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Tioman Island sits off Malaysia's east coast, ringed by reefs and rainforest. Divers come for the clear water, and the beaches stay quiet most of the year. The cheapest way from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island is the bus and ferry via Mersing, at $19 (77 MYR). It's also the quickest, taking about 6h 15m - 6h 30m. The ferry via Gemok costs a little more at $19 (79 MYR).
Distance from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island
Kuala Lumpur and Tioman Island are about 279 km (173 miles) apart. The quickest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island is by taking the bus + ferry via mersing, which takes around 6h 15m - 6h 30m.
2 ways to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island
There are two ways to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island. You can choose between the bus and bus + ferry via Gemok. The journey takes 6h 15m–6h 50m and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $19 (77 MYR).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Kuala Lumpur→Mersing5h
- Mersing→Tioman Island1h 15m
2 legs — see itinerary
- Kuala Lumpur→Tanjung Gemuk5h 20m
- Jetty Tanjung Gemuk→Tioman Island1h 30m
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Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island by Bus + Ferry via Mersing
Step 1: Kuala Lumpur to Mersing by Bus
Travel time from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing is around 5h, so you’ll have to take the early morning bus with Sanwa Express guarantee making the connecting ferry to Tioman Island.
Alternatively, you can take the Transnasional bus that departs late at night from Kuala Lumpur. The journey with this bus takes around 8 hours, but we like it as you can save money on accommodation and get some sleep at the same time.
Ticket prices start from $9.90 (40.5 MYR) when you book with BookAway.
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Sanwa Express has various departure points in Kuala Lumpur: Plaza Magnum, KL Sentral, and Kuala Lumpur Bus Terminal (TBS). These places are far apart, so double-check where your bus departs from.
Transnasional departs from Kuala Lumpur Bus Terminal (TBS), located some 12 km south of the city centre.
All buses arrive at Mersing Bus Terminal. From here, you can either walk around 15 minutes to the port or take a short taxi ride.
Step 2: Mersing to Tioman Island by Ferry
One important thing you need to know about ferries operating from Mersing to Tioman Island is that nothing is guaranteed. Ferry schedules change all the time so you can’t really book a ticket more than a month before your trip. And even after you’re booked, you’ll have to re-check the schedule the day before.
Bluewater Express and CataFerry are two of the companies operating this route. Rates start from $9.60 (39 MYR). Below are their current schedules as posted on Busonlineticket and the CataFerry website.
Ferry tickets are available on BusOnlineTicket and Cataferry.
Booking Tip
Again, it’s best to check the latest schedules through the booking links provided above.
Note that although the advertised travel time is 1.5 hours, it can easily take 2 hours because of strong waves.
Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island by Bus + Ferry via Gemok
Step 1: Kuala Lumpur to Gemok Jetty by Bus
Bus tickets are available on BusOnlineTicket.
Booking Tip
Step 2: Gemok Jetty to Tioman Island by Ferry
A ticket costs $9.60 (39 MYR) for the journey that is 1h 30m long.
Ferry tickets are available on BusOnlineTicket.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Tioman Island?
Tioman Island is a popular diving and surfing spot located some 60 km off Malaysia's east coast. The island is duty-free so you'll find cheap beer (cheaper than water!) and cigarettes.
Although it's one of Malaysia's more commercialised islands, Tioman has an array of beautiful beaches and marine life. Just try not to go on a weekend if you want to skip the crowd. In between these beaches are lush jungles, so trekking from one beach to another is a common activity. One important tip: stay away from the monkeys!
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island, roughly 279 kilometres (173 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $19 (77 MYR). The quickest trip takes 6h 15m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island?
The distance from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island is 279 kilometres (173 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island?
The fastest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island is by bus and takes 6h 15m - 6h 30m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island?
The cheapest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island is by bus with ticket costs starting from 77 MYR.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer & Digital Nomad
Kate is a travel content creator, writer and founder of Stay Wild Travel, a tour company running group trips for women beyond your typical destinations. Her full-time travels have taken her to almost 60 countries, and she doesn't intend to stop anytime soon.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
