How To Get From Singapore To Tioman & Rawa

Tioman and Rawa are two beautiful islands in Malaysia, though the latter is less well-known. It is possible to get to Tioman island from Singapore in less than 8 hours, while Singapore to Rawa is about 7 hours.

Bus/Taxi from Singapore to Mersing

The journey to Tioman or Rawa starts with a 3-hour taxi or 6-hour bus ride to Mersing in Malaysia

You can take the Transnasional bus from Lavender Street Bus Terminal for $11.10 at 9am, 10am and 10pm.

For taxis, head to Queen Street Bus Terminal, which also has a taxi terminal for special taxis going to Malaysia. A one-way trip in a taxi costs S$150, for up to 4 passengers. Try to negotiate a bit.

Ferry from Mersing to Tioman

Once in Mersing, walk or take a taxi to the ferry terminal. The 1.5-hour ferry ride to Tioman costs RM35 for one-way tickets. Bluewater Express offers three trips daily, but tidal issues and lack of passengers can cause cancellation of trips. Call them beforehand to find out their schedule: +60 7 7994 811 or +60 7 799 8518. A mobile number to try is +60 19 7381 810.

There are some cheap food options in the old bus terminal building, located just next to the ferry terminal. Some shops here also sell travel packages to the islands as well as all kinds of beachwear and souvenirs. Convenience stores offer food and drinks. Prepare some Malaysian ringgit.

There used to be a direct ferry from Singapore to Tioman, but the service is no longer available.

Ferry from Mersing to Rawa

Departing from the same ferry terminal, the boat to to Rawa only takes 30-minute. Rawa is an unspoilt island with gorgeous beaches. It is like Tioman, but much more expensive and without the shopping and commercialization.

There are a number of boats to Rawa daily during the peak season from April-October. During low-peak season, the frequency of boats dwindles to 1-2 rides per day.

Tickets can be booked at the Rawa Island Resort office in Mersing, just at the entrance to the Ferry Terminal.

Plane from Singapore to Tioman

Another option is to take a 35-minute plane ride from Singapore. Berjaya Air charges $86 for one-way, look out for promotions and packages. There are daily trips during the peak season from April-October, and several times a week during the monsoon season.

Travel Packages

Travel packages providing transport and accommodation can also be a good choice if you wish to save the hassle of booking tickets separately. 3 days 2 night Tioman packages start from $130, with basic accommodation at Paya Beach Resort.

Climate and When to go

Tioman's and Rawa's climate is similar to Singapore - hot and humid. Lowest temperature is 20°C at night, to 30°C in the day.

Rainy season

Rainy season starts from December till the end of February when few people would visit these islands.

Peak season

The best time to visit is between April-October where the weather is great for water sports such as swimming and scuba diving.

Tioman iPhone App

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