Don't drink in public areas in Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru, just across the causeway from Singapore is the go-to place for shopping and entertainment for Singaporeans living on the north side of the island, according to a survey.

With the currency to their advantage, and why not? For one Sing dollar you can now get RM3.11 last time I checked.

Singaporeans, making their Sing dollar stretch even more, now shop, eat and play in Johor Bahru, during weekends. I know. I have relatives who do just that.

A tip here... drinking alcoholic beverages in public is an offence in Johor Bahru. You can only drink alcoholic beverages in licensed or private premises.

Police will take action against those found to be intoxicated especially if they are driving a vehicle as they are a danger to themselves and other road users.

The police would be cooperating with the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) to ensure people do not drink alcoholic beverages in the open. Individuals caught drinking alcoholic beverages would be asked to leave the area.

Now you know.

Haze in Kuala Lumpur update - June 21 2013

Malaysia is once again going through a haze situation this time of the year when open-burning from land clearing activities in Sumatra, Indonesia, takes place.

The air quality today in Kuala Lumpur is worse than yesterday's Air Pollution Index reading. There is the pungent smell of smoke in the air today. I guess we can say that the Kuala Lumpur haze today is not getting any better and if it gets any worse, air quality will be hazardous to health.

Down south in Singapore, the air quality is even worse hitting a PSI high of 401 at noon today.

Last train out of Tanjung Pagar, Singapore

From The Star:

SINGAPORE: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd's (KTMB) historic train service which has been operating from the Tanjung Pagar station here for the last 79 years has ended with a royal send-off.

The train was driven for the last time out of the station by Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at 11pm last night, carrying more than 500 passengers on its coaches.

The handing over of the Tanjong Pagar station, built in 1932, follows an agreement made between Singapore and Malaysia last year which includes Singapore taking possession of KTM land here.

In return, Malaysia was offered 60% control of projects developed at prime land parcels around Marina Bay and Ophir Rochor.

More: Last train out gets royal send-off..The Star

Jetstar doubles flights from Singapore to Penang

Jetstar Asia recently doubled the frequency of its Singapore-Penang flights to twice a day, totalling 14 times weekly to this historic UNESCO World Heritage site.

The route was launched on July 1 and marked the 17th destination for the low-cost airline that serves four Malaysian cities – Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Penang.

This service will create real low-fare access for Singaporeans and the growing number of passengers travelling through Singapore on the Jetstar and Qantas (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Jetstar Group) network.

Flight direct from Singapore to Tawau & Miri

AirAsia announced that you can now fly direct from Singapore to two great destinations in East Malaysia - Tawau & Miri! Book now till 19 July.

Singapore Attractions at half-price for Malaysians

If you are a Malaysian and planning to visit Singapore, there is no better time than from May 29 to June 30 where you will be able to enjoy a 50% discount on entrance fees at 15 attractions in Singapore.

The 15 attractions include the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park, Science Centre, Singapore Flyer, Sentosa Imbiah, HiPPO River Cruise and Captain Explorer DUKw Tour as well as the three new entries, The Mint Museum of Toys, GoGreen Segway Eco Adventure and Desperados at Sentosa.

For more details, read the story below from The Star:

Good reason to visit Singapore Half price entrance fees for Malaysians at 15 attractions

SINGAPORE’s well-known cele-brity contractor Phua Chu Kang was in town recently to urge Malaysians to visit his country in conjunction with the Half Price Singapore Surprise campaign (HPSS).

Singapore Tourism Board (Malaysia) area director Gerald Lum, who introduced Phua to guests during the launch, said HPSS under Singapore Tourism Board’s 2009 Reasons to enjoy Singapore was specially designed for Malaysians travelling to the island.

“We want to give our Malaysian neighbours a unique and memorable time when visiting Singapore, hence this campaign is specially targeted at Malaysians,” said Lum.

Malaysian tourists will be enjoying half price entrance fees at 15 popular attractions like the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park, Science Centre, Singapore Flyer, Sentosa Imbiah, HiPPO River Cruise and Captain Explorer DUKw Tour as well as the three new entries, The Mint Museum of Toys, GoGreen Segway Eco Adventure and Desperados at Sentosa.

All they need to do is produce their passport and embarkation card at the ticket counters to enjoy the promotional rates from May 29 to June 30.

Malaysians can choose to pay the corresponding published rates in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) or get a 50% discount off published rates if they choose to pay in Singapore dollar.

However, no change will be given if the transaction is made in Ringgit Malaysia. The promotion is not applicable to Singapore permanent residents, Malaysians with Singapore work permits, employment and those with student passes.

Some popular shopping malls on the island will also be open till 11pm for late night shopping during its Great Singapore Sale which runs from May 29 to July 26.

Shopaholics can also look out for two new additions on Singapore’s premier shopping belt along Orchard Road which just underwent a multi-million dollar makeover.

The two malls are Orchard Central, dubbed as Singapore’s tallest shopping mall and the up market Ion Orchard which will be open to the public in May and July respectively.

“The HPSS campaign has been well accepted by Malaysians as it allows them to stretch their ringgit further for a value-for-money experience at popular tourist destinations in Singapore,
“It is also another good reason for Malaysians to spend quality time with their family,” said Lum at the launch in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

In line with promoting these value deals, Tiger Airways is offering 15,000 free air tickets to those tra-velling to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu or Kuching. The booking period is from May 7 to June 7 and travelling period is from May 29 to July 26.

Other upcoming events highlighted during the launch are the Singapore Arts Festival 2009 (May 15 - June 14), Singapore River Festival (June 19-27), Night Festival (July 10 and 11), HeritageFest Singapore (July 15-26), Singapore Food Festival (July 17-26) and Singfest (July 31-Aug 2).

For details on the HPSS campaign, visit www.visitsingapore.com.

Direct Flights to Langkawi from Singapore

There is good news for visitors to Langkawi as soon, there will be direct flights between the island of Langkawi to Singapore.

The Star reported that the Government has approved direct flights between Langkawi and Singapore which will take off soon. This move would boost tourism for Langkawi as well as boost the economy of the island.

AirAsia will assess the situation and decide on the number and frequency of flights between the two destinations. Stay tuned.


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Johor Baru Shuttle Train Service begins on Monday

This is good news for travellers and commuters going from Johor Baru to Singapore or vice-versa. The Star has the story:

JOHOR BARU: The Johor Baru-Singapore shuttle train service will start operations on Monday and provide travellers with an alternative way of transportation.

Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul G hani Othman said the service would ease congestion at the new Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex.

Introductory tickets are priced at RM3 each from the mall to Tanjung Pagar station in Singapore and S$3 return. There will be five trips daily between 5.30am and 8.08pm from Johor Baru and 5.35am and 10pm from Singapore.

Tickets are sold at Danga City Mall level 2. For enquiries, call 07 - 223 4727/07 - 223 3040.