Cataferry Or Bluewater Ferry To Tioman & Which One To Choose
Planning a trip to Tioman Island?
You’ve got two ferry options: Cataferry and Bluewater Ferry.
Each has its pros and cons when it comes to price, comfort, schedule, and departure points. Cataferry offers luxury but comes at a premium and sells out quickly.
Bluewater Ferry, while more basic, provides frequent trips and rarely sells out.
Cataferry, more premium and comfortable.
Don’t worry! I’ve taken both ferries and documented my experiences.
In this post, I’ll share my journey, complete with photos, to help you make the best decision for your Tioman adventure.
Let’s dive in and find your perfect ferry!
1. Which Ferry To Tioman You Should Book
I always recommend Cataferry for its comfort and stability. While its price is higher than Bluewater’s, it remains acceptable for the quality offered, especially for those prone to seasickness.
What is your purpose for going to Tioman? If you’re looking to enjoy a holiday and have fun on a weekend trip, Cataferry is an excellent choice.
However, if you’re not concerned about ferry stability and cleanliness, and you don’t easily get seasick, Bluewater Ferry could be an option for you.
In the following section, I will provide a detailed comparison between Cataferry and Bluewater Ferry Operator, giving you the ultimate information to make the right decision.
2. Daily Schedule
Ferry schedule is more important for your trip than price. You need to take an early ferry to Tioman and return late in the evening to maximize your time on the island.
Also read: Best Time To Go Tioman
Consider the following for your trip:
- Taking a late ferry to Tioman and then an early ferry back to the mainland isn’t ideal for a 3D2N trip unless you opt for a 4D3N stay.
- Bluewater Ferry offers more departure times than Cataferry, so your choice should depend on your schedule.
- The Tioman ferry schedule can change daily, with up to three departures available each day from the mainland to Tioman Island.
- They offer early morning trips, starting as early as 4 AM, as well as evening departures, depending on your travel day.
For detailed timings, check their schedule from Mersing to Tioman Island here: Ferry Schedule From Mersing Jetty To Tioman.
Here is the ferry schedule to Tioman and how to buy a Tioman ferry ticket.:
3. Ticket Booking & Price
The second important factor to consider is price.
If you’re traveling with a family of 5 or 6 people, or in a large group, Bluewater Ferry is a more economical choice compared to Cataferry.
On the other hand, if you’re a smaller group of 3 to 4 people, I recommend opting for Cataferry, as it can offer a better experience for fewer travelers. Be sure to book early to secure a good price, since last-minute bookings tend to be significantly more expensive.
When it comes to ticket prices, Cataferry round-trip fares can reach up to RM300 per person, particularly if you travel on Saturday and return on Sunday.
However, if you choose to travel on a weekday and during non-peak periods, the price range for the round trip is more affordable, typically between RM100 and RM150.
The table below outlines ferry pricing for adults and children traveling to Tioman Island with Bluewater Ferry and Cataferry.
| Ferry Service | Adult
(Above 12 years) |
Child
(2-12 years) |
Infant
(Under 2 years) |
| Bluewater Ferry | RM60 | RM55 | Free |
| Cataferry (Standard Seat) | RM40 to RM200 | RM30 to RM50 | Free |
| Cataferry (Premium Seat) | RM80 to RM250 | RM80 to RM300 | Free |
4. Jetty To Tioman
If you’re departing from Teluk Gading Jetty, you only have the option of Bluewater Ferry to Tioman, as Cataferry does not operate from there.
Teluk Gading Jeti Building
However, if you’re leaving from Mersing Jetty, both Cataferry and Bluewater Ferry are available for your journey.
Mersing Jetty Entrance Gate
5. Ferry Comfortability
Cataferry
Cataferry features a distinctive twin-hull design that enhances stability and comfort, making it an excellent choice for passengers who may be prone to seasickness.
This design not only minimizes the boat’s motion but also ensures a smoother ride overall.
Additionally, passengers will appreciate the spacious seating, which comes with numbered arrangements, providing an organized and hassle-free boarding experience.
Bluewater
In contrast, Bluewater ferries offer a less stable ride, which can increase the likelihood of seasickness for some travelers.
The lack of stability can make the journey feel uncomfortable, especially during choppy waters.
Furthermore, the seating on Bluewater ferries is quite cramped and lacks any incline, resembling standard bus seats rather than offering a comfortable ferry experience.
Also read: 29 Best Things To Do In Tioman Island
As a result, travelers might find the overall ambiance less appealing, especially considering that these older ferries may not always meet cleanliness expectations.
6. Stopover In Tioman Jetties
Also read: 13 Best Tioman Resort
This table outlines the stops served by Bluewater Ferry and Cataferry, helping you choose the best option for your journey to Tioman Island.
| Stop Order | Bluewater Ferry | Cataferry |
| 1st Stop | Genting Pier | Genting Pier |
| 2nd Stop | Paya Pier (adds 15 minutes) | Paya Pier (adds 15 minutes) |
| 3rd Stop | Tekek Pier (adds 30 minutes) | Tekek Pier (adds 30 minutes) |
| 4th Stop | Air Batang Pier (adds 45 minutes) | |
| 5th Stop | Salang Pier (adds 1 hour) |
Note: The duration may vary based on the number of passengers on the ferry that day.
When planning your trip to Mukut and Juara, Tioman, it’s important to know your ferry options.
The table below shows that Cataferry does not serve these destinations, while Bluewater Ferry requires separate bookings.
| Destination | Cataferry | Bluewater Ferry |
| Mukut | No service available | Separate booking required |
| Juara | No service available | Separate booking required |
7. Facilities
The features and amenities of your ferry can enhance your journey.
Also read: How To Go Mersing Jetty From Singapore
This comparison of Cataferry and Bluewater Ferry highlights key offerings, such as seating comfort and onboard facilities, helping you choose the best option for a pleasant trip.
| Aspect | Cataferry | Bluewater Ferry |
| Accessibility Features |
|
|
| Seating Comfort & Capacity |
|
|
| Onboard Amenities |
|
|
8. Customer Service
Customer service is a crucial factor when choosing the right ferry to Tioman Island, as it can significantly impact your travel experience.
Also read: How To Get To Tioman Island From Singapore
Understanding the available support options will help you make an informed choice for a smoother trip. Here’s the table with the first column words changed:
| Service Aspect | Cataferry | Bluewater Ferry |
| Counter Support | Support available 24/7 | Assistance provided only during trips |
| Boarding & Journey Assistance | Dedicated staff available for assistance | Staff available for assistance |
| Customer Support – Feedback & Complaints | Online feedback form and resolution process | No online support or feedback option |
9. Overall Safety
Safety is essential when choosing a ferry service for your journey to Tioman and back.
Knowing the safety standards will help you make an informed decision for a secure travel experience.
| Aspect | Cataferry | Bluewater Ferry |
| Emergency Readiness |
|
|
| Safety Measures |
|
|
| Overloading Policies |
|
|
10. Ferry Rules
Planning a trip to Tioman Island? Understanding ferry rules is crucial for a smooth experience.
Check out the table below for essential information to help you select the best service for your journey.
| Aspect | Cataferry | Bluewater Ferry |
| Cancellation & Refund Policies – By Ferry Operators | Three options available (terms and conditions apply):
|
|
| Luggage Allowance |
|
|
| Check-In and Boarding |
|
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| Prohibited Items |
|
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| Onboard Conduct |
|
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| Cancellation & Refund Policies – By Passengers |
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