Want to get to Tioman Island but don’t know where to start?
Here are 7 ways you can get to Tioman Island from Singapore and other major cities in Peninsula Malaysia.
Table of contents:
- How To Go To Tioman Island From Singapore
- How To Go To Tioman Island From Johor Bahru (JB)
- How To Go To Tioman Island From Kuala Lumpur (KL)
- How To Go To Tioman Island From Malacca
- How To Go To Tioman Island From Penang
- How To Go To Tioman Island From Mersing Jetty
- How To Go To Tioman Island From Tanjung Gemok Jetty
1. How To Go To Tioman Island From Singapore
Since there’s no direct flight from Singapore to Tioman Island yet, you basically have two options – take a bus (or coach) or drive!
Regardless, all options will lead to either Mersing or Tanjung Gemok jetty so you can take the ferry to Tioman Island.
Read also: How To Go To Rawa Island From Singapore
1.1 Bus From Singapore To Tioman Island
It’s a long way to paradise so you might as well pick a direct bus so you can sleep on the way.
The journey is usually anywhere from 3 to 5 hours.
Step 1: Bus From Singapore To Mersing
There are a few options if you want to take a bus from Singapore to Mersing Bus Terminal.
Where, it’s just a short walk (10-15 minutes) to Mersing Jetty.
Bus Operators
- Transnasional
- Starmart Express
- KKKL Singapore
- Causeway Link Express
Singapore To Mersing:
Bus operators | Transnasional | Starmart Express | KKKL Singapore |
---|---|---|---|
Departure From Singapore | The Plaza | Golden Mile Tower & Boon Lay | Kovan Hub 206 & Bugis MRT Exit D |
Bus Departure Time | 9:00AM, 7:30PM, 10:00PM | 6:31AM (Golden Mile Tower) & 7:16AM (Boon Lay) | 6:00AM (Kovan Hub 206), 6:30AM (Bugis MRT Exit D) |
Price Range (SGD) | $33.9 (Adult/ Child) | $35 (Adult/ Child) | $36 (Adult/ Child) |
Duration | 5hrs, 12min | 3hrs, 12min (Golden Mile Tower) & 5hrs, 51min (Boon Lay) | ~3hrs, 20min |
How To Book A Bus From Singapore To Mersing
This link will take you to the booking page on easybook.com.
All you have to do is change the date, preferred departure point and the number of people in your travel group.
Step 2: Ferry From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Island
Presently, you will find yourself in Mersing. Mersing is after all, the gateway to Tioman Islands. You can take ferry from Mersing Jetty to Tioman Island.
Click here for more information on the Tioman Island ferries including their prices and schedules.
1.2 Coach From Singapore To Tioman Island
Prefer a coach over bus as your go-to travel mode?
Depending on the coach operator you choose, you can arrive at Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty.
Step 1: Coach From Singapore To Mersing/ Tanjung Gemok Jetty
There are daily coaches that will take you from Singapore to Tanjung Gemok Jetty and Mersing Jetty.
Coach Departure Time: The coaches typically leave Singapore at 6.30am.
Coach Operators
- Discovery Singapore
- WTS
Coach Operators From Singapore to Mersing/ Tanjung Gemok Jetty | WTS | Discovery Singapore |
---|---|---|
Departure from Singapore | Singapore Flyer #01-06D | Bugis MRT Station Exit D |
One Way Price range (SGD) | $21-30(Adult/ Child) | $28 (Adult/ Child) |
Two Way Price range (SGD) | $42-60(Adult/ Child) | $50 (Adult/ Child) |
For Discovery Singapore, there is a surcharge of SGD$5 to the total cost per booking.
WTS is cheaper than Discovery Singapore if you choose dates between Sunday to Thursday.
How To Book A Coach From Singapore To Mersing/ Tanjung Gemok Jetty
If you want to take a coach from Singapore to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok Jetty, you can book a coach from Discovery Singapore here.
Or you can book a coach from WTS here.
Step 2: Ferry From Mersing Or Tanjung Gemok Jetty To Tioman Island
There are some differences between taking a ferry from Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty.
Click here for more information on Mersing and Tanjung Gemok Jetty.
1.3 Self-Drive From Singapore To Tioman Island
Or you could make the journey to Mersing Jetty by driving (2.5 hours).
Which is significantly shorter than taking the bus or coach!
This is a great option if you want to have a flexible schedule! Or pick up your travel buddies along the way!
Read also: How To Get To Mersing Jetty
Step 1: Self Drive From Singapore To Mersing
It is quite a straightforward drive to get from Singapore to Mersing Jetty:
Route
Singapore (via Laluan Persekutuan 3/AH18) – Johor Bahru- Kota Tinggi – Jemualang – Mersing
View route details and map here: http://bit.ly/SingaporetoMersingJetty
Step 2: Ferry From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Island
When you reach Mersing Jetty, you can park your car there for about RM15/day (bring ringgit for this!).
For more information on taking the ferry from Mersing Jetty.
2. How To Go To Tioman Island From Johor Bahru (JB)
Even though Mersing Jetty is in Johor, it’s still quite a ways to go. You can decide to take the bus or drive on your own.
Allow at least 2.5 hours of travel before you reach Mersing Jetty.
Plan ahead to avoid missing your ferry!
2.1 Bus From Johor Bahru To Tioman Island
There are regular daily buses to Mersing if you choose to take a bus from Johor Bahru.
Step 1: Bus From Johor Bahru To Mersing
The departure point from Johor Bahru to Mersing is at JB Larkin Terminal.
Bus Operators
- Maraliner
- Plusliner
- S&S International (M) Express
- Causeway Link Express
- Transnasional
All bus journeys from Johor Bahru to Mersing will take 2 hours and 37 minutes roughly.
Bus Departure Time: Daily from 7:25 to 23:00, every ~1 to 3 hours
Bus Price Range:
Adult: RM12.70 – RM17.60
Child: RM9.50 – RM17.60
How To Book A Bus From Johor Bahru To Mersing
To book a bus from Johor Bahru to Mersing, you can check out this link.
Step 2: Ferry From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Island
Once at Mersing, you can board a ferry to go to Tioman Island.
Click here for more information on taking a ferry from Mersing Jetty to Tioman Island.
2.2 Self-Drive From Johor Bahru To Tioman Island
If you do not mind a 2 hour drive (130km), you can get to Mersing from Johor Bahru via any of the two routes below:
Step 1: Self Drive From Johor Bahru To Mersing
Route 1
Johor Bahru (via Laluan Persekutuan 3/AH18) – Kota Tinggi – Jemaluang – Mersing Harbour Centre – Mersing Jetty
View route details and map here: http://bit.ly/JBtoMersing-Route1
Route 2
Johor Bahru (via Jalan Jemaluang/Laluan Persekutuan 3/AH18 for 14km) – Bandar Penawar (via Lebuhraya Senai-desaru/E22) – Kota Tinggi (via route 92 and 99) – Mawai (via Jalan Jemaluang/Laluan Persekutuan 3/AH18 again) – Mersing
View route details and map here: http://bit.ly/JBtoMersing-Route2
Step 2: Ferry From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Island
Leave your car at the guarded carpark beside Mersing jetty for RM15/day.
Read more information on taking the ferry from Mersing Jetty.
3. How To Go To Tioman Island From Kuala Lumpur (KL)
Choose between 4 possible options to get from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island:
- Bus to Mersing Jetty
- Bus to Tanjung Gemok Jetty
- Self-Drive
- Flight
3.1 Bus From Kuala Lumpur To Tioman Island (Mersing Jetty)
Taking the bus from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing will typically take ~5.5 hours either way, regardless of the bus operator. That depends greatly on the traffic in Kuala Lumpur too.
Step 1: Bus From Kuala Lumpur To Mersing
If you want to take a direct bus from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing, the main terminal is TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan).
Bus operators
- S&S International (M) Express
- Sanwa Tours (M) Sdn Bhd
- Sepakat Liner (Mersing)
- Transnasional
Bus Departure Time: Daily from 9:00 to 23.45 starting at 9:00 then 11:00, 11:30, 12:30, 16:30 and 17:00.
The last three departures are at 23:00, 23:30 and 23:45.
Bus Price Range:
Adult: RM32.80 – RM41.50
Child: RM28.50 – RM38.30
How To Book A Bus From Kuala Lumpur To Mersing
You can check out this link.
Step 2: Ferry From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Island
Be at the jetty at least an hour before your departure time in case of unexpected delays.
Click here for more information on taking the ferry from Mersing Jetty.
3.2 Bus From Kuala Lumpur To Tioman Island (Tanjung Gemok Jetty)
Step 1: Bus From Kuala Lumpur To Tanjung Gemok
There are basically 3 bus operators that offer routes from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) in Kuala Lumpur to Tanjung Gemok Jetty.
Bus operators
- Sanwa Tours (M) Sdn Bhd
- Sepakat Liner (Mersing)
- Transnasional
Bus Departure Time: Daily from 9:00 to 23.45 starting at 9:00 then 11:00, 11:30, 12:30, 16:30 and 17:00.
The last three departures are at 23:00, 23:30 and 23:45.
Bus Price Range:
Adult: RM32.80 – RM38.30
Child: RM23.30 – RM38.30
How To Book A Bus From Kuala Lumpur To Tanjung Gemok
Book a bus from easybook.com to get to Tanjung Gemok Jetty from Kuala Lumpur here.
Step 2: Ferry From Tanjung Gemok Jetty To Tioman Island
Read more information on how to take a ferry to Tioman Island from Tanjung Gemok Jetty.
3.3 Self-Drive From Kuala Lumpur To Tioman Island
Of course, you can always drive from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing Jetty.
There are a couple of ways you can do this drive but please allow at least 5.5 hours of travel time, to be on the safe side.
Step 1: Self Drive From Kuala Lumpur To Mersing
The drive will take you close to 4.5-5 hours.
Route 1
Kuala Lumpur (via Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan/E2) – Ayer Hitam (Take exit 244-Ayer Hitam) – Kluang & Kayang (via Route 50) – Mersing
View route details and map here: http://bit.ly/KLtoMersing-Route1
Route 2
Kuala Lumpur – Cheras – Kajang – Kuala Pihah – Bahau (via Jalan Bahau)- Muadzam Shah – Kuala Rompin (via Laluan Persekutuan 3/AH18) – Endau – Mersing
View route details and map here: http://bit.ly/KLtoMersing-Route2
Route 3
Kuala Lumpur – Hulu Langat – Muadzam Shah – Kuala Rompin (via Laluan Persekutuan 3/AH18) – Endau – Mersing
View route details and map here: http://bit.ly/KLtoMersing-Route3
The duration for all three routes depends on traffic in Kuala Lumpur.
Step 2: Ferry From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Island
You can buy tickets from the Mersing Harbour Centre before proceeding to the Mersing Jetty for the ferry departures.
Click here for more information on taking the ferry from Mersing Jetty.
3.4 Flight From Kuala Lumpur To Tioman Island
While there is currently no direct commercial flight to Tioman Island from Kuala Lumpur, you can arrange for a private charter flight (Through Systematic Aviation Services here.)
4. How To Go To Tioman Island From Malacca
The state of Malacca (or Melaka) shares its eastern border with Johor so you can very well get to Tioman Island from Malacca if you wish.
4.1 Bus From Melaka To Tioman Island
Want to avoid driving? Then take a bus from Melaka to Mersing instead!
Step 1: Bus From Melaka To Mersing
At the moment, S&S International (M) Express is the sole bus operator that offers transfer from Melaka to Mersing.
S&S International (M) Express
Bus Departure Location: Melaka Sentral
Bus Departure Time: Daily at 7:45AM and 12:45PM
Bus Ticket Price: RM25.1 (Adult), RM18.8 (Child)
Duration of Journey: 4 hours, 19 minutes
Step 2: Ferry From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Island
Once you arrive at Mersing Bus Terminal, it is only a 10 to 15 minutes’ walk to Mersing Jetty.
Read more information on taking the ferry from Mersing Jetty.
4.2 Self-Drive From Melaka To Tioman Island
You are essentially going to drive across Peninsula Malaysia from the west coast (Melaka) to the East Coast (Mersing).
It is not exactly a straight road either since you will have to skirt around the Endau Rompin National Park too.
Step 1: Self Drive From Melaka To Mersing
So to drive from Melaka to Mersing, there are 4 different routes you can take.
Durations for all 4 routes can range between 3.5-4.5 hours, depending on traffic congestion.
Route 1 (3hrs 28min)
Malacca – Jasin (via Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan/AH2/E2) – Ayer Hitam (Take exit 244-Ayer Hitam) – Kluang & Kayang (via Route 50) – Mersing
View route details and map here: http://bit.ly/MelakatoMersing-Route1
Route 2
Malacca (via Lebuh AMJ/Route 19 for 14km) – M109 (3.6km)- Tangkak (via Jalan Merlimau / Jasin/M25) – Chaah – Paloh – Kluang & Kayang (via Route 50) – Mersing
View route details and map here: http://bit.ly/MelakatoMersing-Route2
Route 3
Malacca – Bemban – Selandar – Batang Melaka – Kampung Pasir Besar – Muadzam Shah – Kuala Rompin (via Laluan Persekutuan 3/AH18) – Endau – Mersing
View route details and map here: http://bit.ly/MelakatoMersing-Route3
Route 4
Malacca – Durian Tunggal ( Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan/AH2/E2) – Pagoh Toll – Ayer Hitam – Senai – Ulu Tiram (exit 2204 from Lebuhraya Senai-desaru/E22) – Kota Tinggi (Laluan Persekutuan 3/AH18) – Jemaluang – Mersing
View route details and map here: http://bit.ly/MelakatoMersing-Route4
Step 2: Ferry From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Island
Park your car near at the designated car park for RM15/ day once you get to Mersing Jetty.
Click here for more information on taking the ferry from Mersing Jetty.
5. How To Go To Tioman Island From Penang
Yes, Penang has its own beaches and Langkawi is close too.
But what if you want to go somewhere a little less crowded? A diving paradise with super clear waters? Like Tioman Island.
So if you want to visit Tioman Island from Penang, a flight is unavoidable. Because a drive all the way down to Mersing will take you 8 hours.
5.1 Flight From Penang To Tioman Island
There are direct 1-hour flights from Penang to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA2) and Senai International Airport.
But in terms of convenience (less bus changes), you better stick with the flight to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA2)
Step 1: Flight From Penang To Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA2)
Flights to KLIA2 from Penang are typically in the evening and cost around RM130-150. Pick a weekday for a cheaper flight!
Airlines from Penang to KLIA2
- Malindo Air
- AirAsia
Step 2: Train From KLIA2 To Bandar Tasik Selatan
Take the KLIA2 T2 transit train for 29 minutes to Bandar Tasik Selatan. Get off at Bandar Tasik Selatan.
Train time interval: Every 30 minutes
Ticket price: RM35 to RM65
Step 3: Bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan to Mersing
At Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, take a bus for around 5 hours to Mersing.
Bus operators:
- Transnasional
- Sepakat Liner
- Sanwa Tours (M) Sdn Bhd
- S&S International (M) Express
Bus Departure Time: Every 2-3 hours
Ticket price range: RM30 to RM60 (Adult/ Child)
You can book a bus here. Filter out the search by selecting “Terminal Bersepadu Selatan” or “TBS” under pick up points.
Step 4: Ferry From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Island
From the Mersing Bus Terminal in Mersing, it’s a 13 minute walk to Mersing Jetty.
Click here for more information on taking the ferry from Mersing Jetty.
6. How To Go To Tioman Island From Mersing Jetty
At Mersing Jetty, there is only one ferry operator, Bluewater Express.
Read also: How To Go To Rawa Island From Changi Airport
6.1 Ferry From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Island
Ferries from Mersing Jetty to Tioman Island are very dependent on the tidal conditions.
Remember to check the tioman ferry schedule which will be updated monthly.
These are the 5 places where Bluewater Express will drop off its passengers on Tioman Island:
- Air Batang (ABC)
- Genting Pier
- Paya Pier
- Salang Pier
- Tekek Pier
Either way, the crossing will take approximately 2 hours.
6.2 How To Purchase A Ferry Ticket From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Island
You need the following to get to Tioman Island from Mersing Jetty:
- Ferry tickets
- Marine Park entrance fee
- Johor National Park fee
These can be paid at various counters in the Mersing Harbour Centre.
6.3 What Is The Marine Park Entrance Fee?
Since Tioman Island is in Mersing Marine Park (a private property), visitors that do not live close to the islands in the Marine Park need to pay a small entrance fee.
That includes foreigners. You can see the prices below:
Marine Park Entrance Fee At Mersing Jetty
Age (years) | Malaysians (RM) | Foreigners (RM) |
---|---|---|
Child (6-12) | 2 | 15 |
Adult (13+) | 5 | 30 |
Senior (60+) | 2 | 15 |
Disabled | Free | Free |
Johor National Park Fee At Mersing Jetty
Age (years) | Malaysians (RM) | Foreigners (RM) |
---|---|---|
Children | 3 | 10 |
Adult | 5 | 20 |
After getting your ferry tickets at Mersing Harbour Centre, you can make your way to the jetty to take the ferry to Tioman Island.
Be there at least an hour before.
Mersing Harbour Centre: http://bit.ly/mersingharbourcenter
Mersing Jetty location: http://bit.ly/mersingjettylocation
6.4 Ferry Ticket Prices At Mersing Jetty
One Way – RM35 (Adult), RM30 (Child)
Two Way – RM80 (Adult), RM70 (Child)
7. How To Go To Tioman Island From Tanjung Gemok Jetty
Tanjung Gemok Jetty is an additional 35 minutes’ drive time if you come up from Singapore.
But if you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, you can save some driving time (20 minutes) if you choose Tanjung Gemok Jetty over Mersing Jetty.
Ferries from Tanjung Gemok Jetty to Tioman Island are less susceptible to unfavorable tidal conditions.
Read also: How To Get To Tanjung Gemok Jetty
7.1 Ferry From Tanjung Gemok Jetty To Tioman Island
Another reason to come to this jetty is to take a newer ferry operator, Cataferry.
Ferry Operators At Tanjung Gemok Jetty
- Bluewater Express
- Cataferry
Both ferry operators will make their stop at the same 5 villages on Tioman Island:
- Genting Pier
- Paya Pier
- Tekek Pier
- Air Batang
- Salang Pier
7.2 How To Purchase A Ferry Ticket From Tanjung Gemok Jetty To Tioman Island
Even though you can buy your ferry tickets over the counter, it is better to buy them online.
This is because tickets at the counter are sold on a first come first serve basis.
Don’t forget to pay your Marine Park entrance fee! There is only one counter where you can do this at Tanjung Gemok Jetty!
These entrance fees help to pay for the conservation of the Marine Park.
7.3 Marine Park Entrance Fee At Tanjung Gemok Jetty
Age (years) | Malaysians (RM) | Foreigners (RM) |
---|---|---|
Child (6-12) | 2 | 15 |
Adult (13+) | 5 | 30 |
Senior (60+) | 2 | 15 |
Disabled | Free | Free |
Johor National Park Fee At Tanjung Gemok Jetty
Note that unlike in Mersing Jetty, you do not have to pay the Johor National Park Fee if you choose to take a ferry from Tanjung Gemok Jetty instead.
7.4 Ferry Ticket Prices At Tanjung Gemok Jetty
One Way – RM35 (Adult), RM30 (Child)
Two Way – RM70 (Adult), RM60 (Child)
Conclusion
With this post, you can find out how to get to Tioman Island and which is the best method that suits your travel group and yourself.
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