Sarah Chen here. Bintan is my go-to recommendation whenever someone asks me for a quick weekend escape that does not involve an airport. A ferry ride shorter than most people's Netflix episode, and you are on a genuinely different island with white-sand resorts, mangrove forests, and some of the best value beach time in the region. This guide covers everything I have learned booking and taking this ferry route repeatedly — schedules, terminal logistics, what to actually do once you land, and how to budget the trip properly.
Ferry Operators: Bintan Resort Ferries vs Mozaic and Others
There are a handful of ferry operators running the Singapore-Bintan route, and while they mostly cover the same crossing, service levels and schedules differ enough to matter.
| Operator | Route | Journey Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bintan Resort Ferries | Tanah Merah - Bandar Bentan Telani | ~55 minutes | Most frequent departures, geared toward resort guests |
| Mozaic / other regional operators | Tanah Merah / HarbourFront - various Bintan/Batam terminals | 45-75 minutes depending on terminal | Good for combining with Batam side trips |
Whichever operator you choose, the crossing itself is short and comfortable — modern catamaran-style ferries with air conditioning, assigned seating, and duty-free shopping on some sailings. The real planning decision is less about which company and more about which terminal works best for your itinerary.
Terminal Guide: Tanah Merah vs HarbourFront
Most Bintan-bound ferries depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in eastern Singapore, which is purpose-built for Riau Islands crossings and generally quieter and faster to clear than HarbourFront. If your specific sailing departs from HarbourFront, note that it also handles Batam-bound traffic, so it can be busier, especially on weekend mornings.
Immigration Process: What to Expect
Departing Singapore is straightforward — standard passport control at the terminal, similar to airport immigration but usually faster moving. On arrival in Bintan, you will go through Indonesian immigration, which for most nationalities (including Singapore passport holders) is visa-free for short stays. Keep your ferry ticket and any resort voucher handy, as some counters ask to see your onward accommodation details.
- Bring your passport with at least 6 months validity remaining.
- Fill in any arrival card if handed one on the ferry (this varies by sailing).
- Keep a printed or downloaded copy of your ferry ticket — phone signal at the terminal can be patchy.
- If you are travelling with children, make sure their passports and any required documentation are ready before you reach the counter to avoid holding up the queue.
What to Do in Bintan Once You Arrive
Treasure Bay Bintan
This is the headline attraction for most first-time visitors — a massive lagoon with white sand beaches, water sports, and a genuinely stunning turquoise-water setting that photographs beautifully. It is a purpose-built leisure destination, so expect resort-style pricing but resort-style quality too.
Mangrove Tours and Nature Excursions
Less touristy, more peaceful — Bintan's mangrove forests along the coast are worth a half-day if you want a break from beach lounging. Local boat operators run short guided tours where you can spot mudskippers, herons, and (if lucky) proboscis monkeys.
Getting Around: Bintan Transport Rental
Bintan is spread out, and taxis are not as freely available as in Singapore, so I always recommend arranging transport in advance rather than hoping to flag something down at your resort.
Watersports Packages
If beach lounging is not enough movement for you, watersports packages covering jet-ski, banana boat, and parasailing are widely available and reasonably priced compared to similar activities in Bali or Phuket.
Where to Eat: Bintan Seafood Highlights
Bintan's coastal restaurants specialise in fresh seafood — grilled fish, prawns, and crab prepared in Indonesian-Malay style with sambal and lime. Most resort restaurants do a solid job, but if you venture into the local town areas near Lagoi or Trikora, smaller warungs (local eateries) offer the same quality seafood at a fraction of resort prices. My advice: eat one proper resort dinner for the ambiance, then seek out a local warung for at least one other meal — the contrast in price and authenticity is worth experiencing.
Budget Breakdown: What a Bintan Weekend Actually Costs
| Expense | Approx. Cost (per person) |
|---|---|
| Return ferry ticket | From S\$69 |
| 1-night resort stay (mid-range) | S\$80-180 |
| Treasure Bay Bintan day pass | From IDR ~130,000 (approx S\$11) |
| Local transport rental (half-day) | From IDR ~55,840 (approx S\$4.70) |
| Meals (2 days) | S\$30-60 depending on resort vs local dining mix |
| Watersports add-on | From IDR ~86,250 (approx S\$7.30) per activity |
Weekday vs Weekend Pricing
Ferry fares and resort rates in Bintan both spike on Friday-Sunday sailings and around Singapore public holidays. If your schedule allows any flexibility, a Tuesday-Thursday trip can save you meaningfully on both the crossing and accommodation, and you will also enjoy quieter beaches and shorter queues at Treasure Bay.
Packing List for a Bintan Trip
- Passport with sufficient validity
- Reef-safe sunscreen (Bintan's waters are relatively clear and worth protecting)
- Light, quick-dry clothing — humidity is high year-round
- A dry bag for phone and valuables during watersports
- Cash in small IDR denominations for local warungs and transport tips
- Insect repellent if you plan to visit the mangrove areas
Return Trip Tips
Book your return ferry sailing at the same time as your outbound trip — last-minute return bookings on Sunday evenings can sell out during peak season as everyone heads back to Singapore at once. Arrive at the Bintan terminal at least an hour before your scheduled sailing, and keep your immigration arrival stamp/card if you were issued one, as it may be checked on departure.
Final Thoughts
Bintan remains one of the best short-notice weekend escapes available to Singapore residents. Under an hour by ferry, genuinely beautiful beaches at Treasure Bay, and a cost of living low enough that even a full weekend rarely breaks S\$300 per person including accommodation. Book your ferry and terminal in advance, arrange local transport ahead of time rather than relying on street taxis, and you will have a smooth, relaxing trip from the moment you step off the boat.