This web page has been accessed  times since 24 July 1999
This page was last updated on 25 Dec 2001

Despite all the latest high-tech supposedly non-slip surfacing at the Checkpoint, beware of the slippery surface.  I've personally encountered problems, particularly at the Singapore Tuas Checkpoint and the Malaysian Gelang Patah Checkpoint.

• Tuas - The green colour surface is supposed to be non-slip... WRONG!   Even at low speed, this happens:  on a rainy weekend morning, I and another rider both slipped and fell... and we weren't doing more than 5 km/h... she fell when just riding off after clearing immigrations; I fell while pulling to the side to park after I heard her bike fall.  The immigration people should roughen or corrugate the surface to give more traction to the !@#&%# floor!

• Gelang Patah - Just after clearing immigration, there will be a couple metres of cement flooring.  This is extremely slippery when there is water!   I've had my rear wheel fishtail on me when I was leaving.

So, be careful everyone!

Watch out!  Motorcyclists heading into Malaysia via the Woodlands Checkpoint have to use the new routes as prescribed...

As a deterrent to ensure compliance, the authorities have issued the following draconian measures:

Motorcyclists arriving in Singapore will use the Woodlands Checkpoint Viaduct/BKE to exit the Checkpoint after clearance.

Motorcyclist departing Singapore will use the Woodlands Checkpoint Viaduct via BKE.

Motorcyclists who do not follow designated routes will be fined.

So unless you intend to waste some money on their monetary penalties, do heed their warning... I'm sure there are better things to do with your money over in Malaysia.

I'm linking some of the information from the authorities here that are relevant to motorcyclists for your convenience (beats searching for it all over their website).  If you want, you can visit the Singapore Immigration and Registration (SIR) website to read about the new Checkpoint.

The following content is from the SIR website.

By night

Clearance Lanes at the Checkpoint

"Motorcyclists must use the WOODLANDS CHECKPOINT VIADUCT
to go to the Checkpoint - View from Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE)"

"Departure Route"

"View from Causeway"

"Arrival Route"

2.     At the old Woodlands Checkpoint, the motorcyclists used to jump queue by swarming in and out of the traffic, causing safety concerns and congestion.  The swarming of the motorcycles at the old Checkpoint prevented the free movement of cars and buses.  Hence, with the traffic separated to different
lanes at the new Checkpoint, the overall situation is much better while
still allowing for complete immigration checks to ensure border security.

3.     At the new Woodlands Checkpoint, motorcyclists arriving in Singapore are required to use the extreme left lane of the Causeway to enter Singapore.   Motorcyclists departing Singapore will use the Woodlands Checkpoint Viaduct via BKE only. Car drivers are advised not to use the Viaduct during the peak hours of 4 pm – 9 pm. Motorcyclists who do not follow designated routes will be fined.

2.     On the first working day (19 Jul 99), there was a flow of 118,000 travellers entering Singapore through this Checkpoint, which was more than the usual daily flow.  Being the first working day since the operation, some travellers were unfamiliar with the new Checkpoint and the designated routes they should take, especially the motorcyclists.  The traffic congestion was further aggravated by Singapore-bound lorry operators carrying general cargoes, who were only cleared by the Johore Customs after 6 am.

3.     The situation at the Checkpoint this morning has improved.   Motorists were more familiar with the orientation of the Checkpoint and hence followed the designated routes accordingly.  For instance, motorcyclists kept to the extreme left lane of the Causeway while drivers of buses and cars kept to the centre lanes to enter Singapore.  As such, all regular arrival buses were cleared by 7.30 am.  Cars went through with hardly a pause and motorcycles were confined to their designated lanes.

4.     As at 9am, the flow of travellers entering Singapore through the new Checkpoint this morning was 47,000.

Travellers Can Facilitate Clearance

5.     We encourage travellers to apply for the Access Cards to have hassle free immigration clearance through automated lanes at the bus halls.   Applications may be made at the Access Card Centres located at SIR Building (2nd Level), Tuas & Woodlands Checkpoints (Departure Bus Hall) and Changi Airport Terminal 2 (Arrival Hall).

6.     Motorists may also obtain up-to-date information on traffic situation at the Woodlands Checkpoint from the Variable Message Signs (VMS) and Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) at CHECK-TIPS hotline : 8630117.   Motorists will be advised to use the alternative checkpoint as and when necessary.

7.     To facilitate clearance through the new Woodlands Checkpoint, motorists (except motorcyclists) are reminded to have their passports and toll coupons ready before approaching the new Woodlands Checkpoint.  Drivers of foreign-registered cars and motorcycles are also reminded to get their VEP passes at the new Checkpoint before they enter Singapore.

8.     SIR would advise all motorists to familarise themselves with the formation of the designated routes so as to maximise the use of the different clearance levels.  This will help to ease traffic congestion.  To assist travellers with the orientation of the new Checkpoint, we have leaflets containing information on the various routes in 4 languages at the Checkpoint.  Furthermore, there are several static signages at the Checkpoint to direct them and messages are also displayed on the electronic gantries leading to the Checkpoint to guide these motorists.   Members of public can gain easy access to information on an overview of the new Woodlands Checkpoint and the clearance routes for the various modes of transport through our web page at http://www.sir.gov.sg.