Ferry From Singapore to Desaru Coast (2024)
We’re always looking for ways to bypass the jam, which is why travelling by ferry from Singapore to Desaru Coast might seem appealing.
Going by car would always be my recommended choice. However, if you’re still keen on the ferry, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ll be sharing with you everything you need to know about taking a ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast.
All the info in here is updated, and we’ll also be attaching some photos to give you a clearer idea when planning your trip.
By the end of this article, you’ll know whether or not the ferry is right for you.
We’ll be providing some useful tips, so remember to read all the way through!
Before you buy your ferry ticket from Singapore to Desaru, there are some key points to think about.
- Suitability: The ferry is ideal for solo travelers or pairs.
- Limited Schedule: Desaru only has one daily departure to Singapore. This means if you check out at 11:00 am, you’ll have to wait until 5:30 pm for your return trip to Singapore.
- Weather-dependent: The ferry schedule to Desaru might be postponed or delayed due to weather conditions, either in Singapore or near the Desaru Coast.
- Family Consideration: if you’re planning a family trip, you might want a more flexible travel option
An alternative worth considering is hiring a direct MPV private car from Singapore to Desaru Coast and back for SGD 280 round trip, picking you up right from your doorstep.
However, if you’re set on the ferry experience and crave that sea view, you can go ahead and book your Desaru Ferry Tickets.
1. Overview: Singapore – Desaru Coast (Ferry Terminal)
2. Ferry To Desaru Coast: How To Buy Ticket
3. Ferry To Desaru Coast: Travel Time
4. Ferry To Desaru Coast: Routes
5. Ferry To Desaru Coast: Ticket Price
6. Ferry To Desaru Coast: Schedule
7. Ferry To Desaru Coast Journey (Photos)
8. How To Go Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
9. Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal: Parking & Charges
10. Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal: Facilities
11. Conclusion & Tips
1. Overview: Singapore – Desaru Coast (Ferry Terminal)
There are TWO routes to Desaru Coast from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal: Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal and Tanjung Pengelih Ferry Terminal.
Please know that the best route would be from Tanah Merah to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.
It is an estimated 1.5-2 hour journey by sea. Once you have arrived at Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, it will take 20-30 minutes to reach your resort by free shuttle bus.
Also read: How To Go To Desaru From Singapore
While the Tg. Pengelih route is shorter, it’s not convenient because there are no free shuttle buses to your resort in Desaru.
Check out the map below for an overview of where Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is situated.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ceCbMuDJw59ypDc7A
2. Ferry To Desaru Coast: How To Buy Ticket
Below are the steps to purchase your Desaru ferry ticket:
Step 1: Visit BatamFast official website
Step 2: Enter trip details and search availability.
Step 3: Review options and select extras.
Step 4: Confirm booking details.
Step 5: Choose payment method and make payment.
Step 6: Receive electronic ticket via email.
For more details, refer here: How To Buy Ferry Ticket To Desaru Coast
3. Ferry To Desaru Coast: Travel Time
The ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal takes around 90 minutes.
Sometimes or during the Northeast Monsoon Season (between November to February), unfavourable sea conditions might prompt BatamFast Ferry to make a diversion plan.
In this case, the ferry will operate to and from Tanjung Pengelih Ferry Terminal instead of Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.
Travel time will take around 45 minutes to Tanjung Pengelih Ferry Terminal. Upon arrival, you will board a 35-minute bus transfer to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.
From there, you will take a 10-15 minutes Desaru Coast shuttle bus to your resort in Desaru Coast.
Also read: Coach Bus From Singapore To Desaru Coast
4. Ferry To Desaru Coast: Routes
Ferry from Singapore to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal route:
Sometimes, the ferry may change its destination to Tanjung Pengelih Ferry Terminal, requiring an additional 45-minute bus ride to reach the resort in Desaru Coast.
5. Ferry To Desaru Coast: Ticket Price
Below is the ferry to Desaru Coast ticket prices for your reference:
One-Way Ticket Price: SGD 70 (incl. ticket fare, surcharge, and departure fees)
Round Trip Ticket Price: SGD 108 (incl. ticket fare, surcharge, and departure fees)
It has promotional price sometime, do remember to pick.
If you’re traveling with 3 people, here’s a simple cost comparison for transfer fees between a private car and ferry.
Trip | Private Car | Ferry |
One-Way | SGD 160 per car (max 5 passengers) | SGD 70 x 3 = SGD 210 |
Round Trip | SGD 300 per car (max 5 passengers) | SGD 108 x 3 = SGD 324 |
Based on table comparison above, choosing a private car tends to be the cheaper and more favorable choice when traveling with 3 people or more.
It offers flexibility and convenience, and departs from your doorstep in Singapore direct to Desaru Coast by taxi.
Additionally, if your trip involves elderly individuals or kids, the ferry might not be suitable.
Worried about how much to pack? Here’s the lowdown on the baggage costs.
Luggage Type | Cost |
Hand-Carry Luggage | Free 10kg per person
Max dimensions (55cm x 40 cm x 20cm) |
Check-In Luggage | Free 20kg per boarding pass |
Excess Hand-Carry Or Check-In Luggage | SGD 1/kg |
Bicycles & Other Odd-Sized Items | SGD 10 per item (up to 30kg) |
Also read: Transport From Singapore To Desaru Coast
6. Ferry To Desaru Coast: Schedule
BatamFast Ferry will take you from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast.
During public holidays or peak periods, they will have 2 ferries running at the same time.
Especially, during Singapore school holidays, the ferry operator will operate daily from Monday to Sunday.
To stay updated, check BatamFerry’s official website regularly.
Unfortunately, ferry schedule isn’t flexible and this ferry service doesn’t operate daily.
Departure Time | Days Of Operation |
8:30am
(90-Mins Duration) |
|
An alternative route to Desaru is the ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Tanjung Pengelih Ferry Terminal.
Departure Time | Days Of Operation |
10:40am
(45-Mins Duration) |
|
If you’re searching for how to get to Tanjung Belungkor Ferry Terminal from Singapore, we’ve got bad news.
This ferry terminal has yet to begin operating. In the meantime, you can always choose to arrive at Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.
7. My Journey of Ferry to Desaru Coast (Photos)
1. Reach at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal at 7:30am
2. Get your ferry boarding pass at BatamFast counter
3. Head to the custom for boarding
4. it takes only 5 minutes during non-peak season, so I have lot of time to wait at the boarding gate
5. Gate open at 8:15am, move to the ferry
6. This is the indoor Air-con seat
7. This is the outdoor sea-view seat
8. Spend more than 1 hour to enjoy the China South Seaview
9. After 1 hour and 10 minutes you will see the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal
10. Get down from the Ferry
11. Heading to the Malaysia Checkpoint
12. After the exit you will see the Desaru Coast Shuttle Bus
8. How To Go Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is fairly accessible by many modes of transportation. Here are the various ways to get there:
Transport | Information |
Bus |
|
Train |
|
Taxi or Car |
|
Reminder: If you’re going by car, bear in mind that you cannot take your car onto the ferry.
9. Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal: Parking & Charges
There are 3 car parks area available at the ferry terminal as shown below. Rates are SGD 1.52 per hour, with a full-day cap at SGD 28.26. (SGD 15 per day ONLY for year 2024)
10. Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal: Facilities
If you want to kill time or just grab some last-minute toiletries, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal has just enough facilities to accommodate your basic needs.
Highlights:
- Duty-free store
- Central Thai (F&B Outlets)
- AJ Oasis (F&B Outlets)
- Anua Money Group Exchangers
- 7-Eleven
- Coffee Gao Gao
- Baby Care Room
11. Conclusion
Well, there you have it—the complete lowdown on travelling by ferry from Singapore to Desaru Coast.
Before you go, here are some important things to note before planning your trip by ferry:
- Avoid travelling on weekends or public holidays.
- Get the latest shuttle bus schedule from your resort’s reception desk.
- Arrive at the ferry terminal 30-45 minutes before departure time.
- You can take a taxi to Tanah Merah or choose to park there.
Again, the private car hire is always the best option. The car will pick up from your doorstep in Singapore straight to your Desaru Coast resort, any time you choose.
If you’re going to stay at Westin Desaru Resort or Anantara Desaru Resort, you can read my resort review below:
Whereas by ferry, you will arrive at your resort before 10:00am, which means you can’t check-in yet.
Then, on the day of return, you will have to check-out at 12:00pm and wait until 5:00pm before you can board the ferry. It can be such a hassle if you have kids or elderly people with you.
9. FAQs:
Q1: How early do you have to check in for the Desaru ferry?
You should arrive at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal around 30-45 minutes before the departure time.
Q2: How long is the ferry from Desaru to Singapore?
The ferry journey from Desaru to Singapore takes 90 minutes.
Q3: Which ferry operator runs from Singapore to Desaru?
BatamFast Ferry
Q4: Where can you catch a ferry to Desaru Coast from Singapore?
You can catch a ferry to Desaru Coast from Singapore at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.