Thrilling and Invigorating Landscapes with a hint of Serenity in Proximity to Singapore
For first-time travelers, it's essential to ensure your passport has at least six months' validity and check visa requirements depending on your nationality before embarking on an island getaway from Singapore. Two popular destinations are Batam and Bintan islands, offering a perfect blend of affordability, natural beauty, and convenience.
Batam Island
Batam presents a vibrant mix of water activities, shopping, spa experiences, nature exploration, and local cuisine. Dive into the crystal-clear waters for jet skiing, banana boat rides, snorkeling, and kayaking. For those seeking relaxation, Batam's shopping centers, affordable spa retreats, and massage services are a haven.
Explore the island's mangrove forests and scenic trails for a touch of adventure, or unwind at one of the numerous resort stays, mainly near Batam Centre and Sekupang ferry terminals. The island's fresh seafood and Indonesian dishes at beachside restaurants and markets will tantalize your taste buds.
Ferries from Singapore's HarbourFront and Tanah Merah ports take about 45-60 minutes, docking at several terminals like Batam Centre and Sekupang. Taxis, shuttle buses, and private car services are available outside the terminal to take you to your resort or hotel.
Bintan Island
Bintan is renowned for its luxurious resorts, especially around Lagoi Bay. Families will find playgrounds, an aquarium, and interactive art installations in this area. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike Gunung Bintan, explore Lagoi Bay Lake, or golf at Ria Bintan Golf Club and Bintan Lagoon Resort Golf Club.
Cultural explorers can visit the Chinese Temple and local markets, while couples can enjoy romantic escapes with private beach dinners, sunset cruises, or secluded villa stays surrounded by nature. Regular ferries from Singapore's Tanah Merah Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in approximately 1 hour make Bintan easily accessible.
Both islands offer numerous top-rated spas, nature and adventure activities, and water sports. Having some Indonesian Rupiah on hand is helpful for local shops and taxis, as some resorts only accept cards. Currency exchange is available at ferry terminals and major resorts.
Tips for a Seamless Trip
- Bring swimwear, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a hat, and a light jacket for breezy evenings.
- Check-in is quick with a valid passport and e-ticket, and immigration counters at the terminal are usually efficient, especially during non-peak hours.
- The dry season, from March to October, is the best time to visit, while the monsoon months (November to January) should be avoided for water activities.
- For a seamless booking experience, reservations for Bintan Resort ferry or ferry from Tanah Merah to Batam can be made through platforms like redBus.
- Upon arrival in Batam or Bintan, immigration procedures are straightforward, with English widely spoken and local staff helpful.
- Safety protocols are strictly followed on ferries, with life vests available under each seat and pre-departure safety briefings. Ferries are equipped with air-conditioned cabins, comfortable seating, and in some cases, onboard refreshments.
- The scenery on Batam Island is a vibrant mix of water activities, shopping, spa experiences, nature exploration, and local cuisine.
- Dive into the crystal-clear waters for jet skiing, banana boat rides, snorkeling, and kayaking on Batam Island.
- For relaxation, Batam's shopping centers, affordable spa retreats, and massage services are a haven.
- Explore the island's mangrove forests and scenic trails for a touch of adventure in Batam.
- Unwind at one of the numerous resort stays near Batam Centre and Sekupang ferry terminals on the island.
- The fresh seafood and Indonesian dishes at beachside restaurants and markets on Batam will tantalize your taste buds.
- Ferries from Singapore's HarbourFront and Tanah Merah ports take about 45-60 minutes to reach Batam, docking at several terminals.
- Taxis, shuttle buses, and private car services are available outside the terminal to take you to your resort or hotel on Batam.
- Bintan Island is renowned for its luxurious resorts, especially around Lagoi Bay, offering water sports, nature, and adventure activities.
- Outdoor enthusiasts can hike Gunung Bintan, explore Lagoi Bay Lake, or golf at Ria Bintan Golf Club and Bintan Lagoon Resort Golf Club on Bintan.
- Cultural explorers can visit the Chinese Temple and local markets, while couples can enjoy romantic escapes with private beach dinners, sunset cruises, or secluded villa stays surrounded by nature on Bintan.
- Regular ferries from Singapore's Tanah Merah Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in about 1 hour make Bintan easily accessible.
- Both Batam and Bintan islands offer numerous top-rated spas, nature and adventure activities, and water sports.
- For a seamless journey, bring swimwear, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a hat, and a light jacket for breezy evenings, and make ferry reservations through platforms like redBus.
