4 Easy Way To Go Mersing Jetty From Singapore (Updated 2024)
Look no further if you’re seeking the ultimate guide on traveling from Singapore to Mersing Jetty. Whether your destination is Rawa, Tioman, or other islands near Mersing, your journey begins here.
The travel time from Singapore to Mersing typically ranges from 3 to 4 hours, so proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth weekend getaway without missing your ferry.
Fortunately, traveling to Mersing from Singapore has become effortless, with a plethora of options available.
But with so many choices, how do you determine the best one for you?
Fear not, for in this post, I’ll detail all the transport options for your journey from Singapore to Mersing Jetty.
From the most convenient to the less recommended alternatives, I’ll walk you through each option, offering insights, tips, and tricks along the way.
1. How To Plan Your Transport To Mersing Jetty
2. Private Car Taxi (Best Option)
3. Direct Coach To Mersing Jetty
4. Self Driving (Avoid Car Park Full)
5. Local Taxi (From SG Or JB)
6. Flight: Not Available
7. Alternative Teluk Gading Jetty
8. Bonus: Nearby Hotel (In Case Your Miss The Ferry)
9. Final Thoughts & Suggestion
1. How to Plan Your Transport to Mersing Jetty
Let’s first identify your destination.
If you’re planning a trip to Tioman Island, then the ferry is your mode of transportation from Mersing Jetty.
However, if you’re visiting the nearby islands (excluding Tioman), you will have to travel by speedboat. If you miss your speedboat ride, you can charter a private boat transfer at a charge.
Poor planning can cause you to miss your ferry ride and even ruin your holiday! Here are some tips on how to prevent any hiccups while travelling:
- Make sure you know the ferry schedule IN ADVANCE, and that you have the LATEST ferry schedule to Tioman.
- Please learn all of the alternative ferry or boat rides to the islands.
- The journey from Singapore to Mersing Jetty takes about 3-4 hours during non-peak season.
- As you might know, the traffic at the border on weekends and public holidays is notoriously bad.
- Try to allow a buffer time when travelling.
- The traffic at the border is also unpredictable. Your journey might not go as planned, so always be prepared with a Plan B.
- One option is to arrive and stay at Mersing the night before your ferry ride. Your journey to the jetty the next day will be smoother and less stressful.
- Singapore has very few public holidays, so many Singaporeans will be travelling to Tioman at the same time as you. Expect tons of tourists.
- If you’re planning to take public transport, please be aware that the journey will be long. For a happier holiday, I’d advise against taking public transport.
If you would like to see what the Mersing Jetty area looks like, please browse the attached album below.
2. Private Car Taxi (Best Option)
Compared to taking bus or coach, the journey is more comfortable and much less hassle if you take a private car services from SGMYTAXI.
Every effort they made is to ensure hassle-free and convenience of customers. Their experienced driver’s warm and reliable services will definitely make your day.
Why Choose Private Car Service:
- Provides door-to-door service from Singapore to Mersing Jetty
- Sit back and relax while our driver bring you to Mersing Jetty
- Enjoy flexible pick-up at any location in Singapore at your preferred time.
- No need to get off from vehicles twice to clear Singapore and Malaysia immigration, you can save up to 1 to 1.5 hours
- Affordable private transfer & reasonable pricing rates
- No more alight belongings up and down from the bus
- Enjoy direct transfer to Mersing Jetty in the comfort of a private car, without the need to wait for other passengers.
- Suitable for families with children, elderly, group trips or company trip.
- Easy booking via Whatsapp
- To avoid traffic congestion at SG-MY border, you can request the driver to depart early.
3. Direct Coach To Mersing Jetty
Besides the private car, you can also take a direct coach to Mersing Jetty from Singapore.
Why Choose Direct Coach:
- Suitable if you are a solo traveller or a couple
- Rates per person cheaper than private car (∼SGD 39.90 one way)
- Direct transfer from Singapore to Mersing Jetty
Why Not To Choose Direct Coach:
- Not suitable if travelling with family, kids, the elderly, or a group larger than 3 people
- Not suitable if you have a lot of luggage
- Inflexible travel schedule with limited departure times (as early as 6:00am, and as late as 10:30pm)
- Pickup point might be inconvenient for some
- Forced to endure long journey with strangers
- Not comfortable compared to car
- Have to alight twice at SG-MY checkpoints and customs
There are 2 bus operators that provides a direct coach from Singapore to Mersing Jetty:
3.1 KKKL Singapore
Singapore To Mersing Jetty Bus Schedule & Ticket Price
Departure Location | Departure Time | Ticket Price |
Kovan Hub 206 | Daily 6:00am | SGD$39/pax |
Bugis MRT Exit D | Daily 6:30am | SGD$39/pax |
Katong V Mall | Daily 10:30pm | SGD$39/pax |
Singapore To Mersing Bus Terminal Bus Schedule & Ticket Price
Departure Location | Departure Time | Ticket Price |
Kovan Hub 206 | Daily 10:00pm | SGD$39/pax |
Katong V Mall | Daily 10:30pm | SGD$39/pax |
Also read: How To Travel From Singapore To Johor Bahru By Bus (The Cheapest Transportation Options!)
3.2 Diamond Coach Singapore
Singapore To Mersing Jetty Bus Schedule & Ticket Price
Departure Location | Departure Time | Ticket Price |
The Plaza Singapore | 5:45am
|
SGD$39/pax |
Novena Square Singapore | 6:00am
|
SGD$39/pax |
Serangoon Nex MRT Station Exit E | 6:20am
|
SGD$39/pax |
Woodlands Singapore | 6:45am
|
SGD$39/pax |
For more details, refer here: Bus From Singapore To Mersing Jetty.
4. Self Driving (Avoid Car Park Full)
If you think you’re up for it, you can also try self-driving to Mersing Jetty. However, if you don’t have your own car, you will have to rent and that might be very costly.
Why Choose Self-Driving
- Similar to a private taxi, you can clear the Singapore-Malaysia immigration without leaving the vehicle
- You have the flexibility to drive at your own pace and adjust your route as necessary.
Why Don’t Choose Self Driving
- You may encounter traffic jams during peak hours.
- Possible of full parked during peak or weekend.
- As the driver, you must remain alert while driving; unlike in a private taxi, where you can relax and even sleep.
- You’ll need to refuel your car and cover the petrol costs.
- You’re responsible for paying toll fees, road charges, and VEP.
- Parking fees are required at Mersing Jetty.
- You’ll have to navigate your own route to Mersing Jetty.
- Self-driving can be exhausting, especially when crossing the border.
- If parking is full, it can be a nightmare trying to find a spot, especially when the ferry is ready to depart.
Once you have arrived at JB CIQ, use Waze or Google Maps to navigate your way to Mersing Jetty.
Traffic varies from time to time, so it’s best suggested to depart early so that you can catch the ferry on time.
5. Local Taxi (From SG or JB)
Another option is to take a local taxi from Singapore or JB to Mersing Jetty.
However, we do not recommend this AT ALL.
Why Not To Choose Local Taxi:
- You must go to Ban San Street Taxi Stand. The taxi won’t pick you up from anywhere else in Singapore.
- Has a limit of 4 people per taxi.
- Expensive to ride alone.
- Some taxis won’t go directly to Mersing Jetty, so you will need to get another taxi from Larkin Sentral. This is a waste of money and time.
- You’ll need to arrange your own transportation when leaving Mersing Jetty for Singapore. (Unlike private car, where you can book a return trip in advance.)
- Eventually, you’ll still need to book a private MPV car to take you and your family back to Singapore.
There are two types of taxis:
- First type: This is a Singapore taxi authorised to cross the SG-MY border and reach Larkin Sentral. From there, you have to take another taxi to Mersing Jetty.
- Second type: This is a Malaysian yellow taxi. It can pick up passengers at Ban San St. Taxi Kiosk on Queen St. (5-minute walk from Bugis MRT Station). This is a direct ride to Mersing Jetty without transfer.
6. Flight: Not available
Looking for flights from Singapore to Tioman?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any.
7. Alternative Jetty Teluk Gading Jetty
If you do miss your ferry at Mersing Jetty, don’t panic.
You can also get a ferry to Tioman Island from Teluk Gading Jetty. An advantage of Teluk Gading Jetty is that it’s not affected by the tide.
So when you’re planning your trip to Tioman, keep a look out for both ferry operators’ schedules from Mersing Jetty [Cataferry Schedule | Bluewater Ferry Schedule] and Teluk Gading Jetty. [Bluewater Ferry Schedule]
Now that you know there’s an alternative if you ever miss your ferry, let me break down Teluk Gading Jetty for you:
Also read: Why Choose Cataferry to Tioman Island
Pros:
- More reliable departure schedule, as it is less likely to be affected by water tides compared to Mersing Jetty.
Cons:
- Extra 45 minutes drive from Mersing Jetty.
- Not Singaporeans favourite departure jetty from Singapore.
8. Bonus: Nearby Hotel (In Case Your Miss The Ferry)
In the event your ferry has set sail without you, leaving you stranded, there are places you can stay in Mersing while you reschedule.
8.1 Hard Rock VIP Guest House
Distance From Mersing Jetty: 600m, 8 minutes walking distance
What You’ll Like:
- Helpful and accommodating owners.
- A number of restaurants and eateries nearby.
Good To Know:
- Suitable for large family/group as the apartments can accommodate 6-12 guests.
- Pricier compared to other hotels (from SGD 41 per night for 2 pax).
8.2 Mersing Hotel
Distance From Mersing Jetty: 450m, 6 minutes walking distance
What You’ll Like:
- Good location in Mersing town.
- Free shuttle to Mersing Jetty available.
- Low prices (from SGD 22.70 per night for 2 pax).
Good To Know
- More of a budget hotel, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
- Located in an ageing building.
- Small basic rooms, but sufficient as an overnight pitstop.
8.3 MG Hotel
Distance From Mersing Jetty: 800m, 11 minutes walking distance
What You’ll Like:
- Good service by staff and concierge.
- Walking distance from convenience stores and eateries.
Good To Know:
- A budget hotel with basic rooms that should suffice for a night’s stay.
- Poor soundproofing, so you might hear noise from other guests.
9. Final Thought & Suggestion
The most common reason why people miss their ferry to Tioman is because they didn’t prepare for the worst case scenario.
It’s always good to have a backup instead of assuming that everything will go as planned.
When travelling across the Singapore-Malaysia border, remember to take into consideration:
- Traffic at checkpoints
- Season (peak vs. non-peak)
- Period of travel (weekday vs weekend)
Vacations are hard to come by, so don’t waste it on chaos and stress!