By The Escape desk · Last verified 3 October 2026
Indonesia’s nearest islands are a short ferry ride away. Batam ferries leave from HarbourFront, from a new terminal since July 2026, and from Tanah Merah; the crossing takes about an hour. Bintan ferries leave mainly from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, for the resorts at Lagoi or the town of Tanjung Pinang. A Batam return costs roughly S$70 to S$90 once fuel surcharges are added. Singapore citizens need no visa for stays of up to 30 days, but every traveller must complete the free All Indonesia arrival card before arriving.
It’s the easiest overseas weekend there is: a massage and seafood in Batam, or a beach and a book in Bintan, back by Sunday dinner. Here’s how to make the journey smooth.
Quick facts
- HarbourFront ferries now leave from the new terminal at 5 HarbourFront Avenue, a short walk from HarbourFront MRT.
- Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal serves Bintan and some Batam routes.
- Sailing time: about 50 minutes to an hour to Batam; around an hour to Bintan.
- Batam return: about S$76 base fare, plus fuel surcharges, so budget S$85 to S$90.
- Singapore citizens: visa-free for up to 30 days.
- All Indonesia arrival card: free, online, within three days before arrival.
Which terminal goes where?
| Singapore terminal | Main destinations | Getting there |
|---|---|---|
| HarbourFront (new terminal, since July 2026) | Batam Centre, Harbour Bay, Sekupang, Tanjung Balai (Karimun) and others | HarbourFront MRT (North East and Circle lines), Exit B |
| Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal | Bintan (Bandar Bentan Telani for Lagoi resorts; Tanjung Pinang) and Batam Nongsa | Bus or taxi from Tanah Merah or Bedok; allow extra time |
The new HarbourFront terminal has self-service check-in kiosks and passport-free immigration clearance for eligible travellers, which makes the Singapore end of the trip quicker than it used to be.
What does it cost?
Operators including Batam Fast, Horizon Fast Ferry, Majestic Fast Ferry and Sindo Ferry compete on the Batam routes, so fares are similar: one-way tickets usually cost S$30 to S$45, and a return about S$76 before surcharges. A fuel surcharge is added on the outbound leg, and another, priced in rupiah, on the way back. Bintan resort ferries cost more, and prices rise at weekends and on public holidays. Book the return sailing when you book the trip out; Sunday evening boats fill up first.
What do I need to enter Indonesia?
- Passport: valid for at least six months.
- No visa for Singapore citizens staying up to 30 days as tourists. Other passports may need a visa on arrival.
- All Indonesia arrival card: one form that replaces the old immigration card, the customs e-CD and the health declaration. File it free at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id or in the All Indonesia app, within three days before you arrive. Each traveller gets a QR code; one adult can file for the family.
How early should I arrive?
Check-in usually closes 30 minutes before sailing, but at weekends aim to be at the terminal 60 to 90 minutes early. Door to door, a Batam trip takes two to two and a half hours each way once you include immigration at both ends.
The WahLiao Verdict
Batam is the quick, cheap escape; Bintan is the slower, sandier one. Either way, the three things that spoil the weekend are a passport with under six months left, a missing arrival card and a sold-out Sunday ferry home. Sort all three before Friday, bring some rupiah for taxis, and enjoy being abroad in an hour.
Questions people ask
Can I pay with Singapore dollars in Batam?
Some malls and spas accept them, at their own rate. Rupiah or a card in rupiah is usually better value; see our guide to card fees and paying overseas.
Is the All Indonesia card needed at ferry ports?
Yes. Batam’s immigration office requires it at the island’s international ports as well as its airport, and Bintan applies the same system.
How much can I bring back duty-free?
On a weekend trip, very little: if you’ve been away for less than 48 hours, you get no GST relief on goods you bring back, and duty-free alcohol has its own rules. See duty-free and GST allowances for the details.
Can I extend the 30 days?
The visa-free stay can’t be extended or converted. For longer visits, apply for the right visa before you travel.
Sources: Little Big Red Dot on the new HarbourFront terminal and fares; Horizon Fast Ferry on its move to the new terminal; Batam Immigration on the All Indonesia requirement; Wego on how the arrival card works. Fares change; check with the operator. The Escape explains; it does not advise.
Read next: Crossing the Causeway · Renewing Your Singapore Passport · Back to The Escape
For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.
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