Most people in Singapore know the ferries to Batam and Bintan, the two big Riau Islands that sit almost within sight of the coast. But ferries from Singapore also reach quieter Indonesian islands that see far fewer weekend visitors, and some ports act as gateways to remote island groups further south.
This guide looks at those lesser-known sea routes: where they go, what each destination is like, and what to check before booking. Schedules and operators change often, so treat this as a planning starting point and always confirm details with the ferry operator and the terminal before you travel.
Where the Ferries Leave From in Singapore
International ferries to Indonesia generally depart from two terminals:
- HarbourFront Centre (Singapore Cruise Centre), beside HarbourFront MRT station and VivoCity. Many routes to the western Riau Islands, including Karimun and Kundur, have traditionally used this terminal.
- Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, in the east near Changi. It mainly serves routes to Bintan, including Tanjung Pinang and the resort area, and some other destinations.
Routes sometimes move between terminals, so check the terminal printed on your ticket rather than assuming. Arrive early, since you pass through Singapore immigration, and bring your passport with enough validity for Indonesian entry rules.
Lesser-Known Islands You Can Reach by Ferry
Karimun (Tanjung Balai Karimun)
Karimun lies west of Batam, across the Singapore Strait. Its main port town, Tanjung Balai Karimun, is a busy trading and fishing centre rather than a resort destination. Visitors come for seafood, a slower pace, local markets, temples and a glimpse of everyday Riau Islands life. Some Singapore residents with family ties in the region also use this route regularly.
Expect a working town feel. Accommodation is mostly local hotels rather than international resorts, and English may be less widely spoken than in Batam.
Kundur Island (Tanjung Batu)
Kundur sits south of Karimun, and its main port is Tanjung Batu. It is quieter still, with small towns, coastal villages and plantations. There has historically been a ferry service between Singapore and Tanjung Batu, though frequency can be limited and services may change, so check carefully before planning a trip around it.
Kundur suits travellers who want a simple, unpolished island visit and are comfortable with basic facilities.
Tanjung Pinang as a Gateway
Tanjung Pinang is on Bintan Island, but it is a very different experience from the north coast resort area. It is the capital of Riau Islands Province, with old Chinese and Malay heritage, busy markets and food stalls. More importantly for island hoppers, it is a hub for domestic ferries to other islands, including:
- Penyengat Island, a short boat ride away, known for its Malay royal heritage and historic mosque.
- The Lingga Islands, further south, with a quiet, historic feel.
- Further island groups such as Anambas, which are much harder to reach and depend on less frequent domestic sea or air links.
Domestic connections from Tanjung Pinang and Batam are mostly booked locally in Indonesia. Timetables can be irregular and weather dependent, so build in spare days.
Comparing the Main Routes
| Destination | Typical Singapore terminal | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanjung Balai Karimun | HarbourFront Centre (confirm) | Busy port town, seafood, local hotels | Short, low-key getaway or family visits |
| Tanjung Batu, Kundur | HarbourFront Centre (confirm) | Quiet island, basic facilities, limited services | Travellers wanting a simple, rural feel |
| Tanjung Pinang, Bintan | Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (confirm) | Provincial capital, heritage, markets | Culture, food and onward island hopping |
| Lingga or Anambas via a hub | No direct ferry from Singapore | Remote, few visitors, irregular links | Experienced, flexible travellers |
Note that the terminal column reflects common past patterns. Always rely on your booking.
Booking Tickets and Planning Your Trip
For the direct Singapore routes, you can usually book online through the ferry operator, through authorised ticketing agents, or at the terminal counter. A few practical tips:
- Book a return or confirm return timings before you go, since smaller routes may run only a few sailings a day.
- Check whether fares include terminal and fuel charges, as these are sometimes listed separately.
- Keep an eye on public holidays in both countries. Ferries fill up around long weekends, Hari Raya and Chinese New Year.
- Check the weather. Sea conditions can disrupt sailings, especially during monsoon periods. Operators may delay or cancel trips for safety.
- Allow buffer time if you have a flight or work commitment the next day.
For a different style of island trip by sea, our guides to Tioman Island from Singapore and Redang Island from Singapore cover Malaysian islands reached through ports in Peninsular Malaysia.
Entry Requirements and Money Matters
Indonesian entry rules depend on your nationality and can change, so check the official Indonesian immigration website before every trip. As a general guide:
- Singapore citizens and some other ASEAN nationals have generally been able to visit Indonesia visa-free for short stays, but confirm the current rules.
- Other passport holders, including many Singapore permanent residents and pass holders travelling on other passports, may need a visa on arrival or an electronic visa on arrival bought online in advance.
- Arrival declarations. Indonesia has introduced digital arrival and customs declarations in recent years. Check what is required and complete it before arrival if needed.
- Re-entry to Singapore. If you hold a Singapore pass, make sure it remains valid for your return, and complete any SG Arrival Card or other requirement that applies to you, as set out by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
For money, carry some Indonesian rupiah in cash. Smaller islands have fewer ATMs and card acceptance may be limited, especially at markets and small eateries. Check with your bank about overseas withdrawal fees before you go.
Practical Tips for a Smoother Island Trip
- Pack light and bring a small daypack. Some ports have steps or gangways rather than smooth walkways.
- Bring motion sickness remedies if you are prone to seasickness. Speak to a pharmacist for suitable options.
- Save your accommodation address in Bahasa Indonesia to show taxi or ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers.
- Respect local customs. Dress modestly in towns and at religious sites.
- Get a local SIM or roaming plan, since mobile data helps with maps and ride-hailing where available.
- Check travel insurance covers sea travel and any activities you plan.
Ferries are a simple way to explore beyond the usual Batam and Bintan weekend. With a little extra planning, you can reach islands that still feel far from the city, just a short boat ride across the strait. If you prefer to stay closer to home, the Southern Islands of Singapore also offer a quick escape by sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a ferry to Batam or Bintan easier than going to Karimun or Kundur? Generally yes, since Batam and Bintan have more frequent services and more resort-style facilities. Karimun and Kundur suit travellers who want a quieter, working-town feel and are fine with basic facilities and less English. Check the operator’s schedule, as smaller routes may run only a few sailings a day.
Do I need a visa to take a ferry from Singapore to Indonesia? It depends on your passport. Singapore citizens and some other ASEAN nationals have generally been able to enter visa-free for short stays, while others, including some PRs and pass holders on other passports, may need a visa on arrival or an electronic one. Check the official Indonesian immigration website before each trip.
What currency should I carry for the smaller Indonesian islands? Carry some Indonesian rupiah in cash, because smaller islands have fewer ATMs and card acceptance may be limited at markets and small eateries. Check with your bank about overseas withdrawal fees before you go, and keep small notes for local transport.
Can I reach the Anambas or Lingga islands directly from Singapore? No direct ferry is described in the article. Lingga and Anambas are normally reached via a hub such as Tanjung Pinang or Batam, using domestic sea or air links that are less frequent and weather dependent. Book those connections locally and leave spare days in your plan.
What happens if bad weather cancels my ferry? Sea conditions can disrupt sailings, especially in monsoon periods, and operators may delay or cancel trips for safety. Ask the operator about rebooking or refund terms when you buy. Leave buffer time if you have a flight or work the next day, and check your travel insurance covers sea travel.