Ferries From Singapore to Batam & Bintan: Complete Island Guide

• Batam is the closer island — ferries take 45–60 minutes from HarbourFront or Tanah Merah, with 60+ daily sailings across four operators.
• Bintan ferries run only from Tanah Merah and take 70 minutes to Bandar Bentan Telani (resort side) or up to 2 hours to Tanjung Pinang (town side).
• Batam return tickets start around SGD 58–76 (~USD 43–57); Bintan return tickets start around SGD 78–92 (~USD 58–68), before terminal fees.
• Bintan runs on Indonesia Western Time (GMT+7) — one hour behind Singapore. Build a 5-hour buffer before any onward flight out of Changi.
• A fuel surcharge applies across major operators from 12 March 2026. Budget an extra SGD 5–10 per leg on top of the published fare.

Choosing between ferries from Singapore to Batam and Bintan comes down to three things: how much time you have, what you want from the trip, and which Singapore terminal is easier to reach. Batam wins on speed, frequency, and price — roughly 45–60 minutes from HarbourFront, ferries every 20–30 minutes, return fares from SGD 58. Bintan is a slower, pricier crossing from Tanah Merah (70 minutes to the resort side, up to 2 hours to Tanjung Pinang), but it drops you straight into beach-resort territory.

You've seen the itineraries on Instagram — a 45-minute ferry, an immigration queue, and suddenly you're eating chilli crab in Nagoya or drinking poolside in Lagoi. The reality is close to that, but the details matter. Pick the wrong terminal and you've added an hour of bus travel before you've even boarded. Pick the wrong operator and you're in a cramped vessel on a route that could have been smoother. Miss the time zone shift and you risk a missed flight home.

This guide covers every ferry route from Singapore to Batam and Bintan in 2026 — operators, durations, fares, terminal logistics, immigration rules, and a clear framework for choosing which island matches your trip. Prices reflect 2026 rates and include the fuel surcharge that took effect on 12 March 2026.

Are Ferries From Singapore to Batam and Bintan Worth It?

Yes, for most travellers — but with honest trade-offs. The ferry is the fastest, cheapest, and most frequent way to reach either island, and the crossing itself takes less time than a drive to Malacca. That said, both islands reward longer stays more than day trips, and neither is a substitute for a proper beach holiday in Bali or Phuket.

Worth it if

• You want a 2-night weekend reset from Singapore without flying — Batam for food, spa, and shopping; Bintan for beach resorts and golf.
• You're based in Singapore for a longer trip and want to add an Indonesian stamp without losing a full day to airports.
• You're travelling with elderly parents or young kids who'd rather skip check-in, baggage drop, and security queues.
• You want a short break under SGD 500 all-in (Batam) or a resort weekend under SGD 900 (Bintan, 2 nights).

Not ideal if

• You're planning a single-day visit with heavy sightseeing — immigration on both ends plus the crossing eats 4–5 hours of your day before you've done anything.
• You're hoping for clear-water snorkelling or diving. The Singapore Strait is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, and the water near both islands reflects that — the beaches are for lounging and pools, not reef dives.
• You have a connecting flight out of Changi the same evening you return. Delays on the ferry are common enough that you need a 5-hour buffer.
• You get motion sickness easily — the monsoon months (November to February) bring choppy crossings on smaller vessels.

Batam vs Bintan at a glance

Singapore Ferry Terminals: HarbourFront vs Tanah Merah

Singapore has two international ferry terminals serving Batam and Bintan, and they're not interchangeable. HarbourFront handles Batam routes only. Tanah Merah handles all Bintan ferries plus a few Batam routes (mainly to Nongsapura and Batam Centre). Choose the terminal that matches your destination — and your starting point in Singapore.

HarbourFront Centre (Batam only)

HarbourFront is the busier, more central terminal and the default for most Batam-bound travellers. It sits inside HarbourFront Centre, next to VivoCity, a short walk from Sentosa. This is where all four Batam operators run their highest-frequency routes — to Batam Centre, Harbour Bay, Sekupang, and Waterfront.

• Address: 1 Maritime Square, Singapore 099253
• MRT: HarbourFront station (North-East Line or Circle Line), 5-min walk
• Bus: Services 10, 30, 57, 61, 65, 80, 97, 100, 131, 143, 145, 166, 855
• From Changi Airport: ~40 minutes by taxi (SGD 30–40) or MRT with one transfer
• Near: VivoCity mall, Scentopia Sentosa, Sentosa monorail, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (10-min drive)

Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (Bintan, plus some Batam routes)

Tanah Merah is the only terminal for Bintan ferries and handles a smaller slice of Batam traffic (mainly Nongsapura resorts and Batam Centre). It's on Singapore's eastern coast, closer to Changi Airport than to the city centre.

• Address: 50 Tanah Merah Ferry Road, Singapore 498833
• MRT + Bus: Tanah Merah station (East-West Line), then bus 35 or taxi
• From Changi Airport: 15 minutes by taxi (SGD 15–20) or the Bintan Resorts airport shuttle (operates 9:00am–7:45pm with a mid-day break)
• Best for: Travellers arriving at Changi who want to go straight to Bintan or Nongsa without crossing the island

All Ferry Operators and Routes Compared

Four operators run ferries from Singapore to Batam, and three run ferries to Bintan. The table below compares every mainstream route, with duration, frequency, price range, and the traveller type each suits best. All prices shown are 2026 rates for return economy tickets, exclusive of terminal departure fees.

Operator	Route	Duration	Frequency	Return Fare (SGD / USD)	Best For
Batam Fast	HarbourFront → Batam Centre / Harbour Bay / Sekupang	50–60 min	Up to 21 daily	SGD 58–80 / ~USD 43–60	Flexible timings, multiple terminal options
Sindo Ferry	HarbourFront → Batam Centre / Sekupang / Waterfront	45–60 min	Up to 18 daily	SGD 58–76 / ~USD 43–57	Budget travellers, longest-running operator
Majestic Fast Ferry	HarbourFront / Tanah Merah → Batam Centre / Nongsapura	50–70 min	Up to 21 daily	SGD 60–90 / ~USD 45–67	Larger, steadier vessels — better in choppy weather
Horizon Fast Ferry	HarbourFront → Harbour Bay	50 min	Up to 13 daily	SGD 76–120 / ~USD 57–90	Newer fleet, Business and VIP classes available
Bintan Resort Ferries	Tanah Merah → Bandar Bentan Telani (Lagoi)	70 min	Up to 10 daily (60+ weekly)	SGD 78–102 / ~USD 58–76	Resort-side arrivals, Emerald Class upgrade
Sindo Ferry (Bintan)	Tanah Merah → Tanjung Pinang	1h 45m–2h	4 daily	SGD 80–95 / ~USD 60–71	Southern Bintan / Tanjung Pinang town
Majestic Fast Ferry (Bintan)	Tanah Merah → Bandar Bentan Telani	75 min	3–4 daily	SGD 78–98 / ~USD 58–73	Alternative to BRF with flexible timings

Prices vary by day, time slot, and booking window. Weekend evenings and holiday periods push fares toward the top of each range. The Bintan Resort Ferries 5pm promo drops the one-way fare to SGD 78 return on selected departures — worth booking if your schedule is flexible.

Batam ferry operators: which one to pick

Prices are nearly identical across Batam operators, so the choice comes down to vessel quality, departure time, and terminal preference on the Batam side. Sindo is the oldest operator and the default choice for budget travellers. Horizon runs the newest fleet and offers Business Class and a 4-person VIP cabin on its HarbourFront–Harbour Bay route. Majestic tends to use larger vessels, which handle choppy weather better.

Bintan ferry operators: resort side vs town side

Most leisure travellers want Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) in the north — that's the Lagoi resort area, home to Banyan Tree, Natra Bintan, Grand Lagoi, and the Bintan Resorts enclave. Bintan Resort Ferries is purpose-built for this route and includes a shuttle option from Changi Airport directly to Tanah Merah. Choose Sindo's Tanjung Pinang route only if you're staying in southern Bintan or want to see the island's main town and local markets.

Ferry Prices, Fees, and What Is Actually Included

The published ferry fare is not what you actually pay. Terminal fees, fuel surcharges, and class upgrades can add SGD 20–40 per person to a return trip. Knowing the true all-in cost helps you compare operators honestly and avoid surprises at the counter.

Price breakdown by operator (2026 rates)

Return economy fares for ferries from Singapore to Batam and Bintan, based on current operator websites and 2026 pricing:

• Batam (any HarbourFront route): SGD 58–80 return / ~USD 43–60
• Batam (Tanah Merah to Nongsapura/Batam Centre): SGD 70–90 return / ~USD 52–67
• Batam Business/VIP (Horizon Fast Ferry): SGD 100–160 return / ~USD 75–120
• Bintan (Tanah Merah to Bandar Bentan Telani, BRF): SGD 78–102 return / ~USD 58–76
• Bintan Emerald Class (BRF): SGD 130–170 return / ~USD 97–127
• Bintan (Tanah Merah to Tanjung Pinang, Sindo): SGD 80–95 return / ~USD 60–71

Terminal fees: the charges not shown on the fare

Both Singapore and Indonesia charge separate departure fees per person, per direction. Some ferry bookings bundle these; many do not — always check your ticket details.

• Singapore Passenger Departure Fee: SGD 10–20 (varies by operator and route)
• Batam Passenger Departure Fee: SGD 10 (≈ IDR 100,000 terminal fee + admin)
• Bintan Passenger Departure Fee: IDR 60,000–100,000 (≈ SGD 5–9)
• Fuel surcharge (from 12 March 2026): SGD 5–10 per leg, applied by Sindo, Horizon, and BRF

Add it up and a "SGD 76 return" Batam ticket is closer to SGD 100 once departure fees and the fuel surcharge are factored in. For Bintan, the real cost on BRF is closer to SGD 105–130 return economy.

Economy vs Business/Emerald — when to upgrade

Upgraded seating makes sense on longer crossings or busy weekends. On the 45-minute Batam hops, economy is fine for most travellers. On the 70-minute Bintan run with immigration queues on both ends, the upgrade can be a reasonable pick-me-up.

• Skip the upgrade if: you're on a Batam route under 60 minutes, travelling mid-week, or on a tight budget.
• Consider upgrading if: you're travelling to Bintan on a Friday evening, have luggage for a 3+ night stay, or want lounge access before boarding.
• BRF Emerald Class includes: priority check-in, lounge access with complimentary drinks, assigned reclining seats, and priority baggage.
• Horizon Business Class includes: upper-deck wider leather seats, legroom, a complimentary bottle of water, and individual tables.

Batam or Bintan: Which Island Should You Choose

The honest answer: Batam is the shorter, cheaper, more urban option, and Bintan is the longer, pricier, more resort-driven one. Your choice depends on how many nights you have and what you want to do once you're there. Here's how to match the island to the trip.

Pick Batam if

• You want a 1-night quick reset with seafood, massage, and a mall crawl — Nagoya and Harbour Bay deliver all three within a 20-minute drive of the ferry.
• Your budget for the whole trip is under SGD 500 per person including accommodation.
• You're solo or in a small group doing spa, shopping, and food — not beach lounging.
• You're travelling mid-week and want flexibility — more sailings per day means easier rebooking if plans change.
• You want to explore beyond the resort zone: Barelang Bridge, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple, and the Galang Island historical sites all sit within a day's drive. The Travjoy Batam page covers the key attractions and day-trip structures.

Pick Bintan if

• You want a 2 to 3-night resort weekend with a private beach, pool, and full-board dining — Lagoi has roughly a dozen resorts built for exactly this.
• You're playing golf. Ria Bintan Golf Club is regarded as one of Asia's better courses and draws Singapore regulars on weekends.
• You're a couple or family willing to spend SGD 400–700 per night for resort quality.
• You want to disconnect completely — mobile coverage is fine but the resort zone is self-contained, with no town traffic or shopping noise.
• You're travelling with young kids who'll enjoy resort kids' clubs, mangrove tours, and calm-water swimming at Lagoi Bay.

Traveller-type recommendations

• Couples (weekend): Bintan, BRF to Bandar Bentan Telani, 2 nights at a Lagoi resort. The crossing is longer but the payoff is beach access from your room.
• Families with kids: Bintan for anything beach-focused; Batam if the kids are older and you want shopping, water parks, and a pool hotel.
• Solo or small groups: Batam. Cheaper, faster, more self-directed. Nagoya has enough to fill 2 days without a car.
• Business travellers: Batam Centre from HarbourFront. 50-minute crossing, walk-in connection to Mega Mall, and hotels within 5 minutes.
• Luxury travellers: Bintan, BRF Emerald Class, 3+ nights at Banyan Tree or The Residence Bintan. Skip the day-trip crowd.
• First-time visitors to Indonesia: Batam. Lower stakes, easier return if weather turns, and a gentler introduction to Indonesian immigration procedures.

If you'd rather not wade through every ferry schedule and resort review yourself, the options on Travjoy are checked and approved by local experts — you can compare verified experiences and plan from one place instead of juggling five booking sites. Browse the top Singapore picks and shortlist what fits before you book your crossing.

Can you visit both on one trip?

Yes, but plan for 4 nights minimum. The cleanest route is Singapore → Batam (2 nights) → Bintan (2 nights) → Singapore, using the direct Batam-to-Bintan speedboat that runs between Telaga Punggur (Batam) and Lagoi (Bintan) for IDR 120,000 one-way. The crossing takes around 60 minutes. A shorter inter-island hop via Punggur–Tanjung Pinang ferry runs every 15 minutes during the day and costs IDR 110,000 return.

Immigration, Visas, and What to Prepare

Entering Indonesia by ferry is straightforward for most nationalities, but the rules shifted in 2024–25 with the introduction of the All Indonesia digital declaration. Get the paperwork sorted before you leave Singapore and the arrival process takes 15–20 minutes.

Visa rules for Batam and Bintan (2026)

• ASEAN passport holders (including Singapore): 30 days visa-free, non-extendable.
• 86 other nationalities (including UK, US, Australia, most EU): Visa on Arrival at IDR 500,000 (~SGD 42) for up to 30 days, extendable once.
• e-VOA (recommended): Apply in advance at the Indonesian immigration e-VOA portal to skip the payment queue on arrival.
• All other nationalities: Apply for an entry visa online before travel.

Documents you need at the terminal

• Passport with 6+ months validity from your date of travel (≥186 days).
• Return or onward ferry ticket (digital or printed).
• Confirmed accommodation address in Indonesia.
• All Indonesia digital declaration — complete online within 3 days before arrival. Some passengers have been asked to show this at Batam and Bintan immigration counters.
• Customs declaration form (still printed on BRF ferries to Bintan).

Booking Your Ferry: Step by Step

You can book any ferry from Singapore to Batam or Bintan online through the operator's own website, or walk up to the counter on the day. Online is faster, cheaper on peak dates, and gives you an M-ticket you can scan at the gate. Walk-up is flexible but risks sold-out sailings on weekends.

Online booking (recommended)

• Book directly via operator sites: Sindo Ferry, Batam Fast, Horizon Fast Ferry, Bintan Resort Ferries.
• Have your passport, full name as on passport, email, and phone number ready — required by Indonesian immigration pre-arrival rules.
• Confirm whether terminal fees are included before you pay; many operators show only the base fare.
• Book 3–4 weeks ahead for Friday evening / Sunday evening sailings, long weekends, and school holidays.

Counter booking

• Available at both HarbourFront and Tanah Merah during operator counter hours (typically 6:30am–8pm).
• Cash (SGD), Visa, and Mastercard accepted at most counters; BRF also accepts PayNow.
• Off-peak walk-up works fine on weekdays. Weekends and holidays routinely sell out by mid-morning.

Cancellations, rough seas, and missed ferries

• Ferry cancellations due to weather are rare but do happen during the November–February monsoon.
• Operators rebook you on the next available sailing at no cost; refunds take 7–14 business days.
• If you miss your ferry, you forfeit the ticket — only some operators allow a paid rebook on the same day, subject to availability.
• Travel insurance covering missed transfers is worth SGD 15–20 per trip for the ferry leg alone.

Ready to Plan Your Singapore Island Getaway

Batam is the short, frequent, budget-friendly option; Bintan is the slower, pricier, resort-driven one. Pick your island based on nights available and trip style — Batam for 1–2 nights of food, spa, and city energy; Bintan for 2+ nights of beach-resort calm. Book early for weekend sailings, factor in the fuel surcharge and terminal fees, and respect the Bintan time zone if you're flying home from Changi.

Start planning your Singapore trip and island add-on with the Travjoy Singapore city guide — every experience is vetted by local experts, so you can book with confidence and spend your time on the beach or at Nagoya's seafood stalls instead of comparing operator websites.

• Batam is the closer island — ferries take 45–60 minutes from HarbourFront or Tanah Merah, with 60+ daily sailings across four operators.
• Bintan ferries run only from Tanah Merah and take 70 minutes to Bandar Bentan Telani (resort side) or up to 2 hours to Tanjung Pinang (town side).
• Batam return tickets start around SGD 58–76 (~USD 43–57); Bintan return tickets start around SGD 78–92 (~USD 58–68), before terminal fees.
• Bintan runs on Indonesia Western Time (GMT+7) — one hour behind Singapore. Build a 5-hour buffer before any onward flight out of Changi.
• A fuel surcharge applies across major operators from 12 March 2026. Budget an extra SGD 5–10 per leg on top of the published fare.

Choosing between ferries from Singapore to Batam and Bintan comes down to three things: how much time you have, what you want from the trip, and which Singapore terminal is easier to reach. Batam wins on speed, frequency, and price — roughly 45–60 minutes from HarbourFront, ferries every 20–30 minutes, return fares from SGD 58. Bintan is a slower, pricier crossing from Tanah Merah (70 minutes to the resort side, up to 2 hours to Tanjung Pinang), but it drops you straight into beach-resort territory.

You've seen the itineraries on Instagram — a 45-minute ferry, an immigration queue, and suddenly you're eating chilli crab in Nagoya or drinking poolside in Lagoi. The reality is close to that, but the details matter. Pick the wrong terminal and you've added an hour of bus travel before you've even boarded. Pick the wrong operator and you're in a cramped vessel on a route that could have been smoother. Miss the time zone shift and you risk a missed flight home.

This guide covers every ferry route from Singapore to Batam and Bintan in 2026 — operators, durations, fares, terminal logistics, immigration rules, and a clear framework for choosing which island matches your trip. Prices reflect 2026 rates and include the fuel surcharge that took effect on 12 March 2026.

Are Ferries From Singapore to Batam and Bintan Worth It?

Yes, for most travellers — but with honest trade-offs. The ferry is the fastest, cheapest, and most frequent way to reach either island, and the crossing itself takes less time than a drive to Malacca. That said, both islands reward longer stays more than day trips, and neither is a substitute for a proper beach holiday in Bali or Phuket.

Worth it if

• You want a 2-night weekend reset from Singapore without flying — Batam for food, spa, and shopping; Bintan for beach resorts and golf.
• You're based in Singapore for a longer trip and want to add an Indonesian stamp without losing a full day to airports.
• You're travelling with elderly parents or young kids who'd rather skip check-in, baggage drop, and security queues.
• You want a short break under SGD 500 all-in (Batam) or a resort weekend under SGD 900 (Bintan, 2 nights).

Not ideal if

• You're planning a single-day visit with heavy sightseeing — immigration on both ends plus the crossing eats 4–5 hours of your day before you've done anything.
• You're hoping for clear-water snorkelling or diving. The Singapore Strait is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, and the water near both islands reflects that — the beaches are for lounging and pools, not reef dives.
• You have a connecting flight out of Changi the same evening you return. Delays on the ferry are common enough that you need a 5-hour buffer.
• You get motion sickness easily — the monsoon months (November to February) bring choppy crossings on smaller vessels.

Batam vs Bintan at a glance

Singapore Ferry Terminals: HarbourFront vs Tanah Merah

Singapore has two international ferry terminals serving Batam and Bintan, and they're not interchangeable. HarbourFront handles Batam routes only. Tanah Merah handles all Bintan ferries plus a few Batam routes (mainly to Nongsapura and Batam Centre). Choose the terminal that matches your destination — and your starting point in Singapore.

HarbourFront Centre (Batam only)

HarbourFront is the busier, more central terminal and the default for most Batam-bound travellers. It sits inside HarbourFront Centre, next to VivoCity, a short walk from Sentosa. This is where all four Batam operators run their highest-frequency routes — to Batam Centre, Harbour Bay, Sekupang, and Waterfront.

• Address: 1 Maritime Square, Singapore 099253
• MRT: HarbourFront station (North-East Line or Circle Line), 5-min walk
• Bus: Services 10, 30, 57, 61, 65, 80, 97, 100, 131, 143, 145, 166, 855
• From Changi Airport: ~40 minutes by taxi (SGD 30–40) or MRT with one transfer
• Near: VivoCity mall, Scentopia Sentosa, Sentosa monorail, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (10-min drive)

Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (Bintan, plus some Batam routes)

Tanah Merah is the only terminal for Bintan ferries and handles a smaller slice of Batam traffic (mainly Nongsapura resorts and Batam Centre). It's on Singapore's eastern coast, closer to Changi Airport than to the city centre.

• Address: 50 Tanah Merah Ferry Road, Singapore 498833
• MRT + Bus: Tanah Merah station (East-West Line), then bus 35 or taxi
• From Changi Airport: 15 minutes by taxi (SGD 15–20) or the Bintan Resorts airport shuttle (operates 9:00am–7:45pm with a mid-day break)
• Best for: Travellers arriving at Changi who want to go straight to Bintan or Nongsa without crossing the island

All Ferry Operators and Routes Compared

Four operators run ferries from Singapore to Batam, and three run ferries to Bintan. The table below compares every mainstream route, with duration, frequency, price range, and the traveller type each suits best. All prices shown are 2026 rates for return economy tickets, exclusive of terminal departure fees.

Operator	Route	Duration	Frequency	Return Fare (SGD / USD)	Best For
Batam Fast	HarbourFront → Batam Centre / Harbour Bay / Sekupang	50–60 min	Up to 21 daily	SGD 58–80 / ~USD 43–60	Flexible timings, multiple terminal options
Sindo Ferry	HarbourFront → Batam Centre / Sekupang / Waterfront	45–60 min	Up to 18 daily	SGD 58–76 / ~USD 43–57	Budget travellers, longest-running operator
Majestic Fast Ferry	HarbourFront / Tanah Merah → Batam Centre / Nongsapura	50–70 min	Up to 21 daily	SGD 60–90 / ~USD 45–67	Larger, steadier vessels — better in choppy weather
Horizon Fast Ferry	HarbourFront → Harbour Bay	50 min	Up to 13 daily	SGD 76–120 / ~USD 57–90	Newer fleet, Business and VIP classes available
Bintan Resort Ferries	Tanah Merah → Bandar Bentan Telani (Lagoi)	70 min	Up to 10 daily (60+ weekly)	SGD 78–102 / ~USD 58–76	Resort-side arrivals, Emerald Class upgrade
Sindo Ferry (Bintan)	Tanah Merah → Tanjung Pinang	1h 45m–2h	4 daily	SGD 80–95 / ~USD 60–71	Southern Bintan / Tanjung Pinang town
Majestic Fast Ferry (Bintan)	Tanah Merah → Bandar Bentan Telani	75 min	3–4 daily	SGD 78–98 / ~USD 58–73	Alternative to BRF with flexible timings

Prices vary by day, time slot, and booking window. Weekend evenings and holiday periods push fares toward the top of each range. The Bintan Resort Ferries 5pm promo drops the one-way fare to SGD 78 return on selected departures — worth booking if your schedule is flexible.

Batam ferry operators: which one to pick

Prices are nearly identical across Batam operators, so the choice comes down to vessel quality, departure time, and terminal preference on the Batam side. Sindo is the oldest operator and the default choice for budget travellers. Horizon runs the newest fleet and offers Business Class and a 4-person VIP cabin on its HarbourFront–Harbour Bay route. Majestic tends to use larger vessels, which handle choppy weather better.

Bintan ferry operators: resort side vs town side

Most leisure travellers want Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) in the north — that's the Lagoi resort area, home to Banyan Tree, Natra Bintan, Grand Lagoi, and the Bintan Resorts enclave. Bintan Resort Ferries is purpose-built for this route and includes a shuttle option from Changi Airport directly to Tanah Merah. Choose Sindo's Tanjung Pinang route only if you're staying in southern Bintan or want to see the island's main town and local markets.

Ferry Prices, Fees, and What Is Actually Included

The published ferry fare is not what you actually pay. Terminal fees, fuel surcharges, and class upgrades can add SGD 20–40 per person to a return trip. Knowing the true all-in cost helps you compare operators honestly and avoid surprises at the counter.

Price breakdown by operator (2026 rates)

Return economy fares for ferries from Singapore to Batam and Bintan, based on current operator websites and 2026 pricing:

• Batam (any HarbourFront route): SGD 58–80 return / ~USD 43–60
• Batam (Tanah Merah to Nongsapura/Batam Centre): SGD 70–90 return / ~USD 52–67
• Batam Business/VIP (Horizon Fast Ferry): SGD 100–160 return / ~USD 75–120
• Bintan (Tanah Merah to Bandar Bentan Telani, BRF): SGD 78–102 return / ~USD 58–76
• Bintan Emerald Class (BRF): SGD 130–170 return / ~USD 97–127
• Bintan (Tanah Merah to Tanjung Pinang, Sindo): SGD 80–95 return / ~USD 60–71

Terminal fees: the charges not shown on the fare

Both Singapore and Indonesia charge separate departure fees per person, per direction. Some ferry bookings bundle these; many do not — always check your ticket details.

• Singapore Passenger Departure Fee: SGD 10–20 (varies by operator and route)
• Batam Passenger Departure Fee: SGD 10 (≈ IDR 100,000 terminal fee + admin)
• Bintan Passenger Departure Fee: IDR 60,000–100,000 (≈ SGD 5–9)
• Fuel surcharge (from 12 March 2026): SGD 5–10 per leg, applied by Sindo, Horizon, and BRF

Add it up and a "SGD 76 return" Batam ticket is closer to SGD 100 once departure fees and the fuel surcharge are factored in. For Bintan, the real cost on BRF is closer to SGD 105–130 return economy.

Economy vs Business/Emerald — when to upgrade

Upgraded seating makes sense on longer crossings or busy weekends. On the 45-minute Batam hops, economy is fine for most travellers. On the 70-minute Bintan run with immigration queues on both ends, the upgrade can be a reasonable pick-me-up.

• Skip the upgrade if: you're on a Batam route under 60 minutes, travelling mid-week, or on a tight budget.
• Consider upgrading if: you're travelling to Bintan on a Friday evening, have luggage for a 3+ night stay, or want lounge access before boarding.
• BRF Emerald Class includes: priority check-in, lounge access with complimentary drinks, assigned reclining seats, and priority baggage.
• Horizon Business Class includes: upper-deck wider leather seats, legroom, a complimentary bottle of water, and individual tables.

Batam or Bintan: Which Island Should You Choose

The honest answer: Batam is the shorter, cheaper, more urban option, and Bintan is the longer, pricier, more resort-driven one. Your choice depends on how many nights you have and what you want to do once you're there. Here's how to match the island to the trip.

Pick Batam if

• You want a 1-night quick reset with seafood, massage, and a mall crawl — Nagoya and Harbour Bay deliver all three within a 20-minute drive of the ferry.
• Your budget for the whole trip is under SGD 500 per person including accommodation.
• You're solo or in a small group doing spa, shopping, and food — not beach lounging.
• You're travelling mid-week and want flexibility — more sailings per day means easier rebooking if plans change.
• You want to explore beyond the resort zone: Barelang Bridge, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple, and the Galang Island historical sites all sit within a day's drive. The Travjoy Batam page covers the key attractions and day-trip structures.

Pick Bintan if

• You want a 2 to 3-night resort weekend with a private beach, pool, and full-board dining — Lagoi has roughly a dozen resorts built for exactly this.
• You're playing golf. Ria Bintan Golf Club is regarded as one of Asia's better courses and draws Singapore regulars on weekends.
• You're a couple or family willing to spend SGD 400–700 per night for resort quality.
• You want to disconnect completely — mobile coverage is fine but the resort zone is self-contained, with no town traffic or shopping noise.
• You're travelling with young kids who'll enjoy resort kids' clubs, mangrove tours, and calm-water swimming at Lagoi Bay.

Traveller-type recommendations

• Couples (weekend): Bintan, BRF to Bandar Bentan Telani, 2 nights at a Lagoi resort. The crossing is longer but the payoff is beach access from your room.
• Families with kids: Bintan for anything beach-focused; Batam if the kids are older and you want shopping, water parks, and a pool hotel.
• Solo or small groups: Batam. Cheaper, faster, more self-directed. Nagoya has enough to fill 2 days without a car.
• Business travellers: Batam Centre from HarbourFront. 50-minute crossing, walk-in connection to Mega Mall, and hotels within 5 minutes.
• Luxury travellers: Bintan, BRF Emerald Class, 3+ nights at Banyan Tree or The Residence Bintan. Skip the day-trip crowd.
• First-time visitors to Indonesia: Batam. Lower stakes, easier return if weather turns, and a gentler introduction to Indonesian immigration procedures.

If you'd rather not wade through every ferry schedule and resort review yourself, the options on Travjoy are checked and approved by local experts — you can compare verified experiences and plan from one place instead of juggling five booking sites. Browse the top Singapore picks and shortlist what fits before you book your crossing.

Can you visit both on one trip?

Yes, but plan for 4 nights minimum. The cleanest route is Singapore → Batam (2 nights) → Bintan (2 nights) → Singapore, using the direct Batam-to-Bintan speedboat that runs between Telaga Punggur (Batam) and Lagoi (Bintan) for IDR 120,000 one-way. The crossing takes around 60 minutes. A shorter inter-island hop via Punggur–Tanjung Pinang ferry runs every 15 minutes during the day and costs IDR 110,000 return.

Immigration, Visas, and What to Prepare

Entering Indonesia by ferry is straightforward for most nationalities, but the rules shifted in 2024–25 with the introduction of the All Indonesia digital declaration. Get the paperwork sorted before you leave Singapore and the arrival process takes 15–20 minutes.

Visa rules for Batam and Bintan (2026)

• ASEAN passport holders (including Singapore): 30 days visa-free, non-extendable.
• 86 other nationalities (including UK, US, Australia, most EU): Visa on Arrival at IDR 500,000 (~SGD 42) for up to 30 days, extendable once.
• e-VOA (recommended): Apply in advance at the Indonesian immigration e-VOA portal to skip the payment queue on arrival.
• All other nationalities: Apply for an entry visa online before travel.

Documents you need at the terminal

• Passport with 6+ months validity from your date of travel (≥186 days).
• Return or onward ferry ticket (digital or printed).
• Confirmed accommodation address in Indonesia.
• All Indonesia digital declaration — complete online within 3 days before arrival. Some passengers have been asked to show this at Batam and Bintan immigration counters.
• Customs declaration form (still printed on BRF ferries to Bintan).

Booking Your Ferry: Step by Step

You can book any ferry from Singapore to Batam or Bintan online through the operator's own website, or walk up to the counter on the day. Online is faster, cheaper on peak dates, and gives you an M-ticket you can scan at the gate. Walk-up is flexible but risks sold-out sailings on weekends.

Online booking (recommended)

• Book directly via operator sites: Sindo Ferry, Batam Fast, Horizon Fast Ferry, Bintan Resort Ferries.
• Have your passport, full name as on passport, email, and phone number ready — required by Indonesian immigration pre-arrival rules.
• Confirm whether terminal fees are included before you pay; many operators show only the base fare.
• Book 3–4 weeks ahead for Friday evening / Sunday evening sailings, long weekends, and school holidays.

Counter booking

• Available at both HarbourFront and Tanah Merah during operator counter hours (typically 6:30am–8pm).
• Cash (SGD), Visa, and Mastercard accepted at most counters; BRF also accepts PayNow.
• Off-peak walk-up works fine on weekdays. Weekends and holidays routinely sell out by mid-morning.

Cancellations, rough seas, and missed ferries

• Ferry cancellations due to weather are rare but do happen during the November–February monsoon.
• Operators rebook you on the next available sailing at no cost; refunds take 7–14 business days.
• If you miss your ferry, you forfeit the ticket — only some operators allow a paid rebook on the same day, subject to availability.
• Travel insurance covering missed transfers is worth SGD 15–20 per trip for the ferry leg alone.

Ready to Plan Your Singapore Island Getaway

Batam is the short, frequent, budget-friendly option; Bintan is the slower, pricier, resort-driven one. Pick your island based on nights available and trip style — Batam for 1–2 nights of food, spa, and city energy; Bintan for 2+ nights of beach-resort calm. Book early for weekend sailings, factor in the fuel surcharge and terminal fees, and respect the Bintan time zone if you're flying home from Changi.

Start planning your Singapore trip and island add-on with the Travjoy Singapore city guide — every experience is vetted by local experts, so you can book with confidence and spend your time on the beach or at Nagoya's seafood stalls instead of comparing operator websites.