Bintan Ferries Emerald Class vs Economy: Key Differences
Bintan Resort Ferries (BRF) runs two classes of travel between Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) and Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) in Bintan: Economy Class and Emerald Class.
The trip takes about 70 minutes either way, but the experience on board and at the terminal can look very different depending on which class you book.
This guide breaks down exactly what separates the two, so you can decide which one fits your trip.
- What Is Emerald Class ?
- What Is Economy Class ?
- Emerald Class vs Economy: Side-by-Side Comparison
- Check-In & Baggage: What's the Real Difference?
- Onboard Comfort: Seats, Wi-Fi & Refreshments
- Lounge Access: Why Emerald Class Feels Different
- Who Should Choose Emerald Class vs Economy?
- Emerald Class Price vs Economy
What Is Emerald Class on Bintan Resort Ferries?
Emerald Class is BRF’s premium travel option.
It gives you an assigned seat in a dedicated section, access to outdoor open-deck seating at the aft of select vessels, complimentary refreshments served by an attendant, and free Wi-Fi on board.
Only around 57 seats per ferry are reserved for Emerald Class, keeping the section noticeably less crowded than Economy.
What Is Economy Class on Bintan Resort Ferries?
Economy Class is the standard fare.
Seating is unassigned (first-come, first-served) in an air-conditioned main cabin, with access to restrooms and baggage storage areas.
Snacks and drinks are available for purchase but aren’t included. It’s a reliable, no-frills way to get to Bintan and covers the essentials for most travellers
Emerald Class vs Economy: Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Feature
|
Economy
|
Emerald
|
|---|---|---|
|
Seating
|
Unassigned, main cabin
|
Assigned seat, dedicated section
|
|
Open-deck access
|
Not available
|
Available (select vessels)
|
|
Refreshments
|
Purchase on board
|
Complimentary
|
|
Wi-Fi
|
Not included
|
Complimentary
|
|
Check-in
|
Regular counter
|
Dedicated & combined check-in
|
|
Baggage allowance
|
20 kg
|
30 kg
|
|
Lounge access
|
Not included
|
Emerald Lounge access
|
|
Immigration
|
Standard queue
|
Expedited clearance
|
|
Boarding
|
Standard
|
Priority boarding & disembarkation
|
Check-In & Baggage: What's the Real Difference?
Economy passengers check in at the regular counter with a 20 kg baggage allowance.
Emerald Class passengers use a dedicated, combined check-in-and-baggage counter and get a higher 30 kg allowance, useful if you’re travelling with golf clubs, extra luggage, or as a family
Onboard Comfort: Seats, Wi-Fi & Refreshments
The biggest everyday difference is comfort.
Emerald Class seats are wider and pre assigned, so you’re not scrambling for a spot together with your group.
You also get complimentary drinks and snacks instead of paying on board, plus free Wi-Fi, handy for the hour-long crossing.
Economy gets the job done but keeps things basic: standard seating and pay-as-you-go snacks
Lounge Access: Why Emerald Class Feels Different
This is where Emerald Class stands out most.
Ticket holders get access to the Emerald Lounge at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal before departure, a quieter space with seating, charging points, and refreshments, away from the main crowd.
On arrival or departure from the Bintan side, Emerald passengers also benefit from a separate, faster path through immigration and baggage screening.
Economy Class does not include lounge access.
Who Should Choose Emerald Class vs Economy?
- Choose Economy if you’re on a short, budget-friendly day trip, travelling light, or simply want the most affordable way across.
- Choose Emerald Class if you’re travelling with family or a group and want guaranteed seats together, you value skipping queues at check-in and immigration, or you’re heading to Bintan for a special occasion like a honeymoon or milestone trip
Bintan Resort Ferries Emerald Class Price vs Economy
Fares vary by season (regular vs peak dates), based on official rates published by the ferry operator.
Note:
Child fares apply to children aged 11 and under on the day of departure, including infants.
|
Ticket Type
|
Economy Class
|
Emerald Class
|
|---|---|---|
|
Adult - Round Trip Regular
|
SGD 100
|
SGD 154
|
|
Child - Round Trip Regular
|
SGD 88
|
SGD 134
|
|
Adult - Round Trip Peak
|
SGD 110
|
SGD 164
|
|
Child - Round Trip Peak
|
SGD 98
|
SGD 144
|
|
Adult - Round Trip Reg+Peak
|
SGD 105
|
SGD 159
|
|
Child - Round Trip Reg+Peak
|
SGD 93
|
SGD 139
|
The price difference between the two classes is often smaller than people expect.
For many travellers, the extra comfort, lounge access, and priority handling make Bintan Resort Ferries Emerald Class worth the upgrade.
This is especially true on weekends, peak season, or when travelling with kids and extra luggage.
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