Sultan Iskandar Building (CIQ) - Image 1
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Sultan Iskandar Building Johor Bahru

2.4
·451 reviews·Gelang Patah, Malaysia

Malaysia's bustling gateway to Singapore, a major immigration and customs hub for land travel.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, early mornings

Avoid weekend crowds

CrowdLow
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Sultan Iskandar Building (CIQ) - Image 1

Sultan Iskandar Building Johor Bahru

Best Time

Weekdays, early mornings

Avoid weekend crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Malaysia's bustling gateway to Singapore, a major immigration and customs hub for land travel.

2.4
(451 reviews)

"Expect long queues and potential delays, especially during peak hours and holidays."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Immigration & Customs Hub

Immigration & Customs Hub

Johor Bahru

The primary gateway for travelers between Malaysia and Singapore, bustling with activity.

E-Gate Facilities

E-Gate Facilities

Departure Hall

Automated lanes for quicker passage, though functionality can vary for international visitors .

Reddit
Bus Terminal Connectivity

Bus Terminal Connectivity

Bus Section

Connects to various express bus services for travel across Malaysia and to Singapore .

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Peak Hours

Expect significant queues, especially during weekends and holidays. Social media posts highlight power outages causing major delays.Instagram+2 Consider traveling during off-peak hours or weekdays to minimize wait times.

Passport & E-Gate Etiquette

While e-gates are available, they may not work for all international passports.Reddit Be prepared for manual stamping and potential congestion. Rude staff encounters have been reported.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, early mornings
Why
Avoid weekend crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late evenings
Why
Traffic often thins out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

THIS IS WHAT HAPPEN TO ME YESTERDAY NIGHT!!! THE BEHAVIOR OF IMMIGRATION OFFICER!!! HE HOLD MY PASSPORT MORE THAN 30 MIN WITHOUT ANY REASON!!!! #CapCut #sultanabubakarcomplex #jbtiktok #sgtiktok #arunahrani #arunah #custom #immigration #behaviour #takeaction #karnah #officer
@arunahrani
17.3K likes • 752.2K views

⏳ Brace for Delays

Power outages and peak times can cause hours of waiting.Instagram+2 Be patient and prepared.

🛂 E-Gate Check

E-gates may not work for all passports.Reddit Have your physical passport ready.

Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Johor Bahru city square shopping centre #malaysia #johor #johormall
sanlav_tra
557 likes • 10.9K views
A power outage occurred at the Johor Bahru checkpoint on early Wednesday morning, Dec. 6. This resulted in long queues and electronic gate (e-gate) facilities becoming unavailable at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar CIQ in Johor. Videos posted on social media showed the lights in the immigration building dim and people queuing in the dark, while others cite the power outage started as early as 12am. ...
planb.sg
295 likes • 15.9K views

🚌 Bus Travel Tips

Note your bus plate number to avoid boarding the wrong bus after checks.Reddit

⚠️ Staff Conduct

Report any unprofessional or aggressive behavior from staff.Reddit

A power outage plunged the Sultan Iskandar Building immigration checkpoint in Johor Bahru into darkness for at least 10 hours on Dec 5 and 6. The Customs Immigration and Quarantine Complex’s electronic gates were also affected. Power was reportedly restored progressively from around 9.20am this morning. Link in bio @straits_times #Johor #JohorBahru #Malaysia #Singapore #StraitsTimes
straits_times
4.2K likes • 268.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Brace for Delays

Power outages and peak times can cause hours of waiting.Instagram+2 Be patient and prepared.

🛂 E-Gate Check

E-gates may not work for all passports.Reddit Have your physical passport ready.

🚌 Bus Travel Tips

Note your bus plate number to avoid boarding the wrong bus after checks.Reddit

⚠️ Staff Conduct

Report any unprofessional or aggressive behavior from staff.Reddit

📱 Stay Updated

Check social media for real-time updates on congestion or issues.Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

2.4
(451 reviews)

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

Express bus connectivity
E-gate availability (when working)

What People Dislike

Long queues
Power outages
Inconsistent e-gate function

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.Reddit

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.InstagramReddit 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.Reddit Social media can provide real-time updates on current conditions.Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 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.Reddit 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.Instagram+2

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The building offers basic facilities for transit passengers, including public toilets and some small food outlets or vending machines.Reddit 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.Reddit 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.Instagram

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.Reddit

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.Reddit 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

Traveling with children through Sultan Iskandar Building requires extra patience. The potential for long queues and delays can be challenging for little ones. Pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and entertainment to keep them occupied during wait times.Reddit Consider traveling during off-peak hours to minimize exposure to the most crowded periods. If using buses, ensure you have enough space for strollers and any necessary baby supplies. Be prepared for the possibility of manual passport stamping, which can add to the overall transit time.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the express bus services connecting Singapore and Johor Bahru via Sultan Iskandar Building are often the most economical choice.Reddit These buses are significantly cheaper than flights or private transport. To save time and avoid potential issues, research bus companies and their schedules in advance. While the building itself has limited amenities, you can find more affordable food options in Johor Bahru city center or Singapore before or after your crossing.

✈️ Day-Trippers

If you're planning a day trip to Johor Bahru from Singapore, factor in ample travel time for the border crossing. The Sultan Iskandar Building can be a bottleneck, and delays can eat into your sightseeing time.Reddit Aim to cross early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid peak congestion. Be aware of potential issues like power outages Instagram+1 that can significantly impact your schedule. Having a flexible itinerary is key for a successful day trip.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Border Crossings: Tips from Travelers

The Sultan Iskandar Building is a critical nexus for travel between Malaysia and Singapore, and as such, it can be a source of both smooth journeys and significant frustration. Travelers frequently share experiences of long queues, particularly during weekends and public holidays.Reddit One recurring issue highlighted on social media is the potential for power outages, which can bring the entire operation to a standstill, leading to hours of delays and manual processing.Instagram+2 This underscores the importance of checking real-time updates before you travel.

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.Reddit 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.Reddit 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

For many, the Sultan Iskandar Building is synonymous with bus travel, serving as a major hub for express buses connecting Johor Bahru with Singapore and other Malaysian cities.Reddit These buses are a popular and often cost-effective way to traverse the border. A key piece of advice from seasoned travelers is to note down your bus plate number after clearing immigration. This is crucial to ensure you board the correct bus, especially when dealing with multiple services departing around the same time.

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.Reddit 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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