Bintan Island lies just 52 km from Singapore across the South China Sea — yet it feels worlds apart. White sand beaches, luxury resorts, mangrove boat tours, and a relaxed tropical pace make it one of Singapore’s most-visited getaway destinations. Ferries operate approximately 52 times per week, and many travellers plan their trips around the Ferry from Singapore to Bintan, with the fastest crossings taking just around 1 hour 10 minutes, making a Saturday morning departure and Sunday evening return entirely feasible.
For a smooth journey, most passengers rely on Bintan Resort Ferries, which operates regular services between Singapore and the island.
Why Visit Bintan?
Bintan offers a range of experiences rarely available within Singapore itself:
- Pristine beaches — Trikora Beach, Lagoi Bay, and the Bintan Resorts coastal strip are among Indonesia’s most scenic shorelines
- Luxury resorts — properties including Anantara Bintan, Club Med Bintan, and Banyan Tree operate in the northern resort zone.
- Water activities — kiteboarding, snorkelling, kayaking, and jet-ski hire are widely available.
- Mangrove boat tours — guided tours through Bintan’s river ecosystems, spotting hornbills, monkeys, and fireflies
- Cultural village visits — authentic Malay kampung and traditional seafood villages in the south
- Family-friendly attractions — the resort zone hosts kids’ clubs, go-karts, elephant interactions, and turtle conservation programs.
Ferry from Singapore to Bintan: All You Need to Know
The Only Departure Point from Singapore
All passenger ferries to Bintan depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) — not HarbourFront — for anyone taking the Ferry from Singapore to Bintan. This is an important detail many first-time travellers overlook.
Getting to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal:
- MRT: Tanah Merah MRT (East-West Line), then Bus 35 to the terminal — approximately 20 minutes total
- Airport shuttle: From Changi Airport, a free shuttle operates daily from 9:00 AM to 7:45 PM, dropping passengers directly at TMFT (note a mid-day break from 2:30–4:45 PM)
- Grab: Direct to terminal from anywhere in Singapore
Bintan Resort Ferries: Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Operator | Bintan Resort Ferries (BRF) |
| Route | Tanah Merah (SG) → Bandar Bentan Telani (Bintan Resorts) |
| Journey time | ~1 hour 10 minutes |
| Weekly sailings | Varies by day (approx. 4–6 sailings per day depending on schedule) |
| Frequency | Typically 4–5 scheduled sailings per day (higher on some days like Fri–Sun) |
| Check-in deadline | 40 minutes before departure (arrive 90 minutes early) |
Ticket Prices (2025–2026)
| Ticket Class | One-Way | Round-Trip |
| Economy Class | From SGD 56 | Varies depending on the sailing schedule and travel dates |
| Emerald Class (Premium) | From SGD 83 one-way | Varies depending on the sailing schedule and travel dates |
| Children (11 and under) | Child fare rate applies | Child fare rate applies |
| Singapore Departure Fee | SGD 19 (SG to Bintan) | Built into stated fares |
| Bintan Arrival Fee | SGD 25 (Bintan to SG) | Built into stated fares |
Emerald Class benefits: Larger luggage allowance (30 kg vs 20 kg), exclusive cabin seating, priority boarding, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to the Bintan Executive Lounge on arrival.
Onboard the Ferry: What to Expect
Bintan Resort Ferries operates modern high-speed catamarans with:
- Air-conditioned cabins with assigned seating
- Open deck available for Emerald Class passengers (sea breeze experience)
- Snack and beverage service on board
- Clean restrooms
- Safety equipment and life jacket briefing before departure
The 52 km sea crossing is generally calm, though passengers prone to motion sickness should consider sitting in the middle of the vessel and avoiding the open deck on rougher days.
Immigration and Documents: What You Need
| Requirement | Detail |
| Passport | Valid with a minimum of 6 months’ validity (at least 186 days from travel date) |
| Singapore passport | Visa-free entry to Indonesia for up to 30 days |
| Non-Singapore passports | Check Indonesian VOA or e-VOA eligibility before travel |
| Indonesian VOA | Available at the Bintan ferry terminal if applicable |
Top Things to Do in Bintan
At Bintan Resorts (North Bintan)
- Lagoi Beach — calm, clear water ideal for swimming and paddleboarding
- Treasure Bay — a 6.3-hectare man-made Crystal Lagoon, the world’s largest lagoon in Southeast Asia
- Banyan Tree Spa — among Asia’s most acclaimed spa retreats
- Golf at Ria Bintan Golf Club — 27-hole course designed by Gary Player, with sea views throughout
Beyond the Resort Zone (South Bintan)
- Trikora Beach — 40 km south of Bandar Bentan Telani; wild, undeveloped, and spectacular at sunset
- Tanjung Pinang city — Bintan’s capital; rich in Malay–Chinese heritage, seafood markets, and waterfront temples
- Senggarang — a traditional Chinese fishing village built on stilts above the sea; temples from the 17th century
Travel Tips for a Smooth Singapore–Bintan Ferry Trip
Booking:
- Book at least 1–2 weeks in advance for weekend sailings — Bintan Resort Ferries’ 60 weekly trips fill quickly during school holidays
At the Terminal:
- Arrive at TMFT at least 90 minutes before departure — the check-in counter closes 40 minutes before sailing
- Stow large items in the hold and carry only essentials on board
- Excess baggage: charged at SGD 1 per kg above your class allowance (max 40 kg total per person)
In Bintan:
- Bintan operates on WIB (Western Indonesia Time), which is 1 hour behind Singapore. Book resort activities accounting for this time difference
- ATMs in the resort zone dispense IDR; carry some cash for tipping and local transport.
- Grab Indonesia works in Tanjung Pinang and some resort areas
The Island Escape That Earns Its Place Every Time
For Singaporeans seeking a true resort holiday without a long-haul flight, Bintan delivers consistently. With 60 weekly ferry sailings, a crossing time of just 1 hour 10 minutes, and some of Southeast Asia’s finest beach resorts waiting on arrival, this is one island trip that is easy to love and even easier to repeat.
