How to Travel from Singapore to Tioman (Bus + Ferry)
How to Travel from Singapore to Tioman (Bus + Ferry)
Take a coach/bus from Singapore to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok (about 3–4 hours including customs), then board a scheduled ferry to Tioman Island (about 1.5–2 hours). Total door-to-door travel time is typically 5–7 hours depending on connections and tides.
Overview — How to Travel from Singapore to Tioman (Bus + Ferry)
This guide explains the common bus + ferry route from Singapore to Tioman, what to expect at the jetties, the main ferry operators, estimated costs, sample itineraries, and practical travel tips for Singapore-based travellers.
Who this is for
- Singapore residents and visitors planning a weekend or multi-day trip to Tioman.
- Anyone wanting a clear step-by-step bus + ferry route (no plane required).
- Divers, snorkellers and beach lovers wanting practical scheduling and cost info.
Which route: Mersing vs Tanjung Gemok (Teluk Gading)
- Mersing Jetty – the most common gateway to Tioman (close to Mersing town/bus terminal). Many coaches drop off within walking distance of the jetty.
- Tanjung Gemok (Teluk Gading) – used by some ferries and may be less crowded; travel time from Mersing bus terminal to Tanjung Gemok is around 30–45 minutes by taxi.
Pick the jetty that matches your ferry booking. Some coaches list both Mersing and Tanjung Gemok as drop-off options.
Step-by-step: How to Travel from Singapore to Tioman (Bus + Ferry)
- Book coach/bus from Singapore to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok.
- Common departure points in Singapore include Golden Mile Complex, Bugis/near Bugis MRT, or other scheduled pick-up points depending on operator.
- Operators and services vary — some practical operators offer direct coach services with one-ticket options (check operator info and pick-up locations when booking).
- Travel to the Malaysian checkpoint (Woodlands).
Expect passport checks and possible vehicle/bus inspections. Have passports ready and arrive at least 30 minutes early for coach departures.
- Coach arrival at Mersing or Tanjung Gemok.
From Mersing bus terminal it’s often a short walk to Mersing Jetty (~10–15 minutes). If your ferry departs from Tanjung Gemok, you might need a short taxi ride from Mersing (allow extra 30–45 minutes).
- Check-in for your ferry.
- Arrive at least 30–60 minutes before departure (ferries can be tide-dependent).
- Ferry operators include scheduled fast-ferries that stop at Tioman’s main villages (Tekek/Genting/Tekek (often called Tekek or Genting), Salang, ABC etc.).
- Ferry ride to Tioman (1.5–2 hours typical).
Sea conditions and tides affect travel time. If seas are rough, ferries may be delayed or rescheduled — check weather and ferry operator notices the day before departure.
- Arrive on Tioman and transfer to your resort.
Most ferries land at Tekek (Genting) — from there it’s a short walk or resort transfer. Some ferries stop at other villages (Salang, ABC) depending on your booked landing point.
Ferry schedule & booking tips
- Ferry timetables change seasonally and are tide-dependent. Always check the latest schedule with the ferry operator or your travel agent 24–48 hours before travel.
- Popular ferry operators run multiple sailings most days but service frequency varies by season — book in advance during school holidays and public holidays.
- If you have early-morning or late-night coach arrival, confirm whether the ferry you want is operating from your arrival jetty that day.
Estimated costs (per person, rough guide)
- Coach/bus Singapore → Mersing/Tg Gemok: SGD 20–50 (one-way) depending on operator and whether the ticket is cross-border coach service.
- Ferry Mersing/Tg Gemok → Tioman: MYR 60–120 (~S$20–40) one-way depending on operator, landing village, and whether it’s a fast ferry or private charter.
- Total one-way (door-to-door per person): approximately SGD 40–90. A return trip: ~SGD 80–180 per person.
- Tips and local transfers: add extra for taxis at Mersing (if transferring to Tanjung Gemok) and any island transfers or resort pickup.
Travel time summary
- Singapore → Mersing by coach: 3–4 hours (includes customs; can be longer in peak periods).
- Mersing → Tioman ferry: 1.5–2 hours (depends on sea and tide conditions).
- Door-to-door typical: 5–7 hours.
Where ferries land on Tioman (choose based on your resort)
- Tekek (Genting/Tekek Jetty) — main landing point, many resorts are close by.
- Salang — popular with divers and snorkellers.
- ABC, Juara and other smaller villages — check whether your ferry stops there or if you need a transfer.
Sample 3-day itinerary (weekend-friendly)
Day 1 (Fri night / Sat early morning)
- Option A: Overnight bus to Mersing (if available) → morning ferry to Tioman; check-in, beach time.
- Option B: Early-morning coach from Singapore → Mersing → mid-day ferry → arrive Tioman afternoon.
Day 2
- Snorkelling/diving day trip (local dive shops or resort packages), beach relax, sunset walk.
Day 3
- Morning swim or short hike → afternoon ferry back to Mersing → coach to Singapore (arrive evening).
Packing & practical tips
- Bring passport (and photocopy) — cross-border checkpoints require original passports.
- Pack light and use soft luggage — ferries may limit bulky suitcases.
- Bring cash in MYR for small purchases on the island — ATMs are limited and may be unreliable.
- Seasickness: bring medication or seasickness bands; short ferries can be rough on windy days.
- Check-in times: coaches/ferries require early arrival; allow buffer time for delays.
Things to book in advance
- Ferry tickets (especially during holidays).
- Coach tickets from Singapore if you need a guaranteed seat and specific pick-up points.
- Resort transfers or resort bookings — many resorts offer pick-up from Tekek (tell them your ferry arrival time).
Recommended Tioman packages (bookable)
If you prefer an all-in-one package (ferry, transfers, resort), check these deals we list:
- Berjaya Tioman Resort + Activities, Transport & Meals — full packages with transfers and activities.
- Paya Beach Resort- Tioman Island-3D2N Full Board Package — good option for a hassle-free island stay.
Useful related guides
- Tioman Island Packages: Ferry, Diving & Best Resorts 2025 (Destination Guide)
- Tioman Island Snorkeling & Diving Package Guide
- Other local weekend ideas: How to Travel from Singapore to Batam (FAQ) and Why Bintan is the Perfect Weekend Escape.
Comparison: Bus + Ferry vs Self-drive + Ferry
| Bus/Coach + Ferry | Self-drive + Ferry |
| Cheaper for solo travellers, no driving stress, fixed timings | More flexible schedule, good for groups, extra cost for tolls & petrol |
| Must follow coach drop-off times, limited luggage space | Better for families and large luggage, can reach Tanjung Gemok easier |
FAQs — Quick answers
Do I need a visa to visit Tioman from Singapore?
Most Singapore passport holders do not need a tourist visa for short stays in Malaysia. Always check passport/visa rules for your nationality before travelling and ensure your passport has sufficient validity.
How often are ferries running?
Ferry frequency varies by season and tide. There are multiple daily sailings on many days, but schedules change — confirm with the ferry operator or your travel agent 24–48 hours before your trip.
Which village should I land at on Tioman?
Tekek (Genting/Tekek) is the most common landing point for most resorts. If your resort is in Salang, Juara, or ABC, check whether your ferry stops there or whether a transfer is required.
What happens if the ferry is cancelled due to weather?
Ferries can be cancelled or rescheduled due to bad weather or low/high tides. Keep flexible travel windows, monitor operator communications, and buy refundable or rebookable tickets if possible. Resorts often assist with rebooking if you stay with them.
Are there package options that include coach + ferry + resort?
Yes — package deals that bundle ferry, transfers and resort are convenient if you want one booking and less planning. See the Berjaya Tioman and Paya Beach Resort packages linked above for examples.
Final travel tips (Singapore travellers)
- Check ferry schedules the day before departing — tide changes often affect times.
- Bring small change in MYR for island purchases and tips.
- If you’re diving/snorkelling, pre-book dive trips because operators have limited slots on peak days.
- Book coach and ferry together where possible to reduce connection risk.
Ready to go? For hassle-free bookings and combined transfers, consider package options like Berjaya Tioman Resort + Activities, Transport & Meals or Paya Beach Resort 3D2N Full Board Package. For extra reading on ferry options and island activities, check our Tioman guides linked above.
👉 Check our latest Tioman packages and WhatsApp us to book now.
