Quick answer: Machap R&R and Skudai R&R are the last two full rest areas on the southbound North-South Expressway in Johor. Machap is near the Machap interchange, around KM74; Skudai R&R Southbound is about 60 km (roughly 40 minutes) further south at KM16.5, just before Skudai toll and about 20 minutes from Woodlands Checkpoint. If you only want one stop before Singapore, Skudai R&R is the later and more convenient one.
Where are Machap R&R and Skudai R&R?
Both are on the southern section of the North-South Expressway (E2), which runs from Kuala Lumpur down to Johor Bahru.
Machap R&R sits close to the Machap interchange in the Kluang district. Wikipedia's NSE Southern Route junction list places the rest areas at around KM74.6 to KM74.7, with facilities on both the southbound and northbound sides.
Skudai R&R Southbound is at KM16.5, just before Skudai toll, and serves southbound traffic heading towards Johor Bahru and Singapore.
The distance between them is roughly 60 km, or about 40 minutes of driving in normal traffic.
Which one should I stop at heading to Singapore?
It depends on what you need and when:
If you are tired, hungry or low on fuel before Machap, stop at Machap. There is no full R&R between Machap and Skudai, only smaller lay-bys.
If you can comfortably drive another 40 minutes, Skudai R&R is the better final stop. It is the last full-service R&R before Johor Bahru, so you can fill up, charge, eat and use the toilet just before the Causeway queue.
If you are heading to Tuas via the Second Link, note that the Senai North exit for the Second Link comes just before Skudai R&R, so plan your last stop accordingly.
What facilities does Skudai R&R have?
Fuel: four petrol stations, Shell, Petron, Caltex and BHPetrol, all open 24 hours. There is no Petronas.
EV charging: a Tesla V4 Supercharger (Tesla's first V4 on the NSE, up to 250 kW) and a JomCharge 120 kW DC fast charger.
Food and coffee: Starbucks (glasshouse cafe and drive-thru), Texas Chicken and Burger King.
Toilets: award-winning 15,000 sq ft open-concept garden toilets with 50+ plant varieties, ranked the third cleanest in Malaysia.
Other: surau, disabled access, 24/7 CCTV and security, 200+ free parking lots.
Rating: 4.4 stars from 1,800+ Google reviews.
See the full list on our Facilities page.
What facilities does Machap R&R have?
Machap is a long-established PLUS rest area with the usual R&R basics such as petrol, toilets, a surau and food outlets. Wikipedia's junction list shows Petronas and Shell stations there. Food outlets and operators at highway R&Rs change from time to time, so check the PLUS app or Google Maps for current details before you rely on a particular outlet.
Is there a Petronas at Skudai R&R?
No. If you specifically want Petronas, Machap R&R is listed with a Petronas station. At Skudai R&R, your choices are Shell, Petron, Caltex and BHPetrol. More in our article Is there a Petronas at Skudai R&R?
Which is better for EV drivers?
For electric vehicles heading to Singapore, Skudai R&R is the stronger choice because of its Tesla V4 Supercharger and JomCharge 120 kW DC charger, and because it is the last full stop before the Causeway. Charging here lets you cross with the most range possible. Read our EV charging guide for KL to Singapore.
What is between Machap and Skudai on the southbound NSE?
According to Wikipedia's NSE Southern Route junction list, the southbound stretch from Machap to Skudai passes the Simpang Renggam interchange, a Simpang Renggam lay-by (listed with a Petron station), the Sedenak interchange, a Kulai lay-by, the Kulai interchange and the Senai North interchange for the Second Link and Senai Airport. Lay-bys are smaller stops, typically with toilets and parking, and sometimes fuel. The next full-service R&R after Machap is Skudai R&R.
How do Machap and Skudai compare at a glance?
Location: Machap around KM74; Skudai KM16.5 (southbound).
Distance to Woodlands Checkpoint: Skudai is about 20 minutes away in normal traffic; Machap is roughly an hour.
Direction: Machap serves both directions; Skudai R&R serves southbound only.
Best for: Machap is a good mid-Johor break; Skudai is the best last stop before JB and Singapore.
Is Skudai R&R open 24 hours?
Yes. Skudai R&R is open 24 hours, every day, including public holidays.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Machap R&R from Skudai R&R?
About 60 km, or roughly 40 minutes in normal traffic.
What is the next R&R after Machap going south?
Skudai R&R Southbound at KM16.5. See next R&R near me on the North-South Highway.
Is Machap R&R on both sides of the highway?
Yes, Wikipedia's junction list shows Machap rest areas on both the northbound and southbound sides. Skudai R&R is southbound only.
Does Skudai R&R have EV charging?
Yes, a Tesla V4 Supercharger and a JomCharge 120 kW DC fast charger.
Which R&R is closest to Singapore?
On the southbound NSE, Skudai R&R is the last full-service R&R before Johor Bahru and the Woodlands Checkpoint. More answers in our Skudai R&R FAQ.
Skudai R&R Southbound, 8, Jalan R&R Skudai Kawasan R&R Skudai, 81400 Senai, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia. Tel 011-6076 5277. Open 24 hours.
