Heading to Desaru Coast and looking for exactly how to take the Singapore to Desaru ferry? You are in the right place.
With its 22-kilometre stretch of beautiful coastline and gorgeous sandy beaches, Desaru is a fantastic place to escape for a few days. While there’s plenty to do, from visiting Adventure Waterpark to enjoying water sports and other attractions, the area has a much more relaxed feel than many of Malaysia’s busier tourist destinations. It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy some beach time and escape the hustle and bustle of Singapore.
But before you get to enjoy Desaru, you need to get there!
Below, I describe exactly how to get a ferry to Desaru by sharing everything you need to know about where exactly to take the ferry in Singapore, where you arrive in Desaru, how often ferries run and the cost for a ferry ticket to Desaru from Singapore as well as how to buy one.
I also describe the return Desaru to Singapore ferry.
Let’s start!
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Contents
Map: Singapore To Desaru Ferry
The distance between Singapore and Desaru is approximately 100 kilometres when travelling by land.
Although you can travel via land to Desaru from Singapore, if you don’t have your own car and are looking for public transport options, then taking the ferry to Desaru from Singapore can be the best option. Taking the ferry can also be faster – depending on where in Singapore you are leaving from and how busy the border is.
It takes approximately 90 minutes on the Desaru ferry to get to Malaysia. By car, it takes around 1.5 hours to 2 hours and at least 2 hours by bus.
Ferry To Desaru Information
Taking the ferry from Singapore to Desaru Coast is one of the easiest ways to travel between these two destinations, particularly if you don’t have your own car.
The direct ferry service is operated by BatamFast and travels between Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore and Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal in Malaysia.
The journey takes approximately 90 minutes, making it a convenient option if you’re heading to one of the Desaru Coast resorts or simply want to avoid travelling across the land border.
Another advantage is that the ferry arrives directly in Desaru Coast, so you won’t need to make the longer journey from Johor Bahru.
However, you will still need to arrange transport from the ferry terminal to your hotel. I recommend organising this in advance, as taxis and rideshare services aren’t always readily available in the area.
Departure terminal: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, 50 Tanah Merah Ferry Road, Singapore 498833.
Arrival terminal: Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, Jalan Dermaga, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor.
There is no car ferry on this route. If you’re planning to bring your own vehicle, you’ll need to drive from Singapore to Desaru instead.
You can read our full guide to travelling from Singapore to Desaru here.
Before travelling, check Malaysia’s current entry requirements, including whether you need to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).
Ferry From Singapore To Desaru Schedule
The Singapore to Desaru ferry operates on selected days rather than daily, so it’s important to check that a service is available on your intended travel date.
As of October 2026, the published ferry departure times are:
| Route | Departure time |
|---|---|
| Singapore (Tanah Merah) to Desaru Coast | 10:10am |
| Desaru Coast to Singapore (Tanah Merah) | 5:30pm |
Services are generally advertised from Thursday to Sunday. Check the live booking calendar here for your exact date before making other travel arrangements.
Both Singapore and Malaysia use the same time zone, so there’s no need to adjust your watch when crossing the border.
The journey takes approximately 90 minutes each way.
With the current timetable, it’s possible to visit Desaru as a day trip, although you’ll have limited time once you’ve allowed for immigration, transfers and the return check-in process. Personally, I’d recommend staying at least one night if you want to enjoy the beach and some of the area’s attractions without rushing.
Ferry schedules can change, particularly during festive periods and when sea conditions are unfavourable.
Click here to see the latest schedules.
Ferry From Singapore To Desaru Fares
Unfortunately, taking the ferry from Singapore to Desaru isn’t particularly cheap.
As of October 2026, the published base fares are S$84 each way.
These prices apply to both adults and children, so the cost can add up quickly if you’re travelling as a family.
Keep in mind that fares and surcharges can change, and additional luggage fees may apply.
I’d recommend purchasing your ferry tickets in advance, particularly if you’re travelling over a weekend, during school holidays or on a public holiday.
Click here to see the latest fares and book your tickets.
How Much Luggage Can You Take?
Currently, tickets include 20 kilograms of luggage. You can take up to 40 kilograms but you’ll need to pay an extra fee.
There are also additional charges for oversized items such as golf bags, bicycles and surfboards.
Check the latest luggage rules when booking, particularly if you’re travelling with large suitcases.
Is A Taxi Cheaper Than The Ferry?
If there are two or more of you travelling together, it’s worth comparing the total ferry cost with the price of a private taxi.
Remember that you’ll also need to factor in transport to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and from Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal to your accommodation.
A private taxi can pick you up directly from your accommodation in Singapore and take you to your hotel in Desaru, which may be more convenient if you’re travelling with children or lots of luggage.
Depending on the number of people travelling and the current taxi fare, it may even work out cheaper.
What Happens To The Desaru Ferry During The Monsoon Season?
One important thing to know before booking the Singapore to Desaru ferry is that the service can be affected by rough sea conditions, particularly during the northeast monsoon season.
When conditions aren’t suitable for sailing directly to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, the operator may activate its diversion plan.
Instead of travelling directly to Desaru Coast, the ferry will operate between Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and Tanjung Pengelih Ferry Terminal in Johor.
The good news is that you don’t have to organise the rest of the journey yourself. Under this diversion arrangement, the operator provides a connecting coach transfer between Tanjung Pengelih and Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.
The same arrangement applies in reverse when travelling back to Singapore.
However, this does mean your journey will take longer than the usual 90-minute ferry trip, so allow extra time if you’re travelling during periods of rough weather.
I’d also avoid arranging tight onward connections, particularly if you have a flight to catch.
Check for any service updates or diversion notices from BatamFast before travelling.
Return Ferry From Desaru To Singapore
Taking the ferry from Desaru to Singapore is just as straightforward.
You’ll depart from Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal and travel directly to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore.
The currently advertised departure time is 5:30pm on operating days, with the journey taking approximately 90 minutes.
I’d recommend arranging transport from your hotel to the ferry terminal in advance and allowing plenty of time for check-in, immigration and security.
Remember that you’ll be crossing an international border, so make sure you have the appropriate travel documents and check whether you need to submit a Singapore Arrival Card before travelling.
Click here to see the latest fares and to book your tickets.
What About The Ferry From Changi Point To Tanjung Belungor?
You may have come across older information about ferries travelling between Changi Point Ferry Terminal in Singapore and Tanjung Belungor in Malaysia.
This was a previous route used by travellers heading to Desaru, but it isn’t the current direct Desaru Coast ferry service.
For the ferry described in this guide, you need to depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore and book a ticket to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.
There is also a separate BatamFast service between Tanah Merah and Tanjung Pengelih on selected days, but this arrives at a different terminal and shouldn’t be confused with the direct Desaru Coast service.
Final Words
Taking the ferry from Singapore to Desaru Coast is a convenient way to enjoy a beach getaway without having to drive across the border.
The journey takes around 90 minutes, and arriving directly at Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal makes it particularly handy if you’re staying at one of the area’s resorts.
Just remember that services don’t operate every day, so check the latest timetable before planning your trip. I’d also recommend booking your tickets and onward transport in advance, particularly if you’re travelling during a busy period.
Find the latest ticket information here.
I hope you found this guide to the Singapore to Desaru ferry useful. You can find our full guide to travelling from Singapore to Desaru here or our complete travel guide to the Desaru Coast here.
If you want to consider taking a taxi to Desaru, click here for more information.
Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!
