The newly revamped Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is now a family-friendly gateway, boasting fast check-in, diverse dining, and an engaging outdoor playground post-immigration!
For years, the necessary 1.5-hour pre-departure wait at the ferry terminal—for that exciting getaway to Batam, Bintan, or Desaru—felt like an hour and a half too long, especially for little travellers.
But now, the game has changed! Following a substantial S$20 million upgrade, the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) is no longer just a transit point; it is a modern, stress-free, family-friendly gateway that you’ll actually want to arrive early for. Say goodbye to the dreaded wait and hello to seamless travel and pre-vacation fun!
Maximize Your Time with New Automation
The renovation, completed in March 2025, has drastically streamlined the pre-boarding process, giving you back precious family time that was previously spent queuing.
-
Passport-Less Clearance: Singapore residents can breeze through immigration using new automated gates equipped with facial and iris recognition—getting you through customs up to 60% faster!
-
Self-Service Check-In: Use the new automated kiosks to print your boarding passes and luggage tags quickly, bypassing the counter queues entirely.
This increased efficiency means you can fulfill the 1.5-hour arrival requirement quickly, leaving more time for relaxation and play before your boat sails.
The Kids' Zone—Fun After Immigration
The biggest win for families is the fantastic new Outdoor Children's Playground, located after you clear the departure gates. This means the kids are kept busy in a secure, supervised area right before boarding!
-
Secure Play Area: The playground is located within the departure hall area, making it easy and safe to monitor your little ones.
-
Simple Play Area: It is a simple playground with slides that allows kids to enjoy themselves but not getting overly sweaty and dirty too.
-
Partially Sheltered: Enjoy playtime regardless of the weather, with partial shelter ensuring comfortable play.
-
Parent-Friendly: Ample seating is provided nearby so parents can relax while watching the kids run wild on the slides and mini-bridges.
-
Ferry Tracker: No need to stress about missing your boat! A dedicated screen is visible from the play area, allowing you to keep track of your ferry's boarding status.
This unique amenity ensures that your children expend their energy on fun activities, not on being bored, setting the stage for a calm ferry ride.
Fuel Up at Fresh F&B Outlets
Whether you need a full meal, a quick caffeine boost, or a comforting local snack, the terminal's new selection of F&B outlets has you covered.
- Woon's Kopi by Killiney: Grab a taste of comforting local coffee and breakfast classics.
- Subway: A reliable choice for quick, fresh sandwiches the kids will love.
- Luckin Coffee: Get your dose of premium coffee for the journey ahead.
- Lepak Corner: A perfect spot for a casual meal or snack before hitting the sea.
Note that these outlets are located before the boarding gates.
Start Your Holiday Stress-Free
The next time you’re heading to the islands, embrace the new TMFT experience! Arrive 90 minutes early, effortlessly check in using the automated systems, enjoy a meal, and let your kids burn off some energy in the playground before boarding.
Your island getaway starts now!
Photo Credits: Singapore Cruise Centre
