Game changer: The Desaru Coast ferry terminal is expected to spur the tourism industry in South-Eastern Johor, with the launch of direct ferry services between Singapore and Desaru.
JOHOR BARU: Local tourism players have expressed confidence that South-Eastern Johor will attract more tourists with the commencement of direct ferry services between Singapore and Desaru.
Lotus Desaru Resort chief executive officer R. Indra Gandhi Pillai said the ferry services, between Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal will improve connectivity for travellers.“Using the ferry to travel to Desaru is easier and more efficient, with tourists likely to avoid the congestion at the Causeway when they want to come into Malaysia.
“Furthermore, it can attract not only Singaporeans but also other international tourists as the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is located near Changi Airport,” she said yesterday.
Indra Gandhi added that many Singaporeans have been driving to Desaru during weekends and long public holidays since Malaysia and Singapore opened their land borders on April 1.
“Businesses have improved tremendously since our border reopened, and with the ferry service starting soon, we expected more travellers from Singapore and Indonesia to come to Desaru,” she said.
The ferry service operated by Desaru Link Ferry Services, a subsidiary of Batam Fast Ferry Pte Ltd, will begin on July 7.
Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Roslina Arbak expressed her appreciation to both Malaysian and Singapore authorities for the approval to operate.
“We thank all government agencies for supporting and working closely with us to facilitate this new international connectivity, which will make Desaru Coast even more accessible to international travellers,” she said.
“This is a game changer for the destination. It will enable us to unlock new market opportunities in all travel segments and at the same time, position Desaru Coast as an attractive hospitality investment to draw like-minded investors for our next phase of growth,” she added.
For the initial months, Batam Fast will operate one round trip service, with each trip capable of carrying 330 passengers, from Thursday to Sunday.
The journey time is about 90 minutes one way, with both the frequency of services and the capacity of ferries to be increased by demand.
Batam Fast chief executive officer Paul R. Gannaway said the company was delighted to be in the position to commence passenger services in two weeks.
“Given the popularity of Desaru Coast and the South-Eastern Johor region, we are confident the new international route will give holidaymakers a rewarding experience,” he added.
On Tuesday, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore approved the direct ferry route between Tanah Merah and Desaru.
