SG To Desaru: Tanah Merah Ferry Vs Private Car (Pros & Cons)

Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru route connects Singapore with Malaysia.

There are up to four ferry journeys per week that go to Desaru Coast.

Alternatively, consider taking a private car to Desaru with a designated driver.

This would be your finest choice and ideal for larger groups!

Each transportation method, whether by land or sea, has its own advantages and disadvantages.

We are here to help you out!

To help you decide, read the summary below.

Table of contents:
1. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Flexibility
2. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Price
3. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Service
4. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Duration
5. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Operating Hours
6. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Comfortability
7. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Resort/Hotel Check-In
8. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Custom Clearance

Feature	Tanah Merah Ferry	Private Car
Flexibility	Fixed Timing	Flexible Schedule
Price	Cheaper for groups less than 3 pax	Cheaper for groups more than 3 pax
Service	Unable to stop in-between journey	Able to stop at interesting places in-between journeys
Duration (including customs clearance)	120 minutes	90 minutes
Operating Hours	Departs at 8:30 am every Thursday to Sunday	Available 24/7
Comfortability	Low	High
Resort/Hotel Check In	Inconvenient	Convenient
Custom Clearance	Self-clearance	Pass to driver

1. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Flexibility

Make sure to choose the best means of transportation from Singapore to Desaru if you like to have flexibility with your schedule!

Check out the differences below.

Feature	Tanah Merah Ferry	Private Car
Flexibility	Inflexible. Passengers need to follow the fixed ferry schedule, departing every Thursday to Sunday at 8:30 am and returning at 5:30 pm.	Flexible pick-up and drop-off times and locations at your preference.

Also read: How To Go To Desaru From Singapore

2. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Price

To choose which method of transportation to use, it is crucial to understand the costs associated with each one.

See more below!

Feature

Tanah Merah Ferry

Private Car

Price

The price for a one-way trip is SGD70 per person and a round-trip is SGD118.

Meaning a round-trip would only cost SGD59 per passenger per way.

However, it is more expensive if you’re travelling in a group of 3 people or more.

The price for a one-way trip is SGD160 and a round-trip is SGD300 from anywhere in Singapore.

Each car can fit up to five passengers for maximum comfort & pickup from door step.

Hence the average cost per pax is only SGD32 per way and SGD30 per person for a return trip, which give your FULL time flexibility.

3. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Service

Despite the short journey, it is always a plus that customers get to enjoy it during the commute.

Check out the additional services that come along with your travel option!

Feature

Tanah Merah Ferry

Private Car

Service

Ferry does not stop at any point throughout the journey.

If you ask the driver to stop for a meal on the way to Desaru from Singapore, they will take care of your luggage and keep it safe.

Simply pay an additional charge of SGD20 per hour.

4. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Duration

It is crucial that you plan your time around the public holidays, school holidays, and even the weather, as these can affect the duration of your trip.

Note that there are fewer ferry trips to islands during the monsoon season, from November to February.

Feature

Tanah Merah Ferry

Private Car

Duration

90-minute journey plus 30-minute customs clearance

However, it is not affected by traffic conditions on the Woodlands Causeway.

90-minute journey only (including customs clearance)

However, affected by the traffic condition at Woodlands Causeway.

5. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Operating Hours

Depending on your schedule and flexibility, read on to know the operational time to plan your time!

Feature

Tanah Merah Ferry

Private Car

Operating Hours

Operates only from Thursday to Sunday as such:

Singapore to Desaru: 1 trip at 8:30 am

Desaru to Singapore: 1 trip at 5:30 pm

Operates 24/7

6. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Comfortability

Motion sickness is a mood killer when it comes to travelling for some individuals.

Hence, it is crucial that you choose a comfortable mode of transportation.

Also read: 13 Best Things To Do In Desaru

Feature

Tanah Merah Ferry

Private Car

Comfortability

You need to carry your luggage with you throughout the entire journey.

You might get seasick!

Travel from Singapore to Desaru while relaxing in a comfortable and roomy 7 to 10 seater MPV Car.

No more paying extra for a taxi or figuring out public transportation.

No need to get down and back up with your luggage for customs clearance.

No seasick!

7. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Resort/Hotel Check-In

Convenience is key if you travel with groups including children, pregnant ladies, or even senior citizens.

It is vital that check-in processes at the resort or hotel are done seamlessly for convenience.

Feature

Tanah Merah Ferry

Private Car

Checking In

There is no flexibility in choosing your own time.

You will need to arrive at the ferry terminal before 8:30 am.

As most Desaru resorts and hotels only allow check-ins in the afternoon, groups will need to wait with their luggage.

You can work out the timing for your driver to pick you up in Singapore so that you can check in at the Desaru resort or hotel immediately upon arrival.

8. Tanah Merah Ferry vs Private Car: Custom Clearance

We all know how much of a hassle it can be when it comes to customs clearance, especially during busy hours or holidays.

Here is what to expect when traveling via ferry or private car.

Conclusion

After weighing all of the aforementioned factors, we hope you have a clearer idea of the advantages and disadvantages of Tanah Merah Ferry and private car.

For journeys including families, larger groups of travelers, or even businesses, we would highly recommend private car from Singapore to Desaru service.

The ferry is better for solitary travelers who don’t have a time limit.

Unless you would like to enjoy the sea view, or else, there is no any reason why you don’t want to consider private car is the best option for you Desaru Transportation from Singapore.

Further reading: