Travel to Bintan from Singapore [Official Guide & Cheap Tickets]

About Bintan Island

🌸These days, Bintan Island is overlooked by many travellers in favour of more famous islands of Indonesia, like Bali. That means it's perfect for a quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city! The ferry from Singapore to Bintan is only an hour and 40 mins, but it's like visiting a different world. Visitors had better enjoy this well-kept secret before it isn't a secret any longe

🌸Whilst there's an endless list of great things to do in Singapore, it can be stressful getting around the most popular spots when the queues are so long and there're crowds everywhere. That's why we all need a proper rest and relaxation break every once in a while. A weekend or even a week's trip to Bintan is the perfect solution.

🌸On Bintan Island, you'll find beautiful unspoilt nature, like the mangrove trees.🌲🌲🌲 You'll find astonishing beaches – and what will most amaze you is the lack of crowds on them! Add to that the picture-perfect sunsets and jaw-dropping starry skies at night, and you might wish you could stay forever...

Getting From Singapore to Bintan

Travelling to Bintan from Singapore is quite easy, as there are several ferry services that offer daily trips to the island. Most of these ferries depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and HarbourFront Ferry Terminal. All of these ferry services offer comfortable and convenient trips to Bintan.

If you don’t want to take the ferry, you can also opt for a flight from Singapore’s Changi Airport to Bintan’s Tanjung Pinang Airport. The flight time is only about 40 minutes, so it’s a great option if you are worried about getting sea-sick from the ferry rides.

Ferry Costs & Boarding Times to Bintan from Singapore

Taking the ferry to Bintan is the most popular option.

At present, two routes are being served by three operators for ferries traveling from Singapore to Bintan Island. The frequency of sailings can fluctuate at different times of the year and is generally highest during peak seasons. The ferry boarding times to Bintan from Singapore vary depending on which ferry service you choose. Most of the ferry services depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, and the boarding times range from 9am to 5:00pm. The ferries from HarbourFront Ferry Terminal and the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal depart at different times, so you’ll need to check the timetables to find out the exact times.

⏰Schedule for Bintan Resort Ferries

From 1^st Jul onwards, between Monday and Thursday, there will be 1 ferry running daily from Singapore to Bintan, at 11:00 (GMT+8). On these days, the ferry from Bintan back to Singapore will set off at 14:05.

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, a total of 3 ferries run from Singapore to Bintan – at 09:10, 11:10, and 14:00 – giving you a little more flexibility. The return ferries from the island run at 11:05, 14:05, and 16:05.

Singapore to Bintan Emerald Class Travel Costs💰

When you travel from Singapore to Bintan, you can experience the luxury of Emerald class travel. This is a premium class travel option that offers an unforgettable experience for its passengers. You will be able to enjoy the comfort of a more private cabin with plush seating. The cabin is equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, so you won’t miss out on any of the latest news and entertainment. The journey is also complemented by a complimentary beverage service and snacks. You can also relax and unwind in the on-board lounge, where you can enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Singapore and Bintan. On top of that, Emerald class passengers are provided with priority disembarkation, allowing them to get off the ferry quickly and start exploring Bintan. With Emerald class travel, you can enjoy a hassle-free journey between Singapore and Bintan in comfort and luxury.

What all this means for ferry prices to Bintan from Singapore is as follows. The cheapest return ticket available is an Economy Class Off-Peak departure and return, which will cost you SGD94 with Trip.com. If any of the dates for departure and/or return include a Peak date, then the ticket price rises to SGD104.

Obviously, with Emerald Class, you're looking at a slightly more expensive ticket. If you travel Off-Peak in Emerald Class, you'll pay SGD137. If any of the dates you're travelling on is a Peak date, then the ticket will be SGD147.

Quaint views on Bintan. Source: Kharl Anthony Paraica / unsplash

Singapore to Bintan Entry Requirements✨

To travel to Bintan from Singapore, travelers will need to fulfill certain entry requirements:

Passport: Travelers must have a valid passport with at least six months' validity remaining.

Visa: Singaporean citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Other nationalities may require a visa, so it is essential to check with the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in Singapore.

Other Documents: Travelers may be required to provide additional documents, such as a return ticket or proof of sufficient funds.

It is essential to note that these entry requirements may change at any time due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other reasons. It is recommended to check with the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in Singapore for the latest information before traveling.

Accommodations in Bintan

Once you’ve arrived in Bintan, you’ll need to find a place to stay. There are a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront villa or a traditional Indonesian homestay, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your needs.

Most of the resorts in Bintan offer a variety of amenities, such as swimming pools, spa facilities, and restaurants. Some of the more luxurious resorts even offer golf courses and water sports activities.

The Best Things to Do in Bintan🔥

Now, time for the fun part – what exactly are you going to fill your days with on Bintan Island?

One unmissable thing to do on your trip from Singapore to Bintan is to take a 💙Mangrove Discovery Tour💙. Southwest of the Bintan Resorts area, the Sebung River snakes through dense forests of mangrove – it's a truly otherworldly experience that has to be seen to be believed.

On a 60-min adventure down the river on Bintan, you'll travel through these 💙tropical forests💙 and see all manner of wildlife and plants. It's not just a feast for the senses, either. With a local guide on board with you, you'll learn all about how the mangrove forests help to protect the local ecosystem – all while you get right up close to the natural habitat itself.

Or you can go for a hertitage tour! Visit notable and popular destinations around the southern part of Bintan Island, including Tanjung Pinang, Penyengat Island, Senggarang, and Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (500 Lohan Temple)

Mount Bintan rises in the distance. Source: Silvia / unsplash

🌸This is a popular spot with visitors coming from Singapore to Bintan – firstly, for the great selection on the menu. Try the gong-gong (sea snails), the black pepper crab, the butter-fried prawns, calamari, sea bass and garoupa...Every choice is mouth-watering! And of course, there're veggie and kiddies' options available too.

🌸More than that, however, is the picturesque location and ambience of this unique restaurant. It's built on stilts above the water, and you can enjoy panoramic views of the South China Sea in a pavilion that stretches out into the water. Kelong Seafood Restaurant is a great place for couples and families alike.

Kelong Seafood Restaurant on Bintan Island

💜There's plenty to do on this gorgeous little island besides posing for pictures and lounging on the sand. Travellers of all ages will find an activity to their liking, withsnorkelling, scuba diving, beach football, volleyball and Frisbee 💦 all on offer.

A Trip to Bintan from Singapore Is Unforgettable!

💚⛱If it's pure rest and relaxation that you want, then you'll find all the sun, sea, and flawless sandy beaches that you need with a trip from Singapore to Bintan. On top of that, the great fresh seafood, beautiful sunsets, and cool breeze (and cold drinks) will keep a smile on your face every moment that you're here.

💚If you're the active type, then there're all sorts of hiking, beach, and underwater activities to keep you busy. Take a trip up the mountain to find the best view on the island. Play volleyball or soccer on White Sands Beach. Look beneath the surface of these tropical blue waters to see the ocean life underneath. There is truly a cornucopia of options here for the adventurous traveller!

Sunset on Bintan Island. Source: Wengang Zhai / unsplash

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