the checkpoint!!! (or at R&R right after the checkpoint)

Perhaps, I should have taken Woodlands checkpoint because it would have avoided this stretch of the road. But I have no idea what the traffic in crossing Johor Bharu and Pandan will be on Route 3. Anyone having experience?

If I am taking second link (next time), I would rather go up on E3(N) and turn to E22(E) to join Route 3 (Jalan Kota Tinggi). It will add 15 km more (and extra toll) but it may worth the drive.

I was in Malaysia for three days (with my family), and each day I got into traffic jams (not just blocks – they don’t move at all). Then, cars started going in the road shoulder! Worst part is when "huge and overloaded" Lorries started going on the shoulder. In few cases, they were two inches away from my side mirror – I was just praying not to scratch me!

Lesson learnt: If you get stuck in a traffic jam (very likely you will), move to right lane!!

Took few stopovers at McDonalds/KFC, gas stations, Kota Tinggi town and Tebrau City – GPS directions (using MFM) were perfect!!! In fact, I would have seriously got lost in small towns without it.

While returning, crossed the border around 2:20pm when returning to Singapore (on National day), and absoutely zero waiting!

New rule for Gas: Singapore cars are not allowed to pump 95. They can take 97 any amount – 20 litre limit is lifted. If you want to pay by credit card, you need to swipe it at the pump station, inside the counter, only cash is accepted (which was bit confusing to me due to language barrier, fortunately, I had cash to pay).

Total toll paid in Malaysia was RM 20. Bought a flash-and-go card at the toll booth (which holds a deposit of RM 10). Singapore side only accepts cashcard payments (total was about $ 5-6, can't remember exact amount).

Overall, we really enjoyed the drive, and the trip as a whole. In two weeks, I am planing to drive to Port Dickson.

I realized that parking in hotels and large malls (like Jusco) is pretty safe. I had to park in front of Plaza Kota Tinggi - without an attendent watching it over (because my wife wanted to shop for some cheap stuff). That was bit troubling - I was more worried about someone scratching the car than stealing. Rest of the journery was (mentally) peaceful.

 

[ac323]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

Thanks for the info ya........




cheers

 

[Kookk]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

So where did you go? Desaru?

Think people in Malaysia don't usually scratch cars. It is only people in SG.

If they eye your car, then, it is gone!

 

[OryGanli]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

Glad you've enjoyed your trip.
Its better to park in places where you'll need a ticket to get out. Also in places where it's bright and theres lots of people. Drivers tend to bully Singapore drivers so becareful. Please don't leave anything visible in the car. Eg: portable nav, bags, etc... Put them all in the boot or places you cant see them. Keep your keys at all times, even for valet parking. Not all "police" in JB are police. So if you are in a secluded area and it's late at night, don't stop for them.
They do scratch if they don't know how to steal them.
I can't remember what else is that you can do to prevent all these malaysian stupid stuffs. :furious: I hope this helps. And I hope I didn't scare you off from coming into Malaysia.
Call me when you are entering JB and free to have a chat.

 

[Bandu W]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

So where did you go? Desaru?

Think people in Malaysia don't usually scratch cars. It is only people in SG.

If they eye your car, then, it is gone!

Yes, we went to Desaru, and stayed at Desaru Golden Beach hotel. Not very impressed with the quality of the place though. Beach is nice and clean. Hard to find eating places around. Ended up going to Lotus Desaru Resort for dinner.

It is interesting what you said about scratching... two days after I returned from Malaysia, someone gave me my first scratch while parked at my office in Singapore!!!

 

[Bandu W]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

Glad you've enjoyed your trip.
Its better to park in places where you'll need a ticket to get out. Also in places where it's bright and theres lots of people. Drivers tend to bully Singapore drivers so becareful. Please don't leave anything visible in the car. Eg: portable nav, bags, etc... Put them all in the boot or places you cant see them. Keep your keys at all times, even for valet parking. Not all "police" in JB are police. So if you are in a secluded area and it's late at night, don't stop for them.
They do scratch if they don't know how to steal them.
I can't remember what else is that you can do to prevent all these malaysian stupid stuffs. :furious: I hope this helps. And I hope I didn't scare you off from coming into Malaysia.
Call me when you are entering JB and free to have a chat.

No you didn't scare me more than I aleady am!

You are right about bullies - I met few of them. At one point, I was driving at 90 (speed limit) behind another car, and a pretty-old van was tailgating me only few feet behind. I wish if I hadn't seen him on the rearview mirror. After seeing him, I was so worried for next few killometers until I found a way to let him pass me.

I am still afraid of driving into towns like JB and KL though - may be after my car gets bit older . Is there a place in JB which is easier to drive in, park and shop & eat without having to worry about the car all the time? I would appreciate any help.

My next trip is to Port Dickson, and I assume Melaka/PD area is not so crowded and easy to drive through them (for some shopping, etc.). Any advices?

Thanks

 

[davidtch]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

Other than JB, i think all other town/cities in Msia are ok as long as u r conscious about ur surrounding. Whenever i have time, i like to drive in b road to keep adrenaline level high like overtaking 2 car at 1 go. Juz rem to keep everything value out of sight.

 

[OryGanli]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

It is interesting what you said about scratching... two days after I returned from Malaysia, someone gave me my first scratch while parked at my office in Singapore!!!

Sorry to hear your car got scratched bro. I feel your pain.:verysad:

No you didn't scare me more than I aleady am!

You are right about bullies - I met few of them. At one point, I was driving at 90 (speed limit) behind another car, and a pretty-old van was tailgating me only few feet behind. I wish if I hadn't seen him on the rearview mirror. After seeing him, I was so worried for next few killometers until I found a way to let him pass me.

I am still afraid of driving into towns like JB and KL though - may be after my car gets bit older . Is there a place in JB which is easier to drive in, park and shop & eat without having to worry about the car all the time? I would appreciate any help.

My next trip is to Port Dickson, and I assume Melaka/PD area is not so crowded and easy to drive through them (for some shopping, etc.). Any advices?

Thanks

Yea. Even I get tailgated all the time. It's hard to find people who lets a BMW driver into or out of a corner. 1960 VW yes. BMW no.
Most shopping centres with tickets are good to park. But for extra security, try to park it close to the carwash area. I won't recommend to let them wash your car though. Or close to the entrances with the guard there or with lots of people around like Starbucks.
For shophouses, in the afternoon i tend to park at a place where I can see while I'm eating. Pretty much right infront of the shop or take a seat where I can see it.
At night I prefer to go to places where there are guards. Or places with a parking ticket. I could show you around when both of us are free.

Other than JB, i think all other town/cities in Msia are ok as long as u r conscious about ur surrounding.

I'm not so sure about that. JB drivers hates KL drivers. Maybe because it feels like most of them drive like they're like the king of the roads. Maybe thats what they think of us too. Other than the infamous federal highway jam and if you missed a turn you'll need to go through the jam all over again it's a pretty normal drive. But I seldom drive in KL and maybe I'm used to JB roads....
But for me, I really don't like driving in Penang. The bikes there are a nightmare. And you must give them priority. When they see a small space between you and the car in front, they'll take it, no matter how big the car is. They tend to force you to slow down or stop. Can't really blame them cause their roads are tight and small. Seems like they were forced to do so.
Singapore roads are so much relaxing to drive. I love it. Need to get used to the traffic lights though.

I apologize for the long essay. Hope it helps.

 

[Kookk]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

Yes, we went to Desaru, and stayed at Desaru Golden Beach hotel. Not very impressed with the quality of the place though. Beach is nice and clean. Hard to find eating places around. Ended up going to Lotus Desaru Resort for dinner.

It is interesting what you said about scratching... two days after I returned from Malaysia, someone gave me my first scratch while parked at my office in Singapore!!!

The resorts in Desaru are all in a sorry state. Even the best resort there shows alot of aging. Such a waste given the long stretch of beautiful coastline!

OMG! How could you have gone to Desaru and not visit Sg Rengit for seafood there. Lovely seafood at decent prices. There is also a cluster of shophouses somewhere in Desaru with awesome nasi padang.

Sian! You have my sympathy, not sure why Singaporeans like to resort to scratching cars for an adrenaline fix.

My next trip is to Port Dickson, and I assume Melaka/PD area is not so crowded and easy to drive through them (for some shopping, etc.). Any advices?

Thanks

PD is a quiet town with not much to see or do. Book yourself into a nice resort or you will be real bored.

Melaka can actually get rather crowded during the peak seasons but it is generally safe there. The overhyped chicken rice ball is "Touristy" but the chendol is a must try.

If you like driving, when moving from Melaka to PD, take the B roads. It is a fun drive but road condition was poor when I travelled that road a few years back.

I'm not so sure about that. JB drivers hates KL drivers. Maybe because it feels like most of them drive like they're like the king of the roads. Maybe thats what they think of us too. Other than the infamous federal highway jam and if you missed a turn you'll need to go through the jam all over again it's a pretty normal drive. But I seldom drive in KL and maybe I'm used to JB roads....
But for me, I really don't like driving in Penang. The bikes there are a nightmare. And you must give them priority. When they see a small space between you and the car in front, they'll take it, no matter how big the car is. They tend to force you to slow down or stop. Can't really blame them cause their roads are tight and small. Seems like they were forced to do so.
Singapore roads are so much relaxing to drive. I love it. Need to get used to the traffic lights though.

I apologize for the long essay. Hope it helps.

Other than the occasional wilful aggression, I actually think Malaysian drivers know road manners and ethics much better than Singapore drivers.

I actually think SG drivers are one of the worst that I've seen.

 

[beembeem]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

Other than the occasional wilful aggression, I actually think Malaysian drivers know road manners and ethics much better than Singapore drivers.

I actually think SG drivers are one of the worst that I've seen.

Agree...

 

[Bandu W]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

OMG! How could you have gone to Desaru and not visit Sg Rengit for seafood there. Lovely seafood at decent prices. There is also a cluster of shophouses somewhere in Desaru with awesome nasi padang.

I know... many suggested the seafood place. But, when I came to the road to drive down on RT 92 in the evening, it was pretty dark (I mean, not like Singapore :shock: ), I got scared and decided not to go.

PD is a quiet town with not much to see or do. Book yourself into a nice resort or you will be real bored.

Melaka can actually get rather crowded during the peak seasons but it is generally safe there. The overhyped chicken rice ball is "Touristy" but the chendol is a must try.

If you like driving, when moving from Melaka to PD, take the B roads. It is a fun drive but road condition was poor when I travelled that road a few years back.

Booked on Avillion, and only for two nights. I was thinking to go down to Melaka for little bit of shopping, etc. Will try the RT 5 (I assume that is what you meant by B road).

Thanks

 

[Bandu W]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

Is Aeon Megamall in Melaka an easy place to drive/park?

How about Wetex Parade in Muar? Is it a place for cheap shopping (like Plaza Kota TInggi - sorry, only place I know) and fast food? Or more like Jusco carrying branded stuff?

Thanks

 

[davidtch]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

Melaka can actually get rather crowded during the peak seasons but it is generally safe there. The overhyped chicken rice ball is "Touristy" but the chendol is a must try.

Chicken rice ball in Tourist spot of course touristy. Anyway, other than the red color shop, the other 2 has been there since late 70s. Otherwise, go to Melaka Raya & look for Public Bank. Chicken rice opp Public Bank is good & patronised by local.

Is Aeon Megamall in Melaka an easy place to drive/park?

How about Wetex Parade in Muar? Is it a place for cheap shopping (like Plaza Kota TInggi - sorry, only place I know) and fast food? Or more like Jusco carrying branded stuff?

Thanks

Aeon has plenty car park spot and most of the spot are bigger than ours. Skip Wetex Parade lah if u r going Aeon.

 

[hondacivic]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

bro got chance can drive up to kuantan..... nice place n nice foods. the roads all fun to drive too!
if shop in jb city square or holiday plaza u maybe wanna leave ur car at the car polish there..... or really want to play safe park ur car at grand paragon valet n take taxi but troublesome. the jap foods in grand paragon are nice n price reasonable... not much crowd.

 

[Kookk]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

I know... many suggested the seafood place. But, when I came to the road to drive down on RT 92 in the evening, it was pretty dark (I mean, not like Singapore :shock: ), I got scared and decided not to go.



Booked on Avillion, and only for two nights. I was thinking to go down to Melaka for little bit of shopping, etc. Will try the RT 5 (I assume that is what you meant by B road).

Thanks

Yes, the road does look like it leads to no where.

Avillion is the resort with rooms over the water on stilts? The pictures look nice.

Chicken rice ball in Tourist spot of course touristy. Anyway, other than the red color shop, the other 2 has been there since late 70s. Otherwise, go to Melaka Raya & look for Public Bank. Chicken rice opp Public Bank is good & patronised by local.

I usually go the old corner coffeshop near the Shan Shu Gong store. Quite crowded and I do see quite a fair bit of locals there. Of the few that I've tried, the chicken is usually dry and tough, badly chopped and chilli isn't great. Also, try not to look at the way the chicky rice balls are made. :sickinbe: I prefer the local chicken rice here anytime.

 

[Bandu W]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

bro got chance can drive up to kuantan..... nice place n nice foods. the roads all fun to drive too!

Yes! That is going to be my next trip (after PD).

Avillion is the resort with rooms over the water on stilts? The pictures look nice.

That is the one. Wanted to try it for a long time.

Thanks!

 

[Ahbengdriver]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

for long w/e trips, I always cross tuas at 5.30am or earlier. Already have like 20 cars sometimes. This is good bcos you can reach outskirts of KL by 8am if the road is clear not not foggy because cars are few. No matas somemore and can max your speed. Eat breakfast at Kl or nearby, shake leg shake balls until mall opens.....shop....2pm check in hotel...koon.....

Oh recently I borrowed a Hiadee's device which protected me from paying 'track-fees' on NSH.....kekeke

 

[Bandu W]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

You are right. Last time, it was the three-day long holiday (with 4th day being a school holiday), and I got into a dissastrous situation by leaving home by 6:30am. I got out Malaysian immigration around 9:30 and got into a solid (almost one hour) jam on route 17 (in Tampoi) area. If I left home by 5am, I would have skipped both jams. Lesson learnt there!

How about weekdays? Crossing the border around 7-8am is reasonable? I suspect that Woodlands will be still tight due to traffic to JB. Will Tuas be ok?

I don't like to leave unneccesarily-early because that would give me a car full of lousy passengers who are sleeping all the way!!!

 

[dantito]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

just out of curiosity...are there any bros here whose bimmers kenna big time in malaysia before? scratched until quite cham... windows smashed... tyres puntured.. any?

i very scared of malaysia sia.. very hesitant on driving in..

 

[gohjialong]

Re: First drive to Malaysia in two months old 318i

Hi guys, planning to drive up to Port Dickson area next weekend. Parking in the resort carpark should be not much of a problem. But I'm more worried about driving to eateries nearby or around the vicinity. Any bros have any such experience can share? Thanks.