Exciting Scenic and Invigorating Expeditions Within Proximity of Singapore
For a quick and relaxing getaway, Singapore offers three popular island destinations: Batam, Bintan, and Sentosa Island. These islands, easily accessible by ferry within 45-60 minutes, provide a variety of activities suited for solo travellers, couples, and families.
Batam: A Tropical Paradise with a Touch of Tradition
Just a speedboat ride away, Batam is renowned for its pristine beaches, delectable seafood, golf courses, snorkeling spots, spas, and traditional fishing villages built on stilts. Popular attractions include Nongsa Point Marina and resorts offering cultural tours, massages, and seafood dining.
For travellers seeking a more secluded retreat, consider visiting Telunas Private Island, accessible after ferrying to Batam. Strict ferry timings apply to avoid overnight waiting.
Bintan Island: A Natural Beach Retreat for All
A 40-minute ferry ride from Singapore, Bintan Island offers a tranquil escape with family-friendly resorts, golf courses, and nature trails. Notable activities include exploring the Bandar Bentan Telani ferry terminal area, shopping at Plaza Lagoi, hiking at Gunung Bintan, and enjoying lakeside leisure at Lagoi Bay Lake.
Sentosa Island: Singapore's Own Resort Island
Sentosa Island, Singapore's very own resort island, offers attractions like the Wings of Time night show, the Sentosa Merlion, Madame Tussauds, spa retreats, and beaches.
Travel Tips for First-Time Travelers to Batam and Bintan
To ensure a smooth journey, first-time travellers should:
- Depart from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, easily accessible by taxi or public transport and conveniently close to Changi Airport.
- Ensure passport validity (at least six months) and verify visa requirements depending on nationality before travelling.
- Book ferry tickets in advance online for confirmed schedules and easy payments, using platforms like redBus for Batam or Bintan ferries.
- Arrive at least one hour before the ferry departure.
- Ferries are typically air-conditioned, comfortable, and sometimes offer refreshments during the 45-60 min trip.
- Upon arrival in Batam or Bintan, immigration procedures are straightforward, with English widely spoken and local staff helpful.
The best time to visit Bintan and Batam is during the dry season, from March to October, to avoid the monsoon months (November to January) for water activities. Safety protocols are strictly followed, with life vests available under each seat and pre-departure safety briefings conducted.
These islands offer a variety of options for romantic escapes, including private beach dinners, sunset cruises, and secluded villa stays. Bintan is renowned for its luxurious beachfront resorts, while Batam offers a mix of budget stays, shopping centers, and spa retreats. Water sports such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, snorkeling, and kayaking are available in both Bintan and Batam.
Having some Indonesian Rupiah on hand is helpful for local shops and taxis, as some resorts only accept cards. Top-rated spas offering relaxing massages at lower rates compared to Singapore can be found on both Bintan and Batam. It's advisable to bring swimwear, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a hat, and a light jacket.
Reliable platforms like redBus offer easy booking of Bintan Resort ferry or ferry from Tanah Merah to Batam with confirmed e-tickets. Lush mangrove forests, scenic trails, and eco-tours can be explored on the islands. Fresh seafood, Indonesian satays, and tropical fruits can be enjoyed at beachside restaurants or local markets.
Overall, these islands provide quick and relaxing escapes from Singapore with ample recreation options, tailored for various travellers.
- For exploration, head to Batam, a tropical paradise with a touch of tradition, easily accessed by a speedboat ride.
- Batam is renowned for its pristine beaches, delectable seafood, golf courses, snorkeling spots, spas, and traditional fishing villages built on stilts.
- Nongsa Point Marina and resorts offering cultural tours, massages, and seafood dining are popular attractions in Batam.
- For a more secluded retreat, visit Telunas Private Island, accessible after ferrying to Batam, but with strict ferry timings to avoid overnight waiting.
- Bintan Island, a 40-minute ferry ride from Singapore, is a natural beach retreat offering family-friendly resorts, golf courses, and nature trails.
- Bintan's Bandar Bentan Telani ferry terminal area, Plaza Lagoi, Gunung Bintan, and Lagoi Bay Lake are notable locations for exploration.
- Sentosa Island, Singapore's own resort island, offers attractions like the Wings of Time night show, the Sentosa Merlion, Madame Tussauds, spa retreats, and beaches.
- To ensure a smooth journey for first-time travellers to Batam and Bintan, depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, book ferry tickets in advance, arrive early, and verify visa requirements.
- Excursions like sunset cruises, private beach dinners, and secluded villa stays provide romantic escapes on these islands.
- Bintan is renowned for its luxurious beachfront resorts, while Batam offers a mix of budget stays, shopping centers, and spa retreats.
- Water sports such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, snorkeling, and kayaking are available in both Bintan and Batam.
- Having some Indonesian Rupiah on hand and bringing swimwear, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a hat, and a light jacket will make your travels more convenient.
- Reliable platforms like redBus offer easy booking of Bintan Resort ferry or ferry from Tanah Merah to Batam, with confirmed e-tickets.
- Lush mangrove forests, scenic trails, and eco-tours can be explored on the islands, and fresh seafood, Indonesian satays, and tropical fruits can be enjoyed at beachside restaurants or local markets.
