How early should you arrive at the jetty?

Arrive at the jetty for the check-in time your operator gives you, plus the time you need for parking, bags and queues. There is no one number that fits every boat. Ask the operator, then build your own arrival time from the steps below.

This page shows how to do that, with an example written in words so you can swap in your own figures. For the bigger journey, see how the trip fits into four legs, and use the jetty connection planner for your starting point.

What do you need to add up?

Start from the boat time and subtract these, in order. The sum is the time you want to be at the jetty.

1. The operator’s check-in time, which you ask for.
2. Finding parking and walking to the jetty, which depends on how busy the day is.
3. Handling bags, including children, a pram or heavy luggage.
4. Paying fees and showing documents, which can queue.
5. Toilet stops, last drinks and getting everyone ready.
6. A margin for traffic and slow roads on the way.

Boats from Kuala Besut run from early morning, with the earliest reported at about 07:00 to 08:00 ^[1]. Ask your operator for the exact time on your day.

Can you see a worked example?

Take a family of four with two small children and a pram. The boat leaves at the time on the ticket. The operator says check-in closes some time before that. The family needs time to park, unload the pram, carry bags to the boat, pay any fees and visit the toilet.

Add the drive, with a margin for a slow road. The family should leave the hotel early enough to arrive for check-in with time to spare, not just in time. A rushed start with small children makes the boat harder, not easier.

Change the picture for two adults with one small bag each on a quiet weekday. They need much less. The point is that your group decides the number, not a generic rule.

What should you ask the operator?

Send these to the boat operator or your resort, and keep the reply:

• What time must we check in for our boat, and what time does the boat leave?
• Where do we go, and who do we meet?
• What documents do we show, and are fees paid there?
• What happens if we are late?
• Is there a different check-in time on busy days?
• Is there somewhere shaded to wait, and food nearby?

Our guide on jetty fees and what a package includes helps you work out which fees are already paid.

What if something goes wrong on the road?

Plan for a bad day on the road, even if it does not happen. Save the operator’s number, share your arrival plan with another adult, and decide the point at which you will call. Our guide on road delays and a safety margin goes into this, and our page on what if you miss the last boat covers the worse case.

A better fit if…

A bigger margin may be a better fit if:

• you travel with children, older parents or heavy luggage.
• you travel in school holidays or on a long weekend.
• you drive a long way and the road is unfamiliar.

A smaller margin may be a better fit if you are a small group with light bags, travel on a quiet day and live close. Whatever you choose, get the operator’s check-in time in writing first.