How To Take A Ferry To Tioman Island In Malaysia: A Complete Guide

Are you planning to visit Tioman Island, one of the most popular destinations in Malaysia for its pristine beaches, lush rainforest and rich marine life? If so, you might be wondering how to get there from mainland Malaysia. Taking a ferry is the easiest and cheapest way to reach Tioman Island, but there are some things you need to know before you book your ticket. In this guide, we will show you how to take a ferry to Tioman Island from Mersing or Tanjung Gemok jetties. We will also cover the ferry operators, schedules, prices, tips and more.

How To Choose A Ferry Operator To Tioman Island

There are two main ferry operators that offer services to Tioman Island: Bluewater Ferry and Cataferry. Both of them have their own features, benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at each of them and see which one suits you better.

Bluewater Ferry

Bluewater Ferry is the oldest and most established ferry operator to Tioman Island. They have been operating since 1994 and have a fleet of 12 ferries that can carry up to 200 passengers each. Bluewater Ferry offers daily trips from Mersing Jetty and Tanjung Gemok Jetty to various villages on Tioman Island, such as Tekek, Salang, Air Batang, Genting, Paya and Nipah. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the weather and tide conditions.

Some of the advantages of choosing Bluewater Ferry are:

• They have a large network of agents and partners that can help you book your ticket easily.
• They have a flexible cancellation and refund policy that allows you to change or cancel your booking up to 24 hours before departure.
• They have a loyalty program that rewards you with points and discounts for every booking you make.
• They have a good safety record and experienced crew members that ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.

Some of the disadvantages of choosing Bluewater Ferry are:

• They have a limited number of seats and tend to sell out quickly during peak seasons.
• They have an outdated website that is not very user-friendly or secure.
• They have an inconsistent schedule that can change without prior notice due to tide and weather factors.
• They have an old-fashioned design and interior that may not appeal to some travelers.

Cataferry

Cataferry is the newest and most modern ferry operator to Tioman Island. They started operating in 2019 and have a fleet of 3 catamaran ferries that can carry up to 300 passengers each. Cataferry offers daily trips from Tanjung Gemok Jetty only to Tekek Village on Tioman Island. The journey takes about 90 minutes regardless of the weather and tide conditions.

Some of the advantages of choosing Cataferry are:

• They have a state-of-the-art website that allows you to book your ticket online easily and securely.
• They have a fixed schedule that is reliable and punctual regardless of the tide and weather factors.
• They have a modern design and interior that provide a spacious and comfortable ride.
• They have a variety of amenities and services on board, such as free Wi-Fi, entertainment system, snack bar, luggage storage, etc.

Some of the disadvantages of choosing Cataferry are:

• They only operate from Tanjung Gemok Jetty, which may not be convenient for some travelers who prefer Mersing Jetty.
• They only stop at Tekek Village, which may not be ideal for some travelers who want to visit other villages on Tioman Island.
• They have a strict cancellation and refund policy that does not allow you to change or cancel your booking once confirmed.
• They have a higher price than Bluewater Ferry for the same destination.

Comparison and Recommendation

As you can see, both ferry operators have their pros and cons. The best one for you depends on your preference, budget and convenience. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a ferry operator:

• Location: If you want to depart from or arrive at Mersing Jetty, you should choose Bluewater Ferry. If you want to depart from or arrive at Tanjung Gemok Jetty, you should choose Cataferry.
• Destination: If you want to visit Tekek Village only, you can choose either ferry operator. If you want to visit other villages on Tioman Island, you should choose Bluewater Ferry.
• Schedule: If you want a fixed and reliable schedule, you should choose Cataferry. If you don’t mind a flexible and unpredictable schedule, you can choose Bluewater Ferry.
• Price: If you want a cheaper price, you should choose Bluewater Ferry. If you don’t mind paying more, you can choose Cataferry.
• Comfort: If you want a modern and spacious ride, you should choose Cataferry. If you don’t mind an old-fashioned and crowded ride, you can choose Bluewater Ferry.

Based on these factors, we recommend Cataferry for travelers who value convenience, reliability and comfort. We recommend Bluewater Ferry for travelers who value flexibility, variety and affordability.

How To Book A Tioman Ferry Ticket Online

Booking a ferry ticket online is the easiest and fastest way to secure your seat and avoid the hassle of queuing at the counter. However, the online booking process may differ depending on the ferry operator you choose. Here are the steps and tips for booking a ferry ticket online for both operators.

Bluewater Ferry Online Booking

To book a Bluewater Ferry ticket online, you need to follow these steps:

• Visit the official website of Bluewater Ferry.
• Click on the “Book Now” button on the homepage.
• Select your departure date, departure jetty, destination village and number of passengers.
• Click on the “Search” button to see the available ferries and prices.
• Choose your preferred ferry and click on the “Book” button.
• Fill in your personal details, such as name, email, phone number, etc.
• Choose your payment method, such as credit card, PayPal, bank transfer, etc.
• Confirm your booking and pay the amount due.
• Receive your confirmation email and e-ticket.

Some tips for booking a Bluewater Ferry ticket online are:

• Book your ticket as early as possible to secure your seat and get the best price.
• Check your email regularly for any updates or changes in your ferry schedule.
• Print out your e-ticket or save it on your phone and show it at the check-in counter.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your ferry departure time.

Cataferry Online Booking

To book a Cataferry ticket online, you need to follow these steps:

• Visit the official website of Cataferry.
• Click on the “Book Now” button on the homepage.
• Select your departure date, departure jetty (Tanjung Gemok only), destination village (Tekek only) and number of passengers.
• Click on the “Search” button to see the available ferries and prices.
• Choose your preferred ferry and click on the “Book” button.
• Fill in your personal details, such as name, email, phone number, etc.
• Choose your payment method, such as credit card, PayPal, bank transfer, etc.
• Confirm your booking and pay the amount due.
• Receive your confirmation email and e-ticket.

Some tips for booking a Cataferry ticket online are:

• Book your ticket at least 3 days in advance to secure your seat and get the best price.
• Check your email regularly for any updates or changes in your ferry schedule.
• Print out your e-ticket or save it on your phone and show it at the check-in counter.
• Arrive at least 60 minutes before your ferry departure time.

Alternative Booking Methods

If you prefer not to book your ferry ticket online, you can also use other methods, such as:

• Phone: You can call the ferry operators directly and make a reservation over the phone. The contact numbers are: Bluewater Ferry (+607 799 4811) and Cataferry (+607 799 6753) .
• Email: You can send an email to the ferry operators with your booking details and wait for their reply. The email addresses are: Bluewater Ferry (info@bluewaterferry.com) and Cataferry (info@cataferry.com) .
• Counter: You can visit the ferry operators’ counters at Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty and buy your ticket on the spot. However, this is not recommended during peak seasons as the tickets may be sold out or more expensive .

How To Check The Tioman Ferry Schedule And Weather

Before you embark on your ferry trip to Tioman Island, you should check the ferry schedule and weather forecast to avoid any surprises or delays. The ferry schedule and weather can vary depending on several factors, such as tides, seasons, demand, etc. Here are some ways to check them.

Tioman Ferry Schedule

The Tioman ferry schedule is not fixed and can change without prior notice due to tide and weather factors. Therefore, you should always check the latest schedule before you depart or arrive. You can check the ferry schedule by:

• Website: You can visit the official websites of the ferry operators and see the updated schedule for each day.
• Phone: You can call the ferry operators directly and ask for the current schedule. The contact numbers are: Bluewater Ferry (+607 799 4811) and Cataferry (+607 799 6753).
• Email: You can send an email to the ferry operators with your inquiry and wait for their reply. The email addresses are: Bluewater Ferry (info@bluewaterferry.com) and Cataferry (info@cataferry.com).
• Counter: You can visit the ferry operators’ counters at Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty and check the schedule on the display board or ask the staff.

Tioman Island Weather

The weather on Tioman Island can also affect your ferry trip and your overall experience on the island. Therefore, you should check the weather forecast before you go and plan accordingly. You can check the weather forecast by:

• Website: You can visit the official website of the Malaysian Meteorological Department and see the weather forecast for Tioman Island for the next 7 days.
• App: You can download a weather app on your phone, such as AccuWeather, Weather Channel, etc. and see the weather forecast for Tioman Island for the next 10 days.
• Radio: You can tune in to a local radio station, such as Radio Malaysia, Radio Klasik, etc. and listen to the weather report for Tioman Island.

The best time to visit Tioman Island is from March to October, when the weather is dry and sunny. The worst time to visit Tioman Island is from November to February, when the weather is wet and stormy. During this period, the ferry services may be suspended or reduced due to safety reasons.

How To Choose A Jetty To Depart From And Arrive At

Another important decision you need to make when taking a ferry to Tioman Island is which jetty to depart from and arrive at. There are two jetties that serve as the main gateway to Tioman Island: Mersing Jetty and Tanjung Gemok Jetty. Both of them have their own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s compare them and see which one is better for you.

Mersing Jetty

Mersing Jetty is located in Mersing town, which is about 136 km from Johor Bahru and 434 km from Kuala Lumpur. Mersing Jetty is served by both Bluewater Ferry and Cataferry, which offer daily trips to various villages on Tioman Island. Mersing Jetty has a terminal building that provides facilities and services such as ticket counters, waiting area, toilets, luggage storage, food stalls, souvenir shops, etc.

Some of the pros of choosing Mersing Jetty are:

• It is closer to Johor Bahru and Singapore, which makes it more convenient for travelers from these places.
• It has more options for ferry operators, destinations and departure times, which gives you more flexibility and variety.
• It has more amenities and attractions nearby, such as hotels, restaurants, banks, markets, etc.

Some of the cons of choosing Mersing Jetty are:

• It is farther from Kuala Lumpur and other major cities in Malaysia, which makes it less convenient for travelers from these places.
• It has a higher chance of ferry cancellation or delay due to tide and weather factors, which can affect your travel plans.
• It has a higher risk of overcrowding and traffic congestion during peak seasons, which can cause inconvenience and stress.

Tanjung Gemok Jetty

Tanjung Gemok Jetty is located in Rompin district, which is about 192 km from Johor Bahru and 378 km from Kuala Lumpur. Tanjung Gemok Jetty is served by Cataferry only, which offers daily trips to Tekek Village on Tioman Island. Tanjung Gemok Jetty has a terminal building that provides facilities and services such as ticket counters, waiting area, toilets, luggage storage, food stalls, souvenir shops, etc.

Some of the pros of choosing Tanjung Gemok Jetty are:

• It is closer to Kuala Lumpur and other major cities in Malaysia, which makes it more convenient for travelers from these places.
• It has a lower chance of ferry cancellation or delay due to tide and weather factors, which ensures a reliable and punctual service.
• It has a lower risk of overcrowding and traffic congestion during peak seasons, which provides a smooth and comfortable experience.

Some of the cons of choosing Tanjung Gemok Jetty are:

• It is farther from Johor Bahru and Singapore, which makes it less convenient for travelers from these places.
• It has fewer options for ferry operators, destinations and departure times, which limits your flexibility and variety.
• It has fewer amenities and attractions nearby, such as hotels, restaurants, banks, markets, etc.

Comparison and Recommendation

As you can see, both jetties have their pros and cons. The best one for you depends on your convenience and preference. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a jetty:

• Location: If you are traveling from Johor Bahru or Singapore, you should choose Mersing Jetty. If you are traveling from Kuala Lumpur or other cities in Malaysia, you should choose Tanjung Gemok Jetty.
• Destination: If you want to visit Tekek Village only, you can choose either jetty. If you want to visit other villages on Tioman Island, you should choose Mersing Jetty.
• Schedule: If you want a reliable and punctual schedule, you should choose Tanjung Gemok Jetty. If you don’t mind a flexible and unpredictable schedule, you can choose Mersing Jetty.
• Comfort: If you want a smooth and comfortable experience, you should choose Tanjung Gemok Jetty. If you don’t mind a crowded and stressful experience, you can choose Mersing Jetty.

Based on these factors, we recommend Tanjung Gemok Jetty for travelers who value convenience, reliability and comfort. We recommend Mersing Jetty for travelers who value flexibility, variety and affordability.

How To Prepare For Your Ferry Trip To Tioman Island

Once you have booked your ferry ticket and chosen your jetty, you are almost ready to embark on your ferry trip to Tioman Island. However, there are still some things you need to prepare before you go and expect during your ride. Here are some tips to help you have a smooth and enjoyable ferry trip to Tioman Island.

What To Pack For Your Ferry Trip

Packing for your ferry trip is not as simple as throwing some clothes and toiletries into a bag. You need to consider the weather, the duration and the activities on Tioman Island. Here are some essential items to pack for your ferry trip:

• Passport: You need to bring your passport as a proof of identity and nationality. You also need to show it at the Marine Park Centre on Tioman Island to pay the conservation fee of RM 30 per person.
• Ticket: You need to bring your ferry ticket as a proof of reservation and payment. You also need to show it at the check-in counter and the boarding gate.
• Cash: You need to bring enough cash in Malaysian Ringgit as most places on Tioman Island do not accept credit cards or other currencies. You also need cash to pay for the taxi or bus fare from the jetty to your accommodation or vice versa.
• Sunscreen: You need to bring sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher as the sun can be very strong on Tioman Island. You also need to apply it generously before and during your ferry ride and your outdoor activities.
• Sunglasses: You need to bring sunglasses with UV protection as the sun can be very bright on Tioman Island. You also need to wear them during your ferry ride and your outdoor activities.
• Hat: You need to bring a hat with a wide brim as the sun can be very hot on Tioman Island. You also need to wear it during your ferry ride and your outdoor activities.
• Water: You need to bring enough water in reusable bottles as the water on Tioman Island may not be safe or clean for drinking. You also need to drink plenty of water during your ferry ride and your outdoor activities to stay hydrated.
• Snacks: You need to bring some snacks such as nuts, fruits, granola bars, etc. as the food on Tioman Island may not be cheap or available at all times. You also need to eat some snacks during your ferry ride and your outdoor activities to keep your energy level up.
• Medication: You need to bring any medication that you may need such as painkillers, antihistamines, anti-nausea pills, etc. as the pharmacy on Tioman Island may not have them or charge more for them. You also need to take any medication that you may need before or during your ferry ride or your outdoor activities.
• Camera: You need to bring a camera with a waterproof case or a GoPro as Tioman Island has many beautiful sights and scenes that you may want to capture. You also need to charge your camera battery before your ferry ride and bring extra memory cards or cloud storage.

What To Do Before Your Ferry Departure

Before you board your ferry to Tioman Island, there are some important things that you need to do at the jetty. Here are some of them:

• Check-in: You need to check-in at the ferry operator’s counter at least 30 minutes (Bluewater Ferry) or 60 minutes (Cataferry) before your ferry departure time. You need to show your passport and ticket and collect your boarding pass and luggage tag.
• Luggage drop-off: You need to drop off your luggage at the designated area and attach your luggage tag to it. You can only bring one piece of luggage per person and the maximum weight is 15 kg. You can also bring a small handbag or backpack with you on board.
• Boarding pass: You need to keep your boarding pass with you at all times and show it at the boarding gate. You also need to show it again when you arrive at Tioman Island and collect your luggage.
• Marine park fee: You need to pay the marine park fee of RM 30 per person at the Marine Park Centre before you board your ferry. This fee is for the conservation and maintenance of the marine park on Tioman Island. You need to show your receipt when you arrive at Tioman Island and enter the marine park area.
• Security check: You need to go through a security check before you board your ferry. You need to follow the instructions of the security staff and comply with the rules and regulations. You are not allowed to bring any prohibited items, such as weapons, drugs, alcohol, etc. on board.

What To Expect During Your Ferry Ride

During your ferry ride to Tioman Island, there are some things that you can expect and enjoy. Here are some of them:

• Duration: The duration of your ferry ride depends on the ferry operator, the jetty and the destination. It can range from 90 minutes (Cataferry from Tanjung Gemok to Tekek) to 2 hours (Bluewater Ferry from Mersing to Nipah). The ferry ride may be shorter or longer depending on the weather and tide conditions.
• Comfort: The comfort level of your ferry ride depends on the ferry operator, the design and the capacity. Cataferry offers a more comfortable ride than Bluewater Ferry as it has a modern and spacious design, a lower capacity and a smoother sailing. Bluewater Ferry offers a less comfortable ride than Cataferry as it has an old-fashioned and crowded design, a higher capacity and a bumpier sailing.
• Safety: The safety level of your ferry ride depends on the ferry operator, the crew and the equipment. Both ferry operators have a good safety record and experienced crew members that ensure a safe and smooth ride. However, Cataferry has a better safety equipment than Bluewater Ferry as it has life jackets, life rafts, fire extinguishers, etc. for every passenger. Bluewater Ferry has a lower safety equipment than Cataferry as it has life jackets only for some passengers.
• Views: The views during your ferry ride are spectacular and breathtaking. You can see the blue sea, the green islands, the white clouds and the colorful boats along the way. You can also spot some wildlife, such as dolphins, turtles, birds, etc. if you are lucky. You can enjoy the views from the windows or the deck of your ferry.
• Services: The services during your ferry ride vary depending on the ferry operator. Cataferry offers more services than Bluewater Ferry as it has free Wi-Fi, entertainment system, snack bar, luggage storage, etc. on board. Bluewater Ferry offers fewer services than Cataferry as it has no Wi-Fi, no entertainment system, no snack bar, no luggage storage, etc. on board.

This is what you need to know about taking a ferry to Tioman Island in Malaysia. We hope this guide has been helpful and informative for you.Thank you for reading and have a wonderful trip! 😊