Have you ever wondered how to escape the hectic city life in Singapore? Don’t worry – we all have been there! If you’re looking for a unique experience that’ll leave you coming back for more, Pulau Tioman should be your next trip on your travel list. Whether you’re in love with sandy beaches or love snorkelling, Tioman has plenty to offer everyone. In this article, we explain how to go to Pulau Tioman from Singapore, so you can choose based on your preference.
Why is Pulau Tioman Popular Among Singaporeans?
Pulau Tioman is a popular tourist spot, especially for Singaporean travellers, thanks to the sandy white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise sea waters. Since Singapore has limited nature escape, Pulau Tioman is a great way to unwind and relax, away from the city.
There are plenty of things to do in Pulau Tioman, such as snorkelling, hiking, diving, and more, which is why most Singaporeans love it as they can’t enjoy these activities.
How to Go to Tioman Island from Singapore
1. Bus + Ferry Route (via Mersing Jetty)
Taking a bus and ferry route via Mersing Jetty is another method of how to get to Pulau Tioman from Singapore. The bus and riding the ferry from Mersing to Tioman Ferry is the most common transportation, as taking it is an affordable option for budget travellers. The entire journey takes around 3 to 5 hours.
There are many direct buses available to Mersing Jetty, such as KKKL Express and Diamond Coach. You can choose between the several pick-up points available, including Bedok (MRT Station), Newton Circus CW5, Kovan Hub, and Woodlands (MRT Station).
As for the ferry tickets, you can buy them at the ferry terminal or online via BusOnlineTicket, Bluewater Express or Cataferry.
Pros:
- Affordable rates
- Various buses to choose from
- Able to arrive at the main ferry terminal in Mersing
Cons:
- The bus journey is quite long
- Can be caught up in a traffic jam, especially during holidays
2. Bus + Ferry Route (via Tanjung Gemok Jetty)
Besides Mersing Jetty, riding a bus to Tanjung Gemok Jetty and taking the ferry from there is another common way on how to go to Tioman, which takes around 5 hours. It’s also a preferred option as it’s newer than Mersing Jetty. Although the distance from Singapore is slightly further, there are more ferry timings as Mersing Jetty depends on the tidal conditions.
Some of the direct bus options you can choose from to go to the jetty are KKKL Express and Diamond Coach. You can choose between the several pick-up points available, including Bedok (MRT Station), Newton Circus CW5, Kovan Hub, and Woodlands (MRT Station).
You can purchase the ferry tickets at the ferry terminal or online via BusOnlineTicket, Bluewater Express and Cataferry.
Pros:
- More ferry timings
- Budget-friendly option
- Timings are fixed and don’t change according to the tides
Cons:
- Further distance from Singapore
- Bus rides take longer than to Mersing Jetty
3. Driving from Singapore to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok
If you have your own car or prefer to rent a car, you can consider travelling from Singapore to Mersing by self-driving. You have more flexibility and can adjust your schedule accordingly. The average journey is around 3 to 5 hours.
Pros:
- Can have full control over the entire journey
- Suitable for those travelling with kids or the elderly
- Able to make pit stops along the way
Cons:
- Need to have relevant documents ready
- Journey may take longer due to heavy traffic
4. Private Car or Taxi from Singapore to Mersing
If you prefer to have a hassle-free journey from Singapore to Mersing, you should engage with private car or taxi transfer services. They have professional drivers to take you from your desired pick-up destination to your drop-off destination. The journey takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on the overall traffic conditions.
Pros:
- Can choose your preferred pick-up & drop-off points
- Don’t have to find parking at the jetty
- Suitable for families or those who have heavy luggage
- Do not have to worry about routes
Cons:
- More costly and expensive
- Depending on driver and car availability during peak seasons
Book Private Taxi to Mersing from Singapore here.
Top Attractions in Tioman
1. Scuba Dive at Tioman Dive Centre
Source: https://www.tioman-dive-centre.com/our-history/
If you love scuba diving, you have to try taking the course from Tioman Dive Centre. There are several packages to choose from, suitable for beginners and experienced divers. You can explore the many sea creatures, marine life and underwater caves. The sea waters are crystal clear, so you can take your time to admire the turtles and reef sharks.
Address: Tioman Dive Centre, Salang bay, 26800 Tioman Island, Pahang
2. Explore Taman Laut Tioman Ecological Park
Source: https://g.co/kgs/sCYYs51
For those who prefer to skip the crowd, the Tioman Ecological Park is the best place to explore the rich marine life of the island. You can snorkel or swim around the sea waters as it’s a designated marine protected location. Hence, you can learn a thing or two about marine conservation.
Address: Pulau Tioman, Pahang, Malaysia
3. Hike from ABC Village to Monkey Bay & Monkey Beach
Source: https://www.tioman.org/monkey-bay.htm#gallery-1
The best way to explore nature is to hike from ABC Village to Monkey Bay and Monkey Beach. You can witness the island’s lush greenery while also encountering several species of wildlife, such as monkeys. On the beach, you can enjoy swimming and relaxing with your loved ones.
Address: Tioman Island, Pahang
Read 10 Places to Visit in Tioman Island here.
Best Time to Go to Pulau Tioman
The best time to visit Pulau Tioman is between March and October, as it will be the dry season. You’d want to avoid visiting from November to February as it’s known as the monsoon season, so it’ll be raining heavily.
Tips Before Going to Tioman Island
Before you visit Tioman, there are some things you should take note of to ensure a smooth and safe journey:
- Timing: You should always check the ferry schedules from either Tanjung Gemok or Mersing jetty ahead of time so you can plan your journey accordingly.
- Weather: Since ferry rides also depend on weather, you should check the weather so you can avoid visiting during monsoon season, when there are rough waves.
- Book in Advance: If your mode of transport requires booking of tickets or services, you should always book them in advance before they sell out.
Conclusion
So the next time you’re planning on how to go to Pulau Tioman from Singapore, you can refer to this list of options to ensure a seamless journey. Tioman is worth visiting as the island has plenty to offer.
If you prefer a quick and stress-free way to travel from Singapore to Tioman, you can book a private car service from SG to Tioman with SGJBTaxis! Choose your preferred fleets depending on your group size and we will take you to Mersing ferry terminals easily. Sit back, relax and enjoy your journey to Pulau Tioman!