Bintan is a popular island destination in Indonesia that offers a variety of attractions and activities for travellers of all kinds. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a cultural immersion, an adventure-filled escapade or a family-friendly vacation, Bintan has something for you.
One of the best things about Bintan is that it's very easy and convenient to travel to Bintan from Singapore. You can take a ferry to Bintan from Singapore and reach the island in less than an hour. This makes Bintan an ideal choice for a weekend trip or a short break from the city.
In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about taking a ferry to Bintan from Singapore. Let's get started!
Ferry Operators For Ferry To Bintan
The first thing you need to do is to book your ferry tickets online is to know the ferry operators available. There are mainly 3:
- Sindo Ferry: This ferry operator offers services from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Tanjung Pinang in Bintan. The estimated travel time is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Majestic Fast Ferry: This ferry operator offers services from HarbourFront Centre in Singapore to Bandar Bentan Telani in Bintan. The estimated travel time is around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Bintan Resort Ferries: This ferry operator offers services from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Bandar Bentan Telani in Bintan. The estimated travel time is around 1 hour.
The ticket prices vary depending on the season, day of the week and time of departure. Do check on the updated ticket cost before purchasing.
You can book your tickets online through the official websites of the operators or through here at Trip.com. You'll need to provide your passport details and select your preferred date and time of departure and return. You'll also need to pay an additional fee for terminal taxes and surcharges.
Once you've booked your tickets online, you'll receive a confirmation email with your booking reference number. You'll need to print out this email or show it on your mobile device when you check in at the ferry terminal.
😊Pro Tip: For a magic experience, consider having a Bintan tour! Take a scenic boat ride through Bintan’s mangrove forests, with a guide sharing fascinating facts about the ecosystem.From Singapore To Bintan
At Ferry Terminal
You should aim to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This will give you enough time to check in, clear immigration and board the ferry.
You'll need to present your passport, booking confirmation email and any other required documents at the check-in counter.
On Ferry To Bintan
Once you've checked in and cleared immigration, you'll be ready to board your ferry to Bintan. The ferries are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioned cabins, spacious seats and onboard facilities like toilets, snack bars and TVs.
During the ferry ride, you can enjoy the views of the sea and the islands, watch some TV shows or movies, listen to music, read a book or magazine, or chat with your fellow travellers. You can also buy some snacks and drinks from the snack bar if you're feeling hungry or thirsty.
The ferry ride will be smooth and pleasant most of the time, but it might get a bit bumpy or choppy if the weather is bad or the sea is rough. If you're prone to seasickness, you might want to take some medication before boarding the ferry or wear a motion sickness wristband.
❤️ Pro Tip: You'll also need to adjust your watch when you arrive in Bintan, as Bintan is one hour behind Singapore Time. Don't forget to check the weather in Bintan too as it might affect your plans and activities in Bintan.Arrival At Bintan
When you arrive in Bintan, you'll need to clear immigration and customs again. You'll need to present your passport and any other required documents at the immigration counter. You'll also need to pay a visa on arrival fee of SGD 15 per person if you're staying for up to seven days or SGD 25 per person if you're staying for up to 30 days.
After clearing immigration and customs, you'll need to get to your hotel or resort in Bintan. There are several ways to do this, depending on where you're staying and how much you're willing to spend.
Best Things To Do In Bintan
Once you've settled in your hotel or resort in Bintan, you'll be ready to explore and enjoy this amazing island. There are so many things to do in Bintan that you'll never get bored or run out of options. Here are some of the best things to do in Bintan that I recommend:
Relax and enjoy the resort
If you're staying at one of the resorts in the northern part of Bintan, you'll have access to some of the best facilities and services in the island. You can lounge by the pool, swim in the sea, sunbathe on the beach, pamper yourself with spa treatments, dine at fine restaurants and more. Some of the best resorts in Bintan are The Sanchaya, Banyan Tree Bintan, Angsana Bintan and Nirwana Resort Hotel.
Enjoy a morning at Gurun Pasir Bintan
This is one of the most unique and Instagram-worthy attractions in Bintan. It's a natural phenomenon that creates sand dunes of various shapes and sizes in the middle of a forest. You can climb up the dunes, slide down them, take photos and videos, or just admire the scenery. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the sun is not too hot and the light is perfect for photography.
Visit Vihara Avalokitesvara Graha (Guan Yin Temple)
This is one of the most impressive and sacred temples in Bintan. It's dedicated to Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy and compassion, and features a giant statue of her that stands at 16.8 meters tall. The temple also has a beautiful garden, a pond, a pagoda and a museum. You can learn about the history and culture of Buddhism in Bintan, pray for blessings and peace, or just admire the architecture and artistry of the temple.
Experience local life at Tanjung Pinang
This is the capital city and the largest town in Bintan. It's where you can experience the local life and culture of Bintan, as well as find some of the best shopping and dining options in the island. You can visit the Tanjung Pinang Market, where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and souvenirs.
You can also visit the Tanjung Pinang Waterfront, where you can see the traditional stilt houses, fishing boats and floating restaurants. You can also try some of the local delicacies like gonggong (sea snails), otak-otak (fish cake) and nasi padang (rice with various dishes).
Go on an island-hopping tour
Bintan is surrounded by many smaller islands that are worth visiting for their natural beauty and diversity. You can go on an island-hopping tour that will take you to some of the best islands in Bintan.
🎉Pro Tip: To stay connected throughout your visit, consider getting an Indonesia eSIM. Just activate and go!
