If you’ve just started driving and are planning your first road trip to Malaysia, you’ve probably heard of the Touch ’n Go card.

The Enhanced Touch ’n Go (TNG) card lets you check your balance and top up anytime, anywhere using your smartphone.

What Is the Enhanced Touch ’n Go Card?

The Enhanced Touch ’n Go card is an upgraded version of Malaysia’s popular electronic toll payment card. It looks just like the old one, but it has built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.

To differentiate between the different TNG cards, look for the NFC symbol on the card.

With NFC, you can now link the card to the Touch ’n Go eWallet app and top it up directly from your phone, useful for new drivers who may not be familiar with Malaysia’s toll system or reload points.

If you’re driving into Malaysia, note that you must have a TNG card to pay for entry into Malaysia, and tolls especially on major expressways like the North–South Highway.

How to Use the Enhanced Touch ’n Go Card

Using the card is easy – literally just tap it at highway tolls, carparks, or even some retail stores in Malaysia – we recommend using the fly-swatter with it to reach the toll machine.

Once successfully tapped, the system will deduct the toll fee automatically from your card balance.

Before driving, make sure your card has enough funds. You can utilize the Touch ’n Go eWallet app to manage your balance and make top up.

Where Can You Buy an Enhanced TNG Card?

As of now, the Enhanced TNG card isn’t officially sold in Singapore stores. But you can get one through:

• Online Marketplaces – Look for Enhanced TNG cards on Shopee, Lazada, or Carousell (make sure it says “Enhanced” or “NFC” in the description)
• TNG eWallet App
• Johor Petrol Stations or Kiosks – Some border stations and 7-Eleven outlets near JB checkpoints sell Enhanced cards

Expect to pay RM10 for one card, depending on the seller. Our recommended place to buy is any supermarket in Malaysia, e.g., Village Grocer at Mid Valley Southkey where these cards are readily available.

How to Top Up Your Enhanced TNG Card with Your Phone

Here’s how to top up your Enhanced TNG card from anywhere.

Step 1: Download the Touch ‘n Go App

Install the Touch ’n Go eWallet app from the App Store or Google Play.

Step 2: Link Your Card

1. Open the app and tap on “TNG Card.”
2. Tap “Add Card” and follow the instructions.
3. Place your Enhanced card at the back of your NFC-enabled phone.

Once linked, you’ll be able to see your card balance instantly on the app.

Step 3: Top Up with eWallet

1. Tap “Add Money” in the app.
2. Select your top up method
   • Last used credit card
   • DuitNow transfer – this is recommended for those with Malaysian bank accounts, where you can transfer directly to a Malaysia DuitNow account
   • Debit card – 1% service fee will be levied
   • Reload PIN
   • International options such as Panda Remit, Western Union, Wise, Flip Indonesia, and Singtel Dash
3. Confirm and hold your Enhanced card against your phone’s NFC reader.

That’s it! The balance will be transferred to your card immediately. Note also that the enhanced TNG card and Touch n’ Go eWallet balance are not linked, a common mistake.

Also, you can reload your Enhanced TNG card with a minimum of RM10 and a maximum of RM500 per transaction.

Final Thoughts

The Enhanced Touch ’n Go card removes the stress of physical top-ups, lets you check your balance anytime, and gives you more control over your travel experience.

It’s a familiar story: your cravings for cheap food, late-night massages, or just the thrill of exploring Malaysia hit—and there’s only one destination in mind: Johor Bahru (JB).

At just a stone throw away from Singapore, JB is an accessible getaway for your weekend trip or quick grocery run.

This guide covers everything you need to know about taking a bus from Singapore to JB.

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Why Take a Bus to JB?

Taking a bus to JB is one of the cheapest and most direct ways to cross the border.

Compared to driving, you skip the parking hassle and save on tolls and petrol. And unlike the train, you’re not restricted by limited ticket availability or rigid train schedules.

Buses to JB and back also run frequently—from early morning to late at night—so whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, there’s always an option.

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What to Expect When Taking a Bus to JB

For the first-timers among us who are taking the bus for the first time to JB, here’s what you can expect.

1. Immigration Process

No matter which bus you take, all passengers must alight twice—once at Singapore immigration and again at Malaysian immigration.

You will need to pass through both immigrations separately, and get your passport scanned or stamped before moving on in your journey.

You’ll disembark with your belongings, get your passport stamped, and reboard the bus after each checkpoint.

Pro Tip: Have your passport, arrival card (if needed), and bus ticket handy.

2. Crossing Times Vary

Weekday mornings and Friday evenings are notorious for long queues at both checkpoints.

Avoid peak times if possible—early mornings before 7 AM or midday on weekdays are typically smoother. Weekends and public holidays? Expect crowds.

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Types of Buses from Singapore to JB

There are two main categories of buses that run, and public buses tend to be the more popular and cheaper option.

A. Public Buses ($1.39–$2.60)

These are the most budget-friendly option. Operated by Singapore’s major bus services, they’re no-frills but reliable.

Causeway Link CW1, CW2, CW5, CWL

• These yellow buses connect key MRT stations like Kranji, Queen Street, and Newton to JB. They’re popular among regular commuters.

• Payment methods for these buses include cash, Visa credit cards, and the Manjalink card

SMRT Bus 950

• Departs from Woodlands Bus Interchange
• Popular option for those coming from Woodlands MRT

SBS Transit Bus 160 & 170X

• Cover routes from Jurong East and Kranji respectively
• These buses act as alternative buses to Bus 950 above, where passengers from Jurong East and Kranji can get a direct route to the checkpoint

B. Cross-Border Express Buses ($4–$6)

These offer a more comfortable ride and generally fewer stops. Great for travelers looking for convenience without breaking the bank.

• Transtar Cross Border TS1 & TS8
  Operate from areas like Changi Airport and Resorts World Sentosa. Buses have air-conditioning and luggage storage
• SGMYT Express Shuttle
  These shuttle services often bundle transport with tourist experiences, e.g. Legoland trips or outlet shopping

Here’s a table summary of the bus options:

Bus Operator	Route No.	From (SG)	To (MY)	Frequency	First Bus	Last Bus	Fare (SG → JB)	Fare (JB → SG)
Causeway Link	CW1	Kranji MRT	JB Sentral	Every 15–30 min	6:30am	11:30pm	S$2.60	RM2.60
Causeway Link	CW2	Queen Street (Bugis)	JB Sentral	24 hrs (45 min at night)	24 hrs	24 hrs	S$4.80	RM4.80
Causeway Link	CW5	Newton (Opp Food Centre)	JB Sentral	Every 45 min	6:45am	11:45pm	S$4.60	RM4.60
SJE	–	Queen Street	Larkin Terminal	~20 min	~6:30am	~11:00pm	S$3.30	RM3.40
SBS Transit	170X	Kranji MRT	Larkin Terminal (via JB CIQ)	8–12 min	5:20am	12:10am	S$2.10 (cash)	RM2.60
SMRT	950	Woodlands Interchange	JB CIQ	7–13 min	5:30am	12:15am	S$1.90 (cash)	RM2.40

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Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Avoid Peak Hours: Weekday evenings and weekends can get congested. Aim for early mornings or mid-afternoons.
• Bring Snacks & Water: You could be waiting at customs longer than expected.
• Have Exact Fare or Card: Not all buses give change, and not all accept cards—have both.
• Charge Your Phone: There are usually no charging ports on public buses.
• Dress Lightly: You might be standing in queues outdoors for a while.

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Returning from JB to Singapore

Returning is just as easy — buses back to Singapore depart from JB Sentral. Look for designated boarding bays based on your bus operator.

After immigration, be sure to look out for the respective queues for 170, 950 and CW buses.

For CW and 950, keep right after immigration, while those taking 170 should keep left and follow the left escalator down to the 170 queue.

All of these buses will go to Woodlands checkpoint, but it may be worth taking CW buses if you are planning to continue your journey later on CW buses.