Nirup Island Guide: Ferry, Resorts & Things to Do (Destination Guide)
Nirup Island Guide: Ferry, Resorts & Things to Do (Destination Guide)
Quick answer: Nirup Island Guide: Ferry, Resorts & Things to Do (Destination Guide) — Nirup is a new private island destination in the Riau Islands near Batam with direct charter and scheduled ferry access from Singapore and Batam, a major new resort (The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa), an onsite CIQ (immigration) facility and island activities such as snorkeling, wellness programs and watersports. You can reach Nirup in about 20 minutes from Singapore by charter ferry or ~40 minutes from Harbour Bay (Batam), and there are day-trip and overnight packages available.
Nirup Island Guide: Ferry, Resorts & Things to Do (Destination Guide) — at a glance
- Location: Private island in the Riau Archipelago, administered from Batam (Riau Islands, Indonesia).
- Travel time: ~20 minutes from Singapore (charter/direct), ~40–60 minutes from Harbour Bay (Batam) depending on operator and route.
- Main resort: The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa (new wellness-focused resort; villas and rooms).
- Onsite facilities: dedicated ferry terminal, CIQ (immigration checkpoint), marina, beach club, buggy/eco trails.
- Best for: short luxury escapes, wellness retreats, watersports, day-trippers from Singapore or Batam.
How to get to Nirup — step-by-step
From Singapore (most direct)
- Book a ferry or group charter — charter ferries and scheduled group sailings operate from Singapore HarbourFront (check operator availability and minimum group size for direct sailings).
- Arrive at HarbourFront at least 60–90 minutes before departure (check-in and pre-boarding CIQ procedures).
- Board a direct ferry to Nirup (estimated 20 minutes on a direct charter); arrive at Nirup’s ferry terminal where you clear Indonesian immigration (CIQ) on the island.
From Batam
- Take a Singapore → Batam ferry (HarbourFront → Harbour Bay domestic terminal) if coming from Singapore first.
- From Harbour Bay Batam, join the scheduled day-trip ferry or private transfer to Nirup (approx. 30–60 minutes depending on routing).
- Clear CIQ at Nirup (if arriving from overseas you will already be processed in Batam; verify with your operator).
Practical tip: Operators and schedules change — always confirm your exact sail time, terminal, check-in time and passport/visa guidance with the tour operator or ferry company before travel.
Ferry schedules, ticketing & estimated costs (what to expect)
- Typical ferry time: direct charter from Singapore ~20 minutes; from Harbour Bay (Batam) ~40–60 minutes.
- Frequency: direct public sailings may be limited; many early operations are group charters and weekly day-trips. Expect more frequent sailings as island operations scale up.
- Estimated one-way fares: plan roughly SGD 30–90 (economy to business/VIP) one-way for Singapore–Batam class services as a baseline; direct charter pricing varies and group day-tour packages usually bundle ferry, land transfer and activities.
- Terminal fees and departure charges: Singapore passenger departure fee and local terminal fees in Batam may apply — budget extra for terminal and (occasionally) marine park fees.
Money-saving tip: Compare packaged deals (ferry + land transfer + meals) — they often work out cheaper than buying everything separately, especially for day trips and 1–2 night stays.
Resorts & staying on Nirup
The headline property is The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa — a wellness-focused, full-service resort with rooms and private villas that emphasize rest, spa & active wellness programming. The resort sits across the island and offers direct beach access, wellness classes, guided walks and on-island activities.
- Room types: standard rooms, suites and private villas (many with outdoor space or terraces).
- Facilities: spa & wellness center, beach club, pool, nature trails, restaurants and a marina for small yachts.
- Who it suits: couples seeking wellness, families wanting private-villa stays, and travelers looking for short luxury escapes from Singapore.
Top things to do on Nirup — quick list
- Wellness & Spa programs (yoga classes, holistic workshops).
- Snorkeling and guided reef trips for nearby coral spots.
- Watersports: kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet-skiing.
- Nature walks and birdwatching through beachside forest.
- Beach club relaxation and sunset views toward Singapore skyline.
- Marina experiences — short cruises and private yacht arrivals.
Sample itineraries
One-day Nirup Quick Escape (from Singapore)
- 06:45 — Arrive HarbourFront, check in for ferry.
- 08:30 — Depart Singapore (direct charter / group ferry).
- 09:00 — Arrive Nirup, island welcome and CIQ.
- 09:30 — Light breakfast and beach club time or guided nature walk.
- 11:00 — Snorkel or watersports session.
- 13:00 — Lunch at resort restaurant (seafood/local dishes).
- 15:00 — Spa treatment or wellness workshop.
- 17:00 — Sunset on the beach, depart back to Singapore or Batam per schedule.
2D/1N Wellness Retreat (relaxed pace)
- Day 1: Morning arrival → beach club & snorkel → sunset yoga → dinner → evening spa.
- Day 2: Guided island walk → morning meditation → final swim & depart after lunch.
Estimated budget guide (per person, rough)
- Ferry (round-trip, economy estimate): SGD 60–160 depending on operator/class and route.
- Day-trip package (ferry + transfers + set lunch + basic activities): expect competitive day-tour pricing — check current offers.
- Overnight resort stay (mid–luxury to luxury): prices vary widely — budget at least a mid-range nightly rate; villas and resort packages will cost more.
- On-island activities: snorkeling trips, watersports and spa treatments charged separately — plan a buffer for extras.
Tip: If you want convenience and a packaged price, consider booking curated packages that include ferry, transfers and accommodation to lock in costs.
Packages & how to book (recommended quick picks)
Popular package options you can compare and book:
- Nirup Island | 1 Day Tour + Ferry + Land Transfer — great if you want a no-hassle day trip from Batam/Singapore.
- Nirup Island | 2D1N Package + Ferry + Land Transfer — perfect for a relaxed overnight wellness break.
- Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry — pair a Bintan stay (Lagoi area) with your Riau islands trip for more variety.
Booking tip: packaged deals often include ferry transfers, land transfers and set meals. For single-day visitors, a day-trip package is usually the simplest option.
Visa & entry information — short summary and travel tips
- CIQ on island: Nirup has a dedicated CIQ (immigration) point — this allows direct international arrivals to undergo Indonesian entry formalities at the island terminal.
- Visa rules: visa requirements depend on nationality. Many ASEAN passports enjoy visa-free entry for short tourist visits; non-ASEAN travellers should verify visa rules with Indonesian immigration or their local consulate before travel.
- Passport validity: carry a passport valid for at least 6 months; some operators require it for booking.
Safety note: Always confirm visa and entry policies with official sources prior to travel — rules can change.
Practical travel tips
- Pack light beachwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a light rain jacket (sudden tropical showers are possible).
- Bring local currency (Indonesian Rupiah) or a card that works offshore — small vendors may be cash-only.
- Carry copies of booking confirmations, passport and emergency contact numbers.
- Arrive early at the ferry terminal: factor in at least 60–90 minutes for check-in and CIQ processes.
- Book spa treatments and excursions in advance, especially for weekend or public holiday travel.
- Respect local rules for marine protection — avoid touching coral and use reef-safe sunscreen.
Who should visit Nirup?
- Couples and wellness-seekers looking for a short, private island escape.
- Families wanting a nearby island stay with beach and shallow-water activities.
- Yacht owners and small-boat visitors (island marina facilities are part of ongoing development).
Quick comparison: Nirup vs nearby islands (Batam / Bintan)
| Feature | Nirup | Batam / Bintan |
|---|---|---|
| Access from Singapore | Direct charter available; short crossing | Frequent scheduled ferries (longer crossing) |
| Vibe | Private island, resort & wellness focus | More developed, shopping and local towns |
| Best for | Wellness, luxury short breaks | Budget stays, day tours, broader island activities |
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Do I need a visa to visit Nirup?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many ASEAN nationals enter Indonesia visa-free for short tourist stays, but others may need a visa or e-visa. Always check Indonesian immigration or your nearest consulate before traveling.
Is Nirup accessible directly from Singapore?
Yes — there are direct charters and group sailings from Singapore (HarbourFront). Direct transfers are short (approx. 20 minutes) but often require pre-booking or a minimum group size for charters.
Are there regular ferries from Batam?
Yes — scheduled services and day-trip transfers operate from Harbour Bay (Batam). Duration is typically longer than a direct Singapore charter; check the operator or tour package for exact times.
Can I stay overnight on Nirup?
Yes — The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa and related overnight packages allow 1–nights stays. Overnight stays give you time for wellness programs and a relaxed schedule.
What activities are available for families?
Beach time, snorkeling in calm spots, non-motorized watersports (kayak, SUP), guided nature walks and beach club activities are family-friendly. Check age restrictions and safety briefings for powered watersports.
Internal link suggestions (for this site)
- Batam Harbour Bay Guide — ferry terminals & how to connect to island tours.
- Bintan Lagoi Resorts & Snorkeling — combine a Bintan stay with a Nirup visit.
- Best day trips from Singapore — comparison of nearby island escapes.
Final planning checklist (before you go)
- Confirm ferry operator, terminal, departure time and check-in window.
- Check visa/immigration requirements and passport validity.
- Book resort / package early (weekends and public holidays sell out fast).
- Reserve spa treatments and water activities ahead of arrival.
If you want a simple, worry-free booking, compare these recommended packages and pick the one that fits your schedule and budget:
- Nirup Island | 1 Day Tour + Ferry + Land Transfer — ideal for a single-day escape.
- Nirup Island | 2D1N Package + Ferry + Land Transfer — for an overnight wellness break.
- Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry — pair a nearby resort stay if you want more island variety.
Ready to plan? 👉 Check our latest Nirup Island packages and WhatsApp us to book now — we can arrange ferry, transfers, and resort packages so you arrive stress-free and start relaxing immediately.
Note: Operators, timetables and visa rules change periodically. Always confirm the latest ferry schedule, ticket prices and entry rules before traveling.
