From Sea to Springs: A Weekend Between Tioman Island and Lost World of Tambun
There’s something magical about pairing a tropical island escape with a rejuvenating hot spring retreat. If you’re seeking a weekend that blends adventure and relaxation, the Mersing Jetty to Tioman Island ferry route, followed by a trip to the Lost World of Tambun Ipoh, makes for the perfect balance of sea and springs.
Ferry Route and Fares
The Mersing Jetty to Tioman Island route is one of Malaysia’s most scenic ferry journeys. Departing from Johor’s east coast, ferries sail toward Tioman’s crystal-blue waters in about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on sea conditions and which village stop (like Tekek, Paya, or ABC) you’re headed to.
The best part? You can conveniently book your Mersing Jetty to Tioman ferry ticket online through redBus, which lists updated schedules and pricing.
| Ticket Type | Average Fare (MYR) | Duration | Schedule (Daily) | Boarding Point |
| Standard Adult | 35 – 45 | 1.5 – 2 hrs | 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM | Mersing Jetty |
| Child | 25 – 35 | 1.5 – 2 hrs | 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM | Mersing Jetty |
| Return Ticket | 70 – 90 | — | Depends on the return date | Tioman Jetty |
Ferry operators often adjust timings based on tides, so it’s smart to check the latest departure schedule a day before your trip.
Tioman’s Beaches and Island Highlights
Tioman Island is often described as Malaysia’s hidden paradise. Its beaches look straight out of a travel magazine — soft white sand, coral reefs, and clear turquoise water stretching endlessly.
Whether you’re snorkelling around Coral Island, diving near Renggis, or hiking through Gunung Kajang’s rainforest, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Here are some Tioman must-visit:
- Tekek Beach: Central hub with restaurants and duty-free shops.
- ABC Beach: Laid-back and perfect for backpackers.
- Juara Beach: Known for turtle conservation and surfing waves.
- Salang Bay: Best for nightlife and diving adventures.
Tioman is also duty-free, making it ideal for picking up chocolates and souvenirs before heading back to the mainland.
Introducing the Lost World of Tambun
After days of sun and sea, nothing beats a soak in a natural hot spring. The Lost World of Tambun in Ipoh is an all-in-one adventure park in Perak that brings together amusement rides, a water park, wildlife zones, and rejuvenating thermal pools — all set amid limestone cliffs.
This theme park is powered by natural geothermal springs that maintain a soothing 40°C temperature, perfect for relaxing your muscles after island adventures. By night, the Hot Springs & Night Park transforms into a glowing retreat under the stars.
Quick Info:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Ipoh, Perak |
| Entry Fee | RM70 (Adult), RM63 (Child/Senior) |
| Opening Hours | 11 AM – 6 PM (Weekdays), 10 AM – 7 PM (Weekends) |
| Must-Try Zones | Adventure Park, Petting Zoo, Lost World Hot Springs, Tiger Valley |
Whether you’re chasing thrills or relaxation, this park has both — perfect for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.
How to Travel Between Tioman and Ipoh
Getting from Tioman Island to Ipoh is an adventure in itself. The most convenient route is to take the ferry back to Mersing, then travel north to Ipoh by bus or car.
| Route | Transport | Duration |
| Tioman → Mersing | Ferry | 2 hours |
| Mersing → Ipoh | Bus/Car via Kluang | 6–7 hours |
| Alternative | Mersing → Kuala Lumpur (5 hrs) → Ipoh (2.5 hrs) | — |
If you’re short on time, consider staying overnight in Kuala Lumpur before continuing to Ipoh the next morning. RedBus offers bus schedules that make planning these multi-city routes much easier.
Itinerary Tips for a Sea-and-Springs Weekend
Here’s a suggested 4-day plan to get the best of both destinations:
| Day | Destination | Activities |
| 1 | Mersing → Tioman | Ferry ride, check-in, sunset at ABC Beach |
| 2 | Tioman | Snorkelling, diving, and an island tour |
| 3 | Travel to Ipoh | Ferry + Bus to Ipoh, check-in near Tambun |
| 4 | Lost World of Tambun | Hot springs, theme park rides, dinner by limestone cliffs |
This combination gives you ocean bliss followed by hot-spring serenity — the ideal reset before heading back to city life.
Final Travel Tips
- Book Ahead: Ferries and park tickets sell out quickly during school holidays.
- Pack Light: For the ferry, keep essentials in a small waterproof bag.
- Stay Hydrated: Tioman’s tropical heat can be intense.
- Timing: Visit between March and October for calm seas.
- Relax: The Lost World Hot Springs is open till late — perfect for unwinding after a long journey.
