Tioman Snorkeling & Diving Package Guide
Tioman Snorkeling & Diving Package Guide
This Tioman Snorkeling & Diving Package Guide tells you how to get to Tioman from Singapore, what packages and day trips cost, which snorkel and dive sites to prioritise, and the practical steps to book. Ferries normally sail daily from Mersing or Tanjung Gemok (journey ~1.5–3 hours depending on boat and sea), snorkeling day trips cost roughly RM80–150 per person, and diving (per dive) typically ranges RM120–280 — plan for extra conservation/terminal fees and to book transfers in advance.
Tioman Snorkeling & Diving Package Guide — Quick facts
- Closest mainland jetties: Mersing (main), Tanjung Gemok (alternate).
- Ferry time: ~1.5–3 hours (varies by operator, tide and stops at multiple villages).
- Common ferry operators: Bluewater Express, Cataferry and local express services.
- Best season for diving/snorkeling: March–September (peak Apr–Sep); monsoon usually affects Dec–Feb.
- Typical snorkel day trip price (boat, mask & lifevest): RM80–150 per person (private charters are more).
- Typical dive pricing: single boat dive RM120–RM200; two-dive days and packages cost more (see dive centre price ranges).
How to get to Tioman (step-by-step from Singapore)
- Drive or take bus from Singapore to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok (allow 3.5–5 hours depending on traffic and immigration). Book a direct bus or self-drive; buses often leave from Golden Mile / travel agents in Singapore.
- Arrive at Mersing Harbour Centre or Tanjung Gemok jetty at least 60 minutes before ferry departure.
- Buy ferry tickets online in advance (recommended during peak season) or at the ticket counters. Ferry stops differ — check which village (Tekek, Salang, Air Batang/ABC, Paya, Mukut, Juara) your resort uses.
- Pay small on-arrival marine park or conservation fees where applicable (usually a few ringgit).
- On Tioman, take a resort transfer, taxi boat or walk depending on your landing village. Book resort transfers if you need an internal transfer from the jetty.
Ferry schedule & operators — what to expect
- There are multiple daily ferries in season, but schedules change with tides and weather — check times and book 24–72 hours in advance.
- Main operators: Bluewater Express and Cataferry (Mersing & Tanjung Gemok routes). Smaller operators run extra services in peak months.
- Tip: arrive early, bring water, and expect occasional delays or cancellations in rough weather — leave buffer days in your travel plan.
What’s included in common Tioman snorkeling & diving packages
- Snorkeling day trip: boat transfers to 2–4 snorkeling sites, mask & snorkel (sometimes fins), lifevest, a guide and light refreshments; lunch usually not included on group tours.
- Diving packages: guided dives (per dive charge or multi-dive packages), equipment rental options, dive guide, boat or shore dives, and sometimes full-board resort stays for multi-day dive packages.
- Resort dive packages: combined accommodation + meals + set number of dives — good value if you plan multiple dives.
Top snorkel & dive sites to prioritise
- Pulau Tulai (Coral Island) — rich coral gardens, common for day trips and highly recommended for snorkellers and divers.
- Pulau Soyak ("Shark Point") — shallow reef; frequent sightings of blacktip reef sharks and turtles; best accessed by boat from Salang.
- Renggis Island — great visibility and coral, especially from Tekek/Berjaya side.
- Malang Rock — dramatic rock outcrop; popular with snorkelers and divers when sea is calm.
- Tioman Marine Park (near Tekek) — protected reef, good for easy snorkeling and family groups.
Recommended sample itineraries (Singapore travellers)
2D / 1N — Quick weekend (best for tight schedules)
- Day 1: Early morning bus/drive from Singapore to Mersing → ferry to Tekek/your resort → check-in → afternoon snorkel or shore swim.
- Day 2: Morning snorkeling trip (Pulau Tulai + Soyak) or one guided dive → afternoon ferry back to Mersing → return to Singapore.
- Use-case: good as a fast getaway but leave a cushion for ferry delays.
3D / 2N — Best for diving courses or relaxed diving/snorkeling
- Day 1: Travel + arrival, evening shore snorkel or village walk.
- Day 2: Full day diving (2 dives) or snorkeling island-hopping (Coral Island, Renggis, Monkey Bay).
- Day 3: Optional morning dive/snorkel, check out and ferry back in the afternoon.
Estimated costs & quick currency guide (prices are indicative)
Note: prices move with season and operator. Conversion used here is an approximate rate (RM1 ≈ S$0.31 at time of writing).
- Ferry one-way (Mersing↔Tioman): RM35–RM95 (approx S$11–S$30 depending on operator and cabin type).
- Snorkel day trip (group): RM80–RM150 (approx S$25–S$47).
- Private boat half-day / full-day charter: from RM550+ (split across passengers).
- Discover Scuba / Try-dive: RM180–RM350 (approx S$56–S$109) depending on single vs two-dive option.
- Guided boat dive (per dive): RM120–RM280 (approx S$37–S$87). Multi-dive packages reduce per-dive cost.
- 3D/2N full-board resort + dive package: can range widely — budget to mid-range packages often start a few hundred ringgit per person; premier full-board dive packages cost more.
- Extra fees to budget for: marine park/conservation fee (small, a few ringgit), tourism tax for foreigners (where applicable), and optional equipment rental.
Snorkeling vs diving — quick comparison
| Snorkeling | Diving |
| Lower cost, minimal training | Higher cost, requires certification or guided try-dive |
| Good for families & non-swimmers (with lifevest) | Better for close-up marine life, turtles, macro and wrecks |
| Half-day or full-day flexibility | Can be packed into multi-day itineraries and courses |
Packing & safety checklist
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, fins/mask if you prefer your own (many centres rent gear).
- Light waterproof daypack, dry bag, motion-sickness pills for the ferry if you’re prone to seasickness.
- Certification card and logbook (for certified divers) and medical declaration forms where required.
- Cash in MYR — island ATMs are limited (Tekek often has ATMs but reliability varies).
- Travel insurance that covers diving (if you plan to dive beyond Discover Scuba).
Booking checklist (step-by-step)
- Pick travel dates avoiding the main monsoon window (Dec–Feb) if you want guaranteed diving conditions.
- Reserve ferry seats online (book both ways) — check which village your resort uses.
- Reserve accommodation or full-board dive packages early for peak months (Jun–Aug).
- Pre-book snorkeling or dive trips with the resort or a local dive shop if you need equipment or guides.
- Confirm transfers from the jetty to your resort (some resorts include this; others charge extra).
Recommended packages & useful links
Pick a package that matches your goals: quick snorkeling day trip, multi-day diving course, or full-board dive-resort stay. Two Tioman-specific package options you can review:
- Paya Beach Resort - Tioman Island 3D2N Full Board Package — ideal for beachside comfort and easy access to snorkeling/diving trips.
- Berjaya Tioman Resort + Activities, Transport & Meals — a full-service resort option that often bundles transfers and activities.
Related guides you may find helpful:
- Tioman Island Packages: Ferry, Diving & Best Resorts 2025 (Destination Guide)
- Batam vs Tioman: Which is Better for Diving?
- Cheap Tioman Island Packages Under $250
Practical travel tips for Singapore travellers
- Visa: Singapore passport holders do not need a tourist visa for short visits to Malaysia — check passport validity and official government pages before travel.
- Best times to travel: March–September for calm seas; shoulder months (Mar–May, Sep) give fewer crowds and better deals.
- Bring some MYR cash; ATMs on Tioman exist but can be unreliable at busy times.
- Book ferries and transfers at least 1–2 weeks ahead during school holidays and peak months.
- If you’re certified but haven’t dived in a while, book a refresher or shore dive first; dive operators usually recommend a refresher after a 6–12 month break.
FAQs — quick answers
Q: What is the ferry schedule from Mersing/Tanjung Gemok?
A: Ferry schedules vary by operator, tide and season; in regular season there are multiple departures daily between early morning and late afternoon. Always check the operator’s online timetable and book ahead.
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Tioman from Singapore?
A: Singapore passport holders typically do not need a visa for short tourist stays in Malaysia. Always confirm your nationality’s rules and passport validity before travel.
Q: How much is a snorkel trip and do I need to bring my own gear?
A: Group snorkel trips typically cost around RM80–150 per person and often include masks and lifevests; fins may be an extra rental. Bring your own if you prefer comfort and fit.
Q: Is Tioman good for beginners who want to try scuba?
A: Yes — many dive centres offer Discover Scuba/try-dive sessions that do not require certification. If you want certification, open water courses are commonly available and usually take 3–4 days.
Q: What if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?
A: Cancellations happen in rough seas — keep buffer time in your itinerary, and have flexible return plans. Most operators will rebook you on the next available boat or refund according to their policy.
Final notes & recommended next steps
If you want a relaxed first-time experience, pick a 3D/2N full-board package with at least one organized snorkeling day and one guided dive or try-dive. If you’re a certified diver planning multiple dives, book a resort + multi-dive package to save on per-dive rates and transfers. Always check ferry schedules, confirm transfers, and bring cash and dive insurance.
Ready to explore Tioman? Start by comparing the two Tioman packages above (Paya Beach Resort or Berjaya Tioman Resort) and choose whether you want snorkeling-only, discover-scuba, or a full dive package. For questions or to book, we can help you fast-track your plans.
👉 Check our latest Tioman packages and WhatsApp us to book now.
