How to Get to Bintan Island from Singapore: Full Guide
Bintan Island is reached from Singapore by ferry only. There is no bridge or flight.
Bintan Resort Ferries (BRF) operates a direct 70-minute route to Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT), located in the Bintan Resorts area.
Majestic Fast Ferry and Sindo Ferry operate an alternative route to Sri Bintan Pura in Tanjungpinang, taking 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours.
This guide helps travelers choose the right ferry route for their hotel, prepare the correct entry documents, and get from the terminal to their hotel without confusion on arrival.
Travelers planning only a day trip to Bintan from Singapore, without an overnight stay, can refer to Bintan Day Trip from Singapore instead.
Bintan Entry Requirements
Three requirements apply before boarding the ferry.
- Passport validity: At least 6 months remaining from the arrival date in Indonesia.
- Visa on arrival: Singapore, Malaysia, and several other nationalities enter visa-free. Some nationalities need a visa. See Bintan Visa on Arrival for exact requirements by nationality.
- Digital arrival card: Required for every international visitor. Submit the Bintan Arrival Card up to 72 hours before arrival. It takes about 3–5 minutes and requires a passport.
Getting to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore
Every ferry to Bintan Island departs from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, regardless of operator or route.
- About 15–20 minutes from Changi Airport by taxi.
- A shuttle operates directly from Changi via tmftshuttle.changiairport.com.
- Arrival at least 90 minutes before departure is recommended, to allow time for check-in and immigration.
Route 1: Direct Ferry to Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT)
Bintan Resort Ferries’ direct route arrives at Bandar Bentan Telani, and suits travelers staying in the Bintan Resorts area or eastern Bintan.
- Operator: Bintan Resort Ferries
- Departure terminal: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Singapore
- Arrival terminal: Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, Bintan
- Crossing time: About 70 minutes
- First departure: Around 08:10 from Singapore
- Last departure: Around 17:00 from Singapore
Extra sailings are added during weekends, peak season, and public holidays. See Bintan Ferry Schedule for full daily timings and how to choose the best departure.
Tickets for this route can be booked online through Tanah Merah to Bandar Bentan Telani.
Route 2: Ferry to Tanjungpinang (Sri Bintan Pura)
This route suits travelers staying in Tanjungpinang or at The Residence Bintan, and is also a good alternative when direct sailings to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal sell out.
- Operators: Sindo Ferry and Majestic Fast Ferry
- Departure terminal: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Singapore
- Arrival terminal: Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal, Tanjungpinang
- Crossing time: 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
- Departures: Two per day, per operator
Tickets for this route can be booked online through Tanah Merah to Tanjung Pinang.
Which Route to Choose
- Choose the Bandar Bentan Telani route for hotels in Bintan Resorts area or eastern Bintan.
- Choose the Tanjungpinang route for hotels in Tanjungpinang, or as an alternative when Bandar Bentan Telani sailings are full.
Getting From the Terminal to a Hotel
From Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT)
- Hotel Shuttle Services: Many hotels in the Bintan Resorts area offer a Hotel Shuttle Service directly from the terminal.
- Grab Car Services: Grab in Bintan is available at Bandar Bentan Telani, but only for destinations within the Bintan Resorts area.
- Taxi Counter: A taxi counter is available at the terminal for hotels outside the Bintan Resorts area, including Trikora and eastern Bintan.
- Private Transfer Services: Private Transfer Services can also be pre-booked for hotels outside the Bintan Resorts area.
- Bintan Tour Pickup: Travelers who want to start with a tour before heading to the hotel can arrange direct pickup at Bandar Bentan Telani through Bintan Tour Package, useful for filling the time before check-in.
From Sri Bintan Pura (Tanjungpinang)
- Most hotels do not offer a shuttle from this terminal.
- The Residence Bintan is an exception, offering its own shuttle service.
- Other travelers need book a private transfer, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the Bintan Resorts area.
Bundled Package Option
Travelers can also consider a Bintan Hotel Package, which bundles round-trip ferry tickets with the hotel stay.
Everything is arranged in one booking, with no need to book the ferry and hotel separately.
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