I was screaming and shouting but the ferry departed just in front of my nose.
Being able to spend a relaxing weekend on a secluded and wonderful island at the East Coast of Malaysia, is one of the points that I would mention when being asked why I don’t want to go back to Europe.
Getting to that island in the first place however would be not on this list of plus points.
By now I traveled five times to Tioman (the above mentioned island) already, and I made all kind of experiences along the way. First a lot of bad ones, now more and more good ones.
Escape Singapore for a weekend, find the easiest way to Tioman Island!
And to guarantee that your weekend trip is perfect (yes, “weekend” implies timely limited unfortunately) I list you the best ways of getting over, tested by me personally below. Have a safe and good trip!
Part 1: How To Get From Singapore To Mersing
Your trip to Tioman comes in two parts (except if you fly).
First you have to get to Mersing, which is the little city on the East Coast of Malaysia where the ferry port is situated that will send you off to Tioman.
Then you have to transfer from Mersing to Tioman. This happens via ferry, and is the more easy part.
1. Book A Direct Coach Transfer From Singapore To Mersing
- Convenience:
Relaxed - Costs:
Medium (approx 30 SD pp)
There are several travel companies that offer daily coach transfer to Tioman. Most of them depart at the Golden Mile Complex near Lavender MRT. Easiest way is to book via a travel agent so you have a fixed time and price.
Most of the buses depart early in the morning (between 5AM and 6AM) so you will be able to catch the early ferry from Mersing to Tioman (usually between 9 and 10AM).
Here are some of the most reliable Bus companies:
- 5 Star Buses
- Transnational
- Konsortium
2. Book A Direct Private Cab From Singapore To Mersing
- Convenience:
Very Relaxed - Costs:
More Expensive (approx 65 SD pp with two people)
There are several cab operators that offer to pick you up from your home (either normal cab, minivan or bus, depending on your travel group size) and bring you either directly to Mersing or transfer you to an already waiting other cab in Malaysia that will take you to Mersing then.
The prize for a normal cab (4 persons) is at the moment approx 130 SD from door to door. Thats 32.50 SD per person, which can still be considered good. Write me a simple email if you need some very reliable contacts (operating since 15 years and that I personally use every time as well).
3. Go To Johor Bahru First And Get A Cab There
- Convenience:
Stressful - Costs:
Cheap (approx 30 SD pp with two people)
If you have time and you are spontaneous, you can go to Johor Bahru first, which is the first city after the Singapore – Malaysia border. Cabs going to Mersing operate from the Larkin Bus terminal in JB.
To get to Johor Bahru you need to get to the “Woodlands Checkpoint” in Singapore first which is the border to Malaysia.
How To Get To JB:.
- Bus No. 170
Departing from either Queen Street Bus Station or the bus-stop along Rochor Canal Road (just after Sim Lim Square) and runs from 5.20 a.m. to 12.10 a.m. everyday.The bus will stop at the Singapore checkpoint but will not wait for you whilst you clear immigration, so take all your belongings with you. Keep your bus ticket and hop on the next Bus No. 170 which comes along. You don’t have to pay again.
- Singapore-Johor Express Coach
ADeparting from Queen Street Bus Station to Larkin Bus Terminal in J.B. The ticket costs S$2.40.The Singapore-Johor Express Coach runs from 6.30 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. at 15-minute intervals.The Singapore-Johor Express Coach travels more quickly than Bus No. 170, which makes many stops along the way to J.B. However, there is no luggage space on the coach, so you’ll be asked to buy a second ticket (S$2.40) for your pack!
Just like Bus No. 170, the express coach will not wait for you at the checkpoints. You’ll have to take all your belongings with you, keep your coach ticket and hop on the next one which comes along. You don’t have to pay again.
The bus will stop again at the Malaysian checkpoint, which is at the other end of the Causeway linking Singapore and Malaysia. You will have to get off to clear immigration. Once more, the bus will not stop for you to clear immigration, so keep your bus ticket if you intend to catch the next bus.
Once you have reached the Larkin Bus terminal in JB, just look out for the blue cabs that will bring you to Mersing. The current prize is approx 80 to 100 Malaysian Ringit.
4. Go To Johor Bahru First And Get A Bus There
- Convenience:
Stressful - Costs:
Cheapest (approx 20 SD pp)
Follow the above instructions and transfer to the Larkin bus terminal in JB first.
Now instead of taking a cab you can go for the cheaper option of booking a bus ticket to Mersing. There will be plenty of counters and agents walking around asking you where you want to go to.
Its definitely the cheapest way of getting to Mersing, but you might have to wait until a bus departs.
5. Fly To Tioman
- Convenience:
Most Relaxed - Costs:
Most Expensive (approx 270 SD pp)
There is indeed one operator that offers direct flights from Singapore to Tioman and back.
The planes leave three times a day at 12 Noon, 1.25PM and 3.05PM. You can make reservations online here. The average return ticket per person is 270 SD.
Part 2: How To Get From Mersing To Tioman
Easy answer. There is only one way. A ferry.
Once you arrive at the Mersing Ferry Port don’t get run over by one of the many travel “agents” approaching you for tickets.
Also, take care that your cab/bus driver is not dropping you of at a travel agent (his partner) telling you that you must buy your tickets / book your hotel in Tioman there. You don’t.
How To Get Your Ferry Tickets
- - Get your ferry tickets, the operator is “Blue Water Express“, from their little sales counter just in front of the main waiting hall (left side).
The ferry schedule will be written down on a board and there are usually at least one leaving in the morning and one in the afternoon.
- - One way ticket is 35 Malaysian Ringit, Return is 70 Malaysian Ringit.
Ask for an “open” return ticket, which means you can hop on every boat you want on your way back from Tioman to Mersing. It wont cost you more and is much more convenient.
- - The ferry schedule are depending on the current low-high tide timings but the first ferry usually departs before or around 10AM.
- - If you want to be really sure that you get your seat and you wont have to wait 2 hours for the next ferry, I can again recommend you a very reliable (and personally used) travel agent, that has his office directly at the ferry port, in easy walking reach to pickup your tickets once you arrive. Just drop me an email and I send you his contacts.
How To Get Back To Singapore
To be safe you can arrange a pickup with your personal cab/bus driver already on your way to Tioman.
Otherwise you book your bus return ticket directly when booking the bus travel to Tioman, or you book your bus ticket when arriving at Mersing and waiting for your ferry over. (this is what I usually do)
You can also just come back from Tioman to Mersing and take one of the many waiting cabs (but more expensive then to Mersing) or try to hop on and find a free seat on one of the many departing buses.
In general i made the experience that there is “always” a way back, and this part of the travel is much easier then the way to Tioman.
If you have made any experiences with buses or ferries, timings, schedule or missed transport, please let everyone know and post it in the comments below!
by an Asia experienced 26 year young expat living and surviving in Singapore since years!
Discovering new interesting and strange things everyday, he provides guides, news and tips for how to survive Singapore and how to best prepare for it.
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63 Comments for this post
Feb 17, 2009 at 11:47 am
there are packages from the travel companies… it alot simpler as they include the accomodation to the land and sea transfers. might come up to maybe 50 bucks more in total, but definitely relaxed.
after all, you’re on a holiday right?
Feb 20, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Good post ..I have not been there yet. But would like to someday! ..Could you share some more information about the Accommodations types and what would be total trip cost in a relaxed way!
cheers
Sandeep
Feb 27, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Thanks a lot for this post. It helped our group plan the journey to Tioman. We are on a tight budget and this helps!
Apr 13, 2009 at 10:08 pm
fantastic, please email me how can I contact this person to get all the tickets my self in orderto get to Tioman or I just go to travel agent \\
Thanks natalia
May 27, 2009 at 1:36 am
Hi, jus want to get the contact for cab driver straight from singapore into mersing? Any idea how long is the travel time by cab? Also would it be cheaper than $32.50 per pax if there are 4 people and if we book him for a round trip? Thanks.
Andrea
May 27, 2009 at 5:16 pm
great effort, thx. Can you share the contact to book ferry tickets from mersing to tioman.
cheers
jutta
Jun 28, 2009 at 8:32 pm
We are going to Mersing from Singapore at the end of July 2009, but we have to be at Tioman the same day we are living from Singapore.My question is how to book 2 seats in a ferry in advance because we live in Paris an have only the telephone number of ferries companies.
Jun 29, 2009 at 2:00 am
Hi!
Very interesting your tips about going to Tioman! I’m thinking in going to Mersing from Singapore by car (a rented one). Is there any park (not so expensive) where we can leave safely our car? Do you know how much it would cost? Could you send me the contact to book the ferry tickets from mersing to tioman?
Thanks a lot!
Cheers,
Clara
Jun 29, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Can you please give me the contact info for your “Agent” at Mersing jetty? I am planning a trip to Tioman but would feel much better if I knew I had a confirmed spot on a ferry! Thanks!
Jun 30, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Hi, i’m planning a trip to tioman this weekend… could you pass me the contact of the travel agency in mersing, cause i would prefer to get a confirmed seat on the early ferry out to tioman. thanks a lot!!!
Jul 7, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I am planning a trip for my sister to Tioman and I would like to get the contact number for the taxis from Singapore to Mersing so I can prearrange. Many thanks. I found this site today and think it is brilliant.
Jul 7, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Also, can you tell me approximately how long it takes to go by taxi. Kind regards.
Jul 9, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Awesome this site!!!
I plan a trip to tioman in september. Can you send me the contact details of the agent at mersing for the ferry.
Thanks !!! :-)
Jul 29, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Thanks for the tips! I’m planning to go to Tioman in Aug. Can you send me the contact of the ferry ticket agent?
Aug 2, 2009 at 3:58 am
NICE SITE WITH NICE TIPS!
i’m goin tioman do u mind givin the boat n cabs frm larkin contacts? & as compare to gettin packages frm tour agency tat has coach,hotel n meals provided,how r ur opinions on gettin all these ourselves? The snorkelin session is like only half an hr so little =(
is it exp to snorkel thr extra ourselves?
Aug 4, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Great blog! Me and my friends plan to go to Tioman before the semester at SMU starts, so we would be grateful if you send us the contact to that agent you mention in the article! :)
Aug 15, 2009 at 11:36 am
Thanks for all the info. Thinking of getting a private van for Singapore to Mersing, but not sure how to go about doing this. Also I would love to get the contact information for your agent in Mersing. Any help greatly appreciated- thanks again!!
Sep 10, 2009 at 9:30 am
Thanks for the tip’s(-:
We are planning a trip from Singapore to Tioman in the long weekend here in Sep. We will take a taxi, is it possible I could get your contact? Is the price the same as if you just hire one “from the street”? And how long will it take (incl. crossing the border). And also, could I get the contacts to the travel agent in Mercing? Really appreciate it, thank you so much!
Sep 10, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Hi,
just found your website and found it useful. Especially the section on private cabs. Can you send me those contacts? I wanna leave for Mersing tomorrow (if possible…). Thanks, Agnes
Sep 11, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Great job! May I have travel agent contact no,I w like to book a all-in-one package from them?
Sep 14, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Hi!
Could u kindly email me the contact for the cab operator either from SG or JB to Mersing?
We intend to to this sat (Sept 19). Thanks!
Warm regards,
Venus
Sep 16, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Hi there i am planning to go to Tioman this weekend. But the hotel agent is charging 100 sing dollars a pserson to get from mersing to tioman, i feel that its ridiculous. i was wondering if u still have contacts for the” VERY RELIABLE TRAVEL AGENT” that i can collect my tickets when i reach mersing? thank you.
Chris
Nov 4, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Hi,
great blog – thanks
looking to get a cab [14th Nov 2009] from Singapore to mersing enroute to tioman
Can you email those cab numbers/email addresses
Also do you know if the ferry goes to juara beach – so you don’t haver to travel overland from tekek
Cheers
Joey
Nov 10, 2009 at 3:32 am
FYI- The official blue-taxi rate from Larkin St. to Mersing is now RM 160. Several of the bus companies listed (5 Star and Konsorium) don’t appear to head to Mersing anymore?
Nov 21, 2009 at 11:07 am
Hi thank you for the information. it solve some of the question mark in my mind.i am travelling to tioman coming thursday , could you send me the details for the cab from sing to mersling as well the travel agent in mersing?
Jan 5, 2010 at 10:49 am
Hi, thanks for the useful information, my family will plan to have holiday in Toiman, would you please send me the very reliable contacts of the cab that you mentioned which will bring you from Singapore to Mersing? And also the contact of the agent in Mersing. thanks a lot.
Jan 5, 2010 at 8:35 pm
As u’ve been to tioman lots of time…. which mid-range resort with chalets juz nex to the beach would u recommend?
Is Salang Indah resort a great place to stay?
Jan 12, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Great job! May I have travel agent contact no,I w like to book a all-in-one package from them?
Thanks a lot.
Jan 30, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Well done! I have been to Tioman once, soon going again!! Its a nice place, worth visiting. Really going by bus is best, easiest and cheapest!
Feb 10, 2010 at 6:59 pm
Can you please let me know cab drivers who can take me from singapore to mersing? Thank you!!
Mar 30, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Hi! Thanks for such a useful website… I recommend ur web to lots of friend… Anyway, I’m thinking to take several day off just to gateway with my bf tmrw… initially, we’re thinking go to Bintan… but, i saw ur web several interesting places like P. Rawa, P. Tioman, and P. Perhentian… Which one u recommend? Since my bf and i didn’t planned this holiday before, we limit my budget to around $600… which places suitable with my budget? thanks before! =)
Apr 19, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Hi,
Maybe you can contact Malaysia private cab to fetch from SPG direct to Mersing. His number is +60167726665 or +6591663897 . You can travel with comfort and less hassle to transfer from taxi to taxi. Thanks.
Apr 19, 2010 at 9:44 pm
would appreciate your contact for ferry tickets (mobile contact). Is there a really safe place to park car if I were to drive there ? I going there in 2 days time. Thanks
May 6, 2010 at 11:16 am
Hai,
Your blog is very useful especially for 1st time traveller like me. Will you be able to mail me the contact number of the Minivan company. I will be departing from S’pore on 28May. Thanks!!
May 19, 2010 at 1:58 pm
I’m going to Tioman in 2 weeks. I would be very glad to get names of potential reliable cab drivers to go from Singapore to Tioman and as well a phone number to book tickets for the ferry.. Could you give me some more information about it? Thanks a lot!
May 25, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Hi,
Great post, wonderful job. Can you also share your views on Accommodation near to beach and types of water sports and site scenes (island hopping etc.)
Please suggest some good resort or 2-3 star hotels which is as per you can be good for stay.
Jun 8, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Hi, Great info!
We would like to hire a private cab – could you send me the details of the very reliable contacts?
And also the contact of the agent in Mersing.
Can you recommend a place to stay? Have looked at the Berjaya Tioman resort online. Thanks!
Jun 10, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Hi,
Could you send me the contact no. for the private cab and the travel agent that you use.
Many thanks =)
Jun 17, 2010 at 12:16 pm
HI, tnx for all d helpful info, could u pls mail me the contact num of the travel agent that u used to book the ferry from mersing to tioman? Tnx Ya, really appreciate it if u cld mail me asap… tnx again
Jun 24, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Errrrrmmm……………………How about a direct coach to Tioman !!!! Much easier, right????
Jul 1, 2010 at 10:58 am
Can you please suggest some nice hotels also. will be thankful.
Very nice website thanks for all the info
Jul 1, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Hi
Could you send me the contact number for the private cab? Thanks
Jul 14, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Hi, I want to go with 8 other friends from Singapore to Mersing (Tioman) this weekend. Do you have any phone numbers from taxidrivers which have a minibus for 9 people? We are all students so not too expensive would be great!
Thx
Aug 5, 2010 at 10:06 am
Hi there,
We going to Tioman over the NDP weekend (9-11.8.10). Can you please email me contact numbers for a taxi?
Cheers,
Joerg
Aug 22, 2010 at 5:22 pm
tried your “just send me an email” link to get the contact for a reliable taxi from Singapore to Mersing but it didn’t work. Would be happy if you could send me the details.
thanks a lot
Susanne
Aug 25, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Hi can u send me the details of your travel agent? thanks
Aug 27, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Can you tell me the agent name and numbers who can book us the ferry tickets and even the cab from Singapore to Mersing?
Thank you very much
Cheers
–
pranav chandorkar
Sep 24, 2010 at 1:17 am
Annette
Jul 14, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Hi, I want to go with 8 other friends from Singapore to Mersing (Tioman) this weekend 1 oct .Do you have any phone numbers from taxidrivers which have a minibus for 9 people?
Thx
Nov 1, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Hallo. Very good. Do you have the number for taking a cab from Singapore to Mersing? And also the ferry? I am going in January. Will it be difficult to get ticket then? Do we need to book severel days before? Is it possible to sit outside on the ferry? Thanks
Nov 4, 2010 at 10:43 am
Hey! I was wandering if you could recommend a taxi service singapure-mersing… The only one I found charges 320 sd for round trip
Nov 7, 2010 at 4:59 pm
i m interested to know about sin-mersing private cab u were telling about.send more info please
Nov 10, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Did anyone have any luck trying to get a cheaper taxi to Mersing from Singapore? If so plz let me know as need one for next wkd!
Dec 17, 2010 at 4:45 pm
I am going to tioman with family. Could you please give the phone number for the taxi from singapore to Mersing and also the agent in Mersing.
Thanks.
Jan 18, 2011 at 9:46 pm
Hi,
Im planning to go to tioman for CNY, do you have any taxi number that brings youfrom singapore to mersing?
Appreciate your help.
Fernanda
Jan 20, 2011 at 4:12 pm
can you send me some number of taxi that i can book to go to mersing
thanks
Feb 7, 2011 at 7:03 am
hi,
you did wonders with this site, really good info, probably all you need now is constant updating with new info.
pls send contacts for taxi from sg to mersing and the agent to book ferry ticket, thanks
Philip
Mar 30, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Hi,
Nice post, really helped me to know the option along with stress level and the comfort.
Thanks a lot.
Apr 11, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Hi
Pls send me the contact number for the private cab? Thanks
May 31, 2011 at 6:51 pm
Hi
I am flying from South African to Singapore and have a few days free and would like to go diving in Tioman. Can you suggest a travel agent in Singapore I can contact to make the arrangements for me?
Thanks,
Jun 10, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Hi, my friends and I are planning to travel to Tioman in 2 weeks time. We’ll only be leaving on Saturday morning from S’pore and intend to leave Tioman only on Sunday evening. However, the Mersing – Singapore or even the Mersing to Larking busses all leave by 3pm. Will we be able to return to Larking at least by bus anytime after 3pm, or would we have to depend on taxis after a certain time. Thanks in advance.
Jul 6, 2011 at 10:05 am
Hi!
I am in coming back to Singapore next month and I want to plan on a budget trip to Tioman ^^
I would appreciate your contacts~
email is ffung0501(at)gmail.com
Jul 9, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Hi,
Can you please send me the contact number to book the ferry. Have you heard before about island connection to book the ferry? Is it reliable?
Thank you very much,
Carole
Jul 12, 2011 at 2:48 am
Hi,
we would need a taxi from Singapore to Mersing on the 17th of August. Have you got good and cheap contacts?
cheers
Sinja
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