How to Get to Bintan Spa Villa : Transport Guide
Getting to Bintan Spa Villa is more straightforward than most first-time visitors expect.
We’ve helped many travelers make the journey from Singapore to Bintan, including guests staying at Bintan Spa Villa for Tours & Activities, private transfer services, and other travel experiences
And we’ve been doing this since 2023. Because of that, we’re very familiar with this route and the questions visitors often have before they arrive.
Most of those questions aren’t really about the ferry itself.
They’re about what happens when you land: how to get to the hotel from the ferry terminal, what to do if the direct ferry is fully booked.
This guide covers all of it.
Whether you’re coming from Singapore, Malaysia, arriving by flight into Tanjungpinang, or connecting via Batam, here’s exactly how to get there.
How to Get to Bintan Spa Villa from Singapore
To get to Bintan Spa Villa from Singapore, take a direct ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in Bintan, a journey of about 70 minutes.
From the ferry terminal, you need a private transfer for approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to arrive at the hotel.
If the ferry is fully booked, there’s an alternative route from Singapore via Tanjungpinang, which we’ll cover in detail below
Here’s the step-by-step guide you need to know:
Direct Ferry: Tanah Merah to Bandar Bentan Telani (Recommended)
The direct ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) Ferry Terminal in Bintan is by far the most convenient way to Bintan Spa Villa.
The crossing takes approximately 70 minutes and is operated by Bintan Resort Ferries. The first departure from Singapore is at 08:10, and the last ferry typically leaves at 17:00.
From Our Team
Check-in time at Bintan Spa Villa is 15:00. If you’d prefer not to wait too long for your room to be ready, we recommend taking either the 11:10 or 14:00 ferry from Singapore, both timings work well for most of our guests.
If you opt for the 11:10 ferry, you’ll arrive in Bintan at around 11:20 local time. With a private transfer of approximately 60 minutes, you’ll reach Bintan Spa Villa comfortably before check-in, arriving at around 13:15.
So you’ll have time to have lunch first, and relax while at the hotel area waiting for your room to be ready.
The 14:00 ferry is another excellent option. You’ll arrive in Bintan at around 14:10, and the private transfer will bring you to Bintan Spa Villa at approximately 15:40, giving you plenty of time to check in without any wait.
Step-by-Step: Booking Your Ferry Ticket
The easiest way to secure your seat is by booking online before you travel. The process only takes a few minutes and can be completed directly through the ferry operator’s website.
Before you book, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your travel date, this is one of Bintan’s entry requirements
- Visit the Bintan Resort Ferries website.
- Select your preferred travel date and review the available sailing times.
- Choose the departure that best suits your schedule and select your ticket type.
Enter each passenger’s details exactly as shown on their passport. Having your passport information ready beforehand will make the process quicker. - Complete payment using one of the available payment methods.
- Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry ticket by email. Save a copy on your phone or print it for reference.
From Our Team
Can you purchase tickets at the terminal?
Yes, but availability isn’t guaranteed, especially during weekends and public holidays. To avoid missing your preferred sailing, we always recommend securing your tickets online before you travel.
Departing from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Singapore
The terminal is compact and easy to navigate.
- Arrive around 90 minutes before your ferry departure.
- Look for the Bintan Resort Ferries check-in counter and present your booking confirmation along with your passport
- Staff will issue your boarding pass.
- If you have luggage to check in, do this before proceeding to immigration and customs clearance.
- Once cleared, head to the departure hall and wait for boarding announcements.
From Our Team
Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal serves more than just Bintan, ferries to Batam and several other regional destinations depart from the same terminal.
This means it can get busy during peak travel periods, so arriving early is always a good idea.
The 70-Minute Crossing
The crossing takes approximately 70 minutes. Keep in mind that Bintan follows Western Indonesia Time (WIB), which is one hour behind Singapore, so a ferry departing Singapore at 08:10 arrives in Bintan at around 08:20 local time.
Seating depends on your ticket type. Economy Class is free-seating, while Emerald Class comes with pre-assigned seats and access to the open deck.
The sea between Singapore and Bintan is calm for most of the year, though conditions can vary with the season and the weather on the day
Arriving at Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal
Arriving at Bandar Bentan Telani is often where first-time visitors feel a brief moment of uncertainty. The good news: the terminal is clean, well-organised, and much smaller than Tanah Merah, making it easy to navigate.
Once you leave the ferry,
- Clear Indonesian immigration with your passport
- Scan the barcode for your digital arrival card
- Collect your luggage and do custom clearance
- Going to arrival hall.
From Our Team
Economy and Emerald Class passengers follow slightly different procedures at Bandar Bentan Telani.
Emerald Class passengers are directed to the Emerald Lounge, where terminal staff assist with the arrival process, while Economy Class passengers proceed through the regular arrival area.
From Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal to Bintan Spa Villa
Bintan Spa Villa does not provide shuttle services for this route. However, you’re welcome to contact them directly if you’d like to arrange an arrival transfer.
Alternatively, Bintan Travel Guide (BTG) offers a reliable private arrival transfer service.
For your peace of mind, we’ll send you your driver’s details one day before your arrival. Your driver will be waiting in the arrival hall according to your ferry ticket details.
This way, you won’t need to worry about transportation on your first day.
We also offer return transfer services to get you back to the ferry terminal for your departure.
From Our Team
Guests arriving in the morning may choose to combine their arrival with tours and activities on their first day. Pickup is available at Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, followed by a half-day tour before heading to Bintan Spa Villa for check-in.
Half-day tour options from Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal:
- Blue Lake Bintan & Sand Dunes
- Bintan Mangrove, Sand Dunes & Blue Lake Bintan
- ATV Adventure, Sand Dunes & Blue Lake Bintan
Alternatively, consider taking the 08:10 ferry and a full-day Bintan tour before arriving at the resort.
Tours and activities are also available during your stay at Bintan Spa Villa.
Singapore to Tanjungpinang: The Alternative Route
If the direct ferry to Bandar Bentan Telani is fully booked, which can happen during weekends, public holidays, or peak travel periods, Tanjungpinang is a practical alternative.
As the main city on Bintan Island, it has regular ferry connections from Singapore and is a route many travelers use throughout the year.
- From: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Singapore
- To: Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal, Tanjungpinang
- Operators: Majestic Fast Ferry, Sindo Ferry
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
- Onward transfer to Bintan Spa Villa: Approximately 1 hour by private transfer or taxi.
From Tanjungpinang Ferry Terminal to Bintan Spa Villa
If you choose this route, a private transfer from Tanjungpinang Ferry Terminal to Bintan Spa Villa is required.
We provide this service as well, subject to availability.
Getting to Bintan Spa Villa from Indonesia
For travelers already in Indonesia, there are two common ways to reach Bintan Spa Villa: flying into Tanjungpinang or taking a speed from Batam.
By Air via Tanjungpinang (Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport)
This option works well for travelers coming from Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Pekanbaru, and other Indonesian cities. But you need to transit first at Jakarta
The arrival airport is Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport (TNJ), and the drive to Bintan Spa Villa takes approximately one hour by road.
From Our Team
One thing worth knowing before you travel: ride-hailing services such as Grab, Gojek, and Maxim are not permitted to pick up passengers directly from the airport arrival terminal.
For that reason, many travelers choose to arrange their transfer in advance, so they can head straight to the resort without needing to figure out a ride after landing.
By Speedboat from Batam
Batam and Bintan are neighbouring islands within Indonesia’s Riau Islands Province, which makes travel between the two relatively quick and convenient.
The departure terminal is Telaga Punggur Ferry Terminal in Batam, with arrivals at Tanjung Uban Port in North Bintan.
The crossing takes around 15 minutes, and the drive from Tanjung Uban to Bintan Spa Villa is approximately 70 minutes by road.
This option is commonly used by travelers who are already in Batam or arriving via one of Batam’s domestic flight connections.
For a detailed overview of schedules, terminals, and ticket information, see our guide on getting from Batam to Bintan.
From Our Team
One question we often hear from our guest day trip to Bintan from Batam is whether speedboat tickets from Batam can be booked online.
At this time, tickets are purchased directly at the terminal, as online booking options remain limited.
The good news is that services run frequently throughout the day, departures operate roughly every 30 minutes between 08:00 to 17:00 from Telaga Punggur Ferry Terminal.
Getting to Bintan Spa Villa from Malaysia
For travelers visiting from Malaysia, the most direct route is by ferry from Johor Bahru to Tanjungpinang. If ferry schedules don’t suit your travel plans, Batam can also serve as an alternative gateway to Bintan.
From Johor Bahru to Tanjungpinang
- 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 Bintan Spa Villa: Around 1 hour by road
If possible, arrange your onward transportation before you travel.
Taxis are available at Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal, though availability can be limited during quieter periods or if you’re arriving in the evening.
From Our Team
One question we often receive from Malaysian travelers is where to book ferry tickets for this route.
In most cases, tickets can be purchased online through Easybook website, which is one of the platforms commonly used by visitors travelling between Johor Bahru and Tanjungpinang.
Services run up to two times per day, though schedules can vary depending on the operator and travel date.
We frequently assist Malaysian families with full travel packages, and most of them typically prefer afternoon departures from Johor Bahru.
Bintan Entry, Visa & Travel Requirements
This is one of those things travelers often leave until the last minute, so it’s worth checking well before your departure date to stay at Bintan Spa Villa
Valid passport
Your passport should have at least six months of validity remaining from your date of travel.
Visa Requirements
Singaporean and Malaysian passport holders can enter Indonesia without a visa, along with citizens of several other countries. For the latest information, check the Bintan Visa on Arrival guide.
Digital Arrival Card
Travelers arriving in Bintan from Singapore are required to complete the online arrival card within 72 hours before arrival. You can find the explanation in our Bintan Arrival Card guide
From Our Team
For guests travelling with us, whether on a tour package, private transfer, or a custom itinerary with ferry terminal pickup, we send a reminder a few days before departure with the information needed to complete the Digital Arrival Card.
It’s a quick process, but one that’s easy to overlook.
Having it done before you travel can make your arrival and immigration clearance noticeably smoother.
Written by Sigit Supriadi
Founder & Travel Specialist, Bintan Travel Guide (BTG)
Sigit is based in Tanjungpinang, Bintan Island
Has been arranging tours and travel itineraries for visitors to Bintan since 2023,
including Bintan tours, private transfers, and hotel stays.
He works hands-on with travelers daily, and is frequently mentioned by name in guest reviews on TripAdvisor and Google Business Profile for his local knowledge and on-the-ground assistance.
The guidance in this article comes directly from that experience
Written by Sigit Supriadi
Founder & Travel Specialist, Bintan Travel Guide (BTG)
Sigit is based in Tanjungpinang, Bintan Island
Has been arranging tours and travel itineraries for visitors to Bintan since 2023,
including Bintan tours, private transfers, and hotel stays.
He works hands-on with travelers daily, and is frequently mentioned by name in guest reviews on TripAdvisor and Google Business Profile for his local knowledge and on-the-ground assistance.
The guidance in this article comes directly from that experience
