SGD 1 = RM 3.17, what better time to get a bang for your buck?
For the uninformed, our Singapore dollar hit a milestone high against ringgit on March 2. One Singapore dollar can get you approximately RM3.17, which means that if you’re someone who can’t hard to control your spending, this is silver lining. With the rise of more convenient options to travel across the causeway, it’s probably time you explore the myriad of options you can do with the extra cash.
EAT: BOAT NOODLES
Boat Noodle @ Komtar JBCC
We are definitely no stranger to boat noodles. Those porcelain bowls containing 2-3 mouthfuls of slippery rice noodles? Our sunny island has no shortage of places for you to get your fix but what for if you can have a bowl for just a few cents.
Places such as Golden Mile Complex or even neighbourhood hangouts such as the newly opened Tampines Hub has eateries specializing in this tiny bowl of goodness but with prices ranging from $2-$5, it isn’t really the best bang for your buck.
“The Original” Boat Noodle at Komtar will set you back only SGD 0.60 (RM 1.90) with your choice of broth. Choose from Ayutthaya (Herb-based) and Pathumthani (Sweet and Sour), but with the price you’re getting, I say just order a few and see which you prefer.
The menu also has sides such their famous skinny Chicken Wings to accompany your meal and even mains such as Basil Chicken Rice and Green Curry.
If you think that travelling across the causeway for just cheap food is not your idea of a good deal, then reconsider when I tell you that it is a walkable distance from the JB Immigrations.
Once through the Malaysian Customs, use the bridge to get to City Square, which is also connected to Komtar JBCC by bridge.
EXPLORE: CONTAINER CAFES
Kilang Bateri
This place is reminiscent of the container concepts that we are all familiar with. It’s basically a converted old container warehouse full of local shops, eateries and bars. Imagine the shops to sell a eclectic mix of locally sourced products from streetwear to books and electronics. The bars there are all quite cool, in the old fairy light, live music style. Very grungy, and it’s the kind of you say has ‘character’, I suppose.
We recommend checking out London’s Fish and Chips which is just right by the entrance. SGD 3.50 (RM11) gets you a generous basket of battered Dory and curly fries. If that’s not your cup of tea then maybe head for Kapten Charcoal BBQ. They are reasonably priced to the locals there but to us Singaporeans, it literally is a steal at SGD10 (RM 30++) for a weekend lunch. They also offer a discounts for Kids and Senior Citizens dining.
That’s the price you pay for both hotpot and BBQ buffet with free-flow drinks and desserts. We’re not even mad at them for the extra charcoal and soup charges at SGD2 (RM5).
It’s one of those places where you need to explore every nook and cranny to find gems. Locals may class the place as overpriced but with the ringgit in our favour, there’s nothing holding us back.
The easiest way to access Kilang Bateri is undoubtedly by Grab but if you’re stuck with no data like most of us are when in JB, then your next best bet is to hail their local cabs (just ensure you’re being charged by the metre).
GET: A HAIR MAKEOVER
Get A Hair Makeover And Pocket The Savings
It’s no secret that going for a new hair look in Singapore can easily set you back hundreds. If you’re one to go for different looks every now and then, your wallet will probably thank you for switching to this route. KSL City has a ton of hair and nail salons for you to take your pick. Head to the second level where you’ll find clusters of salons, we recommend trying the Kim Hair Studio for dye jobs and Tanz Salon for your monthly trim.
An average dye job complete with highlights and lowlights will probably only set you back an estimated of SGD100 (RM300). Just a heads up, it’s probably for the best if you come prepared with more than one photos of the look you’re going for. There’s a 55% chance of miscommunication if you’re not a fluent Chinese speaker.
The good news is that there is a bus shuttle from City Square to KSL for only SGD0.60 (RM2).
WATCH: MOVIES ON BEANBAGS
Beanieplex @ TVG 1 Utama
Catching the latest blockbuster across the causeway is not unconventional anymore thanks to Singapore’s exorbitant pricing. Everyone’s go-to cinema in JB is probably City Square, being centrally located and having direct access to the JB customs. The average ticket only sets you back SGD5 (RM15).
A Beanieplex is a cinema where you can enjoy watching movies on *drum roll* super comfortable beanbags instead of the usual rigid chairs. There’s only one in JB so and it’s located at AEON Bukit Indah, another Singaporean favourite for cheap groceries.
Each bean bag seats 2 and the tickets are sold in pairs for SGD16 (RM50). A thing to note though is the limited showtimes.
It’s an estimated 20 minute drive from the checkpoint and unless you’re driving, we recommend taking a cab there since roads in JB can be rather tricky to navigate.
The traffic on the causeway may seem daunting but with the KTM Shuttle gets you across the causeway in less than 10 minutes. They are known to be always fully book so just make sure to pre-book your 2 way train unless you’re willing to be stranded in JB for a night (or two)!