How To Get To Tioman Island From Singapore

Last updated 7 Oct 2024SGMYTAXI

If you’ve never been to Tioman Island, this is the ultimate guide on how to go to Tioman from Singapore. 

It provides all the details you need to plan your trip, including ferry information, location details, and tips to avoid missing your ferry. 

Since travelling to Tioman involves a combination of land transport and ferry, we have also included transportation options, highlighting the best choices, such as coach and private car hire.

Read on!

 

 

1. Plan Your Transport To Mersing Jetty

 

The journey from Singapore to Mersing Jetty takes approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on traffic conditions and peak or non-peak season.

Therefore, it is essential to plan your trip to avoid traffic delays, and we recommend leaving early in the morning.

Here are some important notes to prepare yourself better:

 

1.1 Understand the Ferry Schedule

• The ferry ride from Mersing Jetty to Tioman Island takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Ferries to Tioman Island are limited, so planning your journey based on the ferry schedule is crucial.
• Missing a ferry might mean waiting until the next day to catch the next one.
• Alternatively, you can take another ferry from Mersing Jetty or Teluk Gading Jetty if you have missed your early morning ferry.
• There are two main ferry operators from Mersing Jetty and one from Teluk Gading Jetty (formerly Tanjung Gemok Jetty).

 

1.2 Booking Your Ferry Ticket

• Purchase your ferry tickets online via Bluewater or Cataferry. This allows you to choose your preferred departure time.
• Search for “Tanjung Gemok” when booking online, as the site may not have updated the name.
• If you choose to depart from Teluk Gading Jetty, you must travel an additional 30 to 45 minutes from Singapore. 
• And if your ferry tickets are complimentary as part of a package, reach the terminal on time to avoid missing the ferry.

The key point here is to be on time. You do not want to ruin your short 3D2N vacation due to transportation, right?

Therefore, we recommend hiring a private car, especially for groups of three or more, to avoid unnecessary stress because of its flexibility, comfort, and cost-effectiveness.

 

2. Ferry Option – Cataferry & Bluewater Ferry

 

When planning your trip to Tioman Island, picking the right ferry company is crucial to ensure a pleasant experience.

Cataferry only operate at Mersing Jetty

 

 

Bluwater Ferry operate at:

• Mersing Jetty (Counter: Mersing Harbour Centre Counters W1 or W)

• Teluk Gading Jetty (Counter: Gemilang Counter 3)

 

 

This quick comparison between Cataferry and Bluewater may help you decide:

Cataferry	Bluewater
Fairly New Ferries Feels Solid & Stable Standard & Premium Seats With Numbered (no worry about your seat occupy by other) Overhead Luggage Compartment Toilets Air-Conditioned TV Mobile Connectivity Sun Deck	Older Ferries Feels a little bumpy Standard Seats ONLY without Numbered (If late, you may need to sit apart from your family) Luggage area on floor away from seats Toilets Air-Conditioned TV NO Mobile Connectivity Sun Deck only on certain ferries

 

Overall, Cataferry offers a more modern and comfortable experience than Bluewater.

Click below for ferry schedule to Tioman:

• Cataferry From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Ferry Schedule
• Bluewater From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Ferry Schedule
• Bluewater From Teluk Gading Jetty To Tioman Ferry Schedule

 

3. Terminal Option – Mersing Jetty or Teluk Gading Jetty

 

When traveling to Tioman Island, you have two ferry terminal options: Mersing Jetty and Teluk Gading Jetty.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which one suits you best:

 

3.1 Mersing Jetty

 

• Mersing Jetty is the main terminal, and due to its proximity to Singapore, it is popular among locals and Singaporeans.
• This jetty exclusively offers ferry services to Tioman Island and speedboat services to nearby islands.
• A guarded car park is available near the jetty. For more details, refer to 5 Car Parking Area Near Mersing Jetty.
• Ferry schedules can be affected by tide and weather, so double-check departure times with your ferry operator at least a day in advance.

 

3.2 Teluk Gading Jetty (Tanjung Gemok Jetty)

 

 

• Teluk Gading Jetty is a good alternative, located 30-40 minutes from Mersing Jetty.
• It is farther from Singapore but unaffected by tidal changes, offering more stable departure times.
• It provides ferry services only to Tioman Island. For other islands, you need to use Mersing Jetty.

 

 

4. Private Car Taxi & Ferry To Tioman From Singapore (Best Option)

 

Private car services provide a comfortable, hassle-free alternative to bus/coach and self-driving for travel between Singapore and Mersing Jetty or Teluk Gading Jetty.

Also read: Taxi To Mersing Jetty From Singapore

 

Step 1: Take Private Car Taxi Direct From Singapore To Mersing Jetty/Teluk Gading Jetty

 

Although it may seem costly for solo travelers, the time and energy saved make it worthwhile.

Enjoy a direct ride to Mersing Jetty/Teluk Gading Jetty, skipping queues and crowds, with SGMYTAXI‘s experienced drivers ensuring a pleasant journey.

 

Why Choose Private Car Service:

• Ensure timely boarding of the ferry, especially during peak periods, as we will suggest the departure time from Singapore.
• Door-to-door service from Singapore to Mersing Jetty or Teluk Gading Jetty.
• Easy booking via Whatsapp.
• Flexible pick-up at any Singapore location, at your preferred time.
• No need to get off from vehicle to clear Singapore-Malaysia immigration and customs.
• Affordable private transfer with reasonable rates.
• No more handling belongings on buses.
• Enjoy a direct, comfortable transfer to Mersing Jetty or Teluk Gading Jetty in a 7-to 10 MPV private car.
• Ideal for families, elderly, group trips, or company outings.
• No more alight belongings up and down from the bus
• 2000+ Customer 5* Reviews

 

Step 2: Take Ferry From Mersing Jetty/Teluk Gading Jetty To Tioman

 

Bluewater Express passengers should collect pre-purchased tickets at:

• Counters W1 and W2 at Mersing Harbour Center.  It’s 100m walk from the departure ferry terminal.
• Kaunter 3 at Terminal Feri Teluk Gading.

 

Cataferry passengers should head to W5 ticketing counter at Mersing Harbour Center. 

Mersing Jetty and Teluk Gading Jetty require travellers to pay the marine park conservation fee.

Ensure readiness for this fee and timely arrival for a smooth boarding experience.

Also read: Best Thing To Do In Tioman Island

 

5. Coach & Ferry To Tioman From Singapore

 

Thinking about taking a coach to the jetty? Here’s what you should consider:

Why Choose Direct Coach

• Direct journey from Singapore to Mersing Jetty.
• Affordable price for solo or couple

Why Not Choose Direct Coach

• Not suitable for families, kids, the elderly, or groups over 3 people
• Limited and inflexible schedule (6:00am to 10:30pm)
• Inconvenient pickup point
• Less comfortable than a car
• Must alight twice at SG-MY checkpoints and customs

 

Step 1: Take Coach To Mersing Jetty/Teluk Gading Jetty From Singapore

 

Here are TWO direct coach services from Singapore to Mersing Jetty and Teluk Gading Jetty.

5.1 KKKL Singapore

 

Departure Location	Departure Time	Droff Off Location
Kovan Hub 206 (Wait at Kovan Hub bus terminal)	Daily 6:00am	Mersing Jetty Teluk Gading Jetty
Bugis MRT Exit D (Wait at Bugis MRT Exit D taxi stand and look out for KKKL bus)	Daily 6:30am
Katong V Mall	Daily 10:30pm	Mersing Jetty Mersing Bus Terminal

 

 

5.2 Diamond Coach Singapore

 

Departure Location	Departure Time (Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)	Droff Off Location
The Plaza Singapore	Daily 5:45am	Mersing Jetty Teluk Gading Jetty
Novena Square Singapore	Daily 6:00am
Serangoon Nex MRT Station Exit E	Daily 6:20am
Woodlands Singapore	Daily 6:45am

 

 

Also read:  Best Time To Go JB

 

Step 2: Take Ferry From Mersing Jetty/Teluk Gading Jetty To Tioman

 

Refer here for details.

Also read: How To Go To Mersing From Singapore

 

6. Self Driving & Ferry To Tioman From Singapore (Avoid Car Park Full)

 

 

If you have a car and enjoy driving, you may drive to Mersing Jetty or Teluk Gading Jetty for a personalized travel experience.

But, most of the time, we don’t recommend self-driving. Here’s why:

Why Don’t Choose Self Driving

• Self-driving can be tiring, especially during long drives and when crossing the border, facing traffic jams, especially during peak hours or long weekends.
• Parking lots may be full, especially on weekends or during peak times.
• Unlike in a private taxi, where relaxation is possible, as the driver, you must remain alert while driving.
• You’ll need to refuel your car and cover petrol costs, as well as pay toll fees, road charges, VEP, and parking fees at Mersing Jetty/Teluk Gading Jetty.
• Navigating your own route to Mersing Jetty/Teluk Gading Jetty from the beginning of the journey.
• Finding parking can be challenging, especially when the ferry is ready to depart and lots are full.

Once you arrive at JB CIQ, use Waze or Google Maps to find Mersing Jetty or Teluk Gading Jetty.

Depending on the traffic, leaving early is best to ensure you get to the ferry on time. Planning your itinerary is also essential to avoid delays.

Here is the list of parking areas.

 

 

For ferry to Tioman from Mersing Jetty/Teluk Gading Jetty, refer here for details.

 

7. Flight: Not available 

 

Currently, there are no flights to Tioman Island. Therefore, ferry is the primary option for reaching the destination.

Also read: How To Get To Rawa Island From Singapore

 

 

8. Bonus: Nearby Hotel (Walking Distance)

 

Consider staying at a nearby hotel if you take the early ferry at the Mersing Jetty. There will be no more ferry service for the day if you miss yours.

Here are 2 walking distance hotels you can consider:

• Mersing Hotel (6 minutes walking distance)

 

 

• MG Hotel (11 minutes walking distance)

 

 

For hotel detailed, refer here.

 

It is the same for those catching an early ferry at Teluk Gading Jetty. It’s convenient to stay close by, as there are no services after missing the ferry.

A nearby option is:

• Hotel Jeti Tg Gemok (4 minutes walking distance)

 

For hotel detailed, refer here.

Also read: 13 Best Resorts & Hotels In Tioman

 

9. Final Thought & Suggestion 

 

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, familiarize yourself with the above basic information.

Many travellers fail to prepare for worst-case scenarios, assuming perfect conditions for timing and traffic.

It’s crucial to consider factors such as ferry schedules, transportation to Mersing Jetty/Teluk Gading Jetty, border traffic jams, whether it’s a weekday or weekend, and peak or non-peak seasons.

Poor planning can lead to a ruined trip if you have only 2-3 days for your holiday. Proper preparation is critical, especially when time is limited.