HazelDiary

If you’re a durian lover like me, you’ll know that durian season calls for a proper feast. What a better way to do it than with a day trip across Johor. Gather your foodie friends, prep your stomachs, and hit the road for a delicious 1-day itinerary from Kulai to Tangkak and back to Johor Bahru (JB).

Read more: [JB Travels] One Day Durian Road Trip to Johor: From Kulai to Tangkak Back to Singapore

We had a big group, so we rented a car for 12 hours at RM420, with an additional charge of RM35 per extra hour. In the end, we exceeded the time by 4 hours, but it was still a worthwhile trip. Totally worth it for the durian experience. Alternatively you can join Durian Day Trip Tour and quote “HAZELOFFKLOOK” for 5% discount with minimum spend of S$50.00.

First Stop: Kulai – Breakfast and Walk Around

Our journey began bright and early in Kulai, a charming town with a small Hakka village known as Kelapa Sawit. It’s a popular weekend escape spot for locals, and for good reason.

We started the day with a hearty yet wholesome Hakka breakfast at Volcano Coffee House Lei-Cha. Their extensive menu features a variety of Hakka specialties, and we basically ordered them all—Lei Cha, Abacus Seeds, Hakka Fried Pork, Yong Tau Foo, and Choy Ban. Overall, everything was pretty decent, though the Abacus Seeds were a bit underwhelming and could probably be skipped. The standout dish? Definitely the Hakka Fried Pork—it was a crowd favourite.
We kicked off the day with a healthy yet hearty Hakka breakfast at Volcano Coffee House Lei-Cha. Their menu is quite extensive and basically we ordered all Hakka speciality dishes. Lei Cha, Abacus Seed, Hakka fried pork, Yong Tau Fu and their Choy Ban. All are pretty decent except the Abacus Seed maybe can skip this. The Hakka fried pork was everyone’s favourite.                                                          

You can also try out Man Ting Fang, famous for their Lei Cha (Thunder Tea Rice). The bowl came packed with crunchy vegetables, tofu, peanuts, and a savoury green tea soup—perfect fuel before a durian feast. The flavours here are much stronger.

Don’t leave without trying their handmade Choy Ban (Hakka Dumplings). It is freshly made on the spot and there are priced at RM1.50 per piece. we loved it so much, we tapao-ed a few boxes back.

Kelapa Sawit Wall Art

Right after breakfast, we strolled around to snap some photos at the Kelapa Sawit Wall Art, an Instagram-worthy area filled with vibrant murals showcasing Hakka heritage and rural life.

Durian Feast at Tangkak – Two Stops for the King of Fruits

After fueling up in Kulai, we hit the road for a 1.5-hour drive to Tangkak—a town known for housing some of Johor’s best durian farms. Along the way, we started spotting durian sellers lining the streets of Johor.

Mt Ophir Durian Farm

Our first stop was a scenic one, located near nature with stunning views of Mount Ophir. We reached around 2PM, but unfortunately, there were only two varieties left: Milk Durian (Susu) and Durian Kampung, both priced at RM16/kg. The durians were smooth, creamy, and had a pleasant bittersweet note—it was love at first bite. Although the farm is highly recommended online, we were a little let down by the limited selection. We were hoping to try Mao Shan Wang, but it wasn’t available.

Ho Lee Seng

We couldn’t resist a second round and made a quick 10-minute drive to Ho Lee Seng. Here, we finally got our fix of the highly sought-after Mao Shan Wang (Musang King), and even discovered a cheesy, creamy variety that was unexpectedly addictive. Prices for Mao Shan Wang start from RM30, depending on the grade. Each durian had a beautiful golden-yellow flesh and was incredibly flavourful. It was so good that everyone ended up tapao-ing some home. The durians were vacuum-sealed, making them easy to bring back to Singapore.

If you’re up for more, Tangkak is also famous for its beef noodles and chendol. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time this round but it’s something to bookmark for next trip!

Dinner Back in JB – Halal-Friendly Seafood

After a satisfying durian adventure, we made our way back to Johor Bahru for dinner and ended the day at a Chinese Muslim restaurant. It is an ideal spot for groups with halal preferences. We initially planned to dine at Ong Shun Seafood, a popular Muslim-friendly zi char spot, but unfortunately, it was temporarily closed for a few days due to not meeting hygiene standards set by the authorities. A quick Google search led us to an alternative, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise with good food and reasonable prices.

Ghanim Seafood Restaurant

Located in JB, Ghanim Seafood Restaurant offers Chinese-style seafood dishes in a Muslim-friendly setting. The food was flavourful, portions generous, and prices reasonable. Recommend to give it a try if you are looking for halal seafood choices.

Alternatively, there are many other seafood restaurants in Johor Bahru to check out as well.

It was a great trip overall, even though we didn’t manage to squeeze in any shopping due to the long travel time between Singapore and Tangkak. That said, our main mission was durians—and we fulfilled that! The durians in Tangkak were not only fresh and delicious but also much more affordable compared to those in Johor Bahru. We even spotted some JB stalls selling durians at RM98/kg, whereas the ones we had in Tangkak were priced significantly lower, making the journey well worth it.

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For my recent trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,  I decided to switch things up and book a stay at Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre. Having previously enjoyed the Four Points by Sheraton in Chinatown, I was curious to experience what the City Centre location had to offer. Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre is ideal for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel’s central location makes it easy to explore nearby landmarks, including the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and the Petronas Twin Towers, all just a short drive or walk away. This strategic placement in the city’s bustling core makes it convenient for shopping, dining, and nightlife.

Read more: [HOTEL REVIEW]  A Night Stay at Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre

The hotel’s modern and welcoming ambiance creates a warm, home-like atmosphere, complemented by tasteful elements of Malaysian design. Check-in was smooth, but as I arrived early, and my room wasn’t ready. I chose to leave my luggage in their care and set out to explore the city until check-in time later in the afternoon.

The Room: Deluxe Guest Room with Twin Towers View

For this stay, I opted for the Deluxe Guest Room with a King Bed, offering a breathtaking view of the Twin Towers. The room was spacious and well-equipped, featuring high-speed Wi-Fi, a large flat-screen TV, and a comfortable king-size bed. My favorite part was the nighttime view of KLCC before settling into bed—it made for a cozy sleep.

The bathroom was modern and included a refreshing rain shower along with the hotel’s standard amenities. The room was also equipped with convenient three-point plug sockets and USB ports, making it easy for guests to charge their devices.

Hotel Amenities: Family-Friendly Fun and Relaxation

One of the highlights of Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre, is its extensive range of amenities, ideal for families and solo travelers alike. The hotel boasts one of the largest pools in Kuala Lumpur, complete with water slides, adding a playful touch to any stay. Families with children will appreciate the Paradise Trails adventure zone and the indoor Kids Club, designed to keep the little ones entertained for hours.

For adults, the 24-hour fitness centre and spa offer ample opportunity to recharge and unwind. I didn’t get the chance to try the fitness centre during my short stay, but it’s a great perk for those looking to keep up with their fitness routine while traveling.

Dining Options

The hotel offers a range of dining options from fine dining to buffet options. Their signature restaurant is known for bold Sichuan flavors and regional spices providing a truly memorable experience. For lighter bites or a quick coffee, the on-site café is ideal. Be sure to check their opening hours. Plus, there are plenty of additional food and beverage options in the surrounding area.

Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre, is also highly convenient, with a prime location near major attractions like the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and Petronas Twin Towers. Close to public transport, it’s an ideal choice for both tourists and business travellers. For those driving, the hotel offers on-site parking at RM10 per day. There is also valet service at RM70 daily and an electric car charging station, making it easy for guests to park and recharge.

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/kulfk-four-points-kuala-lumpur-city-centre/overview/

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*Updated on 09 December 2024*

Starting from October 1st, drivers of Singapore-registered private cars must obtain a VEP and RFID tag. If you are unable to install the RFID tag by the deadline, you can still enter Johor after October 1st by presenting the confirmation slip from your VEP application to Malaysian officers. However, it is essential to install the RFID tag on your car as soon as possible thereafter.

Read more: Guide on How to Deregister and Re-apply VEP Tag for Singapore Registered Car to enter Malaysia

If you’re planning to drive your Singapore registered car to Malaysia and need to apply for the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) tag but encounter issues such as a second-hand car or ownership transfer problems, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to resolve it:

Step 1: Email Application for Deregistration

Firstly, you need to initiate the process by sending an email to aduanvep@jpj.gov.my. In your email, clearly state that you are requesting to deregister your vehicle and VEP tag. Be sure to attach the following documents:

1. NRIC (National Registration Identity Card) – Clear copy of the owner’s NRIC.
2. LTA Document – Document from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirming vehicle details and ownership status.
3. Transfer of Ownership – If the car is not under your name, provide documentation showing the transfer of ownership.
4. Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) – Required if the car is registered under a company. Provide relevant documentation from ACRA.
5. Retain Vehicle Registration Document – If you retain the same car plate number after a transfer or ownership change, include this document.

Step 2: Submission and Approval

After submitting your email with the attached documents, wait for confirmation from JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia). They will review your application and documents. If everything is in order, you will receive an approval email from them.

Step 3: Re-apply on the VEP Portal

Once you have received approval for deregistration, proceed to re-apply for the VEP tag through the official VEP Portal. Ensure all required documents and information are prepared as per the portal’s guidelines.

Additional Tips:

• Accuracy and Completeness: Double-check all documents before submission to avoid delays or rejections.
• Timely Submission: Submit your application well in advance of your planned travel date to allow for processing time.
• Follow-up: If you do not receive a response within a reasonable timeframe, politely follow up with JPJ via email to inquire about the status of your application.

Here are the steps for the VEP registration :

Step 1: Register Online at the Official VEP Portal

The first step is to register online at the official Malaysia VEP portal on the Road Transport Department (JPJ) website: https://vep.jpj.gov.my.

Create an Account:
You must create an account to start your VEP application. This account allows you to check the status of your application and make updates. Use your NRIC (for Singaporeans) or passport number for foreigners. Remember, this account can’t be amended or deleted, so choose an email address that you will always have access to.

Enter Your Details:
Provide the personal details of the car’s registered owner and vehicle information. If you’re applying for multiple vehicles, they can all be registered under one account.

Tip: Avoid manually entering your car registration details by uploading a PDF of your vehicle registration, which can be downloaded from the OneMotoring website.

Important: If you sell your vehicle, remember to deactivate it on your VEP account. Otherwise, you may still be responsible for any penalties accrued by the new owner.

After successful registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

Step 2: Download and Set Up the Touch ‘n Go eWallet

While waiting for the confirmation email, download the Touch ‘n Go eWallet from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Why the Touch ‘n Go eWallet?
This eWallet is linked to your VEP-RFID tag, making it easy to pay for road charges and tolls in Malaysia. You can also use it to reload your Touch ‘n Go Card, which can be used for road tolls and the mandatory RM20 (approximately S$5.75) road charge for all foreign-registered vehicles.

Pro Tip: Be careful when selecting your ID type in the eWallet. For Singaporeans, choose NRIC as your ID type, and for foreigners, select Passport. If you choose the wrong ID type, your eWallet and VEP may be mismatched, leading to delays.

If a mistake is made, you’ll need to create a new eWallet account to correct it.

Step 3: Receive and Install Your VEP-RFID Tag

Once your registration is approved, proceed with payment and choose how you’d like to collect your VEP-RFID tag. Payment can be made on the official portal: https://vepams.jpj.gov.my.

Tag and Collection Fees:

• Tag Processing Fee: RM10 (approximately S$2.87)
• Collection Agent Service Fee: RM29.50 (approximately S$8.47)
• Courier Service Fee: This fee depends on the provider.

Installation Instructions:
Previously, you had to travel to Malaysia to get the tag fitted. Now, you can install the RFID tag yourself. It can be placed on the left side of your windscreen or headlamp. Detailed instructions will be provided with the tag.

Once the tag is fitted, log back into your VEP account to acknowledge the tag by clicking the Acknowledgement button next to your vehicle number. Don’t forget to input your RFID serial number for validation.

P/S: you can get this Arcylic RFID holder card instead of pasting directly to your car screen.

If you’ve booked an appointment to collect your VEP tag at the selected location, be sure to come prepared with a copy of your Passport, Appointment Slip, and Payment Receipt. Avoid unnecessary delays or extra charges—having these documents ready means you can head straight to the counter for collection and installation. Don’t sit and wait to be called, only to pay an additional RM10 for printing of same documents.

Driving into Malaysia from Singapore without a VEP after October 1st, 2024, may lead to:

• Denial of entry
• Fines of up to RM2,000 (approximately S$425)
• Up to 6 months imprisonment

Update as of June 2025: Malaysia will begin enforcement action on Singapore-registered vehicles entering the country without a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) from 1 July 2025.

You can check the status of your application at vepams.jpj.gov.my

To avoid these consequences, it’s advisable to apply for your VEP well ahead of time, particularly if you plan to travel frequently between Singapore and Malaysia.

Or just book a private charter car services from Singapore to Johor Bahru instead!

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