Batam vs Bintan: Which is Better for a Weekend Trip? (Comparison)

Batam vs Bintan: Which is Better for a Weekend Trip? (Comparison)

Batam is usually the better choice for a very short, budget-friendly 1-night weekend (fast ferries, city comforts, shopping and massages). Bintan is better if you want a beach-resort escape, quieter nature experiences and more time to relax (ideal for 2+ nights). Batam vs Bintan: Which is Better for a Weekend Trip? (Comparison) — the right pick depends on how you want to spend your weekend.

Batam vs Bintan: Which is Better for a Weekend Trip? (Comparison) — Quick facts

• Travel time from Singapore: Batam 40–75 minutes by ferry; Bintan (Lagoi / Bandar Bentan Telani) about 60–75 minutes by ferry from Tanah Merah.
• Best for 1-night express weekend: Batam (closer, more ferry options from HarbourFront & Tanah Merah).
• Best for resort/beach stay and activities (golf, snorkeling, nature): Bintan (Lagoi area).
• Visa: Singapore passport holders generally enjoy 30-day visa-free entry for tourism; always check Indonesian immigration before travel.

Who should pick Batam?

• Travellers from Singapore who want a super-short trip (arrive Friday night, back Sunday night).
• People who want shopping, cheap seafood restaurants, massages and city conveniences.
• Groups looking for budget hotels, day tours or a fast 1-day city-and-spa itinerary.

Typical Batam weekend highlights

• Massage and spa in Nagoya
• Waterfront dining at Harbour Bay
• Short island tours (Barelang Bridge, small beaches)
• Resort stay with private pool options (e.g., Montigo Resort — great for families)

Recommended Batam packages (easy to book with ferry included):

• Batam | Montigo Resort + Ferry! Asia's Top 5-Star Resort with Private Infinity Pool
• Batam | Swiss-Belhotel Harbour Bay + Ferry - Excellent Location & Value For Money
• Batam | 1 Day City Tour + Ferry at Only S$99!

Who should pick Bintan?

• Couples and families wanting a true beach/resort getaway for 2+ nights.
• Travellers seeking water sports, snorkeling, golf, mangrove tours and calm beaches.
• People who prefer resort-style all-in stays with on-site dining and activities.

Typical Bintan weekend highlights

• Lagoi beach resorts and swimming (Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia style properties)
• Mangrove or firefly tours, ecological farm tours
• Boat trips for snorkeling and island hopping

Recommended Bintan packages (ferry included):

• Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry
• Bintan | Cassia Resort + Ferry
• Bintan | Lagoi Bay Snorkeling Trip + Full Land Transfer

Ferry schedule & routes (practical guide)

Major Singapore departure points:

• HarbourFront Centre (for Batam: Batam Centre, HarbourBay, Sekupang).
• Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (for Bintan: Bandar Bentan Telani — Lagoi; also some Batam routes).

Common travel times (single trip):

• Singapore (HarbourFront) → Batam Centre: ~55–75 minutes (depending on operator/route).
• Tanah Merah → Bandar Bentan Telani (Lagoi, Bintan Resorts): ~60–75 minutes; some timetables list about 1h10m.

Tip: Book ferries early for weekend slots (popular timings Friday evening and Sunday evening). Check the operator pages a day before travel for last-minute changes.

Step-by-step: Sample 2-day itinerary (Batam, fast weekend)

1. Friday evening: 6:00pm ferry from HarbourFront. Arrive Batam ~7:15pm. Check in, dinner at Harbour Bay.
2. Saturday morning: Massage + breakfast in Nagoya. Afternoon short island drive to Barelang Bridge. Evening seafood dinner.
3. Sunday morning: Pool/resort chill or visit a factory outlet. Afternoon ferry back to Singapore (book ferry after 3pm to avoid rush). Arrive Singapore evening.

Step-by-step: Sample 2-night itinerary (Bintan, relaxed weekend)

1. Friday morning: 9:00am ferry from Tanah Merah. Arrive Lagoi by 10:30am. Check in to resort.
2. Friday afternoon: Beach time, resort activities, sunset drinks.
3. Saturday: Mangrove / firefly tour or snorkeling trip. Dinner at resort.
4. Sunday morning: Leisurely breakfast, spa or short cycle, noon check-out and 2pm ferry back to Singapore.

Estimated costs (per person, Singapore dollar, weekend 2D1N)

• Ferry return: S$30–S$80 (depends on route & operator; choose earlier/cheaper slots).
• Budget Batam hotel (1 night): S$40–S$100; mid-range/resort: S$120–S$300+.
• Bintan resort (2 nights typical, per night): S$150–S$600+ depending on property and season.
• Food & transport (weekend): S$50–S$120 extra (meals, taxi/GRAB on islands, short tours).
• Suggested weekend budgets:
  • Batam fast weekend (1N): S$120–S$300 (ferry + hotel + food + one activity).
  • Bintan relaxed weekend (2N): S$350–S$900 (ferry + 2 nights resort + transfers + activities).

Visa & entry (short summary for Singapore residents)

• Singapore passport holders: generally eligible for 30-day visa-free entry to Indonesia for tourism (cannot extend). Always verify before travel with Indonesian immigration or embassy.
• If you need a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-VOA for other passport types, check the Indonesian immigration e-VOA site for pre-application. Arrive with passport valid for 6+ months and a return ticket.
• Note (Oct 2025): Indonesia has been updating entry processes (new ‘All Indonesia’ digital declarations and e-VOA notices at some airports). For the latest rules affecting seaports, check the Indonesian immigration page before you go.

Practical travel tips (quick list)

• Bring original passport (6 months validity) and a printed or digital return ticket.
• Carry small IDR cash for taxis, tips and local stalls; cards accepted at resorts and large outlets.
• Buy ferry tickets with ample buffer for immigration — allow 60–90 minutes at terminals for check-in and clearance.
• If you have a late-night flight from Singapore on your return day, allow at least 4–5 hours between your ferry arrival into Singapore and flight departure.
• Mobile data: consider an international eSIM or local SIM on arrival if you need navigation off-resort.

Transit & terminal quick guide

• HarbourFront Centre (HarbourFront) — main gateway for Batam ferries (Batam Centre, HarbourBay, Sekupang). Check-in counters open ~45–60 min before departure.
• Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal — main gateway for Bintan (Bandar Bentan Telani / Lagoi). Shuttle options from Changi Airport are available. Allow extra time if connecting to flights.

Safety, health & best times to go

• Weather: Tropical. Monsoon months vary; for calmer seas choose the drier months (roughly April–October) but always check forecasts before travel.
• Sea-sickness: If you are prone, bring medication — some crossings can be choppy depending on weather.
• Travel insurance: Recommended, especially for water activities and island transfers.

Quick comparison table (at-a-glance)

• Access from Singapore: Batam = faster & more frequent ferries; Bintan = slightly longer but direct to Lagoi resorts.
• Vibe: Batam = bustling, local city + resort mix; Bintan = resort, beach and nature-focused.
• Best for: Batam = 1-night express weekend; Bintan = 2+ nights resort getaway.
• Typical cost: Batam = lower; Bintan = tends higher (resort premium).

Recommended quick-picks (if you want us to book)

Top pick for a luxury family weekend in Batam: Montigo Resort + Ferry.

Top pick for a beach/resort long-weekend in Bintan: Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry.

FAQs

Q: Which is cheaper for a weekend — Batam or Bintan?

A: Batam is generally cheaper for hotels, meals and short tours. Bintan resorts are pricier, especially in Lagoi (resort area).

Q: How long is the ferry from Singapore to Batam / Bintan?

A: Batam: about 40–75 minutes depending on route. Bintan (Lagoi/Bandar Bentan Telani): about 60–75 minutes (many schedules show ~1h10m). Always check operator schedules for exact times.

Q: Do Singapore citizens need a visa for Batam or Bintan?

A: No visa is generally required for tourism stays up to 30 days for Singapore passport holders. Double-check Indonesian immigration rules before you travel.

Q: Can I do a day trip to Bintan?

A: Day trips are possible but tight. Bintan Resorts ferries operate morning departures and evening returns; many travellers prefer staying overnight to fully enjoy the beach and resort amenities.

Q: Any ferry booking tips?

A: Book both ways, choose earlier returns on Sunday if you have flights, and allow 60–90 minutes for immigration clearance at both ends.

Which is better finally? If you want a fast, wallet-friendly weekend with city comforts and easy spas, pick Batam. If you want a slow, beach-resort escape with water sports and nature, pick Bintan.

👉 Check our latest Batam packages and WhatsApp us to book now.