Going from Singapore to Batam and Bintan is a quick way to add an Indonesian island stop to a Singapore trip — both are under an hour and a half away by ferry, popular for their beach resorts, golf courses, and prices that are noticeably lower than Singapore’s. Here’s how the crossing actually works.
Which terminal to use
Ferries to Batam leave from either HarbourFront Ferry Terminal (connected to HarbourFront MRT station, on the edge of the city center) or Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in the east. Ferries to Bintan (specifically Tanjung Pinang) leave only from Tanah Merah. Which terminal you’ll use for Batam depends on your specific destination port on the island — Batam Centre, Sekupang, or Waterfront — so it’s worth checking your ferry operator’s schedule before booking rather than assuming HarbourFront by default.
Prices and operators
Several operators run these routes, including Sindo Ferry, Batam Fast, and Horizon Fast Ferry, with broadly similar pricing. As a benchmark, Sindo Ferry’s published fares are around S$28 one-way (S$56 return) to Batam, and around S$43 one-way (S$86 return) to Tanjung Pinang on Bintan. On top of the ticket price, expect a Singapore departure fee of roughly S$10 per person and a small Indonesian terminal fee payable on arrival — both are usually itemized separately from the base fare, so check the total before paying.
What to bring
- A passport valid for at least six months, the same requirement that applies for entering Singapore itself.
- Most nationalities that can enter Indonesia visa-free or with visa-on-arrival for short stays can do the same arriving by ferry, but it’s worth double-checking your specific nationality’s requirement before booking, since Indonesian entry rules are separate from Singapore’s.
- Indonesian immigration forms, typically completed online in advance or on arrival depending on the operator and terminal.
Booking and timing
Ferries run frequently throughout the day on the Batam routes, less so to Bintan, and it’s worth booking a day or two ahead during weekends and Indonesian public holidays when demand from both Singaporean day-trippers and Indonesian travelers peaks. Arrive at the terminal at least 45 minutes before departure — check-in and immigration clearance on the Singapore side take longer than the ferry ride itself for some routes. Note that Indonesia is one hour behind Singapore, so double-check arrival and return times against local time when planning a day trip.
The bottom line on Singapore to Batam and Bintan
Going from Singapore to Batam and Bintan works best split by purpose: Batam Bintan, being farther and more resort-focused, suits an overnight stay better. Book through an established operator like Sindo Ferry or Batam Fast, budget for the departure and terminal fees on top of the ticket price, and bring the same travel documents you’d want on any international trip. If you’re also crossing to Malaysia on the same visit, see our guide to the Johor Bahru border crossing for the land-border version of the same logistics.
On board
The ferries themselves are modern, air-conditioned passenger vessels with assigned seating, not open-deck boats, so the crossing is comfortable even when the sea is choppy. Most operators allow one or two pieces of check-in luggage per ticket, with extra bags charged separately, and duty-free shopping is available at both HarbourFront and Tanah Merah terminals before boarding — a popular reason locals make the trip even for a short stay. Wi-Fi and snack service vary by operator and aren’t guaranteed, so it’s worth bringing a book, headphones, or a full phone battery for the ride.
For more on the area, see our guides to Singapore to Johor Bahru: How to Cross the Border and Getting Around Singapore: MRT, Bus, and Grab Explained.