Shuttle Bus Desaru Coast: The Only Way To Get Around (Full Guide/Photos) (2024)

If you don’t have your own car, travelling by ferry from Singapore to Desaru Coast is a pretty great, straightforward option.

It’s a direct route from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast, and only 20-30 minutes from your resort.

So how do you get around once you’ve arrived?

Fortunately, there are FREE shuttle buses that will not only take you to your resort, but around the Desaru Coast area as well.

To ensure a smooth holiday, I’ll be showing you all you need to know about the free shuttle bus around Desaru Coast.

Note: The shuttle bus doesn’t hit every spot in Desaru Coast, but it covers a decent amount of areas if you want to explore.

1. Transport Option To Desaru

Going to Desaru Coast now has never been easier. There are various ways you can travel from Singapore to Desaru Coast, which makes it such a favourable destination for tourists.

I’ll be discussing each transport option, and explain to you its advantages and disadvantages.

Here is the private car service by SGMYTAXI: Desaru Private Car Service From Singapore.

1.1 Private Car Hire

Pros:

• Most recommended and preferred option by travellers
• Door-to-door direct transfer from Singapore to Desaru Coast
• Comfortable and luxurious MPV vehicle at reasonable price (about SGD 160)
• Laid-back experience for the whole family/group
• No need to alight twice at SG-MY checkpoints and customs
• Flexible travel schedule

Cons:

• Might be pricey if you’re just a solo traveller or a couple

1.2 Ferry (BatamFast Ferry From Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal)

Pros:

• Good choice for solo or couple trip
• Can avoid traffic jam at SG-MY border
• Seaview travel might be exciting for some
• Pretty straightforward journey
• Free shuttle bus ride from Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal to 3 of the resorts

Cons:

• BatamFast Ferry doesn’t operate daily and has limited departure schedule
• Can be expensive (SGD 108 for round trip per person) compared to public transport
• Not suitable for group or family travel
• Ferry might get re-routed during monsoon season

1.3 Public Transport (Bus, Taxi, Train)

Pros:

• Economical option

Cons:

• Most time-consuming option out of all 3
• Public bus from Singapore to Desaru Coast has been suspended due to LOW demand
• Coach has limited departure times and inconvenient pick-up zones
• Have to alight twice at both SG-MY checkpoints and customs
• Uncomfortable and long journey shared with strangers
• Might have to endure multiple transfers just to get to your destination

2. Overview: Shuttle Bus Desaru Coast

Did you know? The shuttle bus in Desaru Coast is a fully electric bus, operated by Handal Indah.

It is totally free of charge to take this bus. One of the routes stops at the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, making it especially convenient for tourists who arrive by ferry.

This is why it’s still possible to have a holiday in Desaru Coast without a car. The shuttle bus provides a way for people to get around Desaru Coast if you want to visit other areas.

Note: The shuttle bus does not stop at One&Only Desaru Coast Resort.

3. Shuttle Bus Coverage Area

These are the stops covered by the shuttle bus. However, you should take note that the bus, unfortunately, doesn’t cover the entirety of Desaru Coast.

It will basically only make stops at a few notable places:

• Anantara Desaru Resort
• Westin Desaru Resort
• Hard Rock Hotel Desaru
• ELS Club Desaru Coast – Ocean Course
• ELS Club Desaru Coast – Valley Course
• Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal

4. Shuttle Bus Route DG1 & DG2

5. Shuttle Bus Schedule

There are two buses: DG1 and DG2.

The timetables for these buses might change slightly on weekends and weekdays. You can look at the details of each bus’s timetable and routes below:

6. Alternative: Resort Private Van – Costly

In the event you want to explore other areas that are not along the shuttle bus route, you can head over to the front desk and request for a private van.

But please be wary: it can be very costly.

Tips: I’d recommend that you use this van only once, perhaps for your lunch or dinner trip, for more cost effective savings for your group.

7. Conclusion

Desaru Coast has a lot more going on than just the beach and resorts.

In fact, you can venture out of your resort to hunt for some local food. There are tons of amazing places to eat in Desaru. Refer here: Desaru food for all the recommended food.

Our shuttle bus guide should give you a rough idea whether this mode of transportation suits your holiday plans or not.

If not, you can always opt for a private car hire from Singapore to Desaru Coast.

With the option for a full-day or half-day charter, the private car will give you more flexibility to drop by some interesting attractions. It can never hurt to fill your holiday with adventure.