Malaysia offers numerous beautiful island getaways, but we understand that it can be challenging to find information on how to reach them
One advantage of this difficulty is that these spots are often untainted by tourists, unlike popular destinations such as Bali or Thailand. While we’re eager to explore Malaysian islands, it can feel complicated at times to find the most convenient routes.
Image via Tripadvisor
1. Bus + ferry
This is the most popular and affordable option.
- Take a bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in KL to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok Jetty. The journey takes around five to six hours one-way.
- From Mersing or Tanjung Gemok Jetty, take a ferry to Tioman Island. The ferry ride takes about two to 2.5 hours. There are two ferry options operated by Bluewater and Cataferry.
2. Car + ferry
If you want to go on your own timing, you can drive to the jetties instead, after booking your ferry in advance.
There are two routes:
– Along Negeri Sembilan
– Through Titi
The journey will take around four to five hours one-way. You can then take the Bluewater or Cataferry boat ride to the island.
3. Flight + car + ferry
There used to be flights that would take you directly to Tioman Island. However, the airport on Tioman is currently defunct for passengers.
Although this route is no longer available, if you still prefer to travel by air, the nearest airport is in Johor Bahru.
- Take a flight from klia2 or Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang airport) to Johor Bahru Senai International Airport
- You will need to then book an e-hailing ride or rent a car to Tanjung Gemok or Mersing Jetty. The journey takes about two hours to Mersing Jetty and 2.5 hours to Tanjung Gemok Jetty.
From Mersing or Tanjung Gemok Jetty, take a ferry to Tioman Island.
Where to book buses and ferry rides
– Book a bus ride via Grab or on websites, such as Busonlineticket.com or redBus
– Book a ferry ride from Bluewater, Cataferry, or Busonlineticket.com
2. Perhentian Islands
1. Flight + car/shuttle bus + ferry
This is the fastest way to get to the Perhentian Islands, although also the most expensive.
- Take a flight from klia2 or Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang airport) to either Kota Bharu Airport or Sultan Mahmud Airport in Terengganu. The flight takes around one hour.
- From the airport, take an e-hailing ride or shuttle service to Kuala Besut Jetty. The journey takes about one hour from Kota Bharu Airport and 1.5 hours from Sultan Mahmud Airport, Terengganu. You can book the shuttle service here.
- Take a ferry from Kuala Besut Jetty to your chosen island on the Perhentian Islands. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Bus + ferry
This is the most budget-friendly option, but also the slowest.
- Take a bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in KL to Kuala Besut Jetty. The journey takes about eight to 10 hours.
- You will need to take a short walk or e-hailing ride from Kuala Besut bus terminal to Kuala Besut Jetty. From Kuala Besut Jetty, take a ferry to your chosen island on the Perhentian Islands. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes to one hour.
Where to book buses and ferry rides
– Book a bus ride via Grab or on websites, such as Busonlineticket.com or redBus
– Book a ferry ride on Klook, Besut Jetty, or on Busonlineticket.com
– There are also speedboat options from Kuala Besut Jetty
3. Redang Island
1. Bus + ferry
This is the most popular and budget-friendly option.
- Take a bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in KL to Kuala Terengganu. Several bus companies operate on this route, with journey times ranging from nine to 11 hours.
- From Kuala Terengganu, you’ll need to take an e-hailing ride to Merang Jetty, the departure point for ferries to Redang Island. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
- From Merang Jetty, take a ferry to Redang Island. The ferry ride takes about one to 1.5 hours.
2. Car + ferry
If you want to go on your own timing, you can drive directly to Merang Jetty instead, after booking your ferry in advance.
From Merang Jetty, take a ferry to Redang Island.
3. Flight + ferry
This is the fastest option, but also the most expensive.
- Take a flight from either klia2 or Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang airport) to Kuala Terengganu Airport. The flight takes around 45 minutes to one hour.
- From Kuala Terengganu Airport, take an e-hailing ride to Merang Jetty (around 30 minutes).
- From Merang Jetty, take the ferry to Redang Island. The ferry ride takes about one to 1.5 hours.
Where to book buses and ferry rides
– Book a bus ride via Grab or on websites, such as Busonlineticket.com or redBus
– Book a ferry ride on Klook, Merang Jetty, or Busonlineticket.com