Extend Your Trip from Singapore: How to Take a Ferry to Indonesia (Batam & Bintan)

Singapore is a small island nation at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, roughly the same size as Tokyo’s 23 wards. While there’s plenty to see and do in Singapore, if you have extra time, you might consider visiting Indonesia, just across the way.

Since both Indonesia and Singapore are island nations, you can travel by boat or plane. Of the many Indonesian islands of varying sizes, Batam is particularly accessible, with high-speed ferries taking as little as 45 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes. In this article, we’ll show you how to reach Indonesia—a land of abundant natural beauty and a distinctly different atmosphere from Singapore.

Getting to Indonesia by Ferry!

Did you know there are Indonesian islands easily reached by ferry from Singapore? Ferries run frequently between Singapore’s ferry terminals and the Indonesian islands of Bintan and Batam. At peak times, departures can be as frequent as every 20 minutes, with four different ferry operators competing. There are even people who cross the border daily for work! But don’t forget there is a 1-hour time difference to keep in mind.

Since these ferries connect two different countries, you’ll need to go through exit procedures before boarding in Singapore and entry procedures upon arrival in Indonesia. You also need a visa on arrival (VOA) or e-visa for Indonesia, so it’s wise to exchange some money into Indonesian rupiah at the ferry terminal beforehand.

Plan to arrive at the terminal about 45 minutes before departure. Ferry schedules and prices change often, so be sure to check the operators’ websites for the latest information before you go.

Bintan Island

Bintan Island is about 46 km south of Singapore. It’s known as a convenient resort destination for Singaporeans, where you can enjoy a luxurious stay at upscale hotels along stunning natural beaches. When you arrive at the ferry terminal, hotel shuttles typically meet the ferry to pick up guests.

Business-Class at Sea: Emerald Class

Arrive in Just 45 Minutes! Head to Batam Island

Batam Island is about 20 km south of Singapore, close enough for a satisfying day trip.

Ferries to Batam run roughly every 10–20 minutes, reflecting high passenger demand. Since there are three main ports on Batam, make sure you know which port you need—mix-ups could mean an additional hour of driving.

The central district of Batam is called “Nagoya,” a name reportedly inspired by the Japanese city of Nagoya during or after World War II. Local residents firmly believe it derives from Japan’s “Nagoya.”

Compared to Bintan, Batam is less of a “resort” area, but it’s heavily influenced by Singapore’s business investment scene.
Home to about 1.1 million residents, Batam is predominantly Muslim, yet due to Singapore’s influence, there’s also a relatively large Buddhist community (rare in Indonesia, where Buddhism accounts for only 1% of the population).

Verified by Our skyticket Staff: How to Get to Batam Island

Harbourfront Terminal in Singapore is the most convenient gateway to Batam Center, which leads straight into Batam’s central district, Nagoya (though there are other ports in Singapore too). The ferry ticket counters are located on the 3rd floor, with immigration on the 2nd floor.
Three different operators run 51 daily sailings in total—so no worries if you don’t have a reservation. But if you want peace of mind, you can also book online.

SINDO Ferry to Batam Central Port

Among the three ferry operators to Batam, SINDO Ferry sometimes offers a 10-minute faster crossing than competitors.

It takes about 1 hour by high-speed ferry, but due to the 1-hour time difference, your arrival time will roughly match your departure time from Singapore.

Clear Immigration Early

Try to complete immigration at Harbourfront at least 60 minutes before departure. You’ll find a convenience store (7-Eleven) and a café after passing through immigration (but no full-service restaurants).

Duty-Free Shopping

The duty-free store in the Harbourfront terminal sells cosmetics and liquor (including some Japanese brands). However, if you plan to buy cigarettes, it’s generally more economical to wait until you arrive in Indonesia.

Enjoying the Ferry

It’s about 1 hour to Batam across the Singapore Strait, which is a busy shipping lane for tankers. Since seats are unreserved on SINDO Ferry, board early to secure a window seat for better views.

Arriving at Batam Central

As of 2023, Indonesia requires a VOA (Visa on Arrival)—costing 500,000 IDR (approx. 50 SGD). You can pay the VOA in Singapore dollars. You’ll likely be asked about your return plans at immigration, so it’s good to show your ferry ticket or flight e-ticket.

You can exchange currency inside the port, which often offers convenient rates. If you already know you’ll visit Batam, consider waiting to exchange any leftover Japanese yen here for Indonesian rupiah.

◎ Embark on an Indonesian Adventure from Singapore!

So, how do you get from Singapore to Indonesia’s Bintan or Batam by ferry? While flying is a common way to travel between the two countries, this article focuses on ferry transport.

Ferry rides in Southeast Asia are surprisingly comfortable, often feeling similar to a small cruise ship, with minimal rocking on calm days. If the weather cooperates, you’ll enjoy a fun, leisurely voyage. Give the island-hopping ferry experience a try—you won’t regret it!

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