Shuttle Tebrau 73dn Train from JB Sentral to Woodlands CIQ
Starting my annual trip on the former KTM Singapore Sector with a train ride, I chose to board Shuttle Tebrau 73dn at the end of the morning peak period to get from JB Sentral to Woodlands CIQ. This would also allow me proper meal times at breakfast and lunch during the trip down to Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.
Johor Bahru Sentral Railway Station (JB Sentral)
As there wasn’t much to do in JB before 8am, I arrived back at JB Sentral in good time even before the boarding gates opened.
Boarding Gates
With the crowd boarding immediately 30 minutes before departure, I decided to wait a while before boarding near the closing time.
A countdown is displayed to gate closing time. Shuttle Tebrau boarding gates close automatically on the dot 10 minutes before departure at JB Sentral.
Short-term visitors and non-fully vaccinated travellers are reminded to fill up the SG Arrival Card with electronic Health Declaration (“SG Arrival Card”) before departure to Singapore.
Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Singapore Long-Term Pass Holders with vaccination status reflected in TraceTogether and/or HealthHub apps or have successfully verified their digital overseas vaccination certificate on Vaccination Check Portal (VCP) do not need to fill up the SG Arrival Card for land arrivals in to Singapore via Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints.
With the crowd cleared for a few minutes, I headed to the boarding gates.
Scanning my passport at the Shuttle Tebrau boarding gate.
My name is no longer shown on the screen upon verification, which is better for privacy.
Heading down the escalator to Malaysia immigration.
Once done with Malaysia immigration and customs, it was the usual wait at the waiting room. Due to the slightly late arrival of the incoming Shuttle Tebrau 72up, there was a delay in boarding as well. The door to the platform was opened at 8.45am which was the departure time of the Shuttle Tebrau 73dn.
25 Class 25104 Pulau Indah on the southern end leads my Shuttle Tebrau 73dn from JB Sentral to Woodlands CIQ.
ASC (INKA)
My Shuttle Tebrau 73dn train was operated with a rake of 4 ASC (INKA) coaches. Been a long while since I last rode on them.
The interior of the ASC (INKA). Half of the seats are facing the direction of travel and the other half in reverse in a 2+2 configuration.
Luggage racks are available by the doors on board the ASC (INKA).
About half of the seats have a full window view, while the other half of the seats have a completely blocked view.
My Shuttle Tebrau 73dn departed from JB Sentral at 8.48am – 3 minutes late.
Heading on to the Johor-Singapore Causeway.
Crossing the international border from Malaysia to Singapore.
Heading on the Johor-Singapore Causeway in Singapore.
Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Woodlands CIQ)
Singapore immigration and customs are cleared at Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Woodlands CIQ). No photos or videos are allowed to be taken inside Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Woodlands CIQ).
Conclusion
Overall, it was an easy 5-minute ride across the Johor-Singapore Causeway with the Shuttle Tebrau 73dn, kickstarting my annual trip down along the former KTM Singapore Sector from Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Woodlands CIQ) to Tanjong Pagar Railway Station with a train ride – something not possible for the past 2 years.
From Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Woodlands CIQ), I visited Bukit Panjang Gate, Bridge 1861, Bridge 1871, Bukit Timah Railway Station, Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, and Royal Malaysian Customs Godown.
Click here to read about my journey on 1 July 2022, KTM Singapore Sector 11 Years On.