How to Get to Bintan From Singapore
The fastest way to reach Bintan from Singapore is a 70-minute ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) Ferry Terminal, right inside the Bintan Resorts area.
A second route runs to Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal in Tanjungpinang, which suits travelers staying in that city or in eastern Bintan.
This guide covers everything you need to know to get to Bintan, including entry requirements and how to reach your hotel from the ferry terminal
Bintan Entry Requirements
Before you book a ferry, confirm you meet Indonesia’s entry rules. Missing one of these can delay you at the terminal.
- Valid passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your arrival date in Bintan, Indonesia.
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): Singapore, Malaysia, and other passport holders can enter visa-free. Travelers from other countries can get Bintan Visa on Arrival at the ferry terminal, or apply online in advance.
- Indonesia Digital Arrival Card: Required for every international visitor, sometimes called the Bintan Arrival Card, though it applies nationwide. Submit it up to 72 hours before arrival; it’s free and takes about 3–5 minutes. Have your passport ready before you start.
Getting to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
Every ferry to Bintan Island departs from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore. The terminal is compact and easy to navigate
It’s about 15–20 minutes from Changi Airport by taxi.
A shuttle service is also available directly from Changi if you’re arriving by plane via tmftshuttle.changiairport.com.
Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure to clear check-in and immigration.
Direct Ferry to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal
This is the recommended route for anyone staying at a hotel in the Bintan Resorts area or in eastern Bintan.
It’s operated by Bintan Resort Ferries (BRF), runs daily, and takes about 70 minutes.
- First departure from Singapore: around 08:10
- Last departure from Singapore: around 17:00
On weekends, during peak season, or over major holidays, BRF typically adds extra sailings on top of this regular Bintan Ferry Schedule
For a Bintan day trip from Singapore, take the 08:10 ferry out and the 18:35 ferry back from Bintan.
That schedule gives you the most time on the island before heading home.
Book Ferry Tickets
Book tickets online through the official ferry operator website (https://www.brf.com.sg/) for the most reliable availability.
You can also choose a Bintan hotel package that already includes round-trip ferry tickets, which simplifies the whole trip.
Tickets are sold at the BRF counter at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, but only while seats remain available.
Book online instead, especially on weekends, holidays, or during peak season.
The Ferry Journey
Bintan runs one hour behind Singapore time, so a ferry leaving Tanah Merah at 08:10 arrives around 08:20 local time.
Choose between Bintan Ferry: Emerald Class & Economy Class when booking your ticket:
- Economy Class: Free seating, so you choose any open seat on board.
- Emerald Class: Pre-assigned seating, access to an open deck area, and extra amenities for a more comfortable ride.
Arriving at Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal
Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal is located inside the Bintan Resorts area, close to most hotels around Bintan Resort.
Many of these properties run a shuttle service from Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal straight from the terminal to their hotel.
If your hotel is outside Bintan Resorts, in Trikora, east of Bintan, Tanjungpinang, or elsewhere on the island, you’ll need private transfer services to complete the journey.
Alternative Route to Tanjungpinang
Tanjungpinang is Bintan’s main city, located on the island’s southern side.
Ferries here also leave from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal but arrive at Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal instead of BBT.
Two operators currently run this route:
This route works well if you’re staying in Tanjungpinang or The Residence Bintan, since both are closer to Sri Bintan Pura than to BBT.
It’s also a useful backup during peak season, when direct BBT sailings sell out.
- Departures: Two per day, per operator
- Journey time: Roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the schedule and sailing conditions
- Tickets: Book online through each operator’s official website
Arriving at Tanjungpinang Ferry Terminal
Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal is located in Tanjungpinang, on Bintan’s southern coast.
If you’re headed to Bintan Resorts or eastern Bintan from here, you’ll need to arrange a private transfer.
Unlike BBT, most hotels don’t run a shuttle from this terminal.
The Residence Bintan is the exception, offering shuttle service to its guests under its own hotel policy.
- Travel time to Bintan Resorts area: About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on your hotel’s exact location and traffic conditions, so it’s best to arrange private transfer services in advance.
