• Because of their unique twin-hull design, Cataferry catamarans offer more stability (and comfort) to its passengers. Great if you get seasick easily!
• Everything is still quite new
• Spacious and comfortable seating. The seats are numbered too so there will not be any chance of awkward confusion!
• They take safety seriously. The staff onboard are trained and safety briefings will be given. And overloading of the ferry will not be an issue here.
• Great service and timely journeys (with calm seas, of course).
• Decent online connection during the ride

The Cataferry service runs twice daily from Tanjung Gemok to Tioman island – once early in the morning and another time closer to noon.

Thus, the return journeys from Tioman island back to the mainland is done twice a day as well.

You can see their full schedule here:

Cataferry offers economy and premium seats as well as outdoor benches. You can even sit up on the open deck area if you want to feel that sea breeze on your face!

Prices can vary pretty drastically depending on which day you choose.

The economy seats are usually priced anywhere between RM 5 – 70. While the premium seats will cost an additional RM 60 for more distance between your neighbor and you!

Here are some things you can do to make sure you have a fuss-free experience with Cataferry:

• Book earlier if you can – this may result in cheaper fares!
• Make transportation arrangements with your chosen accommodation on Tioman island before you go.
• Get to the check-in counter 1 hour before the ferry departs. Add another 30 minutes if it’s a public holiday, the school holidays or a long weekend.
• Bring along your online booking confirmation receipt and MYKAD (for Malaysians) or passport for check-in. And remember to take these back with you after check-in!
• Double check that your details match your boarding pass.
• Be at the jetty 30 minutes before departure.
• Have some ringgit on your person before you go! You never know when you will need it. (e.g. parking fee, snacks, etc)

An established ferry service, Bluewater Express Ferry have high-speed ferries at their disposal.

In fact, they used to be the only operator offering ferry services to Tioman island before Cataferry came into the picture.

With Bluewater Express Ferry, you can choose to depart from either Mersing jetty or Tanjung Gemok jetty.

But if you’re coming from Singapore, you can cut back on the driving time by taking the ferry from Mersing jetty instead of Tanjung Gemok – a journey of 2 hours and 40 minutes.

From Mersing jetty, the ferry will take another 1.5 to 2 hours as they have a few stops at some jetties along Tioman Island:

• Genting
• Paya
• Tekek
• ABC
• Panuba
• Salang

• You can book way in advance
• Open return tickets are available
• You can have an early start to your Tioman island vacation by booking either the pre-dawn or evening departure slots.
• Because they offer the option to depart from Mersing jetty, you don’t have to drive up to Tanjung Gemok if you are coming from Singapore. Saves you about 35 minutes’ driving time.
• Fixed fares regardless of peak season.

The schedule varies per day.

However, they can offer up to 3 rides daily from the mainland to Tioman island.

They even have super early morning (like 4am) departures! And evening departures, depending on the day you want to go.

You can see their Mersing to Tioman island schedule here:

Ferry Schedule From Mersing Jetty To Tioman

Prices are fixed. Adults pay RM 35 each (RM 30.00-child for children) for a one way trip.

A two-way transfer would be RM80 per adult (and RM70 for kids).

Travelling with Bluewater Express Ferry can be tiresome if you’re not prepared – here are some tips:

• Bring some ringgit with you if you’re coming from Singapore!
• Check in 90 minutes before departure. For Mersing, it is Counter R22 or Counter W2 (Information). And for Tanjung Gemok, look for Gemilang Counter 3.
• Be at the jetty early. Like 60-90 minutes before departure.
• You may end up missing your boat if you take a bus straight to Mersing on the day of your departure. It’s best to drive your own car or arrange for a taxi service instead!
• If you want to avoid the crowd (and overloading), don’t go during the school or public holidays!
• Allow ample time into your travel schedule before and after your departure date to accommodate delays. Sometimes, the ferry can be late (depending on the tide).
• Prepare to be squished – seats are fairly small. Take what you need in a small bag that you can keep with you because the main luggage will be kept quite far from the passengers.
• It’s free seating – if you come late, you may not get a seat at all! Especially during the peak season!
• You probably won’t have any access to the internet while onboard. Bring a book or some music to pass the time!
• Hope you can swim because their staff are not trained to handle emergencies!

You’re one step closer to that island vacation you’ve been dreaming of! Now that you know which ferry operator (Cataferry or Bluewater Express Ferry) fits your travel plans best, pick a date and book your tickets!