How to Go to Pulau Tioman: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a tropical paradise with crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, lush rainforest, and colorful coral reefs? If so, then you should definitely consider Pulau Tioman as your next destination.

Pulau Tioman, or Tioman Island, is one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. It is located about 32 km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in the South China Sea. It covers an area of about 136 square km and has a population of about 3,000 people.

Tioman Island is a popular destination for travelers who love nature, adventure, culture, and relaxation. You can enjoy various activities and attractions on the island, such as diving, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, fishing, golfing, spa, village tour, and more.

But how do you get to this amazing island? What are the best ways to travel to Pulau Tioman from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore? What are the things you need to know before you go?

In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. We will help you plan your trip to Pulau Tioman with ease and confidence. We will show you how to get to Pulau Tioman by land, sea, or air; what to do and see on the island; when to visit; and some tips and tricks to make your trip unforgettable.

So sit back, relax, and read on to find out everything you need to know about how to go to Pulau Tioman.

The lovely island paradise in our home country~

How to Get to Pulau Tioman by Land

The first step to getting to Pulau Tioman is to reach one of the two main gateways to the island: Mersing or Tanjung Gemok. These are two coastal towns in Johor and Pahang states respectively, where you can catch a ferry to Pulau Tioman.

You can get to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok by bus, car, or taxi from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The distance from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing is about 350 km, while the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Tanjung Gemok is about 400 km. The distance from Singapore to Mersing is about 200 km, while the distance from Singapore to Tanjung Gemok is about 250 km.

The travel time from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok depends on the traffic conditions and the mode of transportation. Generally speaking, it takes about 4-5 hours by bus or car, and about 3-4 hours by taxi.

But which gateway should you choose: Mersing or Tanjung Gemok? Here are some pros and cons of each option:

Mersing

- Pros: Closer to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore; more bus options; more ferry options; more accommodation options; more attractions nearby (e.g., Endau Rompin National Park)

- Cons: More crowded; more traffic jams; more affected by tides; less reliable ferry schedule; longer ferry ride

Tanjung Gemok

- Pros: Less crowded; less traffic jams; less affected by tides; more reliable ferry schedule; shorter ferry ride

- Cons: Further from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore; fewer bus options; fewer ferry options; fewer accommodation options; fewer attractions nearby

As you can see, there is no clear winner between Mersing and Tanjung Gemok. It depends on your personal preferences and budget. However, we recommend Tanjung Gemok as the better option for most travelers because it offers a smoother and faster ferry experience.

Here are some tips on how to book a bus or taxi to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok:

- You can book your bus tickets online through platforms like CatchThatBus.com or RedBus.my. You can compare prices, schedules, and reviews of different bus operators and choose the one that suits you best.

- You can book your taxi online through platforms like Grab or MyCar. You can also book a private transfer service through various online platforms.

- You can also book your bus or taxi tickets offline at various terminals or counters in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. However, this may be more expensive and less convenient than booking online.

How to Get to Pulau Tioman by Sea

The next step to getting to Pulau Tioman is to take a ferry from Mersing or Tanjung Gemok. There are two main ferry operators that serve Pulau Tioman: Bluewater Express and Cataferry. Both operators offer fast and comfortable ferries that can accommodate up to 200 passengers.

The ferry ride from Mersing or Tanjung Gemok to Pulau Tioman takes about 1.5-2 hours, depending on the weather conditions and the number of stops. The ferry stops at several villages or resorts on the island where you can choose your destination according to your accommodation or preference.

Here are some pros and cons of each ferry operator:

Bluewater Express

- Pros: More frequent; more flexible; cheaper; more experienced

- Cons: Older; smaller; noisier; less comfortable

Cataferry

- Pros: Newer; bigger; quieter; more comfortable

- Cons: Less frequent; less flexible; more expensive; less experienced

Again, there is no clear winner between Bluewater Express and Cataferry. It depends on your personal preferences and budget. However, we recommend Cataferry as the better option for most travelers because it offers a more pleasant and spacious ferry experience.

Here are some tips on how to book a ferry ticket to Pulau Tioman:

- You can book your ferry tickets online through platforms like BusOnlineTicket.com, or RedBus.my. You can compare prices, schedules, and reviews of different ferry operators and choose the one that suits you best.

- You can also book your ferry tickets offline at the ferry terminals in Mersing or Tanjung Gemok. However, this may be more expensive and less convenient than booking online.

- You should book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak season (March to October) or public holidays, as the ferries may be fully booked or sold out.

- You should check the ferry schedule before you travel, as it may change due to weather conditions or tides. You can check the ferry schedule online through in real-time through a quick Google search.

Here are some important things to note before boarding the ferry:

- You should arrive at the ferry terminal at least one hour before departure time. You need to check in with your passport or identity card and collect your boarding pass. You also need to pay a marine park conservation fee of RM 30 for foreigners or RM 5 for Malaysians.

- You should pack light and limit your luggage to one piece per person. The luggage allowance is 15 kg per person for Bluewater Express and 25 kg per person for Cataferry. You may need to pay extra for excess baggage or bulky items.

- You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring some essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water, snacks, motion sickness pills, etc. The ferry ride may be hot, bumpy, or wet, so be prepared for any situation.

How to Get to Pulau Tioman by Air

The final step to getting to Pulau Tioman is to take a flight from Kuala Lumpur. There is only one airline that flies to Pulau Tioman: Berjaya Air. Berjaya Air is a subsidiary of Berjaya Group, which owns several resorts on the island.

Berjaya Air operates a small fleet of Dash 7 aircraft that can carry up to 48 passengers. The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Pulau Tioman takes about one hour, depending on the weather conditions. The flight lands at Tekek Airport, which is the only airport on the island.

Pros and cons of flying to Pulau Tioman:

Pros

- Faster and more convenient than taking a bus and a ferry

- More scenic and exciting than taking a bus and a ferry

- More suitable for travelers with limited time or mobility

Cons

- More expensive than taking a bus and a ferry

- Less frequent than taking a bus and a ferry

As you can see, flying to Pulau Tioman is not for everyone. It depends on your personal preferences and budget. However, we recommend flying to Pulau Tioman as the best option for travelers who value speed and convenience over cost and availability.

Here are some tips on how to book a flight ticket to Pulau Tioman:

- You can book your flight tickets online through platforms such as Trip.com for the best and quickest deals available!

- Remember to book in advance to ensure great deals and prices year-round.

- You can also book your flight tickets offline at the Berjaya Air counter at Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur. However, this may be more expensive and less convenient than booking online.

- You should book your flight tickets in advance, especially during peak season (March to October) or public holidays, as the flights may be fully booked or sold out.

- You should check the flight schedule before you travel, as it may change due to weather conditions or operational issues. You can check the flight schedule online through various platforms. You can also call Berjaya Air directly for the latest updates.

Here are some important things to note before boarding the flight:

- You should arrive at Subang Airport at least one hour before departure time. You need to check in with your passport or identity card and collect your boarding pass.

-You should pack light and limit your luggage to one piece per person. The luggage allowance is 10 kg per person for Berjaya Air. You may need to pay extra for excess baggage or bulky items.

-You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring some essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water, snacks, motion sickness pills, etc. The flight may be hot, bumpy, or wet, so be prepared for any situation.

Enjoy Your Stay in Pulau Tioman

With this article, you should be able to travel to Pulau Tioman in many different ways. So what are you waiting for? The ultimate island adventure awaits!