How to Get to Nirwana Resort Bintan : Transport Guide
Most travelers reach Nirwana Resort Bintan by direct ferry from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani. The crossing takes 70 minutes, followed by a 15-minute hotel shuttle.
Travelers from Indonesia or Malaysia can also arrive via Tanjungpinang, Batam, or Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport. Each route has a different onward transfer time.
Singapore to Nirwana Resort Bintan by Direct Ferry (Fastest Route)
The fastest route is a direct ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT). The crossing takes about 70 minutes. A 15-minute land transfer from BBT completes the journey.
- Route: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (Singapore) to Bandar Bentan Telani (Bintan)
- Crossing time: About 70 minutes
- Onward transfer: 15 minutes by hotel shuttle
- Sailing schedule: Ferries depart daily, with the first sailing at 08:10 and the last at 17:00. Travelers unsure which departure fits their plans can check how to choose ferry schedule from Singapore.
- Time zone note: Bintan runs on Western Indonesia Time (WIB), one hour behind Singapore, so an 08:10 departure lands around 08:20 local time
- Ticket classes: Emerald Class & Economy Class — Economy is free-seating, Emerald includes assigned seats and open-deck access
- Booking: Tickets can be bought through the Bintan Resort Ferries website, recommended for weekends and public holidays
Arriving at Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal
Bandar Bentan Telani is where Indonesian immigration is cleared for ferry arrivals from Singapore. Travelers should review Bintan’s entry requirements beforehand.
After leaving the ferry, the arrival process follows these steps:
- Clear Indonesian immigration with a passport and return ticket ready. Singapore, Malaysia, and several other passport holders enter visa-free; others need a Bintan Visa on Arrival.
- Scan the barcode for the digital Bintan Arrival Card. It must be submitted online within 72 hours before arrival.
- Collect luggage and clear customs.
- Look for Nirwana Resort Bintan staff in the arrival hall.
Emerald Class passengers are directed to the Emerald Lounge, where staff assist with the arrival process. Economy Class passengers use the regular arrival area.
From Bandar Bentan Telani to Nirwana Resort Bintan
Bandar Bentan Telani is the closest ferry terminal to Nirwana Resort Bintan. Travelers commonly use the hotel shuttle for this last stretch, though two other options exist.
- Hotel shuttle: Nirwana Resort Bintan staff meet every ferry arrival from Singapore in the arrival hall. The transfer takes about 15 minutes.
- Grab Car Service: Ride-hailing coverage is limited to certain parts of the island, but the BBT-to-Nirwana route can be booked through Grab.
- Taxi: A taxi counter is available in the arrival hall, with an ATM nearby for cash payments.
Travelers who arrive early, before the hotel’s check-in time, are not limited to waiting at the resort.
A Bintan Tour package for pick up from Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry terminal can be arranged instead.
Singapore to Tanjungpinang: The Alternative Route
Tanjungpinang is Bintan Island’s main city. It serves as a practical backup when the direct ferry to Bandar Bentan Telani is fully booked. This can happen on weekends, holidays, or during peak season.
- From: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Singapore
- To: Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal, Tanjungpinang
- Operators: Majestic Fast Ferry, Sindo Ferry. Travelers comparing schedules and fares between the two can visit Direct Ferries for a side-by-side comparison.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
- Onward transfer to Nirwana Resort Bintan: Around 1 hour 25 minutes by private transfer or taxi
Nirwana Resort Bintan does not run a shuttle from Tanjungpinang. A private transfer or taxi needs to be arranged separately for the onward journey.
Getting to Nirwana Resort Bintan from Indonesia
Travelers already in Indonesia typically arrive by flying into Tanjungpinang or taking a speedboat from Batam.
By Air via Tanjungpinang (Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport)
This route suits travelers from Indonesian cities such as Bali, Surabaya, or Pekanbaru. Most domestic flights to Tanjungpinang connect through Jakarta. Direct flights are also available from Jakarta itself.
- Arrival airport: Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport (TNJ)
- Drive time to Nirwana Resort Bintan: Approximately one hour by road
- Ride-hailing note: Grab, Gojek, and Maxim aren’t permitted to pick up passengers directly from the airport arrival terminal
By Speedboat from Batam
Batam and Bintan are neighboring islands in Indonesia’s Riau Islands Province, connected by a quick speedboat crossing. The departure point is Telaga Punggur Ferry Terminal, arriving at Tanjung Uban Port in North Bintan.
- Crossing time: Around 15 minutes
- Onward drive to Nirwana Resort Bintan: Approximately 40 minutes
- Departure frequency: Roughly every 30 minutes, between 08:00 to 17:00
Speedboat tickets from Batam are purchased directly at the terminal; online booking isn’t widely available on this route yet. For a full schedule and fare breakdown, see the guide on Getting to Bintan from Batam.
Getting to Nirwana Resort Bintan from Malaysia
The most direct route from Malaysia is a ferry from Johor Bahru to Tanjungpinang. Batam can serve as an alternative gateway if ferry schedules don’t fit a traveler’s plans.
- Departure terminal: Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal, Johor Bahru
- Arrival terminal: Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal, Tanjungpinang
- Ferry journey: Approximately 2 hours 10–15 minutes
- Transfer to Nirwana Resort Bintan: Around 1 hour 25 minutes by road
- Frequency: Up to twice a day, though schedules vary by operator and date
- Booking: Tickets can usually be booked online through platforms such as Easybook
Taxis are available at Sri Bintan Pura Terminal, though availability can be limited in late afternoon. Arranging onward transport in advance is worth considering.
