A weekend getaway to Desaru in Malaysia sounds relaxing, but getting there from Singapore means dealing with busy land checkpoints and unpredictable road traffic. For travelers who prefer to skip the drive, the Batam Fast ferry offers another way to reach Johor's coastal resort area.
The ferry connects Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal with Desaru Coast in approximately 90 minutes. Its published schedule shows services from Thursday to Monday, making it an option for short breaks and weekend trips.
However, limited departures mean timing matters. Before booking, understand the ferry schedule, ticket prices, immigration requirements, and how much time you can realistically spend in Desaru.
Batam Fast Runs a Ferry to Desaru From Thursday to Monday
The Singapore to Desaru Ferry connects Singapore with Desaru Coast in Johor, letting you reach the resort area without driving across the land border. Batam Fast operates the route, with the published schedule covering Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
This gives you more flexibility than a Thursday-to-Sunday schedule suggests, but the service does not run every day. If your preferred travel date falls outside the published days, check the booking calendar or consider traveling by road.
Treat the timetable as the starting point for your plans. The operator notes that schedules and routes may change, so confirm departure and return times for your chosen date before booking accommodation.
The Timetable: 10:10 am Out, 5:30 pm Back
The published schedule lists an outbound departure from Tanah Merah around 10:10 am and a return from Desaru Coast around 5:30 pm. The crossing takes about 90 minutes, though the actual schedule and experience can vary.
One-way Batam Fast ferry tickets from Singapore to Desaru Coast start from about S$70 per adult, based on the available route listing. Check the fare for your travel date and review any additional charges before booking.
Do not rely on these times as a guarantee for every date. Check the booking calendar and the operator's latest timetable, and ensure the return sailing is available before finalizing your plans. With limited departures, missing your ferry could affect your trip.
Ferry or Causeway: When the 90-Minute Crossing Makes Sense
You can also reach Desaru by road. Driving gives you more flexibility to explore different parts of Johor, travel outside the ferry's operating days, or continue beyond the resort area. However, the journey entails road travel and land-border formalities, and traffic can add time on weekends and holidays.
The Batam Fast Ferry is worth considering if you're heading straight to Desaru Coast and prefer not to drive. The crossing takes about 90 minutes and avoids the land border crossing. You will still need to complete ferry check-in and immigration procedures.
The best option depends on your plans. Choose the ferry if its timetable fits your dates and your destination is convenient from Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal. Driving may be more practical if you need flexible departure times or want to visit several places on the same trip.
Arriving in Malaysia by Sea: Passport and MDAC Requirements
Desaru is in Malaysia, so the ferry trip involves an international border crossing. Bring a valid passport and complete the required immigration procedures at departure and arrival.
Many foreign visitors who are not exempt must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within the three days before arriving in Malaysia. However, exemptions remain, including for Singapore citizens. Check the current Malaysian immigration requirements for your nationality before traveling rather than assuming that everyone needs to submit the form.
If you need to complete the MDAC, use the official Malaysian immigration website and submit it within the permitted window. Keep your passport and ferry booking details accessible at the terminal, and follow the operator's instructions for check-in and immigration.
Malaysia and Singapore use the same time zone, so you do not need to adjust your watch when you arrive in Desaru.
Day Trip or Overnight: What Fits Between the Sailings?
The listed 10:10 am outbound and 5:30 pm return departures can make a day trip possible, depending on your sailing schedule. However, the time between sailings is not all free time. Allow time for check-in, immigration, travel to and from attractions, and returning to the terminal.
For a short visit, choose one main activity or a nearby beach and allow enough time to return for your ferry. Check opening hours and transfer arrangements before deciding what to fit into the day.
An overnight stay is more relaxed if you want to enjoy the resorts, waterpark, golf, or other attractions without watching the clock. Before booking a hotel, check the next day's return ferry schedule and make sure the service runs on your intended return date.
Getting to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is in eastern Singapore, so plan your transit before departure day. Public transport is an option, but check the latest MRT and bus information for your travel date rather than relying on a fixed journey time.
A taxi or ride-hailing service may be more convenient if you have luggage or are traveling in a group. Journey times depend on your starting point and traffic conditions.
Follow the ferry operator's check-in deadline and allow enough time to reach the terminal, check in, and clear immigration. Because departures are limited, arriving late could mean missing your sailing.
The Bottom Line
The Singapore to Desaru ferry is a useful alternative to driving if the Batam Fast schedule fits your plans. The published timetable covers Thursday to Monday, with an outbound sailing around 10:10 am and a return around 5:30 pm. Check current times and availability before booking, as the operator may change its schedule.
Carry your passport, check whether you need to submit the MDAC, and allow enough time for check-in and immigration. A day trip works if you plan one or two nearby activities, while an overnight stay gives you more time to enjoy Desaru Coast without rushing to catch the ferry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Batam Fast sail from Singapore to Desaru?
Yes. Batam Fast operates a direct ferry service from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal. Its published schedule covers Thursday to Monday, but check the current timetable for your travel date.
What are the sailing times?
The published schedule lists an outbound departure at around 10:10 am and a return departure at around 5:30 pm. Verify both times when booking because schedules can change.
How long is the crossing, and is it faster than driving?
The ferry crossing takes about 90 minutes. Driving time depends on your starting point, route, and land-border traffic, so compare the full trip rather than assuming one option will always be faster.
Do I need a passport and the MDAC?
You need a valid passport for the international journey. Many foreign visitors who are not exempt must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within the three days before arrival, but exemptions apply. Check the current rules for your nationality.
Can I do Desaru as a day trip by ferry?
A day trip may be possible with the listed sailing times, but you'll have limited time at your destination once check-in, immigration, and transfers are included. An overnight stay gives you more flexibility.
This story was published in partnership with redBus.
