In this short 5-min article, discover all you need to know about travelling to Bintan! Dive into our comprehensive guide where we’ve compiled the latest ferry schedule to Bintan and answer frequently answered questions (FAQs) to ensure a smooth sailing journey for you to this tropical paradise.
Bintan is the perfect place to visit and explore during your holiday. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, experience various activities and savour the delicious local cuisine!
Feel like Bintan is a great destination for your quick getaway from Singapore? Great! If you do not know how to get to Bintan or how to plan, no worries! We have prepared all the information you might need from A to Z, especially about how to travel to Bintan by ferry.
Can Singaporeans travel to Bintan now?
Yes! Even greater news, Singaporeans are VISA-FREE (Leisure visa) because of 30 day Visa On Arrival (VOA)! Pre-departure ART is also NOT required.
For non-Singaporeans, if you belong to one of these nationalities, you are also NOT required to buy VOA.
For other countries, please refer to our picture below.
If you are required to buy VOA, you can buy physically while queueing up for immigration or you can visit E-visa Indonesia website to pay for Visa in advance.
The visa costs 500,000 Rupiah (around S$44). When paying for VOA at Bintan, you have to pay in cash. Travelers who have to pay VOA fee can extend their visa once.
How to Get to Bintan from Singapore?
Taking the ferry is the easiest and cheapest way to get to Bintan from Singapore. Bintan is a mere 60-minute ferry ride away from Singapore. So, just sit back and enjoy your travel on the sea in an air-conditioned room!
What are the Ferry Routes & Ferry Timings?
Currently, there are three ferry operators between Bintan and Singapore.
Normally, we would recommend taking Bintan Resort Ferries when getting to Bintan but other ferry operators are also great for the services and transportation.
There are a few different routes between Bintan and Singapore.
Route 1: Tanah Merah (Singapore) – Bandar Bentan Telani (Bintan)
- Ferry Operator(s): Bintan Resort Ferries
Route 2: Tanah Merah (Singapore) – Tanjung Pinang (Bintan)
- Ferry Operator(s): Sindo Ferry and Majestic Fast Ferry
Which Bintan Ferry Terminal should I Choose?
Choosing which Bintan ferry terminal to travel depends on your itinerary and which hotel you choose to reside in during your Bintan holiday.
Tanjung Pinang Ferry Terminal is situated at the South West of Bintan while Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal is located at the North of Bintan.
Tanjung Pinang Ferry Terminal (TPFT) is near to hotels such as Hotel Citra, Hotel Panorama, Hotel Bintan Nirwana, and more. While there are a few resorts nearby, there are many tourist attractions to visit such as Penyengat Island, Banyan Tree Temple, and Trikora Beach.
Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) Ferry Terminal is near to resorts such as Treasure Bay Bintan, Natra Bintan, Anmon Bintan Resort, Nirwana Resort Hotel, and more! Unlike Tanjong Pinang, BBT does not have many attractions but offers natural environment places for you to enjoy water sports and take in the beauty of nature.
If you are looking to travel around for attractions and various activities, Tanjung Pinang Ferry Terminal would be suitable. Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal would be more suitable for travellers who are looking for a staycation and enjoying their time at resorts!
If you are not sure what to do in Bintan, check out our article about ‘Top Activities and Places to Visit in Bintan‘ first!
Which Ferry Operator Should I Choose?
There are different options for you to choose, but it would be easier for you to decide if you have decided which hotel you are staying and what time you are travelling to Bintan.
All ferry counters for Bintan in Singapore are located at Tanah Merah but the destinations they offer are different. If you have decided to arrive at Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, Bintan Resort Ferries would be suitable, while Sindo Ferry and Majestic Fast Ferry would be suitable for Tanjong Pinang Ferry Terminal.
Each ferry operator will provide you with excellent service and a smooth-sailing journey to Bintan. Each ferry can accommodate around 150 to 300 passengers.
Image credit: Bintan Resort Ferries
To help you better make a choice, here are some benefits of each ferry operator.
- The LARGEST ferry operator in Singapore
- Provides NTUC Plus card promotion ($5 discount), valid on any days, including public holidays
- Offers free shuttle service between Changi Airport and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal for Majestic Fast Ferry Passenger. Check their website for more details.
- Provides voucher ticket bundles
- BRF Deli provides various light snacks from spaghetti to cup noodles and beverages such as wine and beer to enjoy during your travel
How to book the ticket? How much does the ticket cost?
Bintan ferry ticket prices vary based on the ferry company, distance travelled & weekday, weekend or public holidays. There are NO discounts for children (same price as adults).
The table below only indicates the return ticket price. You can check the details on their respective websites.
* Bintan Resort Ferries tickets might raise prices up to $100/adult and $88/child during peak hours
* The ticket price for Majestic Ferry may differ depending on time, date, and hours of purchase
What are Bintan-Singapore Travel Requirements?
For fully-vaccinated Singaporeans, here are the MANDATORY travel requirements:
- 2 Ways Ferry Ticket
- 6 months passport validity
- Indonesia Arrival Card
Additional Information on Singapore-Bintan & Tips
- There is a 1 hour time difference between Singapore and Batam. Batam is 1h behind Singapore. (E.g. When it is 3pm in Singapore, the Indonesia time is 2pm)
- Please arrive at the departure ferry terminal 90 minutes before departure time for check-in and immigration. Don’t forget to bring your passports and ferry tickets. Collect your boarding pass after check-in.
- Passengers who are prone to sea-sickness are encouraged to bring motion relief medicine.
- Refunds are NOT allowed.
- Book early to secure the ferry date and timing you prefer.
For more information about Bintan, you can check our other blogposts:
