In many parts of Southeast Asia, there is no alternative but to travel by ferry if you are looking to make a particular journey, and especially in countries which have many islands, the ferry is a key part of the transport infrastructure.

However, there is no arguing the fact that the safety record for ferries in the region isn't great, so it is important that you do as much as possible in order to choose a responsible ferry company that won't be taking safety risks.


For the solo traveler exploring on the budget, taking a domestic flight will not usually be an affordable option, so here are a few tips on staying as safe as possible as you travel by ferry in the region.

 

Researching Your Ferry Company

When it comes to choosing a ferry company, one of the first things that you can do is to research the company online and to see what other travelers are saying about that firm and their ferries. This isn't always a good indicator as ferry companies tend to come and go quite frequently, but it can give you an idea of how other people have found that particular company's ferries.

It is also worth researching to see if you can find the type of ships that make up the fleet of the company you plan to use, and to see how modern and safe these ships are compared to their rivals.

 

International Ferry Services

Although sea travel is very common in the region, the majority of ferry companies will usually stick to the domestic routes, although there a few connections, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore.

Malaysia has regular services connecting the country with Sumatra in Indonesia, while there are also services to the Riau Islands in Indonesia and Johor in Malaysia from the port in Singapore, along with some other limited services. International services are generally made using larger ships and with a higher level of safety, but where possible it is still best to have a look at the ferry and the number of people likely to be on board before buying your ticket.

 

Local And Regional Ferry Services

With a much larger number of companies that offer regional services, there is a greater risk when it comes to using these kinds of services, but it is still worth doing your research where there is information available online.

If you are staying at hostels, then speak to locals and other tourists who have used ferry services for recommendations, while spending time around the port looking at different ferries servicing your route can be worthwhile. Some companies are more ruthless than others when it comes to cramming people on to a ferry, so try and see the conditions before you travel if possible.

 

What To Look For When Buying A Ticket At The Port

There are certain safety shortcuts that can be commonly seen across the region, so one of the first things you should look for is a suitable number of lifeboats that will accommodate the population of a ship should it find itself in trouble.

Seeing people with standing room only is a significant indicator your ferry might be overcrowded, while seeing the ferry riding low in the water can also be another sign of a problem. Ultimately, if you feel as though the ferry isn't as safe as it should be, do not take the journey.

 

Safety Standards In Different Countries In The Region

When it comes to the countries that should be of most concern to solo travelers, it is catching a ferry in Indonesia and the Philippines where people should be at their most wary, as these tend to be the areas with the lowest safety standards.

Ships serving the countries such as Myanmar and Vietnam can also often be a concern. As the richest nations in the region, ferries serving Brunei and Singapore will usually have the highest safety standards, with the small nature of both countries meaning that regulations are much easier to enforce.