Looking for a short getaway from Singapore?
Desaru is a beach resort located east of Johor Bahru, the main city of Johor.
The journey from Singapore to Desaru takes roughly 1 hour to 2 hours max.
The Desaru Coast seafood places and beautiful hotels ranging from mid to high-end prices are in the vicinity.
Here, we will cover different modes of transportation that best caters to your travelling needs.
Table of Contents
1. Private Car From Singapore To Desaru
2. Bus From Singapore To Desaru
3. Ferry From Singapore To Desaru
4. Car To Desaru From Singapore (Self-Driving)
1. Private Car From Singapore To Desaru
This option is recommended when you intend to travel with family, in larger groups, and in the elderly.
You can be sure that it is hassle-free without getting out of the vehicle for immigration/luggage check.
Why Choose Singapore to Desaru By Private Car?
- Comfort of sitting down in the vehicle throughout the journey and just enjoying the beautiful view of Malaysia.
- The driver will be there to pick you up from Singapore and alight you at Desaru which is convenient.
- Private car transport service from Singapore to Desaru (vice-versa) at an affordable price.
- 7 to 10-seater MPV private car with ample space to move around.
Reminders:
- Ensure that your passport has a validity of 6 months.
- Do make sure communication regarding the itinerary and routes has been conveyed properly with the driver. Check with them 1 day before you set off.
- All necessary items have been brought along. Check your luggage and items to ensure your trip is not spoilt.
You may want to consider Johor Premium Transport (JPT), your leading provider of MPV Private Car Transport service between Singapore and Desaru.
Step 1: Check The Private Car Rates Here
Rates vary depending on the destinations, rates, and types of car fleets.
Step 2: Book a Private Car Via WhatsApp By Submitting Trip Details
To find out more and any inquiries, simply communicate by WhatsApp.
Step 3: Get Confirmation & Enjoy Private Car Transfer Service
2. Bus From Singapore To Desaru
For a one-way trip, the journey usually takes 1.5 hours.
Currently, there is only one bus service, Causeway Link Bus, that goes from Singapore to Desaru.
But take note that you will need to board the Causeway Link Bus to JB Sentral Bus Terminal before 9 am to follow the bus departure time.
Why Choose Singapore Desaru By Bus?
- Budget-friendly for your wallet. Price per ticket costs from SGD15 / RM49.50 (2 way) – book 1 week in advance. Otherwise, the price per ticket cost SGD20 / RM66
- Option to opt for pickup and drop-off at JB Sentral or Johor Premium Outlets for the basic 2-way transport.
- A comfortable ride with low expectations. Enjoy the beautiful view along the journey.
Reminders:
- Ensure passport validity of at least 6 months.
- Anticipate longer travelling time in view of school/festive holidays, so plan your time wisely.
- Make sure you have brought all the necessities for the trip to enjoy the experience.
Step 1: Book Your Bus Ticket In Advance
Book your ticket HERE
Step 2: Board The Causeway Link Bus To Woodlands Checkpoint (Singapore)
Step 3: Get To Woodlands Checkpoint (Singapore) & JB Checkpoint (Malaysia)
There are different Causeway Link Buses to Woodlands and subsequently to JB Checkpoint.
Bus | Start Point | End Point | Maximum Fare |
CW1 | Kranji MRT Station | JB Custom | RM 2.60 / SGD 2.60 |
CW2 | Queen Street Terminal | JB Custom | RM 4.80 / SGD 4.80 |
CW5 | Newton Circus | Larkin Sentral (alight at JB CIQ first) |
CBS Bus Timing Final (causewaylink.com.my) |
Step 4: Hop Onto The 9 am Bus From JB Sentral Bus Terminal To Desaru Coast Riverside
It is advisable to check the road traffic condition. During the holiday season, please depart at least 2.5 to 3 hours before from Singapore.
The bus departs on 1 trip on Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (9:00 am)
After this, change to another Causeway Link bus from JB Sentral Bus Terminal to Riverside Desaru. The bus will depart from the JB Sentral Bus Terminal at 9.00 am. You will reach Desaru Riverside around 10.30 am.
3. Ferry From Singapore To Desaru
Ferry is another alternative mode of transport that you may want to consider but the ferry timings are limited per day so you may want to consider if this mode is viable for you.
The travelling journey for the ferry ride takes about 90 minutes.
Why Choose Singapore to Desaru By Ferry?
- Avoid the weekends, holidays, and massive jams at Woodlands-Causeway customers.
- Get a magnificent sea view and enjoy the ferry experience.
Reminders:
- Ensure your passport has a validity of at least 6 months. Also, make sure you have applied for VISA (if needed).
- There is only one ferry trip per day (arrival and departure), so travelers ought to follow the ferry times. More suited if you are willing to accommodate the timings.
- Bring sea-sick medicine in case of dizziness on the boat.
Step 1: Book Singapore To Desaru Ferry Ticket Online
Book the Ferry Ticket Online Here
Note that you may make your online bookings up to 1 hour before your departure time.
You may bring a hand luggage of up to 10kg and check-in luggage of 20kg. Any extra weightage could be regarded as additional costs incurred.
Step 2: Make Your Way To Singapore Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
You may take the public bus, MRT, or taxi to the terminal. At the ferry terminal, look for the Batam Fast counter and look for the staff.
- Bus Option: Alight at Bedok or Tanah Merah MRT Station and board SBS Service number 35 towards Tanah Merah
- Train Option: Alight at Bedok or Tanah Merah MRT Station. Take SBS Service number 35 towards Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
- Car Option: Take Tanah Merah Ferry Road from Tanah Merah Coast Road.
Step 3: Go Through the Immigration & Customs Check
Show the ferry staff your booking confirmation email, and you will be given your boarding passes to Desaru Coast Ferry or Tanjung Pengelih Terminal.
Check-in starts from 7:30 am onwards. The last time to check in is 8.15 am. The ferry will depart at 8.30 am.
Step 4: Take The Ferry From Singapore To Desaru
Route 1: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal To Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal
Fare for 1 adult (2 way): S$108.00
From Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (Depart Trip)
Departure Time: 8.30 am
Arrival Time: 10.00 am
From Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal (Return Trip)
Departure Time: 5.30 pm
Arrival Time: 7.00 pm
Operates every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday Only
Route 2: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal To Tanjung Pengelih Ferry Terminal
Fare for 1 adult (2 way): S$73.00
From Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (Depart Trip)
Departure Time: 10.40 am
Arrival Time: 11.25 am
From Tanjung Pengelih Ferry Terminal (Return Trip)
Departure Time: 4.00 pm
Arrival Time: 4.45 pm
Operates every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Only
Step 5: Take Shuttle Bus From Ferry Terminal To Desaru Coast
Route 1: Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal To Desaru Coast
There is an 11-minute free shuttle bus service to the golf courses, hotels, and attractions of Desaru Coast.
Route 2: Tanjung Pengelih Ferry Terminal To Desaru Coast
There is a 35-minute shuttle bus to the hotel in Desaru Coast.
Route 3: Tanjung Belungkor To Desaru Coast
There is a 30-minute shuttle bus to Desaru Coast from Tanjung Belungkor Ferry Terminal.
4. Car To Desaru From Singapore (Self-Driving)
Self-driving is highly recommended for those who would prefer flexibility in their travelling journey as you make pit stops along the way. No need to follow other’s timings.
Why Choose Singapore to Desaru By Car?
- Customise your own pitstops at any time.
- Do not need to get out of the car to get your passport/luggage checks. This can greatly help save time.
- No need to squeeze with other people where you have the luxury of space and privacy!
Reminders:
- Ensure you have bought car insurance to cover your trip.
- Please make sure you have purchased and top-up your Touch ‘N’ Go card for toll fees.
- Purchase your data roaming for internet browsing, such as ReadyRoam Plan and SIMBA Plan
- Please make sure you have a valid driving license.
- Ensure your Vehicle Entry Permit is applied in advance. Just register once. It will do for an SG-registered vehicle.
- Petrol is pumped ¾ full.
- Bring essential items such as water and food during your road trip.
- Ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity period.
Step 1: Apply For A Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), Touch n Go Card
For the eWallet registration, Singaporeans, choose NRIC as your ID type so that the information is synced with your VEP profile.
Step 2: Collect & Install your VEP-RFID Tag
There are 2 options for collection – post to your SG address or self-collection in Malaysia. For the self-collection method, the appointment has to be made beforehand. Bring along the appointment document and VEP Approval.
Step 3: Activate The Roaming & Drive Safely.
You may want to consider Singtel ReadyRoam to activate data roaming should you be unfamiliar with the Malaysia Roads to navigate around.
Step 4: Passport Check At Singapore-Malaysia Border
Drive to Woodlands Checkpoints for immigration clearance and pay the Singapore toll fees. Next, drive down to the JB CIQ checkpoint for immigration clearance.
Ensure that your passport is stamped and the Malaysia road charges, as well as toll fees are being paid.
After passing through the JB CIQ checkpoint, you can open your Google Maps or Waze application to bring you to Desaru, your final destination.