Celebrate Chinese New Year Differently This Year
Celebrate Chinese New Year Differently This Year
Celebrate Chinese New Year Differently This Year - swap the usual reunion lunch at home for a short getaway: a ferry hop to Batam or Bintan, a private-villa reunion, or a themed cruise for family-friendly entertainment. For Singapore travellers, these escapes are fast, festive and less crowded than city celebrations; just book early and check ferry schedules, package availability and visa requirements.
Celebrate Chinese New Year Differently This Year: Quick ideas
- Beachfront reunion at a Bintan resort with lion dance and seafood feast.
- Private villa stay in Batam with a family reunion dinner and private pool.
- Short CNY cruise for multiple activities, nightly entertainment and dining.
- Island-hopping day tours with cultural stops, temple visits and seafood lunches.
Why choose a getaway to Celebrate Chinese New Year Differently This Year?
Short escapes reduce the stress of cooking and hosting. Resorts and cruises run special CNY menus, festive activities and family programs. They also let you combine relaxation, experiences and cultural touches - lion dances, mandarin oranges, and temple visits - without the crowds or long queues.
Top benefits at a glance
- Less cleaning and cooking - resorts handle the feast.
- Kid-friendly activities and babysitting at major resorts.
- Unique photo moments: private pools, beaches, and themed events.
- Short travel times from Singapore - perfect for tight holiday windows.
Sample itineraries (easy to follow)
2D1N Family Reunion - Batam (relaxed & budget-friendly)
- Day 1 morning: Fast ferry from HarbourFront/Tanah Merah - arrive mid-morning.
- Check-in at a family-friendly resort or villa. Recommended: Batam | Montigo Resort + Ferry! Asia's Top 5-Star Resort with Private Infinity Pool.
- Afternoon: Spa for parents, kids’ activities or a short city tour.
- Evening: Special reunion dinner (book resort’s CNY set menu or a private chef).
- Day 2 morning: Beach time or short island excursion, return afternoon by ferry.
3D2N Luxury CNY Escape - Bintan (beachfront & resort activities)
- Day 1: Ferry to Bintan, check in at a luxury resort like Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry or Bintan | Club Med Bintan Island + Ferry.
- Day 2: Morning yoga or kids’ club, afternoon cooking class or cultural tour, evening themed CNY banquet.
- Day 3: Leisure morning, lunch and return to Singapore.
Overnight themed cruise - party & family entertainment
- Board a short cruise from Singapore for CNY-themed entertainment and gala dinners.
- Enjoy live shows, kids’ zones, and a festive countdown-style event on board.
- Disembark next morning refreshed and with memories - ideal if you want no hotel transfers.
Estimated costs & budgeting (per person, SGD)
- 2D1N Batam (mid-range resort + ferry): S$120–S$300 per person.
- 2D1N Bintan (mid-range to luxury): S$160–S$420 per person.
- 1-night cruise (per person): S$150–S$450 depending on cabin grade and package.
- Private villa or 3D2N luxury: S$500+ per family (depends on villa size and inclusions).
Tip: Packages booked early often include ferry, transfers and breakfast - look for combos to save money.
Where to stay: Top package picks
Here are a few tried-and-tested options you can click to view details and book:
- Batam | Montigo Resort + Ferry! Asia's Top 5-Star Resort with Private Infinity Pool
- Batam | 1 Day City Tour + Ferry at Only S$99! - great for a short cultural/food fix.
- Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry - beachfront resort options with family packages.
- Bintan | Club Med Bintan Island + Ferry - all-inclusive resort experience.
Compare your options: Batam vs Bintan vs Cruise
| Option | Travel time | Best for | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batam | 45–70 mins ferry | Budget families, private villas, day tours | S$100–S$300 |
| Bintan | 60–90 mins ferry | Beach resorts, luxury stays, family activities | S$160–S$420 |
| Cruise | Boarding in Singapore | No transfers, onboard entertainment, multi-activity | S$150–S$450 |
Step-by-step booking guide: How to Celebrate Chinese New Year Differently This Year (from Singapore)
- Decide your travel style: quick day trip, 2D1N, 3D2N, or cruise.
- Check ferry/boarding dates and book refundable or changeable tickets if possible.
- Choose a package that includes ferry + hotel to simplify logistics.
- Reserve special reunion dinner or CNY set menus with the resort in advance.
- Pack essentials: passport (6 months validity recommended), medicines, and red packets if you plan on giving ang pao.
- Confirm pick-up arrangement and arrival times with the hotel or agent 24 hours before departure.
Practical travel tips & checklist
- Ferry schedule: Expect peak sell-outs during CNY - book at least 3–4 weeks ahead for weekend slots.
- Passport & visa: Check passport validity and visa rules for Indonesia or any third country you visit. Apply early if needed.
- Money: Bring some Indonesian rupiah for small purchases; cards widely accepted at resorts.
- Health & safety: Travel insurance is recommended. Bring basic meds and be aware of resort cancellation policies.
- Food allergies: Inform resorts ahead of time if you have dietary restrictions for reunion dinners.
- Transport: Choose packages that include land transfer to avoid last-minute surcharge during peak days.
Local experiences to add cultural flavour
- Temple visits and simple incense offerings (respect local customs).
- Local seafood feasts and sambal-based dishes - a tasty twist on reunion meals.
- Join a resort-organised lion dance, family games or mandarin-spotting activities for kids.
Recommended extras to make it special
- Private chef or pre-ordered reunion set to eat together by your villa pool.
- Photography package so the whole family is in the photos.
- Spa vouchers for parents and kids’ club access for the little ones.
Related guides & further reading
- [2023] Start Planning to Batam!
- Batam vs Bintan: Which is Better for a Weekend Trip?
- How to Travel from Singapore to Batam (FAQ)
- CNY 2026 Batam Celebration Getaway - Eat, Play, Party!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: How soon should I book ferry and hotel for Chinese New Year?
A: Book as early as possible - at least 3–6 weeks before peak CNY weekends. Popular ferries and family rooms sell out quickly.
Q: Do I need a visa for Batam or Bintan?
A: Visa rules can change. Check the current entry requirements for Indonesia before you travel and apply if necessary. If you prefer a hassle-free route, choose a package that includes ferry + transfers so the operator can advise on documentation.
Q: What if I need to cancel or change plans?
A: Choose flexible or refundable fares when available. Check the package’s cancellation policy. Travel insurance that covers disruptions is recommended for peak-season travel.
Q: Are there family-friendly activities during CNY at resorts?
A: Yes. Many resorts run kid-friendly CNY programs, lion dances, themed buffets and cultural workshops. Book activity slots early where possible.
Final checklist before you go
- Confirm ferry timing and boarding point.
- Print or save booking confirmations and hotel contact numbers.
- Pack copies of passports and emergency contacts.
- Pre-order special reunion meals if required by the resort.
Want inspiration? Browse these quick deals for a festive escape:
- Montigo Resort Batam + Ferry (private pools & family villas)
- Batam 1 Day City Tour + Ferry at Only S$99
- Nirwana Resort Hotel Bintan + Ferry
- Club Med Bintan + Ferry (all-inclusive)
Celebrate Chinese New Year Differently This Year by choosing an escape that fits your family size, budget and energy level - whether it’s a cosy villa, a beachfront resort, or a fuss-free cruise. Book early, confirm ferry schedules, and reserve your reunion dinner so the holiday feels effortless and joyful.
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