Desaru - Tanah Merah
Ferries to Singapore
Desaru - Tanah Merah
Ferries to Singapore
On the Desaru Tanah Merah route, fares generally fall between $77* and $480*. On average, a Desaru Tanah Merah ferry ticket costs around $234*, with the lowest Desaru Tanah Merah fares starting at $77*. Foot passengers pay an average of $234*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed August 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Desaru Tanah Merah sailings usually begin with a departure from Desaru at approximately 12:50, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 17:30.
Absolutely, the short crossing time and frequent daily sailings make Desaru to Tanah Merah a popular choice for a day trip. If you can, bringing a vehicle lets you venture further afield once you arrive, on your own schedule.
No, none of the operators currently running this route accept vehicles on board sailings between Desaru and Tanah Merah.
Bicycles currently aren't accepted on any of the ferries running between Desaru and Tanah Merah.
Yes, Batam Fast Ferry accepts foot passengers on sailings between Desaru and Tanah Merah.
Pets currently aren't permitted on board ferries between Desaru and Tanah Merah. Try our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that do accommodate pets.
Even though pets aren't permitted on this route, guide dogs and assistance dogs are often subject to separate rules. Speak with our customer service team to check the specific policy for your sailing, or see our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Overnight sailings on the Desaru to Tanah Merah route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Desaru to Tanah Merah crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Desaru to Tanah Merah ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
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| Desaru - Tanah Merah Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $234 | |
| Desaru - Tanah Merah Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Johor |
| Destination | Singapore |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Batam Fast Ferry |
| Average Price | $234 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 4 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 30 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 30 m |
| First Ferry | 12:50 |
| Last Ferry | 17:30 |
| Distance | 18 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
Located in the east of Singapore, Tanah Merah is made up of largely private residential properties, country clubs, and some light industrial parks. When land reclamation works began in the early 1970s, most of the coastal hills were levelled and dumped into the sea to create the present East Coast and the East Coast Parkway was constructed almost completely on reclaimed land. The location of Tanah Merah Kechil cliff is where Temasek Primary School now stands and it is possible to see where the hills abruptly end at the junction of Bedok South Avenue 3 and Upper East Coast Road at one end, and New Upper Changi Road at the other end.
Tanah Merah is a Malay phrase that translates into "red soil". Tanah Merah was once a hilly area with two prominent cliffs: Tanah Merah Besar, a large cliff, and Tanah Merah Kechil, a small cliff. The roads leading to the cliffs were named Tanah Merah Besar Road and Tanah Merah Kechil Road respectively. The names remain today.
The area is also home to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal with regular services to the Indonesian Riau Islands.
