Create New Traditions: Traveling Together This Chinese New Year
Create New Traditions: Traveling Together This Chinese New Year
Create New Traditions: Traveling Together This Chinese New Year is a simple way to swap rush-and-traffic stress for shared experiences — think island resorts, short cruises, and cultural food tours just a ferry or short flight away from Singapore. In short: plan early, pick a nearby island or cruise, and treat the holiday as quality time rather than a mad dash to visit everyone.
Create New Traditions: Traveling Together This Chinese New Year
Quick answer
Yes — traveling together over Chinese New Year can become your family’s new tradition. Choose closer destinations (Batam, Bintan, Desaru, short cruises) to avoid long travel times, book ferry or cruise packages early, and pack a few simple rituals (red envelopes for kids, reunion dinner at a seaside resort) to keep tradition alive while making fresh memories.
Why travel this Chinese New Year?
- Less stress: avoid crowded transit in Singapore and long car trips.
- Quality time: shared activities (cooking class, beach picnic, spa) create new rituals.
- Family-friendly options: resorts and cruises offer kids’ clubs and multi-generational activities.
Top quick-getaway ideas from Singapore
- Short ferry island escapes — Batam & Bintan (45–90 minutes by fast ferry).
- Weekend cruise — 2–4 night cruises from Singapore that celebrate CNY onboard.
- Short Malaysia road + ferry trips — Desaru for family beach resorts.
Featured packages (pick one and book early)
- Batam | Montigo Resort + Ferry! Asia's Top 5-Star Resort with Private Infinity Pool — Great for families who want villa privacy and resort activities.
- Batam | 1 Day City Tour + Ferry at Only S$99! — Short, fun, and budget-friendly for groups who want a taste of Batam.
- Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry — Classic family-friendly resort with easy island access.
- Bintan | Club Med Bintan Island + Ferry — All-inclusive resort option with activities for all ages.
Simple step-by-step planning guide (2–3 weeks to 2+ months ahead)
- Decide your group size and budget. (Couple, family, multi-generation?)
- Choose destination type: island resort, day tour, or cruise.
- Check ferry/cruise schedules and package availability — book early for Chinese New Year dates.
- Confirm travel documents & visas for your group (see FAQ below and relevant guides).
- Create a basic itinerary choosing one reunion meal + one shared activity per day.
- Pack light but include a few CNY touches (red packets, festive snacks, smart casual for reunion dinner).
Suggested itineraries
2D1N — Quick family reunion (Batam)
- Day 1: Morning ferry to Batam, check-in (resort villa), afternoon pool & spa, reunion dinner at resort.
- Day 2: Optional short city tour / seafood lunch, ferry back late afternoon.
- Estimated cost per person (budget): S$120–S$250 — depends on ferry class and hotel choice. (Package deals often include ferry + hotel.)
3D2N — Relaxed Bintan break
- Day 1: Ferry to Bintan, beach time, sunset dinner.
- Day 2: Resort activities (water sports, family games), optional island tour.
- Day 3: Morning spa or kid’s club, ferry back.
- Estimated cost per person (mid-range): S$220–S$600 depending on resort and inclusions.
3–4 Night Cruise — Celebrate aboard
- Enjoy onboard CNY performances, themed dining and family-friendly entertainment. Ideal if you want less land-based logistics and all meals/activities included.
Budget breakdown (example per person)
- Ferry return (fast ferry): S$60–S$150 (depends on class & promos).
- Hotel/resort: budget S$60–S$150/night, mid-range S$150–S$350/night, luxury S$400+/night.
- Meals & activities: S$40–S$150/day depending on dining choices and excursions.
- Typical packaged weekend (ferry + 1–2 nights) often starts from around S$120/pax — check specials and family deals.
Practical travel tips for Chinese New Year
- Book ferry and hotel together where possible to save time and avoid sold-out dates.
- Expect busy ports and pick earlier ferry times to avoid queues on return.
- Carry printed or digital copies of booking confirmations and passports.
- Bring some cash in local currency for small purchases and market stalls.
- Plan one CNY-style moment (reunion dinner, lion dance at resort, or a family photo shoot) to keep tradition.
Comparing options: Batam vs Bintan vs Cruise
| Option | Travel time from Singapore | Best for | Cost (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batam | ~45–60 min by fast ferry | Food, spa, budget family stays | Low–Mid |
| Bintan | ~60–90 min by fast ferry | Beach resorts, family activities, luxury stays | Mid–High |
| Cruise | Boarding from Singapore | All-in-one entertainment, multi-gen groups | Mid–High |
Packing checklist — keep it simple
- Essentials: passports, booking confirmations, medication, chargers.
- Festive items: red ang bao envelopes, a simple festive outfit for dinner.
- Beach/resort gear: swimwear, sunscreen, water shoes for island activities.
Useful internal guides
- How to Travel from Singapore to Batam (FAQ)
- Batam Ferry Schedule & Prices 2025 — Complete Guide from Singapore
- Why Cruises Are the Smartest Way to Travel During Chinese New Year
- Celebrate Chinese New Year at Batam View Beach Resort!
- 3 to 5-Day Chinese New Year Trips That Don’t Feel Rushed
FAQs — quick answers
Do I need a visa for Batam or Bintan?
Visa rules can change. For the most accurate and current guidance, check our guide: Do You Need a Visa for Batam or Bintan? (FAQ).
How about ferry schedule and where to depart from?
Fast ferries to Batam and Bintan typically depart from HarbourFront Centre and Tanah Merah; travel time is usually under 90 minutes. For detailed ferry timetables and port choices see our ferry guide: Batam Ferry Schedule & Prices 2025.
Are packages available for Chinese New Year?
Yes — many resorts and cruises release special CNY packages and activities. Popular picks include Montigo (villa stays), Nirwana (family resort), Club Med Bintan (all-inclusive). Book early to secure festive dining and limited events.
Is it cheaper to book a package or DIY?
Packages that bundle ferry + hotel or ferry + tours often give better value and reduce stress during peak CNY travel. For example, the Batam | 1 Day City Tour + Ferry at Only S$99! is great for tight schedules; full resort packages are better for longer stays.
Tips for multi-generation travel
- Choose hotels/resorts with elevator access and family rooms.
- Plan one calm morning (sleep-in or spa) and one active afternoon per day.
- Pre-book reunion dinner seating and check menu options for elders and kids.
Ready to make this year different? Whether it’s a villa sunset reunion at Montigo or a family resort break in Bintan, travelling together creates the rituals your family will look forward to every year.
👉 Check our latest Batam & Bintan packages and WhatsApp us to book now.
