2 batam ferry
INDONESIA

Batam Ferry: Tickets & Guide to All You Need to Know

BY Pelago by Singapore Airlines

26 MAY 23 . 3 MIN READ . GUIDES

Singapore to Batam Ferry Tickets

Batam, the largest city of Indonesia’s Riau Islands, lies to the south of Singapore and Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia. 

Batam Island, in particular, is a popular spot for travellers from Singapore over a long weekend. This is where you’ll find coastlines, beach resorts, and temples. So, if you’ve got a few days to spare, make Batam your next holiday destination — a short reprieve that’s definitely worth visiting.

1. Can we go to Batam now?

Batam is now open to all travellers from Singapore, and so is the Batam ferry. The island is accessible from Singapore via a ferry ride from Singapore’s Harbourfront Terminal to Batam Centre Point International Ferry Terminal (and vice versa). 

If you’re wondering what the requirement is to enter Batam, there are none. Batam first opened to Singapore (and vice versa) as part of the sea Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) on 25 Feb 2022. Since then, travellers don’t require a negative PCR test or visa to enter Batam. Quarantine is also not needed upon arrival.


2. How long is the Batam ferry ride from Singapore?

How long is the Batam ferry ride from Singapore?

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The ferry ride from Harbourfront Terminal to Batam Centre Point International Ferry Terminal (and vice versa) takes approximately one hour and six minutes.

The first ferry from Singapore to Batam departs at 7.40am Singapore time, while the last ferry from Batam to Singapore departs at 8.30pm Indonesia time

Batam Fast Ferry Schedule

Harbourfront
to
Batam Center Ferry Terminal (Singapore time)
Batam Center Ferry Terminal
to
Harbourfront (Indonesia time)
Tanah Merah
to
Batam Center Ferry Terminal (Singapore time)
Batam Center
to
Tanah Merah (Indonesia time)
7.40am6am10.20am (Sindo)7.45am
8.40am7am10.50am8am (Sindo)
9.30am8.20am12.30pm9.20am
10.50am9.50am2.30pm (Sindo)11.30am (Sindo)
12.30pm12.50pm4.20pm1.20pm
2.20pm2.10pm
3.30pm3.20pm
6pm4.30pm
7.10pm5.40pm
8.20pm7.00pm
9.40pm8.30pm

Last updated: 26 May 2023

This schedule applies daily from Monday to Sunday, even on public holidays. Click here to check out full ferry schedule of the Batam Fast Ferry, as well as other ferries going to Batam,


3. How much is the Batam ferry ticket?

A Singapore (Harbourfront Terminal) to Batam Centre Round Trip Batam Ferry ticket costs SGD 73 per pax. All travellers including infants need a valid ticket. 

Batam Ferry Price

Ticket prices may vary. Click here for updated prices.

Purchase your Batam ferry tickets here; be sure to book at least 48 hours prior to your date of selection to guarantee your booking. 

Looking for a tickets promo? Only on Pelago, get 10% off on your first booking with promo code PELAGOWELCOME10 applied at checkout.


4. Which Batam ferry ticket is the best?

Which Batam ferry ticket is the best?

Batam Fast Ferry is the most popular ferry service operating ferry rides between Singapore and Batam. On top of rides to the main port at Batam Centre Point International Ferry Terminal, Batam Fast Ferry also operates to Sekupang, Harbour Bay, and Nongsapura

Majestic Ferry Batam is another option, and operates to Batam Centre and Sekupang. Horizon Ferry Batam, on the other hand, only docks at Harbour Bay

All in all, there are five international ferry terminals in Batam – check out our full guide to Batam ferry schedules and timings.


5. Where can I take the ferry to Batam?

Where can I take the ferry to Batam?

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While you can also board the Batam Fast Ferry at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, the more popular option with a more frequent Batam Fast Ferry schedule is at Harbourfront Terminal

To get to Harbourfront Terminal, take the train to Harbourfront MRT Station (CC29/NE1), which lies at the end of both the Circle and North East lines. Look for the exit pointing to Harbourfront Centre. Enter the mall and head up the escalator to Level 2 for the Harbourfront Terminal departure point. 

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Note: Harbourfront MRT Station is connected to both VivoCity and Harbourfront Centre. These two shopping malls are adjacent to each other and are connected by a walkway on Level 2 of VivoCity. Harbourfront Terminal is located inside Harbourfront Centre


6. Besides Batam ferry tickets, do you need a passport to get onto the ferry?

All travellers require a passport of at least six months validity from the date of travelling. 

If you’re holding a passport issued within Southeast Asia, a visa is not required. You can stay for up to 30 days in Indonesia without a visa.

If your passport is issued outside of Southeast Asia, you’re eligible for Visa On Arrival (VOA). The VOA fee is IDR 500,000 (~SGD 42.86) and is valid for up to 30 days in Indonesia. You may apply for this at the immigration hall on arrival in Batam. Find out which countries are eligible for the VOA here.


Frequently asked questions

Does Batam have nice beaches?

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Yes! There are nine beautiful beaches in Batam, the most popular of which are Nongsa Beach and Vio Vio Beach (on Galang Island)

What should I prepare for my Batam trip?

That said, just like any other island holiday, make sure to pack for the beach, with items like light clothing, swimwear, and sunscreen. 

Also, located near Singapore, you can expect similar hot and humid weather in Batam. Bring comfortable clothes to suit the weather. 

What language do people in Batam speak?

Bahasa Indonesian and local Malay remain the most common languages of Batam (among its locals). However, you’ll find that Mandarin and English are also widely spoken due to a wide market of Singaporeans travelling to the city. 

What food is Batam famous for?

Aside from the usual (familiar) Indonesian fare like beef rendang, mie goreng, and soto ayam, you can’t miss out on Batam’s speciality: seafood. Sea snails, crab, crayfish, and an array of shellfish are must-tries. Famous restaurants on Batam Island include Golden Prawn 933 and Rezeki Seafood Restaurant. 

How much is a beer in Batam?

A pint of beer costs only IDR 15,000 (~SGD 1.29) on average. 

Does Batam accept credit cards?

If you’re at a shopping mall or one of the newer cafes or restaurants in Batam, you may use credit cards. On that note, cash (Indonesian rupiah) is more widely used in Batam, especially if you’re dining at a local or family-owned eatery or taking a taxi.  

How do you get around Batam?

Hailing a taxi is one way to get around Batam (just be sure to agree on a price before driving off). Alternatively, Gojek and Grab are both available in — and the most popular way to get around — Batam

Finally, which is better, Batam or Bintan?

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Batam is more affordable, has more shopping and eating options, and is generally livelier.

Bintan is better for relaxing with its more lavish resort options, spa offerings, and slightly more scenic beaches. It’s also slightly more expensive than Batam.

That said, it all depends on what you’re looking for and what your budget is. 


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