We had stopped in Mersing because Hanis wanted to check out how much of the island-hopping business was up and running. All the booking offices for transport have now been located in this Mersing Harbour Centre building. The largest operator, Bluewater Ferries, was open but most other offices were still shut. Since most of the ferries depart in the morning, this is not unusual if you visit in the afternoon.
One of the most popular destination is Tioman Island but this a good distance away from Mersing. There are many small boats which ply this route and these would be the slowest and cheapest means of transport. These ferries can be booked at the Mersing Harbour Centre.
Speedboats can be arranged from the Plaza D'Jeti building. Typically, a speedboat takes 1 hour, takes 12 people, and costs range from RM1500 to RM1800 depending on destination at Tioman. These speedboats take a thrid of the time of the ferries and there are nicer speedboats which cost RM1800-2000 per boat, so you pay for what you get!
There are many different package options for the smaller islands (Pulau Besar and Pulau Tinggi) which range from RM180 per person or RM850 for a 12-seater boat. The only office which was open at Plaza D’Jeti when we were there was Abena Jaya, and Hanis spoke to Fida (012 756 0634).
The most expensive sea option to get to Tioman (there are small plane options 19th June 2020: This option is no longer available), is the Cataferry which you book online at cataferry.com. They do not have a physical office at the ferry terminal. The Cattaferry journey is only 1.5 hours, runs 3 times a week, and costs RM160 per person, return.
The ferry terminal is to the left of Plaza D’Jeti and it too has arranged for social distancing etc. You can only get into the waiting area just before your ferry departure time anyway.
Bye the way, here is a view of Tioman Island, the dragon-shaped island in the far far distance.
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