Going To Tioman Island By CATAFERRY Premium Seat (Mersing Jetty)

Last updated 7 Oct 2024SGMYTAXI

Thinking about which ferry to Tioman Island?

Let’s talk about Cataferry, the fancy boat that takes you there from Mersing Jetty.

Yes, it costs more than the regular ferry, but many people say it’s worth it. The seats are comfy, and you get a nicer ride.

If you wait until the last minute, you might pay up to RM350 for the best seats or between RM100 to RM200 for regular ones.

But here’s a tip: book early! You’ll save money, especially if you’re traveling with family.

In this guide, we’ll tell you all about Cataferry – when it goes, how to get tickets, and why people like it. It might cost more, but we think you’ll enjoy the ride!

Table of Contents
1. Why Choosing Cataferry To Tioman
2. My Journey From Tekek Village To Mersing Jetty
3. Cataferry Route & Duration
4. Cataferry Ticket & Price
5. Cataferry Ferry Schedule
6. Cataferry Vs Bluewater Ferry
7. Stopover In Tioman Jetties
8. How To Go To Mersing Jetty From Singapore
9. Cataferry Related FAQ

1. Why Choose Cataferry To Tioman

When comparing the Cataferry to Bluewater, it’s clear that the cleanliness is significantly better.

Passengers enjoy the benefit of having designated seats (premium and economy seats), ensuring a comfortable journey.

Additionally, the ferry is much more stable during the sailing to Tioman, making for a smoother ride.

Here are more reasons why:

Secure seating with seat numbers (no free seating)
Do not fight with another passenger over empty seats
Ample leg room
Simple booking procedure with no hidden cost
Arrive and depart on time when the sea is calm
Plenty of space for luggage
Staff are attentive and take action swiftly to care for passengers who are seasick
Briefing of safety measures before departing
Getting off and on the ferry is hassle-free and well-organized

While Bluewater Ferry is quite popular and widely recognized, not many are familiar with Cataferry as an alternative option.

If budget is not a concern, I highly recommend looking for a VIP seat, as they are very limited and offer a large, comfortable reclining seat.

Tips:

Book in advance, as seats are limited.
Prices tend to increase for last-minute bookings.
Present your online booking confirmation receipt and MYKAD or Passport (Foreigners) while getting the ticket at check-in counter
During School Holidays, Public Holidays, Eve of Public Holidays and Weekends, it is advisable that you get your boarding pass 90 minutes before departure time
Arrive at the check-in counter 1 hour before departure and the jetty 30 minutes prior.

2. My Journey From Tekek Village To Mersing Jetty

Checkout at Berjaya Tioman Resort and depart to Tekek Jetty

The resort’s lorry took us to the Tekek Jetty.

I arrived at Tekek Jetty at 11:00am, and the departure was supposed to be at 12:00pm. However, due to the water conditions, the ferry was delayed by 30 minutes.

I still had some time to try some local food in front of the jetty.

At 12:30 pm, the Cataferry arrived. We boarded the ferry.

It has two floors: normal seats and VIP seats.

The normal seating area is crowded, similar to economy flight seats.

The VIP lounge area has very limited seating; it is quiet and very comfortable.

You are free to walk around to the second and third-floor outdoor decks, which have benches for you to sit and enjoy drinks.

After 1.5 hours, the Cataferry finally reached Mersing Jetty.

I took my luggage and headed to the jetty.

Back home!

3. Cataferry Tioman Route & Duration

The Cataferry sets off from Mersing Jetty in Johor and makes its way to Tioman Island. Here are the approximate travel times to each stop:

Genting Pier (first stop): about 1 hour and 30 minutes
Paya Pier (second stop): about 1 hour and 45 minutes (adds an extra 15 minutes)
Tekek Pier (last stop): about 2 hours (adds an extra 30 minutes)

The duration may vary depending on the number of people on the ferry on the day of travel.

The image above shows that the Cataferry used to provide ferry service to Salang Pier and Air Batang Pier. However, this is an old route; currently, it only provides service to Genting Pier, Paya Pier, and Tekek Pier.

4. Cataferry Tioman Ticket & Price

Similarly with an airplane, this Cataferry has the option of choosing your preferred seats. So you can opt for the premium seats with more space and reclining chairs or the standard economy seat at a cheaper price.

The economy seat has great comfort too but it is not as spacious and there are about 100 seats in the whole area. Basically, it can be noisy when is crowded!

However, if you prefer a more relaxing journey, the premium seat could be yours with just an extra fee.

There are only 28 numbers of seats in the premium deck and you get the greatest comfort, noise-free and a great view of the captain sailing the boat. A luxurious 2 hours ride, is worth it!

Ticket price for Economy Seats:
From RM40 – RM150

Note: Economy seat price for adult and child will go up during peak season.

Ticket price for Premium Seats:
From RM100 – RM350 (adult) –
From MYR80 (child)

Note: Premium seat price for adult and child will go up during peak season.

5. Cataferry Tioman Ferry Schedule

Remember to always check the schedule so you won’t miss the ferry to Tioman, because once it departs, you will either have to wait for the next one, which could be a long wait, or wait until the next day!

The Cataferry departs from Mersing Jetty to Tioman Island only once or twice a day.

Also read: 9 Best Things To Do In Mersing

Hence, it is best to check their updated schedule before planning.

There’s no fixed timing.

Check out the schedule here so you can manage and plan your time properly. Do note that you have to arrive early to collect your boarding pass.

Looking for updated Cataferry Tioman ferry schedule from Mersing Jetty, click here: Cataferry To Tioman Ferry Schedule

Also read: Mersing To Tioman Ferry Schedule

6. Cataferry Vs Bluewater Ferry

There are many different traits regarding services, timing, and assurances that determine which ferry provides a better choice for passengers.

Here, we have summarized everything for an easier insight of both ferries.

Cataferry	Bluewater Ferry
Brand new ferry	Old ferry
Need to arrive at the Jetty 20 mins before departure	Need to arrive at the Jetty 60-90 mins before departure
Able to rest at boarding hall and wait to board	Need to queue up to get the boarding pass
Every ticket sold is guaranteed a seat	Ticket doesn’t guarantee a seat
Wider seat and a lot of leg room	Small seat and body contact with another passenger
Overhead luggage compartment is provided to store luggage	All luggage are stack up in a place that is far from passengers
Able to stay connected online most of the time	Loss of internet signal at middle of the sea
Get to walk around the ferry to explore and enjoy the view	Has to stay in the seat throughout the whole journey
There’s light refreshment in the ferry	Nothing to have
Not overloaded	Might overload during peak season
Trained cabin crew to serve passengers	No such service
Depart on time	Mostly delay
Schedule as per published	Schedule subject to weather and tide level
Ticket price from RM50	Ticket price fix at RM60
Proper seat numbering	Free seating
Full time service counter at main jetty	Counter only opens when there’s ferry trip
Online service support	No support from online
95% good reviews from past passengers	95% bad reviews from past passengers

7. Stopover In Tioman Jetties

There are 3 jetties on the island where the Cataferry will stop for passengers to alight and board.

Genting Pier
Paya Pier
Tekek Pier

Do make sure you know where the nearest pier to your accommodation is.

8. How To Go To Mersing Jetty From Singapore

SGMYTAXI is dedicated to providing tourists with hassle-free private taxi service from Singapore to Mersing Jetty. With years of experience, it has become one of the leading brands in the city.

The drivers are exceptional in ensuring passenger safety and are known for their punctuality, getting passengers to their destinations safely and on time. This commitment to service has garnered over 2000+ positive reviews.

Direct Service: Takes you straight from Mersing Jetty to your destination in Singapore.
Speed: Faster than public transport options like buses.
Comfort: Relax during the journey without the hassle of customs.
Safety First: We prioritize passenger safety and check the vehicle’s condition before every trip.
Affordable Pricing: Reasonable rates, even cheaper for groups of over five.
Efficient Routes: We use shorter, less congested routes like Tuas Second Link.
Easy Booking: Conveniently book via WhatsApp.
Family-Friendly: Perfect for families with babies, small children, or the elderly.