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• They have an outdated website that is not very user-friendly or secure.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.