Ferry Tanah Merah To Desaru Coast Terminal (Step By Step Guide With Photos)

Last updated 3 Jul 2024SGMYTAXI

If you’re thinking about taking the ferry from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast, this step-by-step guide is a must-read!

Whether you’re a first-timer or you’re a seasoned ferry traveller, we’ve got you covered with real photos and all you need to know to make your ferry trip easy peasy!

As taking a ferry might not suit everyone depending on the resort, companions, budget, and plans, be sure to read the whole guide before deciding!

Read on to find out travel by ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal!

For the ferry return trip, check it out here: Desaru to Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Guide

 

 

Should Or Shouldn’t Take Ferry To Desaru

 

Still deciding if you should take a ferry to Desaru Coast?

Here are some things to consider while deciding –

Staying Within Resort: If you plan to spend your entire trip in the resort area, taking the ferry is a great option – just make sure you have flexible timing.

Traveling As A Group: For trips with three or more people, consider hiring a private car as it is more convenient, offers flexible timing, and is cost-effective.

Family With Kids or Elderly: Taking the ferry is not recommended for families with kids or elderly travelers.

Exploring Desaru: If you want to explore other places in Desaru, hiring a private car is the best and probably only sensible option.

Couples Trip: Taking the ferry on a couple’s trip is a lovely and relaxing way to start your romantic getaway!

For more information and a better understanding on transportation options that may suit you, you can visit our Transport From Singapore To Desaru Guide.

Alternatively, you can look for Desaru Private Car Service From Singapore.

 

 

Shuttle Bus Services  

 

If you’re planning to explore the resort area, there is a free shuttle bus service that covers Desaru Coast!

The shuttle service conveniently travels between popular spots like The Westin Desaru, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru, Anantara Desaru Resort, Desaru Waterpark, The Els Club and the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.

For more details on this handy shuttle service, have a look at my Desaru Shuttle Bus Guide.

 

 

 

Ferry To Desaru Step 1: Buy The Ticket At Batamfast.com

 

Obviously, the first step to travelling by ferry from Singapore to Desaru Coast is to purchase a ticket!

You can purchase your ticket online on the BatamFast website by selecting your desired dates for your trip.

Reminder: The ferry only makes trips from Thursdays to Mondays from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.

However, the ferry is open on weekdays during school holidays!

If you’d like a more detailed explanation, check out: how to purchase your Desaru ferry ticket.

 

 

 

Ferry To Desaru Step 2: Get Boarding Pass At Counter Before 1 Hour

 

Once you’ve purchased your ferry ticket, head over to the BatamFast ticket counter at the ferry terminal on the day of travel.

At the counter, hand the officer your passport and you’ll receive 2 boarding passes in return.

While it’s recommended to arrive at least an hour ahead of boarding, it only took me 15 minutes to pass through customs.

Having said that, it’d be wise to allow yourself more time during public holidays or long weekends!

Also read: 5 Dining Option In Westin Desaru Coast

 

Ferry to Desaru Step 3: Proceed to Custom Clearance

 

Next, you’ll have to clear customs.

Keep an eye on the monitor, and follow the instructions to proceed when told to.

 

 

Ferry to Desaru Step 4: Wait for the Ferry Arrive and Onboard

 

Then, it’s just a matter of waiting to board the ferry!

Here’s a picture of the waiting area where I spent approximately 30 minutes chilling before the ferry arrived for boarding.

 

 

 

 

Ferry To Desaru Step 5: It Takes 90 Mins To Reach Desaru Coast

 

The ferry will depart at 8:30am and it takes approximately 90 minutes from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.

Also read: Public Beach At Westin Desaru Coast

Here are some pictures of what it’ll look like when you board the ferry.

 

 

 

 

There are two seating areas on the ferry – indoor seats and outdoor seats.

 

While the the indoor area is air conditioned and quieter, I chose to sit outdoors,

 

The outdoor area was a little noisier due to the sound of the engine but I was able to enjoy the balmy seabreeze and the amazing seaview.

Also read: 2D1N Westin Desaru Coast Resort Review

 

 

Ferry To Desaru Step 6: Reach To Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal

 

Once you arrive at the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, you’ll need to disembark from the ferry and make your way through custom clearance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ferry To Desaru Step 7: Get Your Shuttle Bus DG2 At The Exit

 

When you’ve cleared customs, head to the exit.

If you’re headed to the resorts within Desaru Coast, hop on the free shuttle bus and enjoy a quick ride to one of the three resorts within the shuttle bus route.

Here are some pictures of buses waiting at the pickup point of the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.

 

 

 

Ferry To Desaru Step 8: Reach To Resort 

 

The shuttle bus will then make its way from the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal to one of the three resorts – Westin, Hard Rock and Anantara.

Here are some photos so you have a better idea of what to expect as the shuttle bus makes its way to Desaru Coast:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion: Things To Know

Before you go off and purchase that ferry ticket to Desaru Coast, do bear in mind that the free shuttle bus only operates within the Desaru Coast area.

You may also need to practise patience during peak travel periods as the shuttle bus may need to make multiple trips from the ferry terminal to the resorts (less than 20 pax per trip!)

Also, if your accommodation is outside of the Desaru Coast area, ask your resort to arrange alternative transportation for you.

While the resort’s private van is available to chauffeur you around, it is generally very expensive.

Hence,  if you don’t have your own mode of transportation, take the free shuttle and walk from either Westin Desaru, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru or Anantara Desaru.

On your return trip, check the shuttle schedule and take an earlier bus to the ferry terminal, allowing at least an hour before departure.

For instance, if your ferry is at 5:30pm, take a 4:00pm bus to the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal to allow yourself some buffer.

Although you can probably clear customs in under 10 minutes during non-peak season, it’s best to arrive earlier to avoid rushing!

So, there you have it!