Day trip to Bintan from Singapore & Malaysia

Need a quick reset from city life? A day trip to Bintan is one of the easiest and most rewarding escapes you can make from Singapore or Malaysia. In just over an hour by ferry, the skyscrapers fade into the distance and you’re stepping onto white-sand beaches, wandering through historic villages, or drifting along mangrove forests.

What makes Bintan special is the mix: you can soak up island calm at a luxury resort, taste spicy satay at a local market, or explore royal landmarks on Penyengat Island, all in a single day. It’s the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, without needing to spend the night. Now that we got your attention, let’s take a closer look at planning a Bintan day trip!

• How to get to Bintan
• What to do in Bintan in a day
• Best time for a day trip to Bintan
• FAQs
• Travel tips

Bintan says hello!

How to get to Bintan: ferry routes and travel time

There are many ferries from Singapore to Bintan, with the most popular option being the ferry from Tanah Merah to Bandar Bentan Telani in the Bintan Resorts area, which typically takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. This route is very handy if your aim is beaches, relaxation, spa or just time by the water.

Another option from Tanah Merah goes to Tanjung Pinang, the main town on Bintan, however there are fewer daily crossings and the journey tends to be longer, around 2 hours.

From Malaysia, there are ferry routes from Stulang Laut to Tanjung Pinang, and from Pasir Gudang to the lagoon resort areas of Bintan. These tend to involve more travel time on land plus the ferry, so for a true day trip, time becomes tighter. Always check current schedules (they can vary by season, day of week, and operator) so you’re not stranded or forced to cut your visit short.

The sand dunes and azure waters in Bintan

What to do in Bintan in one day

If you have only a day, you’ll want to pick a few highlights instead of trying to squeeze everything in. A great start is heading to Lagoi Beach in the northern part of Bintan if you arrive via the Bandar Bentan Telani terminal.

There you can lounge on white sand, take in calm sea views, and possibly try water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding if you're a strong swimmer and up for the task. The surrounding Lagoi area is known for its clean, well-kept beachfront and resort atmosphere, offering peaceful spots for a stroll, seaside dining, and plenty of photo-worthy scenery.

If you land in Tanjung Pinang, devote part of your time to exploring Penyengat Island, very close by. This island was once the seat of royalty, and you’ll find historical architecture like the Grand Mosque of the Sultan of Riau, royal tombs, a palace complex, and hilltop viewpoints. The short boat ride to Penyengat gives you a sense of stepping back in time. There are also local markets in Tanjung Pinang where you can try street food and wander among shops for souvenirs.

Nature lovers will enjoy something like a mangrove discovery tour, where you paddle or ride through dense green woods, or explore sand dunes and the Blue Lake, both of which give a striking contrast between desert‑like landscapes and vivid water. For relaxing moments, sunset at Trikora Beach or other coastal spots is always rewarding.

Finally, if time allows, enjoy resort amenities like spa treatments, poolside cocktails, or a leisurely beachside lunch. These offer restorative breaks amid more active exploring, which helps the day trip feel balanced.

The Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Temple in Bintan has 1,000 statues

Best time for a day trip to Bintan

The best time to go on a day trip to Bintan is during the dry season, which typically runs from March to October. This period offers the most reliable weather, with sunny skies, calm seas, and lower humidity, making it an ideal time for enjoying beaches, outdoor activities, and ferry travel.

During these months, you're more likely to experience smooth ferry crossings from Singapore or Malaysia, and there's a lower risk of your plans being disrupted by tropical showers. Sea conditions are generally better too, especially important if you are prone to motion sickness or planning water-based excursions like snorkeling or mangrove tours.

The wet season, from November to February, brings more frequent rain and rougher seas. While it's still possible to visit during this period, especially if you're heading to a resort and just want to relax indoors, your flexibility might be limited, and some outdoor activities may be less enjoyable.

A perfect day in Bintan for a couple rounds of golf

FAQs

Can you visit Bintan in just one day?

Yes, you absolutely can, however the key is picking a ferry route with early morning departure and late afternoon or early evening return. If you leave Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal first thing in the morning, you can reach Bintan before mid‑morning. That gives you several hours to explore Bintan’s beaches, local culture and nature or enjoy resort amenities.

That said, travel and transfers do eat into your day. If you want to explore more remote areas, dive deeper into local culture, or simply enjoy the island at a slower pace, staying overnight will make the experience far more relaxed.

Can I travel on the ferry to Bintan with a car?

No, the ferry operators running the popular passenger routes from Singapore or Malaysia to Bintan generally do not allow vehicles. These ferries are high‑speed catamarans or passenger ferries designed for people and light luggage and do not have car decks. If you need transport on Bintan, plan on using local taxis, resort shuttles, or prearranged transfers once you arrive.

Is there a high‑speed ferry to Bintan?

Yes, there are high‑speed ferry services on several routes to Bintan. Particularly the route from Tanah Merah (Singapore) to Bandar Bentan Telani uses high‑speed vessels that take about 1 hour 10 minutes. Some other routes are slower, depending on distance and terminal.

How far is Bintan by ferry from Singapore and Malaysia?

The sea distance and travel times vary depending on your departure point:

Singapore to Bintan:

• Tanah Merah to Bandar Bentan Telani is about 22 nautical miles (40 kilometers).
• Tanah Merah to Tanjung Pinang is roughly 40 nautical miles (75 kilometers).

Malaysia to Bintan:

• Stulang Laut to Tanjung Pinang is around 60 nautical miles (111 kilometers).
• Pasir Gudang to Lagoon Resort is about 35 nautical miles (65 kilometers).

Sunrise in Bintan is nothing short of magical!

Travel tips to make your Bintan day trip great

• Choose your route based on your priorities: if beaches and relaxing are what you want, aim for Bandar Bentan Telani via Tanah Merah. If you want history, culture, local markets, then Tanjung Pinang plus Penyengat Island may be better.
• Travel during weekdays or outside peak holiday periods will give you more peaceful terminals and less crowded beaches. For all travel options, check the Bintan ferry schedules.
• As Bintan is part of Indonesia, make sure you have the necessary travel documents when traveling from Singapore or Malaysia. In most cases, you will need a valid passport, and depending on your nationality, you may need a visa or visa‑on‑arrival arrangements.
• You’ll want to bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), swimwear, a change of clothes, insect repellent, especially if visiting nature reserves or mangrove areas, water and light snacks.
• While cards are usually accepted in the resort areas, it’s a good idea to carry local currency (Indonesian Rupiah) for small purchases, transport, or food stalls.

Book your Bintan day trip

If you are craving a quick island escape without the hassle of packing a suitcase, then start planning your day trip to Bintan! You can find all the available crossings on our Map of ferries and book your ferry tickets to Bintan on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks!