25
2015
Driving Into Singapore
Hello! We just got back from a fun-filled 4D/3N holiday in Johor and Singapore. We stayed at Pulai Springs Resort the entire time and drove to Singapore on our third day and return to Johor on the same day. We were nervous initially as we have always flown into Singapore, never once took the bus or train what more driving in but we decided to conquer our fear and try it. The only reason of us going into Singapore is to go to Universal Studio so our plan was to depart from Pulai at 8am to arrive USS before 10am.
From Pulai, we used the Second Link; Second Link Expressway in Malaysia or also known as Tuas Second Link in Singapore. I was surprised that not even once were we required to get out of our vehicle at the checkpoint.
All we needed to do was drive through the first booth where the officer on duty will check on our passports.
Next, drive to the immigration booth at Tuas Checkpoint where we’ll need to submit the White Card (Disembarkation/Embarkation Form, Singapore Arrival Card). It is advisable to fill up this form earlier as to not waste your time in the car and cause a traffic crawl behind you.
When we checked into our hotel in JB, we were reminded to collect the White Card from the Front Desk before driving into Singapore but it slipped our mind and we ended driving to the checkpoint without it. No fret though as the officer handed us four White Cards for each of us to be filled right there in our car.
The officer will request for us to wind down our rear windows as they will visually verify all passengers on board. Our passports will then be scanned and stamped.
Now that the passengers are good to go, it is time for our car. Every vehicle entering Singapore will need an Autopass. It is like a passport for your car. When you submit your White Card, do inform the officer that you do not have an Autopass (if you don’t lah. If you do, just continue driving). The officer will advise you where to purchase the Autopass.
The officer told us to look out for the sign VEP and sure enough, it is right after the immigration clearance. It is a very short drive so don’t overlook! We parked right infront and finally stepped out of the car to fill up the form to purchase the Autopass. Among the information needed are the type and make of your car and the insurance company. The officer walked to our car to check the roadtax. They will also request for the driver to present his ID and in our case William showed him his passport. The Autopass is S$10. S$6 is the cost of the card and S$4 is the value remaining. The officer will inform you to top up your Autopass in Singapore.
The Autopass is valid for 7 years. Whatever amount remaining after exiting Singapore will stay in there until it expires in 7 years.
Just like that, we are through the checkpoint. Driving into Singapore is not as difficult as we thought it would be. We drove straight to Sentosa with the guide from Waze. The first thing we did upon entering Universal Studio is to walk to their Guest Service to check on our parking and were told that parking is complementary. What a relief.
It is true. We exited the carpark at the end of the day without paying anything. We drove back to our hotel at 8pm. The traffic was clear.
Now that we know how easy it is to drive into Singapore, we don’t think we’ll fly in again unless the airline is having super good promo :)
Wow…it sounds like really easy. Perhaps I should drive there one day too with my family. :)
Yes you should. The journey from Malacca to Singapore is still tolerable :D
Wait until you get caught in one of those bad days, where the entire process could take 2 hours or more! >.<
Yor… I use second link should be better kan? Dont go during rush hour time lah.
Hehehehee…. my fault. i forgot to pass u the white card…
Eh no. You kept reminding us but we kept ding ding dang dang and not go and get it immediately. But it’s okay. We can easily fill it up in the car. The car behind ours is the one annoyed. LoL.
I still opt to fly there because driving is quite tiring, hehe :P
From KL maybe I’ll fly again but since we are already in Johor, it will be such a waste not to drive in.
Good that you guys decided to drive in. The experience, thrill. Totally different from flying in.
Yeah. At least we learn and gained a new experience :)
Easy, eh? Timing is important, I hear…so as not to get caught in the long queues. Some people I know prefer to take the bus to avoid the queue.
I wanted to take the bus or train too but William is against it due to the fact that we’ll have Ayden and Ethan tagging along. So we decided to try driving in. We did not want to drive to early in order to avoid the morning office rush and drove home later in the evening after the office rush too.
Thanks for the detail write up, very useful for those who doesn’t familar the process
Been to Sg via plane and bus. Car? Maybe can try some day if we happen to be in JB la. Driving from KL to Sg….even though I am not the one who drives, but I still feel the tiredness…**yawn**
Maybe can consider to drive to Singapore. Sound smooth. A bit leceh to drive into Thailand though. But from Perak, driving can be lengthy n tiring too
So adventurous to go on a day trip to USS by driving own car.