Club Med Bintan, officially Club Med Bintan Island and sometimes called Club Med Ria Bintan, is one of the easiest all-inclusive resort escapes from Singapore. You can leave home in the morning and be by the pool before lunch, without stepping onto a plane. Yet first-timers often have the same questions: which ferry, how to get from the jetty to the resort, what “all-inclusive” really covers and what to pack for a resort stay rather than an island hop.
This guide focuses on the resort-specific planning. For a broader look at the island itself, including other resorts and things to see, read our guide to Bintan.
How the Journey Works
The trip from Singapore has three legs.
1. Getting to the ferry terminal. Ferries to the Bintan resorts area leave from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in the east of Singapore, near Changi. It is a short taxi or ride-hail trip from most eastern areas, or you can take the MRT to Tanah Merah and connect by bus or taxi. Allow time for traffic at peak hours.
2. The ferry crossing. Ferries run from Tanah Merah to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, usually shortened to BBT, which serves the Lagoi resort area on Bintan’s north coast. The crossing typically takes around an hour, depending on sea conditions. Schedules vary by day and season, so check the ferry operator’s current timetable and book in advance, especially for weekends and school holidays.
3. The resort transfer. From BBT, Club Med usually arranges a coach or shuttle transfer to the resort, which sits on the island’s north-western coast away from the main Lagoi strip. Whether the transfer is included, and whether ferry tickets can be bundled with your booking, depends on the package you buy. Confirm this when booking so you are not left arranging a taxi on arrival.
Documents and Border Formalities
Bintan is part of Indonesia, so this is an international trip even though it feels like a local one.
- Passport. Bring a passport with plenty of validity remaining. Indonesia generally requires at least six months’ validity from your date of entry, but confirm the current rule before you travel.
- Visa or entry requirements. Requirements depend on your nationality. Some passport holders can enter visa-free for short stays, while others need a visa on arrival or an electronic visa arranged in advance. Check Indonesia’s official immigration website for your passport, and if you are a pass holder living in Singapore, check that your Singapore pass remains valid for your return.
- Arrival forms and levies. Indonesia has introduced digital arrival declarations and tourist levies in some regions over time. Rules change, so check what applies before departure.
- Children. Every child needs their own passport. If a child is travelling with only one parent, consider carrying a consent letter from the other parent.
Note that Bintan runs one hour behind Singapore, which matters when reading ferry times for your return.
What All-Inclusive Usually Covers
Club Med’s model bundles most of your holiday into one price. Exactly what is included depends on the package and can change, so read the booking terms closely. The table below gives a general picture of what is commonly covered and what often costs extra.
| Category | Usually included | Often extra or worth checking |
|---|---|---|
| Meals | Buffet meals and snacks through the day | Speciality dining, room service |
| Drinks | Many soft drinks and selected alcoholic drinks at the bars | Premium wines, spirits or bottled drinks |
| Activities | Many sports, pool and beach activities, group classes and evening shows | Certain water sports, golf, private lessons |
| Kids’ clubs | Clubs for set age groups during set hours | Clubs for babies and toddlers, extended hours |
| Wellness | Gym and fitness classes | Spa treatments and massages |
| Transport | Sometimes the BBT transfer, depending on package | Ferry tickets, airport or Singapore-side taxis |
Club Med resorts are known for activities such as the flying trapeze, sailing and kayaking, but availability depends on weather, age limits and current programming. Ask the resort or check the activity schedule after you arrive.
Planning Your Stay
How long to stay. Two nights works for a quick break, but many families find three or four nights more relaxing, because the first and last days are partly spent travelling.
When to go. Bintan shares Singapore’s tropical climate. The monsoon months around the end and start of the year can bring rougher seas and more rain, which may affect water sports and ferry comfort. School holidays and long weekends book out quickly, so plan early if your dates are fixed.
Choosing a room. Rooms vary in size, view and layout. Families with young children may want connecting rooms or larger room types, so check what is available and any rules on extra beds or cots.
Kids’ clubs. If you plan to use the kids’ clubs, check the age bands, hours and whether you need to register in advance. Younger age groups may require separate booking and extra fees.
What to Pack for a Resort Stay
A resort trip needs slightly different packing from a backpacking or day trip.
- Swimwear, rash guards and quick-dry clothes, plus a light cover-up for meals
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and insect repellent
- Comfortable sports shoes and grippy sandals for activities
- Smart-casual outfits if evening themes or dress codes are part of the resort calendar
- Any personal medication, with a copy of prescriptions
- A small amount of Indonesian rupiah for tips or small purchases, though cards are widely accepted at the resort
- A universal plug adapter, since Indonesia commonly uses round two-pin sockets
Our Batam and Bintan pack list covers essentials for shorter island trips in more detail.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking the wrong ferry. Some ferries from Singapore go to Bintan’s main town port rather than BBT. For the resort area, BBT is the one to choose.
- Forgetting the time difference. Ferry schedules use local time, so a return ferry listed for the afternoon in Bintan time is an hour later in Singapore time.
- Arriving late at the terminal. Allow time for check-in and immigration on both sides, particularly on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
- Assuming every activity is free. Check the inclusions before promising the children a specific experience.
- Skipping travel insurance. Even for a short trip, insurance helps if ferries are cancelled or someone falls ill.
If you are weighing Club Med Bintan against other short island trips, our roundup of weekend getaways to Bintan and Batam compares a few different styles of escape. With the ferry booked, the documents checked and the inclusions understood, a Club Med Bintan break can be one of the most relaxing holidays you take from Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Club Med Bintan worth it for a short weekend? It can be, because the journey is short and the resort bundles most things into one price. Since the first and last days are partly spent travelling, many people find more nights feel more relaxing than a very quick trip. If you only have a weekend, plan activities and kids’ clubs ahead.
Is Club Med Bintan suitable for babies and toddlers? Families do holiday there with small children, but check the details before booking. Kids’ clubs run for set age groups and set hours, and clubs for babies and toddlers may need separate booking and extra fees. Ask about cots, extra beds and room types suited to young families.
What happens if my Bintan ferry is cancelled because of bad weather? Ferry operators can cancel or reschedule sailings when seas are rough, especially around the monsoon months. Contact your ferry operator for rebooking or refund options, and tell the resort if you will arrive late. Travel insurance that covers cancellations and delays can ease the cost, so read its terms.
Will my mobile phone work in Bintan? Usually yes, but roaming is not automatic or free. Check with your telco about roaming plans or data passes before you leave, and switch off roaming if you do not want surprise charges. Resorts typically offer Wi-Fi, though coverage and speed vary, so download maps and tickets in advance.
Is Club Med Bintan a good choice for couples without kids? It can suit couples who want a ready-made, low-effort holiday with food, activities and evening entertainment in one place. Because the resort is family-oriented, it can be lively during school holidays. Quieter weekdays outside peak periods are usually calmer, so consider travelling then.