Bintan Ferry from Singapore: Routes, Times & Tips

Featured image: M nurhaikal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Quick answer: the fastest way to reach Bintan

Bintan Resort Ferries runs high-speed catamarans from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to BBT. Operator information puts the crossing at about 60 minutes. Resellers show roughly 1h20 for their wider route set, so confirm timing for the exact sailing you book. BBT is the dedicated terminal for the Lagoi resort zone. Tanjung Pinang suits town stays, Trikora and local budget guesthouses. Start with the Bintan Resorts getting-here information for the operator's current details.

• Staying in Lagoi: Tanah Merah to BBT, about 60 minutes.
• Staying in Tanjung Pinang or on the Trikora side: Tanah Merah to Tanjung Pinang.
• Starting from Johor: Pasir Gudang to BBT, one listed sailing at 09:30.

Bintan ferry routes compared

Three routes cover most trips. Each lands at a different terminal, so a wrong booking can add an overland leg you did not plan. Operator names and fares below come from reseller listings. Confirm them on each operator's own site before paying.

Fares and timetable: what to expect

Reseller listings show Bintan Resort Ferries Economy from S$56 and Emerald from S$83 to BBT. That is a S$27 gap. Emerald adds larger seats, priority check-in and lounge access. Pay it if you want a smoother check-in or a seat with more room. Skip it if you only need to get across. To Tanjung Pinang, Majestic is listed from S$55 and Sindo from S$53. These are "from" prices, and sources do not say whether they are one-way or return. Confirm that before comparing.

• Bintan Resort Ferries to BBT: listed window 08:10 to 17:00.
• Majestic to Tanjung Pinang: listed window 11:30 to 17:50.
• Sindo to Tanjung Pinang: listed window 11:00 to 17:10.
• Pasir Gudang to BBT: 09:30 departure, from RM 145.

Booking tickets: operator site vs reseller

Bintan Resort Ferries tickets can be bought on its website or at counters at Tanah Merah and BBT. One source reports Monday to Thursday departures at 08:10, 11:10, 14:00 and 17:00 as of July 2025. Weekend and holiday sailings may differ, so check the live timetable. Resellers can compare several operators on one page. They say they offer round-trip booking and flexible changes, but terms vary by product. Read the change and refund terms before you pay. Buying direct from the operator keeps the rules in one place.

Visa, passport and arrival at BBT

Bring a passport, because the crossing is international. Arrive at least 1 hour before departure. One resort-package source says a 7-day Visa on Arrival for the Riau Islands began on 17 December 2024. It lists a fee of Rp250,000 plus a small bank fee. Payment is cash in rupiah at the BRI counter inside BBT, and it cannot be paid online. Entry and exit must be through approved Riau ports. Eligible nationalities and current status are unconfirmed, so check Indonesian immigration and the Wonderful Indonesia travel site before you go. Expect this order at BBT: ferry, visa counter if needed, immigration, luggage, then transfer. ATM and exchange options at the terminal are unverified. Carry rupiah from Singapore.

Getting from the terminal to your stay

Resort hotels often arrange transfers from BBT, and some are free. Confirm this with your hotel before you travel. For Lagoi, the transfer is the simplest part of the trip. For Trikora or Tanjung Pinang, you need a taxi or private car. Our Bintan transport guide covers those options. No verified taxi prices or transfer times exist for these legs, so ask your hotel for a quote. Trikora's coast is covered in our Bintan beaches guide. If you pick Tanjung Pinang, the night market fits an overnight stay.

Day trip or overnight? Time trade-offs

A same-day return is tight. Count 1 hour of check-in before each sailing and about 60 minutes at sea each way. Add immigration at both ends. The first listed BBT sailing leaves at 08:10, so you would reach the resort zone mid-morning at best. Return sailing times were not supplied, so find the last departure before you commit. Stay at least one night if you want a beach day, a spa visit or dinner. Our short-trip verdict helps you decide whether Bintan suits your schedule. Plan extra slack if you have an onward flight the same day. For sea-condition context, check BMKG forecasts before departure.

• Day 1: first sailing, immigration at BBT, transfer, afternoon at the resort.
• Day 2: late checkout, transfer back, arrive at the terminal at least 1 hour early.
• Season context: our best time to visit page covers weather.

Mistakes to avoid

Most problems come from small planning gaps. Fix these before you leave Singapore.

• Arriving late: international check-in closes well before departure.
• Skipping rupiah: the visa is paid in cash, and small vendors may not take cards.
• Booking the wrong terminal: BBT and Tanjung Pinang are different places.
• Ignoring the last sailing: a missed boat means an unplanned night.
• Booking a same-day flight with no buffer after the return ferry.

Pair this with our broader Bintan tourism attractions guide for the full city overview.