How to Get to Pulau Tioman by Land

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The first step to getting to Pulau Tioman is to reach one of the two main gateways to the island: Mersing or Tanjung Gemok. These are two coastal towns in Johor and Pahang states respectively, where you can catch a ferry to Pulau Tioman.

You can get to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok by bus, car, or taxi from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The distance from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing is about 350 km, while the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Tanjung Gemok is about 400 km. The distance from Singapore to Mersing is about 200 km, while the distance from Singapore to Tanjung Gemok is about 250 km.

The travel time from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok depends on the traffic conditions and the mode of transportation. Generally speaking, it takes about 4-5 hours by bus or car, and about 3-4 hours by taxi.

But which gateway should you choose: Mersing or Tanjung Gemok? Here are some pros and cons of each option:

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MERSING

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- Pros: Closer to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore; more bus options; more ferry options; more accommodation options; more attractions nearby (e.g., Endau Rompin National Park)

- Cons: More crowded; more traffic jams; more affected by tides; less reliable ferry schedule; longer ferry ride

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TG GEMOK

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- Pros: Less crowded; less traffic jams; less affected by tides; more reliable ferry schedule; shorter ferry ride

- Cons: Further from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore; fewer bus options; fewer ferry options; fewer accommodation options; fewer attractions nearby

As you can see, there is no clear winner between Mersing and Tanjung Gemok. It depends on your personal preferences and budget. However, we recommend Tanjung Gemok as the better option for most travelers because it offers a smoother and faster ferry experience.

Here are some tips on how to book a bus or taxi to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok:

- You can book your bus tickets online through platforms like CatchThatBus.com or RedBus.my. You can compare prices, schedules, and reviews of different bus operators and choose the one that suits you best.

- You can book your taxi online through platforms like Grab or MyCar. You can also book a private transfer service through various online platforms. 

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You can also book your bus or taxi tickets offline at various terminals or counters in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. However, this may be more expensive and less convenient than booking online.