How to Travel from Singapore to Bintan (Ferry, Visa, Cost)

How to Travel from Singapore to Bintan (Ferry, Visa, Cost)

The fastest and easiest way to travel from Singapore to Bintan is by ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani (Bintan Resorts) with Bintan Resort Ferries — journey time around 1 hour 10 minutes. Singapore passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days; one-way economy ferry fares typically start at about S$56. Read on for schedules, step-by-step boarding, cost breakdowns, sample itineraries and travel tips.

How to Travel from Singapore to Bintan (Ferry, Visa, Cost) — Quick overview

• Ferry route: Tanah Merah (Singapore) ↔ Bandar Bentan Telani (Bintan Resorts).
• Main operator: Bintan Resort Ferries (BRF).
• Typical crossing time: ~1 hour 10 minutes (allow for immigration time).
• Visa: Singapore passport = visa-free for up to 30 days (tourism). Non-Singapore passport holders: check VOA/e-VOA rules.
• Typical one-way fare (economy): from about S$56 (prices vary by date/class).

Ferry options, schedules and what to expect

Ferries to Bintan depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (not HarbourFront). Bintan Resort Ferries runs multiple sailings daily — common departure times are early morning, late morning, early afternoon and late afternoon (for example 08:10, 11:10, 14:00 and 17:00). Journey time is about 1 hour 10 minutes but always build in extra time for immigration and transfers.

Ticket classes & baggage

• Economy class — typical one-way adult fare (from 2025 listings): about S$56. Round-trip and peak/blackout-date fares are higher.
• Emerald (premium) class — higher fare (example: ~S$83 one-way) with larger baggage allowance.
• Baggage allowance (example): Economy free checked baggage ~20 kg; Emerald ~30 kg. Hand-carry limits apply (e.g., 10 kg & standard cabin size).
• Check-in: arrive early — BRF recommends checking in about 90 minutes before departure; counters usually close 40 minutes before sailing.

Time zones

Bintan (Indonesia) is one hour behind Singapore (Singapore GMT+8, Bintan GMT+7). Double-check departure/arrival times when booking and planning transfers.

Visa & entry rules (simple for Singapore travellers)

• Singapore passport holders: visa-free for tourism up to 30 days (not extendable). You must have at least 6 months’ passport validity and a return or onward ticket.
• Non-Singapore passport holders: many nationalities can use Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-VOA (fee around IDR 500,000 / ~S$40–50) with an option to extend once. Always check your specific passport rules before booking.
• At immigration you’ll need: passport, return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation if asked. Some entry points require an e-declaration — check the latest Indonesian entry form requirements for sea arrivals.

Full cost breakdown — what to budget for a short Bintan weekend

Estimated budget (per adult, approximate):

• Ferry return (economy): S$56 one-way → ~S$112 return.
• Port levies & terminal fees: often included in ferry ticket but confirm at booking (BRF fares usually include applicable levies).
• Land transfer / resort shuttle: many Bintan resorts offer free or paid pick-up from Bandar Bentan Telani — if not included expect S$10–S$30 per way depending on distance.
• Accommodation: budget guesthouse from ~S$40/night; mid-range resorts S$120–S$300/night; luxury villas and Banyan Tree-style properties more.
• Food & activities: S$30–S$100/day depending on preferences (meals, watersports, tours).

Sample weekend total (2D/1N, mid-range):

• Ferry return: S$112
• Hotel: S$180 (1 night mid-range resort)
• Transfers + meals + activities: S$120
• Estimated total per person: ~S$412

Booking tips & step-by-step travel day guide

Before you go (what to book & check)

1. Choose ferry time that fits your check-in/out and flights. If you have a flight out of Singapore the same day you return, arrive into Singapore at least 5 hours before your international flight if returning from Bintan.
2. Book ferry tickets in advance for popular weekends/holidays — BRF has limited sailings and peak surcharges apply on blackout dates.
3. Check whether your hotel/resort includes meet-and-greet shuttle from Bandar Bentan Telani. If booking a package, transfers are often bundled.
4. Ensure your passport has 6+ months validity and print or have electronic copies of ferry booking and hotel reservations.

Day of travel — Singapore departure (step-by-step)

1. Arrive at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal at least 90 minutes before departure (check-in opens earlier for busy periods).
2. Check in at the ferry counter with passports and booking number; drop checked baggage if any.
3. Pass through Singapore immigration, board the ferry.
4. On arrival at Bandar Bentan Telani: disembark, clear Indonesian immigration and customs, collect luggage.
5. Find resort shuttle or pre-booked land transfer to your resort (many resorts in Lagoi/Bintan Resorts area have short transfers).

Sample itineraries: 2-day & 3-day ideas

2-day / 1-night weekend (relax & beach)

• Day 1: Morning ferry (08:10) → arrive late morning → check in + lunch → beach & pool → spa or sunset at the shore → dinner at resort.
• Day 2: Morning snorkeling or mangrove/firefly tour → lunch → late afternoon ferry return (around 17:00).
• Great for: couples, quick family breaks.

3-day / 2-night (adventure + culture)

• Day 1: Afternoon ferry → check in → explore Lagoi or resort activities.
• Day 2: Full-day tour (Tanjung Pinang city wander, sea gypsies, eco farm or trekking Gunung Bintan).
• Day 3: Relaxed morning, beach time, return ferry afternoon.
• Consider booking a guided tour: there are small-group tours like mangrove/firefly or Tanjung Pinang wanderer that include transfers and lunch.

Package & resort picks (bookable options)

If you prefer packages that include ferry + hotel + transfers, WeekendGoWhere lists several Bintan packages that simplify planning. Examples:

• Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry
• Bintan | Mayang Sari Beach Resort + Ferry
• Bintan | Banyu Biru Villa + Ferry
• Bintan | Banyan Tree Villas + Ferry

Useful comparisons: ferry vs flights vs cruises

• Ferry: fastest door-to-door option from Singapore to Bintan (1–1.5 hours). Best for quick weekends.
• Flights: there are no practical scheduled commercial flights for the short Singapore–Bintan hop — ferry is preferred.
• Cruises: some cruise-and-stay or day-cruise options exist but are usually longer and more costly for a short Bintan trip.

Practical travel tips & safety

• Always check ferry sailing times the day before travel — schedules and extra sailings can change at peak times.
• Book ferries and transfers together where possible to avoid waiting at the pier.
• Bring small change or card — many immigration/VOA counters accept cards but cash (SGD/IDR) can help for small purchases.
• Travel insurance is recommended — it can cover medical costs, accidents and trip disruptions.
• Respect local rules: Indonesia enforces local laws; avoid drone use near resorts without permission and check any local restrictions for beaches/parks.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: How long is the ferry from Singapore to Bintan?

A: Typically about 1 hour 10 minutes between Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (Singapore) and Bandar Bentan Telani (Bintan Resorts). Add time for immigration on both sides.

Q: Do Singaporeans need a visa to enter Bintan?

A: No — Singapore passport holders are visa-exempt for tourism stays up to 30 days. Non-Singapore passport holders should check VOA/e-VOA eligibility and fees.

Q: Which terminal in Singapore do ferries to Bintan leave from?

A: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (East Singapore). Note: Batam ferries more commonly leave from HarbourFront / Tanah Merah depending on operator — always check your ticket information.

Q: What time should I check in for the ferry?

A: Arrive at the terminal around 90 minutes before departure. BRF check-in counters typically close about 40 minutes before the ferry sails.

Q: Are ferry fares refundable if I change plans?

A: Refund and change policies depend on the ferry operator and fare type. Peak-date fares and blackout dates usually have stricter rules—check terms when you book.

Related guides & further reading

• Why Bintan Is the Perfect Weekend Escape from Singapore
• How to Book a Bintan Weekend Package from Singapore
• What to Pack for Your Bintan Island Adventure

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