Getting to Bintan Island is simple and flexible, with several transport options available depending on your departure point.
Travelers can reach Bintan by ferry or flight via Singapore, Indonesia, or Malaysia.
Quick Summary
- From Singapore to Bintan, you can take a ferry that takes around 60–70 minutes, with an alternative route via Tanjungpinang Ferry Terminal.
- From other cities in Indonesia, you can take a flight and transit in Jakarta, then continue with a domestic flight to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport.
- From Batam, you can take either a speedboat or ferry, depending on your preferred arrival point in North Bintan or South Bintan.
- From Malaysia, you can travel via Johor Bahru to Tanjungpinang Ferry Terminal, or alternatively go from Johor Bahru to Batam first and then continue to Bintan.
From Singapore to Bintan
If you are traveling from Singapore to Bintan, here is the basic guide.
Go to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
To travel from Singapore to Bintan, you need to go to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, which is located around 15–20 minutes from Changi Airport.
For international travelers who are only transiting in Singapore, you can use a taxi, private transfer, or via Changi Airport Shuttle Services.
Make sure to arrive at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal at least 90 minutes before departure, in line with ferry operator check-in rules.
Take Bintan Resort Ferries (Around 70 Minutes)
The journey from Singapore to Bintan is operated by Bintan Resort Ferries and takes around 70 minutes (about 1 hour and 10 minutes).
Please note that Bintan is 1 hour behind Singapore time.
For example, if your ferry departs from Singapore at 08:10, you will arrive in Bintan at around 08:20 local time in Bintan.
Arrive at Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal (BBT)
This ferry terminal is popular among travelers from Singapore because it is located directly within the Bintan Resorts area.
This route is ideal if you are staying in Bintan Resorts area or eastern part of Bintan.
It is also commonly used for day trips from Singapore to Bintan.
For more details, you can refer to our guide on how to get to Bintan from Singapore.
Alternative Route: Singapore to Tanjung Pinang via Ferry
If direct ferries to the Bintan Resorts area are fully booked, you can travel via Tanjung Pinang instead.
Tanjung Pinang is located in the southern part of Bintan and serves as the main city on the island.
Route Overview
- Departure: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (Singapore)
- Arrival: Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal (Tanjung Pinang)
There are two main ferry operators on this route:
- Majestic Fast Ferry – approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
- Sindo Ferry – approximately 2 hours
When to Use This Route
This route is suitable if:
- Bintan Resorts ferries are fully booked
- You plan to stay in Tanjung Pinang city
- You are staying at The Residence Bintan
Important Note for Bintan Resorts Travelers
If you are staying in the Bintan Resorts area or hotels in East Bintan and you arrive via Tanjung Pinang, you will need to arrange a private transfer from the ferry terminal to your hotel.
The travel time from Tanjung Pinang to the resort area is longer compared to direct ferry routes, so private transport is recommended for convenience.
Getting to Bintan Island from Indonesia
Travelers can reach Bintan Island from other parts of Indonesia by flight or by ferry/speedboat from Batam.
The best option depends on your departure city and final destination in Bintan.
By Flight from Other Cities in Indonesia
You can fly to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport in Tanjung Pinang, which is located in the southern part of Bintan Island.
This route is suitable for travelers from cities such as Bali, Surabaya, Pekanbaru, and other major cities in Indonesia.
Most flights require a transit in Jakarta first, then continue with a domestic flight to Tanjungpinang.
By Speedboat or Ferry from Batam
Another popular way to reach Bintan is from Batam via Telaga Punggur Ferry Terminal.
From here, you can choose different routes depending on your destination in Bintan.
Telaga Punggur (Batam) to Tanjung Uban Port
This route connects Batam to Tanjung Uban Port in the northern part of Bintan Island.
Speedboats operate daily with a travel time of around 15 minutes.
Departures are available every 30 minutes starting from 08:00 AM to 17:00
Tickets are purchased directly at the counter and payment is cash only (Indonesian Rupiah). Online booking is not available.
Price: IDR 63,500 per person (one way), including ticket, insurance, and terminal fee in Batam.
This route is suitable for travelers heading to the Bintan Resorts area or those planning a day trip from Batam.
Telaga Punggur (Batam) to Tanjungpinang Ferry Terminal (Sri Bintan Pura Port)
This route connects Batam to Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal in the southern part of Bintan Island.
The ferry journey takes around 1 hour.
Ferries operate daily with departures every 30 minutes from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
Tickets are available at the counter and payment is cash only (Indonesian Rupiah). Online booking is not available.
Price: IDR 80,500 per person (one way), including ticket, insurance, and terminal fee in Batam.
This option is suitable for travelers staying in Tanjungpinang or some areas in the eastern part of Bintan.
If you need help arranging your journey between Batam and Bintan, you can also explore our Batam & Bintan Travel Arrangement page.
Getting to Bintan Island from Malaysia
Travelers from Malaysia can reach Bintan Island by ferry, mainly via Johor Bahru.
From Johor Bahru to Tanjung Pinang Ferry Terminal
Ferries depart from Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal (Berjaya Waterfront / The ZON Ferry Terminal) in Johor Bahru and arrive at Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal in Tanjung Pinang.
The journey takes approximately 2 hours 10 to 15 minutes.
This route is usually operated by Citra Indomas, with around 1 to 2 departures per day.
However, ferry schedules are not available daily, so travelers are advised to check availability in advance.
You can check the latest ferry schedule here:
https://www.easybook.com/id-id/ferry/booking/johor-to-tanjongpinang
Alternative Route via Batam
If there is no available ferry from Johor Bahru to Bintan, or no return ferry from Tanjung Pinang to Johor Bahru, you can travel via Batam instead.
From Johor Bahru or Singapore, travel first to Batam Centre Ferry Terminal, then continue to Bintan.
From Batam, you can choose:
- Speedboat to Tanjung Uban (around 15 minutes)
- Ferry to Tanjung Pinang (around 1 hour)
This route is more flexible because ferries between Batam and Bintan operate frequently throughout the day.
For more details, you can refer to our guide on traveling from Batam to Bintan.
Travel Tips & Bintan Entry Requirements
Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in, immigration, and boarding.
Be Aware of the Time Difference
- Bintan follows Western Indonesia Time (WIB), which is 1 hour behind Singapore. Always check the correct local time, especially for return trips.
Check Passport Validity
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date to enter Indonesia. Read about Bintan Entry Requirement
Complete Indonesia Digital Arrival Card
- All travelers must complete the Indonesia Digital Arrival Card before arrival to speed up the immigration process. Details read about : Bintan Arrival Card
Visa Requirements for Indonesia
- Singapore passport holders and many nationalities can enter Indonesia visa-free for short stays. Check the latest visa rules before traveling. Check about Bintan Visa on Arrival
How to Plan Your Trip to Bintan
Planning your trip to Bintan does not need to be complicated, but preparing a few things in advance will make your journey smoother.
- Book your ferry tickets early, especially during weekends and peak travel periods.
- Arrange your transfers in advance so you can travel easily from the ferry terminal to your hotel.
- Plan your main activities ahead of time to avoid last-minute changes and limited availability.
- Many travelers prefer to organize transport, accommodation, and activities before arrival so they can enjoy their trip without hassle.
- If you prefer a simpler option, you can plan your trip with Bintan Travel Guide for a smoother and more organized experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can take a direct ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Bintan, with a travel time of around 70 minutes.
There are no direct international flights to Bintan. You need to fly to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport in Tanjung Pinang, usually via Jakarta.
The ferry journey from Singapore to Bintan takes around 70 minutes, depending on the operator and sea conditions.
The main ferry terminal for travelers from Singapore is Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT), located in the Bintan Resorts area.
If direct ferries are fully booked, you can travel via Tanjung Pinang Ferry Terminal and continue by land transfer to your destination in Bintan.
Yes, you can travel from Batam to Bintan by speedboat or ferry, with travel times ranging from 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on the route.
Yes, ferries are available from Johor Bahru to Tanjung Pinang, but schedules are limited and not available daily.
Many nationalities, including Singapore passport holders, can enter Indonesia visa-free for short stays. Always check the latest visa requirements before traveling.
Bintan is 1 hour behind Singapore time
Written by Sigit Supriadi, a Bintan-based travel specialist with experience assisting travelers from Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia to Bintan.
He shares practical travel tips and local insights based on real experience to help travelers better understand routes, transport options, and how to plan their journey to Bintan.
Explore our services at Bintan Travel Guide (BTG).
Written by Sigit Supriadi, a Bintan-based travel specialist with experience assisting travelers from Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia to Bintan.
He shares practical travel tips and local insights based on real experience to help travelers better understand routes, transport options, and how to plan their journey to Bintan.
Explore our services at Bintan Travel Guide (BTG).
