Chinese New Year Is the Best Time to Take a Proper Break
Chinese New Year Is the Best Time to Take a Proper Break
Chinese New Year Is the Best Time to Take a Proper Break because public holidays, festive atmosphere and family-first culture make it an ideal window to combine celebration and travel — whether you want a short island escape, a cruise or a longer regional trip. Plan early, book ferry seats and packages, and check visa rules to avoid last-minute stress. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/12/30/heres-the-date-for-chinese-new-year-2026---and-what-animal-you-are/?utm_source=openai))
Why Chinese New Year Is the Best Time to Take a Proper Break
The lunar new year in 2026 falls on 17 February 2026, which means a concentrated period of public holidays and celebrations across much of Asia — perfect for taking a proper break without burning extra leave days. During this time you get festivals, family meals, weekend markets, and many hotels and cruise lines run special packages and events. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/12/30/heres-the-date-for-chinese-new-year-2026---and-what-animal-you-are/?utm_source=openai))
Top reasons to travel during Chinese New Year
- Festive events: lion & dragon dances, temple fairs, and special dinners.
- Special packages and promotions from resorts and cruise lines.
- School holidays make it easy for families to plan multi-day escapes.
- Good time for reconnecting — group villas and big resort tables are plentiful.
- For Singapore travellers: short trips to Batam, Bintan, Desaru and cruises are quick and convenient.
Where to go: 3 quick picks for a proper CNY break
1. Batam — near, lively and family-friendly
Batam is a top choice for quick CNY getaways: short ferry ride, lots of resort options and festive dining. Popular packages to consider:
- Batam | Montigo Resort + Ferry! Asia's Top 5-Star Resort with Private Infinity Pool
- Batam | 1 Day City Tour + Ferry at Only S$99!
- Batam | Batam View Beach Resort + Ferry
Ferries run multiple times daily from HarbourFront and Tanah Merah — check operators like BatamFast and Sindo for current timetables, and note schedules vary around public holidays so book early. ([batamfast.com](https://www.batamfast.com/tripschedule/index.ashx?utm_source=openai))
2. Bintan — beach resorts and family resorts
Bintan is great for a longer, slower CNY break: luxury villas, family activities and big resort buffets. Example packages:
- Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry
- Bintan | Natra Bintan (The Canopi) + Ferry
- Bintan | Four Points by Sheraton Bintan + Ferry
Most Singaporeans enjoy visa-free 30-day entry to Indonesia for short leisure trips, but confirm passport validity and entry rules before you leave. ([mfa.gov.sg](https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Countries-Regions/I/Indonesia/Travel-Page?utm_source=openai))
3. A cruise — sea celebrations and no-packing hassles
CNY cruises combine dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities on board — they’re an easy way to be surrounded by festivity without hotel transfers. If you like themed sailings, check special Chinese New Year cruise departures. See cruise guides for options like Genting Dream during the CNY period.
Practical planning: step-by-step guide
- Decide the length: 2–3 nights for Batam/Bintan; 3–5 nights if you want a longer resort or multi-stop trip.
- Check holiday dates and book early: CNY peak windows sell out fast — book ferry seats and hotel rooms at least 4–6 weeks ahead for the best choice.
- Confirm ferry schedule and terminal: HarbourFront and Tanah Merah are the main Singapore terminals — verify operator timetables (BatamFast, Sindo etc.) before travel. ([batamfast.com](https://www.batamfast.com/tripschedule/index.ashx?utm_source=openai))
- Check visa & entry rules: Singapore passport holders generally have visa-free or VOA options for nearby countries — see MFA advisories for the latest. ([mfa.gov.sg](https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Countries-Regions/I/Indonesia/Travel-Page?utm_source=openai))
- Buy a package (ferry + hotel) to reduce stress: packages bundle ferry transfers, taxes and hotel check-in ease.
- Bring hard copies of tickets, hotel confirmations and return travel details; ensure passport has 6+ months validity.
Ferry schedule, tickets & tips (long-tail keyword: ferry schedule)
Ferry schedule tips for Singapore travellers:
- Book the earliest or the latest ferry on busy days to avoid peak crowds.
- Operators update timetables for holiday periods — always re-check 48–72 hours before departure. ([booking.sindoferry.com.sg](https://booking.sindoferry.com.sg/schedules?utm_source=openai))
- Allow 90–120 minutes for arrival immigration, luggage handling and hotel transfers during CNY high traffic.
Estimated costs (ballpark for Singapore travellers)
- Batam/Bintan 2D1N (ferry + budget hotel): S$120–S$250 per person.
- Batam/Bintan 2D1N (mid-range resort packages, ferry included): S$220–S$450 per person.
- Luxury villas / Banyan Tree / Montigo private pool villas: S$500+ per room (depending on occupancy & promos).
- Cruises: S$100–S$400+ per person for short sailings (prices spike over CNY).
Tip: buying bundled packages with ferry + hotel often saves both money and the worry of arranging transit during busy holiday days.
Sample itineraries
2D1N Batam — quick festive reset
- Day 1 morning: 08:00 ferry from HarbourFront to Batam Center. Arrive, check in.
- Afternoon: spa or pool time (Montigo / Batam View listed packages are ideal).
- Evening: CNY-style dinner at resort or seafood by the shore.
- Day 2 morning: sunrise swim, late brunch, return ferry in afternoon.
3D2N Bintan — beach, spa & family activities
- Day 1: ferry to Bintan + check-in at Nirwana or Four Points.
- Day 2: resort activities, beach, optional island tour or snorkel trip (Lagoi Bay snorkeling).
- Day 3: relaxed breakfast, spa, ferry back to Singapore in the afternoon.
Travel tips for a smooth Chinese New Year holiday (long-tail keyword: travel tips)
- Book refundable or flexible tickets where possible — CNY can cause sudden schedule changes.
- Carry local currency for small purchases, tips and market snacks — ATMs may have queues.
- Pack a small red envelope if you plan to visit temples or join local celebrations (keeps things festive and respectful).
- For group travel, pick a single point person for bookings and keep copies of all confirmations.
- Consider travel insurance that covers cancellations and medical needs during busy holiday periods.
Packages to consider (direct links)
Book bundled deals to avoid the ferry-and-hotel scramble:
- Batam | Montigo Resort + Ferry! Asia's Top 5-Star Resort with Private Infinity Pool
- Batam | 1 Day City Tour + Ferry at Only S$99!
- Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry
Related guides & internal links (read next)
- CNY 2026 Batam Celebration Getaway - Eat, Play, Party
- Sail into Chinese New Year 2026 with Genting Dream
- How to Travel from Singapore to Batam (FAQ)
- Batam Ferry Schedule & Prices — Complete Guide
Quick FAQ (ferry schedule, packages, visa info)
Q: Do I need a visa to go to Batam or Bintan?
A: Singapore passport holders generally have visa-free entry to Indonesia for up to 30 days for leisure. If you plan to stay longer, check VOA or e-visa options and confirm the latest requirements with official sources. ([mfa.gov.sg](https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Countries-Regions/I/Indonesia/Travel-Page?utm_source=openai))
Q: How early should I book ferry seats and hotels?
A: For Chinese New Year travel, book as early as possible — aim for 4–8 weeks ahead. Ferries and hotels often add extra sailings or blackout dates, so reconfirm timetables 48–72 hours before departure. ([batamfast.com](https://www.batamfast.com/tripschedule/index.ashx?utm_source=openai))
Q: Are there special CNY packages?
A: Yes — many resorts and cruise lines offer themed menus, entertainment and family packages around the festival. Check package pages for inclusions like ferry transfers, meals and gala dinners.
Q: Can I travel with kids during CNY?
A: Absolutely. Many resorts run kids’ programmes during the holiday. Book early and confirm kids-stay-free promos or child meal arrangements.
Final checklist before you go
- Passport valid 6+ months.
- Ferry and hotel confirmations printed or saved offline.
- Travel insurance with holiday coverage.
- Local currency and contact numbers for your hotel/transfer provider.
Chinese New Year Is the Best Time to Take a Proper Break — if you plan carefully, book early and pick a bundled package, you’ll trade holiday stress for a relaxed celebratory escape. Ready to go?
👉 Check our latest Batam & Bintan packages and WhatsApp us to book now.
