The Zon Duty Free (Stulang) - Image 1
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The Zon Duty Free Stulang

3.7
·15 reviews·Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Duty-free shopping for alcohol and chocolates, conveniently located near the ferry terminal to Singapore.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, potentially clearer process

CrowdLow
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The Zon Duty Free (Stulang) - Image 1

The Zon Duty Free Stulang

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, potentially clearer process

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Duty-free shopping for alcohol and chocolates, conveniently located near the ferry terminal to Singapore.

3.7
(15 reviews)

"Be wary of this place! Each adult can bring only 2 cans of alcohol. You will be taxed for the extra."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Clarify Tax Rules First

Ask about purchase limits and taxes before buying to avoid surprises at customs.

🚗 Check U-Turn & Consumption Rules

Understand where you can consume purchases and if u-turns are permitted to avoid issues.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Duty-Free Liquor Selection

Duty-Free Liquor Selection

Main retail area

Find a decent range of wines, whiskies, and hard liquors, with occasional 'buy 2 get 1 free' deals on cheaper wines.

Chocolate & Souvenir Stalls

Chocolate & Souvenir Stalls

Adjacent to liquor stores

Browse various duty-free stalls offering chocolates and other small souvenirs.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand Alcohol Purchase Limits

Be aware of strict limits on alcohol purchases for personal consumption. Exceeding these can lead to unexpected taxes and fines, even for Malaysians. Check current regulations before buying.

Prepare for Potential Scams & Taxes

Some visitors report feeling misled about taxes and purchase limits. Be cautious and clarify all costs upfront. The customs near Berjaya Waterfront can be particularly strict.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, potentially clearer process
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings before ferry departures
Why
Convenient for Singapore travelers
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Clarify Tax Rules First

Ask about purchase limits and taxes before buying to avoid surprises at customs. Reddit

🚗 Check U-Turn & Consumption Rules

Understand where you can consume purchases and if u-turns are permitted to avoid issues. Reddit

💰 Be Wary of Unexpected Fees

Some visitors report high taxes on items, even if not explicitly stated. Reddit

🍫 Look for Chocolate Deals

Duty-free stalls often have competitive prices on popular chocolate brands. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Clarify Tax Rules First

Ask about purchase limits and taxes before buying to avoid surprises at customs. Reddit

🚗 Check U-Turn & Consumption Rules

Understand where you can consume purchases and if u-turns are permitted to avoid issues. Reddit

💰 Be Wary of Unexpected Fees

Some visitors report high taxes on items, even if not explicitly stated. Reddit

🍫 Look for Chocolate Deals

Duty-free stalls often have competitive prices on popular chocolate brands. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.7
(15 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Zon Duty Free Stulang offers a selection of duty-free alcohol and chocolates, conveniently located near the ferry terminal. However, many visitors report issues with unclear tax regulations, unexpected charges, and a less-than-ideal shopping environment, leading some to feel it's a 'scam'.

"We drove here on our car rental as recommended by an airport staff to come here for some alcohol, wines.

A huge place but sadly looked abandoned due to the dusty and the air seem stale and you can even smell smoke inside. Lucky the toilet are consider clean and there are nearby hotel and also night club and ferry to catch to Singapore

Nevertheless they are quite a selection of wines even cheap one like buy 2 free 1, whisky and hard liquor and other duty free stall are selling chocolates."

stefanie chan

"This place is quite a scam.

EACH ADULT CAN BRING ONLY 2 CANS ALCOHOL. PLEASE BE REMINDED. YOU WILL BE TAX FOR THE EXTRA.

1 CAN CALSBERG/ SOPPORO WE WERE TAX RM5 ON TOP OF WHAT YOU HAVE TO PAY IN SHOP.

On top of that. They don't allow you to u turn to drink inside the building. YOU JUST HAVE TO PAY FOR WHAT YOU BOUGHT.

BEWARY OF THIS PLACE !!!!

THE LIMIT ON PURCHASE ITEM IS NOT WRITTEN ANYWHERE AT ALL."

Kim

"Be careful of the custom there near berjaya waterfront jb. Even bring 1L of liquor also need to pay tax. Doesn’t means the bottle is open or no. If want to throw back also they don’t allow still have to pay tax or they will give Surat tahan. Need to pay before 30 days & item they will be holding until we pay. I don’t understand why kind of rules is this. We don’t want also need to pay. We don’t event know about the custom rule & we are Malaysian not foreigner !!!! Worst than airport custom. Asked to drink inside cnt drink outside. So everyone is drinking and move from there… what’s the name drunk n drive ??????? So they allow drinker to drive/ride after drunk. As long they drink finish inside. Totally not fair. Throw also cnt. The option is MUST PAY. My bottle cost price rm230 their tax is RM157. Totally disappointed unexpected from government. We cnt fight with them, somehow they are working under government. At least let me let others know this issue don’t get stuck like me. When we don’t know something they must give an option like throw before moving out. This is why they lose respect from Malaysians. People who got money just pay them and they can let them go with big smile. SEBAB APA? Sebab Ada duit ! PLEASE TAKE NOTE! When they need money they don’t let us know about this, they keep silent until we take n go out, just to rampas duit. Should let people know when they enter. It’s a precaution for us. DISAPPOINTED!!!"

Sazz Sheena

What People Like

Alcohol selection
Chocolate availability
Proximity to ferry

What People Dislike

Confusing taxes
Strict customs
Dated atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Zon Duty Free Stulang is accessible by car, with nearby hotels and a ferry terminal to Singapore. Driving is often recommended for ease of access. Reddit

Parking is generally available, but it's advisable to check for any associated fees or restrictions upon arrival. Reddit

Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are readily available in Johor Bahru and can take you directly to The Zon Duty Free. Reddit

Yes, The Zon Duty Free is located near the Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal, making it a convenient stop for travelers heading to Singapore. Reddit

From the city center, you can take a taxi, Grab, or local buses that pass by the Berjaya Waterfront area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is typically no entrance fee to enter The Zon Duty Free Stulang itself, but purchases are required for duty-free items. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, but it's generally open during typical retail hours. It's best to check their official website or recent visitor information for the most up-to-date times. Reddit

While it's a duty-free zone, specific regulations might apply to different nationalities or purchase types. It's crucial to be aware of Malaysian customs regulations. Reddit

For duty-free purchases, especially alcohol and tobacco, you may be asked to present your passport to verify eligibility and for record-keeping. Reddit

Return policies can be strict for duty-free goods. It's advisable to inspect your purchases carefully before leaving the store and understand the return policy at the time of purchase. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Products

You can find a selection of wines, whiskies, hard liquors, and other alcoholic beverages. Deals like 'buy 2 get 1 free' are sometimes available on wines. Reddit

Each adult is typically allowed to bring only 2 cans of alcohol into Malaysia without tax. Exceeding this limit can result in significant taxes and fines. Reddit

Yes, you can also find duty-free stalls selling chocolates and other small souvenir items. Reddit

Reports suggest that consumption inside the building might be restricted, and you may be required to pay for your purchases before leaving. Reddit

Prices can be competitive for certain items, especially during promotions, but be mindful of potential taxes that can increase the final cost significantly. Reddit

🎫 ⚖️ Customs & Regulations

Malaysian customs can be strict. Even bringing 1 liter of liquor might incur taxes. Be aware that open or unopened bottles can be subject to duty. Reddit

If you exceed the limit, you will likely be taxed on the extra items. In some cases, items may be held until taxes are paid, or you might face fines. Reddit

Some visitors have reported being forced to pay taxes on items they intended to discard or not bring back, with no option to simply leave them behind. Reddit

Concerns have been raised that the purchase limits and tax regulations are not clearly written or displayed, leading to unexpected charges. Reddit

Some travelers find customs near Berjaya Waterfront to be stricter than airport customs regarding alcohol. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

✈️ Travelers to Singapore

For those taking the ferry to Singapore, The Zon Duty Free Stulang offers a convenient stop to pick up duty-free items. You can find alcohol and chocolates here before your journey. However, be extremely cautious about the purchase limits and potential taxes imposed by Malaysian customs upon exiting. Ensure you understand these regulations to avoid unexpected charges. Reddit

Plan your visit to align with your ferry schedule. It's advisable to do your shopping and clear customs well in advance of your departure to avoid any last-minute rush or complications. Double-check the latest customs rules for both Malaysia and Singapore regarding alcohol imports. Reddit

💰 Budget-Conscious Shoppers

If you're looking for deals on alcohol, The Zon Duty Free might offer some competitive prices, especially with promotions like 'buy 2 get 1 free' on wines. However, it's crucial to factor in potential taxes that can significantly increase the final cost. Do not assume advertised prices are the final prices. Reddit

Thoroughly research current duty-free allowances and tax regulations before you go. Always clarify all costs and limits with staff before purchasing. Be prepared for the possibility that the 'deal' might not be as good as it initially appears once taxes are applied. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Duty-Free Purchases and Customs

The Zon Duty Free Stulang offers a range of duty-free goods, particularly alcohol. However, visitors should be acutely aware of Malaysian customs regulations regarding purchase limits and taxes. A common point of contention is the strict limit on alcohol, with reports indicating that each adult can only bring a limited quantity (e.g., 2 cans) without incurring taxes. Exceeding this can lead to unexpected charges, even for Malaysian citizens. Reddit

Travelers have expressed frustration over the lack of clear signage regarding these limits, leading to situations where they are taxed on items they may not have intended to purchase or bring back. Some reviews mention being forced to pay taxes on items, with no option to simply leave them behind, and facing significant charges on even moderately sized purchases. It's crucial to clarify all potential taxes and limits before making any purchases to avoid unpleasant surprises at customs. Reddit

Be particularly mindful of the customs area near Berjaya Waterfront, as some visitors have found it to be stricter than airport customs. Understanding these rules beforehand can save you from unexpected fees and a potentially negative experience. Always ask for clarification on any charges or limits before completing your transaction. Reddit

The Shopping Experience: What to Expect

The Zon Duty Free Stulang is described as a large space, but some visitors have noted it can feel somewhat abandoned, with dusty conditions and stale air, sometimes even smelling of smoke. Despite this, the core offerings include a selection of wines, whiskies, and hard liquors. Promotions like 'buy 2 get 1 free' on certain wines are occasionally available, making it potentially attractive for budget-conscious shoppers looking for alcohol. Reddit

Adjacent to the liquor stores, you'll find other duty-free stalls that typically sell chocolates and various souvenir items. While the ambiance might not be top-tier, the primary draw for many is the potential to find discounted prices on these goods. However, the overall experience can be marred by the aforementioned issues with customs and unclear pricing, leading some to label the place as a 'scam'. Reddit

It's worth noting that while the facilities might seem dated, the toilets are generally considered clean. The proximity to hotels, nightclubs, and the ferry terminal to Singapore also adds to its strategic location, even if the shopping experience itself is mixed. Reddit

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