Where Will You Go This Chinese New Year?

Where Will You Go This Chinese New Year?

Where Will You Go This Chinese New Year? if you want fast, low‑hassle trips from Singapore, head to nearby islands like Batam or Bintan by ferry — or pick a short cruise or a quick flight to KL, Phuket or Bali. Chinese New Year public holidays for Singapore in 2026 fell on 17–18 February 2026, so book early for any future CNY peak week.

Where Will You Go This Chinese New Year? Quick picks for every mood

• Relax & recharge: Bintan beach resorts and villas.
• Food, spa & nightlife: Batam city, Nagoya and Harbour Bay.
• Family-friendly fun: Desaru or a Genting cruise from Singapore.
• Luxury escape: Banyan Tree / Club Med Bintan or private‑pool villas in Batam.
• Short cultural trip: 3–5 day China tours or mainland Malaysia city breaks.

Top practical choices (best for Singapore travellers)

1) Batam — fastest ferry, many hotel options

Why go: 40–90 minutes by ferry from HarbourFront or Tanah Merah, affordable spas, seafood, and family resorts.

• Quick package picks: 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.
• Estimated costs (typical 2D1N weekend): ferry return S$76–S$90 + hotel S$60–S$250 per person = ~S$140–S$340, depending on hotel class and ferry operator.
• Fast booking tip: ferries have different operators and fares — expect economy fares to start from ~S$28–S$43 one‑way and premium operators higher. Book ferry + hotel early for CNY week.
• Read more: Batam 3D2N Itinerary and Batam Ferry Schedule & Prices.

2) Bintan — calm beaches, resort all‑inclusives

Why go: great for slow beach days, family resorts, glamping and golf. Ferry usually via Tanah Merah to Bandar Bentan Telani (Lagoi) or Tanjung Pinang.

• Package picks: Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry, Bintan | Club Med Bintan Island + Ferry.
• Estimated costs: one‑way ferry usually S$56+ (economy) with round‑trips S$88–S$150 depending on class and peak dates. Add resort rates from S$120 per night for mid‑range options.
• Peak warning: Bintan Resort Ferries apply special peak/blackout fares during busy holiday weeks (CNY week often a peak period). Book at least 2–4 weeks ahead for CNY travel.
• Read more: Why Bintan Is the Perfect Weekend Escape and Bintan Packages for Families.

3) Cruise — stress‑free celebrations on the water

Why go: avoid airport queues and enjoy onboard CNY events, buffets and entertainment. Cruises depart Singapore for short 2–4 night itineraries.

• Suggested guide: Genting Dream Chinese New Year Cruise.
• Estimated costs: flexible — from budget sea‑stay fares (under S$100) to full cruise packages S$200–S$800+ per person depending on cabin and length.

4) Short flights — KL, Phuket, Bali

Why go: if you want different food scenes, shopping or tropical islands beyond Indonesia. Flights are short (1.5–3 hours).

• Tip: flight prices spike around CNY. Book at least 4–8 weeks early to secure seats at a reasonable price.

How to pick: quick comparison

• Nearest & fastest: Batam (45–75 minutes ferry). Ideal for very short trips.
• Best resort vibe: Bintan (lagoon beaches, all‑inclusive resorts).
• Most relaxing: Cruise — unpack once and enjoy meals/activities onboard.
• Most cultural: Mainland China (longer flight) — book organized 3–5 day CNY tours.

Step‑by‑step: Book a worry‑free Batam or Bintan CNY trip

1. Choose dates: pick travel dates early and avoid returning on the last CNY public holiday if you can (CNY can mean busy immigration lines).
2. Check ferry operators & fares: compare BatamFast, Sindo, Majestic and Bintan Resort Ferries. Look for published return fares and peak blackout dates.
3. Reserve hotel + ferry as a combo: packages with ferry included often save hassle and can be cheaper than separate bookings.
4. Prepare documents: passport valid 6+ months, proof of onward/return ticket where required.
5. Arrive early at the terminal: on busy CNY days arrive 60–90 minutes before departure to clear check‑in and immigration smoothly.
6. Bring small cash (IDR) and cards: many resorts and restaurants accept cards, but local taxis and stalls may prefer cash.

Budget examples (per person, Singapore dollar, rounded)

• Batam quick weekend (2D1N budget): Ferry S$76 + hotel S$80 = ~S$156 (excl. food & activities).
• Bintan mid‑range (2D1N resort): Ferry S$88–S$150 + resort S$150+ = ~S$240–S$400.
• Short cruise (2–3 nights): from ~S$100 sea‑stay to S$400+ for cabin upgrades and peak packages.
• Tip: expect higher prices during CNY week. Plan a buffer of 20–40% for peak surcharges.

Must‑know visa & entry notes

• If you hold a Singapore passport, you typically do NOT need a visa for short tourist visits to Indonesia (30 days visa‑free). Always check the latest entry rules before travel.
• Passport validity: keep at least 6 months validity when you travel.
• Travel insurance: highly recommended, especially for family trips and island activities.

Ferry schedule & booking tips

• Routes: main Singapore departure points — HarbourFront (frequent Batam services) and Tanah Merah (Nongsapura / Bintan routes).
• Journey times: Batam 45–90 minutes depending on terminal; Bintan 60–130 minutes depending on route and stops.
• When to book: during CNY and other public holiday weeks, book ferry tickets and hotel packages 2–4 weeks (or earlier) in advance.
• Check fee inclusions: some ferry published fares include port & departure levies; others add them separately — read fare details before paying.

Sample itineraries

Batam 2D1N: Food, spa & shopping (ideal for couples)

• Day 1: Early ferry to Batam → hotel check‑in → seafood lunch → spa or pool time → dinner at Nagoya Hill.
• Day 2: Morning massage → quick island tour or shopping → return ferry in late afternoon.
• Package idea: combine with Montigo Resort + Ferry or a 1 Day City Tour + Ferry.

Bintan 3D2N: Beach, kids activities & lazy mornings

• Day 1: Ferry to Lagoi → resort check‑in → beach time & sunset.
• Day 2: Resort activities (kids club, water sports) or a mangrove/firefly evening tour.
• Day 3: Leisurely breakfast → local craft or market visit → ferry home.
• Package idea: check Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry or Club Med Bintan Island + Ferry.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: What are common ferry schedules during Chinese New Year?

A: Operators increase frequency on popular routes, but ferries also sell out fast during CNY week. Check operators’ timetables and book early.

Q: Do I need a visa if I travel to Batam or Bintan from Singapore?

A: Singapore passport holders can usually enter Indonesia visa‑free for short tourist stays (30 days). Confirm your nationality’s rules if you hold another passport.

Q: How early should I book a CNY getaway?

A: For CNY week, book 2–4+ weeks early. Resorts and ferries often put up peak fares and blackout dates during major festivals.

Q: What if ferries are full during CNY?

A: Options: try an earlier or later sailing on the same day, look for a package that includes charter transfers, consider a short cruise, or switch to a short flight to a nearby destination.

Q: Any tips when travelling with elderly family during CNY?

A: Choose direct ferry routes (HarbourFront–Batam Centre or Tanah Merah–Lagoi), pick hotels with easy access and minimal stairs, and allow extra time for immigration queues on festival days.

Further reading & useful internal guides

• Batam Ferry Schedule & Prices
• Batam 3D2N Itinerary
• Why Bintan Is the Perfect Weekend Escape
• Genting Dream Chinese New Year Cruise
• How to Travel from Singapore to Batam (FAQ)

If you want help picking dates, comparing packages or checking ferry availability, we can help. 👉 Check our latest Batam packages and WhatsApp us to book now.