LanternsB

Hi

I moved from Bristol to Singapore and am yearning for somewhere slower and cheaper to live, whilst I find a job in Singapore. I have a Singapore passport, so I reckon finding jobs here would be easier.

I am considering Johor Bahru as an option of a place to live. In fact, I was there yesterday to see how I would like it, and gut feeling is that it is do-able.

Locals' advice however came up on security, that it is not safe, etc.

Is it true ? Are there nice areas to live where daily commute across the causeway is viable ?

I would appreciate your comments !

bakedbean

Hi. There are a LOT of existing threads on this subject on this forum. And most answer your questions. Take a look through the Malaysia AND Singapore forums. If you search on Nusajaya or Iskandar (search box is up on top right) you'll find them all.

Re crime.....aiyoh......all Singapore residents will tell you that the crime situation in Malaysia is bad. If you go to Malaysia, some residents will tell you that all Singaporeans are stuck up. Neither statement is true

FWIW I've seen crime in both Malaysia and Singapore. Like anywhere you just have to be careful (and I wasn't once )

LanternsB

My dear, my dear...

The people whom I met in JB yesterday (lamenting about MY crime rates) are MAlaysianS ?!!!

They are such a lovely bunch, the ones I met I mean... Makes me want to move there.

Thanks for the tips on thread. Doesn't prevent anyone who still wanna drop your comments here, though I should be minded to go thru those sections b4 posing my next question...

Am excited !

LanternsB

My dear, my dear...

The people whom I met in JB yesterday (lamenting about MY crime rates) are MAlaysianS ?!!!

They are such a lovely bunch, the ones I met I mean... Makes me want to move there.

Thanks for the tips on thread. Doesn't prevent anyone who still wanna drop your comments here, though I should be minded to go thru those sections b4 posing my next question...

Am excited !

bakedbean

Malaysians....oops hehe

Yes I'm sure Bocat and Geedee will reply on here when they're next on forum. Both have very up to date info. Geedee has only just moved to Nusajaya.

geedee

Hello LanternsB,

As BB said, we've just moved here. Bocat is the resident expert.

However, so far (less than a month) we're very happy with it. I commute to S'pore across Tuas, and though timing is everything, it is do-able. In fact I can make it to the office in less time than some of the people that live in S'pore... really!
We do live in a "compound" near Gelang Patah, well West of JB, and security so far is not a great concern.
We do take common sense precautions when out and about.... e.g. keep your wallet in your handbag, closed, don't wander into isolated areas when it's dark etc. etc. You'd take exactly the same precautions in Bristol, I'm sure.
The people are nice here... they've been very helpful and friendly so far.
It is nice to get out of the hustle and bustle of S'pore at the end of the day, but that's just me.... many people love it!
The other thing I like is at the weekend, we don't have to worry about the crossing as we're already "there"!
Good luck!

LanternsB

geedee, many thanks !
Now I am truly tempted to move. :-)

LanternsB

geedee, many thanks !
Now I am truly tempted to move. :-)

LanternsB

I am reading the posts and most come up as renting a whole place for a family and commuting with a car.

I am one person.... gonna have to brave the public transport because I can't afford the COE.

I am not even sure if anyone is going to read this post given how much had already been poured over the same topic already.

leaves me thinking is this JB- Sing. thing do-able ?

I would have been willing to do the daily London-Bristol (1 hr and a bit over) commute with a car. with JB-Sing, i reckon i would be willing to spend the same amount of time (with public transport).

Harlow Lad

Just get yourself a bike. The public transport ain't that bad still do able in 1 hr to reach Jurong.

1 hr might just get you to Reading (if you break the speed limit). I grew up in Wiltshire I know the M4 like the back of my hand.

geedee

If you get a bike, be very, very careful what time you cross. Also, try to locate so that you can use Tuas rather than Woodland.
I use a bike, and there is a real risk of being caught with the thousands and thousands of mopeds that cross every day. That will really, really pee you off!!

LanternsB

Thanks Harlow & Geedee.

I can't bike... I'd freak out...I think I would stick to the bus. Also, in part to avoid owning a vehicle as I am planning to return to Bristol in a couple of years.

I was scouting the Jurong East interchange yesterday and speaking with a few friendly faces in the Cw3/4 queue. Looks like I could do the journey in 45 min-1hr. (Am pleased !)

In fact, I am just about to hop onto one of these to visit the JB stops to see which area I like best.

Thanks so much again for your advice.

geedee

Please let us know how you get on with the bus to Jurong East! I've passed them (the yellow ones crossing Tuas) several times and they look packed.

Also heard that the bus will leave you stranded at immigration if you're not quick enough and you have to wait for the next one..... no idea if true!

The bus will be my backup for those thunderstorm days!

Nijntje2518

Hi folks!

We are also looking at moving to Nusajaya - been in Singapore 3 years and simply getting priced out of the housing market!

Can anyone advise if there's parking at the second link? Please correct me if I'm wrong but I understand bringing a Malaysian car in everyday is not permitted, and we can't afford a Singaporean car - we were thinking to drive to the second link & then get public transport. I've been told that the Causeway link buses are plentiful (crowded I can deal with - I ride the MRT every day!).

Alternatively, does anyone know of any car-pooling networks where we could hitch a ride?

Finally - has anyone imported their pets from Singapore to Malaysia? What was your experience?

Any advice anyone would like to post - where to stay, where to avoid, estate agents, handy transport tips, general rants and raves (positive or negative!) - the more, the merrier!

Thanks in advance!

Jessica

bakedbean

Hi Jessica and welcome to the forum