Have you already decided to go to Tioman Island but yet to find out how to get yourself there?
Whichever mode of transportation that you take, you will end up needing to take the ferry to Tioman.
Tioman ferry services are efficient since Pulau Tioman is one of the top beach destination in Malaysia.
Where to board the ferry? Which ferry service to take? How much does it cost? What time schedule do they have?
These are the questions that will be answered in this post.
1. How To Get To Tioman Island From Singapore
2. Ferry To Tioman Island
3. Ferry Terminal To Tioman
4. Tioman Ferry Route
5. Tioman Ferry Operators
6. Tioman Ferry Duration
7. Tioman Ferry Ticket
8. Tioman Ferry Schedule
9. Speedboat To Tioman
10. Tioman Jetty
11. Tioman Ferry Related FAQ
1. How To Get To Tioman Island From Singapore
There are a couple of ways that can get you from Singapore to Tioman Island, such as:
- Private Car From Singapore to Tioman
- Bus From Singapore to Tioman (via Larkin Sentral)
- Direct Bus From Singapore to Tioman
- Coach From Singapore to Tioman
- Flight From Singapore to Tioman
1.1 Private Car From Singapore To Tioman Island
Estimated Travel Time (differs depending on traffic condition):
- 3 – 3.5 hours (private car from Singapore to Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty)
- 1.5 to 2 hours (ferry ride)
Be sure to get a reliable private car from Singapore to Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty service in order to get the best travelling journey (it is a long ride, so this is very important).
SGMYTAXI is a reliable as well as a trustable private car service provider particularly in travelling between Singapore to Malaysia.
You can relax and travel without worries while their trustworthy driver brings you all the way to Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty.
Be rest assured that SGMYTAXI will certainly be able to provide you:
- A comfortable ride in a private car directly from Singapore to Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty without needing to wait or stop for other passengers.
- A reasonable and also affordable pricing for the smooth journey experience
- Private cars that can accommodate up to 10 passengers per car!
- Well trained and experienced drivers that will provide you the outmost comfort and worry-free ride.
All you need is to pick a DATE, TIME, PICK-UP Location and DROP-OFF Location (either Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty) and you are ready to go!
Quick Links:
Vehicles Details:
To avoid any hassle and make sure you always get to your destination on time, just make your booking NOW! Hassle-free, convenient and flexible!
Toyota Innova
Toyota Alphard/Vellfire
Hyundai Starex
SGMYTAXI Happy Customers:
SGMYTAXI private car is new and well maintained and has been receiving good feedback from customers’ experience.
1.2 Bus From Singapore To Tioman (via Larkin Sentral)
Estimated Travel Time (differs depending on traffic and public bus timing):
- 5 hours (on-road)
- 1.5 to 2 hours (ferry ride)
Here is a Step by Step Guide From Singapore to Tioman Island:
- MRT Train to Woodlands MRT
- Bus from Woodlands MRT to Woodland Checkpoint
- Bus from Woodlands Checkpoint to Johor Customs
- Bus from JB Sentral to Larkin Sentral
- Bus from Larkin Sentral to Mersing Bus Terminal
- Taxi from Mersing Bus Terminal to Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty
If you have other choices in hand, I would recommend you NOT to take this way of transportation.
The journey will take more than half of your day time, drain your energy fast and it is a hassle to go up and down the busses (especially while lugging your belongings along).
This is really not a nice way to start a holiday isn’t it?
1.3 Direct Bus From Singapore To Tioman
Estimated Travel Time (differs depending on traffic condition)
- 4 hours (direct bus from Singapore to Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty)
- 1.5 to 2 hours (ferry ride)
Taking this direct bus service is much better than taking the public transportation from Singapore (less hassle but you will still need to alight the bus for immigration and custom clearance)
Also read: How To Get To Mersing From Singapore
KKKL Singapore is only direct bus service providers that you can consider taking.
1.4 Coach From Singapore To Tioman
Estimated Travel Time (differs depending on traffic condition)
- 4 hours (coach from Singapore to Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty)
- 1.5 to 2 hours (ferry ride)
The upside of taking a coach compared to the direct bus is that they provide much more comfortable seats and their busses are more well maintained.
Coach services provider like Diamond Coach Singapore covers not only the journey to Tanjung Gemok Jetty but also the ferry ride to Tioman Island (this way, you won’t miss your ferry ride)
1.5 Flight From Singapore To Tioman
This was still an option quite some time back by Berjaya Air.
Unfortunately, it has been discontinued a couple of years ago.
Also read: 3D2N Singapore To Tioman Package
2. Ferry To Tioman Island
Basically, there are two ferry operators namely Cataferry and Bluewater Ferry that are able to bring you to Tioman Island from either Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty.
2.1 Ferry To Tioman Island From Mersing
Both Bluewater Ferry and Cataferry operate from Mersing Jetty to Tioman Island.
Mersing Jetty is the nearest jetty location from Singapore and Johor Bahru.
You may refer to the link for further details, Mersing Jetty To Tioman
2.2 Ferry To Tioman Island From Tanjung Gemok
Only Bluewater Ferry operate from Tanjung Gemok.
Tanjung Gemok Jetty is located in between Endau and Rompin, Pahang and it is about 40 minutes’ drive away from Mersing Jetty.
You may refer to the link for further details, Tanjung Gemok Jetty To Tioman
2.3 Ferry To Tioman Island From Singapore (Tanah Merah Terminal)
A ferry operator name Penguin Ferry used to provide ferry services from Tanah Merah Terminal in Singapore to Tioman Island.
It was a very convenient way to travel to Tioman Island from Singapore but unfortunately, it is NO LONGER AVAILABLE after 2005.
3. Ferry Terminal To Tioman
You may choose to depart from Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty to take the ferry to Tioman (it all depends on where you are travelling from)
3.1 Mersing Jetty Ferry Terminal (Mersing Harbour Center)
Mersing Jetty Ferry Terminal is most popular among tourists especially from those who travel by coach because Mersing bus terminal is very close by to Mersing Jetty.
The downside of this jetty is that there is a possibility of your ferry schedule being affected due to the tidal wave issue.
Also read: 9 Best Things To Do In Mersing
3.1.1 How To Get To Mersing Ferry Terminal
Tioman Island is no doubt a very popular tourist destination, hence it is fairly easy to find a way to travel from Singapore to Mersing Ferry Terminal.
The popular mode of transportation would be by bus because there are quite a number of bus operators out there and some even operate on a daily basis to Mersing.
However, there are people who choose to drive there by themselves and some would prefer to hire private car services for comfort and convenience.
You can refer to this link if you are looking up for a reliable private car service company Private Taxi Service From Singapore to Mersing Jetty
For more detailed information, do scroll up to the top of this article under the topic “How To Get To Tioman Island From Singapore”
Location of Mersing Ferry Terminal: http://bit.ly/MersingFerryTerminal
3.1.2 Mersing Jetty Ferry Terminal Parking Area
If you are driving to Mersing Ferry Terminal, you can park at four different areas nearby the jetty.
These are the car park locations that are available:
- Car Park A– Behind Jetty (Guarded an open early in the morning)
- Car Park B– R & R Plaza.
- Car Park C– Mersing Jetty car park. (Guarded and open early in the morning)
- Car Park D– ONLY for Rawa Island travellers (Guarded)
The parking fee is about RM15 per day
3.2 Tanjung Gemok Ferry Terminal
Apart from Mersing Jetty Ferry Terminal, Tanjung Gemok Ferry Terminal is another departure point that you can take to Tioman Island.
Although it is 30 – 40 minutes away from Mersing Jetty and located further away from Singapore, it might be worth the additional ride time there.
The tides at Tanjung Gemok Ferry Terminal is not as bad as at Mersing Jetty and this means less disruption to the ferry schedules.
Location of Tanjung Gemok Ferry Terminal: http://bit.ly/TanjungGemokFerryTerminal
3.2.1 How To Get To Tanjung Gemok Ferry Terminal
Tanjung Gemok Ferry Terminal is about 38km up north of Mersing Jetty.
Just drive up north towards Endau town and cross the river to get to the jetty.
Similar to Mersing Jetty, you can opt for taking the bus, drive there or hire a private car service.
If you are considering getting a private car service there, SGMYTAXI is a reliable company.
You may refer to this link before making your decision Singapore to Tanjung Gemok Jetty
For more detailed information, do scroll up to the top of this article under the topic “How To Get To Tioman Island From Singapore“
3.2.2 Tanjung Gemok Jetty Ferry Terminal Parking Area
You can park at the open-air car park at the jetty itself
The parking fee is about RM15 per day.
4. Tioman Ferry Route
The ferry route from both Mersing Jetty and Tanjung Gemok Jetty are similar, just that their starting point is different.
4.1 Ferry To Tioman Island From Mersing Route
Here are the routes taken from Mersing Jetty (in order from the first point of departure to the last point of arrival)
Mersing Jetty -> Genting Jetty -> Paya Jetty -> Tekek Jetty -> Air Batang Jetty (ABC Jetty) -> Salang Jetty
4.2 Ferry To Tioman Island From Tanjung Gemok Route
Both Cataferry and Bluewater Ferry takes the same route and this are the orders of the stops taken:
Tanjung Gemok Jetty -> Genting Jetty -> Paya Jetty -> Tekek Jetty -> Air Batang Jetty (ABC Jetty) -> Salang Jetty
5. Tioman Ferry Operators
Below is the ticket pricing for both Cataferry and Bluewater Ferry.
5.1 Cataferry Tioman Ferry
Cataferry Tioman Price
Cataferry provides two different types of tickets (for both adult and child) depending on the comfort and view from the ferry (premium seats are at the 1st floor of the ferry).
- Two Way Standard Ticket (Usually between RM40.00 – RM120.00 for both adult & child)
- Two Way Premium Ticket (Usually between RM160.00 – RM240.00 for adult & RM100.00 – RM160.00 for child)
Note:
- If you are lucky (and depending on when you are travelling), you may get the tickets at the lowest price of RM5!
5.2 Bluewater Express Tioman Ferry
Bluewater Ferry Tioman Price
Bluewater Ferry provides tickets for:
- One Way Standard fare of RM 60.00 (adult) & RM 55.00 (child) one way
5.3 Cataferry Or Bluewater
You must be wondering by now what is the difference between Cataferry and Bluewater Express Tioman?
There are surely some significant differences between these two operators.
I have simplified the information on the differences in table format for you.
Overall Comfort (Facilities & Features)
Cataferry | Bluewater |
---|---|
|
|
Jetty Location & Counter
Cataferry | Bluewater |
---|---|
|
Note: You might be required to change to Tg Gemok Jetty if the condition at Mersing Jetty is not viable for travel |
Ticket Information & Pricing
Cataferry | Bluewater |
---|---|
|
|
Provided Services
Cataferry | Bluewater |
---|---|
|
|
Rides
Cataferry | Bluewater |
---|---|
|
|
Rules
Cataferry | Bluewater |
---|---|
|
|
Safety Issues
Cataferry | Bluewater |
---|---|
|
|
For more info, click here: Cataferry vs BW Ferry
6. Tioman Ferry Duration
6.1 Mersing Jetty to Tioman Ferry Duration
The journey from Mersing Jetty to Pulau Tioman typically takes about 1.5 hour to 2 hours depending on:
- Your jetty destination at Tioman Island
- Tide condition
- Wind factor
6.2 Tanjung Gemok To Tioman Ferry Duration
As Tanjung Gemok location does not get affected much by the tidal condition, hence it takes about 1.5 hour depending on your jetty destination at Tioman Island.
7. Tioman Ferry Ticket
There is significant difference in ticket pricing and it all depends on your priorities such as:
- Price itself (your budgeting)
- Comfort (seats and ferry condition)
- Classy
- Facilities
- Stability Feeling
- Safety
7.1 Tioman Ferry Ticket Price Comparison
Cataferry Ticket Price (One Way) | Bluewater Ferry Ticket Price (One Way) |
---|---|
From as low as RM30.00
(and can be up to more than RM100.00 for premium seats) – all depending on when you book the tickets and your travel dates |
RM60.00 (Fixed) |
7.2 How To Buy Cataferry Tioman Ferry Ticket
Step 1: Buy Cataferry Ticket To Tioman
There are three ways on purchasing your Cataferry Ticket to Tioman
1. Buy Online
Booking online is one of the easiest means of buying your tickets.
You can purchase your tickets online at https://www.cataferry.com/usr/ticket.aspx
Just follow the instructions given and fill in the necessary information to get your tickets.
2. Buy At The Counter
You may purchase an over the counter ticket at the dedicated counter at Tanjung Gemok Jetty.
3. Buy Together With Resort Package
Ferry tickets are normally included in the All-In-One Resort Packages.
Do check with the travel agencies that you will be purchasing these packages from.
Also read: Tioman Island Packages (How To Choose The Right Package)
Step 2: Collect Cataferry Ticket At Counter
Collect your Cataferry ticket at the Tanjung Gemok Jetty counter (bring along your passport or MYKad and booking receipt if applicable).
7.2 How To Buy Bluewater Express Tioman Ferry Ticket
Step 1: Buy Bluewater Express Ticket To Tioman
Similar to Cataferry, there are three ways which you may purchase your tickets
1. Buy Online
You can book ferry to Tioman ticket online at https://bluewater.my/
You will just need to key in the necessary information and subsequently follow their instructions.
2. Buy At The Counter
Over the counter tickets are available at:
- Mersing Jetty: Mersing Harbour Centre Counters R22 or W2)
- Tanjung Gemok Jetty: Gemilang Counter 3
3. Buy Together With Resort Package
Ferry tickets are normally included in the All-In-One Resort Packages.
Do check with the travel agencies that you will be purchasing these packages from.
Step 2: Collect Bluewater Express Ticket At Counter
Collect your Bluewater Ferry ticket at the respective jetty’s counter (Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty) counter
Bring along the following items to collect your tickets:
- Passport/ MyKad
- Payment and Ferry Timing Confirmation (Printed or Electronic, both are accepted)
Note:
- It is important that you arrive 90 minutes before departure to collect your tickets during peak period such as public holidays, Malaysia school holidays and weekends.
- Marine Park Fee (payable at Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty), Johor National Park Fee (only applicable to Mersing Jetty, payable at the jetty)
8. Tioman Ferry Schedule
Do take note that the availability of ferries all depends on the dry and monsoon season.
The peak period where many ferry services operates is between March to September.
So, do expect lesser (or sometimes none) ferry services on the other months.
8.1 Mersing To Tioman Ferry Schedule
Bluewater Ferry provides ferry services 2 to 4 times a day during peak period compared to Cataferry which only provides 1 to 2 rides per day for most days.
Both ferry operators change their ferry timetable monthly.
The next months’ ferry schedule will usually be announced two weeks before that end of the month.
For example, schedule for March will only be available around the middle of February
You can get the latest Mersing to Tioman ferry schedule here: Mersing to Tioman Ferry Schedule
8.2 Tanjung Gemok To Tioman Ferry Schedule
Similar to the ferry schedule from Mersing Jetty, the following months’ schedule will be released two weeks before the month end of the month before.
You can get the latest Tanjung Gemok to Tioman ferry schedule here: Tanjung Gemok to Tioman Ferry Schedule
8.3 Singapore To Tioman Ferry Schedule
IMPORTANT: This service has been ceased in 2005 (previously departure was from Tanah Merah Terminal)
9. Speedboat To Tioman
It is important to note that the government has banned speedboats services due to its safety issues.
The only way to travel to Tioman Island is through the licensed Tioman Ferry services (i.e Currently by Bluewater Ferry and Cataferry)
There are however certain resorts that provide private boat transfer (eg. Japamala Tioman Island provides a 12 seater speedboat service at the price of RM530 for two-way transfer).
Note: Travellers who end up missing the ferry ride and couldn’t get any other rides on the same day will normally either stay overnight at Mersing Jetty or take the speedboat to Tioman Island by sharing the cost with other travellers in the same predicament.However as mentioned, these speedboat rides are unlicensed and you need to take it AT YOUR OWN RISK.
10. Tioman Jetty
10.1 Tioman Ferry To Paya Jetty
Paya Jetty is the second stop from both Mersing Jetty and Tanjung Gemok Jetty (direct ferry by Cataferry or Bluewater Ferry).
To know more about Paya Tioman, you can refer to this link Paya Tioman
10.2 Tioman Ferry To Genting Jetty
Genting Jetty is the first stop from both Mersing Jetty and Tanjung Gemok Jetty (direct ferry by Cataferry or Bluewater Ferry).
To know more about Genting Tioman, you can refer to this link Genting Tioman
10.3 Tioman Ferry To Tekek Jetty
Tekek Jetty is the third stop from both Mersing Jetty and Tanjung Gemok Jetty (direct ferry by Cataferry or Bluewater Ferry).
To know more about Tekek Tioman, you can refer to this link Tekek Tioman
10.4 Tioman Ferry To Salang Jetty
Salang Jetty is the last stop from both Mersing Jetty and Tanjung Gemok Jetty (direct ferry by Cataferry or Bluewater Ferry).
To know more about Salang Tioman, you can refer to this link Salang Tioman
10.5 Tioman Ferry To Air Batang Jetty
Air Batang Jetty (ABC Jetty) is the second last stop from both Mersing Jetty and Tanjung Gemok Jetty (direct ferry by Cataferry or Bluewater Ferry).
To know more about Air Batang Tioman, you can refer to this link Air Batang Tioman
10.6 Tioman Ferry To Juara Jetty
Due to its location which is a little out of the way from other villages, Juara Tioman did not have any direct ferries operating here.
BUT the good news is, Cataferry has recently provided a direct ferry route to Juara Jetty!
However, if you are travelling with the ferry schedule that doesn’t stop at Juara Tioman, you will need to stop at Tekek Village and then take a 30-minutes land transfer.
To know more about Juara Tioman, you can refer to this link Juara Tioman
10.7 Tioman Ferry To Nipah jetty
To get to Nipah Jetty, you will first need to go to Genting Village Jetty through a direct ferry by either Cataferry or Bluewater Ferry.
From here, you can take a private speedboat to Nipah Jetty.
To know more about Nipah Tioman, you can refer to this link Nipah Tioman
10.8 Tioman Ferry To Mukut Jetty
To get to Mukut Jetty, you will first need to go to Genting Village Jetty through a direct ferry by either Cataferry or Bluewater Ferry.
From here, you can take a private speedboat to Mukut Jetty.
Here is the good news! Cataferry has now included Mukut Jetty as one of their direct stops (for more information, you may click here Cataferry
To know more about Mukut Tioman, you can refer to this link Mukut Tioman
Tioman Ferry Related FAQ
Q1: What should I do if I missed my ferry ride to Tioman Island?
A1: Normally, these are the ways that travellers handle this situation
• Find a hotel or homestay near Mersing Jetty to stay one night.
• Share cost with other travellers to take the speedboat to Tioman (however, these speedboats are unlicensed so you will take it at your own risk)
Q2: How far is Mersing Bus Terminal to Mersing Jetty?
A2: Mersing Jetty is just a 10 minutes’ walk or 2 minutes’ drive away from Mersing Bus Terminal
Q3: Can I book my ferry tickets in advance? Is it a must to book in advance?
A3: You do not need to book your tickets in advance. However, it is highly recommended for you to purchase your tickets as early as possible because it gets reserved very quickly especially during the weekends, Malaysia public holidays, Singapore public holidays and Malaysia school holidays.
In order not to get disappointed, go get your tickets EARLY!
Q4: Where can I check on the departure time for the ferry rides?
A4: The ferry schedule changes monthly and you may get the exact timing two weeks before month end of the month before.
For example, to get the schedule for September, you can start searching for it during middle of August (you may refer to www.sgmytaxi.com/tioman-ferry-schedule/)
Alternatively, you may also call up Mersing Harbour Centre at +6019-784 2977 to find out the latest ferry schedule.
Q5: How early should I arrive at the jetty?
A5: Please arrive between 60 – 90 minutes before departure to settle your boarding pass collection, pay the Marine Park Fee and Johor National Park Fee (applicable for Mersing Jetty only)
Q6: Can I just purchase a one-way ferry ticket?
A6: Yes. You can make your purchase online at https://www.cataferry.com/ for Cataferry or https://bluewater.my/ for Bluewater Ferry.
Q7: Does the ferries provide car holding area for me to drive my car into the ferry?
A7: No
Q8: Can I board earlier and wait in the ferry till departure time?
A8: Passengers are not allowed to board the ferry early due to safety issues.
Q9: There are so many jetties in Tioman. Which one should I go to?
A9: You may refer to “Tioman Ferry Route” in this article. If you are still unsure, you may ask the ferry operator staffs.
Q10: I usually experience travel sickness. Is there another option to get to Tioman other than the ferry?
A10: Unfortunately it is a NO. Few years ago, Berjaya Air flies from Singapore to Tioman but they have ceased their operations already.
Q11: Any toilets provided in the ferries?
A11: Yes
Q12: I have booked my ferry tickets from Mersing? Can I change my departure venue to Tanjung Gemok?
A12: It might be possible for non-peak period but you must check on the availability of seats with the ferry operators or you may call Mersing Harbour Centre at +6019-784 2977.
It is however impossible during public holidays, weekends and peak period because it will be fully packed.
Q13: Are there any additional cost that I need to pay to go to Tioman?
A13: Yes.
Mersing Marine Park Fee (both Mersing Jetty and Tanjung Gemok Jetty):
Foreign Tourists: RM30 (Adult) & RM15 (Child & Senior Citizen)
Malaysians: RM5 (Adult) & RM2 (Child & Senior Citizen)
Johor National Park Fee (ONLY from Mersing Jetty):
Foreign Tourists: RM20 (Adult) & RM10 (Child)
Malaysians: RM5 (Adult) & RM3 (Child)
Q14: When is the best time to go to Tioman?
A14: The best time to go to Tioman is during the dry season which falls between March to September.
If possible, avoid the monsoon season which falls between October to February (even the ferry rides are limited during this period)
Q15: Can I withdraw money in Tioman? Any ATM machines available?
A15: There is an ATM machine right outside a small bank (BSN) which is located in front of the airport at Tekek Village.
There are also ATMs available in Mersing town which is about 15 minutes’ walk from Mersing Jetty.
Tips: Do bring enough cash with you before you leave for Tioman Island and also your credit card in case you have insufficient cash for hotel accomodation as most resorts have credit card payment facilities.
Q16: If I get sick, where is the nearest clinic in Tioman?
A16: There are clinics available at Tekek Village. If you are from the other villages, then you will need to take the boat to Tekek.
Tips: Most resorts have their own first aid kit that can treat minor injuries or sickness. Please call to check with them before your departure.
Q17: How do I get to Tanjung Gemok Jetty from Mersing?
A17: You can either take a local taxi or a direct bus from Mersing Bus Terminal which is just about 10 minutes’ walk away from Mersing Jetty.
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