
There are multiple convenient ways to go from Singapore to Desaru.
In fact, Singaporeans have a choice between private transport vs public transport options to Desaru.
But how do you pick?
Which one is better?
Lucky for you, this guide is here to help.
Find out how each option fares in terms of schedule, duration, cost, services, and more.
We’ve even included handy tips, notes, and reminders for additional insight.
Private Transport VS Public Transport To Desaru: Transport Choice
Private Transport VS Public Transport To Desaru: Schedule & Duration
Private Transport VS Public Transport To Desaru: Cost
Private Transport VS Public Transport To Desaru: Services
Private Transport VS Public Transport To Desaru: How To Choose
Overview
To travel to Desaru from Singapore, you can opt for private transport (such a private car or private MPV taxi) or public transport (such as bus, coach, and ferry).
Let’s learn more about each of them below.
Read also: Best Month To Visit Desaru
Reminder:
- Filling up Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days before arriving in Malaysia is mandatory.
- Singaporeans are exempt from filling up MDAC.
Private Transport VS Public Transport To Desaru: Transport Choice
Private transport, such as a private taxi from Singapore to Desaru by SGJBTAXIS.SG, offers a variety of MPV cars that can accommodate your preferences and the number of people travelling. See below:
| Private Transport | Public Transport |
|
|



For the budget-conscious traveller, they have 2 public transport options, and can choose to travel either by land or by sea.
Note:
- Looking for a public bus? Sadly, there are no direct buses from Singapore to Desaru.
Private Transport VS Public Transport To Desaru: Schedule & Duration
Another important factor to consider before deciding on transport choice is the schedule and duration.
| Private Transport | Public Transport | ||
| Ferry | Coach | ||
| Schedule | Pick-up time decided by you. | Only one ferry a day.
Ferry departs once a day. |
Fixed schedule. Departure usually in the morning. |
| Duration | About 90 minutes. Longer, if there’s traffic jam at the SG-MY border. | 90-minute ferry ride, not including immigration clearance or travel time to resort. | About 2 hours and 30 minutes. |
| Traffic | Can choose to depart early to avoid traffic jams at SG-MY border. | Get to skip on-land traffic jams. | If travelling during peak hours, it will be very congested at the SG-MY border. |
Although you get to skip the Singapore-Malaysia traffic jam when taking the ferry, overall, private transport offers a more flexible travel schedule.
Read also: How To Avoid Jam To JB From Singapore
Tip:
- To avoid missing your ferry, arrive at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal at least 30-45 minutes before departure time.
Notes:
- The ferry to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal might get rerouted during monsoon season. If that happens, you’ll be headed to Tanjung Pengelih Ferry Terminal instead. This ferry ride would take 45 minutes.
- There is a free shuttle bus from Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal to popular locations in Desaru Coast. It’s usually a 15-20 minute ride to Desaru Coast.
Private Transport VS Public Transport To Desaru: Cost
When travelling, most people are worried about the cost. We’ve listed the prices below so that you can compare and see which one meets your budget:
| Private Transport | Public Transport | |
| Ferry | Coach | |
| From SGD 150 one way per car | SGD 70 one way each (same price for adult and child) | From SGD 25 to SGD 29 one way each |
Clearly, taking a coach is cheaper per person than taking the ferry (and perhaps even private transport). If you’re paying for yourself during the trip, taking a coach is an economical choice.
Read also: Bus From Singapore To Desaru
Notes:
- To purchase BatamFast ferry tickets, please do so online.
- To purchase coach tickets, visit Easybook.com or the official websites of WTS Travel, or Leo City Coach.
Private Transport VS Public Transport To Desaru: Services
Now, let’s consider the services offered by each transport choice. These are usually additional perks that help sweeten the deal when considering your transport options.
| Private Transport | Public Transport | ||
| Ferry | Coach | ||
| Direct Transfer | Yes, door-to-door. | No. Need to make your own way to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
Then, after arriving at Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, need to take a bus or taxi to the resort. |
Yes, from pick-up point in Singapore to Desaru Coast. |
| Pick-Up Time and Location | Get to choose. | Already fixed. | Already fixed. Choose which suits you best. |
| Travel Date | Get to choose. | Get to choose, but subject to ticket availability. | Get to choose, but subject to ticket availability. |
| Immigration Checkpoints | No need to alight. | Immigration clearance done at both ferry terminals. Need to queue. | Need to alight at both SG-MY checkpoints.
At arrival checkpoint, must alight with luggage. |
| Luggage | Driver will handle. | Need to carry own luggage. | Need to carry own luggage. |
If these services are important to you, then a private taxi to Desaru would make your journey stress-free and more comfortable. However, if budget is a priority, a coach is the next best choice.
Also read: Singapore To Desaru By Car
Tip:
- When travelling on a coach, pack light. You wouldn’t want to lug multiple luggages up and down the bus, especially during immigration clearance.
Note:
- Bonus perk: With a private taxi service, fuel and toll charges will be taken care of for you!
Private Transport VS Public Transport To Desaru: How To Choose
If you’re still confused after considering all of the above, we’ll help you break it down further.
| Private Transport | Public Transport | ||
| Ferry | Coach | ||
| Number of People | Best for 3 or more people, especially for those travelling with kids or seniors. | Best for 1-2 people | Best for 1-2 people. |
| Price (One-Way) | From SGD 150 per car.
Price if 3 pax travelling = From SGD 50 per person. |
SGD 70 per person.
3 pax and more = Total at least SGD 210 |
SGD 25 to SGD 29 per person.
3 pax and more = Total at least SGD 75 to SGD 87 |
| Destination | Direct transfer to any location in Desaru. | Ferry arrives at:
Free shuttle bus from Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal goes to:
The free shuttle bus does not go to One & Only Desaru. |
There are no coaches to areas outside Desaru Coast, such as Lotus Desaru Resort. |
| Border Condition During Peak Hours | Long jam and queue for car. | No jam, as travelling by sea. | Long jam and queue for coach as well as inside the immigration building. |
| Comfort | Has more privacy. Luxury MPV car also provide a comfortable ride. | Not bad, and you get treated to a lovely seaview. | Pleasant. Some coaches might provide entertainment systems, WI-FI, etc. |
Ultimately, which factor is priority for you? If it’s budget, then there’s no harm taking the coach, even if you’re travelling with 3-4 people. If it’s convenience, then go for the private transport.
Tip:
- It’s advised to avoid travelling during public holidays and long weekends. This ensures you won’t get caught in heavy traffic at the border.
- But if you’re still planning to travel during peak seasons, try to at least depart from Singapore as early as possible.
Conclusion
We hope our guide has made it easier to pick between private transport vs public transport to Desaru.
At the end of the day, there’s no “better” transport option—just one that’s best suited for you and your needs.











