MY – Singapore to Mersing

12.02.2025 – Singapore to Sisaket day 1

Motorbike Adventure: Riding from Singapore to Mersing

Every journey has its surprises, and today’s ride from Singapore to Mersing was no exception. What started as a smooth, relaxed morning quickly turned into an unexpected hassle at the border. But in the end, the thrill of the open road, coastal views, and the promise of adventure made it all worthwhile.

A Late but Leisurely Start

We took our time in the morning, enjoying a relaxed breakfast before finally setting off at 10:15 AM. It was a later start than planned, but considering we wanted to avoid toll roads, the timing worked well.

The ride through Singapore’s urban landscape was uneventful. While the city’s skyline is iconic, once you leave the central areas, the scenery becomes rather dull—industrial zones, highways, and a dense web of urban sprawl. Looking back, we were glad we didn’t attempt a night ride. Navigating through this uninspiring stretch in the dark wouldn’t have been fun.

A Border Crossing with a Surprise Fine

Everything at the Singapore-Malaysia border seemed to be going smoothly—until we mentioned the Autopass Card.

For those unfamiliar, the Autopass Card is a payment system used for foreign vehicles entering Singapore. It tracks entry dates and road usage fees. Apparently, ours hadn’t registered properly upon entry, and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) officers were baffled. How could we have entered without an active Autopass Card? Good question—we didn’t know either, but we were about to find out how Singapore handles such situations.

After 45 minutes and multiple phone calls, they determined that because they couldn’t verify our entry date, we had to pay extra. Instead of the standard 12 SGD for a four-day stay, we were charged 22 SGD—an additional 10 SGD fine. After some discussion, they reduced the fine to 8 SGD, and we settled the bill at 20 SGD.

While we understand the need for proper records, it wasn’t exactly a welcoming farewell. If the system didn’t register our entry correctly, was that really our fault? Other countries, like Sweden, use a simple number plate recognition system to bill vehicle owners later. Maybe Singapore should take note.

Entering Malaysia: A Breeze

On the Malaysian side, the experience was a complete contrast. A quick passport stamp, a friendly chat with the immigration officer, and we were good to go—all within five minutes. No unnecessary hassle, no fines, just efficient and welcoming border control.

Beating the Heat: Taking the Highway

With the Malaysian heat in full force, we had to decide between smaller coastal roads or the highway through Johor Bahru. Despite the risk of traffic jams, we opted for the highway, prioritizing speed and shade over scenic detours.

Traffic was heavy as expected, but everything flowed smoothly in the end. The moment we got onto Route 92 towards Desaru, the ride transformed. Traffic became lighter, and the open road stretched ahead, giving us a taste of the freedom we had been craving.

Desaru: A Glimpse of Malaysia’s Coastline

Desaru, a coastal city on Malaysia’s east coast, was our first real taste of the Malaysian seaside. Here, we stumbled upon our first stunning beach in Malaysia—a welcome change from the congested roads earlier in the day.

It wasn’t quite Thailand-level paradise, but it was close. The golden sand, clear blue waters, and relaxed atmosphere made it a perfect pit stop. If we weren’t on a schedule, we could have easily spent a few hours here soaking in the view.

The Road to Mersing: Palm Oil Farms and Mountain Detours

From Desaru, we continued north along the coastline, but the excitement quickly faded. Endless palm oil farms lined the road, making the ride monotonous. While the roads were in excellent condition, the lack of variety in scenery made this stretch somewhat boring.

To break up the monotony, we took a detour into the mountains. This turned out to be a great decision. The change in elevation, winding roads, and lush green landscapes were exactly what we needed to make the ride more enjoyable.

Sometimes, the best moments on a trip come from spontaneous decisions like these.

Arriving in Mersing: Gateway to Tioman Island

After 320 kilometers, we finally rolled into Mersing. Known as the gateway to Pulau Tioman, this coastal town is where most travelers catch a ferry to the famous island paradise.

Because of it´s popularity, Mersing has plenty of accommodation options, ranging from budget homestays to comfortable hotels. We found a clean guesthouse with great internet, the perfect place to unwind after a long day on the road.

Final Thoughts: A Day of Highs and Lows

Despite the border hassle in Singapore, today’s ride was a success. We covered a good distance, experienced different landscapes, and ended the day in a place full of promise for new adventures.

The journey reminded us that motorbike travel is about embracing the unexpected. From fines to breathtaking coastal views, every moment adds to the story. As we settle in for the night, one thing is certain—the road ahead holds even more adventures.

Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!!

#dustysocks