For decades, crossing the Johor-Singapore Causeway has been an endurance sport. Whether you are a daily commuter or a weekend traveler heading from Johor Bahru (JB) to Singapore, you have likely suffered through unpredictable traffic, grueling multi-hour queues, and the dreaded double-immigration clearing process. That era is finally coming to an end. With the highly anticipated launch of the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link , your cross-border commute is shrinking into a predictable, breeze-like journey. Here is everything you need to know about how to travel from JB to Singapore using the brand-new RTS Link , complete with step-by-step instructions and a realistic budget breakdown. What is the RTS Link? The RTS Link is a dedicated, 4-kilometer cross-border rail shuttle connecting Bukit Chagar Station in Johor Bahru (located right next to JB Sentral ) directly to Woodlands North MRT Station in Singapore. Forget about gett...
Dreaming of a quick international getaway? If you’re in Miri, Sarawak, you’re sitting at the gateway to one of the world’s most unique sultanates. Driving from Miri to Brunei is a classic Bornean road trip that takes you from the bustling oil town of Sarawak into the serene, gold-domed landscapes of Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB).
While the distance is short, crossing an international border involves a few digital hurdles. Here is your updated 2026 guide to making the journey seamless, safe, and stress-free.
Trip Overview: Fast Facts
Distance: Approximately 158 km (Miri city center to BSB).
Driving Time: 2 to 3 hours (highly dependent on border queues).
Border Crossing: Sungai Tujoh (Miri side) / Kuala Belait (Brunei side).
Border Hours: Usually 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (check for extended hours during festive seasons like Hari Raya or Lunar New Year).
Step 1: Digital Prep (Do This Before You Leave!)
Gone are the days of just handing over a passport and cash. In 2026, the border is almost entirely digital. To avoid being turned around, complete these three things:
VES (Vehicle Entry System) Permit: If you are driving a Malaysian-registered car, you must apply for a VES Pass online via the Brunei Royal Customs and Excise Department portal. You will receive a QR code—save it on your phone or print it.
EES (Exit and Entry System) / CaP: Brunei requires all travelers (except pedestrians) to pay a service charge called Caj Perkhidmatan (CaP). It currently costs BND 3.00 per person for a one-way trip. This must be paid online via the
EES Portal MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card): For non-Malaysian citizens returning to Miri later, ensure your MDAC is filled out within 3 days of your return entry into Malaysia.
Step 2: The Border Crossing Process
The Sungai Tujoh Checkpoint is just 30 minutes from Miri. The process follows a "Drive-Through" format:
Malaysian Side: Stop at the booth, hand over passports for stamping, and you're officially "out" of Malaysia.
No Man’s Land: You’ll drive a short stretch across the bridge.
Brunei Immigration: Hand over your passports.
Brunei Customs: This is where you scan your VES QR code and your EES (CaP) payment receipt.
Pro Tip: Avoid crossing on Friday mornings (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM) as everything in Brunei closes for Friday prayers, and border traffic can spike as people head out for the weekend.
Step 3: Driving in Brunei
Once you've cleared the border, the road to the capital is well-paved and scenic. However, Bruneian traffic laws are strictly enforced:
Speed Limits: Usually 100 km/h on highways. Speed cameras are common.
Fuel Rules: If you are driving a Malaysian car, you cannot buy subsidized fuel (the cheap yellow-labeled petrol). Look for the designated pumps for foreigners, which are priced at commercial rates (still reasonable, but higher than local rates).
No Smoking/Alcohol: Brunei has very strict laws regarding the importation of tobacco and alcohol. Always declare these if you have them, though it is simpler to avoid bringing them altogether.
Must-Visit Stops on the Way to BSB
Don't just rush to the city! There are gems along the Belait highway:
The Billionth Barrel Monument (Seria): A tribute to Brunei’s oil wealth, located right by the sea.
The Empire Brunei: Even if you aren't staying there, stop by this 7-star hotel for a coffee. The architecture is breathtaking.
Essential Checklist for 2026
| Document/Item | Status |
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months |
| Driving License | Valid Malaysian or International license |
| VES QR Code | Saved on phone |
| EES Payment Receipt | Printed or digital |
| Car Insurance | Ensure it covers "Endorsement 101" (Inter-Territorial Extension) |
Final Thoughts
Driving from Miri to Brunei is one of the easiest international road trips in Southeast Asia. As long as you have your digital permits ready, you'll be enjoying an Ambuyat lunch in Bandar Seri Begawan before you know it.
Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Sightseeing Checklist for 2026:
🕌 The Big Two: Iconic Mosques
Brunei is famous for its architecture. Note that these are closed to non-Muslims during prayer times and all day on Thursdays and Fridays.
[ ] Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: The "floating" mosque in the heart of the city. It features a replica of a 16th-century royal barge in the lagoon. Beautiful at sunset.
[ ] Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque: The largest mosque in Brunei, featuring 29 golden domes. It’s located in the Kiarong district and is breathtaking when lit up at night.
🚤 Cultural Experiences
[ ] Kampong Ayer (The Water Village): Known as the "Venice of the East." Park your car at the BSB waterfront and take a water taxi (usually BND 1.00) across.
Tip: Visit the Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery to see the history of this 1,300-year-old settlement.
[ ] Proboscis Monkey River Safari: From the waterfront, you can hire a boatman to take you into the mangroves (about 45–60 mins) to spot the rare long-nosed monkeys.
🏛️ Museums & Royalty
[ ] Royal Regalia Museum: This houses the Sultan’s coronation carriage, gold and silver armor, and lavish gifts from world leaders.
Note: You’ll need to leave your shoes in a locker and entry for foreigners is approximately BND 5.00.
[ ] Istana Nurul Iman: The world’s largest residential palace. You can't go inside (except during Hari Raya), but you can drive to the main gates for a photo op of the gold-tipped roof.
🍜 Food & Leisure
[ ] Gadong Night Market (Pasar Malam Gadong): The best place for cheap, authentic eats. Try the Sate, Nasi Katok (only BND 1.00!), and grilled fish. Open daily from 4:00 PM.
[ ] Tasek Lama Recreational Park: If you need a nature break, this park has easy jungle trails, a waterfall, and an observation tower just minutes from the city center.
[ ] The Empire Brunei: Located about 20 minutes from the city in Jerudong. Even if you aren't a guest, go for a walk through the lobby—the scale of the marble and gold is unlike anything else in the region.
💡 Quick Travel Tips for BSB
Parking: In the city center, look for "Pay & Display" spots or use the multi-storey car parks near the waterfront.
Currency: The Brunei Dollar (BND) is pegged 1:1 with the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Both are accepted everywhere in Brunei.
Navigation: Use Google Maps or Waze; they are very accurate within BSB.
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