Ferry To Tioman: Schedule, Latest Ferry Ticket Prices, Where To Book & More

Last updated 7 Oct 2024SGMYTAXI

Have you already decided to go to Tioman Island but yet to find out how to get yourself there?

Whichever mode of transportation that you take, you will end up needing to take the ferry to Tioman.

Tioman ferry services are efficient since Tioman Island is one of the top diving destinations in Malaysia.

Where to board the ferry?

Which ferry service to take? How much does it cost?

What time schedule do they have?

How to get to Mersing Jetty?

Which Ferry Company?

Which Jetty to Onboard?

These are the questions that will be answered in this post.

 

 

1. How To Get To Tioman Island From Singapore

There are several ways to get from Singapore to Tioman Island. Explore the transportation options in the table below.

Transport Option	Description	Provider	Key Features
Private Car from Singapore to Tioman (3 – 3.5 hours to Mersing, additional 40 minutes to Teluk Gading Jetty)	Direct ride private car from Singapore to Mersing Jetty or Teluk Gading Jetty, no waiting for others.	SGMYTAXI	Comfortable Affordable Up to 10 passengers Experienced drivers 2000++ positive feedback from satisfied customers
Bus from Singapore to Tioman (via Larkin Sentral) (5 hours to Mersing, additional 40 minutes to Teluk Gading Jetty)	Step-by-step journey involving multiple bus changes: Step 1: Take a bus from Singapore to JB CIQ FIRST Link. Step 2: Take Causeway Link bus CWL to Larkin Sentral. Step 3: Take a bus to Mersing Jetty. Not recommended due to long duration and luggage hassle.	N/A	Long journey Exhausting Hassle of luggage transfers.
Direct Bus from Singapore to Tioman (4 hours to Mersing, additional 40 minutes to Teluk Gading Jetty)	Less hassle than public transport; requires immigration clearance but offers a direct service.	KKKL Singapore	More convenient than multiple buses.
Coach from Singapore to Tioman (4 hours to Mersing, additional 40 minutes to Teluk Gading Jetty)	Offers comfortable seating and covers Teluk Gading Jetty, including the ferry ride to Tioman.	Diamond Coach Singapore	Comfortable Well-maintained coach includes ferry ticket.
Flight from Singapore to Tioman	Previously available option via Berjaya Air, now discontinued.	N/A	No longer an option.

 

2. Ferry Terminal To Tioman Island

You may choose to depart from Mersing Jetty or Teluk Gading Jetty (previously known as Tanjung Gemok Jetty) to take the ferry to Tioman, depending on your travel origin.

 

2.1 Mersing Jetty Ferry Terminal (Mersing Harbour Center)

Mersing Jetty Ferry Terminal is the most popular choice among tourists, particularly those traveling by coach, as it is conveniently located near the Mersing coach terminal, which offers several daily services.

Alternatively, some travelers prefer to drive themselves or hire private car services for added comfort. For a reliable private car service, check out this link: Private Taxi Service From Singapore to Mersing Jetty

 

Both Bluewater Ferry and Cataferry operate from Mersing Jetty to Tioman Island.

Mersing Jetty is the nearest jetty location from Singapore and Johor Bahru.

The downside of this jetty is that there is a possibility of your ferry schedule being affected due to the tidal wave issue.

Also read: 9 Best Things To Do In Mersing

Location of Mersing Jetty:

 

Mersing Jetty Parking Area

If you are driving to Mersing Ferry Terminal, you can park at four different areas nearby the jetty.

These are the car park locations that are available:

1. – Behind Jetty (Guarded an open early in the morning)
2. – R & R Plaza.
3. – Mersing Jetty car park. (Guarded and open early in the morning)
4. – ONLY for Rawa Island travellers (Guarded)

The parking fee is about RM15 per day

For more details about the parking area, refer here: 5 Car Parking Area At Mersing Jetty

 

2.2 Teluk Gading Ferry Terminal

Apart from Mersing Jetty Ferry Terminal, Teluk Gading Ferry Terminal is another departure point to Tioman Island.

Teluk Gading Jetty is located about 38 km north of Mersing, and you can reach it by driving towards Endau town and crossing the river. It is about a 40-minute drive from Mersing Jetty.

 

Only Bluewater Ferry operate from Teluk Gading Jetty.

Although it is 30 – 40 minutes away from Mersing Jetty and located further away from Singapore, it might be worth the additional ride time there.

The tides at Teluk Gading Ferry Terminal is not as bad as at Mersing Jetty and this means less disruption to the ferry schedules.

Location of Teluk Gading Jetty:

 

Teluk Gading Jetty Parking Area

You can park at the open-air car park at the jetty itself.

 

 

The parking fee is about RM15 per day.

 

 

2.3 Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal

A ferry operator named Penguin Ferry used to provide ferry services from Singapore to Tioman Island, departing from Tanah Merah Terminal.

It was a very convenient way to travel to Tioman Island from Singapore but unfortunately, it is NO LONGER AVAILABLE after 2005.

 

3. Tioman Ferry Operators

Basically, there are two ferry operators namely Cataferry and Bluewater Ferry that are able to bring you to Tioman Island from either Mersing Jetty or Teluk Gading Jetty.

You must be wondering by now what is the difference between Cataferry and Bluewater Express Tioman?

There are surely some significant differences between these two operators.

I have simplified the information on the differences in table format for you.

3.1 Cataferry Tioman Ferry

 

3.2 Bluewater Express Tioman Ferry

Feature	Details
Overall Comfort	Older ferries with standard seating ONLY Feels a little bumpy Standard Seats ONLY Luggage area on floor away from seats Air-conditioned TV Limited mobile connectivity
Jetty Location & Counter	Mersing Jetty:  Mersing Harbour Centre W1 & W2 Teluk Gading Jetty: Gemilang Counter 3
Ticket Information & Pricing	•Standard tickets at RM60 Booking at counter or online (bluewater.my) Free seating Ticket Collection: Few steps such as ticket registration, validation of passport/MYKad, collection of boarding pass
Provided Services	No refreshments Limited counter staff
Rides	Duration: 1.5-2 hours 1 to 3 trip daily, especially during peak period Time schedule might have changes and may not be on time for departure
Rules	Cancellation by operator: 6-month validity, refund (T&C apply) Non-refundable for passenger cancellations
Safety Issues	Life vests and rafts provided Optional travel insurance

For more info, click here: Cataferry vs Bluewater Ferry

 

4. Tioman Ferry Route

The ferry route from both Mersing Jetty and Teluk Gading Jetty are similar, just that their starting point is different.

4.1 Ferry To Tioman Island From Mersing Route

Here are the routes taken from Mersing Jetty (in order from the first point of departure to the last point of arrival)

Mersing Jetty -> Genting Jetty -> Paya Jetty -> Tekek Jetty -> Air Batang Jetty (ABC Jetty) -> Salang Jetty

 

4.2 Ferry To Tioman Island From Teluk Gading Jetty Route

Both Cataferry and Bluewater Ferry takes the same route and this are the orders of the stops taken:

Teluk Gading Jetty -> Genting Jetty -> Paya Jetty -> Tekek Jetty -> Air Batang Jetty (ABC Jetty) -> Salang Jetty

Also read: 3D2N Singapore To Tioman Package

 

5. Tioman Ferry Duration

5.1 Mersing Jetty to Tioman Ferry Duration

The journey from Mersing Jetty to Pulau Tioman typically takes about 1.5 hour to 2 hours depending on:

• Your jetty destination at Tioman Island
• Tide condition
• Wind factor

 

5.2 Teluk Gading Jetty To Tioman Ferry Duration

As Teluk Gading Jetty location does not get affected much by the tidal condition, hence it takes about 1.5 hour depending on your jetty destination at Tioman Island.

6. Tioman Ferry Ticket

Below is the ticket pricing for both Cataferry and Bluewater Ferry.

Cataferry Tioman Price

Cataferry provides two different types of tickets (for both adult and child) depending on the comfort and view from the ferry (premium seats are at the 1^st floor of the ferry).

• Two Way Standard Ticket (Usually between RM40.00 – RM120.00 for both adult & child)
• Two Way Premium Ticket (Usually between RM160.00 – RM240.00 for adult & RM100.00 – RM160.00 for child)

 

Bluewater Ferry Tioman Price

Bluewater Ferry provides tickets for:

• One Way Standard fare of RM 60.00 (adult) & RM 55.00 (child) one way

There is significant difference in ticket pricing and it all depends on your priorities such as:

• Price itself (your budgeting)
• Comfort (seats and ferry condition)
• Classy
• Facilities
• Stability Feeling
• Safety

 

6.1 Tioman Ferry Ticket Price Comparison

6.2 How To Buy Cataferry Tioman Ferry Ticket

Step 1: Buy Cataferry Ticket To Tioman

There are three ways on purchasing your Cataferry Ticket to Tioman

1. Buy Online

Booking online is one of the easiest means of buying your tickets.

You can purchase your tickets online at https://www.cataferry.com/usr/ticket.aspx

Just follow the instructions given and fill in the necessary information to get your tickets.

2. Buy At The Counter

You may purchase an over the counter ticket at the dedicated counter at Teluk Gading Jetty.

3. Buy Together With Resort Package

Ferry tickets are normally included in the All-In-One Resort Packages.

Do check with the travel agencies that you will be purchasing these packages from.

Also read: Tioman Island Packages (How To Choose The Right Package)

 

Step 2: Collect Cataferry Ticket At Counter

Collect your Cataferry ticket at the Teluk Gading Jetty counter (bring along your passport or MYKad and booking receipt if applicable).

 

6.2 How To Buy Bluewater Express Tioman Ferry Ticket

Step 1: Buy Bluewater Express Ticket To Tioman

Similar to Cataferry, there are three ways which you may purchase your tickets

1. Buy Online

You can book ferry to Tioman ticket online at https://bluewater.my/

You will just need to key in the necessary information and subsequently follow their instructions.

2. Buy At The Counter

Over the counter tickets are available at:

• Mersing Jetty: Mersing Harbour Centre Counters R22 or W2)
• Teluk Gading Jetty: Gemilang Counter 3

3. Buy Together With Resort Package

Ferry tickets are normally included in the All-In-One Resort Packages.

Do check with the travel agencies that you will be purchasing these packages from.

 

Step 2: Collect Bluewater Express Ticket At Counter

Collect your Bluewater Ferry ticket at the respective jetty’s counter (Mersing Jetty or Teluk Gading Jetty counter

Bring along the following items to collect your tickets:

• Passport/ MyKad
• Payment and Ferry Timing Confirmation (Printed or Electronic, both are accepted)

 

7. Tioman Ferry Schedule

Do take note that the availability of ferries all depends on the dry and monsoon season.

The peak period where many ferry services operates is between March to September.

So, do expect lesser (or sometimes none) ferry services on the other months.

7.1 Mersing To Tioman Ferry Schedule

Bluewater Ferry provides ferry services 2 to 4 times a day during peak period compared to Cataferry which only provides 1 to 2 rides per day for most days.

Both ferry operators change their ferry timetable monthly.

The next months’ ferry schedule will usually be announced two weeks before that end of the month.

For example, schedule for March will only be available around the middle of February

You can get the latest Mersing to Tioman ferry schedule here: Mersing to Tioman Ferry Schedule

 

7.2 Teluk Gading To Tioman Ferry Schedule

Similar to the ferry schedule from Mersing Jetty, the following months’ schedule will be released two weeks before the month end of the month before.

You can get the latest Teluk Gading to Tioman ferry schedule here: Teluk Gading to Tioman Ferry Schedule

 

7.3 Singapore To Tioman Ferry Schedule

IMPORTANT: This service has been ceased in 2005 (previously departure was from Tanah Merah Terminal)

 

8. Speedboat To Tioman (Alternative)

It is important to note that the government has banned speedboats services due to its safety issues.

The only way to travel to Tioman Island is through the licensed Tioman Ferry services (i.e Currently by Bluewater Ferry and Cataferry)

There are however certain resorts that provide private boat transfer (eg. Japamala Tioman Island provides a 12 seater speedboat service at the price of RM530 for two-way transfer).

 

9. Eight Jetties In Tioman Jetty

 

This table outlines ferry routes to Tioman Island, detailing the eight jetties served. It includes ferry providers for each route and links for more information.

Ferry Route	Description	Provider	More Information
Genting Jetty	First stop from Mersing Jetty and Teluk Gading Jetty.	Cataferry, Bluewater Ferry	Genting Tioman
Paya Jetty	Second stop from Mersing Jetty and Teluk Gading Jetty.	Cataferry, Bluewater Ferry	Paya Tioman
Tekek Jetty	Third stop from Mersing Jetty and Teluk Gading Jetty.	Cataferry, Bluewater Ferry	Tekek Tioman
Air Batang Jetty (ABC Jetty)	Fourth stop from Mersing Jetty and Teluk Gading Jetty.	Bluewater Ferry	Air Batang Tioman
Salang Jetty	Last stop from Mersing Jetty and Teluk Gading Jetty.	Bluewater Ferry	Salang Tioman
Mukut Jetty	Travel to Genting Village Jetty first, then take a private speedboat to Mukut Jetty. Bluewater now includes Mukut as a direct stop.	Bluewater Ferry	Mukut Tioman
Juara Jetty	No direct ferries initially, but Bluewater now provides a direct route. Otherwise, transfer via Tekek Village.	Bluewater Ferry	Juara Tioman
Nipah Jetty	No longer a direct ferry service; access requires a transfer from Genting Village Jetty.	N/A	Nipah Tioman

 

 

10. Tioman Ferry Related FAQ

Q1: What should I do if I missed my ferry ride to Tioman Island?

A1: Normally, these are the ways that travellers handle this situation

• Find a hotel or homestay near Mersing Jetty to stay one night.

• Share cost with other travellers to take the speedboat to Tioman (however, these speedboats are unlicensed so you will take it at your own risk)

Q2: How far is Mersing Bus Terminal to Mersing Jetty?

A2: Mersing Jetty is just a 10 minutes’ walk or 2 minutes’ drive away from Mersing Bus Terminal

Q3: Can I book my ferry tickets in advance? Is it a must to book in advance?

A3: You do not need to book your tickets in advance. However, it is highly recommended for you to purchase your tickets as early as possible because it gets reserved very quickly especially during the weekends, Malaysia public holidays, Singapore public holidays and Malaysia school holidays.

In order not to get disappointed, go get your tickets EARLY!

Q4: Where can I check on the departure time for the ferry rides?

A4: The ferry schedule changes monthly and you may get the exact timing two weeks before month end of the month before.

For example, to get the schedule for September, you can start searching for it during middle of August (you may refer to www.sgmytaxi.com/tioman-ferry-schedule/)

Alternatively, you may also call up Mersing Harbour Centre at +607-799 4811 to find out the latest ferry schedule.

Q5: How early should I arrive at the jetty?

A5: Please arrive between 60 – 90 minutes before departure to settle your boarding pass collection, pay the Marine Park Fee and Johor National Park Fee (applicable for Mersing Jetty only)

Q6: Can I just purchase a one-way ferry ticket?

A6: Yes. You can make your purchase online at https://www.cataferry.com/ for Cataferry or https://bluewater.my/ for Bluewater Ferry.

Q7: Does the ferries provide car holding area for me to drive my car into the ferry?

A7: No

Q8: Can I board earlier and wait in the ferry till departure time?

A8: Passengers are not allowed to board the ferry early due to safety issues.

Q9: There are so many jetties in Tioman. Which one should I go to?

A9: You may refer to “Tioman Ferry Route” in this article. If you are still unsure, you may ask the ferry operator staffs.

Q10: I usually experience travel sickness. Is there another option to get to Tioman other than the ferry?

A10: Unfortunately it is a NO. Few years ago, Berjaya Air flies from Singapore to Tioman but they have ceased their operations already.

Q11: Any toilets provided in the ferries?

A11: Yes

Q12: I have booked my ferry tickets from Mersing? Can I change my departure venue to Teluk Gading Jetty?

A12: It might be possible for non-peak period but you must check on the availability of seats with the ferry operators or you may call Mersing Harbour Centre at +607-799 4811.

It is however impossible during public holidays, weekends and peak period because it will be fully packed.

Q13: Are there any additional cost that I need to pay to go to Tioman?

A13: Yes.

Mersing Marine Park Fee (both Mersing Jetty and Teluk Gading Jetty):
Foreign Tourists: RM30 (Adult) & RM15 (Child & Senior Citizen)
Malaysians: RM5 (Adult) & RM2 (Child & Senior Citizen)

Johor National Park Fee (ONLY from Mersing Jetty):
Foreign Tourists: RM20 (Adult) & RM10 (Child)
Malaysians: RM5 (Adult) & RM3 (Child)

Q14: When is the best time to go to Tioman?

A14: The best time to go to Tioman is during the dry season which falls between March to September.

If possible, avoid the monsoon season which falls between October to February (even the ferry rides are limited during this period)

Q15: Can I withdraw money in Tioman? Any ATM machines available?

A15: There is an ATM machine right outside a small bank (BSN) which is located in front of the airport at Tekek Village.

There are also ATMs available in Mersing town which is about 15 minutes’ walk from Mersing Jetty.

Tips: Do bring enough cash with you before you leave for Tioman Island and also your credit card in case you have insufficient cash for hotel accomodation as most resorts have credit card payment facilities.

Q16: If I get sick, where is the nearest clinic in Tioman?

A16: There are clinics available at Tekek Village. If you are from the other villages, then you will need to take the boat to Tekek.

Tips: Most resorts have their own first aid kit that can treat minor injuries or sickness. Please call to check with them before your departure.

Q17: How do I get to Teluk Gading Jetty from Mersing?

A17: You can either take a local taxi or a direct bus from Mersing Bus Terminal which is just about 10 minutes’ walk away from Mersing Jetty.