Sultan Iskandar Building Johor Bahru
Malaysia's bustling gateway to Singapore, a major immigration and customs hub for land travel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Avoid weekend crowds
Sultan Iskandar Building Johor Bahru
Best Time
Avoid weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Malaysia's bustling gateway to Singapore, a major immigration and customs hub for land travel.
"Expect long queues and potential delays, especially during peak hours and holidays."
⏳ Brace for Delays
Power outages and peak times can cause hours of waiting . Be patient and prepared.
🛂 E-Gate Check
E-gates may not work for all passports . Have your physical passport ready.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Immigration & Customs Hub
Johor Bahru
The primary gateway for travelers between Malaysia and Singapore, bustling with activity.
E-Gate Facilities
Departure Hall
Automated lanes for quicker passage, though functionality can vary for international visitors .
Bus Terminal Connectivity
Bus Section
Connects to various express bus services for travel across Malaysia and to Singapore .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Peak Hours
Passport & E-Gate Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Brace for Delays
Power outages and peak times can cause hours of waiting.
Be patient and prepared.🛂 E-Gate Check
E-gates may not work for all passports.
Have your physical passport ready.🚌 Bus Travel Tips
Note your bus plate number to avoid boarding the wrong bus after checks.
⚠️ Staff Conduct
Report any unprofessional or aggressive behavior from staff.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Brace for Delays
Power outages and peak times can cause hours of waiting.
Be patient and prepared.🛂 E-Gate Check
E-gates may not work for all passports.
Have your physical passport ready.🚌 Bus Travel Tips
Note your bus plate number to avoid boarding the wrong bus after checks.
⚠️ Staff Conduct
Report any unprofessional or aggressive behavior from staff.
📱 Stay Updated
Check social media for real-time updates on congestion or issues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Sultan Iskandar Building is a vital transit point, but travelers often face significant delays due to peak hours and occasional infrastructure issues like power outages. While e-gates are available, their functionality can be inconsistent for international visitors, leading to manual processing and longer waits. Some users have also reported instances of unprofessional staff conduct.
"BE CAREFUL WITH THIS VERY RUDE AND AGGRESSIVE OLD MAN EVERYONE ‼️‼️‼️ (Causeway Link Staff)
I wish to lodge a formal complaint regarding an incident that occurred on 13 August 2025, around 9:30 PM, at the Johor Bahru CIQ at Causeway Link bus section heading to Singapore.
My friend and I were queuing in the bus seating zone section. Nearby, there was also the standing zone section, where the door was open and passengers were crowding without queuing in an orderly manner. My friend jokingly closed the door in front of me, preventing me from queuing beside him — it was purely a lighthearted gesture, not a serious matter.
Suddenly, a Causeway Link staff member (malay guy) approached and shouted at my friend in an aggressive manner, making a gesture as if he was about to punch him. He then ordered my friend to leave the queue and told him he was not allowed to board the bus. His behaviour was unprofessional and unnecessarily hostile.
Seeing this, I followed my friend to ensure he was safe. At that point, the staff member touched and pushed me roughly without any valid reason. I became upset and asked him loudly “Why did you touch and push me?” Immediately after, an older male staff member (photo that I attached) approached me, shouting aggressively and repeatedly ordering me to leave. He even threatened to take me to the police, despite the fact that I had done nothing wrong.
Both staff members were extremely rude, aggressive, and unprofessional in their conduct. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable for public transport service staff. I request that Causeway Link take immediate and appropriate action against these individuals to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
I have attached a photo of one of the staff members involved for your reference and another one man photo is not here.
Thank you!"
Nurul Aida
"Smooth passage across on Thursday night and returning on Sunday night by long distance bus.
There are a number of e-gates where you can enter/leave Malaysia without having to queue at a manual counter if your passport is eligible.
The checkpoint has retro 1990s feels - its like the old Malaysian immigration and customs checkpoint at the Causeway before Dec 2008."
Tk Sim
"Sultan Abu Bakar Immigration is the Malaysia side of Immigration and Custom check point at the border between Malaysia and Singapore 2nd link. Most of the interstates express buses use this 2nd link for bus services between Singapore and cities at the Peninsular Malaysia. It will be very crowded on weekends and holidays. Public toilets are available for transit passengers. Vending machines and small food outlets are available for transit passengers. If you are travelling on express buses, you may have to remember your bus plate numbers to prevent boarding the wrong bus after immigration and customs checks."
Edwin Petrus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from various points in Singapore directly to the Sultan Iskandar Building in Johor Bahru. Many express bus services operate between Singapore and Johor Bahru, utilizing the Causeway or the Second Link. Be prepared for potential queues at immigration.
From the Sultan Iskandar Building, you can find numerous Causeway Link buses that connect to various locations within Johor Bahru, including shopping centers and city areas.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.While primarily a transit hub, there are parking facilities available for those arriving by private vehicle. However, it's advisable to check current availability and rates as it can be busy.
Yes, taxis can cross the border. However, it's often more cost-effective and efficient to use the dedicated bus services or ride-sharing apps that are familiar with the border crossing procedures.
Traveling during off-peak hours, such as early mornings on weekdays or late at night, is recommended to avoid the worst traffic congestion.
Social media can provide real-time updates on current conditions.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many nationalities can enter Malaysia for short stays without a visa. It's best to check the latest immigration regulations for your specific country of origin before traveling.
There are no direct entry fees to access the Sultan Iskandar Building itself. However, you will be subject to standard immigration procedures. If you are traveling by bus, the ticket price will cover your passage.
The Sultan Iskandar Building operates 24/7 as it is a major border crossing. However, specific services or counters might have varying operating hours, especially during public holidays.
Automated e-gates are available, but they may not be functional for all international passports.
Malaysian citizens can typically use them. Be prepared for manual passport stamping if the e-gates are not compatible with your passport.In the event of a power outage, electronic systems including e-gates will be down. Immigration officers will resort to manual stamping of passports, which can lead to significant delays and long queues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The building offers basic facilities for transit passengers, including public toilets and some small food outlets or vending machines.
It's a functional transit point rather than a destination with extensive amenities.Wait times can vary drastically. During peak hours or if there are issues like power outages, it can take several hours.
Off-peak times might see clearance within 30 minutes to an hour.As a primary immigration and customs complex, it focuses on transit. You might find very limited retail options, but it's not a shopping destination like a mall.
If you experience unprofessional or aggressive behavior from staff, it's recommended to note their details and lodge a formal complaint with the relevant transport operator or immigration authority.
Public Wi-Fi availability can be inconsistent. It's advisable to have your own mobile data plan or a portable Wi-Fi device for reliable internet access while transiting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Sultan Iskandar Building offers limited food options, primarily small outlets or vending machines for transit passengers.
For a wider variety of dining choices, it's better to explore options in Johor Bahru city center or Singapore.Generally, you can bring personal food and drinks through. However, be mindful of any specific customs regulations regarding quantities or types of items, especially if you are carrying large amounts.
Prices at transit points can sometimes be slightly higher than usual. Expect standard convenience food prices for snacks and beverages available at vending machines or small kiosks.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally discouraged or prohibited in sensitive areas like immigration counters and security checkpoints for security reasons. Always check for signage or ask officials if you are unsure.
While photography inside is restricted, you can capture exterior shots of the building. The surrounding areas might offer views of the causeway or the city skyline, but focus on capturing the transit experience rather than the building itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
✈️ Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Border Crossings: Tips from Travelers
When it comes to clearing immigration, the availability and functionality of e-gates are a common topic. While intended for faster processing, some users report that these automated lanes do not work for all international passports, leading to congestion as Malaysian passport holders often use them, while others queue for manual checks. This can be a point of contention and cause further delays. It's wise to be prepared for manual stamping regardless of your passport type.
Beyond the logistical challenges, some travelers have reported negative interactions with staff. One detailed account describes aggressive behavior from both bus company staff and potentially immigration personnel, including shouting and physical contact. While these seem to be isolated incidents, they highlight the importance of remaining calm and reporting any unprofessional conduct through the proper channels.
Bus Travel: Your Gateway to Malaysia and Singapore
The experience of boarding buses can vary. While some describe smooth passage, others have noted that the queuing system, particularly in the standing zones, can be chaotic. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings and follow the general flow of passengers. The building itself offers basic amenities like public toilets and small food kiosks, which are convenient for transit passengers. However, for a more substantial meal or shopping, it's best to plan for that before or after your border crossing.
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