Batam vs Bali: Cheapest Weekend Escape from Singapore (Comparison) | WeekendGoWhere Singapore
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Batam vs Bali: Cheapest Weekend Escape from Singapore (Comparison)

  wgw     2025-10-17

Batam vs Bali: Cheapest Weekend Escape from Singapore (Comparison)

Batam is almost always the cheapest and fastest weekend escape from Singapore for a short 1–2 night trip; Bali is better for longer stays, more variety, and island-style experiences but costs more (flights + time). Batam vs Bali: Cheapest Weekend Escape from Singapore (Comparison) helps you decide with ferry/flight times, visa info, sample budgets and ready itineraries.

Batam vs Bali: Cheapest Weekend Escape from Singapore (Comparison) — Quick facts

  • Trip time from Singapore: Batam by fast ferry ~45–70 minutes; Bali (Denpasar) by plane ~2 hours 40 minutes (nonstop).
  • Typical transport cost (budget): Batam ferry S$28 one-way (S$56 return) + terminal fees; Bali return flights usually start from ~S$150–S$400 depending on season and sales.
  • Visa / entry: Singapore passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Indonesia for short tourist stays (up to 30 days). From Sept–Oct 2025 Indonesia introduced the "All Indonesia" digital arrival card that travellers should complete before arrival.

Who should pick Batam?

  • You want the fastest, lowest-cost weekend (2D1N or day trip).
  • You prefer a quick beach/resort stay, spa, massage, shopping and seafood close to Singapore.
  • You want inexpensive ferry + hotel packages you can book last-minute.

Typical Batam weekend budget (per person, basic estimate):

  • Ferry return (S$56) + departure + terminal fees ≈ S$70–80 total.
  • Mid-range resort 1 night: S$70–S$200 (varies by resort and season).
  • Meals, local transport, activities: S$40–S$100.
  • Estimated 2D1N total: S$150–S$350 per person (shared room / mid-range).

Example Batam package picks (bookable, quick links):

Fast Batam sample 2D1N itinerary (budget)

  1. Day 1 morning: Catch early ferry from Tanah Merah or HarbourFront (arrive Batam Centre). Relax at hotel or Montigo private villa.
  2. Afternoon: Lunch (seafood), short city tour (Nagoya Hill / shopping). Evening massage and dinner by the water.
  3. Day 2 morning: Breakfast, quick local market visit or beach time, ferry back late afternoon.

Who should pick Bali?

  • You want variety: beaches, rice terraces, cultural sites, cafes and nightlife.
  • You can spare more travel time and budget for flights and accommodation for 3+ nights.
  • You’re after Instagrammable cafes, surf, day trips (Ubud, Tanah Lot), or a longer relaxing stay.

Typical Bali weekend budget (Singapore departure, per person):

  • Return flights: S$150–S$400+ during sales or off-peak; last-minute can be higher.
  • 2–3 nights mid-range hotel: S$150–S$450 (location-dependent).
  • Meals, transport, tours: S$80–S$200.
  • Estimated 3D2N total: S$400–S$1000+ per person (depending on season and choice of hotels).

Sample Bali packages you can consider:

Quick Bali weekend itinerary (3D2N minimal)

  1. Day 1: Early morning flight (arrive mid-morning), check-in, Kuta/Legian beach, sunset at Tanah Lot or Seminyak bar.
  2. Day 2: Ubud day trip (rice terraces, monkey forest, café lunch) or explore Canggu cafes and beaches.
  3. Day 3: Morning relax, airport transfer, fly back in late afternoon/evening.

Time and transport comparisons

  • Singapore → Batam: frequent fast ferries from HarbourFront and Tanah Merah, travel time ~45–70 minutes depending on route and operator. Ferries run multiple times daily.
  • Singapore → Bali (Denpasar): nonstop flights ~2 hours 40 minutes (common flight durations for carriers like Scoot and others). Flight time plus airport transfer and check-in makes Bali a longer door-to-door trip.

Visa & entry (brief and action checklist)

Key points for Singapore travellers:

  • Visa-free: Singapore passport holders can enter Indonesia visa-free for short tourism stays up to 30 days (not extendable). Confirm this before you travel.
  • All Indonesia digital arrival card: since Sept 1, 2025 the new "All Indonesia" digital arrival card is in use at main airports (Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya) and from Oct 1, 2025 it expands to all international entry points — complete it within 3 days before arrival to speed up arrival formalities. This is separate from a visa.
  • Ferry terminal & airline fees: expect Singapore passenger departure fees and Batam/Bintan terminal fees on top of advertised ticket prices — check operator T&Cs.

Exact steps to book a cheapest weekend (step-by-step)

  1. Decide duration: 2D1N → choose Batam; 3D2N+ → Bali is feasible and worth the travel time.
  2. Check transport: ferry slots (Batam) or flight times (Bali) for your chosen dates. Book earliest morning and latest evening returns to maximize time on the island.
  3. Compare package deals (ferry + hotel) — packages often beat separate bookings for weekend escapes.
  4. Complete the "All Indonesia" arrival card (if travelling to Bali or other Indonesian ports) within 72 hours before travel. Save the QR code.
  5. Bring passport (6+ months valid) and proof of onward/return ticket; have small IDR cash for terminal fees if required.

Money-saving tips

  • Book ferry + hotel packages for Batam — they often include transfers and ferry tax savings.
  • Watch airline sales for Bali (Scoot and others run frequent promos); check low-cost carriers first for weekend deals.
  • Travel off-peak (Mon–Thu) to save on hotels and flights/ferries.
  • Bring small IDR notes for port/terminal fees; card acceptance at small stalls may be limited.

Quick comparison table (at-a-glance)

  • Time from Singapore: Batam 45–70 min ferry vs Bali ~2h40 flight.
  • Typical lowest weekend cost (2–3 nights): Batam S$120–S$350 vs Bali S$400–S$1000+.
  • Ideal for: Batam = quick spa/resort, cheap weekend; Bali = island culture, longer stays, varied landscapes.
  • Entry formalities: Batam = ferry immigration + small terminal fees; Bali = flight entry, All Indonesia card, possible tourist levy.

FAQs (fast answers)

Q: Which is cheaper for a weekend — Batam or Bali?

A: Batam is almost always cheaper for short weekends because ferry fares and one-night resort options keep costs low. Bali requires flights and typically at least 2–3 nights to justify travel time.

Q: How long is the ferry and how often does it run?

A: Fast ferries from HarbourFront or Tanah Merah to Batam run multiple times daily and usually take ~45–70 minutes depending on route and operator. Book ahead for peak weekends.

Q: Do Singaporeans need a visa to visit Batam or Bali?

A: Singapore passport holders are eligible for visa-free entry to Indonesia for short tourism visits up to 30 days. Always verify with official immigration before travel.

Q: Any new entry forms or rules I should know for Bali (2025)?

A: Yes — Indonesia rolled out the "All Indonesia" digital arrival card in 2025. Complete it online within 3 days before arrival to speed up immigration/customs. It is separate from visa requirements.

Q: Can I do Batam as a day trip?

A: Yes — same-day return trips are common. Take an early ferry out and evening ferry back. Packages with day tours and massages are handy. See the 1 Day City Tour + Ferry (S$99) option.

Recommended reading & related guides

Final verdict — which is the cheapest weekend escape?

If your goal is to escape Singapore for just a weekend with the lowest total time and cost, pick Batam: faster travel, lower transport cost, many bargain packages and hotels. If you want more variety, nature, culture and are happy to spend more time and money (and stay 3+ days), choose Bali.

Want help booking a cheap, ready-made weekend? Here are quick package options again:

👉 Check our latest [destination] packages and WhatsApp us to book now.

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