Transport To Desaru: Private Transport VS Public Transport

Private VS Public Transport Desaru

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.

 

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:

 

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:

Innova Singapore To Malaysia Private Taxi

Alphard Singapore To Malaysia Private Taxi

Starex Singapore To Malaysia Private Taxi

Private Transport Public Transport
  • 7-seater Toyota Innova
  • 8-seater Toyota Alphard & Toyota Vellfire
  • 10-seater Hyundai Starex
  • WTS Coach
  • Leo City Coach
  • BatamFast Ferry
WTS Travel Coach
WTS Travel Coach
Leo City Coach
Leo City Coach
Batamfast Ferry
Batamfast Ferry

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:

 

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.

Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal

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:

  • Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal
  • Tanjung Pengelih Ferry Terminal.

 

Free shuttle bus from Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal goes to:

  • Desaru Coast resorts
  • The Els Club & Waterpark

 

The free shuttle bus does not go to One & Only Desaru.

  • Anantara Resort Desaru
  • Hard Rock Desaru
  • Four Points by Sheraton Desaru
  • Desaru Water Park

 

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.

Private Taxi Transfer

Price from SGD $90

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