Desaru vs Bintan: Best Family-Friendly Resorts (Comparison)

For families from Singapore who want fast island-hopping with villa-style privacy and short ferry rides, Bintan is often the better pick. For families who prefer big resort clusters, a major waterpark, and easy road or ferry access to beachside hotels, Desaru wins. Read the full Desaru vs Bintan: Best Family-Friendly Resorts (Comparison) guide below for practical itineraries, ferry schedule highlights, cost estimates, visa notes, and packing tips.

• From Singapore: Bintan = fast ferry from Tanah Merah (roughly 1h–1h20 to resort terminals); Desaru = new limited ferry service (Tanah Merah–Desaru Coast) + common option to drive via Johor (2.5–4 hours door-to-door).
• Best for waterparks & big resort clusters: Desaru (Adventure Waterpark + family hotels like Hard Rock, The Westin, Tunamaya, Four Points).
• Best for villa privacy, snorkelling & quieter beaches: Bintan (private-villa options, family-friendly snorkeling and eco tours).
• Visas (for most Singapore passport holders): Malaysia – visa-free (up to 30 days); Indonesia – visa-free (up to 30 days). Always check official sources before travel.

• Typical ferry to Bandar Bentan Telani / Bintan resorts: morning sailings around 08:10 / 11:10 / 14:00 / 17:00 (operator times vary by day). Many ferries take roughly 1h–1h20 to the resort terminals.
• Most family resorts in Lagoi and nearby provide pick-up or private transfers from the ferry terminal; check your booking for included transfers.

• There is a scheduled Tanah Merah–Desaru Coast ferry service (operated on selected days) with a typical mid-morning departure (around 10:10) and late afternoon return (around 17:30). This is useful if you prefer a sea route without driving.
• Driving option: many Singapore families drive across to Johor then take the Senai–Desaru Expressway. Door-to-door travel time varies a lot with traffic and checkpoint queue — estimate roughly 2.5–4 hours and plan extra time on public-holiday weekends.

• Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast — lively family rooms (bunk options), Roxity Kids Club, splash zones and easy access to Adventure Waterpark (great for kids and teens).
• Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort — quiet beachfront vibe, family suites and beachfront pools.
• The Westin Desaru Coast — spacious family rooms, wellness offerings, resort pools and beach access.
• Four Points by Sheraton Desaru — dependable mid-range family hotel with pool and family-friendly services.

Bookable packages (examples):

• Desaru | Tunamaya Beach Resort
• Desaru | Hard Rock Hotel

• Nirwana Resort / Mayang Sari / Banyu Biru / Grand Lagoi & others: many resorts in Bintan are villa-style or have family suites, offer kids pools, private pools (for villas), snorkeling trips, mangrove or firefly tours, and simple kids activities.
• Lagoi area (north Bintan) is home to many resort clusters, kid-friendly beaches and land-based activities (horse rides, eco farm visits, snorkeling trips).

Bookable packages (examples):

• Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry
• Bintan | Banyu Biru Villa + Ferry

• Ferry time from Singapore: Bintan (short fast ferries 1h–1h20 to resort piers), Desaru (ferry ~1h30 on scheduled days; driving 2.5–4 hours).
• Kid attractions: Desaru – large Adventure Waterpark, hotel kids clubs; Bintan – villa private pools, nature / mangrove activities, snorkeling and island day-trips.
• Ease for toddlers & strollers: Desaru resort clusters have good resort transport and easy facilities; Bintan villas sometimes require short transfers and stairs—check room accessibility if you have a stroller.
• Value for money: Bintan often has cheaper villa-style stays and ferry-inclusive deals; Desaru’s bigger resorts can be pricier but include high-quality waterpark access and resort programming.

1. Day 1: Take the morning Tanah Merah–Desaru ferry (or drive early). Check in. Afternoon at Adventure Waterpark or hotel pool. Evening family dinner at resort.
2. Day 2: Beach time or short farm/fruit-farm visit. Late afternoon ferry or drive back to Singapore.

1. Day 1: Early ferry to Bintan (many ferries depart 08:10). Resort transfer to villa. Afternoon beach, pool and kids’ activities. Evening BBQ or resort dinner.
2. Day 2: Short snorkeling / lagoon trip or mangrove tour. Afternoon ferry back to Tanah Merah.

• Desaru (2D1N): Budget/mid-range resort: from ~S$200–S$400 per room per night; ferry (if using Tanah Merah ferry) roughly S$70–S$110 per person return depending on route and promotions. Drive option saves ferry cost but adds fuel/tolls; total weekend for family of 4 typically S$450–S$1,200 depending on hotel choice and meals.
• Bintan (2D1N): Ferry return fares often start from ~S$30–S$60 per person (operator & class dependent); family-friendly resort/villa packages (ferry + hotel) typically range from S$250–S$800 per room per night depending on villa/private pool vs resort rooms. Total weekend for family of 4 typically S$350–S$1,000.

Note: rates vary by season, promotions, ferry class and whether transfers or meals are included. Check package details before booking.

1. Buy ferry tickets online and confirm the terminal (Tanah Merah). Arrive 60–90 minutes before departure.
2. Bring passports (6 months validity recommended), any required immigration forms, printed or digital ferry tickets.
3. Immigration Singapore exit at Tanah Merah, then Indonesian immigration on arrival in Bintan (have return ticket and hotel confirmation ready).
4. Use resort transfer/pick-up or pre-book a private taxi from the ferry terminal to your resort.

1. Book Tanah Merah–Desaru ferry on the operator’s website for your desired day (service runs on specific days). Arrive early for check-in.
2. On arrival you may use resort shuttles or taxis to reach your hotel; some Desaru resorts offer short shuttle transfers.
3. If ferry is diverted due to sea/weather conditions, an operator may land at an alternate terminal (Tanjung Pengelih) and arrange coach transfer to Desaru Coast—check diversion notices before travel.

• Malaysia: Singapore passport holders do not need a visa for short tourist visits (up to 30 days). Check passport validity and entry requirements before travel.
• Indonesia (Bintan): Singapore passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for short tourism stays (typically up to 30 days). Always verify official immigration notices before travel.

• Bring sunscreen, hats, and rash vests for kids (sun is strong). Pack swim nappies for toddlers if needed.
• Carry basic medicines, mosquito repellent, and copies of hotel & ferry bookings.
• For Bintan trips bring some IDR for small purchases; Desaru uses Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
• Book waterpark tickets ahead if you have a tight schedule; some hotel packages include waterpark access.

• Pick Bintan if: you want short ferry times, private-villa stays with private pools, quieter beaches and island activities (snorkel, mangrove tours, firefly nights).
• Pick Desaru if: your family loves big waterpark days, resort-style programming, easy resort-to-resort transfers, and you don’t mind the longer land transfer or scheduled ferry days.

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• What to Pack for Your Bintan Island Adventure
• Batam vs Bintan: Which is Better for a Weekend Trip?

A: Desaru is in Malaysia. Singapore passport holders must bring a passport (with recommended 6 months validity). If you drive, you’ll clear Malaysian immigration at the land checkpoint. If you use the Tanah Merah–Desaru ferry, you will clear Malaysian immigration on arrival at Desaru Coast.

A: The Tanah Merah–Desaru ferry operates on selected days and times. Many families still prefer driving or coach transfers when ferry days do not match their schedule. Always check the operator’s website for current sailing days before booking.

A: Some resort packages include ferry + transfers; many travel agents and package deals bundle ferry + hotel + resort transfer. Check the booking details for included pick-up and return transfer information.

A: Desaru’s waterpark, splash areas and resort kids clubs can be excellent for toddlers (with supervised areas and shallow splash zones). Bintan’s private villas are great if you want nap-friendly privacy and calmer beach time. Consider room layout and availability of baby/toddler facilities.

If you want ready-made options, consider these packages to compare family-friendly stays at a glance:

• Desaru | Tunamaya Beach Resort — beachfront family resort option.
• Desaru | Hard Rock Hotel — family rooms and waterpark access.
• Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry — classic family resort with resort activities.
• Bintan | Banyu Biru Villa + Ferry — private villa option with family-friendly facilities.

Tip: book early for school holidays (popular dates sell out fast) and check whether the package includes ferry + hotel transfer.

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