Bintan Day Trip from Singapore: Ferry Guide & What To Do
Bintan is one of the easiest getaways from Singapore. The ferry takes only about 70 minutes, but many travelers still feel unsure about planning a day trip.
The question is usually simple: Is one day enough, and how do you plan it without rushing?
From experience handling day trips regularly,
the answer is yes, it works very well when the timing is planned properly.
Bintan is not complicated. You can enjoy beaches, nature, and a few highlights in a smooth flow, without needing to stay overnight.
This guide keeps things clear and practical, so you know exactly how to plan your day and make the most of your time.
How to Go to Bintan from Singapore (Day Trip Guide)
Traveling from Singapore to Bintan is straightforward.
You will depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore and arrive at Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) in Bintan.
The ferry ride takes around 70 minutes.
For a day trip, the most common schedule is:
- Morning ferry: around 08:10 from Singapore
- Return ferry: around 18:35 from Bintan
One important detail — Bintan is 1 hour behind Singapore time.
So if you leave Singapore at 08:10, you will arrive in Bintan at around 08:20 local time. This gives you extra usable time during the day.
On the return trip, you will usually arrive in Singapore around 20:45.
Overall, it’s a very comfortable same-day trip.
Travel Tips & Entry Requirements
Keep this simple, but important.
- Arrive at the ferry terminal at least 90 minutes before departure
- Book your ferry tickets in advance, especially on weekends
- Prepare your passport details before booking ferry ticket
- Complete the Indonesia Digital Arrival Card (can be submitted up to 72 hours before arrival)
- Check Bintan visa requirements (some nationalities, including Singaporeans, are visa-free)
These small steps help avoid delays and make your trip smoother.
What to Do in Bintan on a Day Trip
Since the island is quite large, it’s important to focus on the right area instead of trying to visit everything. This helps you enjoy each stop without rushing.
Bintan Travel Guide (BTG) handles travelers almost every day, including many day trip guests from Singapore. Based on that experience, here are three practical ways to spend your day in Bintan.
You can choose one of these options, or go with a custom arrangement (option 3) based on your own preferences.
1. Full Day Tour – Explore Bintan
This is the most complete option if you want to see different sides of Bintan in one day.
Typical stops include:
- Mangrove river tour
- Local coffee plantation and bee farm
- 500 Lohan Temple
- Blue Lake and sand dunes
If time allows, you can stop by Lagoi Bay before heading back to the ferry terminal.
This option works well if it’s your first time in Bintan and you want a balanced experience.
If you would like to learn more, you can explore the full details of the Full Day Tour in Bintan, including how the itinerary can be arranged for travelers coming from Singapore on a day trip.
2. Snorkeling Experience (East Bintan)
If you prefer something more relaxed, snorkeling is a good option.
Most snorkeling takes place on the east side of Bintan, usually from a kelong (a traditional wooden platform above the sea).
What to expect:
- Calm and shallow water
- Easy access, suitable for beginners
- Flexible timing, no strict schedule
You can go in and out of the water anytime, so the experience feels easy and not rushed.
After snorkeling, you will usually have time for lunch. If your schedule allows, you can still add a short visit to nearby places like:
- Mangrove tour
- Blue Lake
- Lagoi Bay
If you would like to learn more, you can explore the Bintan Snorkeling Tour, including how it can be arranged for a day trip from Singapore.
3. Custom Day Trip (Arranged Based on Your Preferences)
This option is suitable if you already have an idea of what you want to see and do in Bintan.
You can simply share your preferences in advance, such as places you want to visit, activities you are interested in, or the pace you prefer.
Bintan Travel Guide (BTG) will arrange both the itinerary and the overall arrangements accordingly, while reviewing the plan based on distance, timing, and ferry schedule to make sure everything fits comfortably within one day.
If something feels too tight, it will be adjusted. The goal is to keep the day smooth and not rushed.
This works especially well for day trips from Singapore, as everything is already prepared properly before the trip starts. On the day itself, you can simply follow the flow and enjoy the experience.
If you would like to learn more, you can explore the Custom Day Trip in Bintan, including how it can be arranged based on your preferences.
How You Plan Your Day Trip to Bintan from Singapore
Planning a day trip to Bintan is quite straightforward when you break it down step by step:
- Choose your ferry timing (morning departure and evening return is the most ideal)
- Book your ferry tickets in advance, especially for weekends or public holidays
- Prepare your passport and complete the Indonesia Digital Arrival Card before arrival
- Decide what you want to do in Bintan (full day tour, snorkeling, or specific places)
- Keep your itinerary realistic, so the day feels relaxed and not rushed
- Allow buffer time before your return ferry
If you prefer not to plan everything on your own, you can also arrange your trip with Bintan Travel Guide (BTG).
Everything can be prepared in advance, based on what you want to see and do.
Since we are based on Bintan Island, all arrangements are handled locally. This makes the trip more personalized, well-organized, and seamless, especially for day trips where timing is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, one day is enough. The ferry ride is only around 70 minutes, and with an early departure and evening return, you have enough time to enjoy a few key highlights without rushing.
The most recommended schedule is the morning ferry around 08:10 from Singapore and the return ferry around 18:35 from Bintan. This gives you a full day on the island.
The ferry journey takes about 70 minutes from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) in Bintan.
Some of nationalities, including Singaporeans, can enter Bintan without a visa for short visits. However, it’s always best to check the latest visa requirements before your trip.
You can explore nature, culture, and light activities such as mangrove tours, visiting the 500 Lohan Temple, seeing the Blue Lake and sand dunes, or going snorkeling.
It is recommended to book your ferry tickets in advance. For activities and transport, you can either plan it yourself or arrange everything beforehand to make the trip smoother.
Yes, you can. You can share what you want to see and do, and the itinerary can be arranged to fit your timing, distance, and ferry schedule, so the trip feels smooth and not rushed.
Written by Sigit Supriadi, based in Bintan, sharing practical tips and local insights to help travelers plan easier, more personalized, and well-organized trips.
Learn more about
Our Services
Bintan Travel Guide (BTG)
Written by Sigit Supriadi, based in Bintan, sharing practical tips and local insights to help travelers plan easier, more personalized, and well-organized trips.
Learn more about
Our Services
Bintan Travel Guide (BTG)
