Bintan vs Desaru: Which is Cheaper in 2025?
Bintan vs Desaru: Which is Cheaper in 2025?
Bintan vs Desaru: Which is Cheaper in 2025? for most Singapore travellers on short breaks, Desaru is generally cheaper in 2025 — especially if you drive or take land/bus options. Bintan can be more expensive once you factor in resort ferry transfers and higher resort rates, but bargains and package deals can flip the math if you find promotions.
Bintan vs Desaru: Which is Cheaper in 2025? — quick overview
- Desaru: Often cheaper for low-to-mid budgets (drive or bus + mid-range hotels). Daytrips by ferry are convenient but costlier than driving.
- Bintan: Usually pricier for resort stays because of ferry costs + resort premium. Great value exists with package deals and off-peak promos.
- Best tip: compare total door-to-door cost (transport + accommodation + food + transfers) — not just the hotel rate.
How we compare prices (what to include)
- Ferry or land transport cost (one-way / return).
- Hotel/resort nightly rate and inclusions (breakfast, transfers).
- Local transfers and resort pick-up fees.
- Meals, activities (waterpark, golf, spa), and incidental costs.
Typical transport costs in 2025
- Singapore → Desaru (ferry): Typical return fares often land around S$100–S$120 per person for a return ticket when booked at regular rates. Scheduled sailings are limited so check times. Ferry trip time ~90 minutes each way.
- Singapore → Desaru (drive/bus/taxi): Private taxi/ride or coach + land border crossing can be cheaper for groups. Expect S$30–S$120 per person depending on mode, group size and whether you use a shared coach or private transfer.
- Singapore → Bintan (resort ferry): Ferry prices vary by operator and terminal. Typical single or return fares for resort routes commonly range from about S$40–S$120 return depending on route (Tanah Merah → Bandar Bentan Telani or other piers) and promotions. Crossing time varies from ~45 minutes to 90+ minutes depending on route.
Estimated budget comparisons (practical 2025 examples for Singapore travellers)
1) Budget Daytrip (1 day) — cheapest option each
- Desaru (daytrip by ferry): Ferry return S$100 (avg), transport to Tanah Merah S$20, simple meals & activities S$50. Total ≈ S$170 per person (daytrip).
- Bintan (daytrip or quick ferry + resort day pass): Round-trip ferry S$60–S$100 (depends on terminal), resort day pass or meals S$50–S$120. Total ≈ S$160–S$250 per person.
2) 2D/1N Mid‑range weekend (per person, twin share)
- Desaru (drive or coach): Transport S$30–S$80, hotel S$80–S$200, meals & activities S$60. Total ≈ S$170–S$340 per person.
- Bintan (resort ferry + hotel): Ferry + terminal fees S$60–S$120, resort S$120–S$400 (resort premium), meals & transfers S$60–S$120. Total ≈ S$320–S$640 per person.
Bottom line: Desaru tends to be cheaper for budget and mid-range travellers. Bintan can be competitive only when you secure strong ferry + hotel package deals or choose budget properties.
Where Bintan can save you money (and when it won’t)
- Save: Book combined ferry + hotel packages, travel off-peak, or stay in budget hotels. Some package promos include transfers and meals making the per-person cost attractive.
- Don’t expect savings: If you book resort villas or high-end properties without package promos, the combined ferry + resort premium will likely cost more than Desaru.
Practical ferry schedule & booking tips (ferry schedule, packages)
- Check schedule early: Desaru sailings usually have 1 round-trip most operating days; Bintan routes run multiple times per day on popular piers. Timetables change seasonally.
- Book ferry + hotel together if possible — bundles often beat separate purchases.
- Check luggage rules: oversized sports gear may cost extra.
- Arrive early for immigration and check-in (60–90 minutes recommended for international ferry sailings).
Sample itineraries (simple & quick)
Bintan — 2D/1N (relax + beach)
- Day 1: Morning ferry from Tanah Merah → Arrive, hotel check-in, beach time. Afternoon: optional spa or island tour. Dinner at resort.
- Day 2: Breakfast, short snorkeling or mangrove tour, return ferry afternoon.
Recommended package examples: Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry, Bintan | Grand Lagoi Hotel + Ferry, or for villa-style stays try Banyu Biru Villa + Ferry.
Desaru — 2D/1N (beach + easy travel)
- Day 1: Drive/coach or ferry to Desaru, check-in, beach time. Optional activity: Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark in afternoon.
- Day 2: Resort breakfast, mangrove or local fishing village trip, return to Singapore in the evening.
Recommended Desaru packages: Desaru | Tunamaya Beach Resort, Desaru | Hard Rock Hotel, and Desaru | Four Points by Sheraton Desaru.
Visa info & passport tips (visa info)
- Singapore passport holders: usually enjoy visa-free short tourist entry to both Malaysia and Indonesia. Always check passport validity (commonly 6 months recommended) and the latest entry rules before departure.
- Non-Singapore passport holders: check visa requirements for Malaysia and Indonesia well before travel — rules vary by nationality.
Money & payment tips
- Ringgit (MYR) is used in Desaru; Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) in Bintan. Some resorts and tour operators accept SGD but local cash or card in local currency is helpful.
- Credit cards widely accepted at resorts and larger hotels. Small stalls and local taxis may prefer cash.
Quick comparison checklist (one‑page summary)
- Transport: Desaru wins for cheap land options. Bintan often costs more due to mandatory ferry.
- Accommodation: Bintan resorts can be pricier; Desaru has more budget-to-mid options nearer the beach.
- Activities: Both offer beach and water activities; Bintan has more island-snorkelling and resort-style experiences; Desaru has easy access to waterpark and coastal attractions.
- Best for cheap weekend: Desaru (drive/coach). Best for resort splurge: Bintan (if you want island-resort experience).
Money-saving travel tips (travel tips)
- Compare package deals (ferry + hotel) — these often give the best per-person rates for Bintan.
- Travel off-peak (midweek) to reduce hotel and ferry costs.
- For Desaru, travelling by shared coach or driving with a group can lower per-person cost dramatically.
- Sign up for hotel and ferry newsletters — promos appear frequently.
FAQs (ferry schedule, packages, visa info, travel tips)
Q: Is the Desaru ferry schedule frequent?
A: No — Desaru usually has limited daily sailings (often one round-trip on many days). Always check the ferry operator’s schedule for your travel date.
Q: Which is cheaper for a family of four?
A: Desaru by road or coach often becomes the cheaper option for a family of four due to lower land-transfer costs; Bintan ferry and resort transfers add up unless you find a family package.
Q: Are there package deals I can book now?
A: Yes. Example Bintan packages: Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry, Bintan | Grand Lagoi Hotel + Ferry. Example Desaru packages: Desaru | Tunamaya Beach Resort and Desaru | Hard Rock Hotel. These bundles often include ferry or transfer add-ons.
Q: Do Singaporeans need visas?
A: Singapore passport holders normally enjoy visa-free short tourist stays in both Malaysia and Indonesia. If you hold a different passport, check visa requirements before you travel.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: Book ferry seats and popular hotels at least 2–4 weeks ahead for weekends and public holidays. For great promotions, watch for flash sales and early-bird deals.
Related guides & further reading
- Ferry from Singapore to Desaru: Schedule & Prices 2025 (FAQ)
- 5 Things To Do In Desaru
- Top 5 Bintan Resort in May 2025
- Desaru vs Bintan: Best Family-Friendly Resorts (Comparison)
Final verdict — who should pick which?
If you want the cheapest, easiest weekend from Singapore and you don’t mind driving or taking a coach: choose Desaru. If you want a true island-resort experience and are willing to pay extra for a resort stay (or you secure a strong package): choose Bintan.
Both destinations are close and excellent for quick getaways — pick based on the total package price, travel style, and activities you value most.
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