Singapore to Tioman

I'm planning a trip to Singapore and would like to spend some time in Tioman as well. Is it possible to go there by ferry? If not, which is the best way?

Can I book the Singapore-Tioman trip in HK? If not, can anyone recommend me a good and reliable travel agent in Singapore so I can make the booking before I leave HK.

Also, do you have any recommendation for a nice hotel? We are going with 2 children, 4 & 9 years old, and would like a place where we can just relax!

Thanks!

Thanks for the replies.


What is that?, may i ask which is the resort you stayed at? It sounds exactly like what we are looking for. I agree with the flight option but we are considering the ferry because our son loves the ride.


Ken, can I have more details about the ferry service? I heard about the one provided by Penguin Ferry Services but learnt that they do not operate any more.

Friends in Singapore, who go regularly to Tioman for dive weekends, drive to Mersing (2.5 hours or so) and catch the ferry (90 mins). There used to be two ferry operators but now there's only one with fairly crummy times (for divers) of 3/4am and 3/4pm.

Tioman is still awesome, great scuba diving and a wonderful place for a weekend away with the famly.


But just a quick point of interest to regular Tioman visitors, or those wishing to go there in the future.


Since we go to Tioman quite regularly, we're seeing more and more travellers, especially from overseas, arriving at the Mersing jetty too late to catch their ferry, because it's full.


I think the reason is twofold:


1) The recent popularity boom Tioman has been enjoying.

2) The new rule prohibiting passengers from sitting on the ferry sun-deck.


That second reason effectively cut the ferries' capacity in half, resulting in less revenue for them and more passengers left stranded during busy spells.


In light of above, my advice to those who've booked a Tioman resort, or want to go to Tioman during the weekend or a public holiday: book your ferry tickets as far in advance as possible, so you won't be stranded at the departure jetty due to the ferry for that day being already full. You can get tickets from the ferry operators direct or from http://www.tiomanferry.com/

To get to Tioman from Singapore, you have to go by ferry to Tanjung Gemok ferry terminal or Mersing ferry terminal. It is a huge challenge as the roads there are windy and highly dangerous. If you are hiring a private transport service, I recommend a reputable one like tiomantransport.com that will also arrange your ferry tickets for you so that you enjoy a smooth transition from land to sea.


The tioman ferries are well known for their lack of punctuality, so planning your schedule is very important. Make it a point to arrive early at the ferry terminal. Waiting for the ferry is better than missing the ferry to Tioman! Many people have found themselves stranded at mersing ferry terminal and having to spend a night there to board the next day's ferry.