Posted by: Jom Naik Bas! | 3 October 2008

Selamat Datang! Welcome!

Welcome aboard Jom Naik Bas! or Let’s Take The Bus!. A blog for all the reviews, the news and information on interstate express buses.

There are several reviews that will be featured on Jom Naik Bas!. These includes “Jom Naik!”, “BusBlogFeature”, “Jom Naik Bas To Malaysia!”, “Jom Makan Angin!” and “Kembara Jom Naik Bas!”. Two other newly introduced sections, “New Express Bus Services” and “In Pictures” will cover on the development of new express buses and services in Singapore and Malaysia. They can be found on permanent pages with links on top of this page. Another new series called “Jom Naik Bas! Special” will focus on the various express bus operators in Singapore and Malaysia.

The “Jom Naik!” series covers comprehensive reviews on express bus services, both in Malaysia and between Singapore and Malaysia.

Occasionally, some entries will focus on citybuses operated by SBS Transit and SMRT Buses in Singapore. These entries are grouped under the “Citybus Special” series.

“Jom Makan Angin!” is a new travel series in collaboration with my Malaysian enthusiast friend Nazmie Dalhar. His informative posts on his trips across the Peninsular Malaysia will be translated to English and reposted on “Jom Naik Bas!”.

The “Kembara Jom Naik Bas!” or “Jom Naik Bas Journeys!” series will not just be a review per se, but will also highlight some of the services that a bus company operates and some details on the operations. Bus hunting trips that I’ve done will also be a part of this series.

The “Jom Naik Bas! Special” is a new series that focuses on the various express bus operators in Singapore and Malaysia. These articles will highlight some details into the operations such as the buses they operate, areas of operation and contact details.

I will also provide some tips and guidance on choosing the preferred express bus service based on my personal experiences. The “Jom Naik Bas To Malaysia!” will be expanded with more tips in the future.

All photographs in this blog are copyrights of Jom Naik Bas! and the rightful owners. Prior permission must be sought before any photographs are used.

I hope you enjoy reading my reviews on what I love most. And please do leave your comments as well.

Thank you for reading!

Ishak

Join our official Facebook page today.

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Posted by: Jom Naik Bas! | 2 November 2014

Closure of Kotaraya II Terminal, Johor Bahru

Kotaraya II Terminal located in Johor Bahru City Centre has been closed permanently effective 1st November 2014. As a result, several cross-border bus services serving Singapore from the terminal are affected.

  • SBS Transit services 160 (Kotaraya II to Jurong East) and 170X (Kotaraya II to Kranji MRT Station)
    Both services will now operate as a loop service and will call at JB Sentral (bus stop 47701) along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, opposite City Square Mall/Komtar JBCC, before heading back to Singapore thereafter. All other operating details remains unchanged. Service 170 (Queen Street Terminal to Larkin Sentral) will operate as per normal. Please refer to the map below for the location of bus stop 47701.
  • SMRT Buses service 950
    Service 950 (Kotaraya II to Woodlands Regional Interchange) will now operate as a loop service and will call at JB Sentral (bus stop 47701) along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, opposite City Square Mall/Komtar JBCC, before heading back to Singapore thereafter. All other operating details remains unchanged. Please refer to the map below for the location of bus stop 47701.

JB Sentral 47701

Hentian Kotaraya II di Pusat Bandar Johor Bahru telah ditutup pada 1hb November 2014. Berikutan itu, beberapa perkhidmatan bas rentas sempadan ke Singapura telah terjejas.

  • SBS Transit perkhidmatan bas nombor 160 dan 170X
    Perkhidmatan bas nombor 160 (Kotaraya II ke Jurong East) dan 170X (Kotaraya II ke Stesen MRT Kranji) akan diubah menjadi perkhidmatan lingkaran dan akan berhenti di perhentian bas di JB Sentral, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (kod 47701) berhadapan dengan City Square Mall/Komtar JBCC, sebelum berpatah balik ke Singapura. Perkhidmatan bas nombor 170 (Queen Street ke Larkin Sentral) tidak terjejas dengan perubahan ini.
  • SMRT Buses perkhidmatan bas nombor 950
    Perkhidmatan bas nombor 950 (Kotaraya II ke Woodlands Regional Interchange) akan diubah menjadi perkhidmatan lingkaran dan akan berhenti di perhentian bas di JB Sentral, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (kod 47701) berhadapan dengan City Square Mall/Komtar JBCC, sebelum berpatah balik ke Singapura.
  • Transtar Cross Border perkhidmatan bas nombor TS1 dan TS8
    Kededua perkhidmatan bas nombor TS1 (Kotaraya II ke Lapangan Terbang Changi) dan TS8 (Kotaraya II ke Resorts World Sentosa) kini beroperasi dari Pusat CIQ Johor Bahru.
  • Advance Coach perkhidmatan bas nombor AC7
    Perkhidmatan bas nombor AC7 (Kotaraya II ke Yishun) kini juga beroperasi dari Pusat CIQ Johor Bahru.

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Posted by: Jom Naik Bas! | 22 May 2014

New offices in Singapore for KKKL, First Coach and Star Qistna

KKKL Express

KKKL Travel & Tours Pte Ltd has since opened a new ticketing office and departure point at Katong V Hotel (formerly known as Paramount Hotel) at the eastern side of Singapore. This is part of KKKL’s effort to reach out to customers at the East which have limited access to express bus services to Malaysia. Currently, the Katong V office serves destinations such as Kuala Lumpur and Melaka. The office is located at Level 2, adjacent to the escalator. Tickets can also be purchased online via http://www.kkkl.com.sg/and http://www.busonlineticket.com/.

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KKKL_KatongV

KKKL Travel & Tours Pte Ltd
30 East Coast Road #02-13
Katong V
Singapore 428751
Tel: 65-63486909 / 65-62948909
Email: kkkl_travel@yahoo.com

First Coach

With the closure of the Global Holidays Pte Ltd branch at The Plaza, Beach Road, a new office and departure point was set up at The Star Vista near Buona Vista MRT Station. However, this office will only serve coach services to Subang Jaya at the moment. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.firstcoach.com.my/.

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Global Holidays Pte Ltd
1 Vista Exchange Green #01-K6
The Star Vista Mall
Singapore 138617
Tel: 65-66942211

Star Qistna

After months of speculations, StarQistna Express has finally launched its own services to Singapore. The ticketing counter is located at the Little India Arcade, which is just across the road from Tekka Centre. Passengers can expect direct express coach services to Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Taiping, Penang and Butterworth. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.qistna.com/, http://www.busonlineticket.com/ and http://www.easibook.com/.

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StarQistna Pte Ltd
48 Serangoon Road
Little India Arcade
Singapore 217959
Tel: 65-63920787

 

 

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Posted by: Jom Naik Bas! | 8 May 2014

Transmart Pte Ltd introduces new coaches from Nice

Nationwide Inter-City Executive Express

After the successful launch of Nice Imperial into Singapore, Transmart Pte Ltd have now brought in the latest Nice coach for services to Singapore. Transmart announced on its Facebook page on May 7th 2014, that the new coaches will now serve the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur service alongside the existing Nice++ coaches.

The new Nice coaches with Sksbus bodywork, are assembled on a new chassis type in Malaysia, the Silverbus SL900. Each of these 30-seater coaches are equipped with personal entertainment systems by BlueICE and WIFI by Yes 4G. An electrical socket is also fitted at every other seat, allowing passengers to charge their mobile devices on-the-go. Although the coaches are fitted with personal entertainment systems, they are classified as ‘economy-class’ coaches. Jom Naik Bas! was understood that Nice Coaches are set to launch a new executive-class coach service soon, completing its rebranding campaign that began with the launch of the Nice Imperial double-deckers.

Jom Naik Bas! was given the opportunity to test-ride the new coach recently, and we are quite impressed with the comfort-level. We expect that these coaches will be a hit with passengers of Nice Coaches. Currently, all Singapore-Kuala Lumpur and vice-versa are being served by Nice Imperial and Nice++ coaches only. The departure timings are as follows:

Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (Nice++ service)

  • 10.30am (daily)
  • 1.00pm (daily)
  • 2.00pm (daily)
  • 7.00pm (daily except Friday)
  • 9.00pm (Friday only)

Kuala Lumpur to Singapore (Nice++ service)

  • 7.30am
  • 12.40pm
  • 5.00pm
  • 12.30am

Ticket prices starts at SGD45.30 for adults, and SGD34.30 for children (above the age of 3) and senior citizens. From Kuala Lumpur, prices starts at RM88 and RM66 respectively. Click to know more about Nice Imperial.

For more information on the new Nice Coaches departure times from Singapore, please call:

Transmart Pte Ltd
7500A The Plaza @ Beach Road
#B1-307/308/309 (facing Nicoll Highway)
Singapore 199591
Tel: 6238 9825
Or LIKE their Facebook page.

Jom Naik Bas! would like to convey our greatest appreciation to Transmart Pte Ltd who have allowed us to feature the new Nice coach.

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Posted by: Jom Naik Bas! | 6 April 2014

RapidKL Monorail to close for signal upgrading

The RapidKL Monorail system will be closed on April 12th and 13th for the upgrading of the signalling system. The upgrade is part of a system-wide enhancement which will also see the addition of new four-car trainsets to the existing fleet.

During the system closure, RapidKL will be providing 3 shuttle services so as to reduce inconveniences to commuters. The 3 shuttle services are:

Route 1 – KL Sentral station to Bukit Bintang station and back
Route 2 – Bukit Bintang station to Titiwangsa station and back
Route 3 – KL Sentral station to Titiwangsa station express service via Lebuhraya Mahameru/Mahameru Highway

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For more information, please click on the following links:

KLMonorail

http://www.myrapid.com.my/monorail-station-closure-12-13-april-2014

http://www.myrapid.com.my/news-events/media-releases/2014/media-statement-encik-abdul-hadi-amran-chief-operating-officer-rapid

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Posted by: Jom Naik Bas! | 26 February 2014

The One Travel & Tours

A new express bus ticketing agent have emerged to fill in the gap left behind after the closure of Five Stars Tours Singapore. Called The One Travel & Tours Pte Ltd, it operates from two premises formerly operated by Five Stars Tours in Boon Lay and Golden Mile Complex. The One Travel & Tours have taken over most of the services previously represented by Five Stars Tours, and is collaborating with Five Stars Express Malaysia in providing express bus services to Kuala Lumpur, Genting, Melaka, Ipoh, Klang and many others. Online ticketing is also available via Easibook.

The One Travel & Tours office at #01-27 Golden Mile Complex.

For a list of the routes currently in service, click here.

More information and ticketing, please call Tel: +65 6240 6888.

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Posted by: Jom Naik Bas! | 13 January 2014

BYD Auto K9 E-Bus in Melaka

BYD AutoPanorama Melaka

On Wednesday, 8th January 2014, Melaka became the first in Southeast Asia to trial a full-sized electric citybus. The K9 E-Bus by BYD Auto of China was brought in as part of Melaka’s efforts to improve its public transport system by going green.

The E-Bus will be put on trial for an initial period of 3 months, plying routes in the city centre. In conjunction with the launch of the E-Bus, the operator Panorama Melaka will offer free rides on the bus for all passengers. The trial period will test the bus’ capability and route feasibility. Any follow-up orders for the electric bus will depend on the outcome of Panorama Melaka’s feasibility studies on the bus. The K9 E-Bus price tag is a whopping RM1.35 million per unit.

The K9 E-Bus was brought into Malaysia with the co-operation between AMDAC Malaysia and BYD Auto. The joint venture aims to increase awareness on the use of electric vehicles for the mass market in Malaysia. Prior to Panorama Melaka’s trial, the K9 E-Bus participated in intensive tests and trials by Prasarana, parent company of Rapid KL. Looking at the interior specifications of the bus, we can’t help but think if this demonstrator was actually meant for SMRT Buses of Singapore.

Let’s look at some of the specifications of the K9 Electric Bus provided by BYD Auto:

  • Electric power consumption: less than 100kWh/60mins
  • Acceleration: 0–50 km/h in 20s
  • Top speed: 96 km/h
  • Normal charge: 6h for full charge
  • Fast charge: 3h for full charge
  • Or overnight charging: 60 kW Max.power to fully charge the bus within 5h
  • Range: 155 miles (249 km)
  • Length/Width/Height: 12,000mm/2,550mm/3,200mm
  • Standard seats: 25 seated + 1 wheelchair bay
  • Weight: 18,000 kg

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We had a good impression of the K9 E-Bus after riding it. The engine was smooth and because it’s electric-powered, there are no exhaust fumes and even the engine was silent. The Vogelsitze seats was also a relief, when compared to the seats currently in use on other buses. The airconditioning was quite powerful as the bus was virtually like a moving refrigerator. We certainly hope the trial goes well for Panorama Melaka.

This article was kindly contributed by Se Man.

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Posted by: Jom Naik Bas! | 5 December 2013

Nice Imperial arrives in Singapore

Nice Imperial logo

After months of waiting, the most luxurious coach service by Nice Coaches have finally been extended to Singapore. Introducing Nice Imperial,  Nice Coaches’ latest offering.

Nice Imperial is an all-double-decker coach service which is a notch higher than the Nice++. The Scania K420EB6x2 coaches built by Sksbus are fitted with 27 cocoon seats, equipped with Ogawa massaging system, BLUEICE personal entertainment system and complimentary 4G wifi during the journey*. There’s also an onboard host who will serve light refreshments for passengers.

For now, the Nice Imperial is only available for trips between Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore.

*4G Wifi service is provided by Yes 4G. Each passenger is given a 30Mb free-of-charge and subsequent usage can be bought at a nominal fee. 4G Wifi coverage only available along the North-South Highway.

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Photo courtesy Nice Coaches Facebook.

Photo courtesy Nice Coaches Facebook.

Between Kuala Lumpur and Penang:
Depart Kuala Lumpur (Old KTM Railway Station): 9.20 am and 3.10 pm
Depart Penang (Terminal Sungai Nibong): 9.20 am and 3.00 pm
One-way ticket: RM103 (adult) and RM78 (child)
Senior citizen (warga emas) tickets also available. Discount applies for Loyalty Card holders.

Between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore:
Depart Kuala Lumpur (Old KTM Railway Station): 9.00 am and 3.00 pm
Depart Singapore (The Plaza, Beach Road): 8.30 am and 3.00 pm
One-way ticket: RM141/SGD70.30 (adult) and RM106/SGD53.30 (child)
Senior citizen (warga emas) tickets also available. Discount applies for Loyalty Card holders.

Ticketing counters:

Kuala Lumpur
Old KTM Railway Station
Mezzanine Floor,
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin,
50050 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel:  +603 2260 1185

KL Sentral
KL City Air Terminal
Departure Hall, Counters 9 and 10,
Level 1, 50470 KL Sentral.
Tel: +603 2273 6473

Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS)
Level 3, Jalan Terminal Selatan,
57100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603 9051 2000

Penang
Terminal Bas Ekspres Sungai Nibong
Counters 9 and 10
Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 11700
Sungai Nibong, Pulau Pinang.
Tel: +604 6569102

The CEO Bayan Lepas
No 31 – G – 2 Lebuh Nipah,
The CEO, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang.
(Opposite Kayu Nasi Kandar restaurant, adjacent to Vistana Hotel)
Tel: +604 6463434

Singapore
The Plaza
Nice Executive Lounge
7500A The Plaza, Beach Road,
B1-307/308/309, Singapore.
(Adjacent to 7-11 store, behind Parkroyal Hotel and facing Nicoll Highway)
Tel: +65 6238 9825

Website and online ticketing: http://www.ticket4u.com.my/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NiceImperial

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Posted by: Jom Naik Bas! | 21 April 2013

Transnasional’s new Sksbus E6

Sksbus

transnasional

Just days freshly delivered from Sksbus manufacturing plant in Puchong, our good friend from Melaka had managed to capture the brand-new E6 coach of Transnasional.

E6? But why does it resemble so much like the E5?

The answer lies in Konsortium Transnasional Berhad’s fondness in having buses that are different from the regular model. In short, this E6 is essentially an E5-300I model, but KTB requested that their batch of E5s be known as E6. This E6 is powered by the Isuzu 6HK-TCS Euro-III engine. Transnasional opted to have a maximum of 41 seats and configured in the Club Class layout. At the moment, only 2 E6s have been delivered and are currently serving the Melaka-Seremban-Sungai Petani-Alor Setar-Kangar route departing both ends at 9.30am and 9.30pm daily, replacing the ex-Nice2 Scania high-decker and Nissan JA450S which were previously operated.

Thank you to Se Man for the awesome photos.

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Posted by: Jom Naik Bas! | 9 March 2013

Panorama Melaka Cultural & Tourism (PMCT) launches new buses

Panorama Melaka

After such a long wait, residents and tourists in Melaka can heave a sigh of relief. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was in Melaka on Saturday, 9th March 2013 for a one-day visit to the state. As part of his itinerary, he launched the first of 40 buses promised by the state government.

The 12-metre Zhong Tong LCK6125G low-entry buses are being leased from Scomi Coach Marketing, the appointed agent and distributor of Zhong Tong buses in Malaysia. A total of 40 units will be introduced in stages and will be operated on interstate routes to nearby towns such as Tangkak and Muar in Johor, Tampin in Negeri Sembilan as well as Alor Gajah and Jasin in Melaka itself.

The first 2 buses are expected to make its maiden revenue run in the coming days.

These brilliant photos are kindly submitted by Se Man.

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Posted by: Jom Naik Bas! | 1 December 2012

Prasarana expands with RapidKuantan

RapidKuantan_logo

Residents in Kuantan and its suburbs have many reasons to cheer this December. Commuters in the East Coast state of Pahang are set to see better improvements in public bus commuting in the state capital with the launch of RapidKuantan on 30th November 2012.

After only two months after it was first announced, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak launched the RapidKuantan at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur. The Prime Minister also announced that passengers of RapidKuantan will get to enjoy the services for free for a month until 31st December.

Under Phase 1, 30 buses with 60 drivers will operate on 3 routes:

Route 100 – Terminal Makmur to Kolej Komuniti Gambang
Route 200 – Indera Mahkota 1 to Teluk Cempedak via Terminal Makmur
Route 300 – Kompleks Mahkamah to POLISAS Semambu

Flat fares will be charged from 1st January 2013 and will be distance-based. For journeys below 20 kilometres, RM2 be charged whereas a further RM2 are payable for journeys more than 20 kilometres. Buses will be operated at a frequency of 15 minutes per bus during peak hours.

Under Phase 2, two more routes are planned for launch in mid-2013. The two planned routes will ply between Terminal Makmur, Beserah and Tanjung Lumpur. More cities in Malaysia will see the Rapid brand serving as the government has announced that Ipoh, Seremban, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu will be the next key areas for the Rapid brand expansion.

Website: http://www.rapidkuantan.com.my
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RapidKuantan
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/RapidKuantan
Official Press Release: http://www.myrapid.com.my/news-events/media-releases/2012/perdana-menteri-lancar-perkhidmatan-bas-rapidkuantan

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Photos are courtesy of our friend from Prasarana, Mr Nazmi Dalhar.

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